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Dr. Zack Winston #4
Dead Reckoning
He's served his time. As he strives to restore his life and career, will a high-level political conspiracy execute his death sentence?
Dr. Zack Winston, now an ex-con desperate for redemption, reclaims his emergency medicine career and renews his most important relationship. A web of chilling conspiracies, shadowy cartel figures, and a deadly plot that reaches the highest levels of government threatens him. Lives—and the future of the nation itself—hang in the balance. Zack must confront the truth buried deep in a trail of crime and betrayal.
Once again a practicing emergency physician, Zack confronts a series of mysterious illnesses that strike powerful congressional representatives and their staff members. Thrust into a race against time, where every decision could tip the scales between order and chaos, Zack discovers that he and the woman he loves are also targets.
As national security and Zack's own life hang on the brink, how far will he go to uncover the truth and achieve final redemption?
Dead Reckoning is the chilling fourth book in the Dr. Zack Winston series of medical conspiracy thrillers. If you like medical drama, political intrigue, and soul-wrenching interpersonal conflict, you'll love emergency physician Mike Krentz's high-stakes thriller.
Dive into Dead Reckoning today for a rollercoaster ride from prison to the halls of Congress.
Dr. Zack Winston, now an ex-con desperate for redemption, reclaims his emergency medicine career and renews his most important relationship. A web of chilling conspiracies, shadowy cartel figures, and a deadly plot that reaches the highest levels of government threatens him. Lives—and the future of the nation itself—hang in the balance. Zack must confront the truth buried deep in a trail of crime and betrayal.
Once again a practicing emergency physician, Zack confronts a series of mysterious illnesses that strike powerful congressional representatives and their staff members. Thrust into a race against time, where every decision could tip the scales between order and chaos, Zack discovers that he and the woman he loves are also targets.
As national security and Zack's own life hang on the brink, how far will he go to uncover the truth and achieve final redemption?
Dead Reckoning is the chilling fourth book in the Dr. Zack Winston series of medical conspiracy thrillers. If you like medical drama, political intrigue, and soul-wrenching interpersonal conflict, you'll love emergency physician Mike Krentz's high-stakes thriller.
Dive into Dead Reckoning today for a rollercoaster ride from prison to the halls of Congress.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2025
136 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Mike Krentz
24 books112 followersMike Krentz writes medical suspense, psychological thrillers, and military fiction featuring complex characters and relationships.
Born and raised in Arizona, Mike earned a classical degree in English from the University of San Francisco, a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and a Master of Public Health Degree from Johns Hopkins University.
Following a civilian career as an emergency physician, Mike rededicated his professional life to serve America's Navy and Marine Corps heroes and their families, and to honor their sacrifices in defending our freedom and way of life. His last active duty assignment was as 7th Fleet Surgeon on board the flagship, USS BLUE RIDGE.
After retiring from the US Navy, Dr. Krentz continued his service as a consultant supporting the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center. Upon completion of that mission, he returned to his earliest life passion as a full-time writer.
Dr. Krentz sits on the Board of Directors of The Muse Writers' Center where he teaches fiction writing and participates in advanced studios.
Mike's fiction works include the DR. ZACK WINSTON SERIES of medical conspiracy thrillers, the MAHONEY & SQUIRE SERIES of military fiction, and a standalone psychological thriller, ANGELS FALLING.
www.mikejkrentz.com
www.facebook.com/MikeJKrentzAuthor
https://twitter.com/MikeJKrentz
https://www.instagram.com/mjkrentz/
Born and raised in Arizona, Mike earned a classical degree in English from the University of San Francisco, a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and a Master of Public Health Degree from Johns Hopkins University.
Following a civilian career as an emergency physician, Mike rededicated his professional life to serve America's Navy and Marine Corps heroes and their families, and to honor their sacrifices in defending our freedom and way of life. His last active duty assignment was as 7th Fleet Surgeon on board the flagship, USS BLUE RIDGE.
After retiring from the US Navy, Dr. Krentz continued his service as a consultant supporting the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center. Upon completion of that mission, he returned to his earliest life passion as a full-time writer.
Dr. Krentz sits on the Board of Directors of The Muse Writers' Center where he teaches fiction writing and participates in advanced studios.
Mike's fiction works include the DR. ZACK WINSTON SERIES of medical conspiracy thrillers, the MAHONEY & SQUIRE SERIES of military fiction, and a standalone psychological thriller, ANGELS FALLING.
www.mikejkrentz.com
www.facebook.com/MikeJKrentzAuthor
https://twitter.com/MikeJKrentz
https://www.instagram.com/mjkrentz/
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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August 26, 2025I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Zack looking forward to his parole hearing that is to be held in the afternoon. Zack is working in the prison infirmary that morning, when he winds up being stabbed and taken to the hospital. The person responsible for the stabbing was also with a cartel that has threatened Zack as well as his daughters in addition to Bridget, a friend who has now become a U.S. Attorney. Zack has been in the hospital for a while under the FBI's protection. Upon leaving, he was taken to an FBI safe house. Shortly after his hospital release, Zack finally gets his parole hearing. He is granted parole and is to wear an ankle monitor and reside in Bridget's home. Zack's next step that he wants to accomplish is to get his medical license reinstated and go back to work.
Zack eventually is granted his license back and the ankle monitor is removed. Zack then returns to the ER. As Zack gets back to his normal routine, unexpected events happen which brings him back to where he is involved with the original task force he was on previously.
Read along and follow Zack as he performs in the ER. Discover what major event brings Zack attention to Congress as well as the cartel once again. Discover why the cartel needed to eliminate Zack and what the eventual plan was.
The ending is well worth reading and answers all questions that you might have. This book is definitely worth reading, don't miss out!
The story begins with Zack looking forward to his parole hearing that is to be held in the afternoon. Zack is working in the prison infirmary that morning, when he winds up being stabbed and taken to the hospital. The person responsible for the stabbing was also with a cartel that has threatened Zack as well as his daughters in addition to Bridget, a friend who has now become a U.S. Attorney. Zack has been in the hospital for a while under the FBI's protection. Upon leaving, he was taken to an FBI safe house. Shortly after his hospital release, Zack finally gets his parole hearing. He is granted parole and is to wear an ankle monitor and reside in Bridget's home. Zack's next step that he wants to accomplish is to get his medical license reinstated and go back to work.
Zack eventually is granted his license back and the ankle monitor is removed. Zack then returns to the ER. As Zack gets back to his normal routine, unexpected events happen which brings him back to where he is involved with the original task force he was on previously.
Read along and follow Zack as he performs in the ER. Discover what major event brings Zack attention to Congress as well as the cartel once again. Discover why the cartel needed to eliminate Zack and what the eventual plan was.
The ending is well worth reading and answers all questions that you might have. This book is definitely worth reading, don't miss out!
September 5, 2025
Something stinks in our nation's capitol as a deadly plot is slowly revealed in this thrilling installment in the Dr. Zack Winston series.
Dr. Zack Winston had paid his dues to society and needs to be redeemed. He is ready to get back to the job he lives and breaths as an ER doctor.
This deep rooted conspiracy is a mystery with many deadly pieces. This book displays just the right amount of medical emergencies that will make your heart palpitate, political conspiracies and betrayal, along with intrigue and danger around every corner. Not many are trustworthy, even those in the medical field, as well as the highest ranks of the government.
This heart pounding mystery will sink its hooks into you and not let go. The action and intrigue are full speed ahead right up until the final few pages.
I loved the characters in this story. Zack is a military hero, doctor and an American hero who will protect those he loves, even if it costs him his freedom.
This is my first read by this author, but it will not be my last.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dr. Zack Winston had paid his dues to society and needs to be redeemed. He is ready to get back to the job he lives and breaths as an ER doctor.
This deep rooted conspiracy is a mystery with many deadly pieces. This book displays just the right amount of medical emergencies that will make your heart palpitate, political conspiracies and betrayal, along with intrigue and danger around every corner. Not many are trustworthy, even those in the medical field, as well as the highest ranks of the government.
This heart pounding mystery will sink its hooks into you and not let go. The action and intrigue are full speed ahead right up until the final few pages.
I loved the characters in this story. Zack is a military hero, doctor and an American hero who will protect those he loves, even if it costs him his freedom.
This is my first read by this author, but it will not be my last.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 29, 2025
The conspiracy widens...
Dead Reckoning, book 4 in the Dr. Zack Wilson series, picks up in the months following the involuntary manslaughter charge that landed Zack in prison following the shooting of Sarah O'Brien. The cartel is still active and trying to stop Zack and Bridget from exposing them. I won't get into the 'how' of it here. What you need to know is that Dead Reckoning is a perfect blend of action, conspiracy and medicine that makes for a unique reading experience and that the narrative quality, including characters, dialog, plot, pacing and descriptions of events and environments are simply exquisite. 5/5 stars, highly recommended for fans of medical thrillers, though the quality of the writing is sufficient to interest those who might not generally read this genre! Dead Reckoning was well worth the wait!!
Dead Reckoning, book 4 in the Dr. Zack Wilson series, picks up in the months following the involuntary manslaughter charge that landed Zack in prison following the shooting of Sarah O'Brien. The cartel is still active and trying to stop Zack and Bridget from exposing them. I won't get into the 'how' of it here. What you need to know is that Dead Reckoning is a perfect blend of action, conspiracy and medicine that makes for a unique reading experience and that the narrative quality, including characters, dialog, plot, pacing and descriptions of events and environments are simply exquisite. 5/5 stars, highly recommended for fans of medical thrillers, though the quality of the writing is sufficient to interest those who might not generally read this genre! Dead Reckoning was well worth the wait!!
September 10, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I read it as a standalone. It was intriguing. Dr. Winston and his daughter are targets of a cartel and while trying to avoid that, Dr. Winston tries to find out who is poisoning/killing members of Congress. Can he prevent the next one? During the excitement, he is living with US Attorney Bridget Larsen for two reasons--he was under house arrest for a time and to protect Bridget. They were working together to solve the case. Would this closeness lead to romance? I had a hard time putting down the story because I wanted to see what would happen next. I immediately liked Dr. Winston and Bridget.
August 31, 2025
Dead Reckoning throws Dr. Zack Winston back into chaos just when he’s trying to rebuild his life. Fresh out of prison, he’s struggling to return to his job as an ER physician, with a fragile relationship and a cartel on his heels. When a mysterious illness hits Congress, Zack’s pulled into a mess that reaches deep into government. Krentz writes with fast, gritty tension and just enough heart to keep you rooting for the good guys. If you like thrillers that don’t waste your time, this one delivers.
I received an advance copy for review.
I received an advance copy for review.
September 21, 2025
This was my first Mike Krentz novel and it was tremendous. Dr Winston's relationships with his family, friends, not-so-friendly associates, colleagues, and Bridget Larsen were all well developed and contributed to my understanding of this being volume four of Dr Winston's journey. The medical angle was intriguing as well as those of the Washington insiders. I was glad that the cartel angle went out the window at the end of the novel as that was somewhat distracting given that this was my first book. I look forward to reading more of Mike's work!
September 1, 2025
Very enjoyable story that I devoured in less than 24 hours. Enjoyed the continuation and development of core characters and flashbacks. The penultimate scene with The Leon seems far fetched from reality, but I didn't mind it too much. I didn't note them, but there were 2 paragraphs printed twice.
September 8, 2025
Great storyline, but
Great continuing storyline, but the author is in serious need of a new proofreader! I'm a retired PACU RN, I'll take the job for a small fee!
Great continuing storyline, but the author is in serious need of a new proofreader! I'm a retired PACU RN, I'll take the job for a small fee!
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September 21, 2025Thoroughly enjoyed the series of Dr. Zack Winston. Twists and turns just when the reader thinks they have figured it out!
November 26, 2025
It was great to read #4 of this series. It is not a stand alone book so almost need to look back to previous novel but I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews