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Rooftop
“What kind of a monster would murder his own sister?”
Voncelle Wallace, a recycled physician from a failed medical practice, lands employment at the Cummins-Bratton Surgical Center and continues to battle her demons of regret and might-have-beens. Her husband, Chuck, is a high-dollar real estate negotiator for the international acquisition of the lucrative Belmont Clinic, a nearby exclusive, multiservice medical and cosmetic treatment practice.
The Belmont family of physicians tends to put profits above ethics, and Chuck is not above cooking the books to his and their advantage. But before the deal can be consummated, a rifle fired from a rooftop puts financial negotiations on hold.
Surgeon Diana Bratton’s effort to avoid the Belmonts and simplify her life is derailed when new patient, Roy Garnett, arrives at her office. Roy confides that his mentally ill nephew has accused him of murdering his sister, the nephew’s mother. Suddenly, Diana finds herself again drawn into a tangled web of deceit, high-stakes intrigue, and multiple homicide that this time could involve Voncelle Wallace.
ROOFTOP is the third suspense thriller in the surgeon Diana Bratton trilogy, which includes WIGGLE ROOM and THE 5 MANNERS OF DEATH.
Voncelle Wallace, a recycled physician from a failed medical practice, lands employment at the Cummins-Bratton Surgical Center and continues to battle her demons of regret and might-have-beens. Her husband, Chuck, is a high-dollar real estate negotiator for the international acquisition of the lucrative Belmont Clinic, a nearby exclusive, multiservice medical and cosmetic treatment practice.
The Belmont family of physicians tends to put profits above ethics, and Chuck is not above cooking the books to his and their advantage. But before the deal can be consummated, a rifle fired from a rooftop puts financial negotiations on hold.
Surgeon Diana Bratton’s effort to avoid the Belmonts and simplify her life is derailed when new patient, Roy Garnett, arrives at her office. Roy confides that his mentally ill nephew has accused him of murdering his sister, the nephew’s mother. Suddenly, Diana finds herself again drawn into a tangled web of deceit, high-stakes intrigue, and multiple homicide that this time could involve Voncelle Wallace.
ROOFTOP is the third suspense thriller in the surgeon Diana Bratton trilogy, which includes WIGGLE ROOM and THE 5 MANNERS OF DEATH.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2025
6 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Darden North
11 books42 followersDarden North's mystery and thriller novels have been awarded nationally, most notably an IPPY in Southern Fiction for "Points of Origin."
"The Five Manners of Death" released June 15, 2017, joins his other novels "Wiggle Room," "Fresh Frozen," and "House Call." Darden has served on author panels at writing conferences including Killer Nashville, Murder on the Menu, SIBA Thriller Author Panel, and Murder in the Magic City. To book Darden for a book club, book signing, or presentation contact: Darden@DardenNorth.com.
A board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist practicing at Jackson (MS) Healthcare for Women, Darden North is Chairman of the Board of the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Foundation and member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of the Mississippi Medical Association. He lives in Jackson, Mississippi, with his wife Sally and enjoys family, travel, and, outdoor activities. The Norths have two adult children, who also work in the medical field.
Darden invites his readers and friends to visit his author page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DardenNorthA...
"The Five Manners of Death" released June 15, 2017, joins his other novels "Wiggle Room," "Fresh Frozen," and "House Call." Darden has served on author panels at writing conferences including Killer Nashville, Murder on the Menu, SIBA Thriller Author Panel, and Murder in the Magic City. To book Darden for a book club, book signing, or presentation contact: Darden@DardenNorth.com.
A board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist practicing at Jackson (MS) Healthcare for Women, Darden North is Chairman of the Board of the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Foundation and member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of the Mississippi Medical Association. He lives in Jackson, Mississippi, with his wife Sally and enjoys family, travel, and, outdoor activities. The Norths have two adult children, who also work in the medical field.
Darden invites his readers and friends to visit his author page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DardenNorthA...
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 7, 2025
This is book three of the Diana Bratton trilogy, but you do not have to read the previous two first since the story is self-contained. North’s writing requires close attention since many of the stories are intertwined and what appears to be a minor character could be a major one. There are plot twists and scattered clues which I enjoy and while I guessed at the possible conclusion, in this book I was surprised. The characters are well developed and his descriptions of them and their mannerisms add much to the story. While the story takes place in Mississippi, the events and characters, such as the Belmonts, could be anywhere, and the story has an international subplot too.
I enjoy North’s books, and they are an excellent summer read. He gave a presentation a few years ago at the Natchez Literary Festival where he was referred to as a “Doctor who writes”. No one ever referred to Faulkner as a “postmaster who writes” so I prefer to think of him as a writer who is very knowledgeable about medicine.
The books keep up a fast pace, which makes you not to want to put the story down, which is why I like to read them in the summer since I have more time.
I enjoy North’s books, and they are an excellent summer read. He gave a presentation a few years ago at the Natchez Literary Festival where he was referred to as a “Doctor who writes”. No one ever referred to Faulkner as a “postmaster who writes” so I prefer to think of him as a writer who is very knowledgeable about medicine.
The books keep up a fast pace, which makes you not to want to put the story down, which is why I like to read them in the summer since I have more time.
August 25, 2025
Cleverly written book!
It’s mainly about a medical surgical practice and a company that’s trying to buy them out.
There are many murders that happen. It is definitely suspenseful, but also has some very funny parts too.
The characters are great!
Darden references a men’s walking group which is a true thing in our neighborhood!
It’s mainly about a medical surgical practice and a company that’s trying to buy them out.
There are many murders that happen. It is definitely suspenseful, but also has some very funny parts too.
The characters are great!
Darden references a men’s walking group which is a true thing in our neighborhood!
July 28, 2025
Fast paced and full of surprises (usually in the form of a new murder victim!). The husband and wife doctor team plus the “fun aunt” are solid characters. Not everything got wrapped up and solved—so look forward to the next installment.
July 9, 2025
I loved Rooftop! It kept me interested from start to finish with interesting, colorful characters and lots of twists. I'm looking forward to find out what happens next for Dr.'s Bratton and Cummins!! Keep. 'em coming Dr. North!!
Sharon L.
Sharon L.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews