A Surgeon’s Knot

by William Lynes

2020 PenCraft Award Winner - Medical Thriller

"Heart-pounding tales of a surgical intern that are both terrifying and profound. This medical thriller will stay with you long past the final chapter." -Best Thrillers

Jackson Cooper, MD will never forget that first day, its stunning conclusion forever etched in his mind. His year as a surgical intern is a story of medical suspense, tragedy, and occasional terror, as a young physician deals with the world of surgery.

The surgeon's knot is a surgical tie used in the operating room which the intern practices ceaselessly. The knot refers, as well, to the tangled world of the protagonist.

Jackson's life soon becomes burned-out, resulting from events beyond his control as well as destructive behavior. Physicians, patients, and cases ranging from humorous to tragic are present.

A Surgeon's Knot is a story of the dignity of medicine, the overwhelming duty to man, failure and recovery.

Genres: Medical

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2020

About the author

William Lynes (born 1953) is a retired Stanford-trained physician, author, and speaker. He was born in San Diego and attended the University of California San Diego, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biology. Here, he met and married his wife, Patrice. Dr. Lynes attended the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, obtained his medical degree, and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honorary medical society. A urologic internship and residency were completed at Stanford University Medical Center. He practiced general urology for 16 years at Kaiser Permanente in Riverside, California, and is board-certified by the American Board of Urology.

Since retiring in 2003, Dr. Lynes has written primarily fiction, including short stories and full-length novels. He is also an active speaker and advocates for physician burnout and suicide prevention.

He and his wife live in Temecula, California.

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--His latest book is A Surgeon's Tale, a sequel to A Surgeon's Knot. Read reviews of A Surgeon's Tale:
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In William Lynes's gripping sequel to A Surgeon’s Knot, readers are again immersed in the intense world of surgical training at the fictional University Medical Center in Northern California.

For fans of Lynes's previous works and enthusiasts of medical thrillers alike, A Surgeon's Tale is must-read. It not only captivates readers with its thrilling narrative but also offers a poignant exploration of the human experience in the demanding world of medicine.

Website: GinaRaeMitchell
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This brilliant work of fiction shows the intersection of conflicted healthcare professionals with desperate people who are critically ill, mentally ill, or are dangers to society. Told by a compassionate physician, the reader will deeply care about the characters who are not always as they initially appear and who have nearly impossible circumstances to surmount.

Rebecca Farnbach, Author of Dancing With Prayers in My Feet.

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“A Surgeon’s Tale” by William Lynes, a riveting sequel to the captivating novel “A Surgeon’s Knot,” grips readers from beginning to end. In this tale, every cut tells a story, and every suture holds determination. Prepare to be enchanted by the cut-throat world of surgery from the first page to the final stitch. -

Cyra A. Blogger & Owner @ The Literary Vault

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I just finished another fine read by Wm. Lynes, MD as he pulls you into his world.
His uncanny talent of spot-on word descriptions of people is akin to a blue ribbon chef concocting another fine meal. You’ll find this to be an irresistible book from cover to cover. Enjoy your meal.

WD Stauffer, retired printer

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--Reviews for A Surgeon's Knot

A SURGEON'S KNOT is a novel's worth of education in medicine and its tough extremes, and a no-holds-barred glance at a grindingly harsh reality, something we could all benefit from appreciating.
Indie Reader

"5 Stars! A magnificent page-turner! Lynes pens a remarkable story in A Surgeon's Knot.
Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.

A Surgeon's Knot is a tragic but hopeful story that illuminates the importance of recognizing stress and reaching out for help.-Linda Duong, License Marriage and Family Therapist

For readers who would enjoy an intimate look inside the overly stressed life of an intern and the medical profession, this is the book for you.-Pascal Imperato, M.D., Author of Truth Wars.

It is a gripping story that moves the reader with compassion and understanding-Rebecca Farnbach, Author of Dancing with Prayers in My Feet.

Jackson is inserted into the psyche of the bibliophile and you are living as him! I strongly recommend this gripping tale.- W.D. Stauffer, Printer, retired.

Reviews

[India M. Clamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Jackson Coopers erster Tag, an dem er "Doktor" genannt wurde, der den tod eines patienten behandelte, der mit Stress für mehrere verschiedene Patienten in einem großen Palo Alto, Kalifornien, vermischt war. Zeit in den 1980 jahren (denken Sie an die Journey-Band). Geschichten mit Sensibilität erzählt. Mit Respekt vor seiner Ausbildung wird der Leser auf die langen, schlaflosen stunden und die stressigen anforderungen aufmerksam gemacht, die er ertragen muss, wenn er in der Welt der Chirurgie funktionieren möchte. Die fesselnde geschichte über die medizinische praxis, hingabe, Entscheidungen und entschlossenheit ist nichts für den gelegenheitsleser.

Bernstein war sein helles licht, seine bestimmung. Sie würde sein schiff aufrichten und seine zerfetzte seele beruhigen. Sie behandelte ihn mit freundlichkeit und sorgfalt, als er die psychotischen DTs durchmachte.
---Arzt. William Lynes

Lynes besucht Arzt Jackson und kommt mit Patienten aus nächster nähe, deren persönlichkeit und medizinische probleme humorvoll erzählt werden. Drinnen stellen wir uns auf schauplätze medizinischer notfälle und heroische maßnahmen zur rettung von patienten sind nichts für zimperliche. Die detaillierten gedanken und emotionen von Dr. Jackson bieten sowohl informationen als auch lehrreiche einblicke in das medizinische gebiet. Nicht so schlect. und voll mit blut. Erbrach auf einem erschöpften Haufen zusammen, ein fürsorgliches opfer der modernen medizin. Mit einem dumpfen Aufprall brach er auf seinem erbärmlichen und eher kleinen, zerzausten Bett zusammen.“ sein leben war geprägt von verrückten nächtlichen anrufen, OP-aufenthalten, chirurgischen kliniken und anspruchsvollen "Scut"-Arbeiten. Gut aber nicht für rein gelesen.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love medical thrillers and adore shows like The Resident and Grey's Anatomy. And I can certainly appreciate the author is a surgeon himself so he knows first-hand what goes on in a hospital with all the hours and pressures the doctors have to endure. Jackson is a surgeon and literally runs from case to case--many of them disasters as complications have ensued and not all emergencies can be rectified. Perhaps it was just the wrong time for me to read this (or maybe because I've had both a knee and a hip replacement within 2 years of each other), but the novel was so clinical that I got lost in the details. I usually am drawn to character/relationship novels, but this one focuses mainly on Jackson and the pressure that forces him to turn to alcohol and opioids for relief. So if you like books set in a medical atmosphere, you may really enjoy this one!
Thanks to Voracious Readers and the author for this ARC!

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a very interesting book. It started out rather slow with all these medical stories of strange ER situations. The author used that portion to help you know the interns better and then moved into some of the issues that doctors have as interns and residents.

I enjoyed the book

[Katrina Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Really enjoyed this, what an eye opener though..... I am honestly surprised that Doctors actually survive as doctors for more than a few years, I actually went to bed early to get on with reading this. Reminded me of Michael Chrichton’s Doctors on which the TV show ER was based

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from page one and did not let go. Very good story about interns, the stress they deal with, etc. You understand why doctors suffer burnout. The writing flows. Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.

[Becky Sumner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book enticed me from the start. I found some of the terminology sometimes hard but the explanations were always in there. This is a book about the struggles of junior doctors in a scary job. Saving lives, losing lives and happiness and heartbreak all in one.

[Judy Eaton · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very erratic and amateurish book. Nothing new here. I stuck with it, with a LOT of teeth grinding. As a medical professional, I was disappointed. No one should pay a lot of money for this!!

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional rollercoaster

This book sounds like you are talking to the author. The characters are so real and complex as are their lives and problems. Makes you think twice about the medical field.

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Medical mania

I enjoyed this novel especially being in the medical profession. I’ve seen the challenges interns and residents face each day. With the opiate war we are going through ,it made me realize how easy acquiring prescriptions had been.
Almost like working again 😊

[LoriB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a bit intense, as it deals with a real life surgeon’s experiences. Perhaps try a different book if you are sensitive to surgery scenes and death. Excellent reading, though.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was at the same time fascinated and horrified by this book. It gave me an insight into the life of a big city hospital intern. It also gave me a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices in both physical and emotional terms people make who choose to enter the medical field. While this is fiction, it is based on the very real experiences of the author, who is an MD in Urology. His protagonist face tremendous stress almost daily and falls into a very dark hole of drug addiction.
Another fascinating aspect of this book is the author's description of some of the cases that the doctors and nurses deal with. Some are almost unbelievable in their grossness but almost certainly reflect real events. Truly a graphic snapshot of the human condition. This is a good read and I will be interested in reading more from this author.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being a physician, not having any physicians in my family, I am curious, and always ready to pick up a "behind the scenes" book about this most worthy profession. This is Jackson Cooper's diary of the year of being an intern. Moving from department to department. Getting to know the "old guard". Sleep deprived. Apprehensive. Constantly taking notes - hoping they will be legible later.

In and around all of that are the substances that "take the edge off". Easily obtainable. Used until the physician understands the problem and takes steps to stop. Or, in some cases, until he kills someone or dies himself.

Technical terms are explained, and by the end of the book, I felt that I had a little bit better understanding of this very difficult step on the road to becoming the self-assured doctors that I consult for myself and my family.

I read this EARC courtesy of Black Rose Writing and NetGalley. pub date 04/23/20

[Lynne-Maree · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Surgeon’s Knot written by William Lynes was an interesting read. It was not quite what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it all the same.

It is the story of a young surgical intern Jackson Cooper, detailing the cases, the difficulties, the successes, and the interpersonal relations or at times the lack there of. I can imagine that A Surgeon’s Knot is a fairly accurate representation of how life as an intern was back in the 1980’s. There were long days, followed by even longer nights, followed by long days, catching naps onsite when he could, falling into bed at late hours then being back at the hospital first thing in the morning, a never-ending cycle.

This book introduces us to real life cases, the language the author uses is very direct and descriptive, giving us a clear picture of his cases and how they would look. I quite enjoyed this as I have a medical background and did not need to think too much about the language. I do think that might be a problem for some people when reading if they don’t have some medical knowledge. Having said that though, William was extremely good at explaining medical terms, procedures and conditions in detail.

We are taken on a journey through Jackson Coopers life, the tragedy, the fear, the excitement and the mundane, which are the aspects of his job that are not fun and exciting but still need to be done, he had a clipboard full of these things all of the time, never seeming to get smaller.

The road of an intern is hard, stressful, and a lot of the time overwhelming. This constant pressure will show cracks, and Jackson’s cracks showed and became all-consuming for him. This book shows us that the doctors we hold to extremely high standards and expect to look after us, are just people like you and me and they are flawed.

This book could very easily have be written as the diary of Jackson as sometimes the storyline was a little fractured and disjointed, but as diarised entries it would have worked brilliantly. Part of Jackson’s journey was his fall into using prescription drugs and how that affected his ability to be a good doctor and do his job.

I enjoyed reading this book.

I was gifted a copy of this A Surgeon’s Knot by William Lynes via Voracious Readers Only.

[Amy Walker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Grey’s Anatomy

If you were looking for a read like the TV show this is not it. If you are looking for Grey’s Anatomy the text book this is closer. I will also say that I began my career n critical care nursing during the time period of this story. I was completely offended.

The writer is full of himself. He talks down to the reader. He tells you a procedure then as if writing a footnote he describes it in great detail. Either state the procedure or describe it. Don’t try to impress the reader with your knowledge base. Some of us may know more than you so about it. He feels the need to describe every character like he was writing for Vogue magazine. It doesn’t add to the story just fluff.

The writer shows prejudice in his exaggerated descriptions of characters. I have to believe he got paid by the number of y’all’s he used.

Being a nurse during this time period I held no sympathy for the physicians. This writer lived thinking all nurses did was fetch coffee, carry charts and bat their eyes. WRONG. We had it just as hard if not harder. If we thought someone was drinking or using drugs we reported them and made sure they did not care for patients. We didn’t give them writing assignments then reward them with the job of their dreams.

In short the story was far from realistic and physician’s orders read better.

[Susan Swiderski · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an okay book, but the writing isn't stellar. Not horrible, but not riveting, either. (Then again, the author IS a urologist, and it's safe to assume his writing skills beat the heck out of the surgical skills of most writers...)

The story is okay, even though the ending is a little cheesy/preachy. If there's even a modicum of truth in the author's depiction of doctors abusing alcohol and drugs, I'm stunned. (I NEVER observed anything like this when I worked in hospitals... back in the Dark Ages.) The idea of anyone popping pills or swilling booze before treating patients... or worse, operating on them... is beyond horrifying. (I'll have to keep a closer eye on my docs, eh?)

Some of the characters are interesting, and the book is a fast, somewhat entertaining read. Two and a half stars.

[Erik Sapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand that the characters are not based on one person, but a amalgum of people. For the most part they fit together and tell a pretty good story. The issue is that there is too much going on. Because the MC is based on multiple people, the author can tell stories that happened to many people (possibly over the course of several years). But because of the way this book is written, each event had to be assigned to one of a small number of characters and everything had to happen within one year. Because of that, this book comes across as too dramatic to be real.

I also had an issue with the way everything is resolved. No one is forced to take responsibility for their actions. They all just "come to Jesus" and everything turns out perfect. The author hints that there will be stuggles along their lives, but we never see that.

[Elba M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reality for many doctors

This book focus in the life of two doctors. One is still an intern and the other a licensed MD. The author gives you a very clear vision of how grueling is to become doctor. The expectations, responsibilities and not knowing what any day will bring. Our two characters are very flawed, BUT THEY DON'T REPRESENT the majority of our doctors. But every doctor goes through the process of internship. And the temptations are constantly there.
I was disappointed that he could have write more about Aids. The book takes place when the first cases were starting to show.
I was happy that the hospital gave them a second chance and both of them knew that they were very lucky. This is a book that you can relate very easily because in our lives there have been many medical students and doctors.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Surgeon’s Knot had me from the first chapter to the last. So much so, that I read it in 2 days because I couldn’t put it down! I loved reading about all the different medical procedures as well as the associated characters who came alive. It was a great balance of detail and I found I could follow along with the storyline nicely. I work in the medical field and I found the medical language and layman’s terms complimented each other allowing a thorough understanding. I also thought the storyline very realistic in many ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and the Author William Lynes for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved it.

[Gigi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Surgeon’s Knot by William Lynes is an informative and at times uncomfortable read. It gives clear insight into the stresses and pressures hospital doctors face on a daily basis and how this pressure is sometimes too much, resulting in the burnout and breakdown of medical staff. William Lynes is obviously an MD to be able to write so knowledgeably about this subject. I felt stressed reading it at times and it made me feel very grateful that I don’t work in the field of Medicine. I think any student wanting to study Medicine should read this book to trigger their need to be self aware and monitor how they are from the start of their career.

[Barbara Cosenza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Physician heal thyself

What happens when tragedy overwhelms you. Well if you arenot a doctor you probably lean on your friends or take a valium. But do doctors have that luxury. Not really. As inter s and residents they are stressed beyond belief with long hours and multiple tragedies back to back. Where do the get solace? William Lynes shows us with the insight of having lived it. Scary when you think about it. How many hours has my doctor been working without sleep? What did he do to get the energy to perform in this crisis?

[Mel · Rating 1 out of 5]

*Note: I received a free copy from the author through Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review*

When I received the synopsis of this book it was advertised to me as a medical thriller along the lines of Greys Anatomy or House. This very quickly turned out to not be the case. It read more like snippets from multiple biographies instead of the thriller/ drama it was meant to be. I only persevered and finished this book because I'm the sort of person who has to finish a book once they've started it.

[mary arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an RN for 43 years in some challenging settings, I have great respect for the people who graduate from medical school. It was interesting to see what took them down and what turned them around. The camaraderie of the fellow students, doctors, nurses and ward clerks was admirable. I’ve been retired for 4 years, I’m not sure much of the “hospital family” continues now. Like the politicians that have split the country, hospital management has pitted one against the other as much as they can. I loved the ending.

[Cathy Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to William Lynes and Voracious Readers for this book. I like watching medical drama’s, ie, “Grey’s Anatomy”, but I get lost in the medical jargon when a patient is rushed into the ER. “ A Surgeon’s Knot” did include medical terms but the author then described the term for us non healthcare readers. The book was slow to start, then the author made Dr. Jackson Cooper human and took us on a trip of his struggles. I would recommend this book and explain that it is slow in the beginning and will get better!

[Bobirley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting View In Life of Some Doctors

While I do not consider all doctors go through the drugs and alcohol abuse, there is no doubt in my mind that some do have challenges. This book gives us a reason to understand how some challenges can happen to some doctors and perhaps some understanding of what society might do to help them. The challenges faced in the medical field are unique emotionally and physically.

This is a fast paced book covering many instances and sure was an eye opener for me.

I highly recommend this book!

[Janet Cardillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the medical jargon

The book started off quickly gaining my interest. At first the defining of the terms was interesting, then I began to wonder if that's the way the whole book would be. Soon, the plot started to develop and we could see what direction it was going on. The portrayal of the chronic alcoholic and the slide into addiction was very well done, including the recovery piece.

[Laura Lipton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about the overstressed doctors who try to
Save lives in a medical facility. The characters were
Interesting to read about. The medical details were more than I needed to make this a good read for me, along with the slide into drug and alcohol addictions, and the miraculous saved by the intervention of church and Alcoholics Anonymous. From VRO, not really to my taste, but thanks for the opportunity.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not enjoy this book. I wanted more of a story about the surgeons life. I felt like I was taking a medical course. Don’t need to know all the Gordy details of the actual surgery. Also I have a lot of medical in my family and if they were operating under alcohol or drugs. I would hope they would lose their license. Not go back to work After being released from a Psychiatric hospital. Then it turns to religion. We all have different faiths. I don’t recommend this book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. I am a retired Registered Nurse so I do enjoy medical genres.

A insightful book about the hard work to becoming doctors, including the many flaws in their personality.

The book was easy to read with medical jargon clearly explained for the non medical reader.
I have truely enjoyed this book and am going to seek out other books by this author.

I was given this book by the Author to read through Voracious Reader’s.

[Polly Helms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers. I am so glad I did! What an excellent read. This book is a wonderful ride. Written by an MD, so the terms and facts are correct, and also showing the human side to stress in that environment is refreshing. The progression of the story is easy to follow. The conclusion what we need in these troubled times. Relatable characters. Every scene had a purpose. Loved his style of writing.

[Kathryn Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating from the first paragraph!!

I'm retired nurse and always enjoy a good medical story. As I read I'm quick to recognize inconsistencies or "mistakes" in procedures. I don't mean to sound arrogant it's just a fun test of my hard-earned knowledge. The same goes for medical television shows. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It's relevant, authentic, compassionate, and draws one in like a moth to the flame. It will be hard to put aside.