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Critical Diagnosis
HER PERSONAL PROTECTOR
Researcher Dr. Lily McAllister has dedicated her life to finding a cure for a family disease and now, steps away from a promising new treatment, Lily is attacked. Only the training of army physician James O'Reilly can save her. As the would-be CEO of his family's pharmaceutical company, James's secret dream is to reenlist. But he can't leave Lily with a bull's-eye on her back. Nor can he stay and stop her from pursuing her goal. No one can, including the stalker who shadows her every move. Still, James has lost too many people he's loved—and this time he refuses to lose Lily.
Researcher Dr. Lily McAllister has dedicated her life to finding a cure for a family disease and now, steps away from a promising new treatment, Lily is attacked. Only the training of army physician James O'Reilly can save her. As the would-be CEO of his family's pharmaceutical company, James's secret dream is to reenlist. But he can't leave Lily with a bull's-eye on her back. Nor can he stay and stop her from pursuing her goal. No one can, including the stalker who shadows her every move. Still, James has lost too many people he's loved—and this time he refuses to lose Lily.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
164 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Alison Stone
43 books171 followersAlison Stone writes sweet romance, cozy mysteries, and inspirational romantic suspense, some of which contain bonnets and buggies.
Alison often refers to herself as the "accidental Amish author." She decided to try her hand at the genre after an editor put a call out for more Amish romantic suspense. Intrigued—and who doesn't love the movie Witness with Harrison Ford?—Alison dug into research, including visits to the Amish communities in Western New York where she lives. This sparked numerous story ideas, the first leading to her debut novel with Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense. Four subsequent Love Inspired Suspense titles went on to earn RT magazine's TOP PICK! designation, their highest ranking.
When Alison’s not plotting ways to bring mayhem to Amish communities, she’s writing inspirational romantic suspense with a more modern setting, sweet romances, and cozy mysteries, including her new Murphy's Dance Academy series. In order to meet her deadlines, she has to block the internet and hide her smartphone.
Married and the mother of four (almost) grown kids, Alison lives in the suburbs of Buffalo where the summers are gorgeous and the winters are perfect for curling up with a book—or writing one.
Alison often refers to herself as the "accidental Amish author." She decided to try her hand at the genre after an editor put a call out for more Amish romantic suspense. Intrigued—and who doesn't love the movie Witness with Harrison Ford?—Alison dug into research, including visits to the Amish communities in Western New York where she lives. This sparked numerous story ideas, the first leading to her debut novel with Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense. Four subsequent Love Inspired Suspense titles went on to earn RT magazine's TOP PICK! designation, their highest ranking.
When Alison’s not plotting ways to bring mayhem to Amish communities, she’s writing inspirational romantic suspense with a more modern setting, sweet romances, and cozy mysteries, including her new Murphy's Dance Academy series. In order to meet her deadlines, she has to block the internet and hide her smartphone.
Married and the mother of four (almost) grown kids, Alison lives in the suburbs of Buffalo where the summers are gorgeous and the winters are perfect for curling up with a book—or writing one.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 3, 2018
For some reason, this one just didn't grab me. I didn't get quite the right impression of it from the summary, so I was expecting a bit of a different story. The style was a bit hard for me to get into, and I found some of the characters' changes and motivations a little hard to understand. Also, everything seemed to work itself out rather quickly at the end.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
July 13, 2014
This was a great mystery/suspense book. Pharmaceutical researcher Lily is working at a low income clinic when she is attacked. James, an Army doctor, saves her but she continues to be stalked. James struggles to protect Lily while trying to convince his family that he wants to re-enlist not become CEO of the pharmaceutical company. I identified several suspects as I couldn't put the book down until the actual culprit(s) were revealed. I was disappointed in the ending as the epilogue happening 9 months later did not include an update on Emily. Other than that, it was a great book. Great for the beach, pool, waiting in line - basically anywhere, anytime.
August 9, 2014
CRITICAL DIAGNOSIS, by Alison Stone has characters that are very interesting, however, I thought the pacing moved along rather slowly at first, but smoothly, yet the great story line kept me wanting to find out what would happen next, so I kept reading. The villain was a surprise BUT the ending was a wonderful and sweet love story, filled with love, faith, hope, inspiration and courage. I highly recommend this book to anyone liking good clean inspiring suspense novels.
March 16, 2019
The race is on to find a cure for a family disease that has claimed the life of researcher Lily McAllister, and the disease that is currently infecting her young niece. Someone is after Lily, or appears to be; someone who wants her research.
Dr. James O’Reilly is the heir to the pharmaceutical company where Lily works, and whose family took her in after her mother (their housekeeper) passed away from the disease Lily is working to find the cure for. James is obviously struck by her right from the get go. Romance didn’t play a huge role – it was more about Lily being stalked while trying to find the cure.
This is a Harlequin romantic suspense novel in Harlequin’s faith-based fiction line. It’s not heavy on the romance, or on the faith aspect. Both Lily and James have faith – James’ parents were missionaries who were killed in a plane crash, and Lily strayed from her faith. They both resolve their “faith issues” at the end.
There is suspense and intrigue throughout the entire novel - sometimes enough to keep the reader wondering what is coming next.
The author did a great job creating the suspenseful scenes but I found that the “subtle” hints or red herrings planted here and there were predictable, at least to me they were (I knew exactly who was the “mastermind” behind everything from Chapter 1). The descriptions of characters and places were well done and I could picture some of the locations – a contrast between the very rich and poorest of the poor.
What drove me crazy throughout the novel was the fact that the author kept the name of the disease secret (she did explain her reasons in the author’s note but still, it was not fun being kept in the dark). I didn’t feel the urgency in finding the cure simply because I didn’t know what it was, how serious a disease it was, nor really what the symptoms were that struck fear in Lily’s heart (the ones that ultimately led to her Mom’s death).
Overall, it was an okay read.
Dr. James O’Reilly is the heir to the pharmaceutical company where Lily works, and whose family took her in after her mother (their housekeeper) passed away from the disease Lily is working to find the cure for. James is obviously struck by her right from the get go. Romance didn’t play a huge role – it was more about Lily being stalked while trying to find the cure.
This is a Harlequin romantic suspense novel in Harlequin’s faith-based fiction line. It’s not heavy on the romance, or on the faith aspect. Both Lily and James have faith – James’ parents were missionaries who were killed in a plane crash, and Lily strayed from her faith. They both resolve their “faith issues” at the end.
There is suspense and intrigue throughout the entire novel - sometimes enough to keep the reader wondering what is coming next.
The author did a great job creating the suspenseful scenes but I found that the “subtle” hints or red herrings planted here and there were predictable, at least to me they were (I knew exactly who was the “mastermind” behind everything from Chapter 1). The descriptions of characters and places were well done and I could picture some of the locations – a contrast between the very rich and poorest of the poor.
What drove me crazy throughout the novel was the fact that the author kept the name of the disease secret (she did explain her reasons in the author’s note but still, it was not fun being kept in the dark). I didn’t feel the urgency in finding the cure simply because I didn’t know what it was, how serious a disease it was, nor really what the symptoms were that struck fear in Lily’s heart (the ones that ultimately led to her Mom’s death).
Overall, it was an okay read.
October 16, 2020
This made for a very quick read, nothing memorable, but help passes the time. Some good suspense throughout the book, but the villain was very weak, and the plot very predictable.
I found both main characters to be OK, both are very strong with their ideas and principals. If the book was longer, their characters should be further explored. Lily and James are definitely not to be underestimated for their determination and stubbornness.
I found both main characters to be OK, both are very strong with their ideas and principals. If the book was longer, their characters should be further explored. Lily and James are definitely not to be underestimated for their determination and stubbornness.
April 10, 2023
Love from your family means a lot!!!!!
Really enjoyed this book! When a bok keeps me involved in the story line and the characters stand out , I feel the book deserves a 5 rating. This was a clean book, no cussing, which makes it even better. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys mystery and romance.
Really enjoyed this book! When a bok keeps me involved in the story line and the characters stand out , I feel the book deserves a 5 rating. This was a clean book, no cussing, which makes it even better. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys mystery and romance.
June 15, 2023
Lily's focus on research to hopefully cure her family's genetic disease made sense, and the gradual build-up of her relationship with James was well developed. What didn't make sense to me was how James' cousin Stephanie reacted to her grandparents "favoring" James. It paid off when she was the evil mastermind, but it felt a bit forced at the beginning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2018
Suspense/mystery is my favorite genre, but when it also includes medical or pharmaceutical talk, I'm in my glory! And if it's Love Inspired, there's a bonus point, because you know it will be clean!
February 20, 2022
Dr Lily McAllister had a dream that she determined to fulfill not matter the consequences. She has a stalker who is just as determined that she won't live to fulfill those dreams.
Check out the book I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Check out the book I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.
November 5, 2019
Really enjoyed this light love/ suspense story. Lily and James were great characters to follow and would recommend this book.
June 7, 2020
Sorry. I didn’t get the review written in time, so I’ve forgotten the good & bad points about this book.
The characters were written well.
The characters were written well.
November 25, 2020
It was an okay story. Knew that the villain was the villain first thing.
April 6, 2023
Interesting story
December 24, 2025
Needed more development, and the final climax was a little disappointing.
July 23, 2014
After reading Plain Pursuit by Alison Stone, I couldn't wait for the next Love Inspired Suspense story by this author. I enjoyed reading her first LIS, but Critical Diagnosis was even better! The suspense in the book made me turning pages, but it's Ms. Stone's wonderful writing style and a great sense of humor that made this book a stand out for me. The vivid interaction between the main characters was so much fun to read, and their courage in the face of difficult and painful circumstances made it easy to root for them.
Dr. Lily McAllister has a personal stake in finding a treatment and possibly a cure for a rare genetic disease. She's a workaholic with no time for romance in her life. Even when she starts feeling an attraction to an army physician James O'Reilly who protects her from an attacker and is by her side to save her life - and her important research. James's mind says he has no time for romance either as he plans to reenlist, but his heart says otherwise.
Alison Stone is on my auto-buy list. Need I say more?
Dr. Lily McAllister has a personal stake in finding a treatment and possibly a cure for a rare genetic disease. She's a workaholic with no time for romance in her life. Even when she starts feeling an attraction to an army physician James O'Reilly who protects her from an attacker and is by her side to save her life - and her important research. James's mind says he has no time for romance either as he plans to reenlist, but his heart says otherwise.
Alison Stone is on my auto-buy list. Need I say more?
July 16, 2014
Critical Diagnosis by Alison Stone is a suspenseful, terrific read. Although I consider it a great beach read, it's perfect for all year round. The story centers around researcher, Lily McAllister, and her quest to find a cure for an illness that has ravaged her mother's life and threatens the life of her young niece. When a dangerous man attempts to enter the clinic Lily works at, and attacks her in the process, Lily suddenly has a target on her back. Rescued from harm by her colleague, James O'Reilly, the heir to a pharmaceutical company, Lily is grateful, yet doesn't want to mix business with pleasure. Lily is a workaholic who doesn't have a personal life and avoids romantic complications. As Lily continues to be the target of an unknown assailant bent on her destruction, James makes it his mission to keep Lily safe from harm. Sparks fly between Lily and James in this edge of your seat, thrilling and emotionally satisfying novel. Well done!
September 8, 2020
The Family Business
Lily has been working on a cure for a rare, but deadly disease for years to the exclusion of living fully. She oves her work in the Lab, but occasionally helps in the Clinic. Dr. James, as he is affectionlly called, is often found in the Clinic since returning from the Army. His desire is to reenlist in the Army where he knows he will continue to make a difference. But his grandfather especially has a different plan for him. Suddenly Lilly is accosted at the back of the Lab, but Dr. Jamie comes to her rescue. Although at the time, Lilly thinks it's just someone who wants drugs, the same man continues to hunt her down in different places. She doesn't understand why. Great suspense and light romance make for a wonderful read by a talented author.
Lily has been working on a cure for a rare, but deadly disease for years to the exclusion of living fully. She oves her work in the Lab, but occasionally helps in the Clinic. Dr. James, as he is affectionlly called, is often found in the Clinic since returning from the Army. His desire is to reenlist in the Army where he knows he will continue to make a difference. But his grandfather especially has a different plan for him. Suddenly Lilly is accosted at the back of the Lab, but Dr. Jamie comes to her rescue. Although at the time, Lilly thinks it's just someone who wants drugs, the same man continues to hunt her down in different places. She doesn't understand why. Great suspense and light romance make for a wonderful read by a talented author.
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November 30, 2016I just could not get into this book. The premise, a medical researcher being stalked for reasons at least initially unknown, caught my eye. The book did start off with an engaging action sequence and I could even see the heir to the pharmaceutical company funding Lily McAllister's research as a likable love interest.
However, the author turns quickly from streamlined action and suspense into some kitchen sink plotting which quickly turned the book cumbersome. Add into that the fact that I was able to guess the villain before I was even one third of my way through the book and I decided to call it quits.
However, the author turns quickly from streamlined action and suspense into some kitchen sink plotting which quickly turned the book cumbersome. Add into that the fact that I was able to guess the villain before I was even one third of my way through the book and I decided to call it quits.
July 18, 2015
I've enjoyed reading all of Alison Stone's books, and Critical Diagnosis did not disappoint. Alison writes smart, witty, and interesting suspense. I really liked the pharmaceutical storyline which I thought provided a unique and fresh twist. I loved the hero James and really appreciated seeing such a smart and driven heroine like Lily. Alison put in enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right until the end. If you enjoy inspirational romantic suspense, then you should definitely read Alison Stone's books.
July 19, 2020
Amazingly Suspenseful!
Amazing and intriguing suspense coupled with a sweet romance between two young people who find themselves thrown together by circumstances and compelling respect for one another.This small town romance between two people who have grown up together but have been apart from each other was definitely a great read with characters that will keep you wanting more from this author.
Amazing and intriguing suspense coupled with a sweet romance between two young people who find themselves thrown together by circumstances and compelling respect for one another.This small town romance between two people who have grown up together but have been apart from each other was definitely a great read with characters that will keep you wanting more from this author.
March 11, 2016
Not one of my favorites in the Love Inspired Suspense books. Lily McAllister, a researcher, has dedicated her life to finding a cure for the disease that killed her mother and it now has her niece sick also. She works in a clinic with handsome Dr. James O'Reilly, and they have been friends forever, but now they are drawn together when Lilly's life is in danger.
January 6, 2017
Generally a good read, but... I didn't mind the Christian/faith references during the story as they were unobtrusive and were written in as part of the characters. The epilogue, though, pretty much beats you about the head with them almost like the editor said, hey we need more so we can classify this as a christian book
July 27, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It was light, engaging summer reading, sort of took me back to those feelings, romance, doubts, and questionings when I was in my 20s. I also liked the positive message about faith and how things worked out in the end.
February 24, 2015
I liked this book. I usually don't read a lot of Harlequins but this is from the Love inspired suspense group. I liked the characters and the little mystery involved. It did seem to move slowly at first though.
June 13, 2021
Good suspense
This book has an interesting story line. The characters are believable. The plot was thought out. This is my second Allison Stone book. I will be reading more.
This book has an interesting story line. The characters are believable. The plot was thought out. This is my second Allison Stone book. I will be reading more.
May 28, 2014
I really enjoyed this book.. A very good story with a good mystery..
June 18, 2015
easy fun clean love story.
February 4, 2016
Very poorly written and I give it one star for at least having correct punctuation
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January 24, 2017I like this book I have it a couple of time.
July 23, 2020
Great Story
Well written story that keeps you on the edge of your chair. Suspense and murder and love and caring all intertwined to keep your interest. And a great ending!
Well written story that keeps you on the edge of your chair. Suspense and murder and love and caring all intertwined to keep your interest. And a great ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews