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Cardiac Event

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Cardiologist Dr. Kirk Martin continually crosses swords with Dr. Cliff Hamilton, so he is surprised when Hamilton asks him to care for him after a heart attack. When he is ready for discharge, Hamilton is found dead in his hospital bed, and Martin is suspected of murdering him.

After another doctor is found shot to death, Martin’s girlfriend, nurse Janet Rush, reminds him to be careful because he may be next. Can he save his own life while searching for the identity of the real murderer?

Published February 1, 2017

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About the author

Richard L. Mabry

30 books521 followers
Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, past Vice-President of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and the author of twelve published novels of medical suspense and six novellas. His books have been finalists in competitions including ACFW’s Carol Award and Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year, and have won the Selah Award from the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.

Richard’s non-fiction book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse (Kregel Publishers), has ministered to multiple thousands of grieving individuals. His meditations and short pieces have appeared in The Upper Room, In Touch, and several other periodicals.

When Richard is not writing, he spends his time reading, working fruitlessly to improve his golf game, and defending his title as the world’s best Granddad. He and his wife live in north Texas and are active members of Stonebriar Community Church, pastored by Dr. Chuck Swindoll.

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5 stars
180 (44%)
4 stars
131 (32%)
3 stars
63 (15%)
2 stars
17 (4%)
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10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews274 followers
July 28, 2017
I have followed Dr. Mabry since his very first book and never failed to read everything he writes. With this one, he has outdone himself. His best book yet, in my opinion.

Cardiologist Dr. Kirk Martin continually crosses swords with Dr. Cliff Hamilton, so he is surprised when Hamilton asks for him after a heart attack. When he is ready for discharge, Hamilton is found dead in his hospital bed, and Martin is suspected of murdering him.

After another doctor is found shot to death, Martin's girlfriend, Nurse Janet Rush, reminds him to be careful because he may be next. Can he save his own life while searching for the identity of the real murderer?

What I enjoy about Dr. Mabry's books is the fact that he ratchets up the suspense with each chapter, adding more layers to the action. His characters are well developed and likable. Well, except the bad guys. The medical aspect is one other thing I absolutely love about his books, too. They are very realistic because of his physician status. The action is quick paced and the plot will keep the reader guessing until the very last pages. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to his next one.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is my own and honest.
Profile Image for Edward Arrington.
1,179 reviews12 followers
July 26, 2017
I never worked in the medical profession but have family and friends who have, so books by Dr. Mabry always grab my attention. I enjoy the drama, action, and suspense that he handles so well in his stories. With the romantic touch and the faith message that he weaves in so flawlessly, the outcome is one that grips you from start to finish. Early in the book, one of the detectives tries to encourage his partner to go with him to church as his partner opens up just a bit about the troubles he is dealing with at home. As the hero and heroine are struggling at times to find their way through several tragedies and even threats on their own lives, I loved how they reached out to a young woman who has found herself in a difficult and life-changing situation. The truly sad part is that Dr. Kirk Martin waited until his life was practically a train wreck before turning his focus back on God. Too many of us delay doing the right thing until it is almost too late. The redemptive aspects of this story really add to it and make it well worth the time to read. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Iola.
Author 3 books29 followers
October 21, 2017
Cliff Hamilton is a respected family doctor, although he does have an unfortunate habit of annoying his professional colleagues. His unexpected death soon turns into a murder investigation, and it’s obvious the not-so-good Dr Hamilton was hiding a range of secrets. And wives.

Yes, Cardiac Event is an excellent murder mystery in a medical setting. The opening scene with Dr Hamilton gave the impression of a benign older gentleman who couldn’t hurt a fly. We soon found out this was a false impression, and we learned more and more of his misdeeds as the story progresses.

There is plenty of suspense and thrills and lots of red herrings (and a few what I though were red herrings that were actual clues). The end was a surprise, but made perfect sense … well, as much as murder can make sense.

Cardiac Event was an excellent read. Recommended for medical thriller and mystery fans.

Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
Profile Image for Patricia Bradley.
Author 29 books1,299 followers
August 20, 2017
Richard Mabry has hit another homerun with Cardiac Event. This book had me hooked from the first page. It has suspense, romance and a nice twist at the end. There were plenty of people who didn’t like the victim, making it hard to decide which person hated him the most.

I really liked the hero, Dr. Kirk Martin. He’s just the kind of doctor everyone wants. Caring, smart and courageous. Doc Mabry did a great job of creating this character. And the romance with Janet Rush was just the right touch.

I started this book one afternoon and it was after one in the morning before I put it down. It’s that good.
1,250 reviews
August 28, 2017
For fast-paced medical suspense, you cannot beat a book Dr. Richard Mabry. Cardiac Event, the newest offering from Mabry, is chock full of suspicious characters, medical emergencies, and a foundational faith message that runs throughout the book. If you want a book that keeps you turning the pages while it keeps you guessing, then this one is for you. Recommended!

Sommers General Hospital is the setting for great medical care from its nurses and doctors, but there is also a killer on the loose who will stop at nothing to keep his identity from being exposed. As one after another medical professional is targeted, Dr. Kirk Martin and nurse Janet Rush seek to keep each other from being the next casualty.

Cardiac Event has a great deal of action both in the ongoing investigation into the crimes as well as the medical emergencies portrayed. The hospital is the main setting of the book, and the reader gets a view of the ER, ICU, OR, and Recovery — just about every aspect of a busy hospital. Main characters Kirk and Janet are likable and realistically portrayed. There is also no shortage of suspects. I admit to changing my mind about just whodunit several times throughout the course of reading this novel. And while I did have an inkling of the true villain, it came only towards the end of the book. To the medical suspense, Mabry adds a look into police investigations with the addition of two detectives and two police officers who doggedly pursue every lead. And they had a lot to look into! Appearances are certainly deceiving in Cardiac Event with lots of the characters who are not guilty of the crimes, but are definitely not innocent! I really liked that part of the book and appreciated the view into the heart of more than one character.

A quick read perfect for a weekend, Cardiac Event is another winner from the talented Dr. Mabry.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Profile Image for Gail Hollingsworth.
1,005 reviews52 followers
August 23, 2017
The name of the book may be Cardiac Event but there were more events in the story than just cardiac! Dr Mabry can write some of the best medical thrillers I've ever read. He has a great talent for writing suspense and mystery but with his medical background he can authenticate the medical descriptions to perfection. There were more elements to this novel than "veins in the body" and I couldn't wait to get to the end to find out "who done it". So many potential suspects for the detectives to weed through that the culprit was not easily detected. Two murders within a hospital and a few characters that could easily become victims, was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat as I read. This was not the first book by Dr. Mabry that I've read and I will eagerly await the next one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to write a review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Marilyn Johnson.
601 reviews
August 2, 2017
This is my first time reading a book by this author, and it will not be my last. He has a great understanding of the medical field and it is apparent in his writing. I love the suspense, mystery and touch of romance you find in this novel. There are many things going on in this book and he will keep you guessing. There is not only a lot of medical aspects to this book but you are also in the police department while they are trying to solve the crimes taking place in their town. There are many characters in this book all with their own personalities. Mabry does a great job with his dialogue, and just making you feel a part of this community.

I fell in love with Dr. Kirk Martin, He is facing many struggles in this novel. While trying to keep his practice a float and not be any more of a suspect in the death of a fellow doctor, in which he has had many problems with in the past. While is girlfriend wants him to be careful for he may be the next target on this mystery killers list.
Profile Image for Stacy.
675 reviews11 followers
November 16, 2017
First of all I'm honored to be able to write the first review of this book on Good Reads! All I can say is "WOW!" Read this book!! If you love mystery and suspense, you will love this book! I found Richard Mabry through another author's blog and I was intrigued by a real medical doctor writing medical mysteries! I am so glad I found him! I can honestly say that this has been my favorite mystery book that I have ever read! I could not put this book down! And when I had to, I could not wait to pick it back up! I found this book through Kindle Unlimited (and read the ebook). I love this author so much, I have already bought another book on audiobook. I can't wait to listen and read more of his books!! This doctor is truly talented!

I could not figure out The Who done it for most of the book. I finally had my suspicions about 85% into it but I still was not sure. My favorite character was Doctor Kirk Martin.
Profile Image for Jill.
421 reviews
February 8, 2018
Dr. Martin and Dr. Hamilton are often at odds so when Dr. Hamilton has a heart attack, Dr. Martin is surprised when he is chosen to take care of him. After Dr. Hamilton is found dead and the medical examiner rules it murder, Dr. Martin is the first suspect. As the circumstances surrounding Dr. Hamilton's death begin to unravel, Dr. Martin is worried he may be next on the murderer's victim list. Between being a suspect and possible next victim, Dr. Martin has nowhere to turn.

As always, Dr. Richard Mabry keeps you in suspense until the very end. At first, Dr. Martin just seems like a man with a bone to pick with everyone, but as the story progresses, Mabry is able to give Dr. Martin some better character traits and present him as a good man with integrity, a good heart and compassion for his patients.

Profile Image for Sunnie.
1,004 reviews48 followers
August 16, 2017
Another great mystery from Dr. Mabry. His mysteries (those I've read) always include some medical incidents, a topic in which he is well versed.

Loved the fast paced action and I hope he keeps writing as mystery is one of my favorite genres.

The characters were well described and the action kept my interest throughout.

If you love a great mystery, this one is just that! The mystery keeps you thinking about the events and who the "culprit" is. Never a dull moment in this action packed book.

I received a copy from the author for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
7,766 reviews50 followers
August 17, 2017
CARDIAC EVENT by Richard Mabry
Interestining plot, of a doctor who has other doctors filing complaints against him, one in particular. Yet, when needed this is the name he mentions. Did he plan this, when something happens, and he dies, guess who the main suspect will be. Surgery was a success, then how come he died, it was murder, by whom. As all of Richard's books, they are good medical mysterys, that also give you to ponder about it happening in a hospital.
Profile Image for Betti.
1,378 reviews35 followers
January 3, 2018
Can you guess who did it?

The author has done it again - kept me on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out who did it. With just enough medical detail to keep you guessing, and players that obviously would be able to act on that information, this author had me mentally assigning guilt to a different person with each new tidbit of knowledge. A very well written story that is certainly worth 5 stars!
Profile Image for Geneva.
676 reviews8 followers
August 7, 2017
Dr. Mabry does not disappoint.

I always look for Dr. Mabry's books, follow him on Amazon. I have enjoyed every one of his books and Cardiac Event does not disappoint.
Edge of your seat reading from the beginning. Could have read in one setting, but want to enjoy, so took it easy. Really good story.
3 reviews
July 6, 2021
An excellent new author to me. I never suspected the villain! Really impressed and have added Mabry to my favorites! Would recommend this without hesitation to readers I trust and I disliked nothing about this book

A great read and I can't wait to read more of Mabrys' words. Such a great discovery for me!! Thanks.
Profile Image for Carolyn Wylie-mcelroy.
85 reviews
August 14, 2017
ANOTHER WONDERFUL HIT BY DR. MABRY!!!!

What a wonderful Christian medical thriller!!!! My absolute favorite!!!! I've never been disappointed in one of his books!!! Try him for yourself!!!!!
Profile Image for Lisa Cochran.
22 reviews
January 14, 2020
This book was a surprisingly easy read. Many medical thrillers get carried away with a lot of medical jargon which become fillers, drawing out the storyline. The appropriate amount of verbiage to tell a complicated story.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
516 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2023
Suspenseful. A doctor dies and someone is murdering other doctors knowing about his past. Who is the murderer? One of his three ex-wife’s? The current girlfriend? A colleague? The answer is revealed in a twist. Lots of medical terminology and light inspirational and romance too.
3 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2017
Well Crafted

Dr R. Mabry's writing talent exceeds itself yet once again. I read Cardiac Event in less than 24hours; couldn't put it aside.
Profile Image for Sharon.
77 reviews
September 4, 2017
Great book if you want to read about Christianity with a mystery on the side. Similar to a religious tract.
Profile Image for Bria Perozzo.
10 reviews
November 23, 2017
A great read!

A bit of a slow start, but well worth reading. I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery! Nice to have a protagonist with strong moral character.
2 reviews
January 25, 2018
Good reading

I love medical mysteries, so this book kept me reading right along to the very end. Interesting characters and story line.
1 review
January 27, 2018
Good mystery

I liked the fact that this book is a Christian mystery. The author keeps you in suspense until the end.
391 reviews
February 28, 2018
Couldn’t connect with the characters. Figured out the culprit before the end of the book. Probably won’t read any other by this author.
12 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2018
Almost but not quite

Except for the ending which had too many attempts to mislead the reader, this was a well written. Book
It
2 reviews
May 24, 2018
Loved it. Just loved it.

Great book. Loved the characters and how it ended. Made you wondered up to the end. Couldn't wait to read another book.
Profile Image for Susan Newark.
97 reviews
May 28, 2018
Not as tight of a plot as some of his earlier books. Still enjoyable ....
Profile Image for Nydia Woods.
4 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2018
Easy read

Book was a easy read. The simplicity of the book and content kept me entertained. Medical mystery that keeps your attention.
Profile Image for Andrea.
740 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2018
Heart arresting thriller

Looking for twists and turns - so real whodunit suspense then read this book
Has many suspects and the ending is unforseen.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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