What do you think?
Rate this book
Brier Hospital #3
The Sixth Sense
Brier Hospital Series: Arnie Roth, a family practitioner, develops viral encephalitis. He awakens from the near-death experience with a new appreciation for life and an unexpected talent, his sensitivity to smell has increased a thousandfold. The Sixth Sense is highly entertaining, thought provoking, and touching journey through a world that influences us every day, but one that we know too little about.
422 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2012
44 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence W. Gold
28 books38 followersLawrence W. Gold, MD is a retired physician. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War where he served in an evacuation hospital, ran an emergency room and was a Battalion Surgeon. He completed his training in internal medicine and diseases of the kidney in 1968.
He retired in 1995 after 23 years in a hospital-based practice caring for patients with complicated illnesses and served as Chief of Medicine. After retirement he and his wife, Doris, spent time sailing at sea. He has written three screenplays based on his novels. His screenplay for Rage won honorable mention at the 80th annual Writer's Digest contest. He lives in Grass Valley, CA with his wife.
He retired in 1995 after 23 years in a hospital-based practice caring for patients with complicated illnesses and served as Chief of Medicine. After retirement he and his wife, Doris, spent time sailing at sea. He has written three screenplays based on his novels. His screenplay for Rage won honorable mention at the 80th annual Writer's Digest contest. He lives in Grass Valley, CA with his wife.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 5, 2015
Medical mystery
This is the third in the Brier Hospital series I have read. It didn't spark my interest like the other two did but was still a good story. It just had a slower start to it.
This is the third in the Brier Hospital series I have read. It didn't spark my interest like the other two did but was still a good story. It just had a slower start to it.
July 8, 2018
The writing was choppy and too text book like in phrasing. - it just didn't flow well. Interesting concept. Got to really feel for the characters with some interesting medical info. Too preachy and could see the ending coming from a mile away.
July 12, 2014
Clinically interesting
slow start but glad I stuck it out to see how the pieces fit together.... and learn a little bit about smells and medicine. interesting read.
slow start but glad I stuck it out to see how the pieces fit together.... and learn a little bit about smells and medicine. interesting read.
December 20, 2025
Excellent medical thriller!! This is my second time reading the series & I still love the way the characters fit so seamlessly together & the plot reaches out and takes control!! I truly enjoy Dr. Lawrence Gold's writing!! It's superb!! Whether it's your first time or, like in my case you second, these novels are very well written, and the characters are very enjoyable and I've grown to like them tremendously!! I highly recommend these medical thrillers for anyone who is looking for a series that is very well and keeps you breathless and reading as often as possible!!
November 16, 2017
A nose for a good book
I loved this book! It was written in such a way that even those of us unfamiliar with medical jagon could understand and relate. The only thing that was needed to improve this book was a better editor as there were several errors that a fair proof reader would have caught. The storyline was excellent and the characters were well developed. I would recommend this book.
I loved this book! It was written in such a way that even those of us unfamiliar with medical jagon could understand and relate. The only thing that was needed to improve this book was a better editor as there were several errors that a fair proof reader would have caught. The storyline was excellent and the characters were well developed. I would recommend this book.
September 24, 2017
Loved everything that h happened and Arnie Roth is a doctor we all would'm d want beside us. .scary though that what the author portrayed is very frightening as this c I Ulf happen.
Yes I would recommend this book for others to be aware of the evil things that could happen. Lawrence Gold is surely the king of hospital stories.
Yes I would recommend this book for others to be aware of the evil things that could happen. Lawrence Gold is surely the king of hospital stories.
February 20, 2018
Great book!
I was immediately swept up in the story. The characters were so real and well developed.
Many sad situations but more good things cancelled out the bad.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I was immediately swept up in the story. The characters were so real and well developed.
Many sad situations but more good things cancelled out the bad.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 18, 2017
Great Read
Thoroughly enjoyed this book in this series. I like getting to know the characters in this series better. On to the next book
Thoroughly enjoyed this book in this series. I like getting to know the characters in this series better. On to the next book
November 30, 2017
Excellent
Dr. Gold is now my new favorite author, I love the characters in his books, they end in a good way. Love them!
Dr. Gold is now my new favorite author, I love the characters in his books, they end in a good way. Love them!
January 12, 2019
Anosmia
The talent of smell. Some people can smell extra food and others not so much. What a wonder it would be too be able to have the increased odors that animals have
The talent of smell. Some people can smell extra food and others not so much. What a wonder it would be too be able to have the increased odors that animals have
March 28, 2021
Intriguing!
How I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were unforgettable and entertaining. What a gem! Each page cemented my desire to read more.
How I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were unforgettable and entertaining. What a gem! Each page cemented my desire to read more.
July 7, 2024
Traumatized me at a young age. I thought the sixth sense had someone to do with love, but no, it's some freaky ghost shenanigans.
December 8, 2015
Based on a plausible “superpower” acquisition, there are some medical care implausibilities
The bulk of this book is based on a premise that is right out of the comic books, where contact with something unusual gives a person some form of superhuman power. In this case it is a sense of smell to rival that of a bloodhound. However, unlike some of the other premises, for example cosmic rays creating the Fantastic Four, this power is plausible. In the world of mammals, humans are well behind others in their sense of smell and there is reason to believe that it could be enhanced.
Arnie Roth is a family practitioner that is suddenly struck with viral encephalitis, a brain disease that puts him into a lengthy coma. When he recovers, his sense of smell has dramatically improved, to the point where he can smell the diseases that people have and he suffers from sensory overload.
A companion and largely distinct plot track deals with the executives of a drug distribution company. About to go bankrupt due to many factors, the two leaders conspire to dilute the medication, ostensibly in a manner that will not change the efficacy. As is generally the case with such people, greed conquers all and the drugs are diluted to the point where they are often rendered ineffective.
Since Arnie can now smell what people had for breakfast and their emitted pheromones, despite some incredible diagnoses that stun his colleagues, he finds himself growing more socially and professionally unsettled. This is similar to the premise that has appeared in many science fiction stories regarding telepathy, in that it is viewed more as a curse rather than an advantage. The problem telepaths would have would be blocking out all the wild thoughts that they would be receiving, it is a recipe for madness.
The story moves very well and keeps your interest. As is the case with the other stories by Gold, the reader is given some valuable insights into the machinations of the medical profession. However, as a consumer of that product I smiled wryly more than once at the depiction of all the doctors as harried, but always being able to take plenty of time with their patients. Even more amazing is that they always seem to be on time for their appointments. Finally, the patients are always referred to one of the best practitioners in the field that applies to their ailments. These features more than anything else, make this a work of fiction.
This book was made available for free for review purposes and this review also appears on Amazon
The bulk of this book is based on a premise that is right out of the comic books, where contact with something unusual gives a person some form of superhuman power. In this case it is a sense of smell to rival that of a bloodhound. However, unlike some of the other premises, for example cosmic rays creating the Fantastic Four, this power is plausible. In the world of mammals, humans are well behind others in their sense of smell and there is reason to believe that it could be enhanced.
Arnie Roth is a family practitioner that is suddenly struck with viral encephalitis, a brain disease that puts him into a lengthy coma. When he recovers, his sense of smell has dramatically improved, to the point where he can smell the diseases that people have and he suffers from sensory overload.
A companion and largely distinct plot track deals with the executives of a drug distribution company. About to go bankrupt due to many factors, the two leaders conspire to dilute the medication, ostensibly in a manner that will not change the efficacy. As is generally the case with such people, greed conquers all and the drugs are diluted to the point where they are often rendered ineffective.
Since Arnie can now smell what people had for breakfast and their emitted pheromones, despite some incredible diagnoses that stun his colleagues, he finds himself growing more socially and professionally unsettled. This is similar to the premise that has appeared in many science fiction stories regarding telepathy, in that it is viewed more as a curse rather than an advantage. The problem telepaths would have would be blocking out all the wild thoughts that they would be receiving, it is a recipe for madness.
The story moves very well and keeps your interest. As is the case with the other stories by Gold, the reader is given some valuable insights into the machinations of the medical profession. However, as a consumer of that product I smiled wryly more than once at the depiction of all the doctors as harried, but always being able to take plenty of time with their patients. Even more amazing is that they always seem to be on time for their appointments. Finally, the patients are always referred to one of the best practitioners in the field that applies to their ailments. These features more than anything else, make this a work of fiction.
This book was made available for free for review purposes and this review also appears on Amazon
February 1, 2014
Enter into the chaotic world of medicine, where the never-ending battle against conquering disease is waged on a daily basis. When devastating illnesses in patients begins occurring with more frequency, doctors are baffled, but when one of their own succumbs to encephalitis and lies near death in a coma, his miraculous recovery leaves him with a “gift” for sniffing out sickness. Unfortunately, Arnie can smell every scent around him, and it becomes overwhelming, and he suffers greatly while trying to keep his ability a secret. Throughout it all, one particular odor keeps haunting him, an odor that should be on every patient who has been given powerful, life-saving drugs. Is it possible that someone is sabotaging the chance for recovery in these patients in the name of greed?
The Sixth Sense by Lawrence W. Gold is an intense journey into the world of medicine, from the doctors to the patients who rely on them. Brilliantly written, filled with medical jargon, and gut-wrenching emotions, this mystery follows a convoluted path to resolution that kept me turning each page, feeling the pain of the patients as well as the professionalism of the staff under the direst of conditions. Lives hang in the balance at Brier Hospital and the heartache of one man may be the key to finding justice and saving lives.
Great reading for medical thriller devotees!
Series: Brier Hospital, Book Three
Publication Date: July 26, 2012
Publisher: Grass Valley Publishing
ISBN: 1478267607
Genre: Adult Mystery/Medical Thriller
Number of Pages: 424
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The Sixth Sense by Lawrence W. Gold is an intense journey into the world of medicine, from the doctors to the patients who rely on them. Brilliantly written, filled with medical jargon, and gut-wrenching emotions, this mystery follows a convoluted path to resolution that kept me turning each page, feeling the pain of the patients as well as the professionalism of the staff under the direst of conditions. Lives hang in the balance at Brier Hospital and the heartache of one man may be the key to finding justice and saving lives.
Great reading for medical thriller devotees!
Series: Brier Hospital, Book Three
Publication Date: July 26, 2012
Publisher: Grass Valley Publishing
ISBN: 1478267607
Genre: Adult Mystery/Medical Thriller
Number of Pages: 424
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
January 1, 2015
I decided to start the year off with one of my favorite genres, Medical Mysteries, written by one of my favorite authors-Lawrence Gold. This book is part of the Brier Hospital Series. Not only does Dr. Gold write really great novels he also will keep you up to date on real medical issues on his blog. Now on to the story------
Imagine if your nose picked up scents as well as any animal--imagine the sensory overload!! Arnie Roth, MD contracted Encephalitis. He almost died but came out of it. The only change being--he could smell scents all around him--he could tell what was wrong with his patients by scent alone--and anyone else he happened upon. Now this sounds like a great thing but Dr. Roth did not know how to handle it and ultimately went into total overload. Meanwhile-----
Why were people needing more and more meds to get well--what the heck was happening here. And these weren't just regular medicines. These were desperately needed by the people receiving them. They were also extremely expensive so the insurance companies were raising red flags--but the hospital could not figure it out.
What in the world was happening? This is one book I really suggest you read to find out!
The Sixth Sense
Imagine if your nose picked up scents as well as any animal--imagine the sensory overload!! Arnie Roth, MD contracted Encephalitis. He almost died but came out of it. The only change being--he could smell scents all around him--he could tell what was wrong with his patients by scent alone--and anyone else he happened upon. Now this sounds like a great thing but Dr. Roth did not know how to handle it and ultimately went into total overload. Meanwhile-----
Why were people needing more and more meds to get well--what the heck was happening here. And these weren't just regular medicines. These were desperately needed by the people receiving them. They were also extremely expensive so the insurance companies were raising red flags--but the hospital could not figure it out.
What in the world was happening? This is one book I really suggest you read to find out!
The Sixth Sense
July 11, 2014
Arnie Roth is a physician that has a rash of people getting deathly ill. This progresses as usual until Arnie falls sick too. He goes into a coma but miraculously wakes up. Everything seems to be normal except the super human ability to smell. This helps when he can tell if people are lying, determine if they are sick, and if they are taking their medicine.
But he starts noticing that people that are ill and should have a particular smell, that of medication, but don’t. Arnie has to fight with his own abilities to stay sane and to fight those that seem to be more interested in making money than actually helping sick people.
This is a great book. There are a lot of medical terms that I did have to look up, but makes this even more realistic. Giving Arnie the ability to smell anything was a good twist since most people don’t think about the downside of smelling and how it would affect us. And the ending, I didn’t expect that.
This is my first book by Lawrence Gold but it will not be my last. If you like medical mystery/thrillers, you need to read The Sixth Sense.
I received this book a long time ago in exchange for an honest review.
But he starts noticing that people that are ill and should have a particular smell, that of medication, but don’t. Arnie has to fight with his own abilities to stay sane and to fight those that seem to be more interested in making money than actually helping sick people.
This is a great book. There are a lot of medical terms that I did have to look up, but makes this even more realistic. Giving Arnie the ability to smell anything was a good twist since most people don’t think about the downside of smelling and how it would affect us. And the ending, I didn’t expect that.
This is my first book by Lawrence Gold but it will not be my last. If you like medical mystery/thrillers, you need to read The Sixth Sense.
I received this book a long time ago in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2012
Originally published on Bookluvrshaven! www.bookluvrshaven.blogspot.ca
This was a great novel, unlike anything I have ever read before. I love books about medicine. Medicine is fascinating, and Dr. Lawrence W. Gold has brought a whole new aspect to it.
The story captured me from the very beginning, there were a lot of characters, but the development was strong, which made it very easy for follow along.
There was a lot of medical terminology which I eat up, but there was a twist to this one. The main character, Arnie is a MD who develops a viral infection and nearly dies, though when he wakes up he has super human smelling...seems cool right? It totally does until you read the story and become aware of what it would really do to you, you feel sympathy for Arnie and his family.
A book of a lot of twists and turns, this one will pull you in and not let you go!
I can't wait to read some of Dr. Gold's other novels.
This was a great novel, unlike anything I have ever read before. I love books about medicine. Medicine is fascinating, and Dr. Lawrence W. Gold has brought a whole new aspect to it.
The story captured me from the very beginning, there were a lot of characters, but the development was strong, which made it very easy for follow along.
There was a lot of medical terminology which I eat up, but there was a twist to this one. The main character, Arnie is a MD who develops a viral infection and nearly dies, though when he wakes up he has super human smelling...seems cool right? It totally does until you read the story and become aware of what it would really do to you, you feel sympathy for Arnie and his family.
A book of a lot of twists and turns, this one will pull you in and not let you go!
I can't wait to read some of Dr. Gold's other novels.
September 6, 2013
I really liked this book. I was lucky to get this for free on my kindle and I loved it right from the start. I loved the characters in it and the "gift" that Arnie receives is both amazing and scary all at the same time.
I lost my father and several other wonderful people in my life to cancer and to just imagine someone actually doing what the bad guys did in this book makes you kind of wonder if it really does happen and the loss hurts so much that I could actually feel the pain of the characters who lost their loved ones.
I look forward to reading more books by this author. :)
I lost my father and several other wonderful people in my life to cancer and to just imagine someone actually doing what the bad guys did in this book makes you kind of wonder if it really does happen and the loss hurts so much that I could actually feel the pain of the characters who lost their loved ones.
I look forward to reading more books by this author. :)
May 22, 2016
I truly love this series, especially the ongoing stories of all the characters working at, and being treated at Brier Hospital. There is always plenty of medical crisis, criminal intrigue, and a fascinating legal wrangle at the end. I liked this episode in the series a bit less then the others, though. It was a bit sadder and more hopeless than usual. It also did not resolve as nicely as some. It was still well worth the read, and important to the continuity of the series. It was just a little disappointing.
December 20, 2013
This book was excellent - very hard to put down with all the different things that were going on. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes stories with a medical or legal background, because this one has both.
December 25, 2014
Excellant medical thriller with a bit of a paranormal twist. I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed this. I usually don't have much interest in the genre but this was very well written and a joy to read. I cannot wait to check out the rest of the Brier Hospital books,,
March 24, 2016
Amazing book!
To have a sixth sense that sets one apart from all others sounds like sun h a gift and yet...
This book held my attention from start to finish and the characters were wonderful. I love how the author tied up all the ends. Great book!
To have a sixth sense that sets one apart from all others sounds like sun h a gift and yet...
This book held my attention from start to finish and the characters were wonderful. I love how the author tied up all the ends. Great book!
August 6, 2016
I read it and finished it but felt like it was a waste of my time. I kept waiting for it to get good....
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews