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An AJ Docker and Banshee Thriller #6
Phantom Files
" Phantom Files is a bestselling medical thriller that may cause readers to experience rapid breathing, heart-pounding, spine-tingling, page-turning excitement." -Gail Ward Olmsted, author of the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist series
A brutal murder of a well-known and respected senior physician at Tempe General shocks the community. But it's just the beginning-a violent avenger stalks the hospital's corridors and more people may be on his kill list.
After AJ Docker fails to resuscitate the first victim, he is determined to prevent further violence. With his friend Dirk at his side and Banshee guarding his back, Doc hunts for the killer. His inquiries uncover the hospital's dark, sordid past and lead him to seek files rumored to contain information that might identify the killer. No one knows whether the files actually exist, and it's unclear who is helping Doc and who might be helping the killer.
Phantom Files once again showcases Gerlacher's medical knowledge skillfully integrated with a complex plot full of twists and turns. The pace is fast, the action intense, and the characters unforgettable-as readers have come to expect from this bestselling series.
A brutal murder of a well-known and respected senior physician at Tempe General shocks the community. But it's just the beginning-a violent avenger stalks the hospital's corridors and more people may be on his kill list.
After AJ Docker fails to resuscitate the first victim, he is determined to prevent further violence. With his friend Dirk at his side and Banshee guarding his back, Doc hunts for the killer. His inquiries uncover the hospital's dark, sordid past and lead him to seek files rumored to contain information that might identify the killer. No one knows whether the files actually exist, and it's unclear who is helping Doc and who might be helping the killer.
Phantom Files once again showcases Gerlacher's medical knowledge skillfully integrated with a complex plot full of twists and turns. The pace is fast, the action intense, and the characters unforgettable-as readers have come to expect from this bestselling series.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2026
502 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
March 12, 2026
The final part (as of now) in the AJ Docker and Banshee series was definitely one of the better ones. Don't have much to say, other than the fact that I really enjoyed this book; it went back to the old formula of the series being a whodunnit as opposed to the whole terrorism/political genre that a few books fell into.
Will definitely miss Banshee - you're not just a good boy, but the best boy!
Will definitely miss Banshee - you're not just a good boy, but the best boy!
March 15, 2026
Phantom Files by Gary Gerlacher is book six in the AJ Docker and Banshee Thriller series. My goodness, every time I think this author can't top his previous book, I'm quickly proven wrong. I love how this read includes a few differences from the previous books in the series, such as how the murders are carried out and a new way that Banshee locates Doc.
December 4, 2025
Doc and Banshee are in a busy ER in Phoenix when a slew of doctors are brutally murdered setting Doc onto the investigation. For him it’s personal as he responded to the code blue calls ending in his giving the time of death. Having to deal with the stress from the unhelpful arrogant hospital Administrator and Head of HR was eased by a few friends: Dirk, the food loving ER guard, Sue the ER head nurse, and his partner Banshee. The interplay of characters is extremely well done as the scenes move from a horrific MRI scene, to a lethal chair, and on, as suspects start to reveal themselves but one clue is undone by another revelation and it’s hard to know who done it until the last few pages. Even then the mystery continues as Doc’s life is in danger. The intensity of the danger screams from the pages with six deaths in the wake of destruction. I loved so much about this gripping fast read, how Dirk ate for three and how doc kicked him under the table when he said something inappropriate bringing levity into the horrors befalling doctors. The ER and medical scenes were spot on and the manner in the way the deaths constructed ingenuous. But what I loved the most was Docs relationship with Banshee and how Banshee scoped out friend from enemy in a portrayal that a dog lover as myself resonated with. There’s a lot of heart in this story, in the caring way Gerlacher dealt with hospital patients and in the final analysis when he could have he did no harm. I’ve read his others book but there was something very addictive about this one and I can’t stop thinking about it, how much I looked forward to my daily read and when I came close to the last page I slowed the read to make it last feeling a little disappointed it was almost over until I saw DOC’S GOING TO SAN DIEGO! Thank you, Gary Gerlacher for giving this reader several happy days of enjoying your storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Phantom Files sucked me in from the first sentence, completely immersing me in Dr. AJ Docker and K9 Banshee's world of brave heroism and medical nightmares. Set in a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, this thriller is packed with action and full of mysteries. A serial killer lurks in the shadows at Tempe Memorial Hospital, killing senior doctors in brutal and strange ways, but being elusive enough to not get caught. Doc can't help his curiosity surrounding the deaths, leading to him, Banshee, and ER guard, Dirk, doing their own detective work to figure out who's betraying the hospital's doctors. Right when readers think they've figured out who the killer is, Gerlacher comes in with his creative storytelling and attention to detail, ensuring you'll be guessing up until the very end! Gerlacher has a knack for forming relatable characters and impressive plots, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading his work. -Hannah McNamara, author of Gut Instinct.
May 3, 2026
Book #6 in the AJ Docker & Banshee series of thrillers. Doc and Banshee travel from hospital to hospital, accepting short-term contracts to fill in when the hospital's emergency rooms are shorthanded. They land in Tempe, Az, this time. When doctors start dying in gruesome murders, Doc starts digging. He'll take some knocks and suffer a little blood loss along the way, but Banshee has his back. When the killer attacks Banshee, Doc will ensure he regrets it.
I've read all of these books and enjoyed them. Since Doc is a travelling doctor, the cities and hospitals are different in each story. Gary Gerlacher has a medical background that keeps the scenes realistic, sometimes too realistic.......it will be a while before I get an MRI.....and the characters are interesting. They are all quick reads that are well written. If you're looking for a new series to start, these are an excellent choice.
I've read all of these books and enjoyed them. Since Doc is a travelling doctor, the cities and hospitals are different in each story. Gary Gerlacher has a medical background that keeps the scenes realistic, sometimes too realistic.......it will be a while before I get an MRI.....and the characters are interesting. They are all quick reads that are well written. If you're looking for a new series to start, these are an excellent choice.
March 18, 2026
I am a huge fan of this series!!
I love how realistic the medical scenes are. In fact, it is so realistic that I had to look up the author after about the third book in the series to find out how he knew so much about medicine and trauma and emergent intubations, etc.
I found out that the author is in fact, an emergency room doctor and that is what makes all of the medical scenes so true to life, which is fun as someone who works in critical care in a hospital.
I also find the mysteries very fun. And I love the addition of the retired, beloved police dog in all of these series. Anytime a new book comes out from Gerlacher, I will be reading it!
The suspense of Phantom Files held me through the whole book. I love the characters, I love the way the book is laid out, and I'm always on the edge of my seat waiting for what is going to happen next.
I love how realistic the medical scenes are. In fact, it is so realistic that I had to look up the author after about the third book in the series to find out how he knew so much about medicine and trauma and emergent intubations, etc.
I found out that the author is in fact, an emergency room doctor and that is what makes all of the medical scenes so true to life, which is fun as someone who works in critical care in a hospital.
I also find the mysteries very fun. And I love the addition of the retired, beloved police dog in all of these series. Anytime a new book comes out from Gerlacher, I will be reading it!
The suspense of Phantom Files held me through the whole book. I love the characters, I love the way the book is laid out, and I'm always on the edge of my seat waiting for what is going to happen next.
December 4, 2025
A lightning-paced medical thriller blending suspense, mystery, and action. Dr. AJ Docker and his retired K9 partner, Banshee, rotate through emergency rooms across the US. While in Tempe, Arizona, the duo find themselves entangled in a series of hospital murders where they are always the first on the scene. Despite Doc's efforts to stay out of the police investigation, his instincts and unconventional methods inevitably result in him uncovering chilling secrets hidden within the hospital walls. As the danger closes in, Gerlacher ups the tension, making this another unputdownable read for fans of crime fiction with a medical twist.
December 4, 2025
With his sixth medical mystery thriller, Gary Gerlacher ratchets up his already superb game, grabbing readers on page one and daring them to put the book down. Few will be able to do so. An intricate plot features Gerlacher’s two omnipresent characters, itinerant emergency room doctor AJ Docker, and Banshee, his German Shepherd with keen instincts and a personality all his own. The story is set in a Tempe, Arizona, hospital where too many people are dying. The problem is it’s not just the patients who are dying! Hippocrates is surely turning over in his tomb while waiting for Doc and Banshee to solve Gerlacher’s latest, and best, medical murder mystery.
December 5, 2025
The Phantom Files delivers a deeply satisfying mix of medical realism, suspense, and psychological tension. Gary Gerlacher creates a vivid hospital world where every detail—from emergency room chaos to inter-department politics—feels authentic. The murders are unsettling and cleverly constructed, and the “Avenging Angel” plotline kept me guessing the entire way through. Dr. AJ Docker and his dog, Banshee, bring heart and humanity to the story, grounding the intensity with warmth and humor.
This is my fourth book by Gary Gerlacher, and I continue to be impressed by how immersive, sharp, and utterly engaging his storytelling is. A standout thriller from start to finish
This is my fourth book by Gary Gerlacher, and I continue to be impressed by how immersive, sharp, and utterly engaging his storytelling is. A standout thriller from start to finish
Review of advance copy received from Author
Doc and Banshee have more lives than a cat, as once again, they become embroiled in danger as they help solve a crime. When one of the hospital's own doctors is the patient killed during an MRI, Doc is on duty for the gruesome scene. With the clock ticking, he searches for a killer within the hospital, only to uncover long-term blackmail, narcotics theft, and a string of additional murders. With fast-paced action, compelling characters, and the best canine sidekick around, Phantom Files is a recommended read for thriller and action lovers.
I received an ARC from the author and have left an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and have left an honest review.
March 14, 2026
Unputdownable
Another excellent Gerlacher story where murder is always involved. I have read the entire series and he makes each one unique. I live in Tucson and it crossed my mind to look up the corrupt hospital this story was centered on, but correctly decided he wouldn't use a real hospital there unless he wanted an army of nurses and doctors hunting him down! I appreciate the fact that he leads us to the real killer slowly over the course of the book, and doesn't suddenly reveal him in the last chapter with conclusions you never could have seen coming. Other mystery authors do that and it's frustrating. Great job, Gary. Keep 'em coming!
Another excellent Gerlacher story where murder is always involved. I have read the entire series and he makes each one unique. I live in Tucson and it crossed my mind to look up the corrupt hospital this story was centered on, but correctly decided he wouldn't use a real hospital there unless he wanted an army of nurses and doctors hunting him down! I appreciate the fact that he leads us to the real killer slowly over the course of the book, and doesn't suddenly reveal him in the last chapter with conclusions you never could have seen coming. Other mystery authors do that and it's frustrating. Great job, Gary. Keep 'em coming!
April 21, 2026
This thriller takes off like a gun shot. Doctor Docker's sixth hospital is a hot bed of deception and intrigue. Lucky for the Doc, his Belgian Malinois has his back, in spite of the murders. As with the first 5 books, Dr. Gerlacher crafts a plot that sucks the reader in, with interesting characters and look at medicine from the inside. Well worth the read.
I'm only bummed because the next one is still in progress. The world of Docker is somewhat addictive and now I have to find some other author that intrigues and satisfies my need for a medical thriller. Until the next one is out, I recommend it as very satisfying read.
I'm only bummed because the next one is still in progress. The world of Docker is somewhat addictive and now I have to find some other author that intrigues and satisfies my need for a medical thriller. Until the next one is out, I recommend it as very satisfying read.
April 30, 2026
Edge of your seat or Nail Biter... You Choose!
Another 5 star book! From Chapter 1 to the last page in the book there is never a dull moment. Banchee and Doc can't seem to stay out of trouble. My vote as to the hero of the book, its the dog. When he's not working, Banchee is a ham with all his tricks. Doc never stays in one place for any length of time due to his 4 month contract with the hospital. So he doesn't really have deep friendships. But he manages to have a couple of good friends. I don't do spoilers as its your reading right to form your own opinions. For me a 5 star book series and you can find them on Kindle Unlimited.
Another 5 star book! From Chapter 1 to the last page in the book there is never a dull moment. Banchee and Doc can't seem to stay out of trouble. My vote as to the hero of the book, its the dog. When he's not working, Banchee is a ham with all his tricks. Doc never stays in one place for any length of time due to his 4 month contract with the hospital. So he doesn't really have deep friendships. But he manages to have a couple of good friends. I don't do spoilers as its your reading right to form your own opinions. For me a 5 star book series and you can find them on Kindle Unlimited.
December 10, 2025
Gary Gerlacher’s latest book, Phantom Files, is everything I’ve come to love about this series. This non-stop medical thriller plunges ER physician Doc Docker and his loveable, retired police dog, Banshee, into a chilling investigation at a Phoenix hospital where a killer known as the “Avenging Angel” is targeting doctors. The plot takes surprising twists and turns as Docker uses his medical expertise to hunt for the killer’s identity while his trusty dog protects him from the killer’s attempts to stop him. I highly recommend this action-packed thriller for fans of medical crime fiction.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A killer who calls himself the Avenging Angel besieges a Phoenix hospital. With unwavering tenacity and his sidekick Banshee, Doc once again sets out to assist—or rather, to expedite—in the investigation of the murders of high-ranking doctors. The Phantom Files deals with a new terror. A sophisticated killer. Brilliantly scary and more sinister than any Doc has encountered before. I read this book in two days, completely immersed and stunned. Book 6 of the AJ Docker medical thriller series lives up to its earlier installments and might just be my new favorite!
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Phantom Files, Gary Gerlacher delivers everything thriller readers want - greed, murder, and good guys (and dogs) fighting for their lives. The latest AJ Docker "Doc" adventure is packed with:
- One badass doctor with a conscience and strong will to stop anyone who means harm
- One lovable, loyal killer super dog
- High body count
- Countless tense moments that will make you second-guess your next hospital stay
With a killer who's described like this, "Killing was simply a means to an end, like brushing his teeth." readers will stand behind any form of Doc's justice.
- One badass doctor with a conscience and strong will to stop anyone who means harm
- One lovable, loyal killer super dog
- High body count
- Countless tense moments that will make you second-guess your next hospital stay
With a killer who's described like this, "Killing was simply a means to an end, like brushing his teeth." readers will stand behind any form of Doc's justice.
May 5, 2026
Review of Phantom Files
I like the doc Docker adventures. Banshee never disappoints. Having been an ER nurse a lot of the hospital jargon rings a bell. Our son's fiancee got me started reading this series. We actually bought number 5 for her on her birthday. You were kind enough to autograph it for her. She was very excited. Thank you. She is also a nurse. She makes us very proud. Can hardly wait to have her as a part of our family. Thanks for all you do! How you find the time to write is beyond me.-Bonnie Rugen
I like the doc Docker adventures. Banshee never disappoints. Having been an ER nurse a lot of the hospital jargon rings a bell. Our son's fiancee got me started reading this series. We actually bought number 5 for her on her birthday. You were kind enough to autograph it for her. She was very excited. Thank you. She is also a nurse. She makes us very proud. Can hardly wait to have her as a part of our family. Thanks for all you do! How you find the time to write is beyond me.-Bonnie Rugen
March 9, 2026
Love this series!
Not for the squeamish, but the author definitely understands the medical profession. Several deaths, a list of people with some names crossed off, and some files taken lead Doc and Banshee on the trail of a killer. I look forward to Doc and Banshee in San Diego in the next book. I recommend that you at least read the first book in the series to understand how Doc got Banshee. No cliffhangers in the series.
Not for the squeamish, but the author definitely understands the medical profession. Several deaths, a list of people with some names crossed off, and some files taken lead Doc and Banshee on the trail of a killer. I look forward to Doc and Banshee in San Diego in the next book. I recommend that you at least read the first book in the series to understand how Doc got Banshee. No cliffhangers in the series.
April 4, 2026
Six Exciting Winners
I just completed the six book series about AJ (Doc) Docker and Banshee thrillers. As a retired EMS worker and animal lover these novels were exciting and excellent reads. As each adventure unfolded Doc and Banshee became more real and on the edge of my seat entertaining. No explicit sex or unnecessary cussing. Looking forward to the seventh. After San Diego maybe Alaska, hint hint
I just completed the six book series about AJ (Doc) Docker and Banshee thrillers. As a retired EMS worker and animal lover these novels were exciting and excellent reads. As each adventure unfolded Doc and Banshee became more real and on the edge of my seat entertaining. No explicit sex or unnecessary cussing. Looking forward to the seventh. After San Diego maybe Alaska, hint hint
April 6, 2026
Oh I’m always up for a Doc and Banshee story! I really
Liked the premise of this one; people are being killed in the hospital and it’s up to doc and banshee to figure out the connection! As always the murders we’re kinda gruesome but what I liked the most was the idea of the phantom
Files itself! Once doc got his hands on the goods he was able to figure out what was going on but of course he had to make some noise and become a target himself!
Liked the premise of this one; people are being killed in the hospital and it’s up to doc and banshee to figure out the connection! As always the murders we’re kinda gruesome but what I liked the most was the idea of the phantom
Files itself! Once doc got his hands on the goods he was able to figure out what was going on but of course he had to make some noise and become a target himself!
April 9, 2026
I love it when I accidentally come across an author who is new to me, especially when the books turn out to be so good and exciting. Fast paced with non stop excitement, these books by Gary Gerlach(and I have read them all) have been a very good and rewarding experience for me. I found the ER backdrop in all the books to be fascinating with some good observations and explanations of medical practices.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Phantom Files: An AJ Docker and Banshee Thriller. AJ Docker and Banshee take the reader on another fast-moving thrill ride. Gerlacher keeps the suspense high as the murderer eludes the police and Docker and Banshee get involved. Warning: The first murder scene is an unforgettable humdinger and sets the pace for the rest of the novel. Altogether, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
March 10, 2026
Worth the wait!
It was worth the wait for this latest installment in the Doc and Banshee series! Lots of realistic and crazy Emergency Department drama. Love the pace of the writing and lack of spelling/grammatical errors. Only found one! Looking forward to the next book! Ret. PACU RN
It was worth the wait for this latest installment in the Doc and Banshee series! Lots of realistic and crazy Emergency Department drama. Love the pace of the writing and lack of spelling/grammatical errors. Only found one! Looking forward to the next book! Ret. PACU RN
March 11, 2026
Another great read
Was very pleased to see the author had posted another Doc and Banshee adventure. Wasn’t disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed this one. Now on to San Diego and the next adventure. To anyone thinking about this author and his works, immediately get involved in all the series about Doc and Banshee. You will be entertained and rewarded.
Was very pleased to see the author had posted another Doc and Banshee adventure. Wasn’t disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed this one. Now on to San Diego and the next adventure. To anyone thinking about this author and his works, immediately get involved in all the series about Doc and Banshee. You will be entertained and rewarded.
March 11, 2026
another great story
Love these books. They combine everything a good thriller needs, mixed with some really comedic episodes. It’s always fun trying to figure out the “bad guy” in his books, and more times than none I have been surprised…yet it was believable and made sense. Looking forward to his next San Diego adventure….hope it’s soon!
Love these books. They combine everything a good thriller needs, mixed with some really comedic episodes. It’s always fun trying to figure out the “bad guy” in his books, and more times than none I have been surprised…yet it was believable and made sense. Looking forward to his next San Diego adventure….hope it’s soon!
March 13, 2026
Gerlacher hit it out of the park again
I fully admit to being obsessed with this series. An ER Doc who Is a wannabe cop and I'm so totally in love with Banshee. His canine side kick. Together they make an awesome team. And do they ever kick some a$$!!!!! I have followed them through 6 cities now and can not wait to see what happens in San Diego!!!
I fully admit to being obsessed with this series. An ER Doc who Is a wannabe cop and I'm so totally in love with Banshee. His canine side kick. Together they make an awesome team. And do they ever kick some a$$!!!!! I have followed them through 6 cities now and can not wait to see what happens in San Diego!!!
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March 17, 2026I read all these almost in order! I read the second book first then went back and read Last Patient of the Night so that I’d be in order. One of the best medical/suspense books I’ve read recently. AJ Docker and Banshee have became favorite characters that I looked forward to following into further adventures. It’s a good quick easy read that is hard to put down.
March 28, 2026
LOVED this book
Gary Gerlacher is a great writer: intelligent, articulate and witty. All these books have excellent characters, are fast- moving and suspenseful. I only wish he would write more quickly! Amazon shows this as the end of the series, but it looks like there's an opening for a next book set in San Diego. Can't wait!
Gary Gerlacher is a great writer: intelligent, articulate and witty. All these books have excellent characters, are fast- moving and suspenseful. I only wish he would write more quickly! Amazon shows this as the end of the series, but it looks like there's an opening for a next book set in San Diego. Can't wait!
March 29, 2026
Another wonderful read by Gary! Always love the adventures of Doc and Banshee and this one definitely has the danger factor at a much higher level than the others; it’s right up there with the Vegas story. Personally I did not truly know who the killer was until it was revealed and even then, I couldn’t believe the insanity around them.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews