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Emergence
A SCALPEL WIELDING VILLAIN.
A HEALTHCARE SYSTEM THAT FAILS.
A WHISTLEBLOWER THAT PROTECTS HER PATIENTS – NO MATTER THE COSTS.
A trusted anesthesiologist, Dr. Roxanne Roth, is healing from the loss of her fiancé by consuming her time with work. It doesn’t hurt that her new love interest, Dr. Justin Kirkland, spends almost as much time at the hospital as she does.
Entranced in the throes and complications of new love, Roxanne looks forward to work every day. Her time at the hospital would almost be cathartic if not for Dr. D.K. Webb, a neurosurgeon, who is quickly amassing a pile of complaints – and bodies.
Despite trying to avoid Webb, Roxanne finds herself working alongside the doctor during a routine, low-risk surgery. Fueled by cocaine and ego, Webb intentionally sabotages the case, leading to the patient dying on the operating table.
Roxanne’s tenuous grip on recovery is shattered with her patient’s death, quickly replaced by anger and a drive for justice. Now Roxanne will do anything to protect her patients from the killer on the other side of the sterile surgical field—before he can silence her as well.
In this gripping, sinister medical thriller, Dr. Shira Shiloah will leave readers wondering about the potential evil lurking behind every surgical mask.
A HEALTHCARE SYSTEM THAT FAILS.
A WHISTLEBLOWER THAT PROTECTS HER PATIENTS – NO MATTER THE COSTS.
A trusted anesthesiologist, Dr. Roxanne Roth, is healing from the loss of her fiancé by consuming her time with work. It doesn’t hurt that her new love interest, Dr. Justin Kirkland, spends almost as much time at the hospital as she does.
Entranced in the throes and complications of new love, Roxanne looks forward to work every day. Her time at the hospital would almost be cathartic if not for Dr. D.K. Webb, a neurosurgeon, who is quickly amassing a pile of complaints – and bodies.
Despite trying to avoid Webb, Roxanne finds herself working alongside the doctor during a routine, low-risk surgery. Fueled by cocaine and ego, Webb intentionally sabotages the case, leading to the patient dying on the operating table.
Roxanne’s tenuous grip on recovery is shattered with her patient’s death, quickly replaced by anger and a drive for justice. Now Roxanne will do anything to protect her patients from the killer on the other side of the sterile surgical field—before he can silence her as well.
In this gripping, sinister medical thriller, Dr. Shira Shiloah will leave readers wondering about the potential evil lurking behind every surgical mask.
212 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2020
132 people are currently reading
2122 people want to read
About the author
Shira Shiloah
2 books37 followersDr. Shira Shiloah released her debut, EMERGENCE, an internationally bestselling and award-winning medical thriller, in 2020. Her second thriller, GRAVE INTERVENTION, a paranormal medical suspense, blurs the lines between real and imaginary to expose the hidden side of the historical suburban town, Naperville, Illinois. The audiobook, narrated by BJ Harrison, was chosen as an Editor Pick on Spotify and was a finalist for the 2023 Silver Falchion award.
She creates authentic characters and true-to-life medical scenes based on her unique observations as a physician and novelist. Her work has been featured in Naperville Magazine, KevinMD.com, Mystery and Suspense Magazine, The Memphis Flyer, JewishBoston.com, and The Daily Memphian.
A global literary citizen, Shira lived in Memphis, Brooklyn, Jerusalem, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., before choosing Boston as her hometown. She enjoys traveling the world with her husband and their rescue pup.
“Dr. Shiloah puts people to sleep by day and keeps them awake at night, turning pages.”
–The Memphis Flyer
She creates authentic characters and true-to-life medical scenes based on her unique observations as a physician and novelist. Her work has been featured in Naperville Magazine, KevinMD.com, Mystery and Suspense Magazine, The Memphis Flyer, JewishBoston.com, and The Daily Memphian.
A global literary citizen, Shira lived in Memphis, Brooklyn, Jerusalem, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., before choosing Boston as her hometown. She enjoys traveling the world with her husband and their rescue pup.
