SERAPH: A McLeod and Masters Thriller

by Cheryl P. Fallin

Zero Errors. Zero Mercy.

A flawless robotic healthcare system. A string of impossible deaths.

Hospitals across America have been transformed by technology promising perfection—faster care, zero mistakes and an end to the doctor shortage.

Dr. Abby McLeod, a relentless physician in rural Washington, begins to notice cracks beneath the polished surface of this promised medical miracle. Desperate for answers she turns to the one person who knows her better than anyone—and still resents their past—her ex-fiancé, Pete Masters, a brilliant computer programmer with the skills to trace what she cannot.

But the system is everywhere, and something—or someone—pulls the strings. One misstep, one secret uncovered and the consequences could be fatal. Zero Errors. Zero Mercy.

As the body count rises, Abby and Pete race against unseen forces to expose the truth. Fail and the technology meant to save lives will destroy them all.

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2025

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hospitals across the nation have had SERAPH implemented. SERAPH is a robot who performs medical care. This decreases the need for doctors in the hospital and the costs. Dr. Abby McLeod, and her dad, both realize that there’s something wrong and SERAPH isn’t working the way that it should. So she enlists the help of her ex-fiance, Pete Masters, to help her hack into the SERAPH program. This sets off a series of events where they both are being chased by the FBI and another group of people. What is happening with SERPAH, who isn’t going to make it out alive – and who will?

I read this book for a book club. One of our members met this author and told us about her book. So we decided to read it. The concept of it seems great – robot medical thriller? Yes please!

Unfortunately, I didn’t care for the execution of the book. The writing was fine, it is easy to read. But there are SO many characters, and it’s hard to keep track of them. The book is also less than 400 pages, but it felt so much longer. I think that’s because the set-up took some time. I do realize that I have to suspend some belief for this book, as most books, and I’m okay with that. But what gets me is that someone didn’t seem to think that something was wrong sooner.

There was a lot of action at the end, and I really enjoyed that. I do think with some additional editing, this could be a fantastic book!

[Vicki Scullion · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit far-fetched, but horrifying nonetheless. I had some difficulty keeping track of which group of FBI agents was doing what. I did enjoy all the action toward the end.

[Shelene Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did an amazing job or drawing me in straight from the start. I couldn’t put this book down. The characters were excellent. The story line, on edge and exciting. I felt a little like I was reading The Fugitive. I was so involved in the suspense. Excellent writing. I am very much looking forward to this author’s next book!
I won’t be giving any spoilers or recaps. It’s just too good a book!

[Rebecka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting. In my opinion there were great things about this book and other things that weren’t good. The story line of the book is very interesting and seems like something that could possibly happen in the future. I do feel like there was a lot of extra characters, which made it confusing or difficult to remember who was who. I also feel like the last 100ish to 150ish pages were the bulk of the story and felt a little rushed. Other than that, it was interesting and entertaining

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the ARC of this book, and really enjoyed it. It's a fun thriller with dynamic characters and a plot that'll keep you turning the page. The worldbuilding is done well in a near-future scifi/dystopian setting.

[Deborah Pauli · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author is an MD so the FMC (also a doctor) makes perfect sense. The MMC is in IT and the author clearly does not know anything about that profession. I’m not even tech savvy and it bugged me too much to finish it

[Elaine Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a page turner! Interesting twists and surprises along the way. The author gives us a picture behind the scenes in the medical profession and explores how automation can lead to disaster.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!!

This book was so good that I could not put it down!! It is scary that I could actually see some of the AI things Happening. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Sarah Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super interesting medical thriller!!

In love Pete and Abby and this crazy adventure they go on!! What a crazy idea - that medical robots start to think for themselves…