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An AJ Docker and Banshee Thriller #1
Last Patient of the Night
" Last Patient of the Night is M*A*S*H* meets Detective Harry Bosch. It's a thriller that won't disappoint." -Gregory D. Lee, author of An International Thriller Emergency physician AJ Docker is no stranger to violence, but the brutal torture and murder of an innocent, young patient demands a response. Together with his policeman friend and a police dog, he sets out on a quest for justice for his lost patient. Doc's investigation leads him into the dark world of organized crime, and when the killers come after him, it becomes a fight for survival. Will he survive to find justice for his patient, or will he be the next victim of Dyyavola, the Devil? Last Patient of the Night is a fast-paced thriller, and book one in the AJ Docker series. Gary Gerlacher's debut story will keep you turning pages late into the night as he takes you on a journey from a trauma room in the ER to seedy areas of Houston.
261 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,825 reviews
November 12, 2024
I’m genuinely confused by the reviews. I felt like I was watching a very cheesy episode of CSI Miami and Hortaio Caine was about to throw down a sassy one liner for the fade out. In fact there was quite a few “we’re gonna get the bastards” pump up at the end of the chapters. Then I thought maybe it was the genre and the fast paced crime fighter life wasn’t for me. Until I remember how voracious I devour James Patterson’s women’s murder club series….so that’s not right either.
Perhaps it’s just that Dr. Sexy MD is the luckiest bastard alive and just so smooth that OF COURSE he single handedly solves a mystery, saves a dog, AND becomes a multimillionaire as a reward for busting up a crime ring. While ALSO saving a hospital from an evil VP and changing the life of IHOP employees.
I highly doubt that ER doctors have time to moonlight as crime solvers in their Mercedes in between hellish shifts. Or become so hypefocused on one dead patient to become a vigilante. But alas what do I know? I’m not Dr. Sexy MD.
Perhaps it’s just that Dr. Sexy MD is the luckiest bastard alive and just so smooth that OF COURSE he single handedly solves a mystery, saves a dog, AND becomes a multimillionaire as a reward for busting up a crime ring. While ALSO saving a hospital from an evil VP and changing the life of IHOP employees.
I highly doubt that ER doctors have time to moonlight as crime solvers in their Mercedes in between hellish shifts. Or become so hypefocused on one dead patient to become a vigilante. But alas what do I know? I’m not Dr. Sexy MD.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
I won this Kindle Unlimited book from the author. I really enjoyed the book and recommend the series if....you like Elvis Cole type (only an ER Doc) snarky funny dialogue with a lot of action that is way too unbelievable but fast paced. I enjoy a wide range of reading mysteries, but this category is one of my favorites. A lot of action (high body count) and really witty conversations. Throw in a foreign mob boss that owns a "Gentlemans Club" and it was a wild fun ride to the end. Rate it 4.5* and round up. If you want realistic police work this is not for you. PS I did figure "it" out right before the end.
February 23, 2025
I’m so confused by the high rating of this book!
This was hardly a medical thriller. The only thing medical about it was the fact that the main character is an ER doc; the only thing thrilling about it is… nothing. There is no medical mystery and it is very embarrassing to listen to for people who are actually in the medical field.
There is no development and it is VERY cheesy. The plot is very random and boring. Why would a Houston ER doctor suddenly have to kill multiple Ukrainian mobsters??? Get real.
This was hardly a medical thriller. The only thing medical about it was the fact that the main character is an ER doc; the only thing thrilling about it is… nothing. There is no medical mystery and it is very embarrassing to listen to for people who are actually in the medical field.
There is no development and it is VERY cheesy. The plot is very random and boring. Why would a Houston ER doctor suddenly have to kill multiple Ukrainian mobsters??? Get real.
January 27, 2024
Medical Thriller
An ER doctor working hard in the ER comes across a girl with an obvious fracture that was probably attributed to someone else. This is where the story begins. Trust me, there is so much more to this book! One circumstance leads to many more. Buckle your seatbelt because this is quite a ride.
An ER doctor working hard in the ER comes across a girl with an obvious fracture that was probably attributed to someone else. This is where the story begins. Trust me, there is so much more to this book! One circumstance leads to many more. Buckle your seatbelt because this is quite a ride.
April 16, 2025
this is basically every teenaged boys fantasy of being super smart and rich and good at fighting and able to bag every woman in the world and knowing everybody and always having a good comeback and always winning. story line is super interesting tho and the characters are fun. pretty entertaining so imma read the whole series lol.
February 11, 2024
This novel is predictable, poorly written, full of cliches and tedious repetition.
June 14, 2025
Big Big Fan, this book was hilarious, and I'm so looking forward to continuing on with this series!
So ER doctor gets nosy trying to find what caused the death of a patient that was discharged only to return a few hours later beaten to an inch of her life!
He gets into a lot of unconventional situations that had me howling. He is a character!
Solid 5 stars!!!!!
So ER doctor gets nosy trying to find what caused the death of a patient that was discharged only to return a few hours later beaten to an inch of her life!
He gets into a lot of unconventional situations that had me howling. He is a character!
Solid 5 stars!!!!!
November 5, 2024
Shocked that this is so highly rated. Read like AI to me.
November 3, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
LAST PATIENT OF THE NIGHT (AJ Docker Thriller Book #1) by Gary Gerlacher is a fast paced action/adventure crime thriller that gives the reader a mash-up of amateur sleuth in an E.R. doctor protagonist, AJ Docker, his policeman friend and K-9 police dog, and two local detectives work the case as a police procedural all intertwined with humor as well as thrills, danger, and action.
This first book in a series introduces the main characters, AJ Docker and K-9, Banshee. The Doc has a way with the ladies (think James Bond as an E.R. doctor), is smart, talented as an Emergency Room doctor, and has a penchant to help the underdog and/or persecuted. He is also sports oriented and trained in firearms and marital arts. The secondary characters are interesting in their own ways, and the dialogue is snarky and fun. The crime thriller plot is fast-paced and kept me turning the pages. This is a thriller you pick up for escapism, action, fun, and an easy read.
I am looking forward to following Doc and Banshee in future books.
LAST PATIENT OF THE NIGHT (AJ Docker Thriller Book #1) by Gary Gerlacher is a fast paced action/adventure crime thriller that gives the reader a mash-up of amateur sleuth in an E.R. doctor protagonist, AJ Docker, his policeman friend and K-9 police dog, and two local detectives work the case as a police procedural all intertwined with humor as well as thrills, danger, and action.
This first book in a series introduces the main characters, AJ Docker and K-9, Banshee. The Doc has a way with the ladies (think James Bond as an E.R. doctor), is smart, talented as an Emergency Room doctor, and has a penchant to help the underdog and/or persecuted. He is also sports oriented and trained in firearms and marital arts. The secondary characters are interesting in their own ways, and the dialogue is snarky and fun. The crime thriller plot is fast-paced and kept me turning the pages. This is a thriller you pick up for escapism, action, fun, and an easy read.
I am looking forward to following Doc and Banshee in future books.
February 2, 2025
DNF. Flat characters and stilted plot. Characters have as much depth as the Mercedes car, which is described in detail.
April 21, 2025
As a nurse, I laughed a couple times at the descriptions of hospital administration. That was the only thing I felt was actually plausible from this book.
Of course the ER doc is a dashing, brilliant, quick-witted, charismatic dude that no woman can keep her legs crossed for.
Of course, Doc always knows when to take weapons and other tactical gear with him during normal routines.
Of course, his cop friend asked him to watch his dog for no real reason and the dog ends up saving his life.
Of course, an ER doc is better suited at solving a murder case than police detectives.
Of course, the password is hidden in plain sight in a tattoo.
Of course, the villain who otherwise loves to show off his tortures in front of others decides to have 1:1 time with the intrepid Doc and spills his guts on everything he did before Doc manages to escape (thank goodness, he bought that little saw to keep in his watch) from his zip ties and kill him with his bare hands.
Of course, Doc is rewarded with millions of dollars and gives millions each to the ihop employees but none to his coworkers of 12 years.
The amount of eye rolling I did during this book makes me wonder how my eyes aren’t permanently rolled backward. Fortunately, I listened to it as an Audible book at 1.7x speed and finished it in less than four hours while doing something way more stimulating: building LEGO. Otherwise, it would have been a terrible waste of time I’d never be able to reclaim.
Of course the ER doc is a dashing, brilliant, quick-witted, charismatic dude that no woman can keep her legs crossed for.
Of course, Doc always knows when to take weapons and other tactical gear with him during normal routines.
Of course, his cop friend asked him to watch his dog for no real reason and the dog ends up saving his life.
Of course, an ER doc is better suited at solving a murder case than police detectives.
Of course, the password is hidden in plain sight in a tattoo.
Of course, the villain who otherwise loves to show off his tortures in front of others decides to have 1:1 time with the intrepid Doc and spills his guts on everything he did before Doc manages to escape (thank goodness, he bought that little saw to keep in his watch) from his zip ties and kill him with his bare hands.
Of course, Doc is rewarded with millions of dollars and gives millions each to the ihop employees but none to his coworkers of 12 years.
The amount of eye rolling I did during this book makes me wonder how my eyes aren’t permanently rolled backward. Fortunately, I listened to it as an Audible book at 1.7x speed and finished it in less than four hours while doing something way more stimulating: building LEGO. Otherwise, it would have been a terrible waste of time I’d never be able to reclaim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2023
AJ, known as Doc is a doctor working in an emergency room of a very busy hospital. One evening a young woman presents with a broken wrist but Doc has a suspicion there may be more to this story so asks a police friend to speak with her to see if she is really ok.
This is the beginning of a great and very entertaining book. Once I picked it up I found it very hard to put down. An excellent main character that I hope to see in future books along with a cast of very well thought out characters that support Doc's journey. Really there wasn't anything I didn't like about it, fast paced, incredibly humorous and fun and also a plot that really keeps the reader engaged throughout the book.
I will definitely be looking this author up to see what else he has written, I read that he is a doctor in real life and I think when you have that background behind you it makes the book much more realistic and believable. I was a nurse for many years and I could definitely relate to scenes in the book regarding the long hours worked and how hospital administration puts many things above patient care.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
This is the beginning of a great and very entertaining book. Once I picked it up I found it very hard to put down. An excellent main character that I hope to see in future books along with a cast of very well thought out characters that support Doc's journey. Really there wasn't anything I didn't like about it, fast paced, incredibly humorous and fun and also a plot that really keeps the reader engaged throughout the book.
I will definitely be looking this author up to see what else he has written, I read that he is a doctor in real life and I think when you have that background behind you it makes the book much more realistic and believable. I was a nurse for many years and I could definitely relate to scenes in the book regarding the long hours worked and how hospital administration puts many things above patient care.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
August 13, 2024
I love a good thriller, and the extremely high rating of LAST PATIENT OF THE NIGHT brought me to this audiobook. All I can say is,"Why in the world is this one rated so highly?"
To start with, the narrator is pitiful. Going on line and seeing that he has actually won an award or two for his narration is equally head scratching. His voice is too quirky for a thriller, his reading has no flare--no feeling, and his attempts at different accents are wretched. He has made it onto a very short list of narrators I will not listen to again.
And the story itself. The MC, Doc, and the situations he gets himself into are beyond preposterous. They are so farfetched, I almost quit the book several times. The fat that I did indeed finish it is the only thing that earned the book 2 stars from me instead on one. And the ending, come up with the most over the top, pie in the sky conclusion, and you wouldn't be even close.
Did I completely get all this wrong? Is it not a thriller but a comedy of errors instead? Whatever it is, the series, this author, this narrator and I are parting ways forever. Hallelujah!
To start with, the narrator is pitiful. Going on line and seeing that he has actually won an award or two for his narration is equally head scratching. His voice is too quirky for a thriller, his reading has no flare--no feeling, and his attempts at different accents are wretched. He has made it onto a very short list of narrators I will not listen to again.
And the story itself. The MC, Doc, and the situations he gets himself into are beyond preposterous. They are so farfetched, I almost quit the book several times. The fat that I did indeed finish it is the only thing that earned the book 2 stars from me instead on one. And the ending, come up with the most over the top, pie in the sky conclusion, and you wouldn't be even close.
Did I completely get all this wrong? Is it not a thriller but a comedy of errors instead? Whatever it is, the series, this author, this narrator and I are parting ways forever. Hallelujah!
July 24, 2025
Terrible writing, from the horrible Ukrainian accents that came and went, a doctor who somehow has all sorts of training for bizarre situations he’s in who rarely needs to be at work and seeks out random sexual encounters at every chance, and random ER cases sprinkled in just to provide something interesting going on, this was a book I choked down because I hate not finishing a book. Not sure how this is so highly rated.
November 12, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Last Patient of the Night is like a Wild Mouse coaster ride, racing along the track with sharp twists and turns, looking like it's headed for disaster, but somehow always staying on course to deliver an exhilarating and satisfying ride. I enjoyed it from start to finish.
February 19, 2025
This story moved the meter scale into the not believable category. Not terrible, but not my cup of tea.
October 15, 2024
Let’s hope the author practices medicine better than he writes fiction…also I thought the person who read the book was super annoying which didn’t help.
June 24, 2025
The book may be ok. I was listening to the audiobook. I couldn't get past the guy's voice. He reads like a news reporter.
May 18, 2025
This book is just fun from start to finish. Some of the dialogue is stilted and parts of the plot are completely unbelievable. But I didn’t care because it’s fast paced and full of action. Read like an episode of Harry Bosch if Harry was an ER doc investigating crime.
March 30, 2024
Interesting story
This one is a bit far fetched but a fun read. Typical hospital politics and mobster stuff. Good writing, character building, and plot.
This one is a bit far fetched but a fun read. Typical hospital politics and mobster stuff. Good writing, character building, and plot.
March 20, 2025
The main character is pretentious and self important. Every storyline wrapped up neatly in his honor. Wouldn’t recommend
November 24, 2024
My second DNF. I tried to listen to this book but had to stop. Firstly, I found myself actually editing in my head as I listened. Secondly the narrator made me crazy. There were no nuances between dialogue and text. He actually talked loudly and almost frantically during the entire portion that I listened to. He has been narrating for 20 years so he shouldn’t need coaching. Not my opinion at all. I may try reading instead of listening. Just one person’s opinion. No ugly responses please.
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November 14, 2025
4.25/5⭐️ I received Last Patient of the Night by Gary Gerlacher through a Goodreads giveaway. I’m always thankful for books like that, and I was really excited to check out an author I hadn’t read before! Not going to lie—when I received this book and looked at the cover, I thought it was going to be a purely medical thriller, but after reading it, I didn’t find that to be the case at all. It was an action-filled, hilarious thriller that not only kept me guessing, but also involved the mob—something I don’t even know how to describe, but I loved it!
The main character, “Doc,” was the cheesiest, smartest, and best surgeon I’ve ever read about. At first, I thought I was going to be annoyed by all the cheesiness, but I ended up absolutely loving it throughout the book and found myself cracking up while reading.
I thought the pacing was great, and the length of the book wasn’t overwhelming at all. The writing style really pulled me in.
I loved this book so much that I just added the rest of the series to my Kindle and will be pushing those ahead of some of the other books on my TBR, because I just really enjoyed this one!
Also, all my love to Benshee!
The main character, “Doc,” was the cheesiest, smartest, and best surgeon I’ve ever read about. At first, I thought I was going to be annoyed by all the cheesiness, but I ended up absolutely loving it throughout the book and found myself cracking up while reading.
I thought the pacing was great, and the length of the book wasn’t overwhelming at all. The writing style really pulled me in.
I loved this book so much that I just added the rest of the series to my Kindle and will be pushing those ahead of some of the other books on my TBR, because I just really enjoyed this one!
Also, all my love to Benshee!
December 17, 2025
Read in 1Day!
So much action!! Great characters kept me reading and wanting more! Could hardly put the book down. Now I want to know with dust in my eyes if there will be more books!
So much action!! Great characters kept me reading and wanting more! Could hardly put the book down. Now I want to know with dust in my eyes if there will be more books!
November 6, 2024
1.5⭐️ rounded up I guess
It was rated highly and I love a good cheesy mystery / thriller / action book, but it didn't live up to the hype.
The plot itself was pretty typical for the genre, with some unexpected (improbable) side plot twists. The action scenes were exciting to read (listen to), even if a bit far fetched. I didn't mind that part, even if the mystery part of the story was obvious and not mysterious.
The main character was obnoxious. He could do all the things, could do nothing wrong, everyone loved him, female characters falling over themselves to be with him by just looking at him. Lots of crude language which isn't my favorite (or necessary for the story lol), immature humor, and a blatant rape scene.
1/2⭐️ extra because the dog side kick was adorable and I support that trope being more common.
It was rated highly and I love a good cheesy mystery / thriller / action book, but it didn't live up to the hype.
The plot itself was pretty typical for the genre, with some unexpected (improbable) side plot twists. The action scenes were exciting to read (listen to), even if a bit far fetched. I didn't mind that part, even if the mystery part of the story was obvious and not mysterious.
The main character was obnoxious. He could do all the things, could do nothing wrong, everyone loved him, female characters falling over themselves to be with him by just looking at him. Lots of crude language which isn't my favorite (or necessary for the story lol), immature humor, and a blatant rape scene.
1/2⭐️ extra because the dog side kick was adorable and I support that trope being more common.
January 11, 2024
4.5/5 stars! I am frustrated by how good this book was. Why? Because the cover does not live up to the strength of the story. Hopefully, the author will consider adjusting the cover because the content was amazing. This is the first entry in a thriller series by Gary Gerlacher. I was surprised by how developed and enthralling the story was. I started the book with zero expectations and couldn't put it down. 10 extra points for having a main side character of a dog. Doc is a great leading man for this series and I can't wait to see what is next.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
February 26, 2025
1.5 ⭐️’s but extra 1/2 for his friend having the dog side kick.
It’s a highly rated book but for me it unfortunately did not live up to the hype.
The main character was obnoxious. He could do all the things but could not take the blame and saw nothing wrong in his doings. Also would not take no for an answer to the point I was getting second hand embarrassment.
The plot was typical for this genre and I found myself bored listening to it more times than I’d like to admit… But it did have some unexpected twists on the side.
I do not recommend this book, but if it’s on your TBR, by all means! Everyone has their own opinions and preferences 💛
It’s a highly rated book but for me it unfortunately did not live up to the hype.
The main character was obnoxious. He could do all the things but could not take the blame and saw nothing wrong in his doings. Also would not take no for an answer to the point I was getting second hand embarrassment.
The plot was typical for this genre and I found myself bored listening to it more times than I’d like to admit… But it did have some unexpected twists on the side.
I do not recommend this book, but if it’s on your TBR, by all means! Everyone has their own opinions and preferences 💛
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2023
Last Patient of the Night is a fun, fast-paced thriller. Gary Gerlacher’s debut novel introduces us to A.J. “Doc” Docker, an ER physician with a quick, sarcastic wit and a mind for solving mysteries. When one of his patients dies under suspicious circumstances, Doc makes it his mission to discover what really happened and find justice for her, regardless of the risks. Smartly plotted, loaded with memorable characters, and deftly mixing action and humor, Last Patient of the Night keeps the pages turning until the end.
September 30, 2025
If you enjoy watching medical TV shows like ER, House, or The Resident (which I am addicted to), I recommend this novel. A quick-paced story with witty dialogues, interesting medical cases, and engaging characters, I finished the book over a few days and wanted more.
On the other hand, I admit the plot about a doctor turns into an amateur crime solver was a bit of a stretch. Still, it was a good summer read for me. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Many thanks for the e-copy I received in a Goodreads giveaway. Publication date: December 2023.
On the other hand, I admit the plot about a doctor turns into an amateur crime solver was a bit of a stretch. Still, it was a good summer read for me. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Many thanks for the e-copy I received in a Goodreads giveaway. Publication date: December 2023.
November 27, 2023
It was an exciting book that I couldn’t put down with a main character you just love. Beyond excited for the next two books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,825 reviews