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The Extern: A Jason Rodgers Novel
Pharmacy student Jason Rodgers craves a coveted externship at one of the most prestigious sites in all of Virginia. He sits in his beat-up Honda contemplating how his future will change if he can impress the demanding preceptor and land one of the few slots. His interview with Thomas Pettigrew, The Colonial Pharmacy's owner, and the woman he meets there will, in fact, change his future in ways Rodgers never envisioned.
This riveting tale also puts the reader behind the counter into the fast-paced and often-torturous existence of a retail pharmacist. Perry's evocative pharmacy scenes place the reader in the maelstrom and confusion of pharmacy work. The reader also witnesses the profound angst experienced by Rodgers as a result of his first months as a pharmacist.
In this captivating romantic and suspenseful prequel to The Cyclops Conspiracy and The Cyclops Revenge, master storyteller David Perry introduces us to Jason Rodgers thirteen years before the fateful events unveiled in his bestselling and thrilling Cyclops series of novels. Read The Extern and go back in time to see how it all began...
This riveting tale also puts the reader behind the counter into the fast-paced and often-torturous existence of a retail pharmacist. Perry's evocative pharmacy scenes place the reader in the maelstrom and confusion of pharmacy work. The reader also witnesses the profound angst experienced by Rodgers as a result of his first months as a pharmacist.
In this captivating romantic and suspenseful prequel to The Cyclops Conspiracy and The Cyclops Revenge, master storyteller David Perry introduces us to Jason Rodgers thirteen years before the fateful events unveiled in his bestselling and thrilling Cyclops series of novels. Read The Extern and go back in time to see how it all began...
442 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2021
2 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
David Perry
5 books26 followers“When a writer is able to experience the whole range of human emotions, from deep depressions to glorious highs, it creates a whole inventory of feelings and musings from which they can choose and infuse into their words and characters.” –David Perry
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 15, 2023
Met this author at a wedding couple of weeks ago and am I glad! This is the prequel to a series of three more mysteries involving a pharmacist!
It was extra special in that the setting was on the peninsula of Va where I lived for 40 years! Even without that added attraction, it was a page Turner ! Very well written and characters were introduced and described very systematically
It was extra special in that the setting was on the peninsula of Va where I lived for 40 years! Even without that added attraction, it was a page Turner ! Very well written and characters were introduced and described very systematically
April 29, 2025
I’ve been surrounded by the pharmacy industry my whole life. Whether picking up drugs for myself and family members, or watching my closest friends graduate and become pharmacists, this industry has always been a cornerstone. But it wasn’t until reading “The Extern” that I really understood the grueling world of pharmacy.
There are few other professions that demand as much as retail pharmacy, and even less that can spell death when a mistake is made. Every day, hundreds of prescriptions and thousands of pills leave the doors of a pharmacy. Chain or locally owned, the extreme pressure on pharmacists to get it right, quickly, under intense scrutiny, in front of unpleasant customers, is immense. Further adding to this are the responsibilities that great pharmacists put on themselves as the last line of defense before medications are disbursed, to make sure the doctors have appropriately treated the whole patient. Pharmacists aren’t just counting pills, their training, profession, and education are top tier, and retail pharmacy is continuously expected to do more with less. Readers can feel this pressure as author David Perry educates, informs, and entertains in his Cyclops series debut, “The Extern.”
“The Extern” follows Jason Rodgers as he interviews for, and performs, at the coveted externship within the walls of The Colonial’s pharmacy. Owned and led by Thomas Pettigrew, securing a position learning from those at The Colonial will secure Jason’s future. But, as he enters the pharmacy’s doors for the first time, he’s unaware of the two men watching from their car across the street. Nailing his interview thanks to some guidance, Jason’s future is looking bright.
As a forbidden romance blossoms and Jason’s life seems to be coming together perfectly, readers are reminded it can all come crashing down in an instant. Through the ins and outs of the profession, we experience anxiety, caring, critiquing, and even the flaws present. But there’s more to the story than Jason’s rise through his externships. Woven amongst his story is that of a surveillance crew, mysterious and unbeknownst to our characters, this crew is setting up something big.
As this prequel sets the tone, Perry transplants readers right into the action, behind the pharmacy counter and into the mind of Jason Rodgers. “The Extern” lays the foundation for the Cyclops series, and it is sure to be explosive.
There are few other professions that demand as much as retail pharmacy, and even less that can spell death when a mistake is made. Every day, hundreds of prescriptions and thousands of pills leave the doors of a pharmacy. Chain or locally owned, the extreme pressure on pharmacists to get it right, quickly, under intense scrutiny, in front of unpleasant customers, is immense. Further adding to this are the responsibilities that great pharmacists put on themselves as the last line of defense before medications are disbursed, to make sure the doctors have appropriately treated the whole patient. Pharmacists aren’t just counting pills, their training, profession, and education are top tier, and retail pharmacy is continuously expected to do more with less. Readers can feel this pressure as author David Perry educates, informs, and entertains in his Cyclops series debut, “The Extern.”
“The Extern” follows Jason Rodgers as he interviews for, and performs, at the coveted externship within the walls of The Colonial’s pharmacy. Owned and led by Thomas Pettigrew, securing a position learning from those at The Colonial will secure Jason’s future. But, as he enters the pharmacy’s doors for the first time, he’s unaware of the two men watching from their car across the street. Nailing his interview thanks to some guidance, Jason’s future is looking bright.
As a forbidden romance blossoms and Jason’s life seems to be coming together perfectly, readers are reminded it can all come crashing down in an instant. Through the ins and outs of the profession, we experience anxiety, caring, critiquing, and even the flaws present. But there’s more to the story than Jason’s rise through his externships. Woven amongst his story is that of a surveillance crew, mysterious and unbeknownst to our characters, this crew is setting up something big.
As this prequel sets the tone, Perry transplants readers right into the action, behind the pharmacy counter and into the mind of Jason Rodgers. “The Extern” lays the foundation for the Cyclops series, and it is sure to be explosive.
December 29, 2025
I love the relationship between Jason and Chrissie! I also love how Perry dives into the connection and mentorship of Mr. Pettigrew and Jason. I was so into the deep story line of the characters, I was not at all ready for the ending and am already picking up the next book in the series to figured out what happens next. Perry does a fantastic job of diving into the truth of Pharmacy life, while delivering a page turning storyline. Bonus points for the details of the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and rich history woven in as well! Cannot wait to see what comes next in this series!
June 24, 2021
The Extern tells the back story of Jason Rodgers, the character from David Perry's Cyclops books. This book has lots of plot tension and a little forbidden romance, as well as an intimate look at the fascinating world of pharmacy. An interesting prequel to the Cyclops series but also a great read on it's own!
July 15, 2021
I have read all Mr. Perry's books. This is my first foray on Goodreads. The Extern is his best work yet. The relationship between Jason and Chrissie is steamy and realistic. The story revolves around Jason Rodgers a pharmacy student turned pharmacist who must deal with the horrors of the demanding work. The final scene is gripping and a tear-jerker.
July 20, 2021
Well-done by this new author to me. I'll be reading his next book in the series. This a love story that goes haywire and a graphic depiction of the horrors behind the counter in pharmacy.
The story leaves you hanging at the end and wanting the two lovers to find a way to keep their love alive.
Wish I could have given it more than 5 stars.
The story leaves you hanging at the end and wanting the two lovers to find a way to keep their love alive.
Wish I could have given it more than 5 stars.
July 28, 2021
This is a very interesting read. Did not expect the ending...so tragic...and yet I need to buy the next one to find out what happens to Jason and Chrissie.
Also, a very eye opening expose on what its like to be a pharmacist.
Well written. I enjoyed the little snippets of data interspersed throughout the book.
Also, a very eye opening expose on what its like to be a pharmacist.
Well written. I enjoyed the little snippets of data interspersed throughout the book.
July 9, 2021
I guess it's hard to be a pharmacist
That's really what 90% of the dialog was about. Strip that out and this is a short fiction about a young couple dating.
That's really what 90% of the dialog was about. Strip that out and this is a short fiction about a young couple dating.
July 15, 2021
This is a great novel. I never envisioned that pharmacist worked under such difficult circumstances. The ending left me wanting to read the next book in the series. Starting that today.
July 19, 2021
Very well writen. Did not like the ending. Lived on the Peninsula for over fifty years and well know the places in the book.Read book in about ten days off and on. David is an excellent writter.
July 20, 2021
Spectacular story! Then ending is tragic but gripping. The love story between the two characters is intense and portrayed well.
I found this new author and I like his writing andstories.
I found this new author and I like his writing andstories.
August 11, 2021
Great novel about a young love and pharmacy...very intriguing ending. The author knows how to make me want to read the next book.
August 11, 2021
Awesome!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews