What do you think?
Rate this book
Adrenaline #1
Adrenaline
ADRENALINE Murder is the ultimate rush When patents start dying unexpectedly in the O.R. at Mercy Hospital, anesthesiologist Doug Landry finds himself the focus of the blame. Is he really incompetent or is there some- thing more sinister going on? As Doug struggles to clear his name and unravel the secret of the mysterious deaths, it becomes clear that someone will stop at nothing to keep him from exposing the devastating truth. Doug becomes trapped in a grisly race against time to prevent more deaths--including his own. From the boardroom to the recovery room to the thrilling climax in the operating room, Adrenaline is a heart-pounding, adrenaline rush of suspense, action and intrigue in an extremely realistic setting. If you like the novels of Robin Cook and Tess Gerritsen, Adrenaline will leave you breathless.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
1187 people are currently reading
5406 people want to read
About the author
John Benedict
5 books240 followersI work as an anesthesiologist and spend a good part of my life putting other people to sleep for all kinds of surgery. It's very interesting and exciting--I get to interact with and help a lot of people in many different situations. However, the hours are tough (24 hour call shifts) and it can be a bit stressful!
One day it struck me-- people place an extraordinary amount of trust in their anesthesiologist (someone they have often just met minutes beforehand) as they are being wheeled in the OR for surgery. Since I read a lot of thrillers, I couldn't help but wonder--what if that trust is misplaced and their doctor is evil? I decided to write a book exploring this chilling concept. 12 years later, Adrenaline was published. The writing/publishing process was a real eye-opener! I learned the value of perseverance and belief in oneself to overcome obstacles.
I am also a husband and father of 3 sons.
Remember--any fool can put you to sleep--it's the one who wakes you up that's important!
One day it struck me-- people place an extraordinary amount of trust in their anesthesiologist (someone they have often just met minutes beforehand) as they are being wheeled in the OR for surgery. Since I read a lot of thrillers, I couldn't help but wonder--what if that trust is misplaced and their doctor is evil? I decided to write a book exploring this chilling concept. 12 years later, Adrenaline was published. The writing/publishing process was a real eye-opener! I learned the value of perseverance and belief in oneself to overcome obstacles.
I am also a husband and father of 3 sons.
Remember--any fool can put you to sleep--it's the one who wakes you up that's important!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
August 12, 2016
Fast paced medical thriller. It was hard to put down and really gets inside your head. Being a nurse, the medical jargon and the "God complex" of certain doctors were not new to me. Mr. Benedict does a great job of introducing you to hospital politics, but there are some parts that teeter on the edge of plausibility. I wouldn't want to read it if I were to have any upcoming procedures though.
February 13, 2014
I would have given this 5 stars but....
I would have given this 5 stars but....
This was a good thriller with believable characters, decent action and interesting plot. The one thing that really bothered me was that 'Mercy' hospital seemed to lack any security like no cameras or guards during the pivotal ending where gun shots are fired and loud arguments are taking place. Really?
I would have given this 5 stars but....
This was a good thriller with believable characters, decent action and interesting plot. The one thing that really bothered me was that 'Mercy' hospital seemed to lack any security like no cameras or guards during the pivotal ending where gun shots are fired and loud arguments are taking place. Really?
July 17, 2016
Ok so I wish there was a tag that says "did not finish." I was at over half the book and already knew what was going on and was tired of the tired old tropes. The wandering doctor's eyes goes too far...and I could say a lot more but if you wish to try the book I don't want to tell all. That would not be fare to you.
The only thing I can say is that I just could not get into this book and found myself finding other was to spend some of my time just so I did not pick up my tablet to read. For me that is just so wrong on many levels. I enjoy reading way to much for that. So on I went to another book.
My best suggestion is to try the sample it may be for you...I just know it wasn't for me.
The only thing I can say is that I just could not get into this book and found myself finding other was to spend some of my time just so I did not pick up my tablet to read. For me that is just so wrong on many levels. I enjoy reading way to much for that. So on I went to another book.
My best suggestion is to try the sample it may be for you...I just know it wasn't for me.
October 25, 2017
Quite enjoyable
I quite enjoyed this, and although I worked out mostly whAt was happening about halfway through, the Book still had a dentists up its sleeve.
I quite enjoyed this, and although I worked out mostly whAt was happening about halfway through, the Book still had a dentists up its sleeve.
September 2, 2019
ADRENALINE BY JOHN BENEDICT is literally a heart stopping thriller! Its a good thing I am not having anesthesia any time soon! Anesthesiologist literally hold a patients life in their hands. And in ADRENALINE,patients are dying because someone is messing with the anesthesia in surgeries.
ADRENALINE is a heart stopping thrill ride. Just when you think you have got the killer figured out,the twist and turns start in and you are sitting there saying , what happened? I love these kind of thriller/mysteries. ADRENALINE has very solid characters and this is what kept me reading . The author took something that we all think of as "routine" surgery setting and twisted it into one of our worst nightmares!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
ADRENALINE is a heart stopping thrill ride. Just when you think you have got the killer figured out,the twist and turns start in and you are sitting there saying , what happened? I love these kind of thriller/mysteries. ADRENALINE has very solid characters and this is what kept me reading . The author took something that we all think of as "routine" surgery setting and twisted it into one of our worst nightmares!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2019
Superb
A truly amazing medical thriller. Dr John benedict is An exceptional writer. As an anesthesiologist, he not only knows the subject intimately, but has that very rare talent as a writer to give enough details that non medical people (like me) can fully enjoy the book. This book also shows the real pressure faced by medical staff, possible drug misuse, extra marital romance is tempting, takeovers where some are reluctant to give up their positions. The characters are very believable and you feel very involved in their lives and problems. I would give this more stars if I could
A truly amazing medical thriller. Dr John benedict is An exceptional writer. As an anesthesiologist, he not only knows the subject intimately, but has that very rare talent as a writer to give enough details that non medical people (like me) can fully enjoy the book. This book also shows the real pressure faced by medical staff, possible drug misuse, extra marital romance is tempting, takeovers where some are reluctant to give up their positions. The characters are very believable and you feel very involved in their lives and problems. I would give this more stars if I could
October 2, 2018
I really enjoyed Adrenaline and it definitely won't be the last John Benedict book that I read. I was kept on my toes wondering who was deliberately trying to sabotage the operations with no thought as to the safety of the patients. Then to murder those coming close to exposing the culprit. A great read for those loving medical mysteries.
December 26, 2018
Heartrending medical thriller.
Several of the anesthesiologists have unexpected, unexplanable problems with there cases. One fatal. A med student, raised in an orphanage is getting close to some of them while searching for information on his mothers death. She had been a nursing student at this hospital when she died in an automobile accident.
Several of the anesthesiologists have unexpected, unexplanable problems with there cases. One fatal. A med student, raised in an orphanage is getting close to some of them while searching for information on his mothers death. She had been a nursing student at this hospital when she died in an automobile accident.
October 21, 2019
Adrenaline had me from the 1st page! This was a fast paced and thrilling journey into a world of medical drama's, dilemma's, and hospital politics. It takes you into a world of things that could possibly happen. I absolutely loved this book and will read everything by John Benedict!! I finished 2 of his books in 2 days! On to book 3 now!!!!
March 22, 2017
This was a fast paced, action packed medical thriller. Unexplained deaths occurred in the OR and an Anesthesiologist begins to look into them. More deaths occurred outside the Hospital, all not making any sense. Eventually everything climaxes in the OR. Well done and well plotted. This is the kind of novel you stay up late to finish.
January 3, 2018
Wow!
This was such a riveting book! I started this afternoon and couldn't put it down until I finished! It kept me captivated from the beginning! I knew how parts of it would play out, yet there were so many others that I had no idea!! I couldn't believe how captivated I was throughout the entire book! A book I would recommend to any who want a medical drama/thriller!!
This was such a riveting book! I started this afternoon and couldn't put it down until I finished! It kept me captivated from the beginning! I knew how parts of it would play out, yet there were so many others that I had no idea!! I couldn't believe how captivated I was throughout the entire book! A book I would recommend to any who want a medical drama/thriller!!
January 22, 2018
Awesome
I choose the rating because the book was great, kept me on the edge trying to figure out who the murderer was. Felt a connection wit the story because I knew the area which he was describing.
I choose the rating because the book was great, kept me on the edge trying to figure out who the murderer was. Felt a connection wit the story because I knew the area which he was describing.
March 21, 2018
Fast Paced Action
Fast paced through out the story with many twists and turns. Can you guess who the saboteur is before the shocking revelation at the end of the book. Who is Rusty and what is he trying to find out?
Fast paced through out the story with many twists and turns. Can you guess who the saboteur is before the shocking revelation at the end of the book. Who is Rusty and what is he trying to find out?
January 26, 2019
This book had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. Although I figured some things out, it still held my attention and intrigue to the end. I could tell this author knew what he was talking about (he's a doctor) and even though I don't know terms, etc. I appreciate the fact that he does. Fast, fun and intense.
January 28, 2018
Yes, just as good as Robin Cook. A page-turner with many plot twists and sympathetic characters.
March 18, 2023
Excellent!
Doug and Mike are friends and coworkers. They are drawn into figuring out why their patients are dying. The reason is slowly unraveling.
Doug and Mike are friends and coworkers. They are drawn into figuring out why their patients are dying. The reason is slowly unraveling.
August 26, 2014
This was the first book I've read by John Benedict & WOW. I couldn't put it down! The plot was clear & fast paced but, for me, the hilight of the book was the unique insight he shared when the doctors in the book fought for the lives of their patients. The Medical Thriller genre is my favorite & I've read more in this category than I can remember but this was the first time I felt an actual chill up my spine as one patient "woke up" during her surgery (not a spoiler). The ability he has to share the stories of doctors facing their own fears of failing their families & their patients made me almost wish "Adrenalin" was a collection of stories shared by doctors & nurses & not another story about the big HMOs taking over hospitals & the fallout. I'm looking forward to his next book "The Edge of Death" & I hope he might consider doing a book that features a collection of those stories he shared so well.
September 14, 2017
Impossible to put down! I can't wait to read the next book!
An a amazing medical thriller right up there with Robin Cook. Don't hesitate to get this book, you will not be disappointed.
An a amazing medical thriller right up there with Robin Cook. Don't hesitate to get this book, you will not be disappointed.
May 1, 2014
Picked this book without any expectations. What an enthralling experience! An incredible storyline with a gripping pace kept me glued to the book. The characters are extremely down to earth, extremely real, well etched and ones that the reader easily identifies with, feels the exhilaration, despair, fears and the thrill of the characters. The conversation between the people makes it very down to earth and endearing as it brings their human nature and weaknesses to the fore. The turn of events was unexpected. All in all a great book.
It belongs right there with Robin Cook in my humble opinion. Please keep those books coming, Dr. Benedict. Eagerly looking forward to diving into the Edge of Death, the successor to Adrenaline.
It belongs right there with Robin Cook in my humble opinion. Please keep those books coming, Dr. Benedict. Eagerly looking forward to diving into the Edge of Death, the successor to Adrenaline.
February 11, 2014
No question, John Benedict knows of what he writes. On one hand that is great - the reader has an insiders view of hospital administration and Anesthesiologists. On the other hand, it slows the story a bit. Adrenaline has a solid story line and is an interesting mystery/suspense read. There are a few twists I didn't see coming, but some that were no mystery at all.
I did take away the impression that I need to be much more careful choosing my physician and asking questions, if I need anesthetics!
I received this book, which Dr. Benedict graciously inscribed with his words of wisdom, from a Goodreads Giveaway.
I did take away the impression that I need to be much more careful choosing my physician and asking questions, if I need anesthetics!
I received this book, which Dr. Benedict graciously inscribed with his words of wisdom, from a Goodreads Giveaway.
February 15, 2014
I like thrillers, and I really like medical thrillers, although I don't read a lot of them. There's something intriguing to me about how medical thrillers show you what could go wrong or make you think what if?
The storyline is excellent, with several subplots that come together throughout the book. Very believable and likeable (and some NOT likeable) characters. The only negative thing I can say about the book is that it moved a little slow to me in the beginning. But trust me when I say: When the action picks up, it picks up.
I gave this book 4.5 stars and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes thrillers, especially medical thrillers.
April 26, 2014
Who knew a book about anesthesiologists would be so suspenseful! I thoroughly enjoyed this book with all of its twists and turns. As I came to like some of the characters in the book, despite their flaws, I couldn't wait to get to the end of the book to find out the final outcome. I read this book on my Kindle and I read from my Kindle while pedaling away on my exercise bike. I had no problem hitting my peak pace while reading this book because I tend to speed up when I read something with a lot of action in it. Many of the operating room scenes provide plenty of that!
December 8, 2016
Medical Thriller
I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing is easy to read and the plot is scary. We place a lot of trust in the medical profession and this book shows
you what can go wrong for various reasons. It also shows the tremendous amount of strain a doctor goes through working long hours.
This is a good suspense book with an interesting plot that will keep you reading until the very end. You will need to set a block of time to read this book because you won't want to put it down once you start. Bravo and five stars for John Benedict.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing is easy to read and the plot is scary. We place a lot of trust in the medical profession and this book shows
you what can go wrong for various reasons. It also shows the tremendous amount of strain a doctor goes through working long hours.
This is a good suspense book with an interesting plot that will keep you reading until the very end. You will need to set a block of time to read this book because you won't want to put it down once you start. Bravo and five stars for John Benedict.
August 10, 2016
I really enjoyed Adrenaline, by Dr. John Benedict. It was a gripping medical thriller with a lot of twists and turns. This book held my interest from beginning to end. I normally do not pick up procedural novels because they tend to be a bit too technical to read easily. I think the author created a good mix of the suspense of a mystery and the realities of medicine. The characters were well developed and interesting. I look forward to reading Dr. Benedict’s next novel.
February 18, 2020
Wow! This was a scary medical thriller. I loved it. I gave it four stars, instead of five, because, at the end there is a vicious fight with guns being fired inside the hospital and no one hears it! Really? I just find that so unrealistic. Surely, even a private hospital has some sort of security! But, other than that, this is a fabulous book! If you like Robin Cook’s books, you should love this one!
February 18, 2014
I LOVE medical thrillers and this one was wonderful.
I had a very hard time putting this down. From the first page the suspense gets you.
I've read just about every Robin Cook book out there and this is right up there with those.
Great book John Benedict. I already got the second book waiting for me to read.
I had a very hard time putting this down. From the first page the suspense gets you.
I've read just about every Robin Cook book out there and this is right up there with those.
Great book John Benedict. I already got the second book waiting for me to read.
February 18, 2014
Medical novel
Loved this book as much as I did the second book.Lost sleep finishing it. Anyone who likes books on the medical profession will love this two book series. Can't wait for his next novel.
Loved this book as much as I did the second book.Lost sleep finishing it. Anyone who likes books on the medical profession will love this two book series. Can't wait for his next novel.
September 3, 2014
Great little thriller. A little journey through the ins and outs of an anesthesiologist's life. Not to mention, a little corruption and drama added to the plate. A lot of medical terminology, daily doctor struggles, and drugs are learned with this one. I love when a freebie turns out this well.
March 26, 2014
It has been a while since I read a medical thriller so this was a nice change of pace. That being said, there was an awful lot of medical terminology that was lost on me. It really didn't change what I thought of the book, I just skipped over it. The ending was exciting and appropriate.
April 3, 2014
very good book, hard to put down....just a few things seemed strange, in the middle of a hospital, guns going off, but no one hears! no security or anything!
a drug room is left open and unattended for an extended period of time!?
But all in all great book!
a drug room is left open and unattended for an extended period of time!?
But all in all great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews