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Cry of the Needle
When medical malpractice leads to violent revenge, Irish-style...
Kieran Kelly's world turns upside down when his wife's health is devastated by an epidural in childbirth. Incensed by damning evidence of medical and pharmaceutical misconduct, the tormented former IRA hit man plots revenge against those he deems responsible, including a government that doesn't seem to care.
Kelly's quest brings him face-to-face with an alcoholic physician, an altruistic scientist and a corrupt government minister – but not before the love of a stunningly beautiful but crippled Countess makes him question his motives. He meets Countess Magda von Esterhazy at a meeting of a self-help group for victims of the uniquely painful iatrogenic (doctor-caused) disease that struck down his wife. Magda awakens feelings that he thought he had lost forever.
Meanwhile, one of Kelly's targets, scientist Jonathan Tring, finds himself embroiled in the Machiavellian machinations of his boss, the gruff and corrupt owner of a pharmaceutical company, and the man’s stunning young American wife. In all the mayhem, Tring, too, finds love – and desperately wants to live to enjoy it.
Cry of the Needle is a searing tale of love and vengeance. Revenge that is a dish best served Irish.
Kieran Kelly's world turns upside down when his wife's health is devastated by an epidural in childbirth. Incensed by damning evidence of medical and pharmaceutical misconduct, the tormented former IRA hit man plots revenge against those he deems responsible, including a government that doesn't seem to care.
Kelly's quest brings him face-to-face with an alcoholic physician, an altruistic scientist and a corrupt government minister – but not before the love of a stunningly beautiful but crippled Countess makes him question his motives. He meets Countess Magda von Esterhazy at a meeting of a self-help group for victims of the uniquely painful iatrogenic (doctor-caused) disease that struck down his wife. Magda awakens feelings that he thought he had lost forever.
Meanwhile, one of Kelly's targets, scientist Jonathan Tring, finds himself embroiled in the Machiavellian machinations of his boss, the gruff and corrupt owner of a pharmaceutical company, and the man’s stunning young American wife. In all the mayhem, Tring, too, finds love – and desperately wants to live to enjoy it.
Cry of the Needle is a searing tale of love and vengeance. Revenge that is a dish best served Irish.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2002
53 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 22, 2018
Teresa Kelly was the victim of a heinous medical mistake and the cowardly cover up of the medical profession, but her husband, Kieran is just the man to know how to extract revenge. A former IRA hitman, Kieran has no fear of violence and he knows how to slowly strip the flesh off both the medical and pharmaceutical industries exposing both human error, corruption and greed. He knows how to exact his own brand of revenge, because someone has to pay and the truth needs to be known.
Roger Radford’s CRY OF THE NEEDLE is a darkly terrifying and gritty tale of loss, love and a man driven to let the world know, through any means.
The rock solid beginning is raw, the mystique surrounding the medical profession make this thriller a tale that will resonate in a personal way. We all depend on medical professionals, pharmaceutical professionals and our governments to be our guardians, our saviors, our mechanics, but is that trust grounded in truth or the need for humanity to believe that a physician will do no harm? Aren’t they humans with failings and frailties, too, greed and lies being just two of them?
Far from a straightforward medical thriller this tale grows legs like a centipede as we follow the path Kieran takes in his quest. I found the introduction and development of the varied characters to make this a more balanced tale. There is a promise of love, patsies left to take the fall and the guilty.
Dark and gritty with a few speed bumps along the way that almost feel disconnected from the main plot, it is the author’s personal message at the end that makes this thriller an eye-opening experience.
Publisher: Roger Radford (January 17, 2014)
Publication Date: January 17, 2014
Genre: Medical Thriller | Suspense | Vigilante Justice
Print Length: 295 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Roger Radford’s CRY OF THE NEEDLE is a darkly terrifying and gritty tale of loss, love and a man driven to let the world know, through any means.
The rock solid beginning is raw, the mystique surrounding the medical profession make this thriller a tale that will resonate in a personal way. We all depend on medical professionals, pharmaceutical professionals and our governments to be our guardians, our saviors, our mechanics, but is that trust grounded in truth or the need for humanity to believe that a physician will do no harm? Aren’t they humans with failings and frailties, too, greed and lies being just two of them?
Far from a straightforward medical thriller this tale grows legs like a centipede as we follow the path Kieran takes in his quest. I found the introduction and development of the varied characters to make this a more balanced tale. There is a promise of love, patsies left to take the fall and the guilty.
Dark and gritty with a few speed bumps along the way that almost feel disconnected from the main plot, it is the author’s personal message at the end that makes this thriller an eye-opening experience.
Publisher: Roger Radford (January 17, 2014)
Publication Date: January 17, 2014
Genre: Medical Thriller | Suspense | Vigilante Justice
Print Length: 295 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 3, 2013
"Cry of the Needle" by Roger Radford is a powerful medical thriller about an epidural-gone-wrong during a childbirth and the long wound consequences for the victims and the institutions trying to cover it up.
Knowing that the story was inspired by real events and actual malpractice (use of toxic dye in spinal cord procedures) gave the plot a powerful authenticity and made this a very compelling and emotional read.
I usually stay clear of medical thrillers or politically motivated stories but Radford's skilfull writing managed to distinguish this novel from simplistic or cliched helpings of the genre.
The victim in the book is Teresa Kelly, wife of London based IRA hitman Kieran which adds an extra layer of interest to the story. Politics come into play and governmental corruption; the pharmaceutical companies with their payrolls and cover-ups serve as the backdrop of a tale of love, rage, revenge and the fight for justice.
Radford introduces several very interesting characters, such as an Austro-Hungarian Countess, Magda von Esterhazy, who helps Kelly in his quest for justice and who introduces a more moral and warm approach. In a separate plot-line one of Kelly's targets, scientist Jonathan Tring struggles with the corruption of the pharmaceutical company he works for but has personal motives that steer his actions.
Character development and suspense are strong points in this excellent thriller. Radford has written a story that is entertaining as it is educational. But in any case, I urge you to read the Author's Note to find out more about the actual background for the book.
Knowing that the story was inspired by real events and actual malpractice (use of toxic dye in spinal cord procedures) gave the plot a powerful authenticity and made this a very compelling and emotional read.
I usually stay clear of medical thrillers or politically motivated stories but Radford's skilfull writing managed to distinguish this novel from simplistic or cliched helpings of the genre.
The victim in the book is Teresa Kelly, wife of London based IRA hitman Kieran which adds an extra layer of interest to the story. Politics come into play and governmental corruption; the pharmaceutical companies with their payrolls and cover-ups serve as the backdrop of a tale of love, rage, revenge and the fight for justice.
Radford introduces several very interesting characters, such as an Austro-Hungarian Countess, Magda von Esterhazy, who helps Kelly in his quest for justice and who introduces a more moral and warm approach. In a separate plot-line one of Kelly's targets, scientist Jonathan Tring struggles with the corruption of the pharmaceutical company he works for but has personal motives that steer his actions.
Character development and suspense are strong points in this excellent thriller. Radford has written a story that is entertaining as it is educational. But in any case, I urge you to read the Author's Note to find out more about the actual background for the book.
July 12, 2013
A medically-themed thriller with an unusual protagonist. He's a trained killer, an IRA assassin who turns his skills on the doctors whose ignorance and arrogance caused his wife to suffer horrendously. In fact, the author suffered from the same medical malpractice, a lifelong affliction which rarely gives a moment of peace from the pain. This is what inspired him to write this book and what gives it a very real feeling of authenticity. We are well able to understand the motivations behind the man's actions and the antagonism towards a profession which occasionally believes it has God-like powers. The tension builds inexorably towards an explosive climax – and we cannot help but find ourselves cheering him on.
September 4, 2013
A Gripping, Intricately Woven Thriller!
The story immediately pulls you into the lives of Teresa and Kieran Kelly where what should be the one of the most joyous events in life, giving birth to their fourth child, goes terribly awry due to the tragic invasive spinal injection, "epidural" by her doctor, leaves Teresa in a state of perpetual and excruciating agony.
Kieran, a former IRA hit man, now leading a peaceful existence in London, is propelled forward by his own code of honor fueled by internal rage at the doctors who so easily cast off and turn a blind eye to those they've harmed, at the injustice of government corruption and pharmaceutical companies greed, into finding those responsible for his wife's torment and then meting out his own form of revenge. He believes that yes, one man can make make a difference, however he justifies his extreme actions.
The sub-plot is as intricately woven and compelling as the main plot pulling you into the life of Jonathan Tring, a young, handsome and vibrant scientist, who is dedicated to making a difference from inside the corrupt world of the pharmaceutical giant of his employer, Jack Proctor and his stunning American wife, Sharon, all while finding love at the same time. We are also held a captive audience by the exquisite Magda von Esterhazy, an Austro-Hungarian Countess, and magnificent beauty who is crippled with the same disease as Teresa Kelly. The Countess gives us a poignant perspective of deep compassion and a never-ending fight to live each day to it's fullest potential despite the difficulties she has to overcome.
This book is a powerful thriller filled with love, compassion and revenge and as the events unfold you find you've become totally invested in each of these characters that the author has so meticulously crafted, you are unable to put it down until it has played out to it's final climactic conclusion! An incredible book brilliantly written...Excellent Roger Radford! (Make sure to read the Author's Note!)
The story immediately pulls you into the lives of Teresa and Kieran Kelly where what should be the one of the most joyous events in life, giving birth to their fourth child, goes terribly awry due to the tragic invasive spinal injection, "epidural" by her doctor, leaves Teresa in a state of perpetual and excruciating agony.
Kieran, a former IRA hit man, now leading a peaceful existence in London, is propelled forward by his own code of honor fueled by internal rage at the doctors who so easily cast off and turn a blind eye to those they've harmed, at the injustice of government corruption and pharmaceutical companies greed, into finding those responsible for his wife's torment and then meting out his own form of revenge. He believes that yes, one man can make make a difference, however he justifies his extreme actions.
The sub-plot is as intricately woven and compelling as the main plot pulling you into the life of Jonathan Tring, a young, handsome and vibrant scientist, who is dedicated to making a difference from inside the corrupt world of the pharmaceutical giant of his employer, Jack Proctor and his stunning American wife, Sharon, all while finding love at the same time. We are also held a captive audience by the exquisite Magda von Esterhazy, an Austro-Hungarian Countess, and magnificent beauty who is crippled with the same disease as Teresa Kelly. The Countess gives us a poignant perspective of deep compassion and a never-ending fight to live each day to it's fullest potential despite the difficulties she has to overcome.
This book is a powerful thriller filled with love, compassion and revenge and as the events unfold you find you've become totally invested in each of these characters that the author has so meticulously crafted, you are unable to put it down until it has played out to it's final climactic conclusion! An incredible book brilliantly written...Excellent Roger Radford! (Make sure to read the Author's Note!)
August 10, 2013
CRY OF THE NEEDLE BY ROGER RADFORD
What a brilliant thriller this is! However, it is much more. It is an education on medical malpractice and consequent cover-ups by the pharmaceutical giants of which the author has first hand knowledge (see author’s note at end of book).
The scene is set in London when Teresa Kelly has an epidural which goes wrong during the birth of her fourth child. Already you are gripped with anger that matches that of her Irish husband Kieran Kelly as he watches his wife in agony. Kieran was once a hit-man for the Provisional IRA’s internal affairs now leading a life of relative anonymity after leaving his native Belfast.
The consequences of this medical error are far reaching, taking us on a journey that evokes many emotions. We follow Kieran Kelly on his voyage of discovery about arachnoiditis, a disease caused by malpractice. How he plots revenge. How he eventually meets up with the remarkable and courageous Countess Magda von Esterhazy, a sufferer of this awful disease who understands his feelings.
At the same time we have a sub plot with Jonathan Tring, a scientist working for a pharmaceutical company hoping to expose the corruption of his powerful boss, Jack Proctor. Will Jonathan be able to succeed? What happens when he meets Fiona?
What part does the enigmatic Sharon, Jack Proctor’s beautiful wife play?
What about corruption in the Government? Will they continue to keep their heads in the sand?
There is so much to this story but in spite of the many angles it is still fast paced.
I wanted to leave all my chores and other responsibilities and just keep on reading, especially as the thrilling, edge of seat climax approaches.
In spite of knowing what Kieran Kelly planned was wrong part of you is willing him on.
This is one of the best books I have ever read. A very powerful and compelling story, which brings many emotions to the fore.
I strongly recommend Cry of the Needle as a must read.
What a brilliant thriller this is! However, it is much more. It is an education on medical malpractice and consequent cover-ups by the pharmaceutical giants of which the author has first hand knowledge (see author’s note at end of book).
The scene is set in London when Teresa Kelly has an epidural which goes wrong during the birth of her fourth child. Already you are gripped with anger that matches that of her Irish husband Kieran Kelly as he watches his wife in agony. Kieran was once a hit-man for the Provisional IRA’s internal affairs now leading a life of relative anonymity after leaving his native Belfast.
The consequences of this medical error are far reaching, taking us on a journey that evokes many emotions. We follow Kieran Kelly on his voyage of discovery about arachnoiditis, a disease caused by malpractice. How he plots revenge. How he eventually meets up with the remarkable and courageous Countess Magda von Esterhazy, a sufferer of this awful disease who understands his feelings.
At the same time we have a sub plot with Jonathan Tring, a scientist working for a pharmaceutical company hoping to expose the corruption of his powerful boss, Jack Proctor. Will Jonathan be able to succeed? What happens when he meets Fiona?
What part does the enigmatic Sharon, Jack Proctor’s beautiful wife play?
What about corruption in the Government? Will they continue to keep their heads in the sand?
There is so much to this story but in spite of the many angles it is still fast paced.
I wanted to leave all my chores and other responsibilities and just keep on reading, especially as the thrilling, edge of seat climax approaches.
In spite of knowing what Kieran Kelly planned was wrong part of you is willing him on.
This is one of the best books I have ever read. A very powerful and compelling story, which brings many emotions to the fore.
I strongly recommend Cry of the Needle as a must read.
December 27, 2013
Cry of the Needle is a "learning experience" novel of a medical procedure -- an epidural -- gone bad. Thankfully the 2 I had caused no problems.
I don't usually read novels with a setting in modern day Ireland or England. It was the 'medical' part that caught my attention. I am not in the medical field, but enjoy reading about that subject.
I enjoyed very little of this book -- setting was one reason. Another reason was the unbelievable long paragraphs.
I don't usually read novels with a setting in modern day Ireland or England. It was the 'medical' part that caught my attention. I am not in the medical field, but enjoy reading about that subject.
I enjoyed very little of this book -- setting was one reason. Another reason was the unbelievable long paragraphs.
October 7, 2015
Kieran Kelly, former IRA member, seeks revenge for the medical profession that continues to cover up and protect pharmaceutical companies. This is a scary book since it could very well be true. The excruciating pain resulting from injections/dyes into the spine could be what is wrong with an acquaintance of mine right now. I hope I never have to have a mylegram! Good reading but depressing.
September 1, 2013
Well done. Of course, since I'm not a fan of unnecessary epidurals, this was right up my alley -- but a complication of epidurals I had absolutely no knowledge of. Quote from Marsden Wagner near to the end of the book. The ending was very sad....but almost predictable.
November 27, 2013
very good
November 7, 2015
While this book started and ended well...I lost interest in the middle.
June 20, 2019
** Review of Audio Format **
Interesting...