“Dr. Shiloah puts people to sleep by day and keeps them awake at night, turning pages.”
–The Memphis Flyer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 15, 2020
Medical thriller was the place where I started my love story with thrillers, which, till today, is going strong. Having read books by Henry Denker and Arthur Hailey, I want my medical thrillers to thrill me and take me on a different high.
I really wanted to love this book since it was written by an anaesthesiologist. The blurb and cover pulled me in. The beginning brought out the excitement in me as it was absolutely rocking.
The characters were well defined in their roles. Roxanne Roth was a brilliant anaesthesiologist, absolutely caring with a gentle bedside manner. On the other end of the spectrum was the larger than his boots, the new neurosurgeon D. K. Webb. The contrast in their thoughts was dynamic.
The author portrayed it with authenticity. What happened in the OR was well shown, including the ego of a surgeon more than the well-being of a patient. Personal lives of the characters highlighted their thought process too. I felt a gush of emotions for Roxanne, I loved how my empathy rushed to soothe her.
Then began my niggles. Post halfway, the story became more of a showcase of the ego wherein Webb started his nefarious practices. There were no twists, and the plot line went linear. Certain subplots were never used. Too much of medical jargon was used in the prose, so a layperson would lose the vivid imagery of the words, some went even outside the OR. I needed Roxanne to be more proactive in the storyline, not how she assessed her airway or performed difficult intubation.
The story showed me fallacies of medical practice. I realized they were the same everywhere. Anaesthesiologist were considered to work for surgeons, not WITH surgeons.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of the book when Roxanne fought for her patients. I think the next book by this author would be better.
I really wanted to love this book since it was written by an anaesthesiologist. The blurb and cover pulled me in. The beginning brought out the excitement in me as it was absolutely rocking.
The characters were well defined in their roles. Roxanne Roth was a brilliant anaesthesiologist, absolutely caring with a gentle bedside manner. On the other end of the spectrum was the larger than his boots, the new neurosurgeon D. K. Webb. The contrast in their thoughts was dynamic.
The author portrayed it with authenticity. What happened in the OR was well shown, including the ego of a surgeon more than the well-being of a patient. Personal lives of the characters highlighted their thought process too. I felt a gush of emotions for Roxanne, I loved how my empathy rushed to soothe her.
Then began my niggles. Post halfway, the story became more of a showcase of the ego wherein Webb started his nefarious practices. There were no twists, and the plot line went linear. Certain subplots were never used. Too much of medical jargon was used in the prose, so a layperson would lose the vivid imagery of the words, some went even outside the OR. I needed Roxanne to be more proactive in the storyline, not how she assessed her airway or performed difficult intubation.
The story showed me fallacies of medical practice. I realized they were the same everywhere. Anaesthesiologist were considered to work for surgeons, not WITH surgeons.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of the book when Roxanne fought for her patients. I think the next book by this author would be better.
Read
June 29, 2023I don’t really review very often, but I have to give a warning that this book has a surprising amount of explicit sexual references. :/ unpleasantly surprised
December 20, 2020
This was a fast paced medical thriller. As a medical professional it can be hard to read medical thrillers especially ones that remind you of doctor death. However this one was very fast paced and kept the pages turning it also had a little bit of romance thrown in there which made it more appealing. Overall a great debut novel! Cannot wait to read what is next!!
September 15, 2021
The lovely anesthesiologist, Dr. Roxanne Roth, is devastated after loosing her fiancé. She is spending most her time at work. Maybe she fund her new love there too. Dr. Justin Kirkland, spends almost as much time at the hospital as she does. They seems to match but everything that happanes at the hospital is a lot. Unfortunatelly a doctor is addicted and has no measures at his work. He left patient die and things can not be like that. Then we get some thriller too, with the catch to this doctor. Nice debut, full of energy.
June 26, 2021
See my official review at OnlineBookClub.org/reviews/by-mounce5...
September 6, 2020
Emergence
By Shira Shiloah
Synopsis
Dr. Roxanne Roth is an OR anesthesiologist, who lives for her work. She is healing from the tragic loss of her fiancé and just recently opened up herself to love again with a colleague.
Dr Webb believes himself a God when he wields a scalpel. He can do no wrong. He is quickly gaining a reputation and a body count.
Dr.Roth finds herself partnered with the surgeon for a routine procedure when everything goes horribly wrong. Dr.Webb, riding a cocaine high intentionally “botches” the case demonstrating his power over life and death but Dr.Roth knows what he’s done. Her protective instincts for her patients kick in and she will do anything to see him brought to justice.
Dr.Webb sees himself as being above the law, he will stop at nothing to keep Dr.Roth silent.
Review
I fell in love with “Mama Roth”!! Her character is written in such a way that the reader quickly attaches themselves. She is vulnerable, compassionate, caring, and funny!!!
The writers experience and knowledge of medical procedures and medications shines through. Her portrayal of surgeons and how the nursing staff sees them is stereotypical but funny. It sounds cliche, but I can easily see the Memphis staff in a tv show. Their friendship is strongly felt as they support each other through the ups and downs of life in the PACU/OR.
Dr Webb is an amazing sinister sociopath! The authors description of his callous holier than thou attitude mixed with the ongoing drug abuse paints the reader a perfect picture of a murderer.
Overall a great read! I would highly recommend to those that love medical thrillers.
May 11, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised while listening to Emergence! While categorized as a “medical thriller” it also had strong pulls toward romance—which made a great combination in this debut novel.
Shiloah, once an anesthesiologist herself, showed very detailed knowledge of the medical terminology—while impressive, it did lose me a little. However, I felt like I was right there in the OR with the surgical team. And all the prominent characters were so well-written!
Narrator Simone McIntyre made this audiobook very pleasant to listen to. She displayed a wide range of voices and accents for the various characters and really brought this story to life.
I really enjoyed this medical romance thriller—it was gripping and fast-paced! Recommended if you enjoy medical thrillers and if you enjoy thrillers blended with other genres!
**I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour (sponsored by the author) with Audiobookworm Promotions to share an honest review. Thank you!
Shiloah, once an anesthesiologist herself, showed very detailed knowledge of the medical terminology—while impressive, it did lose me a little. However, I felt like I was right there in the OR with the surgical team. And all the prominent characters were so well-written!
Narrator Simone McIntyre made this audiobook very pleasant to listen to. She displayed a wide range of voices and accents for the various characters and really brought this story to life.
I really enjoyed this medical romance thriller—it was gripping and fast-paced! Recommended if you enjoy medical thrillers and if you enjoy thrillers blended with other genres!
**I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour (sponsored by the author) with Audiobookworm Promotions to share an honest review. Thank you!
October 24, 2020
Review:
You know when you read a book that blows you away and then you realize it’s a debut novel? I am SO impressed with Emergence by Shira Shiloah MD. I cannot wait to read more by this author. She’s already proving herself as a force!
It is very clear the experience and knowledge of the author was used to write this novel. This makes it so much more realistic and fun to read.
The characters are so great. They are u interested, their friendships are so good to read. I am obsessed with how the characters were written.
Highly recommended!!!
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from R&R Book Tours in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
You know when you read a book that blows you away and then you realize it’s a debut novel? I am SO impressed with Emergence by Shira Shiloah MD. I cannot wait to read more by this author. She’s already proving herself as a force!
It is very clear the experience and knowledge of the author was used to write this novel. This makes it so much more realistic and fun to read.
The characters are so great. They are u interested, their friendships are so good to read. I am obsessed with how the characters were written.
Highly recommended!!!
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from R&R Book Tours in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
December 20, 2020
I didn't get very far in this book before I decided I didn't want to keep reading. The reviews sounded really promising with an interesting story, but there was fairly explicit sex within a few pages and sex seemed to be the main thing on the minds of the characters in the next few pages so I quit and started another book.
