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Critical Condition
Dr. Frasier couldn't save the gunshot victim on her front lawn. Now she's fighting for her own life.
It began as a quiet dinner party honoring Dr. Shannon Frasier's colleague, but became a nightmare when a man was shot on her lawn, reviving emotions from a similar episode a decade ago. Then a midnight call from her sister, Megan, causes Shannon to fear that her sister is on drugs again.
Her "almost-fiance" Dr. Mark Gilbert's support only adds to Shannon's feelings of guilt, since she can't bring herself to fully commit to him. She turns for help to her pastor-father, only to learn that he's just been diagnosed with leukemia.
Shannon thought it couldn't get any worse. Then the late-night, threatening phone calls begin, the rough voice asking, "What did he say before he died?"
With everything around her in a critical state, simply staying alive will require all the resources and focus Shannon has.
It began as a quiet dinner party honoring Dr. Shannon Frasier's colleague, but became a nightmare when a man was shot on her lawn, reviving emotions from a similar episode a decade ago. Then a midnight call from her sister, Megan, causes Shannon to fear that her sister is on drugs again.
Her "almost-fiance" Dr. Mark Gilbert's support only adds to Shannon's feelings of guilt, since she can't bring herself to fully commit to him. She turns for help to her pastor-father, only to learn that he's just been diagnosed with leukemia.
Shannon thought it couldn't get any worse. Then the late-night, threatening phone calls begin, the rough voice asking, "What did he say before he died?"
With everything around her in a critical state, simply staying alive will require all the resources and focus Shannon has.
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2014
61 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Richard L. Mabry
30 books520 followersDr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, past Vice-President of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and the author of twelve published novels of medical suspense and six novellas. His books have been finalists in competitions including ACFW’s Carol Award and Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year, and have won the Selah Award from the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.
Richard’s non-fiction book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse (Kregel Publishers), has ministered to multiple thousands of grieving individuals. His meditations and short pieces have appeared in The Upper Room, In Touch, and several other periodicals.
When Richard is not writing, he spends his time reading, working fruitlessly to improve his golf game, and defending his title as the world’s best Granddad. He and his wife live in north Texas and are active members of Stonebriar Community Church, pastored by Dr. Chuck Swindoll.
Richard’s non-fiction book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse (Kregel Publishers), has ministered to multiple thousands of grieving individuals. His meditations and short pieces have appeared in The Upper Room, In Touch, and several other periodicals.
When Richard is not writing, he spends his time reading, working fruitlessly to improve his golf game, and defending his title as the world’s best Granddad. He and his wife live in north Texas and are active members of Stonebriar Community Church, pastored by Dr. Chuck Swindoll.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
November 30, 2015
Critical Condition, by Richard L. Mabry, is an intriguing novel that grabbed me from the very beginning and had me guessing until the end.
First year medical student, Shannon Frasier, witnesses the shooting death of her longtime boyfriend Todd and is helpless to help him. Ten years later, as a surgeon in a Dallas hospital, a man is shot and killed in her front yard and, once again, she is powerless to help him.
Shannon, her recovering addict sister Megan, and her boyfriend Mark become involved in a bank robbery/murder case. Plenty of action!
Throughout the story Shannon struggles with her weakened faith in God. How can she reconcile her belief in a loving God while being surrounded with evil and adversity every day.
A page turner!
First year medical student, Shannon Frasier, witnesses the shooting death of her longtime boyfriend Todd and is helpless to help him. Ten years later, as a surgeon in a Dallas hospital, a man is shot and killed in her front yard and, once again, she is powerless to help him.
Shannon, her recovering addict sister Megan, and her boyfriend Mark become involved in a bank robbery/murder case. Plenty of action!
Throughout the story Shannon struggles with her weakened faith in God. How can she reconcile her belief in a loving God while being surrounded with evil and adversity every day.
A page turner!
April 24, 2014
What seemed like a pleasantly relaxed dinner party for friends hosted by Dr. Shannon Frasier quickly became a scene of distress, particularly for Shannon. Among the guests was Dr. Mark Gilbert, Shannon’s “almost fiancé,” and guest of honor Dr. Lee Kai. Loud reverberation akin to gunshots brought curious guests to the front door to see a shocking scene of a man’s bleeding body sprawled on the front lawn. Shannon ran to the man, spotting three gunshots in his back, bleeding profusely – she was helpless to save him. The man was mumbling something indiscernible and died. Instantly the scene was déjà vu to Shannon and she felt defeat once more as the decade old memory of her former fiancé Todd Gunderson crumpled at her feet from a gunshot wound and died before her eyes. This tragedy shook her future into insecurity with vanished plans of life with Todd.
As my reading quickly progressed, the pages could not be turned fast enough! Not necessarily a mystery fan, Dr. Richard Mabry’s story grabbed me and I have a definite addition to favorite genres to consider. Dr. Shannon Frasier’s troubles and problems grew by the minute. Megan, Shannon’s sister, recently released from rehab, moved in with Shannon….”just until…” Megan is keeping secrets and fleeing from an abusive relationship. Megan is arrested as a suspect in the victim’s murder as well as a suspect when her former boyfriend is murdered. Who and what does Megan know about this mystery? The one aspect I disliked was the behavior of the police in this situation. One detective is attracted to one of our women characters; while the other detective appears evil and corrupted. I was not certain where all this was going. You will wonder who is making the mysterious and threatening phone calls to Shannon demanding to know what the dying man said to her – but this reviewer is not giving any hints.
The health of this story becomes more critical. Sadness also corrupts the situation when Shannon’s learns her Pastor father has been diagnosed with leukemia. He is a true heroic figure in his battle with this disease and his faith in God. Speaking of faith, the sisters’ faith dims and becomes relit somewhat, but will God make his plans known and will their faith glow more brightly than ever? Not giving away any spoilers, you really need to read this thriller….because thrills and twists come unexpectedly and change the entire gist of the story. You will not lose interest.
This is my first read of Richard Mabry; however I do have his other novels downloaded to my Kindle as a result of reading Critical Condition and anticipate reading them all. You will know by the end of the story that God is watching and helping and whether Shannon will finally be secure about her feeling for Mark and accept his marriage proposal. Thank you, Dr. Mabry for penning an enjoyable read without distracting sex, bad language, and hope that immorality will be turned to good actions. Let me mention also that I have a wide appreciation of the medical information and complexion overall this story….it helped make it ONE GREAT MEDICAL THRILLER!!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
As my reading quickly progressed, the pages could not be turned fast enough! Not necessarily a mystery fan, Dr. Richard Mabry’s story grabbed me and I have a definite addition to favorite genres to consider. Dr. Shannon Frasier’s troubles and problems grew by the minute. Megan, Shannon’s sister, recently released from rehab, moved in with Shannon….”just until…” Megan is keeping secrets and fleeing from an abusive relationship. Megan is arrested as a suspect in the victim’s murder as well as a suspect when her former boyfriend is murdered. Who and what does Megan know about this mystery? The one aspect I disliked was the behavior of the police in this situation. One detective is attracted to one of our women characters; while the other detective appears evil and corrupted. I was not certain where all this was going. You will wonder who is making the mysterious and threatening phone calls to Shannon demanding to know what the dying man said to her – but this reviewer is not giving any hints.
The health of this story becomes more critical. Sadness also corrupts the situation when Shannon’s learns her Pastor father has been diagnosed with leukemia. He is a true heroic figure in his battle with this disease and his faith in God. Speaking of faith, the sisters’ faith dims and becomes relit somewhat, but will God make his plans known and will their faith glow more brightly than ever? Not giving away any spoilers, you really need to read this thriller….because thrills and twists come unexpectedly and change the entire gist of the story. You will not lose interest.
This is my first read of Richard Mabry; however I do have his other novels downloaded to my Kindle as a result of reading Critical Condition and anticipate reading them all. You will know by the end of the story that God is watching and helping and whether Shannon will finally be secure about her feeling for Mark and accept his marriage proposal. Thank you, Dr. Mabry for penning an enjoyable read without distracting sex, bad language, and hope that immorality will be turned to good actions. Let me mention also that I have a wide appreciation of the medical information and complexion overall this story….it helped make it ONE GREAT MEDICAL THRILLER!!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
March 2, 2015
Not sure what you call a book like this. Definitely a murder mystery. Definitely Christian fiction. Definitely a medical thriller. But the resulting mash up exceeds the component parts, usually. The medical minutia occasionally slows the pace. The Christian aspect is deftly handled, better the most Christian romances or adventure stories.
The protagonist is a surgeon who finds herself surrounded by bullet-riddled dead bodies, several outside the premises of her hospital. And she’s not handling it very well. Oh, and her wild-child sister is desperate for shelter, and not all is right with the parents, and her fiancé isn’t … and that’s her fault. And, is that cop hitting on her?
Occasionally had a Connie Willis flavor with characters so over-loaded they are missing obvious details. Details which may prove fatal.
Starts slowly and the pace builds.
The protagonist is a surgeon who finds herself surrounded by bullet-riddled dead bodies, several outside the premises of her hospital. And she’s not handling it very well. Oh, and her wild-child sister is desperate for shelter, and not all is right with the parents, and her fiancé isn’t … and that’s her fault. And, is that cop hitting on her?
Occasionally had a Connie Willis flavor with characters so over-loaded they are missing obvious details. Details which may prove fatal.
Starts slowly and the pace builds.
June 16, 2014
I was rather excited to begin this book as it was supposed to be very exciting. And for the most part, it was. The story was intriguing, and there was a mystery attached to it. The author included plenty of suspense and some uncertainty here and there. I struggled to connect with the characters, but that was just me. The author is a fairly good writer, and the book was a quick read.
Unfortunately, this book became quite a struggle for me. It is supposed to be a Christian book. I am pleased to report that there is no sex nor profanity. The Christian gospel is essentially lost within the book, but that is not the major problem. Hypnosis is something that I do not believe Christians should ever investigate or participate in. One of the characters does, and she is never reprimanded by the man who is supposed to be a strong Christian. This disturbed me and caused me to develop quite a distaste for the book. Had it not been a Christian book, I would have had an easier time accepting this.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Unfortunately, this book became quite a struggle for me. It is supposed to be a Christian book. I am pleased to report that there is no sex nor profanity. The Christian gospel is essentially lost within the book, but that is not the major problem. Hypnosis is something that I do not believe Christians should ever investigate or participate in. One of the characters does, and she is never reprimanded by the man who is supposed to be a strong Christian. This disturbed me and caused me to develop quite a distaste for the book. Had it not been a Christian book, I would have had an easier time accepting this.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
January 21, 2017
Mabry delivers another page-turning suspense. There's something about his sparse, matter-of-fact style that captures my attention and urges me to read faster. It's easy to speed through one of his suspense novels for that very reason. Mystery and tension abound in this fast-paced plot that continuously left me reeling.
Shannon is hit with one catastrophe after another -- she barely recovers from one shock before the next one knocks her off kilter all over again. I was just as discombobulated as she was. And things get a whole lot more complicated before there is resolution. Like I said -- page-turning stuff.
I really appreciate the faith thread that the author naturally weaves into the story. Shannon is struggling to reclaim her faith. Mark is a steadfast constant -- a gentle spiritual influence. Love that he supported -- never pushed. A great lesson for us all.
Action and suspense with enough twists and turns to leave an armchair sleuth breathless with delight.
Shannon is hit with one catastrophe after another -- she barely recovers from one shock before the next one knocks her off kilter all over again. I was just as discombobulated as she was. And things get a whole lot more complicated before there is resolution. Like I said -- page-turning stuff.
I really appreciate the faith thread that the author naturally weaves into the story. Shannon is struggling to reclaim her faith. Mark is a steadfast constant -- a gentle spiritual influence. Love that he supported -- never pushed. A great lesson for us all.
Action and suspense with enough twists and turns to leave an armchair sleuth breathless with delight.
February 4, 2023
Although the book is full of twists , the problem is that they are artificial.
It seems that the author decided that a lot of twists should be introduced into the plot, but such an excess does not always add up. In this case it simply worsen the story flow.
Another thing I didn't like, is the excessive introduction of the subject of religion into the book. Contributed nothing to the story. Maybe contributed to the author.
It seems that the author decided that a lot of twists should be introduced into the plot, but such an excess does not always add up. In this case it simply worsen the story flow.
Another thing I didn't like, is the excessive introduction of the subject of religion into the book. Contributed nothing to the story. Maybe contributed to the author.
January 16, 2020
My first read of this doctor-turned-author, and it was enjoyable. At times a little too much medical terminology, but a great ending saves the rating. 7 out of 10.
May 12, 2014
Richard L. Mabry, M.D. in his new book “Critical Condition” published by Thomas Nelson takes us into the life of Dr. Shannon Frasier.
From the back cover: IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A QUIET DINNER PARTY WITH HER COLLEAGUES—
NOT THE SCENE OF A MURDER.
But the murder of a stranger on her front lawn is only the first in a string of events that have Dr. Shannon Frasier’s life teetering on the edge of chaos. She’s unable to make the deeper commitment her boyfriend deserves. Her sister shows up at her home needing a place to stay but with no promise she’ll remain sober. And her father is diagnosed with cancer.
Then Shannon’s life stops teetering and plunges into the abyss. Because the person behind the guttural voice on the phone wants to know what the stranger said before he died. And he won’t stop until Shannon gives him the information he wants—even if she doesn’t have it.
He’s coming for her. She’s not sure the police on the case can be trusted. And her only hope of escape—for herself and for those she loves—is to overcome her buried past.
I think “Critical Condition” is Dr. Mabry’s best medical thriller to date. First off take a look at the cover–it looks like the medical tray for the doctor during an operation except for the gun and three bullets. The book has already grabbed your attention and you haven’t even started reading yet! Emotional trauma is the hardest experience to heal from mostly because it was so painful in the first place that we do not want to revisit it to begin the healing process. That is where Shannon is at when a stranger is shot on her front lawn it triggers all the memories from her previous experience. Only this time the situation is even worse. On top of everything she is not sure whom she can trust. Action, mystery and suspense these are the ingredients of “Critical Condition”. Without a doubt Dr. Mabry really knows how to write a thriller that will grab your attention and then keep it until he decides to let go. “Critical Condition” is a complicated mystery thriller as Shannon’s life is in danger practically from page one. Turn off the TV, unplug the computer, put aside the housework you are not going to want to do anything but read this book until the end and enjoy yourself in the process. Dr. Mabry has written another exciting book that most certainly is a huge winner!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A QUIET DINNER PARTY WITH HER COLLEAGUES—
NOT THE SCENE OF A MURDER.
But the murder of a stranger on her front lawn is only the first in a string of events that have Dr. Shannon Frasier’s life teetering on the edge of chaos. She’s unable to make the deeper commitment her boyfriend deserves. Her sister shows up at her home needing a place to stay but with no promise she’ll remain sober. And her father is diagnosed with cancer.
Then Shannon’s life stops teetering and plunges into the abyss. Because the person behind the guttural voice on the phone wants to know what the stranger said before he died. And he won’t stop until Shannon gives him the information he wants—even if she doesn’t have it.
He’s coming for her. She’s not sure the police on the case can be trusted. And her only hope of escape—for herself and for those she loves—is to overcome her buried past.
I think “Critical Condition” is Dr. Mabry’s best medical thriller to date. First off take a look at the cover–it looks like the medical tray for the doctor during an operation except for the gun and three bullets. The book has already grabbed your attention and you haven’t even started reading yet! Emotional trauma is the hardest experience to heal from mostly because it was so painful in the first place that we do not want to revisit it to begin the healing process. That is where Shannon is at when a stranger is shot on her front lawn it triggers all the memories from her previous experience. Only this time the situation is even worse. On top of everything she is not sure whom she can trust. Action, mystery and suspense these are the ingredients of “Critical Condition”. Without a doubt Dr. Mabry really knows how to write a thriller that will grab your attention and then keep it until he decides to let go. “Critical Condition” is a complicated mystery thriller as Shannon’s life is in danger practically from page one. Turn off the TV, unplug the computer, put aside the housework you are not going to want to do anything but read this book until the end and enjoy yourself in the process. Dr. Mabry has written another exciting book that most certainly is a huge winner!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 8, 2014
The death of her boyfriend as the result of a gunshot wound when she was a first year medical student deeply affected Dr. Shannon Frasier. A well respected and prestigious surgeon and professor, Shannon's competency as a physician is indisputable. Her fear of commitment, however, is obvious by her perpetual status as "almost-fiance" to Dr. Mark Gilbert. Mark's patience and strong faith are the strongholds that he clings to regarding his stationary relationship with Shannon.
While enjoying a celebratory dinner with Mark and two additional physician friends Shannon's deepest fears are revisited through a similar incident on her front lawn. This second gunshot death shattered her world once again, deepening the intensity of her defenses. Shannon's loss of faith and her frustration at not having the capacity to save either victim haunts her. Her younger sister then enters the story, complicating Shannon's life further. Police involvement has become an integral aspect in this suspense-filled novel as well. As the saying goes, "the plot thickens."
This is my first experience reading one of Richard Mabry's medical mysteries, and I found it very difficult to put this book down. As a former member of the medical community I thoroughly enjoy a well-written medical mystery, and Critical Condition was no disappointment. The author's medical knowledge is a definite bonus in this fast-paced novel filled with suspense and unforeseen developments. Considerable research is reflected through the detailed legalistic aspects that dominated much of this novel. The cast of characters revealed throughout this book represent believable and well defined individuals. Issues, such as addiction, fear of commitment and family dynamics are broached with candor and integrity. I recommend Dr. Mabry's book, "Critical Condition," and look forward to reading more books written by this talented author.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
While enjoying a celebratory dinner with Mark and two additional physician friends Shannon's deepest fears are revisited through a similar incident on her front lawn. This second gunshot death shattered her world once again, deepening the intensity of her defenses. Shannon's loss of faith and her frustration at not having the capacity to save either victim haunts her. Her younger sister then enters the story, complicating Shannon's life further. Police involvement has become an integral aspect in this suspense-filled novel as well. As the saying goes, "the plot thickens."
This is my first experience reading one of Richard Mabry's medical mysteries, and I found it very difficult to put this book down. As a former member of the medical community I thoroughly enjoy a well-written medical mystery, and Critical Condition was no disappointment. The author's medical knowledge is a definite bonus in this fast-paced novel filled with suspense and unforeseen developments. Considerable research is reflected through the detailed legalistic aspects that dominated much of this novel. The cast of characters revealed throughout this book represent believable and well defined individuals. Issues, such as addiction, fear of commitment and family dynamics are broached with candor and integrity. I recommend Dr. Mabry's book, "Critical Condition," and look forward to reading more books written by this talented author.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
April 28, 2014
Just when Dr. Shannon Fraiser thinks she can get her life back on a normal track and begin to love again, tragedy hits on her front lawn. It recalls to her fragile emotions her history when ten years prior her fiancé died in her arms from a gunshot.
But it seems the talented and bright Dr. Fraiser is destined to be tested and tried in a multitude of ways in the upcoming days and weeks. The shooting on her front lawn doesn’t seem random. She learns her father has cancer. Her wayward sister moves in with her. And then Dr. Fraiser is exposed to the deadly HIV.
How much can a person endure? How much can their faith be challenged? How much can the relationship between Shannon and Mark take?
This is a medical suspense. There are bits and pieces of medical jargon and scenes, but this is not an in-your-face ER or Hospital Drama! Written by a retired physician, it rings true to life and professionalism. Dr. Mabry handles the emotional drama with a delicate, yet descriptive and true to life realism.
I’ve reviewed several of Dr. Mabry’s medical suspense novels and thoroughly enjoyed each of them. They are each different and enjoyable on different levels. This is well written Christian fiction bringing plot and character development to the pages of a frankly good read.
GIVEAWAY: Litfuse Publicity Group is providing a copy for one of Chat With Vera's readers to win in a giveaway. Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Begins April 25 & ENDS May 16 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open for USA addresses only. http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2014...
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of Critical Condition from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of Thomas Nelson and the author, Richard L. Mabry, M.D. in exchange or my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and I received no compensation for this review.
But it seems the talented and bright Dr. Fraiser is destined to be tested and tried in a multitude of ways in the upcoming days and weeks. The shooting on her front lawn doesn’t seem random. She learns her father has cancer. Her wayward sister moves in with her. And then Dr. Fraiser is exposed to the deadly HIV.
How much can a person endure? How much can their faith be challenged? How much can the relationship between Shannon and Mark take?
This is a medical suspense. There are bits and pieces of medical jargon and scenes, but this is not an in-your-face ER or Hospital Drama! Written by a retired physician, it rings true to life and professionalism. Dr. Mabry handles the emotional drama with a delicate, yet descriptive and true to life realism.
I’ve reviewed several of Dr. Mabry’s medical suspense novels and thoroughly enjoyed each of them. They are each different and enjoyable on different levels. This is well written Christian fiction bringing plot and character development to the pages of a frankly good read.
GIVEAWAY: Litfuse Publicity Group is providing a copy for one of Chat With Vera's readers to win in a giveaway. Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Begins April 25 & ENDS May 16 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open for USA addresses only. http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2014...
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of Critical Condition from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of Thomas Nelson and the author, Richard L. Mabry, M.D. in exchange or my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and I received no compensation for this review.
October 6, 2014
2.5 out 5 stars -- This is not really medical suspense but more a Christian based mystery that happens to involve a doctor as one of the main characters (who also happens to be a preacher's daughter). If you don't mind the intense focus on religion, praying, contemplation and reflection of that type, then you might enjoy this book.
Dr. Shannon Frasier is a surgeon whose fiance died of a gunshot wound when she was a medical student, unable to save him. She has moved on somewhat but still has some psychological damage from the incident. Years later, another man is shot to death on her front lawn and again, she can't help him. When her sister, Megan, calls a short time later needing to escape an abusive boyfriend who is later found dead, Shannon's situation develops into a drama involving an old bank robbery. One of the partners seems to think that the man who died on Shannon's lawn said something to her about some hidden money so she might know where it can be found.
So, this is not a medical suspense novel about disease, drug companies run amok, crazy malpractice or any other topic usually found in the genre. The main character does go to work, and there are some details about the surgical procedures and medical aspects of her job, but not enough to sustain the interest of anyone who usually enjoys a novel that deals more with medically related chills. The focus is about a bank robbery and I never really felt any menace or suspense. There were no real thrills here though the author does try to ratchet up some tension. The characters were uninteresting and very ho hum and I just didn't really click with them. I doubt I'd read another book by this author, who is a medical doctor, as it didn't provide what I was looking for.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book ARC to review.
Dr. Shannon Frasier is a surgeon whose fiance died of a gunshot wound when she was a medical student, unable to save him. She has moved on somewhat but still has some psychological damage from the incident. Years later, another man is shot to death on her front lawn and again, she can't help him. When her sister, Megan, calls a short time later needing to escape an abusive boyfriend who is later found dead, Shannon's situation develops into a drama involving an old bank robbery. One of the partners seems to think that the man who died on Shannon's lawn said something to her about some hidden money so she might know where it can be found.
So, this is not a medical suspense novel about disease, drug companies run amok, crazy malpractice or any other topic usually found in the genre. The main character does go to work, and there are some details about the surgical procedures and medical aspects of her job, but not enough to sustain the interest of anyone who usually enjoys a novel that deals more with medically related chills. The focus is about a bank robbery and I never really felt any menace or suspense. There were no real thrills here though the author does try to ratchet up some tension. The characters were uninteresting and very ho hum and I just didn't really click with them. I doubt I'd read another book by this author, who is a medical doctor, as it didn't provide what I was looking for.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book ARC to review.
January 13, 2016
This is an easy read of a mystery/robbery that takes place in our area of North Texas! Of course, quite a bit, as expected, of gun play takes place! It is a refreshing departure from novels that glorify recreational sexual activity and is uplifting in an approach to family and spiritual encounters.
February 8, 2015
Did not care for this at all. Disappointing.
April 19, 2015
I enjoyed book. Lots of life issues happening without too much violence. I'm glad to read the Christian values involved with the families in book! Mystery of who and why very good to end of book.
April 20, 2016
It's ok, definitely not his best work.
November 6, 2015
Fair, not so subtle Christian theme was sort of annoying
March 17, 2023
Honestly, I have seldom read a book that I was less impressed with. It could just be me, but I found the writing to be overly descriptive. I also found there were quite a few snippets the author added that didn’t really mesh at all with the main storyline.
As a book that is based in Christianity, I was disappointed that at least one character who had a well-developed relationship with Christ would have me questioning whether or not he was a suspect in the various crimes which, in the end, he definitely was not.
I might have enjoyed this plot a lot more if the story had been developed a bit better or perhaps in a different way. I don’t think I will be reaching for a book by this author again.
As a book that is based in Christianity, I was disappointed that at least one character who had a well-developed relationship with Christ would have me questioning whether or not he was a suspect in the various crimes which, in the end, he definitely was not.
I might have enjoyed this plot a lot more if the story had been developed a bit better or perhaps in a different way. I don’t think I will be reaching for a book by this author again.
March 17, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much. It kept me guessing until the end. I usually can figure out what is going to happen, but this keep me guessing. I like it to the fact no sexual or profanity content. I am not a prude, but I think writers can get their stories told with out it.
My first time reading this author, enjoyed the first one I read, start reading another one. He will go on my list a favorite authors.
My first time reading this author, enjoyed the first one I read, start reading another one. He will go on my list a favorite authors.
May 26, 2020
This was a good exciting book with several twists and turns. Shannon Frasier is a doctor who has a man die in her front yard for some reason. Her sister shows up needing a place to stay. Her father is diagnosed with cancer. And her life seems to be going crazy. Can she figure out what is going on and find peace among the chaos? Can she figure out who to trust and figure out who is trying to harm her and why?
October 15, 2021
I enjoyed these characters quite a lot, and as I don't think I've read any other Christian medical drama, this was a refreshing read for me. I found the mystery compelling and the ending satisfying. My only complaint was that the writing felt a little stilted sometimes, but it was never enough to take away from my enjoyment of the story.
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.
August 28, 2017
Good story bad writing
The story itself is great, however the writing was not. I feel like it dragged. The author takes two to three paragraphs to define words or explain the color of the sky. I had to step away from it several times because I found I was skipping pages of useless description.
The story itself is great, however the writing was not. I feel like it dragged. The author takes two to three paragraphs to define words or explain the color of the sky. I had to step away from it several times because I found I was skipping pages of useless description.
July 6, 2022
Good book
This book was a good story about a doctor and her sister. The doctor has a dinner party and a man is shot in front of her house. Then her sister calls after midnight to see if she can stay with her because her boyfriend is a jerk. The story then becomes a murder mystery with both of the girls becoming suspects.
This book was a good story about a doctor and her sister. The doctor has a dinner party and a man is shot in front of her house. Then her sister calls after midnight to see if she can stay with her because her boyfriend is a jerk. The story then becomes a murder mystery with both of the girls becoming suspects.
June 29, 2018
3.5 stars. Pretty good “who dun it” medical mystery. As an OR nurse, no doctor could be MIA as much as this lady so not very accurate hospital scenes. Although, I did enjoy the operating accuracy and the Christian base.
October 12, 2019
What a stupid book. Why does Christian fiction have to be so hokey? I wish I didn’t have to finish a book once I started it. I would’ve loved to have given up on this one after the first chapter. A complete waste of time.
August 25, 2021
Very average. The author is a doctor so some of the medical descriptions are almost condescending in the way he explains the simplest things. It almost doesn’t feel right to mark this as a thriller, as it was not thrilling at all.
February 17, 2023
Overall this was pretty decent. Their was too much telling and most of it seemed unnecessary. The plot moved fast in some parts and slow in others and the ending/wrap up flew by. Thankfully I was able to finish it, but this wasn’t a favorite.
July 8, 2017
Christian medical thriller by a talented writer. Wonderful!!
August 11, 2017
Great Book
This was a fast and entertaining read. Lots of twists and turns, murder and intrigue. I totally enjoyed the book and was kept guessing until the end.
This was a fast and entertaining read. Lots of twists and turns, murder and intrigue. I totally enjoyed the book and was kept guessing until the end.
August 20, 2017
Engaging Mystery.
Enjoyable read with doctors as main characters. Best I've read from Mabry so far. Main character, a female surgeon, learns to trust the Lord through her trials.
Enjoyable read with doctors as main characters. Best I've read from Mabry so far. Main character, a female surgeon, learns to trust the Lord through her trials.
October 7, 2017
Good clean suspense thriller
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