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Fatal Complications
Anyone Can Put You to Sleep—It's the One Who Wakes You Up That's Important When a colleague's patient suffers a bizarre reaction in the operating room, Luke Daulton, a newly minted anesthesiologist, volunteers to help. Despite the surgical team's best efforts, the patient succumbs to a rare anesthetic complication. Luke becomes perplexed, even suspicious, over their inability to save the woman. Is it possible that the diagnosis was wrong? Or, worse yet, was the diagnosis faked? Luke even wonders if his boss Dr. Katz is involved. Too busy with the rigors of a new job and his impending fatherhood, Luke is forced to put his suspicions on hold. When his wife, Kim, faces a C-section, his fears are reignited. Could there be a murderer—or murderers—operating in his hospital? Could his wife's obstetrician be involved? When the C-section goes horribly wrong, Luke must launch into action to save his wife and baby and expose the conspiracy he's uncovered.Perfect for Fans of Robin Cook and Tess Gerritsen
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
272 people are currently reading
3310 people want to read
About the author
John Benedict
5 books240 followersI work as an anesthesiologist and spend a good part of my life putting other people to sleep for all kinds of surgery. It's very interesting and exciting--I get to interact with and help a lot of people in many different situations. However, the hours are tough (24 hour call shifts) and it can be a bit stressful!
One day it struck me-- people place an extraordinary amount of trust in their anesthesiologist (someone they have often just met minutes beforehand) as they are being wheeled in the OR for surgery. Since I read a lot of thrillers, I couldn't help but wonder--what if that trust is misplaced and their doctor is evil? I decided to write a book exploring this chilling concept. 12 years later, Adrenaline was published. The writing/publishing process was a real eye-opener! I learned the value of perseverance and belief in oneself to overcome obstacles.
I am also a husband and father of 3 sons.
Remember--any fool can put you to sleep--it's the one who wakes you up that's important!
One day it struck me-- people place an extraordinary amount of trust in their anesthesiologist (someone they have often just met minutes beforehand) as they are being wheeled in the OR for surgery. Since I read a lot of thrillers, I couldn't help but wonder--what if that trust is misplaced and their doctor is evil? I decided to write a book exploring this chilling concept. 12 years later, Adrenaline was published. The writing/publishing process was a real eye-opener! I learned the value of perseverance and belief in oneself to overcome obstacles.
I am also a husband and father of 3 sons.
Remember--any fool can put you to sleep--it's the one who wakes you up that's important!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 21, 2021
Just about the most dangerous part of a surgery is when the anesthesiologist puts the patient to sleep. Anesthesiology is the medical specialty concerned with the total peri-operative care of patients before, during and after surgery. It encompasses anesthesia, intensive care medicine, critical emergency medicine, and pain medicine.
Luke Daulton is relatively new to the field of anesthesiology. One of his colleague's patients suffers a rare anesthetic complication.
Luke becomes perplexed, even suspicious, over their inability to save the woman. Is it possible that the diagnosis was wrong? Or, worse yet, was the diagnosis faked?
Could there be a murderer—or murderers—operating in his hospital? Could his wife's obstetrician be involved? When the C-section goes horribly wrong, Luke must launch into action to save his wife and baby and expose the conspiracy he's uncovered.
As a real life anesthesiologist, I expected a great deal of realism ... and I was not disappointed. The plot is filled with tension, the story line is intriguing, twists and turns lead to a suspenseful conclusion.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this medical thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 19, 2021
Let me say this right up front: I can take a little, even more than a little, sappy romance; while it's more plentiful here than I'd like, it's tolerable. But getting gobsmacked by an obvious religious slant in a book that's described as a medical thriller made me want to throw my Kindle against the wall. My Spidey senses started to twitch when I learned that one main character almost didn't marry her husband because he wasn't the perfect God-fearing man she really wanted (he was otherwise acceptable, though, so she decided to chance it). My suspicions were right; the theme is dotted throughout the book all the way to the end.
Redemption (pun intended) comes in the last half or so of the book, which is packed with plenty of action on the medical front, reminiscent of my old favorite authors like Robin Cook and Michael Crichton. I loved the lengthy, explicitly detailed descriptions of medical live-or-die procedures - some of which went one way, some another. The ending defies reality (make that outright destroys it), but it was edge-of-seat exciting nonetheless.
Anesthesiologist Luke Daulton is relatively new on the job at Swatara Regional Hospital near Hershey, Pennsylvania (where I've screamed on the rides at Hersheypark and, of course, consumed way too much of that delicious chocolate). Assisting with a surgery that takes a deadly turn, Luke begins to question not only what went wrong and why, but who - and whether there's some kind of conspiracy afoot. He's got a doctor friend who is in the midst of a love crisis between his wife and drop-dead-gorgeous girlfriend as well as a wife who's close to delivering their firstborn. On that last point, given still too-high rates of unnecessary C-sections in this country it was disappointing that the soon-to-be-mom insisted on a C-section not for medical reasons, but because she can't fathom enduring that much pain and her obstetrician agreed. But then again, that's just me.
Readers are privileged to get the inside scoop along the way, starting with a portent of things to come in the first few pages. Tension is heightened by watching characters concoct theories and make misjudgments that can (and do) cost them their lives - prompting us to concoct theories and make misjudgments of our own. The pace turns absolutely frantic as the end nears, bringing with it one red hot surprise. The bottom line? If you love medical-tinged drama and don't mind some religious overtones, this certainly isn't a bad choice. That said, it's probably not one you'll want to stash in your purse to read in the doctor's waiting room.
Redemption (pun intended) comes in the last half or so of the book, which is packed with plenty of action on the medical front, reminiscent of my old favorite authors like Robin Cook and Michael Crichton. I loved the lengthy, explicitly detailed descriptions of medical live-or-die procedures - some of which went one way, some another. The ending defies reality (make that outright destroys it), but it was edge-of-seat exciting nonetheless.
Anesthesiologist Luke Daulton is relatively new on the job at Swatara Regional Hospital near Hershey, Pennsylvania (where I've screamed on the rides at Hersheypark and, of course, consumed way too much of that delicious chocolate). Assisting with a surgery that takes a deadly turn, Luke begins to question not only what went wrong and why, but who - and whether there's some kind of conspiracy afoot. He's got a doctor friend who is in the midst of a love crisis between his wife and drop-dead-gorgeous girlfriend as well as a wife who's close to delivering their firstborn. On that last point, given still too-high rates of unnecessary C-sections in this country it was disappointing that the soon-to-be-mom insisted on a C-section not for medical reasons, but because she can't fathom enduring that much pain and her obstetrician agreed. But then again, that's just me.
Readers are privileged to get the inside scoop along the way, starting with a portent of things to come in the first few pages. Tension is heightened by watching characters concoct theories and make misjudgments that can (and do) cost them their lives - prompting us to concoct theories and make misjudgments of our own. The pace turns absolutely frantic as the end nears, bringing with it one red hot surprise. The bottom line? If you love medical-tinged drama and don't mind some religious overtones, this certainly isn't a bad choice. That said, it's probably not one you'll want to stash in your purse to read in the doctor's waiting room.
December 9, 2015
This is one great medical thriller! There is so much going on that I just had to keep reading. There is medical malpractice, romance, murders and mystery all in one book.
Luke Daulton a young anesthesiologist first becomes aware that something isn’t right when he assists a C section that could have gone horribly wrong. Because of his quick wits and bringing in another doctor, Dr. Rob Gentry, the woman and baby survived. Luke is confused when the department head, Dr. Katz calls him in for a reminder that he is on probation.
Meanwhile Bart Hinkle, running for another term as senator, is becoming obsessed with his dislike and frustration with his wife Mimi. He learns that there is a way that his problem could be solved, permanently.
Dr. Katz, the head of Anesthesiology, has shown increasingly bizarre behaviors since he lost his son in a home fire. He becomes a fanatic of the “dark side” and disillusioned with God and his faith. Could he be involved in medical murders?
So many story lines running simultaneously but Mr. Benedict blends them together seamlessly and the story flows very well. The pace quickens with each turn of the page. The main characters, Luke Daulton and his wife Kim, Rob Gentry and his wife Cindy, along with his “girlfriend” Gwen and Dr. Katz are all very well developed and I was right there understanding what they were thinking and doing.
When I learned that the author is an anesthesiologist himself it became clear why all of the details of this story seem real. The author has two previous books, “Adrenaline” which I will definitely read, sounds like another winner, and the follow up to that “The Edge of Death”. Genuine medical authenticity is a rare commodity in thriller fiction. Fatal Complications will be released on December 1, 2015.
Luke Daulton a young anesthesiologist first becomes aware that something isn’t right when he assists a C section that could have gone horribly wrong. Because of his quick wits and bringing in another doctor, Dr. Rob Gentry, the woman and baby survived. Luke is confused when the department head, Dr. Katz calls him in for a reminder that he is on probation.
Meanwhile Bart Hinkle, running for another term as senator, is becoming obsessed with his dislike and frustration with his wife Mimi. He learns that there is a way that his problem could be solved, permanently.
Dr. Katz, the head of Anesthesiology, has shown increasingly bizarre behaviors since he lost his son in a home fire. He becomes a fanatic of the “dark side” and disillusioned with God and his faith. Could he be involved in medical murders?
So many story lines running simultaneously but Mr. Benedict blends them together seamlessly and the story flows very well. The pace quickens with each turn of the page. The main characters, Luke Daulton and his wife Kim, Rob Gentry and his wife Cindy, along with his “girlfriend” Gwen and Dr. Katz are all very well developed and I was right there understanding what they were thinking and doing.
When I learned that the author is an anesthesiologist himself it became clear why all of the details of this story seem real. The author has two previous books, “Adrenaline” which I will definitely read, sounds like another winner, and the follow up to that “The Edge of Death”. Genuine medical authenticity is a rare commodity in thriller fiction. Fatal Complications will be released on December 1, 2015.
December 26, 2015
A special thank you to Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
John Benedict delivers an action-packed, psycho-crime-medical thriller, FATAL COMPLICATIONS -- a series of bizarre anesthetic deaths, a conspiracy, a deadly game of revenge, and a madman – putting everyone is danger, crossing his path.
Trust No One.
The book opens fifteen years earlier, with a fire (an inferno). A man is asking a woman where is David? A missing dog and son. He can hear his son crying out for help. A dad is trying to save his son—he is so close.
Flash forward, we meet Dr. Luke Daulton, a young anesthesiologist at Swatara Regional Hospital in Hershey, Pennsylvania. During a C-Section, the patient succumbs due to a rare anesthetic complication.
He is also reprimanded by Dr Jason Katz the head of Anesthesiology at the hospital who places blame on Luke's procedure for the loss of the patient, and he is the one who helped. He has his suspicions; however, not sure the motive, or why. Several other unexplained happenings in the OR, and Luke is highly concerned. Who can he tell. He needs someone to confide in. Possibly Rob.
Other things begin happening; and he has some suspicions but unsure the motive. At the same time, he is too busy worrying about being a father, and fears his wife will also need a C-section. Could there be a murderer operating in his hospital? His wife has been worried about her husband lately, as something was clearly troubling him. She was not sure if it was the new job, the baby, or what.
This part turns to psycho-thriller: The Killer is an evil mastermind out for revenge. Instead of the God-loving man he once was, he has turned to the devil as his master. Filled with demons. Creepy. Spine-tingling. Spiritual Satanism. Pure evil. Hatred. He thinks souls are his for the taking. He enjoys taking people to the dark side and playing on human weaknesses. Greed, pride, political power, egos, sex, adultery, drugs, alcohol…blackmail; there are many ways to destroy; he knows just how to get to them. To control them. Big egos need big cash. Human Flaws. Absolute Power. (Satanic demon worship- A trip to the supernatural). Think The Devil’s Advocate.
As the book moves on we learn the connection with the tidbits of information at the beginning of the book about the fire.
Then there is Rob Gentry, a 50 year-old OB/GYN doc who is in the throes of marital woes, as he finds himself tempted by the beautiful Gwen Miller. As his personal life spins out of control, he stumbles upon a murder for hire ring. He has to make several life-altering decisions which will ultimately determine his fate.
The feds start snipping around Swantara Regional. The mastermind killer is mildly concerned about Daulton and Gentry. The two of them together could be dangerous. However, he has a plan. A bigger one. He will rule. He pulls the strings.
When his wife, Kim’s procedure takes a wrong turn, they are placed in danger, Luke must do whatever it takes. He needs a carefully crafted plan of attack. He has no clue how big this is.
When you reach the 50% mark, things are tense and the suspense high. Adrenaline fueled!
Readers get updates by month and time, a race against time for a riveting page-turner. From Sept – Nov we get play by play. Benedict, the author knows his way around a hospital and operating room-- Each heart-pounding moment is vivid, fearful, dangerous. Lives are at stake and one wrong move could kill the people he loves.
Meanwhile Bart Hinkle, is running for another term as senator-- He learns that there is a way that his problem could be solved, permanently. Senator Pierce is having his gallbladder out—what is the plan?
A plot to kill. Bodies are piling up. Clues- a puzzle SUDOKU. Luke has to save his wife and unborn baby. A fatal complication. Good versus evil.
My neck was in a knot by the time I finished…what a roller-coaster ride. The pace never ceases until the final moment.
I have two friends which are anesthesiologists, and can only image the stress and the high stakes environment. I hear their stories. Lives are in their hands and for someone such as myself with pages of severe allergies and anaphylaxis. . . equipped with an Epi-pen at all times, have little trust in them, doctors, or hospitals.
However, I do love fiction crime medical thrillers and let me say, this is one to read! If you enjoyed Trauma Michael & Daniel Palmer (one of my top books of 2015), you will enjoy this well-plotted psycho-suspense. There is a lot packed into one book.
A number of unique comparisons between the two strong forces. Father and son relationships. Good versus evil. Spirituality and faith. How grief gets out of hand, and can cross into a deep complex psychological disorder with deadly consequences.
JDCMustReadBooks
John Benedict delivers an action-packed, psycho-crime-medical thriller, FATAL COMPLICATIONS -- a series of bizarre anesthetic deaths, a conspiracy, a deadly game of revenge, and a madman – putting everyone is danger, crossing his path.
Trust No One.
The book opens fifteen years earlier, with a fire (an inferno). A man is asking a woman where is David? A missing dog and son. He can hear his son crying out for help. A dad is trying to save his son—he is so close.
Flash forward, we meet Dr. Luke Daulton, a young anesthesiologist at Swatara Regional Hospital in Hershey, Pennsylvania. During a C-Section, the patient succumbs due to a rare anesthetic complication.
He is also reprimanded by Dr Jason Katz the head of Anesthesiology at the hospital who places blame on Luke's procedure for the loss of the patient, and he is the one who helped. He has his suspicions; however, not sure the motive, or why. Several other unexplained happenings in the OR, and Luke is highly concerned. Who can he tell. He needs someone to confide in. Possibly Rob.
Other things begin happening; and he has some suspicions but unsure the motive. At the same time, he is too busy worrying about being a father, and fears his wife will also need a C-section. Could there be a murderer operating in his hospital? His wife has been worried about her husband lately, as something was clearly troubling him. She was not sure if it was the new job, the baby, or what.
This part turns to psycho-thriller: The Killer is an evil mastermind out for revenge. Instead of the God-loving man he once was, he has turned to the devil as his master. Filled with demons. Creepy. Spine-tingling. Spiritual Satanism. Pure evil. Hatred. He thinks souls are his for the taking. He enjoys taking people to the dark side and playing on human weaknesses. Greed, pride, political power, egos, sex, adultery, drugs, alcohol…blackmail; there are many ways to destroy; he knows just how to get to them. To control them. Big egos need big cash. Human Flaws. Absolute Power. (Satanic demon worship- A trip to the supernatural). Think The Devil’s Advocate.
As the book moves on we learn the connection with the tidbits of information at the beginning of the book about the fire.
Then there is Rob Gentry, a 50 year-old OB/GYN doc who is in the throes of marital woes, as he finds himself tempted by the beautiful Gwen Miller. As his personal life spins out of control, he stumbles upon a murder for hire ring. He has to make several life-altering decisions which will ultimately determine his fate.
The feds start snipping around Swantara Regional. The mastermind killer is mildly concerned about Daulton and Gentry. The two of them together could be dangerous. However, he has a plan. A bigger one. He will rule. He pulls the strings.
When his wife, Kim’s procedure takes a wrong turn, they are placed in danger, Luke must do whatever it takes. He needs a carefully crafted plan of attack. He has no clue how big this is.
When you reach the 50% mark, things are tense and the suspense high. Adrenaline fueled!
Readers get updates by month and time, a race against time for a riveting page-turner. From Sept – Nov we get play by play. Benedict, the author knows his way around a hospital and operating room-- Each heart-pounding moment is vivid, fearful, dangerous. Lives are at stake and one wrong move could kill the people he loves.
Meanwhile Bart Hinkle, is running for another term as senator-- He learns that there is a way that his problem could be solved, permanently. Senator Pierce is having his gallbladder out—what is the plan?
A plot to kill. Bodies are piling up. Clues- a puzzle SUDOKU. Luke has to save his wife and unborn baby. A fatal complication. Good versus evil.
My neck was in a knot by the time I finished…what a roller-coaster ride. The pace never ceases until the final moment.
I have two friends which are anesthesiologists, and can only image the stress and the high stakes environment. I hear their stories. Lives are in their hands and for someone such as myself with pages of severe allergies and anaphylaxis. . . equipped with an Epi-pen at all times, have little trust in them, doctors, or hospitals.
However, I do love fiction crime medical thrillers and let me say, this is one to read! If you enjoyed Trauma Michael & Daniel Palmer (one of my top books of 2015), you will enjoy this well-plotted psycho-suspense. There is a lot packed into one book.
A number of unique comparisons between the two strong forces. Father and son relationships. Good versus evil. Spirituality and faith. How grief gets out of hand, and can cross into a deep complex psychological disorder with deadly consequences.
JDCMustReadBooks
December 2, 2015
Luke Daulton is a young anaesthesiologist trying to prove himself at a new hospital. He proves himself to be very capable but when he helps with a a patient suffering a rare reaction and dying, he starts to doubt himself.
Mulling over possibilities he starts to try and find answers, these actions will put his loved ones at risk.
I did enjoy this book but sometimes found it a bit over the top, almost like there was too much going on with the story lines. Once the FBI became involved (which I must have missed why they became involved, as it all happened so fast), the story then really picked up pace and it really was a race to the end to find out what happened.
Shows how someone can be tipped over the edge and greed, power and religion come into play.
Overall, easy to read but different to what I was expecting.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read and review
Mulling over possibilities he starts to try and find answers, these actions will put his loved ones at risk.
I did enjoy this book but sometimes found it a bit over the top, almost like there was too much going on with the story lines. Once the FBI became involved (which I must have missed why they became involved, as it all happened so fast), the story then really picked up pace and it really was a race to the end to find out what happened.
Shows how someone can be tipped over the edge and greed, power and religion come into play.
Overall, easy to read but different to what I was expecting.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read and review
September 9, 2015
A medical thriller was exactly what I wanted to read but my expectations were not completely met.
You start with a good story of murder for hire in a hospital and you will find enough blood and gore to satisfy your cravings - a little too much for me- but parts of the story should be better tied together to make it believable. When ten to twenty people know who the persons behind the crimes are, can the murderers really think they will escape? Because around half the book, so many people are involved it makes it hard to believe the whole story won't come out!
The book begins quite well, with some "accidents" obviously created by doctors working in the small hospital, one being like a general rehearsal for the big one. Once the evil machine is started, it is impossible to stop it. Suspense is there and you will be scared by the actions of the bad guys. It is horrible.
Part of the mystery is revealed in the blurb, so you begin reading knowing the obstetrician might be involved in this deadly conspiracy, as well as other doctors. You will soon learn the motives are the usual ones, greed and lust for power. The author will keep your attention all along, while you hope some of the people connected by chance -or lack of, will manage to survive.
What bothered me was the amount of good ones being killed. I know bad things happen to good people, but I wish some could have been spared... Plus the religious connections which made me uncomfortable. If God looks over us, why did innocent persons get killed in this book? It would have been easy to save most of them without changing much of the story. But two forces are fighting for the control of human souls, good and evil. When you think of it this way, clearly shown by the author, it gets very scary.
You start with a good story of murder for hire in a hospital and you will find enough blood and gore to satisfy your cravings - a little too much for me- but parts of the story should be better tied together to make it believable. When ten to twenty people know who the persons behind the crimes are, can the murderers really think they will escape? Because around half the book, so many people are involved it makes it hard to believe the whole story won't come out!
The book begins quite well, with some "accidents" obviously created by doctors working in the small hospital, one being like a general rehearsal for the big one. Once the evil machine is started, it is impossible to stop it. Suspense is there and you will be scared by the actions of the bad guys. It is horrible.
Part of the mystery is revealed in the blurb, so you begin reading knowing the obstetrician might be involved in this deadly conspiracy, as well as other doctors. You will soon learn the motives are the usual ones, greed and lust for power. The author will keep your attention all along, while you hope some of the people connected by chance -or lack of, will manage to survive.
What bothered me was the amount of good ones being killed. I know bad things happen to good people, but I wish some could have been spared... Plus the religious connections which made me uncomfortable. If God looks over us, why did innocent persons get killed in this book? It would have been easy to save most of them without changing much of the story. But two forces are fighting for the control of human souls, good and evil. When you think of it this way, clearly shown by the author, it gets very scary.
December 15, 2015
A hot-paced thriller from start to end!
The book begins fifteen years before the main body of the story, in which a father is unable to save his son from their blazing house. Fifteen years later, when a lawyer is at his wits’ end with his alcoholic wife, he enlists the aid of a colleague in securing the talents of a ‘hit man’ to relieve him of his problem. Thus the scene is set for a novel of intrigue and, at times, open-mouthed disbelief.
The book centres on the Swatara Regional Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Luke Daulton is a newly arrived anaesthetist who, during a routine operation that does not go according to plan, uses his skills to save the patient. Unfortunately, the surgeon in charge, Dr Mark Seidle, does him no favours by implying that Luke was responsible for the problem. When the chief of the anaesthetic department, Dr Jason Katz, dresses Luke down for his part in the operation, we see that things will not go smoothly within the department.
The pace is relentless and all the characters are believable, if, at times, the events are possibly a little too improbable. Not only is this an intriguing thriller, where the author pulls everything together for a rip-roaring (literally!) finale, but there is humour, passion and an element of religion and spirituality which is not out of place in a book like this.
I really enjoyed reading this novel and would like to thank John Benedict for penning this story.
Thoroughly recommended.
Sméagol
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
The book begins fifteen years before the main body of the story, in which a father is unable to save his son from their blazing house. Fifteen years later, when a lawyer is at his wits’ end with his alcoholic wife, he enlists the aid of a colleague in securing the talents of a ‘hit man’ to relieve him of his problem. Thus the scene is set for a novel of intrigue and, at times, open-mouthed disbelief.
The book centres on the Swatara Regional Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Luke Daulton is a newly arrived anaesthetist who, during a routine operation that does not go according to plan, uses his skills to save the patient. Unfortunately, the surgeon in charge, Dr Mark Seidle, does him no favours by implying that Luke was responsible for the problem. When the chief of the anaesthetic department, Dr Jason Katz, dresses Luke down for his part in the operation, we see that things will not go smoothly within the department.
The pace is relentless and all the characters are believable, if, at times, the events are possibly a little too improbable. Not only is this an intriguing thriller, where the author pulls everything together for a rip-roaring (literally!) finale, but there is humour, passion and an element of religion and spirituality which is not out of place in a book like this.
I really enjoyed reading this novel and would like to thank John Benedict for penning this story.
Thoroughly recommended.
Sméagol
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
December 2, 2015
A brilliantly paced medical thriller- a real page turner. I am just glad I haven't got a planned medical procedure in the next few days!
Luke is an anaethetist who has just started a new job. He sees a few medical emergencies that don't seem to make sense and when his wife needs a C section he has to make some quick decisions.
I found the story flowed well and I will be keen to read more by John Benedict
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
Luke is an anaethetist who has just started a new job. He sees a few medical emergencies that don't seem to make sense and when his wife needs a C section he has to make some quick decisions.
I found the story flowed well and I will be keen to read more by John Benedict
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2017
If you read the preview/ description and thought, hey this might be good, like one of those awesome Robin Cook novels...sorry , as far as I'm concerned it doesn't live up to that standard.
Its more like it kind of comes off as "A budget made for TV movie" as opposed to a quality award winning indie feature.
Its more like it kind of comes off as "A budget made for TV movie" as opposed to a quality award winning indie feature.
September 15, 2020
Medical thriller
This book is excellent. It is a medical suspense thriller. It is a page turner for sure. It has suspense, murder, romance and intrigue. If you like suspense, you’ll love this one!
This book is excellent. It is a medical suspense thriller. It is a page turner for sure. It has suspense, murder, romance and intrigue. If you like suspense, you’ll love this one!
December 28, 2021
Fatal Complications is beyond good!
I only started reading John Benedict’s novels this past week. I love novels based on medical issues and suspense. His first novel was so good that I went back for the second. I thought this one, his third, was a sequel. Surprise! It is not and it was so good I can’t wait to read his next one. Multiple characters and subplots with a sudoku puzzle thrown in make this a wonderfully entertaining story! I highly recommend it for people who enjoy unraveling a great puzzle.
I only started reading John Benedict’s novels this past week. I love novels based on medical issues and suspense. His first novel was so good that I went back for the second. I thought this one, his third, was a sequel. Surprise! It is not and it was so good I can’t wait to read his next one. Multiple characters and subplots with a sudoku puzzle thrown in make this a wonderfully entertaining story! I highly recommend it for people who enjoy unraveling a great puzzle.
April 1, 2019
Thrilling!
Thrilling! An edge of your seat medical thriller that will keep you guessing and keep you up well past your bedtime. They author also manages to mix interpersonal relationships into the story, with just the right amount of depth. Highly recommend!
Thrilling! An edge of your seat medical thriller that will keep you guessing and keep you up well past your bedtime. They author also manages to mix interpersonal relationships into the story, with just the right amount of depth. Highly recommend!
May 13, 2022
Thank you to Goodreads!
Nonstop action, medical thriller with a little bit of everything in it--- including romance and religious beliefs. I couldn't put it down. Had no idea what would happen next. CUDOS!
Nonstop action, medical thriller with a little bit of everything in it--- including romance and religious beliefs. I couldn't put it down. Had no idea what would happen next. CUDOS!
December 26, 2022
I'm reading this series as I can get the books, which are not necessarily in the order the author suggests. I started with Bad Robot, then Brain Dead, now Fatal Complications, and next I'm set to read Adrenaline. I'm enjoying every one. FC had a few twists that I didn't expect, which made it more exciting. Keep writing, John. I'll keep reading.
December 27, 2022
fatal complications
I liked the story and held my attention except where you dragged out certain areas and that is when I usually give up on a book. The ending pretty good but not so far fetched from reality of peoples evilness in the world now.
I liked the story and held my attention except where you dragged out certain areas and that is when I usually give up on a book. The ending pretty good but not so far fetched from reality of peoples evilness in the world now.
August 15, 2023
A very good must read
Once this story is started and characters are introduced and fleshed out, the pilot thickens and starts to build to a crescendo. A very good ending. And to think this is a series. This is only part 1. I'm headed onto part 2. Thanks for writing.
Once this story is started and characters are introduced and fleshed out, the pilot thickens and starts to build to a crescendo. A very good ending. And to think this is a series. This is only part 1. I'm headed onto part 2. Thanks for writing.
March 8, 2020
Good story line. Didnt see that coming
Great read. Suspense love triangle, lies, greed, money and hatred are all here.
Enjoy it as I am sure others have also
Great read. Suspense love triangle, lies, greed, money and hatred are all here.
Enjoy it as I am sure others have also
November 8, 2022
Absolutely “un-put-down-able! First of his books that I’ve read! Certainly not the last. In search of everyone!
December 3, 2015
This to me was a book of two halves. The first half was mostly introduction to characters and scene setting. There were an awful lot of extras in the cast and I did get a little lost with who was who a couple of times.
We begin at the scene of a house fire and a father is desperately trying to save his son who returned to the fire to save his dog. The dog survives, the boy does not. We then meet a few unsavoury characters at a function. This was where I got a little lost but their part isn't too big although I did have to make and refer to my notes a couple of times.
The main story centers around a hospital, specifically a young anaesthesiologist, Luke, who has just transferred there and is still on probation. He is desperate to do well especially being as he is about to become a father for the first time.
We are also introduced to a couple of his colleagues and it soon becomes apparent that there's something a bit fishy going on with some of the staff in the hospital and the number of incidents that appear to be happening.
Then, all of a sudden, the action ramps up exponentially and what follows next is adrenaline fueled race against time to save as many people as possible whilst trying not to let the baddies get away with it. It is here that I think the story ran away with itself a little bit. Up to this point, I think we were building up quite well but then, a couple of things happened that I didn't thing were congruous to what had come before so I again got a bit lost as it literally went from 0-100 in just a page with no respite until the end.
I also found the characters to be a little under developed which I think is most of why I had a bit of trouble differentiating them.
And then the ending. I can't give spoilers obviously but there is one point where I just looked at the page and said "WHAT?" With the high octane level of action up to and after that point, I felt that this bit could be written in a more plausible way and still get the message/dialogue in rather than what was presented here.
The above points aside, I did enjoy the book (I am quite forgiving with my fiction) and I would be interested in reading more from this author but I would definitely cherry-pick and read the sample first.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
We begin at the scene of a house fire and a father is desperately trying to save his son who returned to the fire to save his dog. The dog survives, the boy does not. We then meet a few unsavoury characters at a function. This was where I got a little lost but their part isn't too big although I did have to make and refer to my notes a couple of times.
The main story centers around a hospital, specifically a young anaesthesiologist, Luke, who has just transferred there and is still on probation. He is desperate to do well especially being as he is about to become a father for the first time.
We are also introduced to a couple of his colleagues and it soon becomes apparent that there's something a bit fishy going on with some of the staff in the hospital and the number of incidents that appear to be happening.
Then, all of a sudden, the action ramps up exponentially and what follows next is adrenaline fueled race against time to save as many people as possible whilst trying not to let the baddies get away with it. It is here that I think the story ran away with itself a little bit. Up to this point, I think we were building up quite well but then, a couple of things happened that I didn't thing were congruous to what had come before so I again got a bit lost as it literally went from 0-100 in just a page with no respite until the end.
I also found the characters to be a little under developed which I think is most of why I had a bit of trouble differentiating them.
And then the ending. I can't give spoilers obviously but there is one point where I just looked at the page and said "WHAT?" With the high octane level of action up to and after that point, I felt that this bit could be written in a more plausible way and still get the message/dialogue in rather than what was presented here.
The above points aside, I did enjoy the book (I am quite forgiving with my fiction) and I would be interested in reading more from this author but I would definitely cherry-pick and read the sample first.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
November 20, 2015
Can you trust your surgeon?
(I received the Kindle version of this book, free of charge, from Netgalley in return for an honest independent review.)
Luke is surprised by a few things when he attends a hospital operating room emergency. Can he be mistaken in his suspicions that the patient is not suffering from the complications suggested? Anyway, with his wife close to giving birth to their first child he has other things to think about.
This spine tingling, and at times chilling, medical thriller provides a heart racing read. No difficult medical terminology, and the operating scenes are not too gory. However there are a few unpleasant violent scenes - which are appropriate to the story.
I found it difficult to remember who some of the characters were - and there are only a few main characters! - but this did not stop my enjoyment of this unputdownable thriller. Highly recommended for a fast moving exciting read.
(See more of my reviews on: www.emmabbooks.blogspot.co.at )
(I received the Kindle version of this book, free of charge, from Netgalley in return for an honest independent review.)
Luke is surprised by a few things when he attends a hospital operating room emergency. Can he be mistaken in his suspicions that the patient is not suffering from the complications suggested? Anyway, with his wife close to giving birth to their first child he has other things to think about.
This spine tingling, and at times chilling, medical thriller provides a heart racing read. No difficult medical terminology, and the operating scenes are not too gory. However there are a few unpleasant violent scenes - which are appropriate to the story.
I found it difficult to remember who some of the characters were - and there are only a few main characters! - but this did not stop my enjoyment of this unputdownable thriller. Highly recommended for a fast moving exciting read.
(See more of my reviews on: www.emmabbooks.blogspot.co.at )
January 2, 2016
As an avid reader, i am always looking for GREAT authors ! John Benedicts' first 2 books drew me in and his third novel has me begging for more. The medical thriller theme in Fatal Complications; coupled with a bit of romance, some supernatural mayhem, and life's "temptations", guaranteed me a thought provoking and exciting page turning experience. His books are hard to put down, and he's made my favorite authors' list. I buy his books as gifts throughout the year - birthdays and christmas. Move over Palmer and Cook - Benedict is coming !
January 5, 2016
I'm not usually a fan of medical stories, so I tried this with some doubts. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this!
It is a well written thriller about Luke, an anesthesiologist on the brink of fatherhood, things happen in the hospital causing deaths.
Most of all his wife is in danger whilst undergoing a Caesarian Section. Luke desperately tries to save his wife and child by all means possible.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Ocean View Publishing via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
It is a well written thriller about Luke, an anesthesiologist on the brink of fatherhood, things happen in the hospital causing deaths.
Most of all his wife is in danger whilst undergoing a Caesarian Section. Luke desperately tries to save his wife and child by all means possible.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Ocean View Publishing via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
July 8, 2023
I guess I’m the odd one out. This was a quick read but I just didn’t enjoy it that much. There was too much going on and back and forth for my liking. Each chapter is told from a different perspective and I don’t mind that if there’s only a couple of people or if there is a header letting me know who’s talking now, but this book didn’t have that. I’d try another by the author but this wasn’t my favorite.
December 29, 2015
A Great Book!!
This is my third book by John Benedict and it was even better than the first two and I didn't think that was possible. There was a surprise around every corner. I would have given it a 5 star if it hadn't been for all the profanity, I think it would have been just as good without it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good medical mystery.
This is my third book by John Benedict and it was even better than the first two and I didn't think that was possible. There was a surprise around every corner. I would have given it a 5 star if it hadn't been for all the profanity, I think it would have been just as good without it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good medical mystery.
December 24, 2015
In the Prologue, you sorta wonder where the author is going with this novel.
Stick around, keep reading and you'll find out. lots of action and adventure mostly in an around a hospital.. It doesn't slow down Good read......
Stick around, keep reading and you'll find out. lots of action and adventure mostly in an around a hospital.. It doesn't slow down Good read......
January 3, 2016
Medical thriller extraordinaire.
As a physician I absolutely loved this book.
It's multidimensional and works on all levels.
As a physician I absolutely loved this book.
It's multidimensional and works on all levels.
March 18, 2021
I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.
This is when we first meet Luke Daulton, the new anesthesiologist working through a service who provides anesthesia services to Swatara General. This is also the book in which Luke and Kim’s baby girl, Abigail, enters the picture. This is an important point which you will understand when you read Fatal Complications as there are complications that occur in the operating rooms. We also get to meet Rob Gentry and Gwen along with Dr. Katz and Dr. Seidle. There is also an underlying story of an election campaign involving Senator Pierce. Apparently, some really bad dudes didn’t want him to maintain his senate seat. Don’t forget the money. And to think the answer lies within a Sudoku puzzle unknowingly picked up by someone who didn’t know any better.
I found this book to have some underlying themes, mostly related to good versus evil and who will be the victor … another being Luke dealing with some pretty deep-seated issues regarding his dad and struggling with his faith (is there a God or isn’t there?). Kim wants Luke to believe, yet she knows him well enough to know that he has to “get there” in his own time. I think we all question our faith when bad things happen.
Having read Fatal Complications, Adrenaline, and The Edge of Death, I find that Dr. Benedict keeps his characters consistent throughout making them more relatable.
This is when we first meet Luke Daulton, the new anesthesiologist working through a service who provides anesthesia services to Swatara General. This is also the book in which Luke and Kim’s baby girl, Abigail, enters the picture. This is an important point which you will understand when you read Fatal Complications as there are complications that occur in the operating rooms. We also get to meet Rob Gentry and Gwen along with Dr. Katz and Dr. Seidle. There is also an underlying story of an election campaign involving Senator Pierce. Apparently, some really bad dudes didn’t want him to maintain his senate seat. Don’t forget the money. And to think the answer lies within a Sudoku puzzle unknowingly picked up by someone who didn’t know any better.
I found this book to have some underlying themes, mostly related to good versus evil and who will be the victor … another being Luke dealing with some pretty deep-seated issues regarding his dad and struggling with his faith (is there a God or isn’t there?). Kim wants Luke to believe, yet she knows him well enough to know that he has to “get there” in his own time. I think we all question our faith when bad things happen.
Having read Fatal Complications, Adrenaline, and The Edge of Death, I find that Dr. Benedict keeps his characters consistent throughout making them more relatable.
January 29, 2023
I'm a huge fan of the medical thriller, but the plot and action within these pages was quite far-fetched and left me a bit underwhelmed.
This is the first in a series featuring anesthesiologist Dr. Luke Daulton. He's just starting a new job and is also trying to make friends and prepare himself for the imminent birth of his daughter. During one of his first days in the OR, a colleague's patient dies from malignant hyperthermia. The experience makes Luke suspicious but he's unable to pinpoint the source of his concern. Meanwhile, there's a lot going on behind the scenes with a large cast of characters.
Many subplots and plenty of good and bad characters fill this story. The narrative jumps from person to person with Luke being the main character. Almost too much going on with limited detail as to how it all really ties together. Luke and others are put in extreme peril as the climax is reached. The story will require a great deal of suspension of disbelief. I do enjoy the medical details about conditions and treatment, but that whole side bar of the weird supernatural stuff and the excessive amount of religion were not aspects that intrigued me. The conspiracy stuff was just too far off an unexplained.
Will I read another by this author -- well I'm tied to the first 3 in this series so I guess I will give the second a try and hope for the best.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the first in a series featuring anesthesiologist Dr. Luke Daulton. He's just starting a new job and is also trying to make friends and prepare himself for the imminent birth of his daughter. During one of his first days in the OR, a colleague's patient dies from malignant hyperthermia. The experience makes Luke suspicious but he's unable to pinpoint the source of his concern. Meanwhile, there's a lot going on behind the scenes with a large cast of characters.
Many subplots and plenty of good and bad characters fill this story. The narrative jumps from person to person with Luke being the main character. Almost too much going on with limited detail as to how it all really ties together. Luke and others are put in extreme peril as the climax is reached. The story will require a great deal of suspension of disbelief. I do enjoy the medical details about conditions and treatment, but that whole side bar of the weird supernatural stuff and the excessive amount of religion were not aspects that intrigued me. The conspiracy stuff was just too far off an unexplained.
Will I read another by this author -- well I'm tied to the first 3 in this series so I guess I will give the second a try and hope for the best.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for this e-book ARC to read and review.
March 4, 2022
What The Ooom!? (Dyslexic cow!) 😯😳🤯😳
Holy baby fluff! I LOVE a darn good medical thriller and this one was no exception! Absolutely delectable. The adrenaline-filled, high-tension, fast paced crime medical thriller sucked me in, twisted me all over & spit me back out. I couldn't get enough of it. I was constantly on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who and why!
Luke is a new anesthesiologist at his hospital. He assists with an epidural procedure for a pregnant woman about to have a c-section. However the patient suffers from a rare complication, although is able to be saved as well as her baby. But Luke can't leave it alone wondering why it happened & becomes even suspicious of his colleague & the fact they almost didn't save the patient. When his pregnant wife, Kim, is about to have a c-section herself, his fears become confirmed and very real causing him to question everyone and perhaps this is more sinister than a mishap or accident. What is going on with & in this hospital?!
The ending was crazy, the lead up even more insane and intense. The stakes for everyone involved were unreal & believable. We trust our physicians in every aspect in every department. It's scary to wonder & question, just what happens when a doctor decides to play God?
I give this 4.5 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
Holy baby fluff! I LOVE a darn good medical thriller and this one was no exception! Absolutely delectable. The adrenaline-filled, high-tension, fast paced crime medical thriller sucked me in, twisted me all over & spit me back out. I couldn't get enough of it. I was constantly on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who and why!
Luke is a new anesthesiologist at his hospital. He assists with an epidural procedure for a pregnant woman about to have a c-section. However the patient suffers from a rare complication, although is able to be saved as well as her baby. But Luke can't leave it alone wondering why it happened & becomes even suspicious of his colleague & the fact they almost didn't save the patient. When his pregnant wife, Kim, is about to have a c-section herself, his fears become confirmed and very real causing him to question everyone and perhaps this is more sinister than a mishap or accident. What is going on with & in this hospital?!
The ending was crazy, the lead up even more insane and intense. The stakes for everyone involved were unreal & believable. We trust our physicians in every aspect in every department. It's scary to wonder & question, just what happens when a doctor decides to play God?
I give this 4.5 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
May 31, 2025
If I want to be preached at, I will go to church. If I want to read scripture, I can pick up a Bible. If I want to read a great medical mystery, I will find something other than this piece of nonsense.
As a retired trauma nurse and a veteran, I like a good thrilling bit of scanning through the portals of obscure medical facts to find a little mystery and novel information. It makes the plots go smoothly.
In this, there's just too much god-dependent, bible thumping, scripture howling and hell bent for revenge seeking BS.
I also found some of the math to be ridiculously juvenile. Sodoku has never been something that interested me, and the chemical analysis and determinants, while fascinating, are going to be something that most people will scan over and wonder what the hell they mean.
Too vague in parts, too preachy in parts and too obsessively Christian for my somewhat pagan tastes.
Not recommended.
As a retired trauma nurse and a veteran, I like a good thrilling bit of scanning through the portals of obscure medical facts to find a little mystery and novel information. It makes the plots go smoothly.
In this, there's just too much god-dependent, bible thumping, scripture howling and hell bent for revenge seeking BS.
I also found some of the math to be ridiculously juvenile. Sodoku has never been something that interested me, and the chemical analysis and determinants, while fascinating, are going to be something that most people will scan over and wonder what the hell they mean.
Too vague in parts, too preachy in parts and too obsessively Christian for my somewhat pagan tastes.
Not recommended.
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