January 18, 2023
Emergence was very satisfying. Dr. Roxanne Roth is a true heroine righting an incredible wrong she has first hand knowledge is happening in the operating room of her hospital. I found her down to earth, courageous, and using the right channels to justice. Dr. Roth is an Anesthesiologist, working with an efficient team of doctors--except for one Dr. D.K. Webb. Dr. Roth has witnessed three botched surgeries performed by Dr. Webb, and she had enough when the third patient dies due to his impaired condition. Little does Dr. Roth know how extremely impaired Dr. Webb really is. Emergence is a tame thriller with an extremely satisfying conclusion.
January 9, 2023
Interesting but disturbing book. It’s chilling to think about a narcissistic drug addict performing neurosurgery.
October 13, 2020
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I have given Emergence by Shira Shiloah four out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Who knew I needed a medical thriller in my life? I didn’t, until I read Emergence and woah am I glad I did. A very gripping, suspenseful thriller which will leave you with a different outlook on what surgeons are capable of (although it wouldn’t change my view on being treated for procedures, I can definitely see and understand why some people might hesitate to have them done).
Firstly, I have to mention how much I enjoyed Shiloah’s writing and her knowledge into the medical field. It was very interesting to read amongst a lot of medial terminology, especially as I work in a hospital under an administration role where I come across similar terminology. It was great to understand some of the events that were happening to the patients when going through surgery.
This book has two POV narratives, one by Dr. Roxanne Roth and the other by Dr. D.K. Webb. Dr. Roxanne Roth is a hardworking anaesthesiologist who is healing day by day from the loss of her fiancé. Roth is a very courageous, vulnerable, caring and compassionate character who I warmed to quite quickly whilst reading this book. On the other hand, Dr. D.K. Webb is a twisted, cunning and sinister sociopath whose narrative I really enjoyed reading from. I found myself on the edge of my seat wanting to find out what he was capable of doing next.
The plot was very intriguing and full of twists and turns I didn’t see coming, I found myself gasping at some of the shocking events that took place in this novel. I look forward to reading more of Shira Shiloah’s books in the future and would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy medical, suspenseful thrillers.
Who knew I needed a medical thriller in my life? I didn’t, until I read Emergence and woah am I glad I did. A very gripping, suspenseful thriller which will leave you with a different outlook on what surgeons are capable of (although it wouldn’t change my view on being treated for procedures, I can definitely see and understand why some people might hesitate to have them done).
Firstly, I have to mention how much I enjoyed Shiloah’s writing and her knowledge into the medical field. It was very interesting to read amongst a lot of medial terminology, especially as I work in a hospital under an administration role where I come across similar terminology. It was great to understand some of the events that were happening to the patients when going through surgery.
This book has two POV narratives, one by Dr. Roxanne Roth and the other by Dr. D.K. Webb. Dr. Roxanne Roth is a hardworking anaesthesiologist who is healing day by day from the loss of her fiancé. Roth is a very courageous, vulnerable, caring and compassionate character who I warmed to quite quickly whilst reading this book. On the other hand, Dr. D.K. Webb is a twisted, cunning and sinister sociopath whose narrative I really enjoyed reading from. I found myself on the edge of my seat wanting to find out what he was capable of doing next.
The plot was very intriguing and full of twists and turns I didn’t see coming, I found myself gasping at some of the shocking events that took place in this novel. I look forward to reading more of Shira Shiloah’s books in the future and would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy medical, suspenseful thrillers.
November 21, 2020
Roxanne Roth is a dedicated anaesthesiologist but her former class mate D.K. Webb is less than professional. Mistakes and deaths cannot be ignored but can Roxanne get the senior doctors to take her concerns seriously?
I love medical thrillers so was excited to join in with this book tour. I was NOT disappointed! There was plenty of medical detail and the knowledge of the author really added an authenticity to the narrative.
I have never had surgery but can imagine the nerves and trust required to put yourself in the power of others. The breach of this trust is the basis for the plot of Emergence and completely compelling reading.
Dr Webb's abuse of this power is shocking and devious. I would have liked to know more of his motives. Why did he become the way he is? His deliberate actions to maim others are devastating and his acts of vengeance on Roxanne ramps ups the tension.
Roxanne Roth is a great character, hugely likeable, dedicated to her patients and career, always striving to do her best. She also has a vulnerability due to the death of her fiance years earlier: this has made her even more determined to help patients but also held her back with romantic relationships.
In stark contrast to Webb who is selfish, abusive and quite frankly deluded about his god-like power. His cavalier attitude to other people and their lives is detestable, yet his charisma is undeniable.
Overall, Emergence was a fascinating and compelling read and I hope to read more from author Shira Shiloah soon.
I love medical thrillers so was excited to join in with this book tour. I was NOT disappointed! There was plenty of medical detail and the knowledge of the author really added an authenticity to the narrative.
I have never had surgery but can imagine the nerves and trust required to put yourself in the power of others. The breach of this trust is the basis for the plot of Emergence and completely compelling reading.
Dr Webb's abuse of this power is shocking and devious. I would have liked to know more of his motives. Why did he become the way he is? His deliberate actions to maim others are devastating and his acts of vengeance on Roxanne ramps ups the tension.
Roxanne Roth is a great character, hugely likeable, dedicated to her patients and career, always striving to do her best. She also has a vulnerability due to the death of her fiance years earlier: this has made her even more determined to help patients but also held her back with romantic relationships.
In stark contrast to Webb who is selfish, abusive and quite frankly deluded about his god-like power. His cavalier attitude to other people and their lives is detestable, yet his charisma is undeniable.
Overall, Emergence was a fascinating and compelling read and I hope to read more from author Shira Shiloah soon.
December 13, 2022
Troubling, disturbing, and an unforgettable read!
December 11, 2022
A page turner
I really enjoyed this book. I love medical mysteries, and although it wasn't a '"who dunnit, " it was an exciting read. Look forward to reading more by this author.
I really enjoyed this book. I love medical mysteries, and although it wasn't a '"who dunnit, " it was an exciting read. Look forward to reading more by this author.
December 19, 2020
Excellent
This was an unusual story as I’m not in the medical field. I was so interested in learning new things and feeling like I was right there in the operating room.
The characters were such interesting and real people .I feel like I know them.
This is my favorite book of 2020, and I have ave read many!
This was an unusual story as I’m not in the medical field. I was so interested in learning new things and feeling like I was right there in the operating room.
The characters were such interesting and real people .I feel like I know them.
This is my favorite book of 2020, and I have ave read many!
December 19, 2021
Great Read
Loved the characters and the plot. There are bad doctors out there, but the majority really care about helping people. I really enjoyed the story. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Loved the characters and the plot. There are bad doctors out there, but the majority really care about helping people. I really enjoyed the story. I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 21, 2021
interesting medical story
HAving a medical background. I read any medical thriller I find. This story intrigued me with the how of the crime. And the ending. Awesome to see how having money changes a person. For the better
HAving a medical background. I read any medical thriller I find. This story intrigued me with the how of the crime. And the ending. Awesome to see how having money changes a person. For the better
January 10, 2022
Great plot! Kept me wondering what would happen next. Loved the way she described the downtown Memphis area, too. As an OR nurse it was a fun and exciting read.
March 19, 2023
CALLING ALL GREY'S ANATOMY FANS- this one is for you!
EMERGENCE by Shira Shiloah is drama, romance, and suspense wrapped up in a medical package. I am not in the medical field, but I am SURROUNDED by it (choosing a more "right brained" career path was a feat in itself- but that's another story) so reading this debut was almost comforting.
I enjoyed FINALLY having a damaged MC that doesn't run to alcohol or drugs to numb their pain. AND IT WAS A WOMAN! DOUBLE WIN!
This was a quick listen/read for me. There isn't a lot of confusing medical jargon- thank you to Shira Shiloah for making it easy to understand, even for a plebeian like me.
EMERGENCE by Shira Shiloah is drama, romance, and suspense wrapped up in a medical package. I am not in the medical field, but I am SURROUNDED by it (choosing a more "right brained" career path was a feat in itself- but that's another story) so reading this debut was almost comforting.
I enjoyed FINALLY having a damaged MC that doesn't run to alcohol or drugs to numb their pain. AND IT WAS A WOMAN! DOUBLE WIN!
This was a quick listen/read for me. There isn't a lot of confusing medical jargon- thank you to Shira Shiloah for making it easy to understand, even for a plebeian like me.
February 20, 2025
No plot, no twist, but a good understanding of how the medical field works and how big a doctor's ego can be. Not bad for a debut. Their next book would be better. Hopefully with less sexual content that was really unnecessary. I'm not watching Grey's Anatomy AGAIN 😕
October 8, 2020
Terrific debut novel by my friend and I am so proud of her because it is genuinely great (phew!). Medical thriller about a Memphis anesthesiologist who figures out an OR doctor is killing his patients. I have high standards right now -- if you can't suck me in and distract me from pandemic & election mayhem, then I have to move on. And this one was just the engaging twisty ticket. Want MOAR!
October 16, 2020
Love ir
Awesome book.. Had me hooked from the beginning.
Its a sort of book,you can't put down until the end. Cheers
Awesome book.. Had me hooked from the beginning.
Its a sort of book,you can't put down until the end. Cheers
March 9, 2023
If you like medical thrillers, this is for you. This book reads like an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. You have the drama, the relationships, the medical cases, the malpractice, the revenge. This book may only be about 200 pages but it’s packed full and holds your attention from start to finish.
February 28, 2023
if you're looking for a fast paced thriller to read in one sitting, check this one out!
roxanne is an anesthesiologist and an old schoolmate who's a surgeon mysteriously is having patients die after operating on them.
i think this is the perfect combo of law and order and greys anatomy, i felt like i was watching a show while reading this. under 200 pages, you jump right into the story and you're immersed into the medical world. we even have a little bit of a romance subplot, roxanne's fiancé died five years ago and she's finally starting to learn to open herself up and allow a partner in after years of grieving. overall i really enjoyed this one, it was fun! DK is the worst
roxanne is an anesthesiologist and an old schoolmate who's a surgeon mysteriously is having patients die after operating on them.
i think this is the perfect combo of law and order and greys anatomy, i felt like i was watching a show while reading this. under 200 pages, you jump right into the story and you're immersed into the medical world. we even have a little bit of a romance subplot, roxanne's fiancé died five years ago and she's finally starting to learn to open herself up and allow a partner in after years of grieving. overall i really enjoyed this one, it was fun! DK is the worst
February 10, 2025
Exciting Medical Drama
A drama that keeps your interest the entire time you are reading it. The characters are real characters. You feel for the patients.
A drama that keeps your interest the entire time you are reading it. The characters are real characters. You feel for the patients.
January 16, 2025
Enjoyable read...
A very enjoyable read, my first with this author, certainly not my last. So few and far between. Finding a new author to follow is brilliant.
The whole story had me gripped many a paragraph there's suspense a plenty, also the coping..
Although I do admit to many pages in the middle it would be better without !! The last chapters kind of make up-for it.
I'm looking forward to my next one which I have already.
A very enjoyable read, my first with this author, certainly not my last. So few and far between. Finding a new author to follow is brilliant.
The whole story had me gripped many a paragraph there's suspense a plenty, also the coping..
Although I do admit to many pages in the middle it would be better without !! The last chapters kind of make up-for it.
I'm looking forward to my next one which I have already.
May 2, 2024
I listened to this one via audio and thought the reader did an excellent job! It was a great read to listen to on my way to and from work. I am a nurse and felt that I could easily relate to many of the hospital processes discussed. The story line was also engaging! I highly recommend!
June 14, 2022
We are proud to announce that EMERGENCE by Shira Shiloah has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
September 18, 2021
"Emergence" reminds me of Tess Gerritson's early works, which I love. It was a medical slasher with a bit of romance. I'm going to read more of Dr. Shira Shiloah's books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews