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A Camille Delaney Mystery #1
The Complication: A Camille Delaney Mystery
The first in the Camille Delaney Mystery series, The Complication is a fast-paced legal and medical mystery filled with greed, murder, and intrigue.
After her friend Dallas Jackson suffers a fatal complication during routine surgery, Seattle attorney Camille Delaney is determined to find out why. Dallas was like a father to Camille, and she feels she owes it to him and his family to get answers. Knowing she could lose her partnership at her high-profile law firm for undertaking such an investigation, Camille takes a huge risk and starts her own firm, determined to bring Dallas’s killer to justice. She turns for help to her friend Trish Seaholm, a quick-witted chameleonlike private investigator with an uncanny knack for blending into any situation.
As the two dive headfirst into a dangerous investigation, they discover disturbing evidence that Dallas’s case is not an isolated incident. A shocking number of patients are dying during run-of-the-mill surgeries at small-town hospitals—at the hands of the same two surgeons. Can Camille uncover the reason for these unexplained deaths before more patients fall victim? Or will her search for answers land her in the crosshairs of a killer?
After her friend Dallas Jackson suffers a fatal complication during routine surgery, Seattle attorney Camille Delaney is determined to find out why. Dallas was like a father to Camille, and she feels she owes it to him and his family to get answers. Knowing she could lose her partnership at her high-profile law firm for undertaking such an investigation, Camille takes a huge risk and starts her own firm, determined to bring Dallas’s killer to justice. She turns for help to her friend Trish Seaholm, a quick-witted chameleonlike private investigator with an uncanny knack for blending into any situation.
As the two dive headfirst into a dangerous investigation, they discover disturbing evidence that Dallas’s case is not an isolated incident. A shocking number of patients are dying during run-of-the-mill surgeries at small-town hospitals—at the hands of the same two surgeons. Can Camille uncover the reason for these unexplained deaths before more patients fall victim? Or will her search for answers land her in the crosshairs of a killer?
384 pages, Hardcover
Published June 14, 2022
62 people are currently reading
2785 people want to read
About the author
Amanda DuBois
9 books74 followersAmanda DuBois worked as a labor and delivery nurse before becoming a lawyer. She has practiced in the areas of medical malpractice and family law. She founded the DuBois Levias Law Group in Seattle, Washington, where she is actively engaged in litigation, and Civil Survival Project, an organization that teaches advocacy skills to formerly incarcerated individuals. Amanda serves on several boards that support social justice and women’s issues. Her most recent passion is funding her Full Circle Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance at her alma mater, Seattle University School of Law. This scholarship is specifically granted to students whose lives have been impacted by the criminal legal system.
All of the author’s profits from your book purchase will be donated to the Full Circle Scholarship or to individuals or organizations that promote social justice issues. This is the third novel in the Camille Delaney Mystery series.
All of the author’s profits from your book purchase will be donated to the Full Circle Scholarship or to individuals or organizations that promote social justice issues. This is the third novel in the Camille Delaney Mystery series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 1, 2022
Seattle attorney and former nurse Camille Delaney is determined to find out why her friend Dallas Jackson, who was like a father to her, suffered a fatal complication during routine surgery. Camille and her friend Trish Seaholm, a private investigator, begin an investigation and discover that Dallas’s case is not an isolated incident.
This legal/medical drama is very well-written, especially for a debut, and the story is interesting but I felt like it occasionally got bogged down in minutiae which caused me to lose focus. Very early on in the book Camille's mother searches out a bible, reads a passage from the Book of Exodus and then proceeds to hammer home the lesson, on and on. Then, bang!, we're back to short snappy chapters and the investigation. I was also put off by the use of medical jargon or slang, like "...this Willcox guy perfed an aorta with a trocar while trying to do a lap chole ...". It's possible to determine what they're talking about but I found it rather jarring whenever this type of language popped up. I don't know ... would doctors really talk that way, even to each other? There are way too many characters in this book and new ones were still being introduced even at the 80% mark. Many of the characters had such minor roles that it wasn't even necessary that we know their names, like the stenographer at a deposition. If some of the extraneous narrative had been omitted I think the book would've been even more enjoyable. That said, I mostly liked this book and I'd still read another book by Amanda DuBois, especially if Camille Delaney becomes a series. The locale is also a plus as the San Juan Islands sound beautiful if a bit on the cool side, especially in the winter months. I'm giving this book a solid 3 stars but it could easily be a 4 or 5 star read with some tweaking.
It seems like a long time since there's been a good medical thriller out there, not since the days of Robin Cook and Michael Palmer, but suddenly they seem to be popping out of the woodwork. Daniel Kalla, Tammy Euliano and this author have all written pretty decent medical mystery thrillers.
My thanks to Girl Friday Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: June 14, 2022
This legal/medical drama is very well-written, especially for a debut, and the story is interesting but I felt like it occasionally got bogged down in minutiae which caused me to lose focus. Very early on in the book Camille's mother searches out a bible, reads a passage from the Book of Exodus and then proceeds to hammer home the lesson, on and on. Then, bang!, we're back to short snappy chapters and the investigation. I was also put off by the use of medical jargon or slang, like "...this Willcox guy perfed an aorta with a trocar while trying to do a lap chole ...". It's possible to determine what they're talking about but I found it rather jarring whenever this type of language popped up. I don't know ... would doctors really talk that way, even to each other? There are way too many characters in this book and new ones were still being introduced even at the 80% mark. Many of the characters had such minor roles that it wasn't even necessary that we know their names, like the stenographer at a deposition. If some of the extraneous narrative had been omitted I think the book would've been even more enjoyable. That said, I mostly liked this book and I'd still read another book by Amanda DuBois, especially if Camille Delaney becomes a series. The locale is also a plus as the San Juan Islands sound beautiful if a bit on the cool side, especially in the winter months. I'm giving this book a solid 3 stars but it could easily be a 4 or 5 star read with some tweaking.
It seems like a long time since there's been a good medical thriller out there, not since the days of Robin Cook and Michael Palmer, but suddenly they seem to be popping out of the woodwork. Daniel Kalla, Tammy Euliano and this author have all written pretty decent medical mystery thrillers.
My thanks to Girl Friday Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: June 14, 2022
June 13, 2022
The first in a new series, The Complication by Amanda DuBois is the beginning of the Camille Delaney Mysteries. A legal medical mystery featuring former nurse and now attorney Camille who together with her friend and private investigator Trish Seaholm investigates the death of an elderly male friend who died undergoing an operation. Camile faces many obstacles, including the law firm she works for not accepting medical negligence cases, her husband’s objection to her litigating the case, and ultimately the medical community’s reluctance to assist lawyers in any legal action. As Trish and Camille investigate, it becomes clear that something strange is occurring and they need several tricks to advance their case. A slow build of a legal thriller that is somewhat lacking in tension, despite its climaxing finale that makes for a three star read rating. With thanks to Girl Friday Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced reader copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
July 17, 2022
I wavered between three stars and four on The Complication, ultimately settling on a three for reasons I'll explain.
Camille Delany, former nurse, current lawyer, has a job with a high-price firm. When her friend Dallas dies after a routine procedure, his widow asks Camille for help. Problem: her firm doesn't handle medical malpractice. Solution: quit your job, establish your own firm, and take on the case yourself. And that is what Camille does.
She has her PI pal Trish helping, along with a few other side characters. The investigation is where my issues with the story began.
I'll say this first: I read Coma (Robin Cook) when I was younger. At the time, the mystery at the heart of that book really creeped me out, as it was supposed to do. I think that if I read that now - after years of getting familiar with medical procedures, doctors, nurses, hospitals, operations, and so on (thanks, cancers!) - I would have the same issue with it as I have with this book.
The investigation itself is fine. It proceeds, as these things do, with medical staff leery of and sometimes hostile to legal staffs, hospital personnel turning their backs while leaving records out, etc.. It gets bogged down from time to time, trying to convey information to the reader about procedures and processes that may be unfamiliar to them, and sometimes introducing characters that don't really mean anything in the story. Every time someone entered an already-crowded stage, my brain said, "Too many notes." If you've seen Amadeus, you will understand. If not, well, you should watch it. The solving of the mystery relied a bit too much on coincidence for my tastes.
Finally, my biggest issue with the story: I just didn't believe the crime. I'll rephrase. I believe that A crime like the one in the book could occur. What I don't believe is that the crime could be committed on the scale it is in the book, nor as publicly as it is. There are far too many people involved in operations that the manner of the crime would be exposed long before it is in the book.
That said, if you are able to suspend your disbelief, it's a perfectly fine beach or place book, a couple of hours of time in an almost-real world.
Three stars out of five.
Thanks to Girl Friday Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
Camille Delany, former nurse, current lawyer, has a job with a high-price firm. When her friend Dallas dies after a routine procedure, his widow asks Camille for help. Problem: her firm doesn't handle medical malpractice. Solution: quit your job, establish your own firm, and take on the case yourself. And that is what Camille does.
She has her PI pal Trish helping, along with a few other side characters. The investigation is where my issues with the story began.
I'll say this first: I read Coma (Robin Cook) when I was younger. At the time, the mystery at the heart of that book really creeped me out, as it was supposed to do. I think that if I read that now - after years of getting familiar with medical procedures, doctors, nurses, hospitals, operations, and so on (thanks, cancers!) - I would have the same issue with it as I have with this book.
The investigation itself is fine. It proceeds, as these things do, with medical staff leery of and sometimes hostile to legal staffs, hospital personnel turning their backs while leaving records out, etc.. It gets bogged down from time to time, trying to convey information to the reader about procedures and processes that may be unfamiliar to them, and sometimes introducing characters that don't really mean anything in the story. Every time someone entered an already-crowded stage, my brain said, "Too many notes." If you've seen Amadeus, you will understand. If not, well, you should watch it. The solving of the mystery relied a bit too much on coincidence for my tastes.
Finally, my biggest issue with the story: I just didn't believe the crime. I'll rephrase. I believe that A crime like the one in the book could occur. What I don't believe is that the crime could be committed on the scale it is in the book, nor as publicly as it is. There are far too many people involved in operations that the manner of the crime would be exposed long before it is in the book.
That said, if you are able to suspend your disbelief, it's a perfectly fine beach or place book, a couple of hours of time in an almost-real world.
Three stars out of five.
Thanks to Girl Friday Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
April 10, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this one. I liked the main character and her friends/family and liked the cause she was fighting for. A friend of her was killed by an incompetent greedy surgeon. The book moved very slowly for me
November 5, 2025
Absorbing medical thriller with extreme characters.
Amazon sends me teaser lists of books I should read, so I bought into it at reduced price of $1.99.
I really did not enjoy being swept up into idea of dedicated medical providers being quite so evil. Even I felt threatened.
Amazon sends me teaser lists of books I should read, so I bought into it at reduced price of $1.99.
I really did not enjoy being swept up into idea of dedicated medical providers being quite so evil. Even I felt threatened.
November 8, 2021
Amanda Du Bois, The Complication, Girl Friday Books, 2022
Thank you, Net Galley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
The Complication is in most ways an impressive first novel, written by someone who clearly has no reservations about including social commentary at the same time as developing a gritty legal and medical drama/mystery. I do have some reservations though, as I think that the narrative moves slowly at times, because of too much explanation and lack of selectivity amongst the ideas and descriptions Du Bois wants to depict. It is hard to dispense with sentences and phrases that have been carefully crafted but I think that this novel would have benefitted from some tougher editing.
The first chapter, in which Dallas Chapman, Drs Willcox and Burton are the main protagonists, sets a distressingly graphic beginning to the crimes which Camille Delaney will investigate. The procedures imposed on Dallas Chapman, the patient rendered invisible by the trappings of surgery, and the aftermath are at the centre of the plot. Additional twists and turns, the gradual unpeeling of the reasons for the crimes, and the extent to which they involve ruptured medical processes, authorities who enable dishonesty and medical malpractice and the issues at the heart of the crimes - to achieve both emotional and monetary advantages - are chillingly advanced.
At the beginning of the novel Camille Delaney is a high earning married lawyer with two children. Her substantial income is an essential part of supporting the family. However, when her friend dies without valid explanation and his wife needs legal assistance Camille follows the ideals laid down for her by her parents and Dallas’ spiritual beliefs. She establishes her own legal office to work on the case, leaving her successful career behind. She has a mix of acquaintances and friends who make her decision workable, some of whom join her in her investigations.
Camille is an interesting protagonist. She lives on a luxurious houseboat, is a pilot who has ceased flying after an accident twenty years before and must deal with financial challenges and threats to her family. The changes in her life result in some marital discord, but despite this she becomes a determined investigator. Delaney’s values contrast markedly with those of Drs Willcox and Burton, but she is prepared to be tough and unremitting with witnesses when she ignores their personal concerns when necessary to win her case.
With its sound plotting, good characterisation, and the introduction of a strong woman protagonist I look forward to reading another Camille Delaney novel by this noteworthy author.
Thank you, Net Galley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
The Complication is in most ways an impressive first novel, written by someone who clearly has no reservations about including social commentary at the same time as developing a gritty legal and medical drama/mystery. I do have some reservations though, as I think that the narrative moves slowly at times, because of too much explanation and lack of selectivity amongst the ideas and descriptions Du Bois wants to depict. It is hard to dispense with sentences and phrases that have been carefully crafted but I think that this novel would have benefitted from some tougher editing.
The first chapter, in which Dallas Chapman, Drs Willcox and Burton are the main protagonists, sets a distressingly graphic beginning to the crimes which Camille Delaney will investigate. The procedures imposed on Dallas Chapman, the patient rendered invisible by the trappings of surgery, and the aftermath are at the centre of the plot. Additional twists and turns, the gradual unpeeling of the reasons for the crimes, and the extent to which they involve ruptured medical processes, authorities who enable dishonesty and medical malpractice and the issues at the heart of the crimes - to achieve both emotional and monetary advantages - are chillingly advanced.
At the beginning of the novel Camille Delaney is a high earning married lawyer with two children. Her substantial income is an essential part of supporting the family. However, when her friend dies without valid explanation and his wife needs legal assistance Camille follows the ideals laid down for her by her parents and Dallas’ spiritual beliefs. She establishes her own legal office to work on the case, leaving her successful career behind. She has a mix of acquaintances and friends who make her decision workable, some of whom join her in her investigations.
Camille is an interesting protagonist. She lives on a luxurious houseboat, is a pilot who has ceased flying after an accident twenty years before and must deal with financial challenges and threats to her family. The changes in her life result in some marital discord, but despite this she becomes a determined investigator. Delaney’s values contrast markedly with those of Drs Willcox and Burton, but she is prepared to be tough and unremitting with witnesses when she ignores their personal concerns when necessary to win her case.
With its sound plotting, good characterisation, and the introduction of a strong woman protagonist I look forward to reading another Camille Delaney novel by this noteworthy author.
December 15, 2021
Medical mysteries are always fun reads because they tap into the fears all of us have of something going wrong if we are admitted to the hospital. "The Complication" is about a terrible money making scheme and the victims are those that happen to become sick and end up in a hospital The book is first in a series about Camille Delaney, a former nurse and small plane pilot who is now a lawyer. Camille lives in a houseboat with her husband Sam who is a doctor at the University and her adopted daughters. The novel begins in an exciting way with a patient on the table, possibly bleeding out and a very arrogant surgeon who doesn't want to heed the advice of the rest of the surgery team. This patient turns out to be a family friend to Camille, a 65 year old man named Dallas. When Camille talks to the widow, Gloria, she begins to question what exactly happened in the operating room and this leads her along with a few people on her team, on a quest to find out who is behind the mysterious deaths and how they may tie in to new retirement centers being built on islands near Seattle and in the San Juan Islands area,
The book has fast pacing and short chapters which are easy to read. I liked the general plot and liked Camille who is a strong, independent woman who wants to do the right thing. I did find the writing kind of dated though and also sort of simplistic.. I initially thought perhaps the book was set in the 1960's as the adult characters had names like Dick, Barbi, Sally, and Midge. I don't know anyone under 80 with those names. Teenage boys were named Al and Bert. There were also things out of place like a 50 year old man wearing a smoking jacket on his boat and the adopted daughters being referred to as having "asian doll faces". I did appreciate the authors inclusion of people of different ethnicities and sexual preference as characters but I'm not sure they were always handled in a respectful way. Also too much description of boats, house boats, docks, the people who live on the boats and the various islands the people fly to on sea planes. These descriptions were interesting at first but took away from the story as it went on. I do think this could make a good movie with more up to date characters. Thank You to NetGalley and Girl Friday Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
The book has fast pacing and short chapters which are easy to read. I liked the general plot and liked Camille who is a strong, independent woman who wants to do the right thing. I did find the writing kind of dated though and also sort of simplistic.. I initially thought perhaps the book was set in the 1960's as the adult characters had names like Dick, Barbi, Sally, and Midge. I don't know anyone under 80 with those names. Teenage boys were named Al and Bert. There were also things out of place like a 50 year old man wearing a smoking jacket on his boat and the adopted daughters being referred to as having "asian doll faces". I did appreciate the authors inclusion of people of different ethnicities and sexual preference as characters but I'm not sure they were always handled in a respectful way. Also too much description of boats, house boats, docks, the people who live on the boats and the various islands the people fly to on sea planes. These descriptions were interesting at first but took away from the story as it went on. I do think this could make a good movie with more up to date characters. Thank You to NetGalley and Girl Friday Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
November 10, 2021
I applaud the author for her medical and legal expertise, in writing this novel. Let it suffice to say that I have a lot of experience with doctors and researchers, both personally and professionally. I find it impossible to believe in this story line. I will not elaborate further, so as to not create any spoilers. Therefore, this read was not a good fit for me. Three stars because of Amanda DuBois’s many accomplishments. Thank you NetGalley and Girl Friday Books for this ARC.
January 29, 2022
The Complication is an engaging page-turner; a mystery with medical and legal twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. As a native of the Pacific Northwest, I loved the Seattle/San Juan relatable settings - they put me right into the story from the get-go. The strong willed, principled female protagonist goes on an unexpected journey, makes difficult decisions, and overcomes her greatest fear. Can't wait for the next mystery by Amanda DuBois.
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January 31, 2022What a page turner! The characters are so relatable and you feel like you get to know them. The book is filled with strong, confident career women who have real relationships with each other and with their families.
The mystery is quite a ride. There are twists and turns throughout with a satisfying conclusion.
Go, Camille! You can do anything Looking forward to the next book in the series!
The mystery is quite a ride. There are twists and turns throughout with a satisfying conclusion.
Go, Camille! You can do anything Looking forward to the next book in the series!
June 16, 2022
Took forever to finish. Far fetched. Very damaged characters and a story that’s quite unrealistic. I do know that there’s a huge illegal market in stolen organs as there are not enough donors and too many in need. But this whole book just did not work for me.
March 5, 2023
Great twists and wonderful, smart protagonist
I really enjoyed this book. It is very well written and has unexpected twists. I’m always disappointed when I can figure out what is going to happen long before it does. I definitely didn’t figure anything out here. I also really appreciate a smart, well-developed female protagonist. I can’t wait to read about more of Camille’s cases and her life. Finally, and probably the least important to most people, I an always pleasantly surprised where, as here, the legal details are actually correct. Highly recommend this book. I can’t wait for the next one.
I really enjoyed this book. It is very well written and has unexpected twists. I’m always disappointed when I can figure out what is going to happen long before it does. I definitely didn’t figure anything out here. I also really appreciate a smart, well-developed female protagonist. I can’t wait to read about more of Camille’s cases and her life. Finally, and probably the least important to most people, I an always pleasantly surprised where, as here, the legal details are actually correct. Highly recommend this book. I can’t wait for the next one.
March 1, 2023
Enjoyable read with good characters. I will read more of this author.
January 16, 2022
Really enjoyed this book - couldn't put it down, except when I had to get some sleep. Fast paced, great descriptions of the San Juan/Puget Sound area (can't wait for another visit after reading this). Good combination of medical/legal mystery. Really looking forward to the next book.
Oh, and I agree with another reviewer - this would make a great "mini-series".
Oh, and I agree with another reviewer - this would make a great "mini-series".
November 1, 2022
I can't say enough about Medical Thrillers. I haven't found a great one in awhile. I pre ordered to get it on release day. I purchased for my first fall read, but the beautiful cover called me to start during the summer. I will say set the Pacific Northwest.... My home I miss, I read this book outside in80% humidity summer heat of Michigan. The heat never seemed to bother me enough to put the book down!
Amanda DuBois, does not do anything that isn't brilliant. The Pacific NW comes alive as a character, even if you've never been there. Camile Delany is so fierce and brave, and loving and loyal you Want to keep here in your life.
Words can not describe how the words jump off the page.
More than that the proceeds of this book support a life changing cause....Civil Survival!
Civil Survival changed my life. I had got into trouble 1 time, I served my sentence, but couldn't get a job, my credit got ruined, couldn't rent a house. Joining Civil Survival, we educated the public and our law makers. I was buried under a conviction for 10 years. Six years in, we banned the box on job application's, I became employed...not only employed but was a terrific employee at every job. 11 years later, I'm a case manager at an emergency shelter getting ready to buy a house.
Your buying a book that is page turning, jaw dropping edgy about some amazingly brave characters
And supporting a growing number of folks that get to be amazingly brave and live a life as their authentic self. Thank You Amanda and all of Civil Survival
Amanda DuBois, does not do anything that isn't brilliant. The Pacific NW comes alive as a character, even if you've never been there. Camile Delany is so fierce and brave, and loving and loyal you Want to keep here in your life.
Words can not describe how the words jump off the page.
More than that the proceeds of this book support a life changing cause....Civil Survival!
Civil Survival changed my life. I had got into trouble 1 time, I served my sentence, but couldn't get a job, my credit got ruined, couldn't rent a house. Joining Civil Survival, we educated the public and our law makers. I was buried under a conviction for 10 years. Six years in, we banned the box on job application's, I became employed...not only employed but was a terrific employee at every job. 11 years later, I'm a case manager at an emergency shelter getting ready to buy a house.
Your buying a book that is page turning, jaw dropping edgy about some amazingly brave characters
And supporting a growing number of folks that get to be amazingly brave and live a life as their authentic self. Thank You Amanda and all of Civil Survival
January 15, 2022
Action-packed from the first page. Fearing hidden dangers, I read it non-stop. Camille Delaney is a great character with keen intelligence, perceptive and definitely action oriented. All these abilities are coupled with one debilitating fear, which only becomes apparent as you read on. She is well rounded with committed friendships and a bent towards justice. As the story unfolds, the settings are perfectly positioned to support the story line, and also hold as a travel-log of the San Juan Island area, Pacific Northwest, WA State. There were enough "red-herrings" to throw me off the expected story line, and fun to see how the author, Amanda Dubois, pulled the threads together for a big punch at the end! Fun and entertaining reading. Can't wait until the next installment in the series.
October 13, 2022
This is my first mystery series by Amanada DuBois. I appreciate the story plot and the different twists in the story, but the pacing fell flat for me. Also, I felt that the story gave too much away too soon. The story felt compelling in the beginning but then felt a little more stretched than necessary and at points felt a little unrealistic, especially with the medial ethics and procedures. Given it is the first in this series, I would be interested in reading the next installment.
Thanks for netgalley and Girl Friday Books for this arc in exchange for my review.
Thanks for netgalley and Girl Friday Books for this arc in exchange for my review.
September 7, 2022
This book is not believable to me because I am a medical person. I should never trust a Mystery scene magazine review again. They compared this with Robin Cook books , but it is not the same at all.
June 17, 2022
Seattle attorney Camille Delaney rushed to the hospital where her friend Dallas Jackson has to undergo an emergency operation with a fatal outcome. When the former nurse accidentally sees his folder, questions arise. What happened in the operation room? And why was nobody aware of the seemingly critical state her friend was in? As her company only represents hospitals and high profile doctors, thus she cannot pursue her inquiries. Instead this brings her to a point where she has to ask herself if she has given up her ideals for the money and status. As a consequence, she decides to run the risk and leaves the company to start her own firm with her first case. She soon realises that nobody wants to talk about Dr Willcox, responsible surgeon in the operation room, but her gut feeling tells her that something is totally going wrong in this hospital.
There are some similarities between the author and her protagonist. Amanda DuBois herself was a trained nurse before she became a lawyer and medical malpractice has been her area of specialisation. “The Complication” is her first novel which highly relies on her profession knowledge combining medical aspects with law. From a seemingly unfortunate operation, the case develops into a complicated conspiracy which brings the protagonist repeatedly into dangerous situations since she has to deal with reckless people who do not care about a single life.
What I liked about the novel was how the medical details were incorporated and explained along the way so that the reader with limited medical knowledge could smoothly follow the action. The characters are authentically drawn, especially Camille’s discussion with her mother about her ideals and principles raising the question what use she makes of her legal capacities while working for a law firm that puts more interest in the billing hours than helping to serve the law was interesting to follow.
Even though I would estimate that the case is realistically depicted with Camille again and again coming to dead ends and only advancing slowly, I would have preferred a higher pace since as a reader, you have a lead and soon know what scheme is behind it all.
There are some similarities between the author and her protagonist. Amanda DuBois herself was a trained nurse before she became a lawyer and medical malpractice has been her area of specialisation. “The Complication” is her first novel which highly relies on her profession knowledge combining medical aspects with law. From a seemingly unfortunate operation, the case develops into a complicated conspiracy which brings the protagonist repeatedly into dangerous situations since she has to deal with reckless people who do not care about a single life.
What I liked about the novel was how the medical details were incorporated and explained along the way so that the reader with limited medical knowledge could smoothly follow the action. The characters are authentically drawn, especially Camille’s discussion with her mother about her ideals and principles raising the question what use she makes of her legal capacities while working for a law firm that puts more interest in the billing hours than helping to serve the law was interesting to follow.
Even though I would estimate that the case is realistically depicted with Camille again and again coming to dead ends and only advancing slowly, I would have preferred a higher pace since as a reader, you have a lead and soon know what scheme is behind it all.
January 16, 2022
(3.5 Stars rounded up)
This is first in the Camille Delaney mystery series.
This is a medical-legal thriller set in Seattle and the San Juan Islands.
Camille is a former nurse and now a family-practice lawyer. She and her husband Sam, a doctor at the University live in a houseboat with their three daughters (Two daughters are legally adopted and the third is a foster daughter).
This story is about a money making scheme, the victims are people who are sick and have to be treated at a hospital and end up dead.
Story starts when Camille’s close friend Robin’s dad is taken to the hospital and emergency surgery is immediately performed and yes ‘complications’ occur.
The arrogant surgeon tries to cover up his mistakes. Story is thus both a legal battle as well as a medical malpractice.
Tough one for me to give a clear rating~3 stars =Good; 4 Stars = Great; 5 Stars = Outstanding!
There is no doubt this is good. I like Camille and am sure I will read another. However it wasn’t enjoyable reading about members in our medical profession who typically are so giving to be out for profits and of course, more money and power!
So to me this was between 3 and 4 stars so rounded up
Have to admit I liked the ending.
I always enjoyed reading the Author’s Notes/ Acknowledgements. In this case, I liked reading the Bio of our author.
Amanda DuBois is a lawyer practicing Family Law in the Seattle area. She first was a nurse with high-risk labor & delivery patience. Her husband Philip is now retired but was an OB GYN Doctor.
They have two daughters.
So Amanda and Camille sure have a lot in common.
Want to thank NetGalley and Girl Friday Books. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 14, 2022
This is first in the Camille Delaney mystery series.
This is a medical-legal thriller set in Seattle and the San Juan Islands.
Camille is a former nurse and now a family-practice lawyer. She and her husband Sam, a doctor at the University live in a houseboat with their three daughters (Two daughters are legally adopted and the third is a foster daughter).
This story is about a money making scheme, the victims are people who are sick and have to be treated at a hospital and end up dead.
Story starts when Camille’s close friend Robin’s dad is taken to the hospital and emergency surgery is immediately performed and yes ‘complications’ occur.
The arrogant surgeon tries to cover up his mistakes. Story is thus both a legal battle as well as a medical malpractice.
Tough one for me to give a clear rating~3 stars =Good; 4 Stars = Great; 5 Stars = Outstanding!
There is no doubt this is good. I like Camille and am sure I will read another. However it wasn’t enjoyable reading about members in our medical profession who typically are so giving to be out for profits and of course, more money and power!
So to me this was between 3 and 4 stars so rounded up
Have to admit I liked the ending.
I always enjoyed reading the Author’s Notes/ Acknowledgements. In this case, I liked reading the Bio of our author.
Amanda DuBois is a lawyer practicing Family Law in the Seattle area. She first was a nurse with high-risk labor & delivery patience. Her husband Philip is now retired but was an OB GYN Doctor.
They have two daughters.
So Amanda and Camille sure have a lot in common.
Want to thank NetGalley and Girl Friday Books. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 14, 2022
January 29, 2022
This is what you get when you give a former nurse and current attorney a pen (so to speak)! The fun of this book is the journey and the details along the way. We KNOW what happened, we KNOW who the bad guy is, but how Camille figures everything out, the WHY, and gets the bad guy is a thoughtful, detailed, entertaining read. The opening chapter that sets up the story describes an arrogantly evil man, almost a caricature, and I was confused about why no one ratted him out. EVERYONE in the room knows what he did. But as the story unfolds, all is explained. Some fun twists and turns along the way as Camille slowly peels back the lies and manipulations to find the truth.
Others have summarized the plot well, so I will not go into that. Instead, here are some of the things I really liked about the book:
I really appreciated the well-rounded female characters - these are women you want to have as friends! This story hinges on these women's friendship and loyalty. Without it, Camille would not get so deeply involved in the case. Nor would she have been able to gather as much information without them. While she is the leader and driving force, it was certainly a team effort.
The application of DuBois' experience was fascinating, and a bit sad. What is a life worth?
The pace was a good clip, with a few adrenaline rushes along the way.
I live in Seattle, so reading a book about our area is always fun!
Others have summarized the plot well, so I will not go into that. Instead, here are some of the things I really liked about the book:
I really appreciated the well-rounded female characters - these are women you want to have as friends! This story hinges on these women's friendship and loyalty. Without it, Camille would not get so deeply involved in the case. Nor would she have been able to gather as much information without them. While she is the leader and driving force, it was certainly a team effort.
The application of DuBois' experience was fascinating, and a bit sad. What is a life worth?
The pace was a good clip, with a few adrenaline rushes along the way.
I live in Seattle, so reading a book about our area is always fun!
May 24, 2022
The Complication
A Camille Delaney Mystery
by Amanda DuBois
Pub Date 14 Jun 2022
Girl Friday Books
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Women's Fiction
I am reviewing a copy of The Complication through Girl Friday Books and Netgalley:
Seattle attorney Camille Delaney is determined to find out why her best friend Dallas Jackson suffers a fatal complication during routine surgery. Dallas acted as a Father to Camille , and she feels she owes it to him and his family to get answers. She knows she could lose her partnership at her high-profile law firm for undertaking such an investigation, Camille takes a huge risk and starts her own firm, determined to bring Dallas’s killer to justice. She looks to her friend Trish Seaholm for help, Seaholm is a quick-witted chameleonlike private investigator with an uncanny knack for blending into any situation.
Diving headfirst into a dangerous investigation, they discover disturbing evidence that Dallas’s case is not an isolated incident. An alarming numbers of patients are dying during run-of-the-mill surgeries at small-town hospitals—at the hands of the same two surgeons. Can Camille uncover the reason for these unexplained deaths before more patients fall victim? Or will her search for answers land her in the crosshairs of a killer?
I give The Complication five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
A Camille Delaney Mystery
by Amanda DuBois
Pub Date 14 Jun 2022
Girl Friday Books
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Women's Fiction
I am reviewing a copy of The Complication through Girl Friday Books and Netgalley:
Seattle attorney Camille Delaney is determined to find out why her best friend Dallas Jackson suffers a fatal complication during routine surgery. Dallas acted as a Father to Camille , and she feels she owes it to him and his family to get answers. She knows she could lose her partnership at her high-profile law firm for undertaking such an investigation, Camille takes a huge risk and starts her own firm, determined to bring Dallas’s killer to justice. She looks to her friend Trish Seaholm for help, Seaholm is a quick-witted chameleonlike private investigator with an uncanny knack for blending into any situation.
Diving headfirst into a dangerous investigation, they discover disturbing evidence that Dallas’s case is not an isolated incident. An alarming numbers of patients are dying during run-of-the-mill surgeries at small-town hospitals—at the hands of the same two surgeons. Can Camille uncover the reason for these unexplained deaths before more patients fall victim? Or will her search for answers land her in the crosshairs of a killer?
I give The Complication five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Read
January 22, 2022This medical-legal thriller grabs the reader from the opening page and doesn’t let go! This is the first of the Camille Delaney series and left me wanting more-it also left me wanting to visit the San Juan Islands off of Seattle, and I’m not much of a traveler! Camille is a Registered Nurse turned family law attorney who learns that an old friend who was her “second father” is in ICU following complications after an “emergency “ laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It seems the surgeon inadvertently punctured the patient’s aorta when introducing the trocar and then claimed the patient had an undiagnosed aneurysm. I really enjoyed the OR scenes having been a circulating nurse for 13 years and have been around a few arrogant surgeons! As the story progresses there is an extensive segment set in Arizona, which I was also able to identify with. The characters are well drawn, especially Camille who, in addition to her many accomplishments, is a trained pilot. Prior to the novel’s beginning she had a near tragedy while piloting and has been skittish about even being a passenger let alone piloting. All of the disparate elements are pulled together in the end and not in a rushed way. Looking forward to more in this series!
March 12, 2023
When I read the synopsis of this book I thought, wow, two types of stories I like, medical and legal, all in one! Amanda Dubois has created an amazing female lead character that you can't help but cheer on all through this book. Camille Delaney is a former nurse, now a lawyer, practicing in a large law firm, as well as a pilot. When a dear friend dies during a seemingly routine surgery, she finds out all is not what it seems with the surgeon involved. She makes the impossible decision to leave her firm and investigate the doctor and his team, knowing something is terribly wrong. She enlists the help of her friend and investigator, along with a few others and leaves no stone unturned to get to the truth. I could not put this book down as with every page turned there was more keeping me thoroughly invested in finding out what happened. Great story with several strong female characters who you just can't help but love! Very realistic in that this kind of thing happens more than we know and shows just how ugly true greed can make a person. I can't wait to read the next Camille Delaney story!
February 15, 2022
Outstanding! I could not put this book down from the moment I started it. My favorite genre is Mystery and this first novel ranks up there with the "must reads"! This medical-legal mystery is set in the Pacific Northwest and is packed with familiar places, homes (houseboat community), transportation (float planes), offices (on the water), dense fog and a host of other tidbits that are unique to our area and made the story even stronger. Camille Delaney is an outstanding character and the story line did not get mired in medical-legal jargon. Camille being surrounded by strong capable women enhanced the story line and every character was well developed & thought out including her family. As they say, it's all in the details and this mystery was chalked full of details but in a way that kept me engaged and not lost in the journey. A night of sleep was lost as this was a book I truly did not want to put down. I cannot wait for Amanda's next book in this series. Kudos my friend!
November 3, 2021
I loved this book and was frustrated each time I was dragged away from it before I finished it. Amanda DuBois has very obviously done her research, in addition to putting her lived experience to good use in this medical/legal thriller that draws on one of our worst nightmares, someone close to us dying from complications during a routine surgical procedure.
This book is so much more though. The plot is brilliant, the pace is spot on, the explanations of medical and legal procedures and terminology are cleverly disguised a just a part of the regular dialogue so you don’t feel like you’re at a lecture.
I’m so excited about this book and genuinely want to see this book do well. I can’t wait to read more about Camille Delaney. She’s the perfect, well developed, lead character and the supporting characters are just as well fleshed out. I cannot recommend this book more highly. If you’re a thriller fan you’d be mad not to get your hands on it as soon as it’s released.
This book is so much more though. The plot is brilliant, the pace is spot on, the explanations of medical and legal procedures and terminology are cleverly disguised a just a part of the regular dialogue so you don’t feel like you’re at a lecture.
I’m so excited about this book and genuinely want to see this book do well. I can’t wait to read more about Camille Delaney. She’s the perfect, well developed, lead character and the supporting characters are just as well fleshed out. I cannot recommend this book more highly. If you’re a thriller fan you’d be mad not to get your hands on it as soon as it’s released.
January 17, 2022
The Complication is a great read – and difficult to put down. Setting her fast-moving mystery in Seattle and the San Juan Islands, author Amanda DuBois employs her deep familiarity with the locale to paint a compelling legal and medical mystery. The death of a beloved friend and mentor following surgery ultimately leads lawyer Camille Delaney to leave her successful and well-paid family law practice to investigate troubling hints of criminality in a routine surgical procedure. The author uses knowledge gained in her own careers in the medical and the legal fields, building this story of her protagonist’s dangerous investigation into a shocking and lucrative medical criminal enterprise. She doesn’t hesitate to use medical and legal terminology in a comprehensible way as well as to educate readers in problem areas in both professions. The strong female protagonist, together with her husband and her lead investigator to a lesser extent, are all well-drawn, frequently through entertaining and well-written dialogue. Camille is a committed lawyer, wife, friend and mother who manages to keep all those balls in the air. The writing is excellent, making good use of oblique foreshadowing. Amanda DuBois has written an amazing first mystery novel and I am anxious to read the next in this series featuring lawyer Camille Delaney.
November 1, 2022
I drive many hours a week and have learned to love Audible. As I drive, I feel very jealous of being interrupted while listening to my latest book. I downloaded The Complication recently and just happened to have a road trip and started the book. Besides John Grisham's books, I have never been so immediately involved in a book and its characters. I wouldn't answer calls claiming I was in a dead zone. This might sound crazy, but even when I arrived where I was going, I didn't want to go in; I wanted to continue listening!!!
I, of course, finished the book and felt like I had lived through it all. I immediately began searching Audible to see if I could hear another book from this author. Although I was sad to learn there are no books, the more I searched, I learned this author has new books coming out soon.
As far as I am concerned, she cannot get these books out fast enough. I am completely enamored with her writing, and I will be a lifelong admirer of her work.
I, of course, finished the book and felt like I had lived through it all. I immediately began searching Audible to see if I could hear another book from this author. Although I was sad to learn there are no books, the more I searched, I learned this author has new books coming out soon.
As far as I am concerned, she cannot get these books out fast enough. I am completely enamored with her writing, and I will be a lifelong admirer of her work.
January 11, 2022
This was such a fun page turner! Living in Seattle and having spent time in the San Juan Islands it was fun to track the movement of the characters in my mind - loved the sea plane trips especially.
The plot - an unexpected death during a questionable surgery- was so unique and interesting and the characters relatable - I loved that the protagonist was a successful lawyer and still had a full and busy life as a mom. The author showed us a full woman’s life and I could relate to the continuous messy-ness of weaving together the professional and personal.
The plot was fast paced and had some great twists and an action-packed finale!!! Super fun read - highly recommend!! I hope we get to see more from Amanda DuBois. I think her lead character has a lot more adventure in her! This could turn into such a fun series.
The plot - an unexpected death during a questionable surgery- was so unique and interesting and the characters relatable - I loved that the protagonist was a successful lawyer and still had a full and busy life as a mom. The author showed us a full woman’s life and I could relate to the continuous messy-ness of weaving together the professional and personal.
The plot was fast paced and had some great twists and an action-packed finale!!! Super fun read - highly recommend!! I hope we get to see more from Amanda DuBois. I think her lead character has a lot more adventure in her! This could turn into such a fun series.
January 12, 2022
I never was called to the medical field and therefore the first chapter which delved deeply into the proceedings of an operation nearly lost me. But the storytelling ability was so enthralling that I kept on. Camille is a divorce lawyer, former nurse and former small plane pilot married to a doctor on staff at the University of Washington.
Camille's dear friend Dallas dies as a result of a botched surgery in the first chapter and the mystery is just what is going on in the small hospital.
Following the trail of clues is satisfying although sometimes it seems a little convoluted. And the body count seems very high compared to many mysteries. This is not a who done it, but how did she solve it. And the author provides a solid well-written tale to get you there with a somewhat satisfying ending
Camille's dear friend Dallas dies as a result of a botched surgery in the first chapter and the mystery is just what is going on in the small hospital.
Following the trail of clues is satisfying although sometimes it seems a little convoluted. And the body count seems very high compared to many mysteries. This is not a who done it, but how did she solve it. And the author provides a solid well-written tale to get you there with a somewhat satisfying ending
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