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Overdose
From the award-winning author of LETHAL CURE and DYING TO REMEMBER
Dr. Emily Morrison undertakes a controversial drug study over protests from fringe groups and even some colleagues. Soon she’s facing death threats and a letter bomb that maims her secretary. Then a young coed suddenly dies after taking the experimental medication. Emily figures out what killed the girl—not the study drug but DIFP, a toxic chemical from her lab. A diabetic, Emily discovers the same toxin in her insulin. But when the police find a bottle of DIFP in Emily’s office, she suddenly changes from victim to suspect.
Then a professional killer comes after her, and he eliminates anyone who gets in the way. Emily knows she must confront this stalker on her terms, but she’ll have to do it without help, using only the element of surprise. And that’s just her first step in uncovering the truth – she needs to find out who hired the killer before someone else tries to finish what he started.
"An intriguing thriller set against a backdrop of clinical drug tests and medical research." — Kirkus Reviews
Dr. Emily Morrison undertakes a controversial drug study over protests from fringe groups and even some colleagues. Soon she’s facing death threats and a letter bomb that maims her secretary. Then a young coed suddenly dies after taking the experimental medication. Emily figures out what killed the girl—not the study drug but DIFP, a toxic chemical from her lab. A diabetic, Emily discovers the same toxin in her insulin. But when the police find a bottle of DIFP in Emily’s office, she suddenly changes from victim to suspect.
Then a professional killer comes after her, and he eliminates anyone who gets in the way. Emily knows she must confront this stalker on her terms, but she’ll have to do it without help, using only the element of surprise. And that’s just her first step in uncovering the truth – she needs to find out who hired the killer before someone else tries to finish what he started.
"An intriguing thriller set against a backdrop of clinical drug tests and medical research." — Kirkus Reviews
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2013
48 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Glen Apseloff
7 books22 followersA medical doctor and expert in drugs and toxins, Apseloff runs a research program that tests experimental drugs on healthy paid volunteers. His background and experience are evident in his medical thrillers. In his free time, he does wildlife photography and has published many calendars and one book--Backyard Birds Looking Through the Glass. He lives in Powell, Ohio, with his wife, Lucia; cat, Pelusa; and dogs, Poco, Tiki, and Gucci.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 8, 2014
I’ve been raised on medical thrillers but this was a weak attempt to combine any science with a mystery and not to mention decent writing into something called a book, I figured out who the bad guy was easily, the repetitive word was an easy give away.
This was mostly tedious, interesting in a few parts but so cliche and the whole “let’s kill Dr. Morris” thing got old fast, the book kept shifting the feeling of what it was about, towards the end I was finally getting into it and the main character was resorting to the most childish attempts and actions that I had to realize that this was not anything good after all, maybe in a decade this author can deliver but not just yet.
This story has too many chunks that don’t add up to the whole, it’s disjointed and silly after a while, I sat here laughing after the seventy five percent mark. I’d rather read Michael Palmer or Robin Cook for medical thrill fiction that manages to entertain. This is work in progress that needs time.
- Kasia S.
This was mostly tedious, interesting in a few parts but so cliche and the whole “let’s kill Dr. Morris” thing got old fast, the book kept shifting the feeling of what it was about, towards the end I was finally getting into it and the main character was resorting to the most childish attempts and actions that I had to realize that this was not anything good after all, maybe in a decade this author can deliver but not just yet.
This story has too many chunks that don’t add up to the whole, it’s disjointed and silly after a while, I sat here laughing after the seventy five percent mark. I’d rather read Michael Palmer or Robin Cook for medical thrill fiction that manages to entertain. This is work in progress that needs time.
- Kasia S.
August 26, 2014
He's 3-for-3!! :)
Overdose is much more like a traditional medical thriller but w/ the Apseloff spin! It starts w/ a bang & keeps you guessing right through until the end. What & who you see are not all that they seem & it adds to the suspense I've grown to love about his books. Once again, as the pages turn, you'll find yourself reading faster & faster just to see how it ends.
It's a great summer read; Perfect for those road trips or camp outs. Now I must wait (not patiently) for his next book. & based on his previous three, I can't wait!
Overdose is much more like a traditional medical thriller but w/ the Apseloff spin! It starts w/ a bang & keeps you guessing right through until the end. What & who you see are not all that they seem & it adds to the suspense I've grown to love about his books. Once again, as the pages turn, you'll find yourself reading faster & faster just to see how it ends.
It's a great summer read; Perfect for those road trips or camp outs. Now I must wait (not patiently) for his next book. & based on his previous three, I can't wait!
October 6, 2014
3.0 out of 5 stars -- Mayhem and mystery...
Dr. Emily Morrison is the director of a clinical research lab that is undertaking a controversial study of a drug that is both contraceptive and possible abortefacient. The Dean of the College of Medicine, and Emily's boss, is less than supportive and not very appreciative of the millions of dollars that Emily's drug trials bring in and has made some decisions about the future of her program that propel Emily to consider a radical change in her plans and work. Personal problems complicate Emily's life as well -- she has just left her unfaithful husband, a cardiovascular surgeon at the hospital connected to the university. When a letter bomb mailed to her office nearly kills her secretary, Janice, Dr. Morrison suddenly finds herself in even more danger after one of the women in the drug study dies after taking the first pill AND Emily herself becomes the target of a killer. Why is all this happening? Seems a lot of people have a reason to want Emily dead.
Too much? Yes indeed -- the perils of Emily Morrison and her amazing ability to outwit the hired killer and escape death at every turn requires an over-the-top amount of suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader. What started out as an interesting thriller with great medical detail, increasingly became more incredulous as Emily puts herself in too many unbelievable scenarios. Of course she doesn't trust the good policeman, Lt. Michael Hammond, and refuses his offer of protection when she's threatened, and sets up her own trap to catch the bad guy. Needless to say, Emily is beyond wonderful in every way. Actually I never liked her character so really ended up not caring what happened to her. The other characters in the book were complete stereotypes and only in supportive roles to show what a superwoman Emily was and what she did over a period of a couple of days. Yeah, unreal. Medical doctor vs Navy SEAL. Who wins? Oh there's even more than that.
Would I read another of this author's books given how much I crave a good medical thriller? I don't know -- I really like the medical detail and the science stuff, so it's possible I might.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book to review.
Dr. Emily Morrison is the director of a clinical research lab that is undertaking a controversial study of a drug that is both contraceptive and possible abortefacient. The Dean of the College of Medicine, and Emily's boss, is less than supportive and not very appreciative of the millions of dollars that Emily's drug trials bring in and has made some decisions about the future of her program that propel Emily to consider a radical change in her plans and work. Personal problems complicate Emily's life as well -- she has just left her unfaithful husband, a cardiovascular surgeon at the hospital connected to the university. When a letter bomb mailed to her office nearly kills her secretary, Janice, Dr. Morrison suddenly finds herself in even more danger after one of the women in the drug study dies after taking the first pill AND Emily herself becomes the target of a killer. Why is all this happening? Seems a lot of people have a reason to want Emily dead.
Too much? Yes indeed -- the perils of Emily Morrison and her amazing ability to outwit the hired killer and escape death at every turn requires an over-the-top amount of suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader. What started out as an interesting thriller with great medical detail, increasingly became more incredulous as Emily puts herself in too many unbelievable scenarios. Of course she doesn't trust the good policeman, Lt. Michael Hammond, and refuses his offer of protection when she's threatened, and sets up her own trap to catch the bad guy. Needless to say, Emily is beyond wonderful in every way. Actually I never liked her character so really ended up not caring what happened to her. The other characters in the book were complete stereotypes and only in supportive roles to show what a superwoman Emily was and what she did over a period of a couple of days. Yeah, unreal. Medical doctor vs Navy SEAL. Who wins? Oh there's even more than that.
Would I read another of this author's books given how much I crave a good medical thriller? I don't know -- I really like the medical detail and the science stuff, so it's possible I might.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book to review.
did-not-finish
December 5, 2014Disclaimer: This ARC was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
Meh. DNF.
Meh. DNF.
October 20, 2017
A real page turner
This was a fast paced book. After a slow start, I soon found myself reluctant to put it down each evening. The next day I was anxious to pick it back up. The heroine was a bit too good to be true as she repeatedly outwitted "the bad guy".. Overall I really enjoyed this book.
This was a fast paced book. After a slow start, I soon found myself reluctant to put it down each evening. The next day I was anxious to pick it back up. The heroine was a bit too good to be true as she repeatedly outwitted "the bad guy".. Overall I really enjoyed this book.
February 17, 2018
Cliff hanger, from beginning to end
September 22, 2023
Exciting
An exciting story with plenty of twists that keeps you guessing who did the crime! A really good and fast read
An exciting story with plenty of twists that keeps you guessing who did the crime! A really good and fast read
March 25, 2016
Disappointed
I really liked the last book by Apseloff, so I expected to enjoy this one as well. The plot had a lot of promise and the story began well. Then it became mundane and the dialogue/script felt canned. Like a 1970's police drama viewed 40 years later. I quit reading at 74% into the story. Almost every scenario strained credulity and there were factual errors and editing errors. I suspect this may be an early work published later after he became more well known. I respect this author and am sorry to give a negative review. I will read other books by Glenn Apseloff, I'm sure he can deliver.
I really liked the last book by Apseloff, so I expected to enjoy this one as well. The plot had a lot of promise and the story began well. Then it became mundane and the dialogue/script felt canned. Like a 1970's police drama viewed 40 years later. I quit reading at 74% into the story. Almost every scenario strained credulity and there were factual errors and editing errors. I suspect this may be an early work published later after he became more well known. I respect this author and am sorry to give a negative review. I will read other books by Glenn Apseloff, I'm sure he can deliver.
September 16, 2014
The second book by this author that I read. This book does not carry the same impact the first book had for me but it still was an amazing journey of intrigue, tension and a race against time.
This author has assured that the next time I feel like a medical thriller, his name will be at the top of my search bar.
The ease of writing makes the pages fly by. The action only ever let up to let the reader catch a breath. The characters are well formed, the technical aspect not so over done that everyday John Doe cannot follow the story line.
A really good read in this genre.
WaAr.
This author has assured that the next time I feel like a medical thriller, his name will be at the top of my search bar.
The ease of writing makes the pages fly by. The action only ever let up to let the reader catch a breath. The characters are well formed, the technical aspect not so over done that everyday John Doe cannot follow the story line.
A really good read in this genre.
WaAr.
February 22, 2015
page turner
I enjoyed the quick paced plot - very good. The main character however seemed to be a little cold hearted and absolutely a little too great at adjusting to a pressurized situation. Dr. Morrison was an intelligent person, but her resoluteness with certain situations almost made her unlikeable. If that was the intention of the author, then I understand. But sometimes I think we were made to feel bad for her, but I had the opposite reaction.
I enjoyed the quick paced plot - very good. The main character however seemed to be a little cold hearted and absolutely a little too great at adjusting to a pressurized situation. Dr. Morrison was an intelligent person, but her resoluteness with certain situations almost made her unlikeable. If that was the intention of the author, then I understand. But sometimes I think we were made to feel bad for her, but I had the opposite reaction.
July 24, 2014
Wow! What a thrill ride reading this novel was. Just when I thought I had it figured out another twist came along. This was a great read! So good that I finished it in one day. For fans of Robin Cook, you will love this book!
January 10, 2015
Action-packed
Constant action with many surprises. A little over done because the heroine was always right, but nonetheless a good read that was hard to put down. Great medical thriller!
Constant action with many surprises. A little over done because the heroine was always right, but nonetheless a good read that was hard to put down. Great medical thriller!
January 22, 2015
Awesome Medical thriller
This book was addictive. Even though it's about medical research there is no hard terminology. It's easy reading. The ending will surprise you even though you kind of suspected it...worth reading
This book was addictive. Even though it's about medical research there is no hard terminology. It's easy reading. The ending will surprise you even though you kind of suspected it...worth reading
April 11, 2015
Good book and good characters
I really enjoyed this book. The main character was smart and a sure of herself. I enjoye her thought process and her no nonsense way of dealing with men without being a "bitch" or weak and wringing her hands.
I really enjoyed this book. The main character was smart and a sure of herself. I enjoye her thought process and her no nonsense way of dealing with men without being a "bitch" or weak and wringing her hands.
August 6, 2016
Interesting read
I have read others by this author and was blown away, but unfortunately, while a fast moving mystery story, I really didn't Like the main character. She was somewhat antagonistic and self centered, making it difficult to root for her.
I have read others by this author and was blown away, but unfortunately, while a fast moving mystery story, I really didn't Like the main character. She was somewhat antagonistic and self centered, making it difficult to root for her.
October 26, 2014
Great read!
Mr Apseloff carries you through very well. I read this straight through, highly recommend for anyone who enjoys medical thrillers.
Mr Apseloff carries you through very well. I read this straight through, highly recommend for anyone who enjoys medical thrillers.
January 29, 2015
Great thriller.
May 12, 2015
Suspenseful
Wow I didn't even suspect the real killer. Well written and full of action. Loved the ending. A must read for everyone.
Wow I didn't even suspect the real killer. Well written and full of action. Loved the ending. A must read for everyone.
January 12, 2016
This was an interesting read, had a few plot twists and turns to keep interest.
April 9, 2016
Good Reading...
Very intriguing, kept me wondering who done it all the way through. A good book to read if you have some medical/hospital experience.
Very intriguing, kept me wondering who done it all the way through. A good book to read if you have some medical/hospital experience.
April 16, 2016
Well done
Well written and very entertaining.Author is well informed and knows how to keep up the interest.Hope to read more soon.
Well written and very entertaining.Author is well informed and knows how to keep up the interest.Hope to read more soon.
April 16, 2016
Well Done!
Well Done Glen, tough to not keep reading, Emily was captivating, and it was hard to picture Arnie doing what he did!
Well Done Glen, tough to not keep reading, Emily was captivating, and it was hard to picture Arnie doing what he did!
Read
May 12, 2016Not my kind of story but was ok in the end. A little too much violence for me.
January 27, 2017
Good quick read
Entertaining and fast paced. Good characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjpys medical thrillers. Its a page turner and will keep you reading.
Entertaining and fast paced. Good characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjpys medical thrillers. Its a page turner and will keep you reading.
May 22, 2018
Awesome, when are we getting more
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews