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An AJ Docker and Banshee Thriller #5
Terminal Exchanges: An AJ Docker and Banshee Thriller
"The accuracy of medical details and credible bomb threats mixed with genuine characters guarantees an unputdownable read. Buckle in and get ready for a fast-paced ride!" –Ivanka Fear, author of The Dead Lie and Where is My Husband?
Like other large cities, Miami, known for its beautiful beaches, night life, and cuisine, suffers from an ugly undercurrent of violence. AJ Docker is forced to face off with that subculture when a gang invades the emergency room and brutally murders one of his patients in front of him and threatens Doc himself. After he surmises that a woman and her young son may be next on the hit list, he and Banshee, his well-trained service dog, embark on a search for the killers to protect the innocent woman and child.
As he investigates, he realizes the threats of further violence stem from not only a local gang but also international terrorists. When Doc and Banshee interfere with their horrific plans, the killers set their sights on Doc. In a harrowing race for survival, Doc and the killers track each other down, while Doc helps a close friend navigate a complex, life-threatening medical emergency.
Like other large cities, Miami, known for its beautiful beaches, night life, and cuisine, suffers from an ugly undercurrent of violence. AJ Docker is forced to face off with that subculture when a gang invades the emergency room and brutally murders one of his patients in front of him and threatens Doc himself. After he surmises that a woman and her young son may be next on the hit list, he and Banshee, his well-trained service dog, embark on a search for the killers to protect the innocent woman and child.
As he investigates, he realizes the threats of further violence stem from not only a local gang but also international terrorists. When Doc and Banshee interfere with their horrific plans, the killers set their sights on Doc. In a harrowing race for survival, Doc and the killers track each other down, while Doc helps a close friend navigate a complex, life-threatening medical emergency.
257 pages, Hardcover
Published October 30, 2025
545 people are currently reading
1506 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
June 1, 2025
Terminal Exchanges is a fast-paced medical thriller with high-stakes drama and nonstop emergency room action. You’re in good hands when AJ ‘Doc’ Docker and retired police dog Banshee are on call! Highly recommended for excellent characters, snappy dialogue and page-turning thrills!
December 1, 2025
This is the 5th book I have read of this series. Once again it grips you from the start and keeps your interest until the end when you can’t wait to read the next book. I originally picked this book because of the dog but loved the other characters as well. I wish every hospital had a therapy dog like Banshee! I learn something new about the hospital emergency room in each story. In this book it’s transplants.
Thank you for ARC of this book. I have enjoyed each one of your books Dr. Gerlacher.
Thank you for ARC of this book. I have enjoyed each one of your books Dr. Gerlacher.
November 21, 2025
Riveting
Once started, it was very difficult to put down. The interjected humor was timely as was the action. Yet another good action packed book!
Once started, it was very difficult to put down. The interjected humor was timely as was the action. Yet another good action packed book!
November 20, 2025
AJ Docker and his dog Banshee find themselves in danger after a deadly attack in the emergency room and their risk to save a young woman and her young son from those that want her and her son dead. Book five in exciting medical dramas. Now to wait on book six which can’t come quick enough.
June 1, 2025
“Terminal Exchanges” by Gary Gerlacher is a real page turner. I was hooked from the very first page, and once I started reading, I couldn’t stop until I got to the end. This is the fifth book in the A.J. Docker and Banshee Thriller series, but this is the first one that I’ve read (and it certainly won’t be the last!). In this book “Doc” is working in an emergency room in a Miami hospital when the man he is treating is brutally murdered right before his eyes. This sets off a chain of events that will keep you on the edge of your seat for the whole wild ride. But that’s not all. Doc’s girlfriend’s son is facing a life-or-death emergency of his own and he wants to be there for her as well.
Gerlacher, who is a pediatric emergency physician with more than thirty years of experience, expertly describes the life and hospital work of Doc and his former police dog Banshee while they not only solve medical mysteries but also crimes as well. People who fans of thrillers will absolutely love this book! In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes a television series someday.
I am grateful to have received an ARC and my opinions are my own.
Gerlacher, who is a pediatric emergency physician with more than thirty years of experience, expertly describes the life and hospital work of Doc and his former police dog Banshee while they not only solve medical mysteries but also crimes as well. People who fans of thrillers will absolutely love this book! In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes a television series someday.
I am grateful to have received an ARC and my opinions are my own.
May 31, 2025
I’m always looking for a book that will hook me right away and keep the pages turning well past bedtime. Terminal Exchanges, Gary Gerlacher’s latest work, does exactly that. With his unique blend of wry humor, excellent characters, and tightly coiled tension, Gerlacher delivers a medical thriller that will appeal to fans of suspenseful action, hospital dramas, and crime fiction.
Terminal Exchanges interweaves two plot lines: one, the sudden illness and hospitalization of the son of A.J. Docker’s girlfriend; two, the aftermath of a cartel-led shooting in Docker’s Miami ER. Both storylines bring plenty of the drama, character development, and catch-your-breath moments that fans of the A.J. Docker series have come to expect. And, yes, Banshee continues to amaze with his ex-police-dog heroics. The novel reads like a standalone, and if you’re new to the series, it’s a great place to jump in. If you’ve read the other books, this one will remind you of what got you hooked on the series in the first place.
Terminal Exchanges interweaves two plot lines: one, the sudden illness and hospitalization of the son of A.J. Docker’s girlfriend; two, the aftermath of a cartel-led shooting in Docker’s Miami ER. Both storylines bring plenty of the drama, character development, and catch-your-breath moments that fans of the A.J. Docker series have come to expect. And, yes, Banshee continues to amaze with his ex-police-dog heroics. The novel reads like a standalone, and if you’re new to the series, it’s a great place to jump in. If you’ve read the other books, this one will remind you of what got you hooked on the series in the first place.
July 4, 2025
"Terminal Exchanges by Gary Gerlacher is #5 of the Docker/Banshee series, and while I enjoyed the other books, this might be his best. Set in Miami, Docker is an emergency room doctor. A gang storms into the hospital and assassinates one of his patients, but it doesn’t end there. He discovers that a woman and her young son might be next. So Docker does what he does best- besides heal patients. He and his trusty former police dog set out trying to find answers, only to discover that there is much more to this than just a gang. Terminal Exchanges is intricately crafted, fast-paced, and the action is nonstop. Gerlacher creates characters the reader can connect with, and he has a knack for creating tension. His writing sticks with you long after you close the book. A wonderful, fun read worthy of a 5 Star recommendation.”
Joseph Lewis, Reviewer and award-winning Author of Black Yéʼii and Fan Mail.
Joseph Lewis, Reviewer and award-winning Author of Black Yéʼii and Fan Mail.
June 1, 2025
From the first chapter of Terminal Exchanges, I was immersed in a fast-paced story of disparate characters—ruthless gang members, people with targets on their backs, a psychopath who preferred an evil cartel leader’s revenge to being in isolation with his terrible self, a former police dog, and an ER doctor whose benevolence was on par with seeking justice. Together with having to make life and death decisions and violent insanity, two endearing heroes—Dr. AJ Docker and his faithful German Shepherd, Banshee—propelled me along with them on an astounding ride through the criminal landscape of Miami, giving me one big adrenaline rush. The drama is mixed with humor and the medical elements were fascinating to read. Author Gerlacher’s novel is a riveting and complete medical thriller! Set aside a few hours because you won’t want to put this one down until you’ve turned the last page.
June 9, 2025
A down-to-earth hero
Dr. AJ Docker, traveling ER physician, and his ex-police dog Banshee witness a patient’s brutal murder, leaving the doctor and his canine to warn the victim’s family of impending danger.
The attack on this patient is not an isolated incident, and Doc is thrust into the midst of an assassination plot driven by the Mexican drug cartel. All the while, he is navigating an impossibly complex and sensitive medical event involving his girlfriend’s son, Billy.
These two plot lines mirror one another. The lives of political officials and a young patient hang in the balance as the clock runs out. Will Billy receive his life-saving procedure? Will the authorities be able to locate the assassin? This fast-paced thriller will keep you turning the pages to find out—highly recommend!
Dr. AJ Docker, traveling ER physician, and his ex-police dog Banshee witness a patient’s brutal murder, leaving the doctor and his canine to warn the victim’s family of impending danger.
The attack on this patient is not an isolated incident, and Doc is thrust into the midst of an assassination plot driven by the Mexican drug cartel. All the while, he is navigating an impossibly complex and sensitive medical event involving his girlfriend’s son, Billy.
These two plot lines mirror one another. The lives of political officials and a young patient hang in the balance as the clock runs out. Will Billy receive his life-saving procedure? Will the authorities be able to locate the assassin? This fast-paced thriller will keep you turning the pages to find out—highly recommend!
November 23, 2025
Let me just start with this, I HATE THAT I'M DONE READING IT ALREADY!!! I love Doc & Banshee & I tend to devour the book the minute I get it & then wait impatiently for the next installment!!! This book didn't disappoint when it came to edge of my seat thriller!! I even caught myself holding my breath a couple of times as I read through the taut moments in this book & there are plenty!! Doc & Banshee never disappoint me when it comes to a FANTABULOUS thriller!! I honestly didn't know if he'd make it out of some of the messes he got himself into in this installment!! I loved the new setting & new characters, they keep the story fresh & the plot line was perfect!! It flows seamlessly throughout the story so you don't lose sight of all of the different things going on at once!! Amazing writer, amazing characters, I wish Gerlacher wrote faster, but if he did his books might then not be as EXCEPTIONAL as they are!! I'm so very happy that I picked up the first one at Black Rose Writing, I'm a HUGE fan & won't miss a book EVER!!! KEEP ON DOING THE GREAT WORK YOU'VE BEEN DOING & Y'all seriously, there are VERY FEW books I recommend this highly & I totally recommend the entire series...to everyone!!!! I Love Doc & Banshee!!! I think I need a shirt that says that!!! Thank You for another WONDERFUL NOVEL!!!
November 17, 2025
Great read!
A great read! Thank you to Goodreads for giving me the book in a giveaway! I had gotten the author mixed up with another one and thought this was going to be a medical Thriller. Two to my complete surprise it was about a doctor and did have some medical things that happened. However, it was mostly about a wrong place wrong time where the doctor treated someone that led to a hit job by a drug cartel. There was an amazing second arc going on in the story with someone that was close to the doctor. I loved the comedic humor, and heroism from banshee who was the doctor’s German Shepherd, former military dog. It’s definitely a happy mistake and I really enjoyed the book. I would recommend reading it to anyone. There’s no spice so 12 and up is a good age.
A great read! Thank you to Goodreads for giving me the book in a giveaway! I had gotten the author mixed up with another one and thought this was going to be a medical Thriller. Two to my complete surprise it was about a doctor and did have some medical things that happened. However, it was mostly about a wrong place wrong time where the doctor treated someone that led to a hit job by a drug cartel. There was an amazing second arc going on in the story with someone that was close to the doctor. I loved the comedic humor, and heroism from banshee who was the doctor’s German Shepherd, former military dog. It’s definitely a happy mistake and I really enjoyed the book. I would recommend reading it to anyone. There’s no spice so 12 and up is a good age.
May 31, 2025
"With a plot more intricate than a missile's targeting solution and paced twice as fast, Terminal Exchanges nails its objective and explodes on impact!"
In #5 of the Docker/Banshee series, delivers a gripping medical thriller where our favorite ER doc is thrust into a deadly game of survival after witnessing a brutal gang murder. With his retired police dog Banshee by his side, Docker races to protect a woman and child, and in the process uncovers a chilling link between local violence and international terror. Fast-paced and packed with action, this novel blends medical drama with suspenseful detective work.
If Gerlacher writes it, I'm reading it!
In #5 of the Docker/Banshee series, delivers a gripping medical thriller where our favorite ER doc is thrust into a deadly game of survival after witnessing a brutal gang murder. With his retired police dog Banshee by his side, Docker races to protect a woman and child, and in the process uncovers a chilling link between local violence and international terror. Fast-paced and packed with action, this novel blends medical drama with suspenseful detective work.
If Gerlacher writes it, I'm reading it!
June 2, 2025
Author Gary Gerlacher, MD has a highly-effective prescription for what ails you: Get yourself set on the edge of your seat for his fifth thrill ride in the AJ Docker and Banshee series. Terminal Exchanges begins with cold-blooded murder in Dr. Docker’s ER, then jumps on the trail of a cartel’s victims, and leads to high-stakes hunt for a would-be assassin on whom Docker uses scalpel-like precision to diagnose and dispatch. With Docker’s unstoppable cop-dog Banshee on guard, you’ll down your first dose of Terminal Exchanges in at least thirty fast-paced chapters, then consume an action-packed dose every hour until finished.
June 3, 2025
I was lucky to get an Advanced Copy of this novel.
In “Terminal Exchanges,” Gery Gerlacher delivers a gritty, realistic portrayal of trauma cases in the emergency room, accompanied by his super cool therapy dog, Banshee—a character who deserves his own series.
A.J. Docker treats patients with Banshee at his side. When a gangster murders a man under Docker’s care and takes a shot at his beloved dog, he steps out of the role of physician and into that of part-time detective. It’s a race against time for them to save two vulnerable lives, neutralize a terrorist, and comfort the mother of a very sick child.
Get your copy for interesting, engaging action that keeps the pages turning.
In “Terminal Exchanges,” Gery Gerlacher delivers a gritty, realistic portrayal of trauma cases in the emergency room, accompanied by his super cool therapy dog, Banshee—a character who deserves his own series.
A.J. Docker treats patients with Banshee at his side. When a gangster murders a man under Docker’s care and takes a shot at his beloved dog, he steps out of the role of physician and into that of part-time detective. It’s a race against time for them to save two vulnerable lives, neutralize a terrorist, and comfort the mother of a very sick child.
Get your copy for interesting, engaging action that keeps the pages turning.
June 5, 2025
Gary Gerlacher masterfully blends high-stakes emergency medicine with gripping crime-solving to deliver another pulse-pounding read in his latest thriller, Terminal Exchanges. With a fast-paced plot, vividly drawn characters, and authentic medical detail, the story pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Gerlacher shines a well-deserved spotlight on the dedication and grit of ER physicians, and in doing so, he's crafted a hero in Dr. AJ Docker that readers will admire and root for in each book in this series. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want a doctor like Docker, especially if he comes with a loyal companion like Banshee? This is an entertaining, well-crafted read that’s hard to put down.
June 8, 2025
The AJ Docker and Banshee medical thriller series continues with Terminal Exchanges. This time, Doc and his service German Shepherd are in Miami, and it’s not just the temperature that’s heating up. From low-level street punks to the head of Mexico’s deadliest cartel and a paid assassin thrown in for good measure, this is Gerlacher’s best to date, and his skill at crafting thrillers just gets better and better. The parallel story line with his current girlfriend, Mary, a trial attorney and her son, merge seamlessly into the larger narrative. It’s a roller coaster ride, and one you won’t want to miss. Highly recommended.
October 19, 2025
I am a HUGE fan of the AJ Docker and Banshee series by Gary Gerlacher. His latest in the series, Terminal Exchanges hits all the points for me. I can totally relate to a mom trying to protect her child. The story is non-stop action and I really enjoy the realistic hospital and medical scenes. Knowing the author is a doctor irl makes me appreciate the accuracy. The retired police dog angle is also something I’ve really enjoyed throughout the series. I wish I had a dog like Banshee!
As always, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. If you haven’t read the series I would encourage you to do so. Highly recommended.
As always, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. If you haven’t read the series I would encourage you to do so. Highly recommended.
November 3, 2025
Magnet for trouble
Now in Miami working in the ER Doc and Banshee start out with a bang one morning. This particular morning a man came on with a cut arm saying he got cut on a falling window. Unfortunately, another man showed up and shot both his knees and face before he left. And it goes on from there. Meanwhile Doc's girlfriend's son passed out at school due to a sick heart. Plus Doc felt he had to help the victims wife and son because she knew why her husband was murdered. Watch how Doc and Banshee thwart an assassination, supported his girlfriend, and still kept his humor and balance. Great job. Thank you. Can't believe I have to wait until March 2026.
Now in Miami working in the ER Doc and Banshee start out with a bang one morning. This particular morning a man came on with a cut arm saying he got cut on a falling window. Unfortunately, another man showed up and shot both his knees and face before he left. And it goes on from there. Meanwhile Doc's girlfriend's son passed out at school due to a sick heart. Plus Doc felt he had to help the victims wife and son because she knew why her husband was murdered. Watch how Doc and Banshee thwart an assassination, supported his girlfriend, and still kept his humor and balance. Great job. Thank you. Can't believe I have to wait until March 2026.
December 8, 2025
Doc and Banshee are in the ER in Miami, FL
Do is treating a man with what he describes as a broken window injury but what Doc suspects is a knife wound when a gang leader comes into Doc’s emergency room and kills his patient and one of his gang members takes a shot at Banshee. Worried about the young lady that the patient had called while in the emergency room being treated dock answers the dead man’s phone and warns the woman about what has happened. This is the start of Doc’s involvement in the prevention of a cartel plot against a Mexican president.
Meanwhile Doc’s girlfriend‘a son needs a heart transplant and is initially treated by Doc in the ER.
Do is treating a man with what he describes as a broken window injury but what Doc suspects is a knife wound when a gang leader comes into Doc’s emergency room and kills his patient and one of his gang members takes a shot at Banshee. Worried about the young lady that the patient had called while in the emergency room being treated dock answers the dead man’s phone and warns the woman about what has happened. This is the start of Doc’s involvement in the prevention of a cartel plot against a Mexican president.
Meanwhile Doc’s girlfriend‘a son needs a heart transplant and is initially treated by Doc in the ER.
June 12, 2025
Pulls the reader in from the first scene with gruesome detail that only a subject matter expert can provide. A cartel and a cartel's assassin that will not take no for an answer, a doc inclined not to accept defeat inside the ER or out, and a plot with high value targets that is frighteningly realistic. The author sets up the stakes early then peels them back until readers are left with the inevitable: the devastating outcome of a highly combustible finish. And ferocious teeth. Can't forget the ferocious teeth.
August 11, 2025
Trouble seems to find AJ Docker wherever he goes, so it’s no surprise when it walks right into his Miami ER toting a very large gun. As usual, Doc makes it his mission to protect the innocent and bring down the bad guy. There is tense action, a good dose of the loathsome villain, and a sad but heartwarming subplot involving very real medicine. I didn’t expect an AJ Docker adventure to make me weep, but this one had me teary-eyed at the end. Overall, Terminal Exchanges is another fun ride in the AJ Docker series, and I highly recommend giving it a read.
November 2, 2025
Outstanding!
This is a great series, and I couldn't put this one down until I read the whole book. Doc is an ER doctor, and Banshee is his ex-police dog. Doc is working on a guy who claims he was cut with glass when a guy comes in and shoots the guy in front of Doc. This is just the beginning of the drama. Because the author is an ER doctor, there are several real life scenarios interspersed in these books. Banshee saves the day in more than one instance. I will definitely grab the next one as Doc heads to his next assignment in Phoenix.
This is a great series, and I couldn't put this one down until I read the whole book. Doc is an ER doctor, and Banshee is his ex-police dog. Doc is working on a guy who claims he was cut with glass when a guy comes in and shoots the guy in front of Doc. This is just the beginning of the drama. Because the author is an ER doctor, there are several real life scenarios interspersed in these books. Banshee saves the day in more than one instance. I will definitely grab the next one as Doc heads to his next assignment in Phoenix.
November 11, 2025
As soon as I see a AJ Docker and Banshee book come out I know I am in trouble! There is something about Mr Gerlacher's books with them that I just love. And this one was no different. Set in Miami AJ is taking care of a patient in ER when he is interrupted by a very rude man with a very large gun who proceeds to shoot his patient very dead. Now AJ takes this very personaly so he and Banshee set off to find this individual. What happens next entails a whole story or two with all the twists and turns that the two of them love to do!!
November 17, 2025
A.J. Docker (Doc) is a traveling E.R. doctor who takes 4 month assignments in various cities. He travels with a retired police dog with incredible skills. Banshee saves Doc’s life repeatedly in this medical thriller series, and he is quite honestly the most appealing character. Doc makes friends easily and finds trouble everywhere he goes. This is always due to his unquenchable desire to help the little guy and right wrongs. Doc is a bit too good to be true; however, each book in the series moves at a good pace and offers interesting rising action.
November 2, 2025
Terminal Exchanges is by far the best book to date. The plots and subplot have increased and developed in complexity while providing additional suspense. His characters continue to be unique and relatable. The medical detail, while complex, is understandable and interesting. I was so engrossed in this book that I read it cover to cover in one sitting. Can’t wait for the next book in March of 2026.
Keep them coming!
Keep them coming!
November 5, 2025
Not enough Banshee
Lots of Hispanic insanity in this one—cue the actor, Al Pacino for a movie role model. Borrowing heavily on another movie, Day of the Jackal, the plot concerns an assassin intent on killing a Latin dictator visiting our shores. Occasionally, Banshee is featured but not nearly enough. However, Doc helps with a heart transplant, thanks to the author’s medical past.
Lots of Hispanic insanity in this one—cue the actor, Al Pacino for a movie role model. Borrowing heavily on another movie, Day of the Jackal, the plot concerns an assassin intent on killing a Latin dictator visiting our shores. Occasionally, Banshee is featured but not nearly enough. However, Doc helps with a heart transplant, thanks to the author’s medical past.
November 16, 2025
Banshee is the best!
I adore Gary Gerlacher series, it works so well becuz he actually learned this career and now he can still use it in his daily lifestyle. You can easily tell he has the medical knowledge, but i feel he has been around Malinois enough to put their breed down pat! They are extreme dogs, not a lap sitter couch buddy you might (you will) crave after a couple days with a Malinois.
Another great read by this author, please keep the reads coming!
I adore Gary Gerlacher series, it works so well becuz he actually learned this career and now he can still use it in his daily lifestyle. You can easily tell he has the medical knowledge, but i feel he has been around Malinois enough to put their breed down pat! They are extreme dogs, not a lap sitter couch buddy you might (you will) crave after a couple days with a Malinois.
Another great read by this author, please keep the reads coming!
November 24, 2025
When a man is murdered in the emergency room right in front of Doc Docker, he finds himself involved in a horrifying gang battle. He and his trusty companion Banshee embark on a mission to save the next possible victim who happens to be the wife of the murdered man. This is one of those rare series that will have you putting aside the daily chores until you can finish reading every word.
- LeeAnne James, Award-winning author of The Thin Blue Line Series
- LeeAnne James, Award-winning author of The Thin Blue Line Series
June 1, 2025
It's just a regular day when Doc and Banshee stumble across an assassination plot in the ER. With an informant's family on the run, a heart transplant, a drug cartel, a Russian mercenary, and a plane crash, this is the most action-packed medical thriller yet.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2025
Another great book
Medical details are great even if I don't understand half of it. Spent lots of time in hospitals and confess that all the descriptions made it seem like I was back on the ward. Plot was fantastic and the pace great too as tensions erupted in nearly every chapter.
Medical details are great even if I don't understand half of it. Spent lots of time in hospitals and confess that all the descriptions made it seem like I was back on the ward. Plot was fantastic and the pace great too as tensions erupted in nearly every chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews