What do you think?
Rate this book
Irma's Endgame
When newspaper headlines screamed in large bold print that one of the world’s leading heart-transplant surgeons, Peter Dayton, was arrested for the death of one of his transplant patients, shock waves were felt around the world. Particularly impacted was an attorney, Irma Mullins, who found it inconceivable that the man she once loved could have committed the heinous act for which he had been arrested. Determined to find out what happened, she embarks on a course of action to uncover the truth. But when all paths lead to one dead-end after another, and Dayton continues to maintain his innocence, she detours. Through desperation, frustration, fear, and determination she grasps at thin threads for anything that might uncover facts to help exonerate Dayton. What she ultimately discovers is both shocking and unbelievable. Written by the award-winning, international best-selling author, Paulette Mahurin, Irma’s Endgame is a story of friendship and loyalty, of betrayal and revenge, of mystery and discovery, of enmity and love. It is a narrative that shakes the very core of the scientific ground we all walk on and proves that what we think is real is not always solid terrain. This is a novel that will be remembered long after the last page is finished.
- GenresRomance
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2019
7 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Paulette Mahurin
13 books247 followersPaulette Mahurin is a best selling literary fiction and historical fiction novelist. She lives with her husband Terry and two dogs, Max and Bella, in Ventura County, California. She grew up in West Los Angeles and attended UCLA, where she received a Master’s Degree in Science.
Her first novel, The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, made it to Amazon bestseller lists and won awards, including best historical fiction 2012 in Turning the Pages Magazine. Her second novel, His Name Was Ben, originally written as an award winning short story while she was in college and later expanded into a novel, rose to bestseller lists its second week out. Her third novel, To Live Out Loud, won international critical acclaim and made it to multiple sites as favorite read book of 2015. Her fourth book, The Seven Year Dress, made it to the top ten bestseller lists on Amazon U.S., Amazon U.K. and Amazon Australia. Her fifth book, The Day I Saw The Hummingbird, was released in 2017 to rave reviews. Her sixth book, A Different Kind of Angel, was released in August, 2018.
Semi-retired, she continues to work part-time as a Nurse Practitioner in Ventura County. When she’s not writing, she does pro-bono consultation work with women with cancer, works in the Westminster Free Clinic as a volunteer provider, volunteers as a mediator in the Ventura County Courthouse for small claims cases, and involves herself, along with her husband, in dog rescue. Profits from her books go to help rescue dogs from kill shelters.
Her first novel, The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, made it to Amazon bestseller lists and won awards, including best historical fiction 2012 in Turning the Pages Magazine. Her second novel, His Name Was Ben, originally written as an award winning short story while she was in college and later expanded into a novel, rose to bestseller lists its second week out. Her third novel, To Live Out Loud, won international critical acclaim and made it to multiple sites as favorite read book of 2015. Her fourth book, The Seven Year Dress, made it to the top ten bestseller lists on Amazon U.S., Amazon U.K. and Amazon Australia. Her fifth book, The Day I Saw The Hummingbird, was released in 2017 to rave reviews. Her sixth book, A Different Kind of Angel, was released in August, 2018.
Semi-retired, she continues to work part-time as a Nurse Practitioner in Ventura County. When she’s not writing, she does pro-bono consultation work with women with cancer, works in the Westminster Free Clinic as a volunteer provider, volunteers as a mediator in the Ventura County Courthouse for small claims cases, and involves herself, along with her husband, in dog rescue. Profits from her books go to help rescue dogs from kill shelters.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 14, 2019
I’ve come to love the way that Miss Mahurin tackles real subjects in her novel. I first became a fan of this author after reading her historical fiction so when I saw that she had a murder mystery available, I was quick to scoop that up since it’s one of my favorite genres. She did not disappoint.
Irma is stunned that her old college friend, a renowned heart surgeon, has been accused of murder. She vows to get to the bottom of the mystery because she knows that he can’t be the one responsible.
I loved how well-written both Irma and Peter were. They were complex with their own flaws and strengths. Especially Irma. For all her confidence as a lawyer, she still had moments where she struggled to believe in herself, especially when it came to helping Peter.
The medical world introduced in the story is very real, and a fantastic foundation for the story.
Irma is stunned that her old college friend, a renowned heart surgeon, has been accused of murder. She vows to get to the bottom of the mystery because she knows that he can’t be the one responsible.
I loved how well-written both Irma and Peter were. They were complex with their own flaws and strengths. Especially Irma. For all her confidence as a lawyer, she still had moments where she struggled to believe in herself, especially when it came to helping Peter.
The medical world introduced in the story is very real, and a fantastic foundation for the story.
May 19, 2019
Thought Provoking Contemporary Story
This book delivers at so many levels. The prose entices with a harmony that is both beautiful and unique to this writer’s voice; ‘The door to her closed heart had been kicked open.’ I could share many powerful phrases like that one, and thus Irma’s Endgame Kicks open the reader’s curiosity and anticipation.
I don’t like to review with spoilers and that is a hard thing to do with this multifaceted storyline in which one explores dynamics in unique relationships. The kind of encounters that fate thrust upon people with no warning or expectation.
As the characters suffer, as a reader I felt their pain. When they found light, I did as well. I cannot stop thinking of so many aspects in the storyline.
I took a four-hour train ride after I finished the book and found myself talking to a fellow traveler, a stranger, about cellular memory as explored in this storyline. He wrote down the book’s title. I know in the next few weeks I will Google it often!
The story takes place during the course of several years. This was written with a clever backdrop of global events, as a reader it placed me right there.
The type of brilliant book that is thought provoking and lingers on long after one reads the last page.
This book delivers at so many levels. The prose entices with a harmony that is both beautiful and unique to this writer’s voice; ‘The door to her closed heart had been kicked open.’ I could share many powerful phrases like that one, and thus Irma’s Endgame Kicks open the reader’s curiosity and anticipation.
I don’t like to review with spoilers and that is a hard thing to do with this multifaceted storyline in which one explores dynamics in unique relationships. The kind of encounters that fate thrust upon people with no warning or expectation.
As the characters suffer, as a reader I felt their pain. When they found light, I did as well. I cannot stop thinking of so many aspects in the storyline.
I took a four-hour train ride after I finished the book and found myself talking to a fellow traveler, a stranger, about cellular memory as explored in this storyline. He wrote down the book’s title. I know in the next few weeks I will Google it often!
The story takes place during the course of several years. This was written with a clever backdrop of global events, as a reader it placed me right there.
The type of brilliant book that is thought provoking and lingers on long after one reads the last page.
April 29, 2019
What if the human heart was not just a mechanical pump in the body, an organ with purely physiological properties? What if it were something altogether more complex and mysterious?
When renowned transplant surgeon Peter Dayton removes the heart from the victim of a road traffic accident, Lexi Parkhouse, and transplants it into the dying body of Jeffrey Kincaide, a chain of events is set in motion with devastating consequences. In the sumptuous Bel Air mansion that is home to the wealthy Kincaide family, the couple’s previous domestic harmony turns sour as Jeffrey recuperates with his new heart. Initially overcome with gratitude at the miraculous intervention that saved her husband’s life, Amelia Kincaide, becomes increasingly disturbed by what she perceives as abnormal changes in him, changes that inspire suspicion and hatred. At the same time, Lexi’s grieving widower, Randolf Parkhouse, is struggling unsuccessfully to get over the loss of the woman he loved. In an attempt find solace, he starts to explore far-fetched, quasi-spiritual notions about communion with the dead, becoming gradually convinced that he is still somehow connected to his wife, whose presence lingers on earth through the heart which now beats in the chest of Randolf.
Unaware of all this, surgeon Peter Dayton continues to operate. He is a man who, on the surface, has everything–money, prestige, a brilliant career and international reputation–but, apart from his job and his affection for his dog, Bella, he is carrying out a meaningless existence in a loveless marriage, consumed by regret for the woman he loved and lost years ago through his own bad choices. Unknown to him, that woman, Irma Mullins, is about to enter his life once more when she opens a newspaper and reads that her former lover has been arrested on charges of killing one of his patients. ‘Involuntary manslaughter…’ Shocked to the core, Irma has no doubt as to her ex-lover’s innocence, and, convinced he is the victim of a vendetta, determines to clear his name.
What starts as a classic, suspenseful whodunnit gradually turns into something far more complex and multi-layered. Author Paulette Mahurin puts her characters under the microscope, scrutinising what is going on in their ‘hearts’ in the wider sense of the term, dissecting in forensic detail the way they live, their innermost feelings and passions, how their backgrounds have shaped their personalities, the motivations behind their behaviour and, more immediately, their reactions as events unfold with a frightening inevitability, sweeping them along like a flash flood. The tempestuous rumblings in their personal stories are eerily mirrored in what is happening on a planetary scale. Global political and economic upheaval, growing social divides in Western societies, the devastation raging in war torn countries, the apparent increase in extreme weather events–all these contribute to an ominous feeling that the world is off kilter, out of balance, chaotic. We sense that things are slipping beyond our control, our belief in the rational, the scientific, the provable, is shaken, our certainties over-turned. As Irma remarks, becoming more and more stressed by the agonising drag of the legal process and the seeming impossibility of altering its course, it is ‘like trying to mold pottery with over-wet material while in handcuffs.’ The tension builds as the characters react to the growing pressure (I found myself experiencing sympathetic stomach pains), with even those most convinced of Peter’s innocence, including himself, beginning to have doubts.
By crafting such detailed portraits of her characters and their growing emotional turmoil, Mahurin anchors her story in the real, the every-day, and is thus able to give credibility to the incredible, when at last Irma’s team begin to make progress, discovering a thread which, unbelievable as it may appear, offers a chance of building a solid case in Peter’s defence: ‘a small, barely visible thread that (leads) to a Sherman tank.’
It’s impossible to do justice to all the admirable qualities of this author’s latest work in a short review. Suffice it to say that that ‘Irma’s Endgame’ is one of those books which not only keeps us captivated until the last page, but also prompts us to ask questions about our own lives, the mistakes we make, the paths we choose and their validity, and our dimly perceived apprehension of the greater truth behind Hamlet’s words: ‘There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamed of in your philosophy.’
When renowned transplant surgeon Peter Dayton removes the heart from the victim of a road traffic accident, Lexi Parkhouse, and transplants it into the dying body of Jeffrey Kincaide, a chain of events is set in motion with devastating consequences. In the sumptuous Bel Air mansion that is home to the wealthy Kincaide family, the couple’s previous domestic harmony turns sour as Jeffrey recuperates with his new heart. Initially overcome with gratitude at the miraculous intervention that saved her husband’s life, Amelia Kincaide, becomes increasingly disturbed by what she perceives as abnormal changes in him, changes that inspire suspicion and hatred. At the same time, Lexi’s grieving widower, Randolf Parkhouse, is struggling unsuccessfully to get over the loss of the woman he loved. In an attempt find solace, he starts to explore far-fetched, quasi-spiritual notions about communion with the dead, becoming gradually convinced that he is still somehow connected to his wife, whose presence lingers on earth through the heart which now beats in the chest of Randolf.
Unaware of all this, surgeon Peter Dayton continues to operate. He is a man who, on the surface, has everything–money, prestige, a brilliant career and international reputation–but, apart from his job and his affection for his dog, Bella, he is carrying out a meaningless existence in a loveless marriage, consumed by regret for the woman he loved and lost years ago through his own bad choices. Unknown to him, that woman, Irma Mullins, is about to enter his life once more when she opens a newspaper and reads that her former lover has been arrested on charges of killing one of his patients. ‘Involuntary manslaughter…’ Shocked to the core, Irma has no doubt as to her ex-lover’s innocence, and, convinced he is the victim of a vendetta, determines to clear his name.
What starts as a classic, suspenseful whodunnit gradually turns into something far more complex and multi-layered. Author Paulette Mahurin puts her characters under the microscope, scrutinising what is going on in their ‘hearts’ in the wider sense of the term, dissecting in forensic detail the way they live, their innermost feelings and passions, how their backgrounds have shaped their personalities, the motivations behind their behaviour and, more immediately, their reactions as events unfold with a frightening inevitability, sweeping them along like a flash flood. The tempestuous rumblings in their personal stories are eerily mirrored in what is happening on a planetary scale. Global political and economic upheaval, growing social divides in Western societies, the devastation raging in war torn countries, the apparent increase in extreme weather events–all these contribute to an ominous feeling that the world is off kilter, out of balance, chaotic. We sense that things are slipping beyond our control, our belief in the rational, the scientific, the provable, is shaken, our certainties over-turned. As Irma remarks, becoming more and more stressed by the agonising drag of the legal process and the seeming impossibility of altering its course, it is ‘like trying to mold pottery with over-wet material while in handcuffs.’ The tension builds as the characters react to the growing pressure (I found myself experiencing sympathetic stomach pains), with even those most convinced of Peter’s innocence, including himself, beginning to have doubts.
By crafting such detailed portraits of her characters and their growing emotional turmoil, Mahurin anchors her story in the real, the every-day, and is thus able to give credibility to the incredible, when at last Irma’s team begin to make progress, discovering a thread which, unbelievable as it may appear, offers a chance of building a solid case in Peter’s defence: ‘a small, barely visible thread that (leads) to a Sherman tank.’
It’s impossible to do justice to all the admirable qualities of this author’s latest work in a short review. Suffice it to say that that ‘Irma’s Endgame’ is one of those books which not only keeps us captivated until the last page, but also prompts us to ask questions about our own lives, the mistakes we make, the paths we choose and their validity, and our dimly perceived apprehension of the greater truth behind Hamlet’s words: ‘There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamed of in your philosophy.’
May 27, 2019
As any regular reader of my reviews will know, I have long been a fan of Author Paulette Mahurin's work, so when a new release came on the market, I was one of the first in line to buy and enjoy. Mahurin's usual gamut is historical fiction, where she builds a fictional story around real historical people and events. To my pleasant surprise, Irma's Endgame, is a departure from her usual fare and represents an author's effort to grow and expand her repertoire, something I admire greatly.
Irma is a hard-working, somewhat cynical and hard-bitten but focused legal mediator. She has seen the best and the worst of human nature in her role, over the years but she has a reputation for fairness and achieving just settlements in disputes. When she sees a newspaper headline screaming at her that her first, one-true love, heart replacement surgeon, Peter Dayton has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide after one of his transplant patients had died due to a mistake in medication, Irma knows she has to help the man she once loved (maybe even still does) with every fibre of her being.
Peter has all the trappings of success, wealth, status, and power but over the years his arrogant and overbearing manner has seen him disliked, as a person, within the halls of medicine. His incredible skill and success has leavened that cold nature in the eyes of hospital administrators and he is recognised as a hero, especially among those he has given a new life, with transplant surgery. His biggest regret in life remains his kowtowing to his parents back in College to end his relationship with Irma, as she was clearly an unsuitable match for this silver-spooned future surgeon. Despite all the trappings of success, Peter is sad, lonely and desperate for affection.
Faced with an open and shut case against Peter, Irma finds herself clinging to any sort of hope and this leads her to investigate a heart-transplant patient who appears to have dramatically changed personality since receiving a woman's heart. Can it possibly be that this seeming personality transfer has something to do with Peter's demise?
As I said, Irma's Endgame was a departure for Mahurin but, for me, a successful departure. The two main characters Irma and Peter, their separate lives and trials that have brought them back full-circle to find each other again are the classic unrequited love story. I particularly enjoyed the exploration Mahurin did of the idea of personality transference in organ transplants. The idea that some small part of a donor's personality somehow lives on in the recipient of the organ was fascinating. The relationship between the husband of the donor and the recipient was beautifully written and one could feel the instant connection between the two and marvel at it.
This is a fantastic story that I read with absolute zeal and like all books of Mahurin's I was disappointed to have reached the end. I can highly recommend this read, as Mahurin tests the boundaries and depth of friendship, loyalty, psychosis, betrayal and most importantly, of love. It is a triumphal departure from her usual genre for this incredibly talented author.
Irma is a hard-working, somewhat cynical and hard-bitten but focused legal mediator. She has seen the best and the worst of human nature in her role, over the years but she has a reputation for fairness and achieving just settlements in disputes. When she sees a newspaper headline screaming at her that her first, one-true love, heart replacement surgeon, Peter Dayton has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide after one of his transplant patients had died due to a mistake in medication, Irma knows she has to help the man she once loved (maybe even still does) with every fibre of her being.
Peter has all the trappings of success, wealth, status, and power but over the years his arrogant and overbearing manner has seen him disliked, as a person, within the halls of medicine. His incredible skill and success has leavened that cold nature in the eyes of hospital administrators and he is recognised as a hero, especially among those he has given a new life, with transplant surgery. His biggest regret in life remains his kowtowing to his parents back in College to end his relationship with Irma, as she was clearly an unsuitable match for this silver-spooned future surgeon. Despite all the trappings of success, Peter is sad, lonely and desperate for affection.
Faced with an open and shut case against Peter, Irma finds herself clinging to any sort of hope and this leads her to investigate a heart-transplant patient who appears to have dramatically changed personality since receiving a woman's heart. Can it possibly be that this seeming personality transfer has something to do with Peter's demise?
As I said, Irma's Endgame was a departure for Mahurin but, for me, a successful departure. The two main characters Irma and Peter, their separate lives and trials that have brought them back full-circle to find each other again are the classic unrequited love story. I particularly enjoyed the exploration Mahurin did of the idea of personality transference in organ transplants. The idea that some small part of a donor's personality somehow lives on in the recipient of the organ was fascinating. The relationship between the husband of the donor and the recipient was beautifully written and one could feel the instant connection between the two and marvel at it.
This is a fantastic story that I read with absolute zeal and like all books of Mahurin's I was disappointed to have reached the end. I can highly recommend this read, as Mahurin tests the boundaries and depth of friendship, loyalty, psychosis, betrayal and most importantly, of love. It is a triumphal departure from her usual genre for this incredibly talented author.
June 11, 2019
I'm a big fan of this author and this is another great book, which I have finished reading in just two sittings. At the heart of the story is love and an original and thought provoking idea about what makes us human. I can't say much as I don't do spoilers but let me say this is a good mystery with plenty of suspense that makes you want to keep turning the pages. As with all the author's books, the writing is excellent and the characters jump off the pages. Highly recommended!
May 23, 2019
Amazon Reviews:
Amazon U.S.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QZM22W3/
Amazon U.K.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07QZM22W3
Amazon France
https://www.amazon.fr/Irmas-Endgame-E...
Amazon U.S.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QZM22W3/
Amazon U.K.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07QZM22W3
Amazon France
https://www.amazon.fr/Irmas-Endgame-E...
May 26, 2019
Love, Mystery and Suspense - Irma’s Endgame Really Delivers!
Irma’s Endgame is truly an emotional rollercoaster ride! It’s a page turner from beginning to end. The author has obviously done a lot of detailed research for this book and pours much of her life experience as a nurse into her writing. The character development is excellent; the reader can’t help but feel something for hero and villain alike. What runs through this story, in addition to a good dose of mystery and suspense, is the power of love through the years, how it ebbs and flows and influences the direction our lives take. A must read - highly recommend!
Irma’s Endgame is truly an emotional rollercoaster ride! It’s a page turner from beginning to end. The author has obviously done a lot of detailed research for this book and pours much of her life experience as a nurse into her writing. The character development is excellent; the reader can’t help but feel something for hero and villain alike. What runs through this story, in addition to a good dose of mystery and suspense, is the power of love through the years, how it ebbs and flows and influences the direction our lives take. A must read - highly recommend!
May 24, 2019
Another great novel from Paulette Mahurin, "Irma's Endgame" is something you won't be able to put down. The story revolves around a medical mystery with a doctor who has prescribed incorrect medication for his patients. When it came to the last five or six chapters, I had to postpone dinner to find out what really happened.
I have read other novels from Ms. Mahurin and this one stacks up well against the others. She has the unique ability to describe characters, locations, emotions and actions with such intricate descriptions, it makes you feel as if you are right inside the story, elbow to elbow with the characters. In my opinion, this book is well worth the time.
I have read other novels from Ms. Mahurin and this one stacks up well against the others. She has the unique ability to describe characters, locations, emotions and actions with such intricate descriptions, it makes you feel as if you are right inside the story, elbow to elbow with the characters. In my opinion, this book is well worth the time.
May 28, 2019
I enjoy smart novels, the kind where you learn specialized work like medical terms and procedures. For that I was drawn to this work. The author has done their homework and mixed it with a passion for story, and the end result is wonderful.
May 15, 2019
Irma's Endgame explores the unique intertwining of lives that occurs when Randolf's wife's, Lexi's, heart is transplanted into Jeffrey Kincaide's disease weakened body by surgeon Peter Dayton. How this heroic act results in a murder is a mystery that pulls Dayton's first love into a cast of dis-functional characters and unresolved questions. The ins and outs of the story and fascinating characters kept me turning the pages long past my bedtime. Pretenses abound in this modern day tale set against the backdrop of California's complex politics and conflicting strata of society. A narrator's point of view weaves the intricate plot lines and backstories together in a way that's captivating and curious, heartbreaking and homey. I highly admire the author's ability to make this mystery - love story compelling and authentic. The twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end. Highly recommended.
May 18, 2019
This thriller is most interesting because of the realistic and well drawn characters. Many current thrillers are just something you read to get to the end where there will be the inevitable twist and the final reveal of whodunnit. This one makes you actually care for the characters and their situations.
I particularly felt for Peter, his outward appearance and inner reality were so much at odds. His complexities are well described and you are left wondering if you dislike him, or feel sorry for him. Either way, I found myself hoping he would be vindicated.
I would recommend this book for people who are looking for something a bit more than a way to waste a few hours in a book. You will need to think and feel to fully enjoy the story.
I particularly felt for Peter, his outward appearance and inner reality were so much at odds. His complexities are well described and you are left wondering if you dislike him, or feel sorry for him. Either way, I found myself hoping he would be vindicated.
I would recommend this book for people who are looking for something a bit more than a way to waste a few hours in a book. You will need to think and feel to fully enjoy the story.
May 16, 2019
A heart-stopping mystery
I've read this author's historical fiction books and have been impressed the quality of writing. This is a cozy crime mystery with medical and legal overtones, which blend very well to produce a convincing story. The characters are well developed, memorable and believable in their situations. Their backgrounds, struggles and relationships are expertly crafted. The intricate plot moves along at a steady pace and the unfolding mystery kept me turning the pages. The central topic is novel, poses a fundamental question about the wider impact organ donation, and had me pondering the possibilities after I had finished the book. The author has used her experience in medicine to add great credibility and depth to the story. Highly recommended.
I've read this author's historical fiction books and have been impressed the quality of writing. This is a cozy crime mystery with medical and legal overtones, which blend very well to produce a convincing story. The characters are well developed, memorable and believable in their situations. Their backgrounds, struggles and relationships are expertly crafted. The intricate plot moves along at a steady pace and the unfolding mystery kept me turning the pages. The central topic is novel, poses a fundamental question about the wider impact organ donation, and had me pondering the possibilities after I had finished the book. The author has used her experience in medicine to add great credibility and depth to the story. Highly recommended.
May 21, 2019
This is a great read with lots of stuff in it and I totally recommend it to anyone wanting a thriller without all the gore. This one makes you think. I don’t often re-read books, but this one will stay in my tablet. I may have missed something and will pick it up again.
April 23, 2019
I’ve been a fan of Paulette Mahurin’s writing for quite some time now and to me, she has long become one of the authors whose books I’ll one-click as soon as she announces a new release. What I also greatly admire is Ms. Mahurin’s ability to write in different genres - historical fiction, literary fiction and now, cozy mystery. No matter which genre she chooses, she never fails to deliver a strong, well-constructed plot, memorable and relatable characters, bring to life important social issues, and involve the reader on an emotional level. That was precisely the case with “Irma’s Endgame.”
A lawyer who takes pride in standing up for what is right, Irma is stunned to learn that her former college sweetheart - now a successful heart-transplant surgeon - is accused of criminal negligence and involuntary manslaughter. She promises herself to get to the bottom of this and soon an investigation begins to unravel, bringing to light more and more curious details concerning one of the heart-transplant patients, his odd personality changes, and his wife’s strange comments following the surgery.
What I enjoyed the most about this story was how complex the characters were and how easy for me as a reader it was to relate to their struggles. Peter’s perfectionism and obsession with work, which conceals deeply-buried personal struggles; Amelia’s childhood demons still haunting her to this day and influencing her irrational and hate-driven decisions; Irma’s struggling to balance the investigation and her feelings towards Peter, and many more. Peter’s relationship with his wife and his in-laws was particularly well-delivered and I sympathized with him on so many levels, wishing for him to not only clear his name but to free himself from that world that was causing him so much distress and misery.
Another intriguing aspect of this story was the fact that despite it being fiction, the idea of it is based on real medically-related cases, and this certainly made reading it even more enjoyable for me. A wonderful read, as always! Highly recommended!
A lawyer who takes pride in standing up for what is right, Irma is stunned to learn that her former college sweetheart - now a successful heart-transplant surgeon - is accused of criminal negligence and involuntary manslaughter. She promises herself to get to the bottom of this and soon an investigation begins to unravel, bringing to light more and more curious details concerning one of the heart-transplant patients, his odd personality changes, and his wife’s strange comments following the surgery.
What I enjoyed the most about this story was how complex the characters were and how easy for me as a reader it was to relate to their struggles. Peter’s perfectionism and obsession with work, which conceals deeply-buried personal struggles; Amelia’s childhood demons still haunting her to this day and influencing her irrational and hate-driven decisions; Irma’s struggling to balance the investigation and her feelings towards Peter, and many more. Peter’s relationship with his wife and his in-laws was particularly well-delivered and I sympathized with him on so many levels, wishing for him to not only clear his name but to free himself from that world that was causing him so much distress and misery.
Another intriguing aspect of this story was the fact that despite it being fiction, the idea of it is based on real medically-related cases, and this certainly made reading it even more enjoyable for me. A wonderful read, as always! Highly recommended!
May 10, 2019
Another insightful read by one of my favorite Indie Authors, Paulette Mahurin. Is there anything to the notion of personality transference in heart transplant patients? In this contemporary page turner, Irma and her friend and crack journalistic investigator follow her instinct and a very thin thread of a clue to the heart of the matter. Mahurin skillfully leads us through twists and turn that frankly had me guessing until the very end. Great plotting and in-depth characterization makes this one stand out as one of her best!
May 9, 2019
This was a fascinating, thought-provoking read. It's far more than just a legal thriller, delving into issues such as the effects of child abuse, social pressures and love lost. What I found particularly interesting however was the exploration of personality transference in transplant patients- much of the material in the book is based around real life cases and I found this thoroughly fascinating.
Paulette Mahurin's writing is engaging, with a great sense of time and place. I loved the references to real-world current events to place the story in time.
A wonderful, multi-layered read.
Paulette Mahurin's writing is engaging, with a great sense of time and place. I loved the references to real-world current events to place the story in time.
A wonderful, multi-layered read.
April 29, 2019
A totally original plot with some really well-drawn characters that had me from the start. It was such an original theme for a mystery that it made every twist and turn completely engrossing, and there were dogs too! Will read more.
July 11, 2019
An enjoyable and interesting read.
It is a well-crafted mystery story that goes beyond the “whodunnit” aspect to touch on ideas or issues that are both fascinating and thought-provoking at the same time.
‘Irma’s Endgame’ is just such a book. A compelling mystery novel on one hand, and a powerful “What if?’ premise on the other, ensures that the reader will be fully engaged in the intricacies of this story. It demonstrates the best and worst of human nature, and explores the vulnerability of even the closest of relationships to a range of external forces.
The story is well-paced and carefully constructed. The characters are varied and interesting, and quite realistic.
An enjoyable and interesting read.
It is a well-crafted mystery story that goes beyond the “whodunnit” aspect to touch on ideas or issues that are both fascinating and thought-provoking at the same time.
‘Irma’s Endgame’ is just such a book. A compelling mystery novel on one hand, and a powerful “What if?’ premise on the other, ensures that the reader will be fully engaged in the intricacies of this story. It demonstrates the best and worst of human nature, and explores the vulnerability of even the closest of relationships to a range of external forces.
The story is well-paced and carefully constructed. The characters are varied and interesting, and quite realistic.
An enjoyable and interesting read.
May 29, 2019
Mysterious and Satisfying
This intriguing novel is what I call a “wild card” thriller because it doesn’t fit neatly into any one category. It’s part murder mystery, part exploration of life’s enigmas, and part love story, and the author weaves these different threads into a complex and compelling tapestry. The underlying premise – which I won’t reveal – is quite fascinating and combines real world experiences with science, metaphysics and mysticism.
The main character, Irma, is someone we can relate to, and she’s easy to root for as she tries to vindicate her ex-boyfriend, who’s a heart transplant surgeon, from a murder charge involving one of his patients. The legal and medical environments and issues feel authentic, and the California setting adds appealing flavor.
Unique. Timely. Provocative.
This intriguing novel is what I call a “wild card” thriller because it doesn’t fit neatly into any one category. It’s part murder mystery, part exploration of life’s enigmas, and part love story, and the author weaves these different threads into a complex and compelling tapestry. The underlying premise – which I won’t reveal – is quite fascinating and combines real world experiences with science, metaphysics and mysticism.
The main character, Irma, is someone we can relate to, and she’s easy to root for as she tries to vindicate her ex-boyfriend, who’s a heart transplant surgeon, from a murder charge involving one of his patients. The legal and medical environments and issues feel authentic, and the California setting adds appealing flavor.
Unique. Timely. Provocative.
April 26, 2019
A mysterious death and sensational headlines sends two families into chaos in this well- crafted, well-written fast-paced medical/legal mystery. What starts out as an ordinary day for an attorney, Irma, is anything but that when she sees the front page of the Los Angeles Times screaming that her ex has been charged with murder. Her ex is an international heart-transplant surgeon, Peter Dayton, with an unblemished record. When Irma sets out to help exonerate Peter, she elicits the help of two of her best friends: another attorney and a Pulitzer prize winning journalist. Through a road that leads to one dead end after another, Irma refuses to give up when Peter espouses his innocence. But when no other suspects show up on the horizon and Irma’s team starts to doubt Peter’s veracity, she is not deterred. Refusing to give up, it is in Irma’s search for the truth that she discovers that reality isn’t always what we “think” or “believe” it is. And in constructing solid data that would stand up in court, Irma discovers that sometimes you have to start with the unseen, an intuition and follow your gut despite all temptation not to. It is her faith in this unknown element of existence that Irma, along with her two friends, walk the path against resistance to find that the road to truth is filled with decoys and detours. And the answer she finds is not what she anticipated. Right to the end we don’t know if Dayton did it. Were Irma’s efforts all in vain? Was she a puppet to some insane manipulation? Or was she onto something incredible? No spoilers here. This was a compelling, hard-to-put down read. Entertaining and educating for I learned some amazing things about modern day medicine regarding heart-transplant patients. Great read!
April 29, 2019
This beautifully woven mystery thriller begins with the tragic death of a young woman whose heart will save another. It quickly spirals into questions regarding deeply held beliefs that shake the moral fibers that either hold us together or tear us apart. The seasoned and astute attorney, Irma Mullins, is shocked to discover her first true love, Peter Dayton, may have committed a terrible murder and she toughens her heart and puts on her sleuthing hat to try and exonerate him. This novel is like nothing I’ve ever read before. The characters are boldly written and feel like real people facing impossible circumstances. The medical background of the story is solid, as is its perfectionist doctor, Peter who is hopelessly trapped in ways few would realize. I particularly enjoyed the ending where Irma and her partner Ben’s dogged dedication to pursuing the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it might be, reveals . . . ? Sorry no spoilers here! I will give you a hint though-- this fine novel delivered a great sense of vindication coupled with satisfaction at its conclusion. Highly recommended!
December 30, 2019
Language and descriptions got in the way for me, slowed down the story and blocked any enjoyment. Was a constant battle to fight my way through and finish the book, which I finally did.
April 3, 2020
I'm a big fan of Paulette Mahurin's historical fiction books and was curious to read this book of a different genre - mystery/medical thriller, which of course, didn't disappoint.
Cardiac surgeon, Dr. Peter Dayton is in a whirl of trouble. He's being charged for the death of one of his transplant patients, which he insists is not his fault.
Irma Mullin is an attorney who had a close love relationship with the doctor years prior. She'd read about the scandalous charges, and despite the sad circumstances that ended their relationship years ago, she knew this was not the Peter she'd known and loved in the past. Irma begins her own investigation with assistance from her reporter friend Ben in effort to help defend her old flame. She also learns about Peter's loveless marriage he continues to live in.
Irma and Ben's investigations lead them into questioning another of the good doctor's heart recipients, Jeffrey, a man who Dr. Dayton has given new life to, and whose wife Amelia becomes suspicious and bothered by the 'new' personality characteristics her husband has inherited since the transplant. Is Dr. Dayton being unjustifiably set up for a mal-practice suit?
I'm just not going to go into more detail here because there are quite a few great sub-plots and plot twists in this book that will keep you turning the pages. But I'll pose these questions here as food for thought:
Can a heart transplant recipient really take on some of the personality traits of their donor?
Can a damaged and emotionally broken woman instigate such devastating accusation against the good doctor fueled from hurts from a long ago past?
If so, how far would one crazed woman go to cause so much trouble?
Now, you will have to read this book to find out! Mahurin never disappoints!
Cardiac surgeon, Dr. Peter Dayton is in a whirl of trouble. He's being charged for the death of one of his transplant patients, which he insists is not his fault.
Irma Mullin is an attorney who had a close love relationship with the doctor years prior. She'd read about the scandalous charges, and despite the sad circumstances that ended their relationship years ago, she knew this was not the Peter she'd known and loved in the past. Irma begins her own investigation with assistance from her reporter friend Ben in effort to help defend her old flame. She also learns about Peter's loveless marriage he continues to live in.
Irma and Ben's investigations lead them into questioning another of the good doctor's heart recipients, Jeffrey, a man who Dr. Dayton has given new life to, and whose wife Amelia becomes suspicious and bothered by the 'new' personality characteristics her husband has inherited since the transplant. Is Dr. Dayton being unjustifiably set up for a mal-practice suit?
I'm just not going to go into more detail here because there are quite a few great sub-plots and plot twists in this book that will keep you turning the pages. But I'll pose these questions here as food for thought:
Can a heart transplant recipient really take on some of the personality traits of their donor?
Can a damaged and emotionally broken woman instigate such devastating accusation against the good doctor fueled from hurts from a long ago past?
If so, how far would one crazed woman go to cause so much trouble?
Now, you will have to read this book to find out! Mahurin never disappoints!
May 11, 2020
Kept my interest throughout. The back story central to plot is a transplant patient exhibiting personality traits of an organ donor. It's not unheard of. The author does a good job wrapping up a complicated story involving the donor (briefly) and her spouse, along with the recipient and his spouse. Lots of emotional turmoil between the husband who received the heart transplant and his wife--who has her own history that contributes to the trying times.
There's much sturm und drang among the rich Beverly Hills set. Some years after the transplant, leading cardiac surgeon Peter Dayton is charged with manslaughter. He allegedly prescribed the wrong meds to another patient. Irma Mullins, attorney who mediates cases, is shocked to see the news about Dayton. She never stopped loving him, despite his spurning her decades ago for someone more acceptable to Dayton's parents. She reaches out to him and offers her help.
Did Dayton do it? Well, given the set up, the reader has to conclude probably not. So, how will Irma prove it? With lots and lots of research, aided by her investigative journalist friend. Plus, deep dives into the lives of all those folks involved back in the transplant situation--the brokenhearted husband of the heart donor, the recipient and his wife who doesn't like the changes her husband has after he receives a new heart.
The only complaint in an otherwise excellent story is length and the words spent getting to the end. Might have been able to shave 15% or more words, making for a quicker read. Some of the rich characterization and other details seemed superfluous to the storyline. I felt impatient at times--come on, move it along. On the other hand, they may be just what a screenwriter and producer wants for adapting the book into a feature film. That is, once COVID-19 slows down enough. Don't be surprised to see it in theaters in a two or three years.
There's much sturm und drang among the rich Beverly Hills set. Some years after the transplant, leading cardiac surgeon Peter Dayton is charged with manslaughter. He allegedly prescribed the wrong meds to another patient. Irma Mullins, attorney who mediates cases, is shocked to see the news about Dayton. She never stopped loving him, despite his spurning her decades ago for someone more acceptable to Dayton's parents. She reaches out to him and offers her help.
Did Dayton do it? Well, given the set up, the reader has to conclude probably not. So, how will Irma prove it? With lots and lots of research, aided by her investigative journalist friend. Plus, deep dives into the lives of all those folks involved back in the transplant situation--the brokenhearted husband of the heart donor, the recipient and his wife who doesn't like the changes her husband has after he receives a new heart.
The only complaint in an otherwise excellent story is length and the words spent getting to the end. Might have been able to shave 15% or more words, making for a quicker read. Some of the rich characterization and other details seemed superfluous to the storyline. I felt impatient at times--come on, move it along. On the other hand, they may be just what a screenwriter and producer wants for adapting the book into a feature film. That is, once COVID-19 slows down enough. Don't be surprised to see it in theaters in a two or three years.
June 29, 2019
I read this book with the intention of finding out exactly what was Irma's endgame. I also read it with the intention of picking apart the medical information as well as the mystery aspects. I was thoroughly delighted as I instantly became enveloped in the intricate lives of each character and the mystery webs that were woven. Mystery and cozy mystery are not typical genres that I pick up to read. However, this one kept me up reading, and it was hard for me to find a convenient spot to break, to put it down. I intimately related with each character, flaws and all, and even with some of the elements that were portrayed in different scenes. I found myself telling the characters what their next move or thought should be.
I especially enjoyed the current events filling up the backdrops of the story as it spanned. It puts you inside the story and makes it true to life. The ending (no spoilers here) was surprising, yet it was exactly as it should be, as everything finally tied together and came full circle.
And her endgame? Yes, Irma had her endgame on point!
Thank you Paulette Mahurin for making me thirst for more cozy mystery.
I especially enjoyed the current events filling up the backdrops of the story as it spanned. It puts you inside the story and makes it true to life. The ending (no spoilers here) was surprising, yet it was exactly as it should be, as everything finally tied together and came full circle.
And her endgame? Yes, Irma had her endgame on point!
Thank you Paulette Mahurin for making me thirst for more cozy mystery.
June 3, 2019
A Lifetime Prepares Her For This Moment
Never in her wildest dreams would Irma have guessed that all of her experiences in life would be leading to this one moment in time. This story is uniquely written as it chronicles the events in several people’s lives as they come together to work on solving a murder mystery. The overarching theme of the book is what love drives people to do; whether it’s love of money, position, or relationships.
I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story. Irma, Ben, and Peter have almost become like friends because of the way the storyline is presented. The motivations of the characters are pure, they want to help one another in life. What makes this story feel so believable is that true-life events are happening in the background, while the characters go about their lives. I especially liked the ending, which I won’t give away, because I don’t think that’s fair. Suffice it to say, I think you should read this book; you’ll really enjoy it!
Never in her wildest dreams would Irma have guessed that all of her experiences in life would be leading to this one moment in time. This story is uniquely written as it chronicles the events in several people’s lives as they come together to work on solving a murder mystery. The overarching theme of the book is what love drives people to do; whether it’s love of money, position, or relationships.
I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story. Irma, Ben, and Peter have almost become like friends because of the way the storyline is presented. The motivations of the characters are pure, they want to help one another in life. What makes this story feel so believable is that true-life events are happening in the background, while the characters go about their lives. I especially liked the ending, which I won’t give away, because I don’t think that’s fair. Suffice it to say, I think you should read this book; you’ll really enjoy it!
June 30, 2019
I really loved the creativity of the story. The plot kept me intrigued and wanting to find out what happened next. The characters were all very vivid and their motives resonant. The focus of the mystery is less on who and more on why and how, which I enjoyed.
There is a lot of exploration of what's going on in their heads, both in terms of past and present. Relationships are paramount and explored very deeply. There is a lot of detail in that area that is beautifully, almost lyrically, written. This is not the type of book I generally read a lot of, I do love psychology of characters, but with more focus on a single one and balanced with action. This book did have action and suspense, but the main focus for me was the relationship and character building.
If you like books that really examine the intricate workings of relationships and minds, particularly in the context of investigative suspense, then I highly recommend reading this novel.
There is a lot of exploration of what's going on in their heads, both in terms of past and present. Relationships are paramount and explored very deeply. There is a lot of detail in that area that is beautifully, almost lyrically, written. This is not the type of book I generally read a lot of, I do love psychology of characters, but with more focus on a single one and balanced with action. This book did have action and suspense, but the main focus for me was the relationship and character building.
If you like books that really examine the intricate workings of relationships and minds, particularly in the context of investigative suspense, then I highly recommend reading this novel.
August 29, 2019
This book was my first Paulette Mahurin novel, and I can’t wait to read her other books. It is always nice to find another author to add to my favorites list.
Between her blurb and other reviews, there is plenty of information that summarizes the story and so I will express my views on her writing.
I found that, at its heart, Irma’s Endgame was a good story with a solid plot line. Her characters were deep and enjoyable, and they became more real to me as the story unfolded. The situation that the characters found themselves in was believable, and the way that they worked through it was interesting and very enjoyable. Her writing style made for an easy read and I had no difficulty following the action.
Weaving the mystery of a legal case with the subtlety of a second chance romance, this book kept me involved with the story from start to finish.
I will definitely read more!
Between her blurb and other reviews, there is plenty of information that summarizes the story and so I will express my views on her writing.
I found that, at its heart, Irma’s Endgame was a good story with a solid plot line. Her characters were deep and enjoyable, and they became more real to me as the story unfolded. The situation that the characters found themselves in was believable, and the way that they worked through it was interesting and very enjoyable. Her writing style made for an easy read and I had no difficulty following the action.
Weaving the mystery of a legal case with the subtlety of a second chance romance, this book kept me involved with the story from start to finish.
I will definitely read more!
June 16, 2019
An interesting array of complexities addressed in this fictional account involving the lives of five individuals. It made for uncomfortable reading in places and as child sex abuse is included I feel the reader should be warned, but it was a well-woven piece of literary fiction. Irma, a lawyer is drawn into a case involving her first love who is accused of involuntary manslaughter following the death of one of his patients. The other characters include the recipient of a heart transplant whose wife is confused by his behaviour post-surgery and the author delves into the cases of personality transference following transplant surgery. It's left to Irma, or more importantly, her journalist friend to solve the mystery and to determine whether her ex is in fact guilty or innocent. All in all, an interesting read.
August 14, 2019
I don't normally read this genre, but was intrigued by the cover blurb. As I normally read romance I kept waiting for the love story to happen, and was pleased when the characters found their way to each other, but in the meantime the suspense of the story and the unraveling of the mystery was gripping and engaging. I found myself completely engrossed in the story and had various 'aha!' moments before the true story came to light. All in all an engaging read, on a topic that has made me want to find out a little more too, to see how real the idea of transference through organ donation actually is too! A well written, engaging, fabulous read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews