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Lethal Cure
On his last shift in the emergency room, medical resident Jake Warner is looking forward to a change of pace. But then a teenage girl hobbles in on the stump of an amputated leg, collapses in his arms, and dies. She leaves behind a handbag with a barely legible diary of dreams. Haunted by his inability to save the girl, he photocopies the diary, hoping to discover why their lives intersected.
The more Warner learns about the diary, the more he realizes that nothing is a coincidence. Even after he moves on to a psychiatry rotation—where a patient dies unexpectedly and where he somehow forgets the events of an entire day—thoughts of the girl, and her diary, linger. In need of a break, he pools his vacation time and travels to Italy. There he falls in love. He figures out the connections among the deaths, the diary, and his forgotten day, but too late—everything he has learned is erased. His last hope is to reconnect with the woman he loves across a void of lost memories. Only then can he reveal the true cause of his patients’ deaths, and save himself.
The more Warner learns about the diary, the more he realizes that nothing is a coincidence. Even after he moves on to a psychiatry rotation—where a patient dies unexpectedly and where he somehow forgets the events of an entire day—thoughts of the girl, and her diary, linger. In need of a break, he pools his vacation time and travels to Italy. There he falls in love. He figures out the connections among the deaths, the diary, and his forgotten day, but too late—everything he has learned is erased. His last hope is to reconnect with the woman he loves across a void of lost memories. Only then can he reveal the true cause of his patients’ deaths, and save himself.
- GenresThriller
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2013
52 people are currently reading
87 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 20, 2023
I enjoyed the book and will read the author again. But I was not happy with the pacing of the story. The premise of the story is very interesting but was not really explained. It sort of was thrown at you towards the end. The author could have really hooked you by going into more detail as to how the whole experiment was being conducted for the rich benefactor. I will read this author again.
July 20, 2018
Pleasant and easy read
Good flow with nice character. Easy book for beach or for put down and pick up reading. Will read more of his
Good flow with nice character. Easy book for beach or for put down and pick up reading. Will read more of his
April 5, 2020
.
Great book couldn't put it down. Would love to read more with these characters.
Would recommend to friends and family.
Great book couldn't put it down. Would love to read more with these characters.
Would recommend to friends and family.
February 10, 2016
This medical mystery is a terrific book, with a fascinating premise, complex plot, and interesting, well-developed characters. The central character is a young intern, Jake Warner, confronted by a teenage girl who comes walking into the emergency room rapidly going into shock from loss of blood caused by the amputation of one of her feet. He desperately tries to save her, but despite his best efforts she dies, When he examines her possessions, he sees that she was carrying a gun and a small diary. Driven by concern and guilt over his failure to save her, he copies the diary in an effort to understand not only who she is but what brought her to this tragic end.
When he is moved from ER to his next rotation in psychiatry, he faces a disturbing development: the application by the head physician of a new procedure that eraces memories in a patient where the grief is too great to bear. It seems like a miracle, but instead the patient suffers from horrific night terrors following the procedure, and his body, unable to accept the stress, fails and he dies. Exhausted from the grueling schedule he is forced to keep, and distraught over these two recent deaths, when offered an almost too-good-to-be-true vacation in Europe, Jake grabs it, taking the diary with him to study.
The story evolves as he travels to Italy, meets a woman, Tykeria Jones, with whom he falls in love, and is faced with a number of strange occurances as he discovers he is being watched and followed wherever he goes. Working with his new girl friend to unravel the mysteries contained in the diary, he realizes, too late, that perhaps this trip really was too good to be true and that his focus on the diary poses a threat to powerful interests.
But let Apseloff tell you the story! His characters are smart, the dialogue clever but not precious, the plot exciting and filled with interesting twists, and the moral dilemma--how far we should be allowed to go in altering the brain--is one that gives us food for thought. While the story stands on its own--unlike some of those tricky books that virtually require that you buy the sequel to know how things end--you will want to know more. There are a few events left unexplained, and the reader will want to know more about Jake and the choices he makes in his future. Lethal Cure cries out for a sequel, and I hope Apseloff will be inspired to write one. I Cant wait!
When he is moved from ER to his next rotation in psychiatry, he faces a disturbing development: the application by the head physician of a new procedure that eraces memories in a patient where the grief is too great to bear. It seems like a miracle, but instead the patient suffers from horrific night terrors following the procedure, and his body, unable to accept the stress, fails and he dies. Exhausted from the grueling schedule he is forced to keep, and distraught over these two recent deaths, when offered an almost too-good-to-be-true vacation in Europe, Jake grabs it, taking the diary with him to study.
The story evolves as he travels to Italy, meets a woman, Tykeria Jones, with whom he falls in love, and is faced with a number of strange occurances as he discovers he is being watched and followed wherever he goes. Working with his new girl friend to unravel the mysteries contained in the diary, he realizes, too late, that perhaps this trip really was too good to be true and that his focus on the diary poses a threat to powerful interests.
But let Apseloff tell you the story! His characters are smart, the dialogue clever but not precious, the plot exciting and filled with interesting twists, and the moral dilemma--how far we should be allowed to go in altering the brain--is one that gives us food for thought. While the story stands on its own--unlike some of those tricky books that virtually require that you buy the sequel to know how things end--you will want to know more. There are a few events left unexplained, and the reader will want to know more about Jake and the choices he makes in his future. Lethal Cure cries out for a sequel, and I hope Apseloff will be inspired to write one. I Cant wait!
December 31, 2014
Mr. Apseloff might have secured himself a new fan.
'Lethal Cure' was an enjoyable ride all the way to the end. Glad I decided to purchase it; it was recommended to me by Bookbub. (Or Ereader News Today, I forgot which.)
Could do with a little line editing, a tiny little; and there were some loose ends I would like to see resolved—but I guess it would have made the book even longer than it is. Didn't get in the way of my enjoying the story over all, so 4 stars.
I especially liked the main character who was an ordinary guy, thoughtful and considerate without coming across as forced, or manipulative. I liked how the back story kept me guessing, and turned out to be a completely different thing from what I originally figured.
The whole thing worked because, I think, Apseloff didn't come out wanting to trick the readers, he's simply unfolding the story from the main character's point of view, staying faithful to the narrative thus making the mistakes the main character would have—and did.
There were flashbacks from a supporting character that were presented via a journal. I normally hate flashbacks, especially in dreams or a diary—and this was both, but it was cool here. Apseloff kept it tight, using them to give you a breather between roller coaster rides.
Give it a go if you like thriller, especially medical ones.
'Lethal Cure' was an enjoyable ride all the way to the end. Glad I decided to purchase it; it was recommended to me by Bookbub. (Or Ereader News Today, I forgot which.)
Could do with a little line editing, a tiny little; and there were some loose ends I would like to see resolved—but I guess it would have made the book even longer than it is. Didn't get in the way of my enjoying the story over all, so 4 stars.
I especially liked the main character who was an ordinary guy, thoughtful and considerate without coming across as forced, or manipulative. I liked how the back story kept me guessing, and turned out to be a completely different thing from what I originally figured.
The whole thing worked because, I think, Apseloff didn't come out wanting to trick the readers, he's simply unfolding the story from the main character's point of view, staying faithful to the narrative thus making the mistakes the main character would have—and did.
There were flashbacks from a supporting character that were presented via a journal. I normally hate flashbacks, especially in dreams or a diary—and this was both, but it was cool here. Apseloff kept it tight, using them to give you a breather between roller coaster rides.
Give it a go if you like thriller, especially medical ones.
Want to read
January 11, 2017Five star rating - error when trying to rate!
Very good read. First part of book is about a third year medical resident and his trials in clinical and life in general. While he is on his psychiatric rotation under a famous psychiatrist, he watches an ablative memory procedure done on one of his patients. The patient had been in an horrific wreck in which his wife had died and he had been suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. The procedure would make him totally forget the wreck and they would notify him of his wife's death and that he had been in a wreck, but not any details. This new procedure was soon to become the rage.
Then, out of the blue, the resident is awarded a huge prize from a superstore for an all expenses paid two week European vacation. Surprisingly, his clinical director, the same psychiatrist, lets him go! There are a few weird stipulations, but the main thing is that he has a good time. He does - very good! However, when he gets back, he sadly finds out that someone else will remember his vacation instead of him - including the woman he fell in love with!
Read the book to find out why and how and what happens. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Very good read. First part of book is about a third year medical resident and his trials in clinical and life in general. While he is on his psychiatric rotation under a famous psychiatrist, he watches an ablative memory procedure done on one of his patients. The patient had been in an horrific wreck in which his wife had died and he had been suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. The procedure would make him totally forget the wreck and they would notify him of his wife's death and that he had been in a wreck, but not any details. This new procedure was soon to become the rage.
Then, out of the blue, the resident is awarded a huge prize from a superstore for an all expenses paid two week European vacation. Surprisingly, his clinical director, the same psychiatrist, lets him go! There are a few weird stipulations, but the main thing is that he has a good time. He does - very good! However, when he gets back, he sadly finds out that someone else will remember his vacation instead of him - including the woman he fell in love with!
Read the book to find out why and how and what happens. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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January 5, 2016As a nurse, I love anything medically based, well almost anything. Lethal Cure by Glen Apseloff begins with a bang. The first two chapters kept me riveted and turning the pages. I liked the idea of erasing memories too painful to deal with. Imagine for a moment missing a segment of time from your life and how it would impact your day-to-day life. The twists and turns of that are limitless. However, the plot took another direction and rather than spoiling it for you, I'll let you discover for yourself where the story goes. I gave this three stars for several reasons: 1) The plot while it had promise seemed too far fetched and when something stretches my credibility, you tend to lose me. 2) I didn't care for the main character, primarily because as an educated man, I expected him to ask more questions when presented with a gift sounding too good to be true; he didn't. As a result, he came across as a weak man willing to be led anywhere, literally. 3) The other characters were intriguing, but not well rounded. Still, the writing was engaging and the story intriguing enough to keep me reading.Lethal Cure If you like medical thrillers, this might interest you. So, check it out.
August 23, 2015
There were a lot of interested things about this book. The main character was described well and was relatable. The part about the character Alicia and her parents didn't fit into the story and feel flat. Also, there was one mention of a general and a civilian high positioned person in the book and then nothing else of them again in the book. Glen Apseloff's book, Dying to remember was a much better book then this one. Still a fairly decent read. I don't feel like I wasted hours of my life that I can't get back. No pun intended.
There were a lot of interested things about this book. The main character was described well and was relatable. The part about the character Alicia and her parents didn't fit into the story and fell flat. Also, there was one mention of a general and a civilian high positioned person in the book and then nothing else of them again in the book. Glen Apseloff's book, Dying to remember was a much better book then this one. Still a fairly decent read. I don't feel like I wasted hours of my life that I can't get back. No pun intended.
There were a lot of interested things about this book. The main character was described well and was relatable. The part about the character Alicia and her parents didn't fit into the story and fell flat. Also, there was one mention of a general and a civilian high positioned person in the book and then nothing else of them again in the book. Glen Apseloff's book, Dying to remember was a much better book then this one. Still a fairly decent read. I don't feel like I wasted hours of my life that I can't get back. No pun intended.
August 8, 2015
Implausible plot
It's hard to write a novel, so anyone deserves a star or two for effort, but I can't say much to recommend this one. The main character is too naive and immature to believe, the plot verges on silly, and the murders make little sense. The dialogue is stilted and unnatural. I think it should be called a romance novel rather than medical mystery and the descriptions of both medical and psychiatric practices and procedures made me wonder if the author had any actual knowledge of such things. I finished the book, because I was curious about the ending, but it was unsatisfying and there were several loose ends left untied. Perhaps there is a sequel, but sadly, I didn't care enough about any of the characters to want to read further.
It's hard to write a novel, so anyone deserves a star or two for effort, but I can't say much to recommend this one. The main character is too naive and immature to believe, the plot verges on silly, and the murders make little sense. The dialogue is stilted and unnatural. I think it should be called a romance novel rather than medical mystery and the descriptions of both medical and psychiatric practices and procedures made me wonder if the author had any actual knowledge of such things. I finished the book, because I was curious about the ending, but it was unsatisfying and there were several loose ends left untied. Perhaps there is a sequel, but sadly, I didn't care enough about any of the characters to want to read further.
May 25, 2016
HE DOES IT AGAIN,
Five stars for Glen Apseloff, AGAIN! Like his previous book, Dying to Remember, Lethal Cure is two stories in one; a mystery surrounding the sudden death of a teenaged girl in the ER & on the other side, it's a love story. I do not particularly care for love stories but before you move on, this is unlike any love story I've heard of before. This love story is shrouded in mystery & is artfully linked by Apseloff w/ the questions surrounding the unexplained deaths that haunt Dr. Jake Warner. Throw into the mix a too good to be true all expenses paid European holiday & you have another Can't Put Down book!
Five stars for Glen Apseloff, AGAIN! Like his previous book, Dying to Remember, Lethal Cure is two stories in one; a mystery surrounding the sudden death of a teenaged girl in the ER & on the other side, it's a love story. I do not particularly care for love stories but before you move on, this is unlike any love story I've heard of before. This love story is shrouded in mystery & is artfully linked by Apseloff w/ the questions surrounding the unexplained deaths that haunt Dr. Jake Warner. Throw into the mix a too good to be true all expenses paid European holiday & you have another Can't Put Down book!
September 30, 2015
Thought-provoking, and frustrating
This book was definitely a page turner, but it didn't follow the usual rules. The intriguing events that happened early on were stranded for several chapters while new seemingly unrelated events occurred. I felt a sense of incontinuity while reading this engaging story. Loose ends throughout, with detailed side trips. Nevertheless I could not put it down, knowing there was an answer somewhere. Apseloff tied everything together neatly at the end. A satisfying read, full of imagination and intrigue.
This book was definitely a page turner, but it didn't follow the usual rules. The intriguing events that happened early on were stranded for several chapters while new seemingly unrelated events occurred. I felt a sense of incontinuity while reading this engaging story. Loose ends throughout, with detailed side trips. Nevertheless I could not put it down, knowing there was an answer somewhere. Apseloff tied everything together neatly at the end. A satisfying read, full of imagination and intrigue.
August 25, 2015
Memories stolen so another can overcome their troma.
A resident doctor is working long hours. His next rotation is psychology. There meets his teaching doctor who has created a memory loss treatment that is designed to help trauma patients forget tragic incidents. While there he is surprised that he has won all expenses paid vacation to Europe where he meets women, one of which he loves dearly. His memory of this trip and a patient's odd death is lost. Will he find answers to what he lost?
A resident doctor is working long hours. His next rotation is psychology. There meets his teaching doctor who has created a memory loss treatment that is designed to help trauma patients forget tragic incidents. While there he is surprised that he has won all expenses paid vacation to Europe where he meets women, one of which he loves dearly. His memory of this trip and a patient's odd death is lost. Will he find answers to what he lost?
July 7, 2016
A young doctor wishes that he could forget the loss of a patient after a horrific accident. This is a definite case of be careful what you wish for. Intrigue from start to finish in this unusual story.
November 9, 2014
Love it. Untik the end I still cannot predict the ending. And it says something considering I read many thrillers. Cannot wait to read another books from Mr Apseloff
December 26, 2014
very different
This book kept me captivated. I really didn't know where it was going till the end. Not the usual medical thriller ending.
This book kept me captivated. I really didn't know where it was going till the end. Not the usual medical thriller ending.
May 12, 2015
This isn't your typical medical thriller. Although there were some sinister parts & a few unresolved threads, it wasn't predictable.
February 20, 2016
Fiction or potential reality?
Fast moving, interesting read. Made one wonder what life would be like if someone stole your memory. Easy read. Great ending.
Fast moving, interesting read. Made one wonder what life would be like if someone stole your memory. Easy read. Great ending.
May 1, 2016
Lethal Cure
Interesting story. A resident physician is offered a trip of a lifetime and it required signing a contract. The ultimate cost of the trip is too much, but no way out..
Interesting story. A resident physician is offered a trip of a lifetime and it required signing a contract. The ultimate cost of the trip is too much, but no way out..
August 9, 2016
Great Reading!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I did the first two. Very suspenseful. A real page turner. I was kept intrigued all the way through... Thanks
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I did the first two. Very suspenseful. A real page turner. I was kept intrigued all the way through... Thanks
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May 22, 2018Another Awesome Book! Waiting for more medical Thrillers
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews