Nondisclosure

Brad Parker and Karen Richmond #1

by Geoffrey M. Cooper

Nominated as a LibraryReads and IndieNext Submission. When a leading professor at a top-ranked medical research institute accuses a colleague of drugging and sexually assaulting a student, department chair Brad Parker and university detective Karen Richmond join forces to investigate, only to be stymied by a victim who can't remember what happened. But as fragments of memory resurface, she's brutally attacked and murdered. The conclusion is obvious, but in the absence of forensic evidence, police hit a wall--until Brad and Karen's inquiries take an unexpected turn that not only threatens their own lives, but exposes a cover-up at the highest levels of the university.

Nondisclosure: A Medical Thriller takes a frightening look at a culture that promotes sexual misconduct in academic life.

Genres: Thriller, Medical, Mystery, Suspense, Fiction, Ebooks

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2019

About the author

Geoffrey M. Cooper is an award-winning author of medical thrillers and a 2023 Maine Literary Award Finalist in Crime Fiction. His experience as a former cancer researcher and scientific administrator, having held positions at Harvard Medical School and Boston University as professor, department chair, and associate dean, now provides extensive background for his novels. He lives in Ogunquit, Maine.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thriller that took place at big college. Their was a student raped, and this book is trying to find out who did it. It is a short book, but it gets a lot done in it. I enjoyed it a lot. This book was well written, and I really enjoyed the characters. I found the mystery parts of this book to be really good. I won a copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway, but this opinion is 100% my own opinion.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Academia, the hallowed halls of education, research and the true test of the human brain to excel. Among the cerebral hide the monsters, the power mongers, those charged with molding and stretching young minds who would also become sexual predators and possibly cowardly killers. Enter Geoffrey M. Cooper’s world where the rules of NONDISCLOSURE give free reign for the monsters to move on and devour new prey.

When a colleague is accused of sexually assaulting a student, department chair Brad Parker will become part of the investigative team to prove or disprove the charges. Out of his comfort zone, he soon finds the thread that will lead him through a maze of deceit and cover-ups as the great machine barrels forward hiding the skeletons in the closet that could end the financial boons for research.

Geoffrey M. Cooper adds enough grit and enough mystery to hold readers enthralled while exposing sexual harassment for what it is, a hideous act of a twisted mind.

Wonderful scenes and settings, characters out of their comfort zone, yet willing to do whatever it takes for justice.

Page after page of bold storytelling that will unravel the truth at the end without using over-theatrics, just gifted writing.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Geoffrey M. Cooper!

Publisher: Captain Thomas Publishing; 1 edition (July 15, 2019)
Publication Date: July 15, 2019
Genre: Medical Thriller
Print Length: 227 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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[BG of RC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific, fast-paced thriller. When a student at Boston Technological Institute is assaulted, Dr. Brad Parker and investigator Karen Richmond are assigned to work together to find the perpetrator, but what they uncover is a confusing, sometimes seemingly contradictory set of facts. When the crimes escalate further, they find themselves struggling to unravel a web of corruption concealed by the political machinations of academia.

The plot is well-constructed and fast-moving--fans of Cooper's excellent first novel "The Prize" will instantly recognize and enjoy the same engrossing writing style. The two lead characters are both very likable, and the story takes them on plenty of twists and turns along the way.

But what really stands out about the book is that it shines a light on how corruption can happen even in institutions that we normally think of as forthright, honorable, and respectable. As the old adage says, "power corrupts," and this is no less true of power wielded by people in science and education than anyone else.

I highly recommend this book to fans of thrillers--not just medical ones, although there is plenty of interesting medical science interwoven with the plot. But even someone like me, with next to no knowledge of medicine, chemistry etc. will appreciate this gripping tale.

[Note: This review is based on an ARC of this book]

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Nondisclosure,” Cooper gives us another fascinating glimpse into the not-so-pretty sides of academia. While his first novel, “The Prize,” takes us into the competitive world of medical research, “Nondisclosure” delivers us into the #MeToo world of sexual harassment and assault. The story is as much a mystery as it is a medical thriller, giving the reader the opportunity to try to figure out whodunit, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Plus, Cooper handles the subject matter sensitively, all while creating a hero to root for and a reason to do so. Fluid prose and scene-setting description further enhance the page-turning pace, making the book a smooth and highly enjoyable read.

[Rick Mitchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This may be the worst book I've ever finished. It was so amateurish that I thought it was self-published. The author is obviously a science professor. He knew the science (I assume) and the workings of university science departments. However, the writing was good for a high schooler and the dialogue excellent for a middle schooler. I thought the plot was a good one, so I kept on (skipping paragraphs where the obvious was related). I think in the hands of a good author, the plot outline could have resulted in a good book, but even then, there were silly opportunistic incidents that saved the hero and heroine.

So many books. This is one to skip. Sorry, Prof.

[Audrey Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the author's portrayal of present-day academia and the way scientific research is done at universities. Since this is a crime thriller, the focus eventually shifts to dirty deeds. Sadly, I suspect reality is not too far from the fictional situation presented here.

The characters were engaging but not particularly memorable. I was a bit annoyed at the sexual relationship that develops rather briskly between the two main characters, especially given that their initial contact is purely professional and involves accusations of sexual assault.

That said, this was an entertaining and interesting read. The prose is clear and direct, with just enough description of characters and settings.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highlights the frustrations of people that abuse their power. Anticipated a twist and story definitely picked up them. Was satisfying for certain characters to get some of what they deserve

[Brittney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok it wasn’t that it was bad I’m just annoyed how they looked right past the OBVIOUS bad guy from the jump. She was giving rookie detective throughout this book. The setup was good, plot was solid and flowed but the characters are unlikeable. I still have the next book in my physical TBR so we will see if I pick it up…

[Corrine Cassels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a page turner! It had me hooked from the first paragraph and I read it in two days, barely putting it down. I don't think I've ever read a "medical thriller" before, but don't let that title indimidate you. It had all the great whodunit and mystery elements mixed in with lots of science and details that I found fascinating. The whole sexual assault accusation stuff fits right in to all the madness that's happening in the national spotlight and the book kind of gives it two different perspectives that are interesting to say the least. Both main protagonists are believable and likeable and there's the usual sexual tension and romance that always gives a book like this a playful edge. I really loved Nondisclosure and look forward to reading more from Cooper.

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Geoffrey M. Cooper's Nondisclosure: A Medical Thriller is technically a medical thriller because most of the characters are involved in medical research. But, it's really a case of which suspect raped a female researcher after a dinner to celebrate a research breakthrough. Not much plot, but a few surprises.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, fast-paced, short book. It jumped into the set-up of the story very quickly and was easy to read. It really held my attention throughout the entire book and drew me into the story. The writing was good and easy to follow and read. When one of Brad's students is killed, he teams up with Karen Richmond to try to find out what happened. The investigation takes them into unexpected places, and who could possibly be involved in the scheme? There are a few twist in the book and it is not solely the investigation, but also the lives of the characters. I have already started the second book in the series, as this was very good. You also do not need a science background to follow and understand this book. I recommend reading this book.

[Pj Gaumond · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing read this was. This book grabbed me and drew me into the story immediately. Brad, as a University professor, is relentless after rape and murder of a student in his belief that the wrong person has been found guilty of the crime. Brad and Karen, an investigator with the University Police Department, are successful in solving the mystery and bringing justice to multiple unknown victims from the past. The book is very well thought out and written and I would certainly recommend it to anyone that loves a good thriller. I did win this book through Goodreads.

[Jamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a disappointment of a book. This entire book could have been summed up and finished in less than 10 pages. The rest was filled with unrealistic characters, laughable "romance", & the "bad guy" was obvious from the get-go. If it hadn't been such a short book I would have left it unfinished. There was no character development at all. I found myself irritated with all of the undeveloped situations and people in this book. It felt like it was written by a high school, if not grade school, author who was in a hurry to get something on paper.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting plot and characters. Perfect pacing for a pool or beach read. Surprises and good character and plot development. A little bit disappointed that there wasn't more about the research that was only discussed briefly, yet a key element in understanding motive. Enjoyed discovering that academic settings can be as good a source of the power-driven conflicts we have come to accept in corporate settings.

[Cindy Root · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is NOT a medical thriller as the title clearly states. There is no hospital, MD, DO, nurse, doctor's office, clinic or any of those elements you expect to find in a "medical thriller". The setting is a university, and the characters are professors and students. It's more of a college whodunit. It kept my interest well enough, but I would not recommend it my friends.

[Diane E]

Liked this a lot

Academia is a place for learning and research. As we find in this story, it's also a place to find greed and evil . Nicely written , good intro to scientific research and university politics .

[Vicki Scullion · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting plot set in the cutthroat world of academic research. Action moved a bit slow for me and the relationship between Karen and Brad took unrealistic steps. Wasn’t what I expected in a medical thriller.

[Cecelia Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing and a twisty plot from an author who clearly understands academia. Sadly, the most unrealistic part of this book is that a victim would get any justice at all.

[Tamara l. james · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Hell of a story. Short and sweet and not overly wordy. ( my made up word.) Also no sequel. Perfect

[Cathleen A. Condrac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but predictable

It was a light weight, quick read. Knew who the bad guy was in the beginning, just not how. First book I read by this author.

[Marie_eve_78 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't really a medical thriller in my opinion. The action is in the university and research world, don't expect to read about doctors or hospitals. But it's a solid 3,5.

[aretha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

This was a good medical thriller. Sort of like who done it. I enjoyed reading this book . It held my attention from beginning to end. Would recommend it.

[Jamie Yalla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great medical mystery. Fast page turner.

[Dawn Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please note: short story

[Lisa Nowack · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read nice and easy ..crazy turns

[Marty Byington · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good. The virtual voice is annoying on Audible.

[Jackie Simons]

Read 11/25

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the characters and story overall. Kept me engaged and wanting to know what would happen next.

[Mariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nondisclosure proclaims itself a thriller, and that is exactly what you receive. With strong plot and compelling mystery I was entertained and engaged for the entire novel. There were very few issues with the book, but it still wasn’t the kind of story that will change your life. While I wasn’t unhappy or dissatisfied with the story’s end, I was left wanting a stronger sense of emotional closure, however small.

I don’t read many thrillers because they tend to feel very cookie cutter. Nondisclosure also came with the added red flag of a male author addressing assault and the effects of the #MeToo movement. Thrillers and mystery have a bad habit of glorifying the violence performed against women. But I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. The book certainly had its predictable moments, but the academic backdrop and modern subject matter gave enough flavor to overcome that. Geoffrey Cooper made it clear from the start where he stood on the issue, quelling my fears and allowing me to enjoy the ride with the exception of one moment which left me feeling a little sour.

The plot and pacing were this book’s greatest strength. The twists were well placed, as well as unexpected but believable. The subplots were tightly tied together, leaving no loose ends behind. It is one of the few books to deliver on the rare joy of utilizing nearly every detail to advance the plot. But this did leave the details and description very sparse for my taste, and I would have enjoyed one or two moments of the story using description to heighten the tension or give us some more visual detail. I ended the book still unsure what the narrator really looked like. But I understand sacrificing imagery for the sake of a light step, which this story certainly had. I never felt bored, and sprinted through the story, gathering up the subtle crumbs of evidence scattered consistently throughout. I was strung along in the best way possible.

Most of the time I was totally immersed in the world, believing tensions and motivations. The biggest break for me was the romance subplot, which started out feeling a little forced and predictable without adding much else to the story. This would have been an excellent place to establish emotional growth or set up for the emotional pay off I was craving, but it never came. This is all the more disappointing as the romance had won me over by the end. I can only imagine the impact if it had served a higher purpose.

While the characters felt strong and complete, they didn’t feel alive. I didn’t walk away with particularly strong attachments to them. Their dialogue could be a bit unnatural and I saw them more as archetypes or roles than as individuals. Their lives — and the story — were wrapped up in a bow by the book’s end, leaving things almost too clean. I certainly prefer that to something incoherent or unsatisfying, but I still needed something to tighten the ending.

Nondisclosure was just what it said on the packaging. There wasn’t much to make it stand out and ensure I wold recommend it to readers who aren’t already entrenched in the genre, but if you want a quick, entertaining, adventure, pick this one up.

[Pseudo Nymph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway and those can be very hit or miss so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I liked the academic setting of the book, and it was very engaging. It all seemed plausible and realistic, and the author's experience in academia seems to have been very beneficial in creating this story. Even though the protagonist was a male the women in this book were given major roles and were written as competent and respectable humans and there was none of the usual sexism that seems to always find its way into the genre. I was drawn in by the plot and I stayed up until 2am to finish the book even though I was planning to just read a little and be asleep by midnight.

I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because of 3 small issues. My first problem with the book is that the first chapter was a little stiff. The dialogue seemed a little unnatural, like it was coming from a detective, but I either got used to it or it softened by the middle of the second chapter because I didn't have a problem with it after that. I suggest that anyone with the same issue keeps reading because the book is worth reading. My second problem with this book is that everyone was so quick to condemn one of the suspects without even talking to him first. I won't elaborate to keep this spoiler free. My final problem is that the mystery was easy to solve but honestly I read a LOT and I love thrillers so I have high standards in that area. None of these issues would stop me from recommending this book.

I just want to reiterate, I think other authors (including Stephen King) should be forced to read this book so they can learn how to treat female characters (even the love interest) like real people instead of stereotypes with boobs. I honestly can't describe how refreshing it is to have a male author introduce female characters like they would introduce a male character. I absolutely loved that.