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House Call
No one would ever make the connection between the a young, attractive female nurse left brutally stabbed and floating in her bathtub and a prominent, older physician who drowns after tumbling from his deer stand. However, in this first novel, Mississippi physician Darden North masterfully weaves a fabric of secret self-indulgences, reverse discrimination, diverse sexual interests, and murder then drapes it across a fictional southern community. Lurking on the periphery, indirectly touching nearly every colorful character in this medical thriller, is a demonic killer whose victims share the wounds of a twisted psyche. To parallel the bumbling police investigation of the nurse's slaughter is the spreading poison of corporate financial greed that defiles the very core of decency. The unique qualities of this murder mystery lie in its gripping realism wrapped in intense personal tragedy, all crafted by a busy obstetrician-gynecologist who delivers babies. House Call appeals to men and women readers of all ages and occupations who crave fast-paced fiction ending with a surprising twist. Readers have labeled House Call a "can't-put-it-down, page-turner." Its references to medical care situations and characters blend perfectly with the novel's depiction of emotional human drama.
- GenresFiction
306 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
2 people are currently reading
50 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 30, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"You're having some hard knocks, Knox."
House Call is an immersive and enjoyable slow burn mystery thriller which follows various life threads in addition to that of the main killings. The reader is immediately plunged into the story with the brutal murder of Taylor Richards, a thirty three years old hospital nurse, in her bathtub by an unknown intruder, only to then be whisked away to Taylor's former workplace, and the trauma of an understaffed medical unit trying to cope with several near simultaneous birth crises. The reader is introduced to numerous characters directly or indirectly connected with the Mont Claire Centre for Women's Medical and Surgical Services, Taylor's employer, several of whom become the focus of their own individual stories, making this book far more than just a straightforward murder mystery, incorporating sexual discrimination, addiction, confidentiality, practice politics, relationships, drug testing - and more.
The characters are well developed, becoming fully rounded people with personal aspirations and reactions which felt realistic: it was easy to relate to them, whether in a positive way or otherwise, and it was fascinating to feel the deaths in the book to be almost overshadowed by consequences, rather than the loss of the person and the search for the killer. At times, quite harrowing, there are flashes of humour, too. Very expertly done. The narration fits well. Clearly articulated with good intonation, the reading is not over dramatised, letting the story tell itself. But the characters are each individually and appropriately voiced, giving them even greater depth. A fine, subdued performance matching the timbre of the book.
I was very fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy of House Call, by the rights holder, after my request via Audiobook Boom. Thank you. I very much enjoyed this organic way of experiencing a murder mystery and will be looking out for more books by this author, himself a medical practitioner, in the future. It is a slice of life story centred around the deaths and, as such, has a depth of personality not often found in straightforward murder mysteries.
Recommended.
"You're having some hard knocks, Knox."
House Call is an immersive and enjoyable slow burn mystery thriller which follows various life threads in addition to that of the main killings. The reader is immediately plunged into the story with the brutal murder of Taylor Richards, a thirty three years old hospital nurse, in her bathtub by an unknown intruder, only to then be whisked away to Taylor's former workplace, and the trauma of an understaffed medical unit trying to cope with several near simultaneous birth crises. The reader is introduced to numerous characters directly or indirectly connected with the Mont Claire Centre for Women's Medical and Surgical Services, Taylor's employer, several of whom become the focus of their own individual stories, making this book far more than just a straightforward murder mystery, incorporating sexual discrimination, addiction, confidentiality, practice politics, relationships, drug testing - and more.
The characters are well developed, becoming fully rounded people with personal aspirations and reactions which felt realistic: it was easy to relate to them, whether in a positive way or otherwise, and it was fascinating to feel the deaths in the book to be almost overshadowed by consequences, rather than the loss of the person and the search for the killer. At times, quite harrowing, there are flashes of humour, too. Very expertly done. The narration fits well. Clearly articulated with good intonation, the reading is not over dramatised, letting the story tell itself. But the characters are each individually and appropriately voiced, giving them even greater depth. A fine, subdued performance matching the timbre of the book.
I was very fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy of House Call, by the rights holder, after my request via Audiobook Boom. Thank you. I very much enjoyed this organic way of experiencing a murder mystery and will be looking out for more books by this author, himself a medical practitioner, in the future. It is a slice of life story centred around the deaths and, as such, has a depth of personality not often found in straightforward murder mysteries.
Recommended.
June 8, 2020
From the start, this story demands your attention. As Dr Knox Chamblee takes up a position at an obstetrics/gynaecology practice, across town a young nurse is found brutally murdered in her home. Yet, you'd be forgiven for thinking this is just another police procedural. In facts, the individual stories of the doctors at the practice run alongside the police investigation.
Most interestingly, the author delves into the harsh reality of the medical profession in the US, where the almighty dollar rules, and productivity is more important than ability when it comes to keeping your job, as Knox soon discovers.
More deaths occur, and we are kept wondering who the killer is and why is he murdering these medical professionals? The intertwining lives of the doctors continue to unravel, with secrets galore coming out of the woodwork. Not all of the doctors are likeable, and they strive to keep their messy, personal lives private from their colleagues.
There are a lot of characters and side stories, and the switching of POV mid-chapter is a bit jarring as a listener; I was constantly waiting to put a name to the scene after an abrupt change of character. Some of these subplots slowed the story down, heavy as they were in detail. I imagine some of those scenes could have been removed easily without impacting the overall story. That said, the extra detail does mean that each character is well developed and fully fleshed-out, even if not all of their daily habits are necessary.
The narrator does a good job at conveying the varied emotions experienced by these people giving them clear and distinct personalities, and the accent portrayed the right tone for the setting (as far as I can judge on that anyway - it came across "Southern" to me, ;) but what do I know as a Brit?)
This is an entertaining murder-mystery story which highlights the strains of the medical practice and the professionals therein, mixing in political and social issues to further mirror reality.
Most interestingly, the author delves into the harsh reality of the medical profession in the US, where the almighty dollar rules, and productivity is more important than ability when it comes to keeping your job, as Knox soon discovers.
More deaths occur, and we are kept wondering who the killer is and why is he murdering these medical professionals? The intertwining lives of the doctors continue to unravel, with secrets galore coming out of the woodwork. Not all of the doctors are likeable, and they strive to keep their messy, personal lives private from their colleagues.
There are a lot of characters and side stories, and the switching of POV mid-chapter is a bit jarring as a listener; I was constantly waiting to put a name to the scene after an abrupt change of character. Some of these subplots slowed the story down, heavy as they were in detail. I imagine some of those scenes could have been removed easily without impacting the overall story. That said, the extra detail does mean that each character is well developed and fully fleshed-out, even if not all of their daily habits are necessary.
The narrator does a good job at conveying the varied emotions experienced by these people giving them clear and distinct personalities, and the accent portrayed the right tone for the setting (as far as I can judge on that anyway - it came across "Southern" to me, ;) but what do I know as a Brit?)
This is an entertaining murder-mystery story which highlights the strains of the medical practice and the professionals therein, mixing in political and social issues to further mirror reality.
March 31, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
Here, young handsome Dr. Knox Chamblee joined an obstectrics/gynecology practice. At the same time that Dr. Chamblee is trying to establish his worth to the partners, a nurse who used to work for the practice is murdered. Law enforcement believe that the murderer might be her ex-husband. However, soon thereafter, one of the partners dies while hunting. Is his death accidental or is it murder?
Overall, I really liked this story [I learned later that this was the author's first book]. There are a lot of characters and side stories [some of these stories/characters could have been edited or excised as it slowed the story related to the murders a bit]. I think the cut throat world of thriving in the medical world could easily be it's own completely fascinating book [it was really intersting how volume rather than medical care dominated decisions.] However, even with all of these characters, each character is well developed, interesting and kept me wanting to know more. The description of the initial murder is scary and creepy [completely pulled me in.] The setting of the book is the South, which the author clearly knows and loves, is so well described.
I listened to this book -- the narrator did a great job with the different voices of the characters and establishing that southern flavor.
Here, young handsome Dr. Knox Chamblee joined an obstectrics/gynecology practice. At the same time that Dr. Chamblee is trying to establish his worth to the partners, a nurse who used to work for the practice is murdered. Law enforcement believe that the murderer might be her ex-husband. However, soon thereafter, one of the partners dies while hunting. Is his death accidental or is it murder?
Overall, I really liked this story [I learned later that this was the author's first book]. There are a lot of characters and side stories [some of these stories/characters could have been edited or excised as it slowed the story related to the murders a bit]. I think the cut throat world of thriving in the medical world could easily be it's own completely fascinating book [it was really intersting how volume rather than medical care dominated decisions.] However, even with all of these characters, each character is well developed, interesting and kept me wanting to know more. The description of the initial murder is scary and creepy [completely pulled me in.] The setting of the book is the South, which the author clearly knows and loves, is so well described.
I listened to this book -- the narrator did a great job with the different voices of the characters and establishing that southern flavor.
March 20, 2019
A Murder Mystery That Is So Much More
Darden North’s House Call is a murder mystery, but it is so much more. The novel simultaneously tells tales of reverse discrimination, of the treacheries imbedded in diet/anti-depressant pharmaceuticals, of the financial intricacies of the new age of medicine, and of even the psycho-social legacies of Southern miscegenation. Grounded in and around the environs of the fictional Montclair, Mississippi, House Call presents a clever, smart depiction of modern life against the looming specter of a series of murders.
North has a sharp eye for characterization whether it’s the haughty Dr. Hawes or the amiable Dr. Gwinn. He deftly shifts perspective across a variety of intriguing storylines, all the while marking his prose with astute commentary (“Whether the body or their relationship was natural or unnatural did not seem to matter”). Centered on the young male OB-GYN Knox Chamblee, the drama unfolds as a medical group becomes chaotically short-handed as the bodies start falling.
The ending has some fine ironic, even humorous, twists – an ending that is simultaneously cynical and redemptive.
As the reader of the novel on Audible, Michael Robbins captures both the Southern flavor and the urbane wittiness of the writing. That only heightens the pleasures of this rich and lively novel.
Darden North’s House Call is a murder mystery, but it is so much more. The novel simultaneously tells tales of reverse discrimination, of the treacheries imbedded in diet/anti-depressant pharmaceuticals, of the financial intricacies of the new age of medicine, and of even the psycho-social legacies of Southern miscegenation. Grounded in and around the environs of the fictional Montclair, Mississippi, House Call presents a clever, smart depiction of modern life against the looming specter of a series of murders.
North has a sharp eye for characterization whether it’s the haughty Dr. Hawes or the amiable Dr. Gwinn. He deftly shifts perspective across a variety of intriguing storylines, all the while marking his prose with astute commentary (“Whether the body or their relationship was natural or unnatural did not seem to matter”). Centered on the young male OB-GYN Knox Chamblee, the drama unfolds as a medical group becomes chaotically short-handed as the bodies start falling.
The ending has some fine ironic, even humorous, twists – an ending that is simultaneously cynical and redemptive.
As the reader of the novel on Audible, Michael Robbins captures both the Southern flavor and the urbane wittiness of the writing. That only heightens the pleasures of this rich and lively novel.
May 28, 2019
Excellent L&D OB/GYN scenarios, characters and backstories. I have been a Doula for many years and got a good look into many medical practices. Right out of the gate this book resonates true. The Drs, nurses and patients all come off as believable and I found myself really investing in a number of the characters. The murder mystery doesn’t come off as the main theme because the medical parts were so well written.
This audiobook has an excellent Narrator so much so I will actually look for more books he’s narrated. He brought the various characters from all phases of life and careers to life.
I was given a free copy of this book in lieu of an honest review. I honestly recommend this book.
This audiobook has an excellent Narrator so much so I will actually look for more books he’s narrated. He brought the various characters from all phases of life and careers to life.
I was given a free copy of this book in lieu of an honest review. I honestly recommend this book.
May 13, 2022
Frighteningly believable!
By: Darden North, MD
Narrated by: Michael Robbins
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 05-13-22
A nurse is dead, a doctor stands to lose everything simply because he’s a man, and if that’s not enough, there’s a psychopath on the loose! Welcome to House Call, part thriller, part mystery, part story on the all too real dangers of sexual discrimination, this time with an interesting twist! This one will entertain you, educate you, and really make you think! The writing is fantastic, the narration clear, and the ending, (no spoilers), I didn’t see it coming! This is my first Darden North story, but it won’t be my last! Five stars!
By: Darden North, MD
Narrated by: Michael Robbins
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 05-13-22
A nurse is dead, a doctor stands to lose everything simply because he’s a man, and if that’s not enough, there’s a psychopath on the loose! Welcome to House Call, part thriller, part mystery, part story on the all too real dangers of sexual discrimination, this time with an interesting twist! This one will entertain you, educate you, and really make you think! The writing is fantastic, the narration clear, and the ending, (no spoilers), I didn’t see it coming! This is my first Darden North story, but it won’t be my last! Five stars!
May 26, 2019
First, I have to start off by stating that I got this book free of charge in exchange for a review, but as I always state, this does not in any way impact my review. My reviews are always honest and my own.
From the first page of the nurse's murder scene, this book had me hooked. This is my first introduction to the author's work, but I look forward to reading the rest of Darden North's books. The unique characters in "House Call" kept me guessing about what they could possibly do next. I have never met a psychopath like the one in this story. North writes with great detail but makes the medical aspects of this story easy to absorb. I have recommended this book to several of my friends.
From the first page of the nurse's murder scene, this book had me hooked. This is my first introduction to the author's work, but I look forward to reading the rest of Darden North's books. The unique characters in "House Call" kept me guessing about what they could possibly do next. I have never met a psychopath like the one in this story. North writes with great detail but makes the medical aspects of this story easy to absorb. I have recommended this book to several of my friends.
June 15, 2019
As a debut novel, Darden North has created a mystery full of twists and false trails. I loved Dr. Knox and hated his boss. He's a nice guy looking to do good while the universe seems to be out to get him. There are some very interesting and unique side characters in the story including a personal shopper to the ultra-rich and a super snobby charity lady who thinks she can control everybody. A significant portion of the story is taken up with commentary on the way the health care business works which is enlightening but is almost too much. The narrator has a good voice for the story but at times the rhythm felt a little off. Overall, a good debut.
May 17, 2019
House Call
: Darden North
This book is slow moving, over informational, with too many plots to keep straight. There were bits and pieces that would have made a good story line.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Michael Robbins.
I was given a code for a free review copy audiobook at my request, the code did not work and Audible took away one of my credits!!! I have voluntarily left this review.
: Darden North
This book is slow moving, over informational, with too many plots to keep straight. There were bits and pieces that would have made a good story line.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Michael Robbins.
I was given a code for a free review copy audiobook at my request, the code did not work and Audible took away one of my credits!!! I have voluntarily left this review.
February 5, 2020
This story is drowning in medical politics, but the underdeveloped legal and police procedural elements of the story are seriously lacking in authenticity and believability. Moreover, the story fails to fully engage the reader. The characters aren't particularly compelling -- some aren't even very likable. Michael Robbins performs satisfactorily. This book is a passable debut.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 30, 2020
For the first novel this was good, two stories run together. With hope of starting a career Dr .Chamblee joins a medical practice, when a nurse is murdered. The story investigates her murder, as well as the medical field. Will keep your interest, and enjoyed the narration. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
February 16, 2025
Loved the narration of Michael Robbins
This ia a mystery thriller of the brutal murder of Taylor Richards, a thirty three years old hospital nurse. Who was murdered in her bathtub by an intruder. We have many characters with their own stories. This book is more than your murder mystery, We have sexual discrimination, addiction, with a lot more.
This ia a mystery thriller of the brutal murder of Taylor Richards, a thirty three years old hospital nurse. Who was murdered in her bathtub by an intruder. We have many characters with their own stories. This book is more than your murder mystery, We have sexual discrimination, addiction, with a lot more.
May 22, 2019
If you like medical drama your gonna love this
Good narrator and Well written medical situations with a end reveal I dident see coming
Some parts did get a little slow for me but overall I enjoyed this
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
Good narrator and Well written medical situations with a end reveal I dident see coming
Some parts did get a little slow for me but overall I enjoyed this
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
July 4, 2019
I nearly stopped reading this before getting halfway through.It just came off as bad taste,then it picked up and I couldn't put it down!A really good medical mystery. Michael Robbins was a good narrator. I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
September 26, 2017
Intriguing Read
Twist and turns fascinating. The plot development different and definitely keep the pages turning in avid anticipation. Definitely recommend. Ok
Twist and turns fascinating. The plot development different and definitely keep the pages turning in avid anticipation. Definitely recommend. Ok
July 1, 2019
Murders steeped in the world of medicine as a young male gynecologist finds himself
March 16, 2019
In this first book by Darden North M.D., he takes us into the cut throat world of an Obs/Gyne practice, where productivity and not ability determines if you make partner or not. The story starts with a captivating hook, as we experience a murder scene that makes you shudder, and you soon find yourself immersed in the twists and turns of this story. The unique characters and their intertwining lives keep you guessing as to what could possibly happen next and as to who the murderer is. The narrator did a great job of all the voices. He brought out the emotions in the story well and made you feel the different personalities of the characters well. Murder, politics, drugs, suspense and surprises will keep you guessing. This was an entertaining murder, mystery audiobook that also speaks of the complexities of medical practice, politics and social standing in the US and the strains it can put on all concerned.
November 13, 2015
As a Mississippi girl, born and raised, I wanted to support a fellow Mississippian and read this book. I love medical thrillers due to having worked in medical field for years. But, I felt the book was a bit too ambitious in that it felt all over the place with too many character storylines. Also, I thought it could have been edited a bit more to tone down some of the unnecessary descriptors.
August 19, 2009
Great book! I was very impressed with Dr. North's first novel. Can't wait to read the rest!
January 25, 2013
Too slow, too many details, and way too boring. I could get the same information if I just sat in the ER for a night.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews