Medicine and Mischief

by Chris Pendergrass

When the trauma bay closes, the real chaos begins....

Jenna Cross is a fearless ER nurse who thrives under pressure, saving lives while dodging death herself. But beneath her scrubs lies a secret life soaked in vice, addiction, and a web of lies so tangled it could unravel the entire hospital. Welcome to Cardinal Medical Center, where the healers are also the harbingers of darkness--and no one escapes unscarred.
From drug smuggling and sex trafficking to black market organ deals and cartel extortion, Medicine and Mischief peels back the sterile curtain of the ER and exposes the twisted double lives of those sworn to do no harm.
Perfect for fans of Breaking Bad, ER, and Dexter

*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY*

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2025

Reviews

[Natasha Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a badass FMC, look no further. Jenna is like Wonder Woman. She’s a nurse and when she isn’t working, she’s a hard drug addict, and also fighting that world. Check your trigger warnings and enjoy the ride.

[Angela Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

***MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***

First I want to say I hardly ever leave a review besides a star rating but this? WOW I had to leave a review.

People who enjoy shows such as house, er, nurse Jackie definitely need to read this book. You won’t be disappointed I promise.

Whoa! What did I just read?!? I need more….NOW! I was hooked from page one. Chris done an outstanding job with this book I never knew what was coming next. Jenna? A freaking badass. Really makes you think, is big medical really what we think it is? Are there things like this that happens? We may never know. I would highly recommend and definitely cannot wait for him to release the second book. Chris, you have my full attention.

[Shay Dickenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left wanting more!

This book is a twisted, dark but heartwarming read! From the first few pages to the very end it has you addicted! Cannot wait to see what this author has in store next!

[Lauren Haley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not great at writing reviews, but overall this book sucked!
It was all over the place from an unrealistic ER nurse turn sex trafficked- then got involved with the cartel. At some point you notice the author has changed his mind on the entire cartel story line and instead of closing out that story, just never mentioned it again. The story line had shifted to now this deep secret operation run by the hospital she works at in some “sub level” wing of the hospital…. And she was somehow chosen (for something, still unsure what) by the head doctors running the operation… idk man this book made zero sense.
And please DO NOT GET ME STARTED ON THE CORNY WRITING STYLE…. very cringe and very hard to read because of that.
I finished the book because I will never DNF a book I start because I like to give complete and honest reviews.
I read a lot of books, and this one has been, by far, the very worst. Don’t waste your time or money…

[Leslie Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me this was. 3.75 to 4 ⭐️ read. This book is fast, intense, and completely chaotic, which are elements that I enjoy in a book. Once I got started I really couldn’t put it down.

Yes, I found some gaps in the story, Like where did the FBI agent go and where did she get the artillery and bullet proof vest. Etc. etc. However for me I found that I really didn’t need all the details. For a Chris writing style in this book I was okay and it made sense. Well at least to me.

The FMC is a complete hot mess. I wished I knew more about her background and what they did to push her in the direction they did. It briefly touches it but still left me wanting. Maybe we will get more details and information not only on FMC but maybe on ECHO in book 2.

[Natasha Malagisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

keeps you on your toes

Medicine and Mischief by Chris Pendergrass

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

☁️FQOTB: “I used to be a nurse. now I’m a scalpel”

Thriller/Suspense books are not usually my bread and jam. However, CP told me how good it was, that he thought I would like it so ofc I was going to read it. Did it take me a little longer than it usually does? Yes. That being said, this book was absolutely amazing start to finish. Jenna…. There are so many things I could say about her.

This book was FULL of retribution and resilience. The descriptions in this book were so deliciously detailed and there were some one liners that made my jaw drop!

If you like Mystery, suspense, thrillers and a diabolical plot, this should be a read for you during this spooky season.

[Heather Shower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow. What a wild ride this book was!

Medicine and Mischief follows Jenna, an ER nurse struggling with addiction. She falls so deep into her habit that she’ll do anything to get her fix, and when her life finally crashes down around her, she ends up caught and facing serious consequences. But instead of locking her up, investigators give her one last shot-go undercover and help take down something much darker.

What she uncovers is absolutely mind-blowing. With the help of a friend, Jenna dives headfirst into a world of secrets, corruption, and chaos, and every page kept me on edge.

If you love stories packed with twists, danger, steamy moments, and pure madness, this one’s for you. It’s dark, fast-paced, and impossible to put down!

[Jodi Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just completed this book and it was incredible. Jenna Cross is one of the most unforgettable protagonists I’ve ever read—equal parts saint, addict, weapon, and victim. Her dual life as a brilliant trauma nurse and a cartel-controlled, drug-addicted pawn is horrifyingly real. The prose is razor-sharp, the pacing never lets up, and the dialogue bleeds truth and torment in every line.
This book goes where most thrillers are afraid to tread—into the darkest corners of addiction, sex trafficking, organ harvesting, and the corrupt underbelly of the medical world. Every chapter is a gut-punch. Every scene is soaked in blood, sweat, and consequences.1000% recommend!!

[Stormy Shadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. ⭐️
Pub Date: June 4th, 2025
This was so raw and real. It deals with drugs and withdrawals and abuse, all kinda of deep stuff. Please be aware of the heavy stuff in this novel. It hits hard and it’s emotional, so many emotions actually. There is s’x trafficking and organ trafficking too which is so crazy but great for the suspense and stuff. Our character goes through so much and she’s considered a hero nurse and also the villain as well but she gets her revenge for all the stuff she went through and for other girls and women ❤️ this had me hooked from page one and I didn’t stop reading and I wanted more! I recommend to everyone who has no triggers this is worth it imo

[Blake Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with major twists that kept me interested. Story was clear and read easily. This book was graphic but excellent portrayal and characters really came through. I wasn’t expecting this to be as good as it was since this is a first time published author. Great work for first, hopefully there will be more to come!! I recommend this book if you are a nurse or enjoy dark psychological thrillers. Trigger warnings for graphic sexual content, drug use and human organ harvesting on black market but so worth the read.

[Char · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the concept. Novel captured my attention immediately, unfortunately the plot lost my engagement. I ended up scanning through the final pages. I found the plot to be redundant and far-fetched. After the first few kills it just seemed unbelievable that this one nurse is able to be an assassin and take down the cartel and military etc.
I was really hoping to love this especially being in healthcare myself. I love the idea of a drug addicted nurse working in the ER. I just wished the storyline continued with the life of the nurse and not turn into a great crusader.

[🐷Shay loves books🐷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a rush! I literally read this book in one setting, I cld not put it down. It action from start to finish! Best medical thriller I’ve read!

Jenna and Echo make one heck of a team and they didn’t stop for nothing or nobody! They knew what needed to be done and they did it! They aren’t afraid of anything they are hell bent on getting justice and stopping the cartel among everyone else, but at what cost? Can they outrun, outhide, and outlive the corruption that is surrounding them with literally everyone working against them? You have to read to find out.

[Kelly Douglas · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - I have read many sexually explicit/graphic novels. This one gave me a creepy feeling on the level of sexual sadist that was done onto the main character within the first 2 chapters. Seemingly she enjoyed it was able to work as an Emergency RN the next day even though it was after being graphically abused and hopped up on heavy drugs. *one man sutured her labia shut just to watch her scream - chapter 2

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of the best medical thrillers I’ve put my hands on. I thought I was reading Freida McFadden’s work!! I need more from Chris. Medicine and Mischief keep me glued to my chair with book in hand. My mind was so warped in the best way possible after reading!! I cannot wait to see more from this author!! Take a bow because your first book is a smash!!! Go get order this book off Amazon now!!!!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why can I only give this 5 stars because it deserves 100!!! The first two chapters were spicy bought is what had me hooked!! The dark side of human life that medical professionals encounter is shown through in this book. I’m on Chapter 9 now and I don’t want it to end!!! Dear God please say there will be more from Chris Pendergrass!!! If you need dark thriller with major twists that take you over the edge this is for you!!! I’m telling everyone it needs to go on their TBR!!!

[Lori Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

JAW DROPPED! I read it on kindle unlimited and it was so good I ordered the paperback!! I started ot Sunday evening and finished Tuesday night. The only reason I put it down was because I had to go to work!!! It’s a look into the darkest parts of the real world struggles that had my heart pumping!!! I want a movie(jk) but I definitely want a sequel from this author!! Do yourself a favor and read this!! Tag this author!!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow!!!!!!!!!!! I’m giving this intense thriller 10 stars and I never even give 5 stars usually!!! This author knows how to twist your mind and keep you reading. I went through hell with Jenna through the authors words and instantly felt so deeply for Jenna!! This should be in your TBR if you like dark thrillers!!! This is NOT some book about stories from the ER this is intense, cut to the bone action and mind play here!!!

[Jennifer Brandow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hooked as soon as I started. However, the storyline had several holes and so many questions remain unanswered. Gor example, toward the end, Jenna was suspended, badge deactivated and license revoked but she was back at the hospital working within a couple pages. The plot got really messy toward the end and I found myself irritated at the mercenary Jenna had become (after just coming off a plethora of drugs and without any formal training)

[Ashley Lopez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as I hoped

⭐️⭐️ 2/5
I went into this book with high hopes, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the potential. The writing felt rushed and chaotic—plot points jumped around with little cohesion, making it hard to stay invested. What could’ve been a compelling story ended up feeling all over the place, with missed opportunities for character depth and emotional impact. Disappointed, especially after all the hype.

[Tonya Gladdish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! It kept me on my toes at every little turn in the road. The author did a fabulous job on the story line and leaves you wanting more. Thank God there is a book two coming soon. The only reason I dinged it a point, and it's all because of my OCD, but I had to count off for the font size differences in different areas and also the word, letter and line spacing. And lastly there were no page numbers. There again, it's only my OCD but I had to leave an honest review.

[Heather Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a roller coaster ride! I loved this book so much. The MFC, Jenna, is a force to be reconned with. She is a nurse by day that develops a drug issue and becomes a vigilante by night trying to right all the wrongs. She is feral, emotional and down right an amazing character. I loved all the medical aspects of this book as well. I cannot wait for this next book. The author is becoming one of my top favorite writers. I will read whatever he writes! Please check your trigger warnings.

[Mayra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars this book is a ride that if you like Morally grey FMC this is the book for you!!

Jenna is not only one the best RN's in her ER, she is also a closeted junkie who owes money to a really bad guy. After Agent Mendez proposes to use her as a deep undercover into another cartel she decides it is time to make a plan for her revenge. This story is scary, and exciting it will keep you at the edge of your seat.

[Amanda Dry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It just kept getting deeper into the mess!

If you're looking for a graphic medical thriller, you found it! This was an awesome, quick read. It was dark; it was twisty. It had great suspense and every time I thought she was in the worst of it, Chris' writing took you deeper into the nightmare Jenna was living. Great storyline, cant wait to read where the sequel takes her!

[Madison Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!!! This was gritty, graphic and extremely dark. Excellent portrayal of true crime and psychological impact. It’s a great quick read. Why can’t i find more books from this author??? I’m instantly hooked to the author! If you want a dark but intense, on the edge of your seat thriller, Medicine and Mischief should definitely be on your TBR!!! I am already praying for a sequel.

[Jennifer Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked!!! From chapter 1 I could not put it down!!! Plot twists, thrills and psychological roller coaster through out the entire book!!! It was exactly the dark thriller I needed!! Let’s talk about Jenna….what a badass!!! I need more and I hope this author takes off because this is amazing entertainment!!! Do we have a male version of Frieda McFadden on the horizon???!!!!

[Rachel Butler · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated this book. No editing was done, zero storyline, unrealistic, etc... did the author even reread this before publishing? And what the hell is the manuscript type writing style? First book of 2026 that I refuse to finish. I read over half and I'm done. Waste of time. I wish I could give zero stars

[Teeoti Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will have you hooked from page one!

I enjoyed every second of this book! Wow!! I was not expecting this book to have me hooked so hard! I can’t wait to see what else he writes!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 recommend this book. I was hooked in the first few pages!! I’m a huge fan of Freida McFadden and Gillian Flynn and this book was giving me both!! It took me into hell with Jenna and left me wanting more!!

[Lacey Sexton · Rating 1 out of 5]

ummmm.... was this even edited or reviewed properly by a publisher? This book was all over the place. I really wanted to like the story..... but the writing style just seemed wonky to me. Like the author was on just as many drugs as the nurse was while actually writing it.

[Dani · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

Trigger warner for those who need a warning about organ harvesting.