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Guarded Prognosis

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.DOUBLE-BARRELED TROUBLE

When Dr. Caden Taggart saw the two men sitting in his waiting room, he didn’t think they were patients. He was right, and when they introduced themselves as agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency, things started to get bad.

Then Caden felt as though someone had gut-punched him when his father, Dr. Henry Taggart, told him he probably had carcinoma of the pancreas. When he talked about his son assisting with his suicide, Caden wondered how he could talk him out of that.

When he shared his news with his wife, Beth, she tried to assure Caden that God was in control. But as things progressed, he was unsure that was true. At first, he feared for his freedom. Then for his ability to cope. Eventually, he feared for his life.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2018

284 people are currently reading
86 people want to read

About the author

Richard L. Mabry

30 books520 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,532 reviews138 followers
October 25, 2022
A thrilling wo-done-it. Dr Caden Taggert is wary and a bit scared when two DEA Agents show up at his practice and tell him his credentials have been used to prescribe narcotics illegally. He knows he is innocent but his cooperation is getting nowhere. To add to his stress, his father, also a doctor, is facing a cancer diagnosis. And hus mother, who has been in a coma, has died.

I like the way Dr. Mabry explains medical terms and procedures in simple terms. The way he weaves crime into his stories is very interesting. And the way Dr Taggert’s wife supports him is a plus in this story.
Another great medical mystery.
*I borrowed this ebook from Prime Reading. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book507 followers
July 26, 2018
Richard Mabry is skilled at weaving different story threads together into a compelling read with just the right amount of suspense, medical jargon, and character development. I particularly enjoy the faith element in his books because it hits an ideal balance between relatable, authentic, and natural to the story. His characters struggle with honest faith-in-life issues, relationship ups and downs, and very believable situations. Even the criminal activity or suspenseful dilemmas they get caught up in are written in such a way that you can absolutely see this happening in ‘real life’ given the right parameters.

In Guarded Prognosis, Mabry crafts an intriguing suspense plot of a surgeon who suddenly finds himself being investigated by two men who say they’re from the DEA. Caden knows he’s innocent but he also knows that it will be hard to prove should they find anything incriminating that originated from his office. Even as Caden and his wife Beth begin to fear for their own lives, the author also tugs at the heart with a pair of emotional subplots involving Caden’s parents. At times I found this to be even more riveting than the suspense thread; the questions that this part of the story raised are timely and thought-provoking.

Which one takes precedence? Honor they father and mother? Or thou shalt do no murder?

The suspense thread is not as clear cut as it first may appear, either. It takes several surprising twists and keeps you guessing, especially the last half of the book. One potential murder plus several attempts on Caden & Beth’s lives, including car crashes and those gunshots I mentioned earlier, as well as arson and fraud and odd behavior from people you thought you had figured out. Who can you trust? Who can Caden trust? Certainly he (and we) can trust Dr. Mabry as the author but beyond that it’s anybody’s guess!

Bottom Line: Guarded Prognosis has it all! Danger, intrigue, illness, questions, answers, and a gentle faith thread that settles in the reader’s heart as well as the story’s. Caden and Beth and Caden’s father are authentic and engaging characters, and you’ll quickly become invested in their outcome. A must-read for anyone who loves medical thrillers or just a good mystery!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Lis Carey.
2,213 reviews137 followers
November 28, 2018
Dr. Caden Taggert, a surgeon, receives an unexpected visit from two DEA agents, at his office. His DEA number is apparently being used to write suspect prescriptions. They want to find out who is really behind it. It's a frightening experience, and he far too easily accepts their encouragement not to call a lawyer. And, heck, he doesn't even know a lawyer, and doesn't want to upset the DEA agents.

It's a mistake, of course. They don't even have a search warrant. Something is wrong here, but he's not asking the right questions. He introduces the agents to his staff and the other two surgeons as doctors leaving academia and hospital work, and interested in seeing how this private practice office is organized. He's introduced trouble that's not the trouble he thinks it is, though the reader, or listener, soon knows.

Meanwhile, his father, Dr. Henry Taggert, also a surgeon, is having troubles of his own. He has just learned that he may have pancreatic cancer. It does cause him to reach out to his son. Neither man would want to say so, but since Henry's wife, Caden's mother, Nancy, had a stroke that reduced her to a vegetative state a year ago, what closeness they once had has faded away. Now he needs his son.

It takes us, and Henry, longer to find out there is also trouble in his practice.

What happens over the next several weeks becomes a terrifying roller coaster ride, that changes the two men's relationship with each other, Caden's with his wife, and Henry's with his office nurse, who has been a supportive friend since Nancy's stroke.

This is an explicitly, but not cloyingly, Christian novel. I'm a New Englander. In this part of the country, advertising your religious faith is not considered a sign of the strength and sincerity of your belief. On the contrary, we tend to believe that things that get heavily advertised are probably for sale. It's different in Texas, where this book is set, and I guess in much of the south.

This is likely why many New Englanders and many southerners tend to regard each other with dark suspicion.

So it's worth noting that these are plausibly real and plausibly good people, sincere in their beliefs. If you're a religious believer of a culture more like mine, be aware that they do talk about their faith more than some of us might find appropriate.If you are not religious, again, be aware. These characters are sometimes naive, but they're neither phonies nor fools.

If you are the flavor of atheist that thinks being religious is ipso facto proof you're either a phony or an idiot, this book might not be for you.

Recommended with the obvious caveats.

I listened to the audiobook. The narration is solid and easy to listen to.

I received a free copy of this audiobook, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,081 reviews135 followers
July 17, 2018
There is nothing better than sitting down and reading a new book by this author. It is always filled with intrigue and characters that jump off the pages. This book is one that keeps you guessing and has action throughout the story. I loved how the author gives us characters that intrigue us.

Caden is a very respected doctor and is confused when DEA agents show up at his office. If someone showed me credentials I wouldn't know if they were real or not. Is Caden being deceived by these men? I was fascinated with the investigation into illegal drug prescriptions. The investigation seems legitimate but Caden was starting to wonder if he should be worried.

Henry is a very complex character. He doesn't have the greatest relationship with his son, Caden which makes their phone conversations strained. The news isn't good and Caden is a bit frustrated that his dad is so calm about the news he shares with his son. Henry made me want to scream at him sometimes and tell him to let Caden be part of his life.

I loved how there were a story within a story and it focused on trusting God. Caden is not only dealing with what's going on at his clinic but the diagnosis his father has received. Their relationship will take a lot of work to heal wounds that have long been buried. The realism of their fragile relationship is captured very well with the talented writing of the author.

Caden will have to be on his toes as the investigation into his clinic grows into a dangerous situation. Who can Caden trust? Will he let others help him or try to fix it on his own? One of the subjects I loved the most in the book was how Caden and Henry were prideful. They each wanted to ignore people and do things their way. Sometimes when we go out on our own, we end up making situations worse. As the story intensifies, Caden realizes that not everyone and everything is as it seems. Who is behind the illegal drugs? Will Henry resolve his relationship with his son before it is too late? Don't miss this latest book from one of the best authors who writes stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats with intense action and intrigue.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews273 followers
May 30, 2018
'So, I'm just supposed to relax and God will take care of everything?'

I have been a fan of Dr. Richard Mabry's books since I read his first. A retired physician, Dr. Mabry writes inspirational medical suspense. This is a favorite genre of mine and I thoroughly enjoy all his books.

Dr. Caden Taggert, a surgeon in a busy Texas practice, is approached during office hours by two DEA agents who insinuate quite strongly that he has been writing narcotics prescriptions for profit. Dr. Taggert, having nothing to hide, allows the men to go through his office and conduct an investigation. From there, things begin to slide down hill at an alarming rate. Dr. Taggert's surgeon father is ill, his mother is in a coma and his spiritual life is not what it needs to be. His wife is very encouraging and offers her help in the office. Neither of them are sure of what's going on and hope that soon answers will come to all these dilemmas.

Dr. Mabry is great at adding layers little by little, thus increasing the suspense in his stories. I have never once guessed the culprit ahead of time, either! He is very good at what he does and I always close the book looking forward to his next offering. Highly recommended.

*My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All the opinions stated here are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Edward Arrington.
1,177 reviews12 followers
June 12, 2018
I cannot recall reading a book before this that involved a father and a son who were so intent on doing things their own way that they could seemingly blunder into some terrible choices with very little effort. Caden Taggart had followed in the footsteps of his father, Henry Taggart, and became a surgeon. Aside from being in the same profession, he also had the same stubborn streak as his father. Being stubborn is not necessarily bad but often a certain amount of arrogance works in tandem with the stubbornness. That can lead to disastrous results. Henry was facing what seemed to be a death sentence after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Caden was dealing with DEA agents who were trying to break up a drug ring that seemed to be getting its supply from his office. In both cases, the doctors thought they could handle things on their own and did not need help from anyone else, particularly from God. Trying to do life without God in normal circumstances can be tough enough but trying to deal with what they were facing seems ludicrous to those of us who walk by faith. Will either one of them survive? What will it take to get them to look to God for answers? Is there any hope for them? I enjoyed the suspense and action. I also appreciated the relationship demonstrated by Caden and his wife as well as the devotion of Dr. Henry Taggart to his wife who had been in a coma for a year. Although both women were wonderful wives, the two doctors needed to renew their own personal faith rather than trying to fake it on the faith of someone else. 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 Sunnie.
1,003 reviews48 followers
June 5, 2018
Dr. Mabry's latest book was so good! It was a real page turner and I had a difficult time putting it down to do the things I had to do! There was a lot of mystery, suspense, adding up to an absolutely great book. The subject matter was very contemporary, very believable and certainly something that might be a real occurrence in the life of a doctor.

There was also just a little touch of "romance" perhaps. This book is a book that you won't want to miss, especially if you like to read mysteries, which I definitely do!

I liked the fact too, that there was some religious intonations which showed that we all can do many things on our own, but can do all things with God. That we should trust and remember Him and that it's never too late to turn our lives around.

All in all, a great book and I am very happy that I had the chance to read it.

I received an ebook copy from the author. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Leslie McKee.
Author 8 books72 followers
April 30, 2018
Dr. Caden Taggart was expecting a normal day at work. Imagine his surprise when two DEA agents show up at his office investigating counterfeit narcotics prescriptions signed by Caden and linked to patient deaths. A call from his father, Dr. Henry Taggart, adds another twist: he’s dealing with a potentially serious health issue, and he needs Caden’s assistance. Cryptic phone calls, gunfire, and a car accident make for anything but an ordinary week. Who is trying to incriminate Caden? Can he trust the DEA agents? And will his father’s situation bring them closer to God or push them further away?

Mabry’s latest is a tightly knit, action-packed medical drama. Secondary characters and storylines are smoothly integrated. The mystery is solid with a few unexpected twists. There are some wonderful reminders throughout which are based on verses such as Psalm 37:7: “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” An excerpt from Mabry’s next novella, Emergency Case, is included. Thankfully, the reader won’t have to wait long to read the entire story, as it will be released this winter.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
1,250 reviews
July 27, 2018
There are many reasons why I love reading Christian Fiction, but perhaps number 1 is how God can speak to me through an author’s story. That’s just what happened while I was reading Guarded Prognosis by Richard Mabry, M.D. What a blessing this book was to me and what an action-packed suspense novel too!

Dr. Mabry always has a medical setting for his suspense novels. He incorporates the medical/hospital environment with fast-paced action to create a credible story. In Guarded Prognosis, the setting is a busy surgery practice, so there are scenes in the ER, OR, and in the office. He uses medical jargon, but always in a way for the average reader to easily understand. In this novel, the two very likable main characters, Caden and Beth, face a number of challenges in their professional and personal lives. And what challenges there are! Ailing family members, a cancer-crisis, and shady business involving the DEA. He also adds a few surprises along the way to keep both his characters and readers off-balance. This page-turner kept me guessing as I suspected one character after another. While the ending contained a number of surprises, I loved how he wrapped everything up. Dr. Mabry always weaves a message of hope into his novels and Guarded Prognosis is no exception. The characters’ struggles and doubts are natural and believable, but God’s truth shines through. Towards the end of the book, Caden and Beth have this exchange —

“So. I’m just supposed to relax, and God will take care of everything?” Caden asked.

“No. But after you’ve done everything you can do, you depend on God to do what He’s promised. It’s a pretty good partnership that way.” (p. 178)

I really needed to be reminded of that. Still do.

Guarded Prognosis was a wonderful read — meaningful and entertaining — the perfect mix! It gets a recommended rating from me.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
3,970 reviews14 followers
December 25, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"The brand of misery that makes us happiest."
Dr.Cadon Taggart had seen little of his father since his mother's stroke which left her in a coma in a nursing home, but his father's call demanded his attention so, with wife Beth, he went to visit and was surprised when he arrived to be greeted by the practice nurse. Not the first shock of the day, either. Earlier, when Cadon arrived at his office, two men were waiting, introducing themselves as having been sent by the Seattle branch of the drugs enforcement agency to look into the workings of the combined practices of his and his two other colleagues. Fraudulent prescriptions were being written, they told him.

The book traces the two story lines, that of Cadon's father's recently diagnosed illness and his reactions to it, and the investigations at the office. The book has an old fashioned feel to it, Beth, Dr.Taggart's wife, although a trained nurse and without children, having reluctantly given up work when she married, and with constant bible references and the women's determination to bring their men closer to God. Otherwise well written, the progress through the story felt contrived and overly padded although the father's internal dialogue felt very real.

The narration by Bill Nevitt was excellent, read with understanding and good voicing for each protagonist individually and appropriate to the character. He certainly helped to carry both the story and bring it to life.
My thanks to the rights holder of Guarded Prognosis who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. Although a medical thriller, it is far more focussed on the mental meanderings of the two Taggart men and the religious attitude of the women.
Profile Image for Iola.
Author 3 books29 followers
December 21, 2018
Dr Mabry is the master of the medical thriller, and Guarded Prognosis is one of his best. It’s a novel rather than a novella, and that gives him the opportunity to pile on the trouble for the main character, Dr Caden Taggart.

Dr Taggart has two strangers in his waiting room. They say they’re from the DEA, and they’re there to investigate a drug-related death where Dr Taggart apparently prescribed the fentanyl that killed the man. Except Taggart doesn’t prescribe fentanyl—he’s a surgeon, and fentanyl is something that would be prescribed by the referring physician. Things get more complicated when his father calls to say he’s taken a few tests, the results look like cancer … and Dr Henry Taggart wants his son’s help to commit suicide.

Yeah. Plenty of thing going wrong in this one. And plenty of room for more things to go wrong.
The characters are intriguing. Beth is a Christian, but Caden doesn’t seem to be: “That was her thing, not his.” This kind of leaves me wondering why she married him … However, that does leave room for Caden to have a crisis of faith.

One thing that continues to impress me with Dr Mabry’s novels and novellas is the way he weaves Christianity and medical terminology into the story in a natural way. There is always enough medical terminology to convince us the characters are real doctors, yet never so much that we don’t understand what’s going on. The same with the Christian content—it’s there, but it’s not forced.

All in all, Guarded Prognosis is a strong medical thriller with plenty of twists and turns.

Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
Profile Image for Jill.
421 reviews
August 24, 2018
When Dr. Caden Taggart was visited by two men introducing themselves as DEA agents, he should have contacted an attorney. He shouldn't have allowed them to snoop around his office, but they coerced him to be compliant. So he was.

But when they wouldn't share information with him or tell him how long they would remain in his office, he became skeptical of the real reason they were there.  That's when things began to unravel.

While all of this was going on, Dr. Taggart's father, Dr. Henry Taggart, is diagnosed with pancreatic carcinoma, which is always fatal.  Father and son are at odds about treatment and each other.  When Caden's mother dies and he suspects murder, and someone tries to take his life, he realizes he is in over his head. The discovery of the truth about the agents and not knowing who to trust makes Caden fear the unthinkable--the loss of his freedom and the loss of his life.

Richard Mabry, M.D., writes incredible medical thrillers.  As a retired doctor, he has great insight into the medical field.  His books are almost always concise and to the point.  He doesn't keep you in suspense very long but delivers an entertaining read without boring us with all the medical terms. And when he does discuss medical terms, he explains them in such a way that it feels like a part of the story.  You can read "Guarded Prognosis" in a couple of hours.

While it is a Christian novel, it is not overly theological.  If you've never read Dr. Mabry's books, you are missing a treat.  
Profile Image for djpaterson.
31 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2018
This was the first medical thriller I’ve ‘read’ (via Audible) for some time (I think the last one was probably a Michael Crichton, in the 80s!), and this one was written by an actual MD, although I’m pleased that it wasn’t too heavy with medical jargon – although it did stray a little on occasion.
How best to review this book? Mmm…

The positives: The story held enough to interest me, although I found that you do have to suspend belief a little, especially in the supposed exploits of the DEA agents. The author creates a believable medical setting without being too technical. Narration was generally pretty good, and I was keen to find out what would happen to both Doctor Taggarts.

The not so positives: Not the fastest paced thriller out there. I’m normally okay with that if the story and characters can carry you along. The story was okay (with only a few bits that irritated me), but the characters? Wow, annoying. The author, I believe, was in practice from the 1960s, and his characters belong there. Old-fashioned in their outlook, behaviour, and lifestyle, they add a layer of unrealism to the story rather than bring it to life. There’s not much mystery here either. We know who the bad guys are from the off, with the only unknown being the insider. We’re only really introduced to a couple of the people at the practice, so there aren’t many candidates. And I guess like my medical professionals to place a little more reliance on science, and a little less on God.

All in all, mildly entertaining, but not the best out there.
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
2,258 reviews45 followers
December 9, 2018
Caden Taggart and his father, Henry, are both surgeons. Caden's world is shaken when two DEA agents show up on his doorstep, claiming that someone in his practice has been falsely prescribing painkillers.

Meanwhile, Henry is facing a life-threatening prognosis while his wife/Caden's mother is in a coma following a brain aneurysm. At the start of Henry's possible diagnosis, he contemplates suicide and asks for Caden's assistance. Also, there seems to be several side characters that have money issues that might play into the story for both Caden and Henry.

The two storylines progress and there is action/thrills when Caden becomes more and more involved with the DEA's investigation. The story was entertaining but nothing too exciting or unusual. There really wasn't too much of a surprise at the ending, but it was still a good read. I will admit that it often read like a TV drama.

Some reviewers have complained about the overtly Christian theme to the book, but I liked this part of the story. When faced with life-threats, either in the form of danger or illness, people often turn (or return) to God.

The narrator, Bill Nevitt, did his usual outstanding job and added a lot to the enjoyment of the book. His voices for the different characters were great (even for the women!) and made the listening even better. I was provided an audio version of this book by the narrator and chose to review it.
Profile Image for Gail Hollingsworth.
1,003 reviews52 followers
July 9, 2018
I must start off by saying that Dr. Richard Mabry writes the best medical suspense that I've ever read. Some doctors will never be writers and some writers will never be doctors, but he does both quite well!
Guarded Prognosis had several different elements brought out in the story. Dr. Caden Taggart was being watched by drug enforcement agents because of illegal prescriptions being filled in the area with his signature and DEA number.
Then he finds out his dad, also a physician and surgeon, has a possible deadly diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He asks Caden to help him commit suicide when the time comes.
Caden and Beth have been unsuccessful at conceiving so she asks to be his office nurse. Is that even safe with all that's going on? Caden has been run off the road more than once by another vehicle almost costing him his life. Is this connected with the drug ring, or just unfortunate mishaps by drunken teenagers? It seems that one thing after another happens. What is Caden's best option for surviving all these mishaps? Will he call on God in his time of need?
I enjoy reading these medical terms correctly used and emergency instances that read like a real life event. I'm convinced this would make a great made for TV movie!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to post a review.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,079 reviews9 followers
August 10, 2018
I am so surprised at the glowing reviews of this novel. I didn't know when I started it, but apparently it is in a genre called "Christian" books. It was so very bland, I could scream, but that's not the only problem I have with it. First of all, every single character (even each of the bad guys) is a white upper middle class professional heterosexual. No black, no Hispanic, no Gay. Second, all but a couple of the "good guys" go to church and talk and think about God all the time. At every meal the author makes sure that grace is said. The couple of characters who do not behave like this end up mending their ways and doing these things by the end of the story. It was so boring I had to fight against falling asleep while reading. The story was fairly well written - no grammar or spelling errors - and apparently it is part of a series. I put it on my Kindle and started reading because I like medical thrillers. Nothing thrilling here, though, sorry. The medicine seems sound, and I recognize things I knew from being a Registered Nurse for 30 years. One thing, though: it is very annoying to have the main character, a surgeon, refer to his wife as a "trained nurse." As in "trained poodle." Both nurses and doctors are EDUCATED, not "trained." Aside from that, it was okay. I didn't hate it. But I cannot go back for more.
Profile Image for Simon.
30 reviews15 followers
November 27, 2018
I love medical thrillers. I'm undecided about this one. I really enjoyed the story, more of the medical side. There wasn't much thriller but it was still an interesting mystery. Interspersed were the background lives of the protagonist and his family, which while connected to the medical theme, provided the link and tried to answer the questions posed by the long-standing religion versus medicine debate.
There was a fair amount of religion, and, while it wasn't in your face preachy, I still felt it could have been toned down a bit. The dialogue of the characters was sometimes a bit stilted, and they seemed to chat in exposition, voicing all their inner thoughts, instead of more natural dialogue. This pulled me out of the book, and the main story at times.
Niggles aside, the medical drama/ mystery side was well written and engaging.
The narration was very good, and I feel helped me stick with the story (which I might have otherwise put down to return to another time in printed form), elevating the sometimes odd dialogue.
Overall I liked it and will read more from the author if they pose as good a medical mystery.
Profile Image for Patricia Bradley.
Author 29 books1,299 followers
June 18, 2018
As always, Richard Mabry has written a book that immediately drew me in on the first page. I’m talking about Guarded Prognosis, his latest book that will be released July 17. When the story opens, drug enforcement agents are sitting in Dr. Caden Taggart’s office, waiting to question him about opioid prescriptions he’s written. Prescriptions he insists he never wrote. And if that isn’t bad enough Caden soon learns his father probably has pancreatic cancer and wants Caden to help him commit suicide when the pain gets too much.

Doctor Mabry weaves an intriguing plot together using two stubborn men, both doctors who must navigate the emotional issues neither want to discuss. Then Caden finds his life is in danger when he becomes the target of whoever is writing the fake prescriptions.

This is an intriguing story with plenty of plot twists to keep the most avid mystery reader guessing. He has created realistic characters that make the reader root for a victory. Guarded Prognosis is a book the reader will find hard to put down. I stayed up way too late to get to the end!
870 reviews25 followers
November 30, 2018
Medical thrillers is one of my favourite genres, so I was very excited to get this audiobook. I don't want to be negative, as that helps no one, but I'm struggling here. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was living in the 1950s! After all, who, in 2018, gives up work when they get married? The story was so sexist that it made my hackles rise. "The only thing she could make for dinner was reservations"! Who says that? Why couldn't Caden make his own bloomin' dinner, and Beth's at the same time? It put my back up and irritated me. Then we were all leaving things to God, and getting lessons on the bible. What that's got to do with DEA investigations I have no idea, and detracted from the story, for me. The thriller aspect of the book wasn't so thrilling. I'd pretty much lost interest by then. I do have to applaud the wonderful performance turned in by narrator Bill Nevitt. With so many people to voice, both male and female, he had a mammoth task on his hands and he handled it brilliantly. In fact, it was Mr Nevitt's narration that kept me listening.
Profile Image for Wade.
750 reviews26 followers
January 27, 2020
4.5 Stars

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.”

“God’s promise is that He’ll provide the strength we need at the time we need it. And He’ll ultimately guide us through it.”

“We all choose the brand of misery that makes us happiest.”

Another solid medical thriller from Dr. Richard L Mabry. This one has a lot going on. DEA agents, a mother in a coma, a father with a medical scare now contemplating suicide, people held at gunpoint, hit and runs, arson, murder, and much more. I enjoyed the various medical cases and especially enjoyed the relationship of Dr Caden Taggert and his wife Beth. I found them believable, relatable, and likable. Guarded Prognosis had a great mystery component with plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing along the way. And most importantly, Mabry weaves in aspects of faith in God, trusting Him in all things, and patience through trials.

For more reviews, please check out my blog!
https://wadeurspider01.wixsite.com/we...

Profile Image for Anne Rightler.
1,971 reviews35 followers
December 3, 2018
Guarded Prognosis by Richard Mabry is an entertaining and suspenseful medical mystery. I always look forward to reading Dr. Mabry's newest and was not disappointed with Guarded Prognosis. I like how he is able to tell his stories with just the right amount of medical lingo and scenes, suspense, and strong, relatable characters. Readers are drawn immediately into the story and their interest is kept right up until the climactic ending. Who are these DEA agents really? Can Caden trust them? How will he and his father work through the struggles and difficulties they encounter? Guarded Prognosis, with its twists and turns, action (arson, attempted murder, car crashes), ethical dilemmas (assisted suicide, fraud, narcotic drug issues) is a great read for those who love a good medical mystery. Bill Nevitt does a great job of narrating the book--bringing the characters and their story to life. His voice is easy to listen to and makes the listening experience a pleasant one.
Profile Image for jhanami.
294 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2018
I had the audio version for this and I’d like to start by saying that the narration was great and ultimately the reason that kept me going as I find Bill Nevitt’s voice very pleasant to listen to. However, I struggled with the story itself.
The medical bits were ok, the mystery wasn’t much of a mystery but it was ok as well, but the main characters were very hard to relate to.
I’d recommend setting the next book in the 50s or 60s - the relationship between the main couple, their views and attitudes are very old-fashioned and quite unrealistic, especially for a young, well educated, middle class couple in the year 2018 - at least for this European reader. I also don’t mind characters having religious backgrounds or beliefs if it fits the story and makes sense for the character in question, but if I get the feeling it’s actually the author talking I am less keen.
3 stars overall, as I did enjoy the narration.
Profile Image for bluepits73.
323 reviews
January 16, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
The author wrote this in such a way that it almost feels like two separate stories told simultaneously, but are also intertwined. Which is interesting considering because we have the father's story and then the son's story; both are doctors. The author does a fabulous job making storyline seem realistic and plausible; he also formed characters that were likeable and normal even though they are doctors. There is a twist that seemed really unexpected to me, but it made sense. I enjoyed this author's style in this book. 

The narrator did an excellent job in this performance. This is not the first time I've listened to him, and I thus far have enjoyed all of his performances. His performances seem to get a little better with each performance. I think he was definitely a great pick for this type of book and he was able to bring the story to life. 

I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Profile Image for Rabid Reader.
959 reviews16 followers
January 12, 2019
Guarded Prognosis is an easy listening story that’s a little bit slow in the beginning but picks up as it progresses. It entertains with themes of cancer, death, deceit, drugs, betrayal, Christianity and relationships. The narrator did a good job creating emotion and tension in the story and made it easy to distinguish who was talking. It is an easy listening story with some good twists and personal problems, but I did find the main character in the story somewhat naive. Any investigation of you or abuse of your prescribing number is a serious thing and you would have thought he would have sort legal advise, asked more questions or at least contacted his Medical Association for direction strait away. This aspect didn’t really detract from the story though, it was still an entertaining, enjoyable audiobook.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,986 reviews38 followers
November 21, 2018
I liked the main plot line, but I felt the second one was distracting, and not really that interesting. Caden Taggart's father sickness, his yes-no relationship with his nurse, the problems with his partner... why not deal with them in another book.

Another issue I have with this book is the heavy-handed way religion is deal with. I have nothing against characters who embrace religion, but here it felt as the author was trying to convert anyone who read the book. I found it tasteless.

But, although I have some issues about the way the main plot got resolved, it was interesting enough to warrant three stars.

Now, the narration, that was superb. I mean, really, really very well done, and probably the main reason I kept going with this book :P
Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews100 followers
December 6, 2018
A solid medical mystery with a strong storyline and realistic characters. It grabbed my attention right away with the entrance of DEA agents with what appeared to be damning evidence of opioid malpractice. The doc didn't even have time to process this when his father tells him of the usually fatal diagnosis he received and asks for a promise to provide assisted suicide if needed.
Caught on the horns of some serious dilemmas, he could have reacted in many ways, but his wife became his strength. There's plenty of suspense, twists, and red herrings. A very intriguing read for this off duty nurse.
I have the audio as performed by Bill Nevitt, who always makes a good book so much more.
1,042 reviews11 followers
July 27, 2018
Suspence on two fronts

Dr. Caden Taggart is a fine surgeon with a bustling practice. His father, Dr. Henry Taggart, is also a surgeon in a nearby city. He receives a diagnosis of "possible" pancreatic cancer and asks his son to help him commit suicide. Although both men are semi-connected to a church, neither has been very attentive to his faith. In the crisis, neither gives much thought to the conflict with God's teaching nor to the oath they took to "first, do no harm". Each Taggart man is also in the crosshairs of people who want them dead. An exciting read, recommended for anyone who enjoys medical based mysteries.
Profile Image for Linda.
2,174 reviews
July 14, 2019
A good medical thriller, featuring father-and-son doctors who are each dealing with their own challenges.

Henry Taggart, the father, has just been diagnosed with pancreatic carcinoma. He knows this is usually fatal, and considers taking his own life. But the ultimate decision may not be his to make ...

Caden Taggart, Henry's son, is taken by surprise when two DEA agents start investigating his group practice. Someone in his office is filling prescriptions for illegal drugs and then selling them on the street for a huge profit. Who is doing it? And WHO is trying to kill him?



Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
December 4, 2021
Guarded Prognosis was a great read by Richard L. Mabry. Dr. Caden Taggart saw two men sitting in his waiting room and they were agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency. His father the told him that he probably had carcinoma of the pancreas. He wanted Caden to assist with his suicide. Caden's wife Beth tried to assure him that God was in control. Caden then started fearing for his safety. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait tread more by the author.
Profile Image for Linda Klager.
1,020 reviews48 followers
August 16, 2018
Another great read by Dr. Mabry! I liked the story line of Caden and Beth very much. Beth was such an inspiring wife for Caden. Caden did not have the best relationship with his Father, but that improved over time. Caden's love for his Mother was the best.

There was enough intrigue in this book to keep me guessing who was the culprit. Dr. Mabry knows how to tell a medical mystery.
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