...and interesting. Kieran Kelley’s wife is given an epidural during labor that leaves her paralyzed and in excrutiating pain. So much pain that she takes her own life. Kieran is absolutely devastated. He immediately vows revenge and begins plotting. Kelley is good at this type of thing, too, because he’s an ex-Irish extremist during the ‘troubles’.
His plans are sent slightly off track when he meets the Countess Magda. A sufferer like his beloved wife. He finds himself genuinely in love with Magda and it makes him rethink his plan.
On the other side of the equation is the young doctor Jonathon Tring who is caught up in the plot after accepting a research position at the company that makes the drug given to Kelley’s wife. He writes a response to the uproar around the drug and ends up as #1 on Kelley’s hit list.
This was a really well written book and the emotions are laid out in a believable, yet compassionate way. I like the bits of Irish history and the geniune person that we get from Kieran. The ending is inevitable but not overdone and the characters stayed with me long after I finished listening to it. Which I did on 1.5 speed.
I received this audiobook from Audibook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
Interesting...
...and interesting. Kieran Kelley’s wife is given an epidural during labor that leaves her paralyzed and in excrutiating pain. So much pain that she takes her own life. Kieran is absolutely devastated. He immediately vows revenge and begins plotting. Kelley is good at this type of thing, too, because he’s an ex-Irish extremist during the ‘troubles’.
His plans are sent slightly off track when he meets the Countess Magda. A sufferer like his beloved wife. He finds himself genuinely in love with Magda and it makes him rethink his plan.
On the other side of the equation is the young doctor Jonathon Tring who is caught up in the plot after accepting a research position at the company that makes the drug given to Kelley’s wife. He writes a response to the uproar around the drug and ends up as #1 on Kelley’s hit list.
This was a really well written book and the emotions are laid out in a believable, yet compassionate way. I like the bits of Irish history and the geniune person that we get from Kieran. The ending is inevitable but not overdone and the characters stayed with me long after I finished listening to it. Which I did on 1.5 speed.
I received this audiobook from Audibook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2025
Wow what a read! I found this book completing enthralling - it’s really hard to put it down and the story is totally compelling. I was very quickly extremely invested in the characters and the outcome for them in the tumultuous tale the author weaves. Roger Radford is truly compelling in his story telling and the fact that, once you have completed the book he takes time to explain that the foundation for this book has been his own experiences both explains the very grounded and solid base for this story whilst being so utterly shocking that in contemporaneous society incidents of medical harm that injure to such a life changing level still occur. A compelling and brilliant read - very much recommended.
September 19, 2017
Unputdownable
Great, action packed, emotional, keeps one guessing, just an all around awesome read. Definitely recommend to other action seeking readers.
Great, action packed, emotional, keeps one guessing, just an all around awesome read. Definitely recommend to other action seeking readers.
November 28, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
January 21, 2014
The Greed of Pharmaceutical Companies
This is a long and serious novel about a medical condition “adhesive arachnoiditis,” which would be like chemically induced spinal meningitis. At the end of the book, the author explains why he knows so much about the condition, using that knowledge to write this book. Although this novel is set in England, we have problems with our FDA approving drugs which doctors testify to that they don’t work, but the power of the pharmaceutical companies get them passed.
In this instance, the crux of the main plot is that Teresa Kieran, in labor with their fourth child, does not wish the pain and discomfort she had with her three prior children and Dr. Townsend, her physician, urges her to take an epidural, guaranteeing that there would be no pain, but doesn’t warn her about any side effects. She actually experiences more pain than she did in natural childbirth, complaining to the doctor. She couldn’t feel the labor pains because of the epidural, but it felt like her back was splitting in two and the nerve endings in her legs physically burn as if on fire. She never recovers; never can take care of her baby again and is a total invalid. Some doctors tell her it is all in her head; others dose her on morphine, which does not help. When she can no longer stand the pain, she uses the drugs to take her life.
Teresa’s husband, Kieran, had been an IRA member in Ireland, until the troubles were over and they have moved from Belfast to England so he can find work. He takes a night job so that he can help care for the children during the day. He is most bitter about her unnecessary condition and death and decides he will make the doctor and anyone else involved pay for her death. Jack Proctor and his beautiful wife, Sharon, own a pharmaceutical company and earn billions of dollars researching and attempting to perfect new drugs. In the present instance, they are seeking a shot that can make a male infertile since men don’t like to take pills or use condoms. Throughout the plot, Proctor is hand-in-glove with the Secretary of Health, who is paid sufficiently that he passes anything Proctor provides him. Scientists that don’t cater to Proctor either die or are fired and Jonathan Tring is the newest scientist to join the firm.
Jonathan meets Fiona, an investigative reporter who opens his eyes. There is an Austro-Hungarian countess Magda von Esterhazy, confined to a wheelchair because of this condition, who meets Kieran and introduces a different way of looking at it and how to bring it to the attention of the populace.
There are a few sexual scenes in good taste because this is a story about people who love, hate, act out and the story would be sterile without them. The author understands human nature and does an excellent job of character development, education and information on the condition itself and is so real, the reader laughs and cries with the actors in this story. Once I began reading, I couldn’t lay it down and I recommend it based on what I have set forth above.
This book was given to me free for an honest review.
This is a long and serious novel about a medical condition “adhesive arachnoiditis,” which would be like chemically induced spinal meningitis. At the end of the book, the author explains why he knows so much about the condition, using that knowledge to write this book. Although this novel is set in England, we have problems with our FDA approving drugs which doctors testify to that they don’t work, but the power of the pharmaceutical companies get them passed.
In this instance, the crux of the main plot is that Teresa Kieran, in labor with their fourth child, does not wish the pain and discomfort she had with her three prior children and Dr. Townsend, her physician, urges her to take an epidural, guaranteeing that there would be no pain, but doesn’t warn her about any side effects. She actually experiences more pain than she did in natural childbirth, complaining to the doctor. She couldn’t feel the labor pains because of the epidural, but it felt like her back was splitting in two and the nerve endings in her legs physically burn as if on fire. She never recovers; never can take care of her baby again and is a total invalid. Some doctors tell her it is all in her head; others dose her on morphine, which does not help. When she can no longer stand the pain, she uses the drugs to take her life.
Teresa’s husband, Kieran, had been an IRA member in Ireland, until the troubles were over and they have moved from Belfast to England so he can find work. He takes a night job so that he can help care for the children during the day. He is most bitter about her unnecessary condition and death and decides he will make the doctor and anyone else involved pay for her death. Jack Proctor and his beautiful wife, Sharon, own a pharmaceutical company and earn billions of dollars researching and attempting to perfect new drugs. In the present instance, they are seeking a shot that can make a male infertile since men don’t like to take pills or use condoms. Throughout the plot, Proctor is hand-in-glove with the Secretary of Health, who is paid sufficiently that he passes anything Proctor provides him. Scientists that don’t cater to Proctor either die or are fired and Jonathan Tring is the newest scientist to join the firm.
Jonathan meets Fiona, an investigative reporter who opens his eyes. There is an Austro-Hungarian countess Magda von Esterhazy, confined to a wheelchair because of this condition, who meets Kieran and introduces a different way of looking at it and how to bring it to the attention of the populace.
There are a few sexual scenes in good taste because this is a story about people who love, hate, act out and the story would be sterile without them. The author understands human nature and does an excellent job of character development, education and information on the condition itself and is so real, the reader laughs and cries with the actors in this story. Once I began reading, I couldn’t lay it down and I recommend it based on what I have set forth above.
This book was given to me free for an honest review.
July 10, 2016
3.5 stars
Interesting and enlightening. A fictional thriller inspired by/based on true life events.
An entertaining and educational thriller revolving around medical procedures, malpractice, political maneuvers and the pharmaceutical companies involvement in cover-ups. The synopsis of the book tells you everything you need to know about the book.
Engaging characters especially Kieran and his wife Teresa. You can't help but feel all of his emotions (despair, love, anger, hate) right along with him. Although I really liked the beginning and the ending, the middle, for me dragged at times.
You don’t realize that the newspaper article that Kieran reads it is referring to the author. I do have to say that the author's notes about his experience with this syndrome are left out at the end of the audiobook. I don’t know if this "article" is the same as the authors footnotes. If it is not they should have been included.
Nigel Patterson did a good job with the narration. Different character voices and accents were good. Nice even pace. Pleasant voice, easy to listen to. You can feel Kieran's emotion come through in his narration.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
Interesting and enlightening. A fictional thriller inspired by/based on true life events.
An entertaining and educational thriller revolving around medical procedures, malpractice, political maneuvers and the pharmaceutical companies involvement in cover-ups. The synopsis of the book tells you everything you need to know about the book.
Engaging characters especially Kieran and his wife Teresa. You can't help but feel all of his emotions (despair, love, anger, hate) right along with him. Although I really liked the beginning and the ending, the middle, for me dragged at times.
You don’t realize that the newspaper article that Kieran reads it is referring to the author. I do have to say that the author's notes about his experience with this syndrome are left out at the end of the audiobook. I don’t know if this "article" is the same as the authors footnotes. If it is not they should have been included.
Nigel Patterson did a good job with the narration. Different character voices and accents were good. Nice even pace. Pleasant voice, easy to listen to. You can feel Kieran's emotion come through in his narration.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
July 12, 2016
When a former IRA Fixer's (internal hit man) wife has an epidural go horribly wrong during their child's birth, He takes matters into his own hands to get revenge against the people who did this to his wife. These people include the Doctor who botched it, the Minister of Health for the UK, and the lead doctor of the company that produced the drug. Meanwhile, the other story arc in the story revolves around the corrupt CEO of that company, and his efforts to hide the truth, and expand his company at the same time. The story come to a head in a fiery flash of chaos and blood, that while satisfying, does seem a little rushed, which is my only complaint about the story.
My thought were that this read like a cross between a Robin Cook Medical thriller and Tom Clancy's Patriot Games. Any fan of thrillers should really enjoy this book.
As far as narration goes, Nigel Patterson does a great job handleing all the nuances of UK accents, from different areas of England to Welsh and Scottish. It really adds a polished touch to the story, and helps bring the characters to life.
I was given a copy of this book at no charce by the narrator, author or publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review through Audiobook boom.
My thought were that this read like a cross between a Robin Cook Medical thriller and Tom Clancy's Patriot Games. Any fan of thrillers should really enjoy this book.
As far as narration goes, Nigel Patterson does a great job handleing all the nuances of UK accents, from different areas of England to Welsh and Scottish. It really adds a polished touch to the story, and helps bring the characters to life.
I was given a copy of this book at no charce by the narrator, author or publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review through Audiobook boom.
July 1, 2016
I am unsure how to review this book. When I read the description, I was intrigued to read it. And the first few chapters were pretty good, especially conveying the reality of chronic pain (which I deal with myself, though not arachnoiditis).
Once the plot got going, though it seemed to almost completely be about something different. The revenge plot gave way, for the most part, to the corrupt politician and the alcoholic doctor. In fact, the longer I listened, the more confused I was about why these plots seemed to take over. I enjoy medical thrillers, but this book tried to do too much – the scope just became way too big.
The narration was great. Nigel Patterson did a fine job with the various accents, even the southern belle, surprisingly.
This book was given to me for free by Audioboom in exchange for an honest review.
Once the plot got going, though it seemed to almost completely be about something different. The revenge plot gave way, for the most part, to the corrupt politician and the alcoholic doctor. In fact, the longer I listened, the more confused I was about why these plots seemed to take over. I enjoy medical thrillers, but this book tried to do too much – the scope just became way too big.
The narration was great. Nigel Patterson did a fine job with the various accents, even the southern belle, surprisingly.
This book was given to me for free by Audioboom in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2014
My Review: I really found this book absorbing and disturbing. Disturbing because it is about a real disease, from which the author himself suffers. The despair that Kelly felt which led him to hostage taking is brought home to the reader. Unfortunately many people have found themselves bewildered and hurt at the hands of the very doctors and drug companies and Gov. officials that are suppose to help us. Kudos to the author for bringing this to light. I know I will research a lot more before I blithely take medicine of any kind just because it’s prescribed. The book dragged a little through the middle but still built the story well. I was hoping for a happier ending but it really ended the only way it could I guess. I give this book 4 stars.
July 20, 2015
A thrilling novel concerning a medicine that gone awry. An Epidural supposed to anaesthetize pain of child birth, but somehow, it harm thousands of people. One of the victim after child birth killed herself, due to the incessant pain that eat her body slowly. Mrs. Kelly suffering a disease called "Arachnoiditis" a spine disease that produces the pain of a cancer, which the release of death is agreeable.
Apparently, Kieran Kelly has different purpose after his wife death. The former hit man of provision IRA's internal Affaire has a plan.
Apparently, Kieran Kelly has different purpose after his wife death. The former hit man of provision IRA's internal Affaire has a plan.
June 10, 2016
This book is very British. I was unfamiliar with some of the references, terms and idioms, but it didn't significantly diminish my enjoyment of the story. It kept me up way past my bedtime in order to finish it.
I was very impressed with Nigel Patterson's performance of this audiobook. His accents seemed accurate enough and added to my appreciation of the story. His character voicing was distinctive enough in most cases. The accents helped. I'm glad I got a chance to listen to this audiobook.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.
I was very impressed with Nigel Patterson's performance of this audiobook. His accents seemed accurate enough and added to my appreciation of the story. His character voicing was distinctive enough in most cases. The accents helped. I'm glad I got a chance to listen to this audiobook.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.
March 31, 2014
This medical thriller is a definte good read on par with any books by Robin Cook and Michael Palmer.
I have worked in the medical field for 43 years but hadn't heard of adhesive arachnoiditis before I read this book.
The author suffers with this incurable excruciatingly painful disorder of the central nervous system. His story is at the end of this novel.
Before you or any of your loved ones agree to an epidural or any back or spinal procedures EDUCATE YOURSELVES to ALL RISKS.
I have worked in the medical field for 43 years but hadn't heard of adhesive arachnoiditis before I read this book.
The author suffers with this incurable excruciatingly painful disorder of the central nervous system. His story is at the end of this novel.
Before you or any of your loved ones agree to an epidural or any back or spinal procedures EDUCATE YOURSELVES to ALL RISKS.
January 7, 2014
I didn't finish reading it but for those that like medical political thrillers this book would be right up your alley. Major bonus is the quick character development in the beginning of the book to get you to connect with the major player of the book.
July 6, 2014
Roger does it again!
I really enjoyed this book, my second Radford. Another thriller, but with a personal twist. Roger points out an important problem. l wish he had a solution, but the one he uses isn't the best. Still, a thriller worth reading. I highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book, my second Radford. Another thriller, but with a personal twist. Roger points out an important problem. l wish he had a solution, but the one he uses isn't the best. Still, a thriller worth reading. I highly recommend it.
October 16, 2013
Did not know that epidurals were so dangerous.
April 8, 2014
Multiple story lines well integrated into a great novel.
August 23, 2015
WOW
This is a book that once you start reading it is hard to stop. I felt so much a part of the novel and the characters pain.
This is a book that once you start reading it is hard to stop. I felt so much a part of the novel and the characters pain.
September 30, 2015
Great Story
This book gives you a little bit of everything. Corruption, scandal, revenge and a bit of a love story. What more could you ask for?
This book gives you a little bit of everything. Corruption, scandal, revenge and a bit of a love story. What more could you ask for?
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews