Genre:  Mystery/Suspense/Thriller (Medical, Political)
Softcover ARC provided by the author
ISBN
xxx pages My Rating:  4 stars 

Four murders.

Three accidents.

Two suicides.

One left…

THE LAST SURGEON

Michael Palmer’s latest novel pits a flawed doctor against a ruthless psychopath, who has made murder his art form. Dr. Nick Garrity, a vet suffering from PTSD—post traumatic stress disorder—spends his days and nights dispensing medical treatment from a mobile clinic to the homeless and disenfranchised in D.C. and Baltimore. In addition, he is constantly on the lookout for his war buddy Umberto Vasquez, who was plucked from the streets by the military four years ago for a secret mission and has not been seen since.

Psych nurse Jillian Coates wants to find her sister’s killer. She does not believe that Belle Coates, an ICU nurse, took her own life, even though every bit of evidence indicates that she did—every bit save one. Belle has left Jillian a subtle clue that connects her with Nick Garrity.  

Together, Nick and Jillian determine that one-by-one, each of those in the operating room for a fatally botched case is dying. Their discoveries pit them against genius Franz Koller--the highly-paid master of the “non-kill”—the art of murder that does not look like murder. As Doctor and nurse move closer to finding the terrifying secret behind these killings, Koller has been given a new directive: his mission will not be complete until Jillian Coates and Garrity, the last surgeon, are dead.

My Thoughts:

I was a little flabbergasted when famous author, Michael Palmer, contacted ME – yes, lil ‘ol me! – to review his upcoming book!  I happily obliged, of course!!  I will, sheepishly, admit that this is the first book I’ve read of Palmer’s. 

It will not be my last.

From the first sentence on the first page, I was entranced.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with all of its twists and turns, ups and downs.  It held my interest page to page.  I normally don’t seek out political thrillers, but this one was really good!  I’d actually classify it as a medical/political thriller.  There wasn’t too much medical detail, but just enough for me to understand what was happening.  The story centers around former Army trauma surgeon, Dr. Nick Garrity, who has been searching for his war buddy, Umberto, for over 4 years.  Nick and Umberto experienced a tragedy while on tour together and both are suffering the severe effects of PTSD.  Nick’s path eventually crosses with Jillian Coates, who is investigating the recent death of her sister, Belle.  The police ruled Belle’s death a suicide, but Jillian firmly believes that there was foul play involved.  Nick and Jillian soon discover a link between Umberto and Belle that takes them on an unexpected roller-coaster ride where they discover secrets that someone is determined to keep buried. 

Mixed in with the narrative of Nick and Jillian, we meet Franz Koller, a diabolical master of the “non-kill”, who is paid by a mysterious person to murder certain people.  These scenes are chilling and cringe-worthy and will surely make you squirm!  Mr. Koller is surely not someone I’d like to meet in a dark alley!!  His ability to change personas to meet the needs of his next “assignment” will definitely keep the reader on edge, furiously turning the pages to see what will happen next!

This is a great thriller and one I would highly recommend.  It’s an edge-of-your-seat brain-bender with a stunning and unexpected conclusion!  I can’t wait to read more of Palmer’s work!

Many thanks to Mr. Palmer for providing me with a review copy of this book!  Although I received it for free, it in no way influenced my review of the book.

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