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Dr. Nicklaus Hart #3
The Rusted Scalpel
A pharmaceutical company promises you hope and happiness in a pill. Would you take it if it cost your relationship with God?
Dr. Nicklaus Hart returns from responding to a massive earthquake that rocked the Middle East, allowing an ISIS terror cell to enter the ancient area of Mesopotamia. Captured, tortured and blinded by the hands of the radical terrorists, Nick arrives home a broken man. He has lost everything he holds dear—his sight, independence, profession and most of all, hope. But at the bottom of the pit, God sends him a lifeline and restores his physical and spiritual vision.
Faced with reinventing himself, a pharmaceutical company in Singapore offers Nick a position on the dark side of medicine. The drug company’s slogan, Better Living Through Science, is actuated as it develops medications that manipulate the brain chemicals, but at a significant cost to the patient. Nick exposes the dangers of the drug in the jungles of Borneo amongst orangutans and the original headhunters—the ancient Iban tribe. Nick continues to dream, hope against hope—even when the outlook doesn’t warrant it—not looking for it in the lesser comforts of life or a medicine bottle, but by abiding in the truth, where he finds the greatest hope of all…love.
Dr. Nicklaus Hart returns from responding to a massive earthquake that rocked the Middle East, allowing an ISIS terror cell to enter the ancient area of Mesopotamia. Captured, tortured and blinded by the hands of the radical terrorists, Nick arrives home a broken man. He has lost everything he holds dear—his sight, independence, profession and most of all, hope. But at the bottom of the pit, God sends him a lifeline and restores his physical and spiritual vision.
Faced with reinventing himself, a pharmaceutical company in Singapore offers Nick a position on the dark side of medicine. The drug company’s slogan, Better Living Through Science, is actuated as it develops medications that manipulate the brain chemicals, but at a significant cost to the patient. Nick exposes the dangers of the drug in the jungles of Borneo amongst orangutans and the original headhunters—the ancient Iban tribe. Nick continues to dream, hope against hope—even when the outlook doesn’t warrant it—not looking for it in the lesser comforts of life or a medicine bottle, but by abiding in the truth, where he finds the greatest hope of all…love.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2020
79 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 13, 2018
The Rusted Scalpel is Timothy Browne, MD’s best book yet! This medical thriller creates a you-are-there feel as Orthopedic Surgeon Nicklaus Hart struggles with sudden blindness. His disability forces him to reevaluate life as he knew it. With his career gone, he struggles with everything he previously took for granted.
This taut, suspenseful medical thriller draws the reader from Montana to exotic Singapore, to India, and to the remote areas of Borneo once known as the land of the headhunters. The memorable characters drive the story from one man’s struggle into the broader human battle between good and evil. Goodness and seductive evil reveal themselves slowly from the gray areas, one decision at a time, to the breath-taking conclusion.
This is the finest story in the Nicklaus Hart series of medical thrillers. Browne has the background as an orthopedic surgeon and as a medical missionary to write vivid thrillers set in the remote and forbidding ends of the earth.
This taut, suspenseful medical thriller draws the reader from Montana to exotic Singapore, to India, and to the remote areas of Borneo once known as the land of the headhunters. The memorable characters drive the story from one man’s struggle into the broader human battle between good and evil. Goodness and seductive evil reveal themselves slowly from the gray areas, one decision at a time, to the breath-taking conclusion.
This is the finest story in the Nicklaus Hart series of medical thrillers. Browne has the background as an orthopedic surgeon and as a medical missionary to write vivid thrillers set in the remote and forbidding ends of the earth.
July 15, 2019
Very deep
This is a story of deep faith vs and the promises of happiness with out faith. The story is how far would you go to find happiness without any thoughts or care of consequences. The writing done well and the characters are well defined. It also leans heavy on Christian values and verses.
This is a story of deep faith vs and the promises of happiness with out faith. The story is how far would you go to find happiness without any thoughts or care of consequences. The writing done well and the characters are well defined. It also leans heavy on Christian values and verses.
May 2, 2019
Really exciting!
I won’t give away the plot. But The author builds slowly and then hits you with such excitement you won’t want to put down the book. As the third in a series I am looking forward to the next book. And it takes a lot for me to stick with a series.
I won’t give away the plot. But The author builds slowly and then hits you with such excitement you won’t want to put down the book. As the third in a series I am looking forward to the next book. And it takes a lot for me to stick with a series.
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July 22, 2019Incredible
What an incredible story! As someone born with a disability, this book really opens your eyes about big pharma. What lengths would you be willing to go to feel better? The author did a wonderful job. I was hooked from page one. Five stars from me!
What an incredible story! As someone born with a disability, this book really opens your eyes about big pharma. What lengths would you be willing to go to feel better? The author did a wonderful job. I was hooked from page one. Five stars from me!
October 26, 2018
Another great medical thriller!
Just as the first two novels in the Dr. Nicklaus Hart Series , Rich in God's sovereignty,and, in The Rusted Scalpel, intrigue of what can happen when greed corrupts pharmaceutical research into the " dark side of medicine", A read that is difficult to put down until the end. Now looking forward to the next novel in the series in 2019.
Just as the first two novels in the Dr. Nicklaus Hart Series , Rich in God's sovereignty,and, in The Rusted Scalpel, intrigue of what can happen when greed corrupts pharmaceutical research into the " dark side of medicine", A read that is difficult to put down until the end. Now looking forward to the next novel in the series in 2019.
October 14, 2018
Best book I've read in two years or more
I don't give 5 stars to books freely but this one deserved it. It is the best of the three I've read. Great plot. Great follow up on the first two books. Eye opening as far as the battle between light and darkness.
I don't give 5 stars to books freely but this one deserved it. It is the best of the three I've read. Great plot. Great follow up on the first two books. Eye opening as far as the battle between light and darkness.
December 5, 2018
Loved this one also and can't wait for the next one in the series plus the books about great grandfather. Keep them coming!
Loved this one also and can't wait for the next one in the series plus the book about your great grandfather!
Loved this one also and can't wait for the next one in the series plus the book about your great grandfather!
July 30, 2019
This was an interesting story for me, I was a bit unsure going in because I am not really fond of religious books, I tend to find them a bit too preachy for my liking. This book did a nice job of balancing medicine and religion. This book is not necessarily dark, but it is emotional and does contain some scenes that make me really think.
This is the story of Dr. Hart; a hurt, lost and broken man who survived being tortured by the enemy while on assignment in the Middle East. While trying to come to terms with the man he is now, he tries to find his new balance and new life. This comes in the form of a job offer, but that is only the beginning. The darkness and greed of life and death, medicine and healing, sacrifice and the soul all play a part in this story. While the story has an underlining thread of where medicine and God meet, this is ultimately a thriller story filled with action, adventure and travel around the world.
The plot was detailed and filled with realistic choices and advancements; both a look at medicine (the darker side) and religion (where is that line). I really enjoyed Dr. Hart among the other characters. They felt so real and true. I liked the choices he had been presented with, the sacrifices he made and the outcome of the story. Good read.
I didn’t read any other books in this series and I was not lost in anyway so I would say this is a standalone to be enjoyed by all. 3.75 stars.
This is the story of Dr. Hart; a hurt, lost and broken man who survived being tortured by the enemy while on assignment in the Middle East. While trying to come to terms with the man he is now, he tries to find his new balance and new life. This comes in the form of a job offer, but that is only the beginning. The darkness and greed of life and death, medicine and healing, sacrifice and the soul all play a part in this story. While the story has an underlining thread of where medicine and God meet, this is ultimately a thriller story filled with action, adventure and travel around the world.
The plot was detailed and filled with realistic choices and advancements; both a look at medicine (the darker side) and religion (where is that line). I really enjoyed Dr. Hart among the other characters. They felt so real and true. I liked the choices he had been presented with, the sacrifices he made and the outcome of the story. Good read.
I didn’t read any other books in this series and I was not lost in anyway so I would say this is a standalone to be enjoyed by all. 3.75 stars.
August 21, 2020
He did it again! ‘The Rusted Scalpel’ by Dr. Timothy Browne is one of the most intriguing books I’ve read of late. In his first book of this series ‘Maya Hope’ this author hits you over the head w/his love of Christ & desire for his reader to fully embrace Jesus; the second story ‘The Tree of Life’ is written in a more subtle, yet just as poignant, faith-filled manner...and then Dr. Browne gives us ‘The Rusted Scalpel’! From a Christians point of view, this book is the blending of the first two stories & Dr. Browne’s ability to witness thru his work/words! Beautifully written with a compelling storyline that captivated me from the first page. I truly felt like I was in Montana, Singapore, & Borneo...descriptive prose is on point!!
I cannot thank Dr Timothy Browne enough for taking the plunge & becoming a medical thriller/faith-based author & sharing his beautiful, interesting, necessary, stories w/those of us lucky enough to read it.
On to #4 of the Dr Hart series!
I cannot thank Dr Timothy Browne enough for taking the plunge & becoming a medical thriller/faith-based author & sharing his beautiful, interesting, necessary, stories w/those of us lucky enough to read it.
On to #4 of the Dr Hart series!
November 19, 2019
This is the first book that I have read by Timothy Browne M.D. I absolutely loved this book. The Rusted Scalpel is the third book in the Dr. Nicklaus Hart book, and I never felt lost with not reading the previous two books. However, I will have to change that. I loved the mixture of Christianity, mysteries of life, faith, learning of new cultures, and what an adventure. I truly felt that I could relate to Nick and his struggles with his relationship to God. Another reason why i loved this book, is that i felt that was not a book reaching , but along with Timonthy Browne's M.D. characters in the book. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us and will have to read book one and two.
July 31, 2019
A great read
This is my first Timothy Browne novel, but not my last. This story of faith list, then found, is a modern day tale of good versus evil, pitting what is right against the greed of big pharma. Browne’s excellent storytelling skill keeps you on the edge of your seat. It would probably be best to read the first 2 books in this series first, even though they can be read as standalones, if for no other reason to keep you from kicking yourself for not reading them first!
This is my first Timothy Browne novel, but not my last. This story of faith list, then found, is a modern day tale of good versus evil, pitting what is right against the greed of big pharma. Browne’s excellent storytelling skill keeps you on the edge of your seat. It would probably be best to read the first 2 books in this series first, even though they can be read as standalones, if for no other reason to keep you from kicking yourself for not reading them first!
August 9, 2019
I was intrigued by the author’s biography, which gave me some idea as to what would be waiting for me between the pages of this book. Very well written and thought out plot line that makes you think and characters that could have been predictable were actually amazing. I’m normally not a big fan of anything too religious, but any mentions in this book weren’t over the top and seemed to be geared more towards maintaining faith in the situation. Not my normal read, but very well written.
August 25, 2019
Wonderful writer.
I just finished this book in the series. I truly enjoyed each book. I found each one to be exciting and very uplifting from start to finish. I look forward to the next one. I would highly recommend these books.
I just finished this book in the series. I truly enjoyed each book. I found each one to be exciting and very uplifting from start to finish. I look forward to the next one. I would highly recommend these books.
August 1, 2019
Very unexpected read
Ive always been told never judge a book by its cover. Well this is one you have to read!! Very unexpected twist, I
But its totally believable!!
Ive always been told never judge a book by its cover. Well this is one you have to read!! Very unexpected twist, I
But its totally believable!!
October 12, 2018
This is the first book I’ve come across by this author, but is actually the third book in the Dr Nicklaus Hart medical thriller series. In this one, Nick Hart is a broken man. He was tortured and blinded by terrorists when responding to a massive earthquake abroad and has spent the last year trying to recover and see different specialists to see if he could recover his sight. He has lost his job as a surgeon, his independence and any hope for his future or life itself.
His father gets him to come home to the mountains of Montana, and to try working with someone else. He is practically at the end of his rope when a lifeline is thrown to him, by God or a spiritual being (whichever you may believe in) and his physical and spiritual vision are restored. His good friend, Maggie, who lost her husband John a short time ago, have been close friends for years and have supported each other over this difficult period for them both and are getting close themselves.
Maggie has just received news of a grant being granted for her clinic, the Hope Center, in Guatemala and has to fly to Singapore to receive the award. She asks Nick to go with her. Once there, Nick is offered a job with a large pharmaceutical company, Zelutex, owned by one of the richest men in the world, Wright Paul. He works on developing medicines that manipulate the chemical reactions within the brain to help heal faster or help with cardiac, cancer and other medical issues.
Trials have been run with the Iban people in the wilds of Borneo, where Wright has a home and research lab. He considers it his second home and his ancestors actually have a link to the Iban people, well in the past. He has some working for him and others are paid for taking part in the medical trial. But, as you find out later, there is more this relationship than you see at first.
The Iban are one of the last tribes of headhunters still around and Wright is testing his new drug on both them and groups of orangutans kept at his facility in Borneo. Nick and Maggie accompany Wright to Borneo and visit the Iban tribe. Nick finds the lifestyle there so much more relaxing and accompanies the Iban chief, Robert, and elders on everyday tasks. He finds he is closer to God and the Holy Spirit there, in what his mentor called a ‘thin place’.
He takes up the job offer from Wright, but then matters start to fall apart. It seems there may be something wrong with the drugs being developed, serious side effects not previously noted to the FDA. Wright also has another plan for someone close to Nick and they are soon pulled in different directions. Maggie and Wright to India and Nick to Singapore and Borneo. Is the drug too good to be true and has it really been tested thoroughly before its launch date?
A really gripping story of medical intrigue and faraway places. The difference between someone with all the money in the world and those living a simple life in the jungle. Who is really the happier or more content with their life and which is for the best? The book makes you examine your own way of life and what you may hold important at this moment in time. Is it material goods, work and money, or family and friendships? Whatever your beliefs, the book doesn’t go too heavily into one direction of spiritual life and beliefs and does actually reference it to many different faiths around the world, so you can take it to mean what is important to you. Yes, the Iban people, some of them believe in Jesus and God, but others still believe in the traditional signs of the jungle ad nature itself as the ruling force behind their beliefs.
The medical parts of the story are very factual in presentation, seeing as an actual MD is the author and has first-hand knowledge of this type of work and mission. The main characters, Nick and Maggie are well developed and I wish I had known of the authors other books before seeing this one, but this book is totally able to be read as a standalone book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what they get up to next and to catch up with the others in the series.
I received an ARC copy of the book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
His father gets him to come home to the mountains of Montana, and to try working with someone else. He is practically at the end of his rope when a lifeline is thrown to him, by God or a spiritual being (whichever you may believe in) and his physical and spiritual vision are restored. His good friend, Maggie, who lost her husband John a short time ago, have been close friends for years and have supported each other over this difficult period for them both and are getting close themselves.
Maggie has just received news of a grant being granted for her clinic, the Hope Center, in Guatemala and has to fly to Singapore to receive the award. She asks Nick to go with her. Once there, Nick is offered a job with a large pharmaceutical company, Zelutex, owned by one of the richest men in the world, Wright Paul. He works on developing medicines that manipulate the chemical reactions within the brain to help heal faster or help with cardiac, cancer and other medical issues.
Trials have been run with the Iban people in the wilds of Borneo, where Wright has a home and research lab. He considers it his second home and his ancestors actually have a link to the Iban people, well in the past. He has some working for him and others are paid for taking part in the medical trial. But, as you find out later, there is more this relationship than you see at first.
The Iban are one of the last tribes of headhunters still around and Wright is testing his new drug on both them and groups of orangutans kept at his facility in Borneo. Nick and Maggie accompany Wright to Borneo and visit the Iban tribe. Nick finds the lifestyle there so much more relaxing and accompanies the Iban chief, Robert, and elders on everyday tasks. He finds he is closer to God and the Holy Spirit there, in what his mentor called a ‘thin place’.
He takes up the job offer from Wright, but then matters start to fall apart. It seems there may be something wrong with the drugs being developed, serious side effects not previously noted to the FDA. Wright also has another plan for someone close to Nick and they are soon pulled in different directions. Maggie and Wright to India and Nick to Singapore and Borneo. Is the drug too good to be true and has it really been tested thoroughly before its launch date?
A really gripping story of medical intrigue and faraway places. The difference between someone with all the money in the world and those living a simple life in the jungle. Who is really the happier or more content with their life and which is for the best? The book makes you examine your own way of life and what you may hold important at this moment in time. Is it material goods, work and money, or family and friendships? Whatever your beliefs, the book doesn’t go too heavily into one direction of spiritual life and beliefs and does actually reference it to many different faiths around the world, so you can take it to mean what is important to you. Yes, the Iban people, some of them believe in Jesus and God, but others still believe in the traditional signs of the jungle ad nature itself as the ruling force behind their beliefs.
The medical parts of the story are very factual in presentation, seeing as an actual MD is the author and has first-hand knowledge of this type of work and mission. The main characters, Nick and Maggie are well developed and I wish I had known of the authors other books before seeing this one, but this book is totally able to be read as a standalone book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what they get up to next and to catch up with the others in the series.
I received an ARC copy of the book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 3, 2019
After being blinded by terrorists, Dr. Nicklaus Hart is trying to adjust to his new conditions. As he begins to trust God for guidance, he also experiences the miracle healing of his sight. While on a trip with his friend, he gets an opportunity to work for a pharmaceutical company, but finds out that there may be bad side effects, from the latest drug and the job in The Rusted Scalpel by Timothy Browne, MD.
The book had both an interesting and thought-provoking plot. It started out with a subtle hold on your attention, but the hold became stronger as the story progressed. At the end of each chapter, I was left wanting to know what would happen next, how would the current situation be resolved?
What makes the book even better is the strong message of trusting God, especially for guidance when you face tough decisions. Several of the characters turn to Him when they have to make a choice. Miracles are celebrated as God showing His kindness and blessings. Opportunities for the characters to share the gospel came up, and they made use of those opportunities.
Even though I liked the plot, I was put off by the cussing in the book. It wasn’t on every page, but I saw no reason for it. The emotions could have been conveyed without using foul language.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program. All opinions are my own.
The book had both an interesting and thought-provoking plot. It started out with a subtle hold on your attention, but the hold became stronger as the story progressed. At the end of each chapter, I was left wanting to know what would happen next, how would the current situation be resolved?
What makes the book even better is the strong message of trusting God, especially for guidance when you face tough decisions. Several of the characters turn to Him when they have to make a choice. Miracles are celebrated as God showing His kindness and blessings. Opportunities for the characters to share the gospel came up, and they made use of those opportunities.
Even though I liked the plot, I was put off by the cussing in the book. It wasn’t on every page, but I saw no reason for it. The emotions could have been conveyed without using foul language.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program. All opinions are my own.
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August 15, 2019This book was such a thrill ridge and it had lots of heart! Well you can tell this book is written by someone who understands medicine and has experienced his own journey and quest as well as how the pharmaseutical industry works. I was riveted with each page and sometimes sitting at the edge of my seat as I read this thrilling adventure. It has all of the elements for a big screen "Tom Cruise" type movie in a book - action, romance, dangerous adventure and enough suspense to make you keep turning the page. It also has a heart. A doctor who is questioning is morality in a David vs Goliath battle against big pharma. It is a story that parallels real life things that are going on right now in our society. This book takes you around the globe to places like Borneo but it also takes your to the heart of a man facing a big moral dilemma and who is questioning his faith and purpose. Dr. Nick's adventure also sees him finding love and romance and ultimately hope. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the other ones in this thrilling series!
July 25, 2018
When I open a Timothy Browne novel, I expect a compelling storyline driven by relentless suspense that will transport me to a new world where evil is exposed and hope endures. Chapter by chapter, The Rusted Scalpel exceeded my expectations again...and again...and again. My favorite book in the series so far, Dr. Nicklaus Hart is at his best--and so is Timothy Browne.
July 25, 2019
Intriguing story plot that includes romance and suspense with interesting characters makes this an interesting read. I did find there was a little too much Christian values and verses thrown in throughout the book to my personal liking. The story does bounce back and forth to different times/scenarios that I found it confusing at first but it does all tie in at the end
July 22, 2019
this was a really great book! to me though way to many charters . plus i never read the other two so kinda confused. he loses his site after bad men got a hold of him. he come back to help develop a drug that messes with peoples minds . he wants to find a cure but at what cost? read to find out.
July 27, 2019
The story was intriguing and suspenseful, the characters were amazingly driven and the whole story kept me on the edge of my seat.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews