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Dr. Rhea Lynch #1
Delayed Diagnosis
Dr. Rhea Lynch had left a suffocating life in Charleston to practice medicine in the E.R. of a small South Carolina hospital. Now Dawkins County is her home, a place that holds the only real family she's ever known.
But when she returns from vacation, Rhea is shocked to discover her best friend, Marisa, near death and unable to communicate. The official diagnosis: a paralyzing stroke. Despite the family's attempts to keep her away, Rhea is determined to make her own diagnosis. In an illicit examination, a hideous truth is revealed.
Then a man is brought into her E.R. with similar symptoms. And then another. Each one of her patients has been willfully, brutally silenced in a most inhuman way. Desperate to find answers, Rhea must determine who she can trust, as a powerful conspiracy threatens the people she loves—and perhaps the entire community.
But when she returns from vacation, Rhea is shocked to discover her best friend, Marisa, near death and unable to communicate. The official diagnosis: a paralyzing stroke. Despite the family's attempts to keep her away, Rhea is determined to make her own diagnosis. In an illicit examination, a hideous truth is revealed.
Then a man is brought into her E.R. with similar symptoms. And then another. Each one of her patients has been willfully, brutally silenced in a most inhuman way. Desperate to find answers, Rhea must determine who she can trust, as a powerful conspiracy threatens the people she loves—and perhaps the entire community.
381 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
143 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 12, 2024
Good contemporary medical mystery - with typical Faith Hunter attention to the medical details. A solid read. (Pen name of Faith Hunter)
March 22, 2013
This was an impulse buy. I needed to fill up my Kindle for a cross country flight and stumbled across this in the under $3 mystery section at Amazon.
Delayed diagnosis gives the impression that is was written by an author just getting her feet under her. The characters are all clichés, but the plot pulls you along. Typos and printing errors jar the reader out of the story leading me to think this book could have been saved by good editor. However, Gwen Hunter is not a first time writer, but someone who has written dozens of books. I'm not sure what is going on here.
I'd have given this book 3 stars if she was new to publishing, but with so much experience, an author should not be putting out such a sloppy book. Two stars seems about right.
Delayed diagnosis gives the impression that is was written by an author just getting her feet under her. The characters are all clichés, but the plot pulls you along. Typos and printing errors jar the reader out of the story leading me to think this book could have been saved by good editor. However, Gwen Hunter is not a first time writer, but someone who has written dozens of books. I'm not sure what is going on here.
I'd have given this book 3 stars if she was new to publishing, but with so much experience, an author should not be putting out such a sloppy book. Two stars seems about right.
June 23, 2010
This author was so insulting to the reader it was almost humorous. Half the book was the main character (a Doctor who described every medical action she was doing and then "breaking" it down for the reader.) She even explained that a CT scan was a CAT scan. Really? Typical mystery story though with suspicion throughout and surprises at the end.
March 31, 2009
Warning! Major book addiction ahead! :) This is the first in a fantastic medical mystery series. Its unconventional characters, small town setting, and fast-paced plot make it an engagingly edgy book. You'll find yourself needing to read the next book, so buy the first two together if you can.
July 18, 2022
I would read all of these if they were free, but I will stop with the first if they are full price.
September 26, 2012
I read this a few weeks ago as I was able to get a copy via my kindle. Unfortunate that the Dr. Rhea Lynch books are hard to source as they are OOP. :( OTOH, I was able to score the remainder of the books in the series in very good condition via amazon. They arrived yesterday. Just wish I could have bought them new so I could support the author and let the publisher know there is still demand for them.
One of the things that I really like in any book is when it's set in areas that I am familiar with and remains true to them. (For the most part... Taking liberties is always necessary in some way, shape, or form.) This is set in northern SC, southern NC, and in some wee ways at Duke University in Durham which is in central NC. Since I've traveled extensively in NC, SC, and VA and have spent more time than the average person does around these states spending time with people in a lot of their small rural towns, I do know the feel of them. As such, the feel of DorCity was dead on for me along with the emphasis on ties to kin.
The other thing I must complement Ms. Hunter on is her thorough research into the medicine which is so integral to the plot of this book and the character. Having an s.o. that works in the emergency medicine field and at one time worked for Duke Hospital (which has a very small background role in the book) and now works for some small rural county hospitals along with having in-laws that retired as nurses at Duke, the medicine in the book did not leave me heaving the book at the wall in frustration. (This is a complement and heaving the book would have been a very bad thing to do while reading it on an e-reader.) I'm not sure if having a deeper knowledge of some subjects is a curse or a blessing when one is an avid reader. However, when the author nails the subject, as Gwen Hunter does in this book, it just adds to the exhilaration of the ride.
One of the things that I really like in any book is when it's set in areas that I am familiar with and remains true to them. (For the most part... Taking liberties is always necessary in some way, shape, or form.) This is set in northern SC, southern NC, and in some wee ways at Duke University in Durham which is in central NC. Since I've traveled extensively in NC, SC, and VA and have spent more time than the average person does around these states spending time with people in a lot of their small rural towns, I do know the feel of them. As such, the feel of DorCity was dead on for me along with the emphasis on ties to kin.
The other thing I must complement Ms. Hunter on is her thorough research into the medicine which is so integral to the plot of this book and the character. Having an s.o. that works in the emergency medicine field and at one time worked for Duke Hospital (which has a very small background role in the book) and now works for some small rural county hospitals along with having in-laws that retired as nurses at Duke, the medicine in the book did not leave me heaving the book at the wall in frustration. (This is a complement and heaving the book would have been a very bad thing to do while reading it on an e-reader.) I'm not sure if having a deeper knowledge of some subjects is a curse or a blessing when one is an avid reader. However, when the author nails the subject, as Gwen Hunter does in this book, it just adds to the exhilaration of the ride.
April 17, 2014
Was a recommended book at the end of Sinners and Saints. Because of my close ties with the local rural hospital, this one is interesting.
From Amazon: Dr. Rhea Lynch left a suffocating life in Charleston to practice medicine in the ER of a small South Carolina Hospital. Now, Dawkins County is her home, a place that holds the only real family she's ever known. But when she returns from vacation, Rhea is shocked to discover that her best friend, Marisa, is near death and unable to communicate. The official diagnosis: a paralyzing stroke. Despite the family's attempts to keep her away, Rhea is determined to make her own diagnosis. In a surreptitious examination, a hideous truth is revealed. Then a man is brought into her ER with similar symptoms. And then another. Each one of her patients has been willfully, brutally, silenced in a most inhuman way. Desperate to find answers, Rhea must determine who she can trust, as a powerful conspiracy threatens the people she loves-and perhaps the entire community.
Really liked this one - I must be in the mood for medical 'thrillers'. Absolutely will buy more in the series......
From Amazon: Dr. Rhea Lynch left a suffocating life in Charleston to practice medicine in the ER of a small South Carolina Hospital. Now, Dawkins County is her home, a place that holds the only real family she's ever known. But when she returns from vacation, Rhea is shocked to discover that her best friend, Marisa, is near death and unable to communicate. The official diagnosis: a paralyzing stroke. Despite the family's attempts to keep her away, Rhea is determined to make her own diagnosis. In a surreptitious examination, a hideous truth is revealed. Then a man is brought into her ER with similar symptoms. And then another. Each one of her patients has been willfully, brutally, silenced in a most inhuman way. Desperate to find answers, Rhea must determine who she can trust, as a powerful conspiracy threatens the people she loves-and perhaps the entire community.
Really liked this one - I must be in the mood for medical 'thrillers'. Absolutely will buy more in the series......
September 11, 2012
Gwen Hunter's Rhea Lynch, MD series is terrific. I've read all four books several times in paperback, and I'm thrilled they're finally coming out on Kindle. Her characters are complex and very human, the mysteries intriguing and the action pulse-pounding. I love these books and only wish Ms. Hunter would write more! (And that her publisher would hurry up and get the rest of the series on Kindle, too!)
February 7, 2021
I'm late coming to read Hunter's books, having only recently found out about her work a few months ago. I'm a fan of the medical thriller, ever since Crichton in the 90s, so it was nice to see that Hunter wrote one as well, and even nicer to see that it was the start of a series. I figured this would be a great introduction to more of her work.
Here's the thing though - Hunter is, apparently "white girl racist" - meaning that she literally makes every single Black character speak like Mammy from Gone with the Wind. Now, I get that this is an older book, and an older series, but this would never see the light of publication if it was written any time within the past decade. This right here is why the book doesn't get more stars.
That said, Dr. Rhea is a well rounded character and the lobotomy approach was fascinating, a proper medical thriller. I feel like I should apologize for even reading this considering the racist approach, but at the same time I also want to know what happens. My solution will be to purchase the rest of the books in the series used because that way the author isn't profiting off of their racist worldview. I admit that this is a piss-poor compromise. I also know that it's been terribly hard to find modern medical thrillers, and there are going to be problems like this when reading older books, a product of the times as it were. That being said, I also realize that if I were to completely block out all efforts at reading racist, sexist, or mysogyny in literature, I'd have a hell of a lot less to read, and books are my escape. It's a difficult place to put a reader, particularly one who wants to do the right thing and can recognize these problems in the publishing industry, so this is me doing the best with what I've got.
Here's the thing though - Hunter is, apparently "white girl racist" - meaning that she literally makes every single Black character speak like Mammy from Gone with the Wind. Now, I get that this is an older book, and an older series, but this would never see the light of publication if it was written any time within the past decade. This right here is why the book doesn't get more stars.
That said, Dr. Rhea is a well rounded character and the lobotomy approach was fascinating, a proper medical thriller. I feel like I should apologize for even reading this considering the racist approach, but at the same time I also want to know what happens. My solution will be to purchase the rest of the books in the series used because that way the author isn't profiting off of their racist worldview. I admit that this is a piss-poor compromise. I also know that it's been terribly hard to find modern medical thrillers, and there are going to be problems like this when reading older books, a product of the times as it were. That being said, I also realize that if I were to completely block out all efforts at reading racist, sexist, or mysogyny in literature, I'd have a hell of a lot less to read, and books are my escape. It's a difficult place to put a reader, particularly one who wants to do the right thing and can recognize these problems in the publishing industry, so this is me doing the best with what I've got.
September 2, 2019
Overall: 4/5 Stars
Characters: 4/5 Stars
Believability: 3.5/5 Stars
Personal Opinion: 4/5 Stars
I am coming to this series really late in the game because I just found out that Gwen Hunter is a pen name for Faith Hunter (how did I not know this?!) and I had to pick this up. For the most part, I really wasn’t disappointed. Many of the stylistic parts of a Faith Hunter novel are present in this one as well.
This is one of those genres in fiction that can become dated very quickly because of how fast things change in the medical industry. Things that we take for granted now or consider common place may be different in the next year, sometimes even faster. Picking up a book based on medical practices that was published more than 10 years ago can be a bit jolting. I actually enjoyed it being able to see some of those changes and how far we’ve come. Things that were obvious to me because this is so heavily detailed.
The only bits that I’m going to say that I’m disappointed in here are the pieces that pushed the believability barriers a little. There weren’t a lot, but they were there. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this, dated as it is and fully intend on picking up other books in this series and under the Gwen Hunter pen name.
Characters: 4/5 Stars
Believability: 3.5/5 Stars
Personal Opinion: 4/5 Stars
I am coming to this series really late in the game because I just found out that Gwen Hunter is a pen name for Faith Hunter (how did I not know this?!) and I had to pick this up. For the most part, I really wasn’t disappointed. Many of the stylistic parts of a Faith Hunter novel are present in this one as well.
This is one of those genres in fiction that can become dated very quickly because of how fast things change in the medical industry. Things that we take for granted now or consider common place may be different in the next year, sometimes even faster. Picking up a book based on medical practices that was published more than 10 years ago can be a bit jolting. I actually enjoyed it being able to see some of those changes and how far we’ve come. Things that were obvious to me because this is so heavily detailed.
The only bits that I’m going to say that I’m disappointed in here are the pieces that pushed the believability barriers a little. There weren’t a lot, but they were there. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this, dated as it is and fully intend on picking up other books in this series and under the Gwen Hunter pen name.
May 21, 2018
The main character here is a doctor. In the first few pages she notices a drop of bloody fluid dripping from a patient’s nose. She catches it on her finger and lets it run onto her hand. She has come as a visitor rather than a doctor and there is no mention of gloves. I just could not get past this. In the era of HIV/AIDS and ebola virus that is too disturbing a lack of protocol. Of course the author knows that the woman doesn’t have anything contagious, but the character is looking for the cause of the patient’s condition, which does not fit the previously-determined diagnosis. She would have to be considering infection as a possibility. If the character is this sloppy, how can I trust her to solve a crime?
September 28, 2023
I read this book many years ago and was delighted to find it finally available on kindle unlimited. Dr. Rhea Lynch has just returned to her home town after splitting up with her fiancé. She finds her best friend catatonic and kept isolated from everyone by her husband. Nothing adds up, Rhea is asking too many questions so someone has decided that Rhea needs to die. I love this book, it’s exciting and even though I’d read it before I had forgotten how it ended. Absolutely wonderful. I’d definitely recommend it.
November 24, 2025
The romance was alright, not a lot of chemistry besides physical attraction and trying to solve a case together.
June 16, 2018
I found the last quarter of the book to be the best. I had read the previous reviews that the author described medical terms and most people found this annoying or unnecessary. Even being in the medical field, I did not have an issue with this. I may not have noticed had it not been pointed out by others. However, I did find that it detracted from the writing a bit.
March 18, 2019
The first half of this book went quickly for me, the subject matter was unique and the twist halfway was surprising to me - I did not see it coming. The second half became too coincidental in events and it ruined the entire vibe for me. Overall I give it 3/5, as it held my attention and was a unique perspective but the end felt too much like a bad crime drama.
March 29, 2020
That for me was a medical thriller that belongs up there with Kay Scarpetta and Bones. Loved the characters, loved the storyline which in this currently competitive and cut throat society was entirely believable. I want more on the possible relationship between Mark and Rhea, that could be scorching!
Off to find book 2, I need my dose of Belle and the blonde puppy!
Off to find book 2, I need my dose of Belle and the blonde puppy!
June 4, 2023
Gwen Hunter = Faith Hunter. Similar prose, though a very very different subject matter.
For those who are into forensic science, this may be a bit of a mind bender as it was written over 10 years ago, and the technology today is markedly improved. Still a great plot with a good amount of action/adventure for everyone!
For those who are into forensic science, this may be a bit of a mind bender as it was written over 10 years ago, and the technology today is markedly improved. Still a great plot with a good amount of action/adventure for everyone!
January 17, 2024
I read this whole book in one day! I couldn't stop!
I admit, I did skim some of the technical details, as the medical procedures bog you down without adding to the story.
I was so pulled into the story that I was afraid for Rhea - forgetting that it is the first of a series, so obviously, she wouldn't be killed.
I admit, I did skim some of the technical details, as the medical procedures bog you down without adding to the story.
I was so pulled into the story that I was afraid for Rhea - forgetting that it is the first of a series, so obviously, she wouldn't be killed.
August 29, 2017
Interesting departure from the authors that I normally read. Tiresome description of some basic medical tests - almost like she wanted to get to a certain number of words.
If I come across more of her books, I will read them.
If I come across more of her books, I will read them.
March 28, 2020
Ebook
She’s a doctor just come home after vacation. She finds her best friend close to death and a mystery of how that occurred. The more she investigates the more danger she is in.
She’s a doctor just come home after vacation. She finds her best friend close to death and a mystery of how that occurred. The more she investigates the more danger she is in.
December 17, 2020
Too much medical jargon
Very well written but too much medical jargon for my taste. I prefer her Jane Yellowrock books. May try some of her other books since she really knows how to write action.
Very well written but too much medical jargon for my taste. I prefer her Jane Yellowrock books. May try some of her other books since she really knows how to write action.
June 22, 2022
An intense and fast paced medical thriller. I love the richness of the various characters, even side ones. The twist at the end was sad, and the whole method of assault gave me the hebbie jebbies…. Lol so of course I can’t wait to read the next one!
September 23, 2022
Rhea has returned home, fleeing the disaster of her ex fiance. She returns from a trip in the mountains to find her best friend injured. As she tries to save Marisa life, she also needs to figure out who is trying to kill her before they succeed.
July 27, 2023
Too much xtra fluff not related to the story that just made it longer. The person who did it was on my suspect list, so too obvious. Didn't care for how it was written. Disappointing medical thriller. Only finished it because I could listen to it at 1.7 speed to get thru it faster!
March 11, 2024
If you eliminated the repetitions and overly-long descriptions, it would have been an interesting book, albeit 1/4 of the length. There were a few swear words and no sex scenes that I know of; I did skim some, because I couldn't stand the verbosity any longer.
October 1, 2025
1) does the author think the readers are idiots? She literally gives the definition of every other word in the book
2) oh the irony of the mc voting republican then facing misogyny…. you got what you wanted ig
2) oh the irony of the mc voting republican then facing misogyny…. you got what you wanted ig
July 22, 2017
Wonderful,!
I just love Ms Hunter's writing. It grabs you right away and doesn't let you go until the very last page . I hope she keeps writing for many years to come.
I just love Ms Hunter's writing. It grabs you right away and doesn't let you go until the very last page . I hope she keeps writing for many years to come.
February 26, 2018
Very good book
May 13, 2018
Great new series. Dr is a great character and story flows nicely. Quick read and engrossing. Great for nook readers as it was $2.99.
July 6, 2018
I loved it! I'm out of Faith Hunter books so I had to find her alter ego. I wish I'd discovered this series ages ago!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews