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Angels of Mercy #2
Catalyst
"A great fast-paced read….Not to be missed for fans of ER and Grey's Anatomy." ~4 ½ Stars, Book Addict
A medical student investigating the mysterious deaths of patients begins to experience the same deadly symptoms herself.
Click to start reading!
On rotation at Pittsburgh ’s Angels of Mercy Hospital and struggling to finish medical school, Amanda Mason can’t afford to make any mistakes—or to reveal a troubling secret. Mysterious symptoms that defy diagnosis have been affecting her performance, and as she struggles to keep control, the only person who seems to notice is the irritatingly observant and sexy Dr. Lucas Stone.
But when one patient showing the same strange symptoms dies and another slips into a coma, Amanda realizes the clock is ticking on her own survival. With the help of her friends—Gina, a roommate recovering from her own trauma; Lydia, a streetwise ER attending; and Nora, a by-the-book charge nurse—Amanda must solve this medical mystery before she becomes the next victim...
(previously published as Warning Signs)
Want more Angels of Mercy Medical Suspense? Check out the complete series:
LIFELINES
CATALYST
TRAUMA
ISOLATION
And download the Free Angels short story, TOXICITY, at CJLyons.net
Praise for CJ's Thrillers with Heart:
“CJ Lyons scores a major triumph...Totally absorbing and impossible to put down.” ~Douglas Preston, New York Times bestselling author
“A heroine you'll never forget and a story that whips by at bullet speed. It's easy to see why CJ Lyons is a perennial on the bestseller lists." ~Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author
"A high stakes adventure with dire consequences." ~New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry
"I love how the characters come alive on every page." ~New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver
"Everything a great thriller should be—action packed, authentic, and intense." ~#1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Child
"CJ Lyons continues to mesmerize readers…pulse-pounding." ~Fresh Fiction
Lyons "is a master within the genre." ~Pittsburgh Magazine
“This exhilarating medical thriller gets the blood pumping …This is a terrific thriller and fans of Michael Palmer will enjoy this fine tale.” ~The Mystery Gazette
"A powerful and dramatic look into the frenzied world of emergency medicine...Lyons’ characters are dynamic and genuine. Readers need only shut their eyes to imagine this group on the big screen." ~Suspense Magazine
"Sure to keep readers enthralled…a suspenseful and engaging tale that comes to an exciting conclusion. Readers won’t want to miss this one." ~Romance Reviews Today
"A great fast-paced read….Not to be missed for fans of ER and Grey's Anatomy." ~4 ½ Stars, Book Addict
"Lyons delivers a breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." ~Publishers Weekly
"A winner!" ~Romantic Times, Top Pick
"Simply superb…riveting drama…a perfect ten." ~Romance Reviews Today
"Characters with beating hearts and three dimensions.
A medical student investigating the mysterious deaths of patients begins to experience the same deadly symptoms herself.
Click to start reading!
On rotation at Pittsburgh ’s Angels of Mercy Hospital and struggling to finish medical school, Amanda Mason can’t afford to make any mistakes—or to reveal a troubling secret. Mysterious symptoms that defy diagnosis have been affecting her performance, and as she struggles to keep control, the only person who seems to notice is the irritatingly observant and sexy Dr. Lucas Stone.
But when one patient showing the same strange symptoms dies and another slips into a coma, Amanda realizes the clock is ticking on her own survival. With the help of her friends—Gina, a roommate recovering from her own trauma; Lydia, a streetwise ER attending; and Nora, a by-the-book charge nurse—Amanda must solve this medical mystery before she becomes the next victim...
(previously published as Warning Signs)
Want more Angels of Mercy Medical Suspense? Check out the complete series:
LIFELINES
CATALYST
TRAUMA
ISOLATION
And download the Free Angels short story, TOXICITY, at CJLyons.net
Praise for CJ's Thrillers with Heart:
“CJ Lyons scores a major triumph...Totally absorbing and impossible to put down.” ~Douglas Preston, New York Times bestselling author
“A heroine you'll never forget and a story that whips by at bullet speed. It's easy to see why CJ Lyons is a perennial on the bestseller lists." ~Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author
"A high stakes adventure with dire consequences." ~New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry
"I love how the characters come alive on every page." ~New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver
"Everything a great thriller should be—action packed, authentic, and intense." ~#1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Child
"CJ Lyons continues to mesmerize readers…pulse-pounding." ~Fresh Fiction
Lyons "is a master within the genre." ~Pittsburgh Magazine
“This exhilarating medical thriller gets the blood pumping …This is a terrific thriller and fans of Michael Palmer will enjoy this fine tale.” ~The Mystery Gazette
"A powerful and dramatic look into the frenzied world of emergency medicine...Lyons’ characters are dynamic and genuine. Readers need only shut their eyes to imagine this group on the big screen." ~Suspense Magazine
"Sure to keep readers enthralled…a suspenseful and engaging tale that comes to an exciting conclusion. Readers won’t want to miss this one." ~Romance Reviews Today
"A great fast-paced read….Not to be missed for fans of ER and Grey's Anatomy." ~4 ½ Stars, Book Addict
"Lyons delivers a breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." ~Publishers Weekly
"A winner!" ~Romantic Times, Top Pick
"Simply superb…riveting drama…a perfect ten." ~Romance Reviews Today
"Characters with beating hearts and three dimensions.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2009
665 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Lyons
80 books893 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels, former pediatric ER doctor CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge Thrillers with Heart.
Two times winner of the International Thriller Writers coveted Thriller Award, CJ has been called a "master within the genre" (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as "breathtakingly fast-paced" and "riveting" (Publishers Weekly) with "characters with beating hearts and three dimensions" (Newsday).
Learn more about CJ's Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net
Two times winner of the International Thriller Writers coveted Thriller Award, CJ has been called a "master within the genre" (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as "breathtakingly fast-paced" and "riveting" (Publishers Weekly) with "characters with beating hearts and three dimensions" (Newsday).
Learn more about CJ's Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 31, 2009
I recently responded to an offer of an ARC of Warning Signsfor review, and I'm glad I did. The medical thriller is not a subgenre I've read much of, so this book broadened my reading horizons and I'll certainly check out Ms. Lyons' first book, Lifelines.
Reading this book is much like watching a really good episode of ER or Chicago Hope, without the annoying commercials and with a lot more character development. Four women who work at Angels of Mercy, a teaching hospital in Pittsburgh, are the central characters; one is an ER doctor, one a nurse, one a resident and the last a medical student. Each has her own past conflicts and present demons, including both personal and professional concerns. The story is told in third person with the point of view shifting among the characters, which helps build suspense.
The main focus of Warning Signs is a series of unexplained illnesses and deaths of young, healthy women who enter the hospital with disturbing neurological symptoms and die before a diagnosis is made. What's worse, Amanda, the medical student, is experiencing some of the same symptoms. I thought I had the mystery figured out fairly early, only to find at the end that Ms. Lyons had another twist in store.
Warning Signs is due to be published January 27 in mass-market paperback. I would definitely recommend looking for it if you enjoy a fast-paced story with engaging characters and great hospital atmosphere.
Reading this book is much like watching a really good episode of ER or Chicago Hope, without the annoying commercials and with a lot more character development. Four women who work at Angels of Mercy, a teaching hospital in Pittsburgh, are the central characters; one is an ER doctor, one a nurse, one a resident and the last a medical student. Each has her own past conflicts and present demons, including both personal and professional concerns. The story is told in third person with the point of view shifting among the characters, which helps build suspense.
The main focus of Warning Signs is a series of unexplained illnesses and deaths of young, healthy women who enter the hospital with disturbing neurological symptoms and die before a diagnosis is made. What's worse, Amanda, the medical student, is experiencing some of the same symptoms. I thought I had the mystery figured out fairly early, only to find at the end that Ms. Lyons had another twist in store.
Warning Signs is due to be published January 27 in mass-market paperback. I would definitely recommend looking for it if you enjoy a fast-paced story with engaging characters and great hospital atmosphere.
October 17, 2022
Mercy's Angels get Battered a Bit
Catalyst, the second installment of the Angels of Mercy Medical Suspense series is even better than the first book. I got to revisit all of the characters I fell in love with only to come to know them at a much more intimate level.
C. J. Lyons' greatest talent is in taking a reader from an observer to a participant in the story. I found myself raising my head occasionally and wondering where I was, I had become so involved in the lives of the doctors, nurses and EMTs.
I particularly like the fact that no secret, no matter how gritty, is off limits. Gina Freeman, on her third year of residency, suffered a horrible trauma in the first book. It has exacerbated her eating disorder and, we, the readers, are invited in to experience every painful moment.
If you are looking for an escapist read, keep on looking. But if you enjoy the rewards of the beauty of a realistic life, complete with it's highs and lows, and a lot of suspense thrown in, Catalyst is the book for you.
Catalyst, the second installment of the Angels of Mercy Medical Suspense series is even better than the first book. I got to revisit all of the characters I fell in love with only to come to know them at a much more intimate level.
C. J. Lyons' greatest talent is in taking a reader from an observer to a participant in the story. I found myself raising my head occasionally and wondering where I was, I had become so involved in the lives of the doctors, nurses and EMTs.
I particularly like the fact that no secret, no matter how gritty, is off limits. Gina Freeman, on her third year of residency, suffered a horrible trauma in the first book. It has exacerbated her eating disorder and, we, the readers, are invited in to experience every painful moment.
If you are looking for an escapist read, keep on looking. But if you enjoy the rewards of the beauty of a realistic life, complete with it's highs and lows, and a lot of suspense thrown in, Catalyst is the book for you.
August 6, 2020
Solid medical thriller! I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this. It was well-written and I really enjoyed all the main characters and getting to know each of these amazing women.
March 11, 2009
Reviewed by PJ for Romance Novel TV
Life and death struggles take on new, and very personal, meaning for fourth-year medical student, Amanda Mason in this recently released medical thriller from author CJ Lyons. Young women with mysterious neurological symptoms are dying, symptoms that are now plaguing Amanda. When the latest patient lapses into a coma and Amanda’s own symptoms begin to worsen she fears that her days are numbered and, with her friends and co-workers Lydia, Gina and Nora, launches a secret investigation to discover what, or who, is controlling the fate of these patients. Will she discover the culprit before it’s too late and she too lapses into the terrifying state where every part of her body is paralyzed except her mind? Will Lucas Stone, the handsome doctor who makes her heart race, be able to save her from certain death? Or is Lucas the man who made sure that the hearts of the other women were stopped forever? In a race against time, these women, all of whom are battling their own personal demons, fight to unmask a murderer before one of their own pays the ultimate price. Set against a backdrop of the controlled chaos of the emergency room of Pittsburgh’s Angels of Mercy Medical Center, this fast-paced, suspense-filled story will leave you breathless and begging for more.
Life and death struggles take on new, and very personal, meaning for fourth-year medical student, Amanda Mason in this recently released medical thriller from author CJ Lyons. Young women with mysterious neurological symptoms are dying, symptoms that are now plaguing Amanda. When the latest patient lapses into a coma and Amanda’s own symptoms begin to worsen she fears that her days are numbered and, with her friends and co-workers Lydia, Gina and Nora, launches a secret investigation to discover what, or who, is controlling the fate of these patients. Will she discover the culprit before it’s too late and she too lapses into the terrifying state where every part of her body is paralyzed except her mind? Will Lucas Stone, the handsome doctor who makes her heart race, be able to save her from certain death? Or is Lucas the man who made sure that the hearts of the other women were stopped forever? In a race against time, these women, all of whom are battling their own personal demons, fight to unmask a murderer before one of their own pays the ultimate price. Set against a backdrop of the controlled chaos of the emergency room of Pittsburgh’s Angels of Mercy Medical Center, this fast-paced, suspense-filled story will leave you breathless and begging for more.
August 5, 2016
Hodnocení: 3,5/5.
February 1, 2009
Are the strange symptoms that Amanda Mason is undergoing a real illness or just the result of too much work and not enough rest? Amanda is trying to convince herself that the symptoms are the result of overwork and an overactive imagination. The medical center has just admitted a girl who although awake is unable to respond verbally. Her symptoms are much the same as a couple of other girls previously admitted who passed away. Although Dr. Lucas Stone, the treating physician on these cases has searched for answers Dr. Stone could not find the cause of the problem.
While Amanda is trying to keep up with her work and ignore her symptoms her roommate Gina Freeman is fighting her own demons. Gina had a bad experience while riding with an ambulance team and is now is struggling with trying to force herself back on the streets or give up medicine altogether.
When a great-grandmother comes into the ER with her grandson, it becomes obvious to Dr. Lydia Fiore that the couple is homeless. Reminded of her own childhood when her mother was forced to live on the streets with Lydia by her side, Lydia promises the woman to watch out for her grandson which is strictly against the hospital rules.
Then we have Nora who is trying her best to do her job while recovering from a bad relationship. Nora objects to Lydia’s agreeing to watch out for the little boy.
In spite of their differences the group works together to try and help figure out what the three women who have come into the emergency room showing the same symptoms might have in common in the hopes of helping Dr. Stone come up with a plan of treatment in time to save the girl lying in the hospital in a coma. Even though still in denial, Amanda is experiencing more and more of the symptoms and trying to keep them secret from her friends and coworkers.
Warning Signs offers a very exciting peek into the lives of the Doctors, nurses and medical students at Pittsburgh’s Angels of Mercy Medical Center. I enjoyed the book and if you want an inside peak at the world inside a hospital this is the book for you. I haven’t read Lifelines but I do intend to read this previous book by C. J. Lyons.
While Amanda is trying to keep up with her work and ignore her symptoms her roommate Gina Freeman is fighting her own demons. Gina had a bad experience while riding with an ambulance team and is now is struggling with trying to force herself back on the streets or give up medicine altogether.
When a great-grandmother comes into the ER with her grandson, it becomes obvious to Dr. Lydia Fiore that the couple is homeless. Reminded of her own childhood when her mother was forced to live on the streets with Lydia by her side, Lydia promises the woman to watch out for her grandson which is strictly against the hospital rules.
Then we have Nora who is trying her best to do her job while recovering from a bad relationship. Nora objects to Lydia’s agreeing to watch out for the little boy.
In spite of their differences the group works together to try and help figure out what the three women who have come into the emergency room showing the same symptoms might have in common in the hopes of helping Dr. Stone come up with a plan of treatment in time to save the girl lying in the hospital in a coma. Even though still in denial, Amanda is experiencing more and more of the symptoms and trying to keep them secret from her friends and coworkers.
Warning Signs offers a very exciting peek into the lives of the Doctors, nurses and medical students at Pittsburgh’s Angels of Mercy Medical Center. I enjoyed the book and if you want an inside peak at the world inside a hospital this is the book for you. I haven’t read Lifelines but I do intend to read this previous book by C. J. Lyons.
March 12, 2009
I attended a seminar where this author spoke on character development. The seminar was excellent. The book is set mostly in hours of the day in a high trauma unit. This is her second book in what will be a series of three. I enjoyed it, the plot was there, but I was left feeling I wanted more info on characters at times. However, I intend to read the first book and the one to follow later this year.
This writer will be a best seller shortly and you will want to be a fan early. I wish her nothing but the best!
This writer will be a best seller shortly and you will want to be a fan early. I wish her nothing but the best!
September 1, 2011
Not much to say about this one. I hoped I would like it more than I did. I really only read it for the clinical/medical details. Don't like all the romance stuff. And, I don't like ANY of the characters really. Scenarios unrealistic in my experience, but realize it is what it is - fiction. Will likely read the rest of the series.
July 2, 2009
I could not put this one down. A very easy read with just the right mix of character and medical detail. Can't wait for the next one.
March 17, 2009
Excellent medical thrill--Grey's Anatomy type book with a twist.
May 28, 2017
This is book 2 of the Angels of Mercy series and focuses on Amanda. She's doing her neurology rotation with Lucas Stone and a case comes in that is remarkably similar to two others recently where the women both died. Dr. Stone was the neurologist for both of them. Amanda has symptoms very similar to these women but she has been keeping it largely quiet. Meanwhile, Gina is supposed to be on her EMS rotation but she is falling apart. She is terrified to go anywhere without her Kevlar vest. Lydia is breaking hospital protocol again by keeping the great-grandchild of a patient rather than putting him in the foster care system during his great-grandmother's surgery and Nora has her hands full trying not to think about her ex-boyfriend. This is a fast-paced novel and now that I am taking science courses in the medical area, it all makes some sense. I can tell you right now, I am not interested in Emergency Medicine! Already put in a request for book 3.
November 11, 2022
addictive!
This is the second book of the series. Definitely read the first book. You need to start from the beginning in order to follow each character through the series. This book focuses on Amanda. Amanda has symptoms, of what we don’t know. She is trying to hide them and keep them from her coworkers. This is just one of the minor storylines in this book. Before it is said and done, lives will be threatened, new relationships will be forged, and much much more! This is extremely suspenseful and thrilling! You will be hooked!
This is the second book of the series. Definitely read the first book. You need to start from the beginning in order to follow each character through the series. This book focuses on Amanda. Amanda has symptoms, of what we don’t know. She is trying to hide them and keep them from her coworkers. This is just one of the minor storylines in this book. Before it is said and done, lives will be threatened, new relationships will be forged, and much much more! This is extremely suspenseful and thrilling! You will be hooked!
November 25, 2019
Formula
Ending was a let down. Began as a good mystery and seemed to be shaping into and imaginative interesting challenge to solve and fun read. Sadly it turned into a formula romance book.
Ending was a let down. Began as a good mystery and seemed to be shaping into and imaginative interesting challenge to solve and fun read. Sadly it turned into a formula romance book.
March 7, 2021
Thrilling!
This is a fast paced story with danger around every corner for each of the women protagonists . The ethics question comes up. Some stupidity . Through it all there is compassion and love .
This is a fast paced story with danger around every corner for each of the women protagonists . The ethics question comes up. Some stupidity . Through it all there is compassion and love .
April 13, 2021
Good storyline
I love serial books because you get to see every characters strengths and weaknesses.
The stories have been fresh and not just recycled -Noce, essay enjoyable read.
This is not high-level mystery or suspense -I’d put it in with women’s fiction
I love serial books because you get to see every characters strengths and weaknesses.
The stories have been fresh and not just recycled -Noce, essay enjoyable read.
This is not high-level mystery or suspense -I’d put it in with women’s fiction
November 19, 2021
After reading this , I think I could be a doctor.
Great story telling. Lots of twists and turns. Great characters, clear descriptions of the complicated medical medical issues. I'm definitely a CJ fan
Great story telling. Lots of twists and turns. Great characters, clear descriptions of the complicated medical medical issues. I'm definitely a CJ fan
January 25, 2019
Thriller
I think this book deserves 5 star rating because it held my interest throughout. The story was intense and wonderful. Can't wait to read the next book.
I think this book deserves 5 star rating because it held my interest throughout. The story was intense and wonderful. Can't wait to read the next book.
February 12, 2019
Good hospital mystery. Angels of Mercy Medical Suspense is riveting, hold your breath reading. #3 was just downloaded. On to more reading.
February 3, 2020
Another fast paced book. Like her style. Hope she finds a better editor. Spelling and context errors, while generally infrequent are annoying.
March 6, 2020
Would give it 3.5 was good just w a bit of cheese, an over dramatization.
June 8, 2020
Worth reading
Excellent read. Loved the characters and their development. This series gives a glimpse into busy ERs and is fascinating. Would recommend this book to anyone
Excellent read. Loved the characters and their development. This series gives a glimpse into busy ERs and is fascinating. Would recommend this book to anyone
December 8, 2020
Loving this series!!
I work in the medical field and have always loved medical thrillers and medical suspense! CJ Lyons never disappoints! Love her books!!
I work in the medical field and have always loved medical thrillers and medical suspense! CJ Lyons never disappoints! Love her books!!
December 27, 2020
.
I'm sure the book would have been a great read if it hadn't been missing multiple pages in every chapter.
I'm sure the book would have been a great read if it hadn't been missing multiple pages in every chapter.
May 7, 2011
I met CJ Lyons at Love Is Murder last month and immediately knew that I wanted to buy her book. She was on a panel with James Strauss, novelist and senior writer for House, M.D. (one of my favorite television shows): House VS Holmes: C.J. Lyons and Jim Strauss spar and chat about these two loveable, drug-addicted misanthropes. Someone asked a question about Lisa Cuddy, which sparked an interesting discussion about the portrayal of women in medical fiction.
We all agreed that Lisa Edelstein's character wears absolutely ridiculous clothes, and her character is not always perfectly . . . believable. "If you want a realistic portrayal of female doctors," Strauss said, "Read CJ's book."
Like a good, self-promoting new author, Lyons took this opportunity to hold up her first novel and introduce it: a behind-the-scenes medical drama set in a major trauma center in Pittsburgh, focusing on the intersecting lives and friendships between an attending physician (Lydia), a resident (Gina), a charge nurse (Nora), and a medical student (Amanda). The mystery in Lifelines, which published last spring, involves gay rights activists and neo-Nazi skinheads. She was also promoting her second novel, a sequel to Lifelines. The mystery in Warning Signs, which just published last month, is much more medical . . . and personal for one of the major characters (looking at you, Amanda!).
I was immediately hooked. I bought Warning Signs the next day (CJ was offering a buy the second book, get the first free deal, which I could not refuse) and started reading right away. I read straight through both books, though not without a hiccup here and there.
First was the cover. When I saw it up close I nearly backed away. "Realistic portrayal of women in medicine," I reminded myself. "Written by an award-winning author and real ER doc."
I picked up the book despite its cover, and wasn't disappointed once I got past the art. I like the layout and design just fine; it's the models that drive me crazy. They look like models. I totally don't buy any of those women as doctors. I sure don't think the very young-looking brunette in the white coat looks like Lydia Fiore, ER attending and former street kid. Maybe the red head could be a nurse, and the blonde a med student. But I sure don't buy the tall African American woman as a tough, assertive, bulimic third year emergency medicine resident. The four women look like . . . models. Young models with professional hair and make-up.
The second hiccup happened on P. 4: Trey Garrison . . . glanced up, revealing a pair of vivid hazel eyes that locked onto Lydia's gaze.
"Ack!" I thought. "I've been tricked into reading a romance novel." I didn't love that style of writing, which happened occasionally through both books, but I was caught by the pace, the mystery, and the lives of the four women. Indeed, Lyons is a member of Romance Writers of America in addition to a few mystery writers' organizations, and describes the series as "Thrillers with Heart." Upon reflection, I feel like the novels fall slightly more on the side of "romantic suspense" than "medical thriller," though there's a lot going on in the stories and only one romance arc completes with each novel. Actually, I keep going back and forth on how I'd categorize this one.
My third hiccup came in Warning Signs, when I decided that the characters were a little too flawed. Lydia's past is . . . intense. Which would be fine, but each of the other main characters is equally damaged. And I really don't like Gina. I'm sure that I'm supposed to, and it looks like Book 3 will be her book, so here's hoping that I start to find her just a touch more sympathetic.
My fourth hiccup came as Nora repeatedly missed the obvious signs of what's going on with her boyfriend. I have strongly suspected that Louis has a particular sleep disorder since early in book one, and I really hope that I'm wrong. I don't like to figure things out too much faster than the main characters, when we're given the same data. It also drives me crazy that Amanda keeps refusing to tell people that there's something physically wrong with her. Again: I know; other characters don't; it's uncomfortable for me. Especially when there's an easy and obvious solution: tell someone!
I really enjoyed reading Lifelines and Warning Signs, and am eagerly awaiting the third installment. But I still don't like the covers.
Mostly, I'm very interested to see where CJ Lyons goes next. There's something very fresh and honest about her, no artifice. I think she's an exciting new author to watch.
We all agreed that Lisa Edelstein's character wears absolutely ridiculous clothes, and her character is not always perfectly . . . believable. "If you want a realistic portrayal of female doctors," Strauss said, "Read CJ's book."
Like a good, self-promoting new author, Lyons took this opportunity to hold up her first novel and introduce it: a behind-the-scenes medical drama set in a major trauma center in Pittsburgh, focusing on the intersecting lives and friendships between an attending physician (Lydia), a resident (Gina), a charge nurse (Nora), and a medical student (Amanda). The mystery in Lifelines, which published last spring, involves gay rights activists and neo-Nazi skinheads. She was also promoting her second novel, a sequel to Lifelines. The mystery in Warning Signs, which just published last month, is much more medical . . . and personal for one of the major characters (looking at you, Amanda!).
I was immediately hooked. I bought Warning Signs the next day (CJ was offering a buy the second book, get the first free deal, which I could not refuse) and started reading right away. I read straight through both books, though not without a hiccup here and there.
First was the cover. When I saw it up close I nearly backed away. "Realistic portrayal of women in medicine," I reminded myself. "Written by an award-winning author and real ER doc."
I picked up the book despite its cover, and wasn't disappointed once I got past the art. I like the layout and design just fine; it's the models that drive me crazy. They look like models. I totally don't buy any of those women as doctors. I sure don't think the very young-looking brunette in the white coat looks like Lydia Fiore, ER attending and former street kid. Maybe the red head could be a nurse, and the blonde a med student. But I sure don't buy the tall African American woman as a tough, assertive, bulimic third year emergency medicine resident. The four women look like . . . models. Young models with professional hair and make-up.
The second hiccup happened on P. 4: Trey Garrison . . . glanced up, revealing a pair of vivid hazel eyes that locked onto Lydia's gaze.
"Ack!" I thought. "I've been tricked into reading a romance novel." I didn't love that style of writing, which happened occasionally through both books, but I was caught by the pace, the mystery, and the lives of the four women. Indeed, Lyons is a member of Romance Writers of America in addition to a few mystery writers' organizations, and describes the series as "Thrillers with Heart." Upon reflection, I feel like the novels fall slightly more on the side of "romantic suspense" than "medical thriller," though there's a lot going on in the stories and only one romance arc completes with each novel. Actually, I keep going back and forth on how I'd categorize this one.
My third hiccup came in Warning Signs, when I decided that the characters were a little too flawed. Lydia's past is . . . intense. Which would be fine, but each of the other main characters is equally damaged. And I really don't like Gina. I'm sure that I'm supposed to, and it looks like Book 3 will be her book, so here's hoping that I start to find her just a touch more sympathetic.
My fourth hiccup came as Nora repeatedly missed the obvious signs of what's going on with her boyfriend. I have strongly suspected that Louis has a particular sleep disorder since early in book one, and I really hope that I'm wrong. I don't like to figure things out too much faster than the main characters, when we're given the same data. It also drives me crazy that Amanda keeps refusing to tell people that there's something physically wrong with her. Again: I know; other characters don't; it's uncomfortable for me. Especially when there's an easy and obvious solution: tell someone!
I really enjoyed reading Lifelines and Warning Signs, and am eagerly awaiting the third installment. But I still don't like the covers.
Mostly, I'm very interested to see where CJ Lyons goes next. There's something very fresh and honest about her, no artifice. I think she's an exciting new author to watch.
August 5, 2011
It’s Grey’s Anatomy with a little bit of mystery mixed in, and a few apparently unsolvable deaths. Only on paper. Scenes are cut up the way scenes from a TV series are, in order to accelerate the heartbeat of the work. I can understand C.J. Lyons’ reasons for slicing and assembling events this way. First, most of the novel happens in a hospital and jumping from one character’s drama to another might remedy to the monotony of the decor. It might also recreate the rush atmosphere of a city (here, Pittsburgh) emergency medical center. Technically, I would assume this is no easy task, and C.J. Lyons seems very comfortable handling such rapid pace.
In order for the medical milieu not to be too cold, she adds elements of romance and a little bit of sex. I said it before, Grey’s Anatomy. Cute, despite a few dead people here and there.
The story: Amanda, who is about to become a pediatrician, is going to die like a few other patients at the Mercy Medical Center if some antidote to what is bringing her paralysis is not found. Only no one is sure what is causing the gradual loss of the use of her limbs, so finding a way to counterattack an unknown enemy is quite a challenge.
I don’t mind the concept. But is it because I don’t want to be in a hospital during a whole novel? Or is it because I never play computer games and thus don’t like to skip from one thing to the next after a few seconds? But I never get hooked on the novel. It takes me forever to get acquainted with the characters, even if I manage to find out who is responsible for the aforementioned mysterious deaths early on. Still, in the end, that’s all I am, acquainted. “Hello, nice to meet you, see you.”
Can I say this is a bad novel? No. I would say it’s well done, and a good commercial undertaking, with just the right amount of romance and mystery, and good solid prose. It is the type that addresses a specific, albeit wide, audience. It’s comfort food with just the right amount of excitement and the right amount of predictability. It’s just not my cup of tea.
And I do wish it had been. For I had the opportunity of meeting C.J. Lyons herself, and she is kind, professional, and generous. But I am certainly not worried about her career.
April 29, 2012
If you love medical dramas on TV or in the movies, you'll love the second book in the Angels of Mercy series by CJ Lyons. In Lifelines, we were introduced to Nora, Amanda, Gina and Lydia, which became Lydia's story. Now in Warning Signs, this medical thriller will shock you in Amanda's story. Like any medical drama, we're right into the heart of the matter of a medical emergency for this medical students. Each one of them has a crisis to face, whether it turned up bad or good. We're experience their professional life in the hospital, and their social and love lives. And this one hits close to home to the four friends. When I read this novel, I felt like I was right there with them in the ER or outside the hospital. You would too, when you read this novel and experience drama, romance, action and suspense, all wrapped up in one medical thriller series. This shocked me into suspense and had me drawn into the heart of the matter for anyone involved.
March 4, 2009
Warning Signs didn't get exciting until about halfway through it. This book in the Angels of Mercy series focuses on Amanda, and I do not have much sympathy for her character. By the end of the book, I found her tolerable and hope there is improvement made to her character if the series continues. I enjoyed the first book in the series, Lifelines, and Warning Signs wasn't bad, either, just not as good. It did not disappoint me enough to keep me from reading the series in the future. In fact, I am wondering how quickly Lyons' next one will be published. Warning Signs just came out in February, so I am betting another year or so. I hope the next book focuses on Nora, or goes back to Lydia, and does not focus on Gina, as I suspect it will based on the ending of Warning Signs. I don't much care for Gina's character, either, although maybe if she was flushed out more, I would.
November 9, 2012
This book would have gotten a much better review if Gina didn't annoy me so much. I just don't see why anyone in the book likes her. She lies, she's very self centered, her binging and purging is just gross to hear about, she sent a deranged angry drunk man after one of her friends, and was gossiping to a reporter about how one of her friends messed up on the job and endangerd a patient... which she didn't do. Ugh I just didn't want to hear any more about her.
Amanda was also getting on my nerves for ignoring very obvious medical issues. I know she's only a med student, but how can she really not believe that its not normal to lose feeling in a limb and have muscle freak outs.
Hah I guess the only characters I really like are Trey and Lydia and there just wasn't enough of them in this book.
Amanda was also getting on my nerves for ignoring very obvious medical issues. I know she's only a med student, but how can she really not believe that its not normal to lose feeling in a limb and have muscle freak outs.
Hah I guess the only characters I really like are Trey and Lydia and there just wasn't enough of them in this book.
Read
January 3, 2012Warning Signs, by CJ Lyons, A-minus, From the National Library for the Blind,
This is a medical thriller of the best sort. We have a female doctor, Lydia, a female charge nurse, Nora, two med students, Gina and Amanda, and some policemen and ambulance paramedics as well. The main story is about a series of young women who turn up seriously ill, very suddenly, and die within a day or two. Lucas, the doctor who has admitted most of these women through emergency, is suspected of doing something wrong which led to these deaths. So he is very interested in tracking down what actually happened. Especially when it becomes clear that Amanda has the same symptoms and will die if they can’t find the reason for the problem and the cure. Fast- a page turner, and a good read.
This is a medical thriller of the best sort. We have a female doctor, Lydia, a female charge nurse, Nora, two med students, Gina and Amanda, and some policemen and ambulance paramedics as well. The main story is about a series of young women who turn up seriously ill, very suddenly, and die within a day or two. Lucas, the doctor who has admitted most of these women through emergency, is suspected of doing something wrong which led to these deaths. So he is very interested in tracking down what actually happened. Especially when it becomes clear that Amanda has the same symptoms and will die if they can’t find the reason for the problem and the cure. Fast- a page turner, and a good read.
August 12, 2016
As a former Army-trained paramedic, I love medical drama in just about any form. (My novel, Last Chance Rescue, takes place within a search-and-rescue team.) I also like mystery and romance, and this book has it all! AND with the added bonus of strong female characters. The main character in this one (Amanda) is an interesting mix of “sweet-and-saucy,” and the other womens’ characters develop in a realistic way at the story progresses. (Perhaps Lyons will write self-loathing, eating/binging Gina’s story next.) It DOES have quite a few sub-plots and CAN be a bit TV-ish … but I happen to like that! Another hit for CJ!
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