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First #2
The First Family: A Novel
"Captures the intense atmosphere of the White House...I thoroughly enjoyed it."
--President Bill Clinton on Michael Palmer's The First Patient
Growing up in the White House was never supposed to be easy. So when sixteen-year-old Cam, also a champion chess player, experiences extreme moodiness and an uncharacteristic violent outburst, doctors are quick to dismiss his troubles as adolescent angst. Still, Secret Service agent Karen Ray, whose job is to guard the president's family with her life, is convinced that Cam's condition is serious--enough so that she summons her physician ex-husband for a second opinion.
At first, the president's team doesn't want to listen to Dr. Lee Blackwood. But when Cam gets sicker, Lee must make a diagnosis from a puzzling array of symptoms. His only clue is a young patient named Susie, a young musical prodigy who seems to be suffering from similar symptoms as Cam. Hospitalized after an attempt on her life by a determined killer, Susie faces increased jeopardy as Cam's case takes on a terrifying new dimension. Is someone trying to send a message--and kill the president's son? As Lee and Karen race for a cure to help Cam, they begin to uncover betrayals that breach the highest levels of national security. And until they can find the truth, no one is safe. . .
"Seamlessly blends medicine, politics, and life in the White House into a riveting potboiler of a story...Grabs you by the throat and won't let go until the last page is turned." --James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of The Seventh Plague
"Intriguing."-- Booklist
--President Bill Clinton on Michael Palmer's The First Patient
Growing up in the White House was never supposed to be easy. So when sixteen-year-old Cam, also a champion chess player, experiences extreme moodiness and an uncharacteristic violent outburst, doctors are quick to dismiss his troubles as adolescent angst. Still, Secret Service agent Karen Ray, whose job is to guard the president's family with her life, is convinced that Cam's condition is serious--enough so that she summons her physician ex-husband for a second opinion.
At first, the president's team doesn't want to listen to Dr. Lee Blackwood. But when Cam gets sicker, Lee must make a diagnosis from a puzzling array of symptoms. His only clue is a young patient named Susie, a young musical prodigy who seems to be suffering from similar symptoms as Cam. Hospitalized after an attempt on her life by a determined killer, Susie faces increased jeopardy as Cam's case takes on a terrifying new dimension. Is someone trying to send a message--and kill the president's son? As Lee and Karen race for a cure to help Cam, they begin to uncover betrayals that breach the highest levels of national security. And until they can find the truth, no one is safe. . .
"Seamlessly blends medicine, politics, and life in the White House into a riveting potboiler of a story...Grabs you by the throat and won't let go until the last page is turned." --James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of The Seventh Plague
"Intriguing."-- Booklist
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 17, 2018
1110 people are currently reading
1846 people want to read
About the author
Michael Palmer
68 books242 followersMichael Stephen Palmer, M.D., was an American physician and author. His novels are often referred to as medical thrillers. Some of his novels have made The New York Times Best Seller list and have been translated into 35 languages. One, Extreme Measures (1991), was adopted into a 1996 film of the same name starring Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Gene Hackman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews
May 4, 2018
3.5*
I’ve read a number of Michael Palmer’s earlier books, but this was my first from his son Daniel.
Set in Washington, centering on the Presidents’ family. When the President’s son Cam starts showing vague signs of illness, the White House physician strangely doesn’t seem a bit concerned. Both the President and First Lady insist on a second opinion. Specifically, they ask for Dr. Lee Blackwood, a family physician with a practice based conveniently in Washington. He also just happens to be the ex-husband of Karen, part of the secret service detail protecting the first family. When Lee becomes alarmed at the symptoms the presidents’ son is presenting, he quickly concludes that Cam may not be the only one falling ill. Is there a great deal more to this illness? Is there a reason Cam was targeted? And who’s next?
This book started off with a bang, but then stalled out a bit midway through. In my humble opinion, I believe the potential for something else bigger and better was missed. (But that’s just me😉)
But give it a try! If medical and political thrillers are your cup of tea you may end up really enjoying this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Michael & Daniel Palmer for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve read a number of Michael Palmer’s earlier books, but this was my first from his son Daniel.
Set in Washington, centering on the Presidents’ family. When the President’s son Cam starts showing vague signs of illness, the White House physician strangely doesn’t seem a bit concerned. Both the President and First Lady insist on a second opinion. Specifically, they ask for Dr. Lee Blackwood, a family physician with a practice based conveniently in Washington. He also just happens to be the ex-husband of Karen, part of the secret service detail protecting the first family. When Lee becomes alarmed at the symptoms the presidents’ son is presenting, he quickly concludes that Cam may not be the only one falling ill. Is there a great deal more to this illness? Is there a reason Cam was targeted? And who’s next?
This book started off with a bang, but then stalled out a bit midway through. In my humble opinion, I believe the potential for something else bigger and better was missed. (But that’s just me😉)
But give it a try! If medical and political thrillers are your cup of tea you may end up really enjoying this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Michael & Daniel Palmer for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2018
The First Family is an intelligent and chilling medical suspense thriller that was a little too heavy on the medical part for me and this affected my enjoyment for this story. I wanted the story to move forward more quickly and found the heaviness to slow down the story for me and I became lost with what was going on. Even though this was not the right kind of thriller for me I still recommend to readers who like a medical side to their thriller.
June 26, 2023
In this domestic thriller, the president’s son Cam is caught up in the middle of a medical crisis and an assassination attempt… and no one can figure out who is behind it. With his parents at odds (first lady Ellen was one of my favorite characters), and his female secret service agent (another favorite—she was awesome) and a family physician trying to piece together what’s going on while everyone around them plays politics, things quickly spin out of control. If I had to describe this, it was part medical drama, part secret service thriller, and part soap opera. I loved it. Lots of drama and unexpected surprises!
April 15, 2018
Descriptive, entertaining, and action packed!
The First Family is a scientifically intriguing medical thriller that takes you into the heart of the White House and delves into the effects of alternative medicine, training, and practice on higher-level cognitive skills.
The writing is crisp. The characters are intelligent, protective, and relentless. And the plot is an engaging tale about greed, corruption, friendship, politics, mysterious illnesses, violence, and murder.
The First Family doesn't keep you on the edge of your seat or feature a lot of suspense, but it's still a compelling read that fans of stories filled with Secret Service drama, medical analysis and scientific jargon will definitely enjoy.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
The First Family is a scientifically intriguing medical thriller that takes you into the heart of the White House and delves into the effects of alternative medicine, training, and practice on higher-level cognitive skills.
The writing is crisp. The characters are intelligent, protective, and relentless. And the plot is an engaging tale about greed, corruption, friendship, politics, mysterious illnesses, violence, and murder.
The First Family doesn't keep you on the edge of your seat or feature a lot of suspense, but it's still a compelling read that fans of stories filled with Secret Service drama, medical analysis and scientific jargon will definitely enjoy.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
February 19, 2024
A medical thriller about the president’s family
The president’s son is a gifted chess player. Good enough, in fact, to imagine that he just might qualify to become the US National Junior champion, an achievement that requires astonishing mental effort and countless hours of learning and practice. But when he begins to lose to lesser players and his moodiness devolves into violent outbursts, it becomes clear that the problem is more than simple teenage hormones. THE FIRST FAMILY is an enjoyable thriller that blends medicine and suspense with riffs on politics, privilege, loyalty, family and friendship, and the typical American problems related to a medicine-for-profit model. A background story on the internal workings of the Secret Service and their mandated protection of the First Family provides an interesting and informative side bar that runs for the entire length of the novel.
I found it unfortunate that the climax and dénouement of the story line stretched credibility just a little too far and, after all was said and done, seemed a little too contrived. And that’s a shame because the medicine and the emergency care throughout the entire novel was fast-paced, intense, informative and genuinely exciting. I did enjoy it but, ultimately, it just didn’t have the “wow” factor of a four or five star thriller.
Paul Weiss
The president’s son is a gifted chess player. Good enough, in fact, to imagine that he just might qualify to become the US National Junior champion, an achievement that requires astonishing mental effort and countless hours of learning and practice. But when he begins to lose to lesser players and his moodiness devolves into violent outbursts, it becomes clear that the problem is more than simple teenage hormones. THE FIRST FAMILY is an enjoyable thriller that blends medicine and suspense with riffs on politics, privilege, loyalty, family and friendship, and the typical American problems related to a medicine-for-profit model. A background story on the internal workings of the Secret Service and their mandated protection of the First Family provides an interesting and informative side bar that runs for the entire length of the novel.
I found it unfortunate that the climax and dénouement of the story line stretched credibility just a little too far and, after all was said and done, seemed a little too contrived. And that’s a shame because the medicine and the emergency care throughout the entire novel was fast-paced, intense, informative and genuinely exciting. I did enjoy it but, ultimately, it just didn’t have the “wow” factor of a four or five star thriller.
Paul Weiss
July 19, 2018
A decent ending brought this story to 3 stars. Fact is, there was too much unnecessary violence and death or my rating could have been higher. 6 of 10 stars
February 20, 2018
When Netgalley notified me my wish had come true to receive an advance readers copy of The First Family by Michael and Daniel Palmer, I was quite happy (to say the least). I've read books by the father/son duo independently of each other, but I have never had the pleasure of reading a title written by the two of them. Both authors are favorites of mine. The way they compose their medical thrillers always grabs my attention and barely lets up the whole ride through.
The First Family is no different. Cam Hilliard is suffering from some unknown symptoms that cause his mother, the First Lady of the United States Ellen Hilliard, to call in reinforcements. She turns to Cam's trusted secret service detail Karen who enlists the help of her ex-husband. On paper he's a family doctor, but in all actuality he's a great diagnostician. He's house... but less asshole. Much less asshole.
Dr. Lee Blackwood is immediately drawn in by Cam's case since his symptoms don't seem to fall neatly into any medical boxes he can decipher. Also, the first family's doctor seems to be thwarting all Lee's attempts at diagnosing the problem. He wants to chalk Cam's odd behavior to being depressed. Lee isn't so convinced.
So... like most thrillers, things get a little crazy. People start dying and there's a mysterious puppet-master pulling the strings. This puppet-master will stop at nothing to ensure that Lee does not get to the bottom of whatever Cam's true medical problems are.
Because I'm used to their writing, individually, it was nice to see that the story flowed seamlessly. There were no moments I felt pulled from the story because the writing didn't match or the plot just didn't fit. Although I did lose a little steam midway through this novel, it wasn't due to the authors since they managed to maintain tension throughout the novel. I lost steam because it's hard being working full-time, going to school part-time, and reviewing. Time gets away from me, yet each time I returned back to reading The First Family, I was immediately drawn back in for the little time I did have to devote to it.
Ultimately, The First Family was a fun, thrilling read. Michael and Daniel Palmer kept me guessing the whole way through. I won't deny that I expected them to deliver a great read and it's more than refreshing that they delivered. I definitely recommend this title to those who are familiar with their work. For those who are unfamiliar, I say hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
Copy provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley
The First Family is no different. Cam Hilliard is suffering from some unknown symptoms that cause his mother, the First Lady of the United States Ellen Hilliard, to call in reinforcements. She turns to Cam's trusted secret service detail Karen who enlists the help of her ex-husband. On paper he's a family doctor, but in all actuality he's a great diagnostician. He's house... but less asshole. Much less asshole.
Dr. Lee Blackwood is immediately drawn in by Cam's case since his symptoms don't seem to fall neatly into any medical boxes he can decipher. Also, the first family's doctor seems to be thwarting all Lee's attempts at diagnosing the problem. He wants to chalk Cam's odd behavior to being depressed. Lee isn't so convinced.
So... like most thrillers, things get a little crazy. People start dying and there's a mysterious puppet-master pulling the strings. This puppet-master will stop at nothing to ensure that Lee does not get to the bottom of whatever Cam's true medical problems are.
Because I'm used to their writing, individually, it was nice to see that the story flowed seamlessly. There were no moments I felt pulled from the story because the writing didn't match or the plot just didn't fit. Although I did lose a little steam midway through this novel, it wasn't due to the authors since they managed to maintain tension throughout the novel. I lost steam because it's hard being working full-time, going to school part-time, and reviewing. Time gets away from me, yet each time I returned back to reading The First Family, I was immediately drawn back in for the little time I did have to devote to it.
Ultimately, The First Family was a fun, thrilling read. Michael and Daniel Palmer kept me guessing the whole way through. I won't deny that I expected them to deliver a great read and it's more than refreshing that they delivered. I definitely recommend this title to those who are familiar with their work. For those who are unfamiliar, I say hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
Copy provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley
March 29, 2019
Holy Hannah!
This! Book!
This is the book every aspiring thriller writer should read.
Heck, this is the book every *current* thriller writer should read.
And obviously this is the book every thriller reader should read.
A.Maz.Ing.
I can't tell you too much, other than the obvious, it involves the first family: President, First Lady and son. Also if you hate politics this president is pretty much in the middle. No mention of party. No real politics. It's a medical thriller. And it's done extremely well.
Extremely.
What should my next Palmer book be...hmmmm...
This! Book!
This is the book every aspiring thriller writer should read.
Heck, this is the book every *current* thriller writer should read.
And obviously this is the book every thriller reader should read.
A.Maz.Ing.
I can't tell you too much, other than the obvious, it involves the first family: President, First Lady and son. Also if you hate politics this president is pretty much in the middle. No mention of party. No real politics. It's a medical thriller. And it's done extremely well.
Extremely.
What should my next Palmer book be...hmmmm...
Read
May 1, 2018Enjoyable medical thriller despite the necessity to suspend disbelief at some of the implausibility of actitivies, events, and coincidences, as well as the liberties taken with privacy and confidentiality laws surrounding medical records. I had a few issues but I kept reminding myself that this was fiction and just kept on reading.
Dr. Lee Blackwood is like "Superdoctor" and also happens to have a wife who's the Secret Service detail for the First Family and a son who is ex-military. All of these connections come in handy when he's asked to diagnose teenager Cam Hilliard -- the First Son. Seems that his unusual symptoms have led the President's physician to suggest psychiatric intervention and Cam says he's not depressed. Of course Dr. Blackwood finds something else...AND there happens to be another person, a talented violinist -- who may have a similar condition. NO SPOILERS but this all ties in with complicated science, neurophysiology, brain enhancers and genetics.
Dr. Lee Blackwood is like "Superdoctor" and also happens to have a wife who's the Secret Service detail for the First Family and a son who is ex-military. All of these connections come in handy when he's asked to diagnose teenager Cam Hilliard -- the First Son. Seems that his unusual symptoms have led the President's physician to suggest psychiatric intervention and Cam says he's not depressed. Of course Dr. Blackwood finds something else...AND there happens to be another person, a talented violinist -- who may have a similar condition. NO SPOILERS but this all ties in with complicated science, neurophysiology, brain enhancers and genetics.
May 14, 2019
Audio The beginning is a bit pedestrian writing, but momentum carried into a good read.
In order to not present a spoiler, I will say that any reader will find both objective and subjective stimulus thinking in this story.
I have personal experience with the scientific and social family aspects at the core of this story. Discussing it here would not be the proper platform. Please feel free to email me personally for a discussion. Wm
In order to not present a spoiler, I will say that any reader will find both objective and subjective stimulus thinking in this story.
I have personal experience with the scientific and social family aspects at the core of this story. Discussing it here would not be the proper platform. Please feel free to email me personally for a discussion. Wm
February 2, 2018
Thank you to St Martin’s Press for granting my wish on Net Galley in return for an honest review.
This review is also published on my blog :
https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/...
I love this book so much, I finished it in 4 days (happens with the books I love). I can’t wait to turn the next page to see what’s going on the next chapter. The one thing that stops me is my heavy eyelids or running out of battery.
The story about the first family is very intriguing. I’ve always been curious about the life behind the White House closed doors. Were they as any regular family only with the most prestigious job in the world? How do you deal with all the pressure? This book somehow pictured the first family as any normal family, with crisis, drama, and lots of love. There were also some political stuff, but mostly it’s about human ego.
As the story goes, there’s a disease that happen to a couple of kids including the president’s son. At first, nobody sees the connection, but 1 doctor (Lee Blackwood) is working hard to reveal the mystery. Here’s where things get interesting. The official doctor is trying to keep him at bay but he won’t give up. With the help from his ex-wife who is a secret service agent, first lady and his son, Lee tried to unravel the mysterious illness, since lives is at stake here.
Nearly at the end, Lee got the answer, and here’s where the plot is twisted. I didn’t predict that the case is actually quite simple. The clues have been thrown all over the place and make me guess who’s making these kids sick and who’s trying to kill them. I’m not going to tell it here, since it’s going to be a spoiler.
The characters have quite strong attitude. Each of them has their own ego and interest. Sometimes they fight and argue. But their story intertwined beautifully and strongly that will leave you a good impression. There is a lot of emotional battle inside and between the characters. I like it. It’s what makes us human being. This is the point where this story feels real.
Recommend for those who like fast paced story with a background of medicine, unsuspected twisty plot, and quite a lot of human emotion.
This review is also published on my blog :
https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/...
I love this book so much, I finished it in 4 days (happens with the books I love). I can’t wait to turn the next page to see what’s going on the next chapter. The one thing that stops me is my heavy eyelids or running out of battery.
This is a thrilling story with a-flair of drama and fast paced action. Mostly the action is on the medical premises but all the details are pictured in perfect words that make me feel in the middle of the action itself.
The story about the first family is very intriguing. I’ve always been curious about the life behind the White House closed doors. Were they as any regular family only with the most prestigious job in the world? How do you deal with all the pressure? This book somehow pictured the first family as any normal family, with crisis, drama, and lots of love. There were also some political stuff, but mostly it’s about human ego.
As the story goes, there’s a disease that happen to a couple of kids including the president’s son. At first, nobody sees the connection, but 1 doctor (Lee Blackwood) is working hard to reveal the mystery. Here’s where things get interesting. The official doctor is trying to keep him at bay but he won’t give up. With the help from his ex-wife who is a secret service agent, first lady and his son, Lee tried to unravel the mysterious illness, since lives is at stake here.
Nearly at the end, Lee got the answer, and here’s where the plot is twisted. I didn’t predict that the case is actually quite simple. The clues have been thrown all over the place and make me guess who’s making these kids sick and who’s trying to kill them. I’m not going to tell it here, since it’s going to be a spoiler.
The characters have quite strong attitude. Each of them has their own ego and interest. Sometimes they fight and argue. But their story intertwined beautifully and strongly that will leave you a good impression. There is a lot of emotional battle inside and between the characters. I like it. It’s what makes us human being. This is the point where this story feels real.
Recommend for those who like fast paced story with a background of medicine, unsuspected twisty plot, and quite a lot of human emotion.
January 16, 2018
The First Family started off well enough and brought to mind some of Robin Cook’s books. But somewhere in the middle, it lost both the pace and the plot and there was no coming back. Most of the plot twists were too far-fetched and the final reveal was disappointing.
*Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2019
I received this book from St Martins Press in a Saving Meghan (also by Daniel Palmer) pre-order promotion.
All the medical info was interesting, but not frequently understood. The premise was interesting, (there is good fighting bad in most phases of life). Michael must have imparted much medical information to Daniel, because Daniel appears to know it well. I have read and enjoyed all Michael Palmer's books, and it appears that Daniel Palmer has the same talent. The perceptions of the white house family interweaved with the secret service and the medical field gave excitement to the book.
All the medical info was interesting, but not frequently understood. The premise was interesting, (there is good fighting bad in most phases of life). Michael must have imparted much medical information to Daniel, because Daniel appears to know it well. I have read and enjoyed all Michael Palmer's books, and it appears that Daniel Palmer has the same talent. The perceptions of the white house family interweaved with the secret service and the medical field gave excitement to the book.
September 24, 2019
The first family ⭐️
Cameron is the presidents only son but something is wrong with him. They just cant figure out what.
The first lady is sick and treatment after treatment they assume Cameron will get better as well that his moodiness and irritability is just part of worrying for his mom.
But another thought pops into their security teams mind. Poison. There are too many unknowns for this all to be a Coincidence.
Cameron is the presidents only son but something is wrong with him. They just cant figure out what.
The first lady is sick and treatment after treatment they assume Cameron will get better as well that his moodiness and irritability is just part of worrying for his mom.
But another thought pops into their security teams mind. Poison. There are too many unknowns for this all to be a Coincidence.
January 28, 2018
I have always been a big fan of Michael Palmer’s books. I am glad his son is continuing on in his footsteps. I loved The First Family.
April 8, 2018
In Michael and Daniel Palmer's The First Family, this gripping medical thriller is so twisted and shocking, that it would have you at the edge of your seat. It all started with Cam Hilliard, the president's son and chess prodigy. Lately, he haven't been himself and seem depressed among other exhibiting symptoms. For Karen Ray, a Secret Service Agent who's in charge of his safety had become concerns and informed Cam's parents. But she also had to butt heads with Dr. Fred Gleason, who would do anything to keep her and her ex-husband, Dr. Lee Blackwood, away from finding out the truth and his own secret. For Lee, he started to connect the dots between Cam's condition and other similar cases that seem to be connected to the TPI, a private institute that educated child prodigies from art to chess. And Susie Banks was one of those students, after she almost died in her home from carbon monoxide poisoning and lost her parents in the process. There's a hidden killer lurking in their presence who would do anything to knock them out of the equation. For Karen and Lee, they would stop a prevailing danger from escalating and keep everyone safe, when the shocking truth who was behind it and what connected them together would blow you away...
April 1, 2018
Another Winner by Daniel Palmer! Review to follow.
May 3, 2018
The First Family
Michael Palmer & Daniel Palmer
STORY 5-
Palmer’s latest medical thriller is one he*l heck of a who-done-it dropping readers smack dab into the middle of a whopping mystery and leaving his audience scratching their heads trying to connect the dots and discover this evil villain until the very end. The author’s incisive medically induced narrative validates the content and the wide range of characters both titans and mere mortals alike ooze authenticity - a real winning combo. Dr. Blackwood is an especially compassionate character endearing himself to a wide audience range who fondly remembers their own family practitioner and whose candor about his profession makes this a pseudo cautionary tale about the monetization of the medicine.
NARRATION 4-
This was my first experience with the narration of Fred Berman but it wont be my last because his announcer type style was perfect for this novel. He kept the emotion to a minimum but added a well-timed sigh/gasp etc… when needed keeping a perfect pace for this swift-moving story. His male voices were excellent and his female voices were good. The only thing that could have been better would have been deeper distinctions between the players.
SYNOPSIS:
When chess prodigy and the sitting US President’s son Camden Hilliard is suddenly afflicted with strange medical ailments both physical and mental the first family’s personal physician is quick to attribute it to simple teenaged anxiety and depression. However the Secret Service agent who’s been protecting Cam for many years, Karen Ray isn’t so sure and asks her ex-husband and family doc extraordinaire Lee Blackwood to take a look at Cam. While investigating these strange ailments Lee stumbles across another case involving a young woman and violin prodigy with similar problems who happens to attend the same pricey exclusive after school academy but who’s barely hanging on to life after suffering a tragic accident. When near fatal accidents keep happening to this girl Lee and Karen are convinced someone’s trying to kill her and are also convinced both she and Cam are suffering too similar symptoms to be coincidental. But trying to convince the President and First Lady that they know better than the White House doctor will be an uphill battle at most.
Michael Palmer & Daniel Palmer
STORY 5-
Palmer’s latest medical thriller is one he*l heck of a who-done-it dropping readers smack dab into the middle of a whopping mystery and leaving his audience scratching their heads trying to connect the dots and discover this evil villain until the very end. The author’s incisive medically induced narrative validates the content and the wide range of characters both titans and mere mortals alike ooze authenticity - a real winning combo. Dr. Blackwood is an especially compassionate character endearing himself to a wide audience range who fondly remembers their own family practitioner and whose candor about his profession makes this a pseudo cautionary tale about the monetization of the medicine.
NARRATION 4-
This was my first experience with the narration of Fred Berman but it wont be my last because his announcer type style was perfect for this novel. He kept the emotion to a minimum but added a well-timed sigh/gasp etc… when needed keeping a perfect pace for this swift-moving story. His male voices were excellent and his female voices were good. The only thing that could have been better would have been deeper distinctions between the players.
SYNOPSIS:
When chess prodigy and the sitting US President’s son Camden Hilliard is suddenly afflicted with strange medical ailments both physical and mental the first family’s personal physician is quick to attribute it to simple teenaged anxiety and depression. However the Secret Service agent who’s been protecting Cam for many years, Karen Ray isn’t so sure and asks her ex-husband and family doc extraordinaire Lee Blackwood to take a look at Cam. While investigating these strange ailments Lee stumbles across another case involving a young woman and violin prodigy with similar problems who happens to attend the same pricey exclusive after school academy but who’s barely hanging on to life after suffering a tragic accident. When near fatal accidents keep happening to this girl Lee and Karen are convinced someone’s trying to kill her and are also convinced both she and Cam are suffering too similar symptoms to be coincidental. But trying to convince the President and First Lady that they know better than the White House doctor will be an uphill battle at most.
January 4, 2023
I enjoyed it, a quick suspense thriller that does not fit the usual action mold.
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
August 5, 2018
Michael Palmer's books are always wonderful to read. His use of medical knowledge combined with his understanding of human nature: always makes a great story. This novel was co-written with His son; Daniel Palmer.
April 29, 2018
interesting, especially the medical details. will read the author again.
June 11, 2018
Loved the medical part of the mystery.
December 13, 2021
The First Family is set in Washington DC, centering on the Presidents’ family, specifically, his son. When Cam starts showing vague signs of illness, the White House physician doesn’t seem to be concerned. The First Lady wants a second opinion and her secret service person, Karen, suggests her ex-husband, Dr. Lee Blackwood. She convinces her husband to allow him to come and do an exam and he finally agrees, but still wants the White House doctor to have final say. Lee is concerned about the symptoms the presidents’ son is presenting, and after referring him to the hospital he learns about another patient who might have the same symptoms. Is there more to this illness? Is there a reason Cam was targeted? Can they save Cam and the other young victim.
This book started off strong, but then slowed down midway through. I enjoyed the medical part and how they investigated the issue, I think it was the White House doctor and the president's blind faith that troubled me. There is also another storyline that added a red herring, but the resolution was a bit of a let down. I figured out what was going in about 3/4 of the way in and just wanted my guess to be proved right. Fred Berman's narration was well done and I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I think this book had a lot of promise and while I enjoyed it, it did not measure up to my expectations. If you enjoy medical thrillers, or political thrillers, give this one a try, as this one has mixed reviews and ratings.
This book started off strong, but then slowed down midway through. I enjoyed the medical part and how they investigated the issue, I think it was the White House doctor and the president's blind faith that troubled me. There is also another storyline that added a red herring, but the resolution was a bit of a let down. I figured out what was going in about 3/4 of the way in and just wanted my guess to be proved right. Fred Berman's narration was well done and I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I think this book had a lot of promise and while I enjoyed it, it did not measure up to my expectations. If you enjoy medical thrillers, or political thrillers, give this one a try, as this one has mixed reviews and ratings.
March 17, 2018
Oh my what a thrill ride this was. The writing of this father/son duo is so easy to read. There were no good places to pause on this one. If you blinked you missed some important clue.
Things start to go wrong with Cam and no one can figure out why. The White House physician is suggesting therapy but this guy is shady at best and I did not have a good feeling about him.
Karen, the ex-wife of Lee Blackwood is head of security for the first family and when things just don't feel right, she suggests an outside consult with Lee. Lee is convinced there is something medically wrong here, but gets a lot of push back from the doctor as well as from the president. The doctor and the president have long been friends and their sons are as well.
To be perfectly honest, about 13% in I smugly thought I had figured out who was the bad guy and who was the good guy. Let me just say I was so wrong.
I could not read this fast enough. Because it is possible. And that is what has you questioning a lot of things right here in the real world.
Great job to the Palmers! Can't wait to see what's next!
NetGalley/St.Martins April 17, 2018
Things start to go wrong with Cam and no one can figure out why. The White House physician is suggesting therapy but this guy is shady at best and I did not have a good feeling about him.
Karen, the ex-wife of Lee Blackwood is head of security for the first family and when things just don't feel right, she suggests an outside consult with Lee. Lee is convinced there is something medically wrong here, but gets a lot of push back from the doctor as well as from the president. The doctor and the president have long been friends and their sons are as well.
To be perfectly honest, about 13% in I smugly thought I had figured out who was the bad guy and who was the good guy. Let me just say I was so wrong.
I could not read this fast enough. Because it is possible. And that is what has you questioning a lot of things right here in the real world.
Great job to the Palmers! Can't wait to see what's next!
NetGalley/St.Martins April 17, 2018
January 8, 2018
This is a phenomenal read that kept me turning pages long into the night. This compelling tale has Lee, a family doctor and talented diagnostician, called in by his ex-wife, Karen, who is a Secret Service agent in charge of the president's teenage son's protection. The son, Cam, has developed some odd symptoms that the White House doctor is far to quick to diagnose as depression. Once Karen calls Lee in, he agrees that the symptoms don't make sense and are worth looking into before labeling as depression. Before long, Cam is suffering one malady after another and Lee is ensnared in a medical mystery that medical school could not have prepared him for.
This novel is fast moving and gripping in a way that only a Palmer could tell it. The son, Daniel, is every bit as talented as his father and I am looking forward to reading many more books by him. He's on my must read authors' list and should probably be on yours as well. This is a must read novel.
This novel is fast moving and gripping in a way that only a Palmer could tell it. The son, Daniel, is every bit as talented as his father and I am looking forward to reading many more books by him. He's on my must read authors' list and should probably be on yours as well. This is a must read novel.
February 7, 2018
First Family by authors MichaelPalmer, Daniel Palmer is a story of not only White House and First Family intrigue, but it also stuns the readers with a mystery plot of genetic research. I won't post spoilers about the plot of the genetic research because that is a key element.
The book opens with the scene of Susie Banks onstage at the Kennedy Center with her violin. Susie felt the violin was a part of her very being and she was ready to begin a professional career. Halfway through Bach's Partita N0.2 something tragic happens to Susie! Her arms go into spastic movements and her loved violin crashes to the floor. The seizures stopped as soon as they started, and with anguish, she picked up the broken instrument and stumbled offstage. Susie is a student who attends the prestigious True Potential Institute along with the First Family's son Cam.
I really liked the character of Karen Ray, a special agent with the Secret Service who is to protect the presidents family with her life, and she is very serious about her job. She is concerned one morning at the changes to sixteen-year-old Cam's shift in attitude. He had been a delightful kid and was working toward earning the title Grandmaster. Recently he seems withdrawn and after losing a game of chess to his friend and closest rival, he explodes with an uncharacteristic fit of anger. Karen wants Cam to see Dr. Gleason, the doctor to the First Family. Cam is against seeing the doctor who thinks Cams recent subtle changes are due to depression. Karen asks the family for permission for Dr. Lee Blackwood, her ex-husband, to visit with Cam for a second opinion.
Now, this is where many of the hidden mysteries of the main plot start to intertwine! The power plays between White House/Presidential protocol sometimes clash with the medical testing Cam needs. When you are part of The First Family...Who can you Trust?
This very well written and it scientific passages of the story are a bit stunning!
The book opens with the scene of Susie Banks onstage at the Kennedy Center with her violin. Susie felt the violin was a part of her very being and she was ready to begin a professional career. Halfway through Bach's Partita N0.2 something tragic happens to Susie! Her arms go into spastic movements and her loved violin crashes to the floor. The seizures stopped as soon as they started, and with anguish, she picked up the broken instrument and stumbled offstage. Susie is a student who attends the prestigious True Potential Institute along with the First Family's son Cam.
I really liked the character of Karen Ray, a special agent with the Secret Service who is to protect the presidents family with her life, and she is very serious about her job. She is concerned one morning at the changes to sixteen-year-old Cam's shift in attitude. He had been a delightful kid and was working toward earning the title Grandmaster. Recently he seems withdrawn and after losing a game of chess to his friend and closest rival, he explodes with an uncharacteristic fit of anger. Karen wants Cam to see Dr. Gleason, the doctor to the First Family. Cam is against seeing the doctor who thinks Cams recent subtle changes are due to depression. Karen asks the family for permission for Dr. Lee Blackwood, her ex-husband, to visit with Cam for a second opinion.
Now, this is where many of the hidden mysteries of the main plot start to intertwine! The power plays between White House/Presidential protocol sometimes clash with the medical testing Cam needs. When you are part of The First Family...Who can you Trust?
This very well written and it scientific passages of the story are a bit stunning!
July 20, 2018
Thankfully I won a 10 CD set from Goodreads giveaway to listen to someone read this book! Had I gotten the book to read, I’d most likely have never finished it. It was part medical drama/thriller? & part political because it had a fictitious president, his wife & their son. The medical terms were so difficult to understand, I honestly don’t know how the reader could pronounce them. I could barely understand most but was becoming familiar after multiple readings of these same words.
I know it was about children getting sick, spasms, weird blood test results, & red dot in their eye. One was the president’s son. Drug companies were involved in all this.....I don’t want to say much more on that topic as it would be a spoiler & the ending was a bit surprising in both medical & family. That’s all I’m giving away or you won’t need to read or listen yourself
Had it not been for such big medical terms that most people aren’t familiar with, this would’ve gotten at least a 4 star.
In return I’ve given an honest review of about 10 hours listening
I know it was about children getting sick, spasms, weird blood test results, & red dot in their eye. One was the president’s son. Drug companies were involved in all this.....I don’t want to say much more on that topic as it would be a spoiler & the ending was a bit surprising in both medical & family. That’s all I’m giving away or you won’t need to read or listen yourself
Had it not been for such big medical terms that most people aren’t familiar with, this would’ve gotten at least a 4 star.
In return I’ve given an honest review of about 10 hours listening
May 14, 2018
Glimpse of how the White House Secret Service works. Mystery illness. Action. I saw where this was going early on and was not surprised by some of the outcomes. Not convinced that the family doctor had the same abilities of trained professionals when it comes to the action--not quite realistic.
HSW review "very good"
HSW review "very good"
April 19, 2018
A light, quick easy going read. This was a medical thriller involving the First Family where everybody seemed to die before you could get any real answers. Not completely sure I understood what had gone on in the end, but I enjoyed the ride. Nothing special, but not bad.
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