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Dr. Sean Nolan Mysteries #5
Coitioned
Set against the backdrop of the emerging COVID pandemic, a close family friend of Dr. Nolan is hospitalized after a failed suicide attempt. Desperate to understand and offer help, he begins to define the risk factors that led the young woman to try and take her own life. A simple search under normal circumstances, in this case there are no easy answers, and every question leads in another direction.
- GenresFiction
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 24, 2022
When the first entry to E. W. Johnson’s ‘Dr. Sean Nolan Mystery’ series was first released a couple of years back, it marked the entry-point to a surprisingly realized world, complete with a cunning, resourceful protagonist and a seemingly endless supply of deep-rooted global conspiracies. ‘Coitioned,’ Johnson’s latest (and sixth overall) release, once again finds the venerable doctor in the proverbial crosshairs.
Keeping in the spirit of the previous Sean Nolan entries, ‘Coitioned’ utilizes a contemporary medical-themed issue as a backdrop for Nolan’s latest case. This time around, Nolan finds himself knee-deep in the first months of the COVID pandemic. When a family friend winds up in the hospital following a suicide attempt, Nolan attemepts to unravel the ‘reasons,’ a search that quickly leads him to a massive big-pharma conspiracy involving a high-profile murder and cover-up. What follows is a smart, well-written medical mystery that manages to cleverly weave in the swelling panic of COVID’s early days.
Having fully explored Nolan’s past in previous novels, Johnson provides readers with the bullet points necessary to understand the man (small-town doctor, widower, two teenage daughters), but wisely avoids massive exposition dumps. In that regard, both first-time readers and fans of previous Nolan mysteries will be able to dive right in with ‘Coitioned.’ Unfortunately, ‘Coitioned’ is perhaps the first Sean Nolan release to show a hint of diminished returns. Be it the dialogue or the plot mechanics, there's an overly familiar feeling permeating much of Johnson’s latest work, especially if you’ve read the previous Nolan novels.
Perhaps it's the prolific author’s breakneck writing pace, or maybe it’s simply a matter of the COVID-related content hitting a bit too close to home, but ‘Coitioned’ is an example of a ‘very good’ story that’s another pass or two away from being ‘great.’
Obviously, there’s only so much new ground an author can break with an ongoing series, but the good news here is that Sean Nolan still feels like a rough outline of a character desperately in need of shading—here’s hoping the next Sean Nolan mystery takes a closer look at the man behind the headlines.
Keeping in the spirit of the previous Sean Nolan entries, ‘Coitioned’ utilizes a contemporary medical-themed issue as a backdrop for Nolan’s latest case. This time around, Nolan finds himself knee-deep in the first months of the COVID pandemic. When a family friend winds up in the hospital following a suicide attempt, Nolan attemepts to unravel the ‘reasons,’ a search that quickly leads him to a massive big-pharma conspiracy involving a high-profile murder and cover-up. What follows is a smart, well-written medical mystery that manages to cleverly weave in the swelling panic of COVID’s early days.
Having fully explored Nolan’s past in previous novels, Johnson provides readers with the bullet points necessary to understand the man (small-town doctor, widower, two teenage daughters), but wisely avoids massive exposition dumps. In that regard, both first-time readers and fans of previous Nolan mysteries will be able to dive right in with ‘Coitioned.’ Unfortunately, ‘Coitioned’ is perhaps the first Sean Nolan release to show a hint of diminished returns. Be it the dialogue or the plot mechanics, there's an overly familiar feeling permeating much of Johnson’s latest work, especially if you’ve read the previous Nolan novels.
Perhaps it's the prolific author’s breakneck writing pace, or maybe it’s simply a matter of the COVID-related content hitting a bit too close to home, but ‘Coitioned’ is an example of a ‘very good’ story that’s another pass or two away from being ‘great.’
Obviously, there’s only so much new ground an author can break with an ongoing series, but the good news here is that Sean Nolan still feels like a rough outline of a character desperately in need of shading—here’s hoping the next Sean Nolan mystery takes a closer look at the man behind the headlines.
February 27, 2022
Involving politics, fraud, and unethical efforts to bury secrets with devastating influences over the people, as well as equally persistent efforts to blow the gaff on them, E.W Johnson's Coitioned: A Dr. Sean Nolan Mystery is a medical mystery set over the course of a year, with the beginnings of COVID-19 as a backdrop.
Dr. Sean Nolan's close relative, also an award-winning journalist in her 20s, attempts suicide, the cause of which is attributed by Nolan to the side effects of the anti-depressant medicine Serenetine. Nothing matches her symptoms, in which the environment becomes a sketch, "still alive and moving, without texture or color." Dr. Nolan, a nonchalant witty doctor, a widower in his fifties, goes round the way to unearth the true covert deal behind the many deaths attributed to Serotonin syndrome. Why is the drop-out rate in the Serenetine trial higher than in any other examined group? Why is the drug's manufacturing corporation resolved to "button up" any risk to the revelation of the 'real-deal' behind the medication causing lives of several people? The book introduces the reader to the baffling queries that have been Sean's unwavering goal to crack no matter the risk posed by the culprits.
Sean, the main character, captivates the reader with his attractive and funny demeanor, crooked but not morally wrong means of getting his work done, and, last but not least, his fatherly affection that transcends blood links. Straightforward, sincere, and honest, he is the desired image of a doctor, father, coworker, and supervisor. His backup team, together with his always cheerful demeanor, contributes to the light background of the page-turner mystery.
Fans of mystery fiction will enjoy the story's interesting, intriguing premise and even more compelling characters.
Dr. Sean Nolan's close relative, also an award-winning journalist in her 20s, attempts suicide, the cause of which is attributed by Nolan to the side effects of the anti-depressant medicine Serenetine. Nothing matches her symptoms, in which the environment becomes a sketch, "still alive and moving, without texture or color." Dr. Nolan, a nonchalant witty doctor, a widower in his fifties, goes round the way to unearth the true covert deal behind the many deaths attributed to Serotonin syndrome. Why is the drop-out rate in the Serenetine trial higher than in any other examined group? Why is the drug's manufacturing corporation resolved to "button up" any risk to the revelation of the 'real-deal' behind the medication causing lives of several people? The book introduces the reader to the baffling queries that have been Sean's unwavering goal to crack no matter the risk posed by the culprits.
Sean, the main character, captivates the reader with his attractive and funny demeanor, crooked but not morally wrong means of getting his work done, and, last but not least, his fatherly affection that transcends blood links. Straightforward, sincere, and honest, he is the desired image of a doctor, father, coworker, and supervisor. His backup team, together with his always cheerful demeanor, contributes to the light background of the page-turner mystery.
Fans of mystery fiction will enjoy the story's interesting, intriguing premise and even more compelling characters.
February 27, 2022
This book was my first introduction to E.W. Johnson M.D., and I have to say that I’m thoroughly impressed. The syntax in this book was nicely varied, the dialogue packed a punch on many occasions, and the characters had distinct and delightful personalities (aside from the villains of course). I also think that the decision to set this story against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic kept it relevant while simultaneously serving as an added layer of complexity to the central plotline.
And what else? I appreciate that this book can act as a standalone, but can also be read in succession with the other books in the Dr. Sean Nolan Mystery series. The brief bits of summary that were provided in this book of Dr. Nolan’s past adventures were enough to keep me informed but never overwhelmed with facts and information.
In terms of my critique, I would’ve liked to see Dr. Nolan and Elena’s relationship fleshed out a little bit more in the first half of the text. I think that doing so, even through a brief phone call or exchange, would’ve kept Elena from feeling a little too convenient for the plotline. Additionally, I found ABCDE’s name (pronounced ab-suh-dee, not A B C D E) to be an interesting choice, and I think that if the backstory behind her name (and the pronunciation) had come sooner in the story I might have gotten on board with the name sooner.
But overall, I really liked this book; I ended each chapter eager to keep reading and see what Dr. Nolan and/or ABCDE was up to next. I look forward to reading more of E.W. Johnson M.D.’s work in the future, and it seems only natural that I backtrack and pick up the first Dr. Sean Nolan Mystery novel next.
And what else? I appreciate that this book can act as a standalone, but can also be read in succession with the other books in the Dr. Sean Nolan Mystery series. The brief bits of summary that were provided in this book of Dr. Nolan’s past adventures were enough to keep me informed but never overwhelmed with facts and information.
In terms of my critique, I would’ve liked to see Dr. Nolan and Elena’s relationship fleshed out a little bit more in the first half of the text. I think that doing so, even through a brief phone call or exchange, would’ve kept Elena from feeling a little too convenient for the plotline. Additionally, I found ABCDE’s name (pronounced ab-suh-dee, not A B C D E) to be an interesting choice, and I think that if the backstory behind her name (and the pronunciation) had come sooner in the story I might have gotten on board with the name sooner.
But overall, I really liked this book; I ended each chapter eager to keep reading and see what Dr. Nolan and/or ABCDE was up to next. I look forward to reading more of E.W. Johnson M.D.’s work in the future, and it seems only natural that I backtrack and pick up the first Dr. Sean Nolan Mystery novel next.
February 27, 2022
The more I read about Dr. Sean Nolan and his adventures, the more I come to admire him. Coitioned is one of those books I could not put down and finished in a day.
Although it deals with some heavy issues, it never becomes overwhelming. The author has this wonderful ability to strike a balance between serious and funny moments. There are moments when the book espouses some very philosophical words that leave the reader with a lot to think about. This lends the novel a depth that adds to its overall quality.
The pacing of the novel is perfect and not once did I feel that it was being dragged on. Furthermore, because we have met these characters before, it is easy to get invested in their success and failure and root for them.
Another thing I really liked about the novel was that it was situated right at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. While escapism (and denial) has its own merits, I get quite frustrated at the lack of representation of the pandemic in art. Because this book did not do that, my respect for the author increased tenfold.
This is a little spoiler, so please read at your own risk, but the novel ends on something similar to a cliffhanger. Because I was so invested in the story, I am really looking forward to the next book to finally see the proper conclusion of this case Dr. Sean Nolan had taken up in this book.
Although it deals with some heavy issues, it never becomes overwhelming. The author has this wonderful ability to strike a balance between serious and funny moments. There are moments when the book espouses some very philosophical words that leave the reader with a lot to think about. This lends the novel a depth that adds to its overall quality.
The pacing of the novel is perfect and not once did I feel that it was being dragged on. Furthermore, because we have met these characters before, it is easy to get invested in their success and failure and root for them.
Another thing I really liked about the novel was that it was situated right at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. While escapism (and denial) has its own merits, I get quite frustrated at the lack of representation of the pandemic in art. Because this book did not do that, my respect for the author increased tenfold.
This is a little spoiler, so please read at your own risk, but the novel ends on something similar to a cliffhanger. Because I was so invested in the story, I am really looking forward to the next book to finally see the proper conclusion of this case Dr. Sean Nolan had taken up in this book.
March 13, 2022
I picked this book up as I am currently enjoying new books coming out set in these COVID times we are still living in. While COVID is not central in the book, I appreciated it lurking in the background, bring realism and relevance to what is a great page turning mystery. Sean Nolan is a relatable, chilled, funny and caring character who is determined to dig deeper into why ABCDE, who he has guardianship over, attempted suicide while taking certain drugs. The more he digs, the more layers are peeled back and the more he is determined to get to the bottom of the dark side of the pharmaceutical world.
I loved how, right from the start, the author painted such a good picture of Dr Sean which was then reflected in everything that came next. Treating a patient, not by the book, but certainly following the right moral course of action illuminated the reader from the get go.
When I started reading I had not appreciated that this was the last of several in the series of Dr Sean Nolan Mysteries. It is down to great writing that allowed me to pick up and thoroughly enjoy the book in spite of not reading what had come before, and also great writing that has made me want to go back and read the series from the beginning!
I loved how, right from the start, the author painted such a good picture of Dr Sean which was then reflected in everything that came next. Treating a patient, not by the book, but certainly following the right moral course of action illuminated the reader from the get go.
When I started reading I had not appreciated that this was the last of several in the series of Dr Sean Nolan Mysteries. It is down to great writing that allowed me to pick up and thoroughly enjoy the book in spite of not reading what had come before, and also great writing that has made me want to go back and read the series from the beginning!
March 4, 2022
I enjoyed this book even more than I thought I would from reading the blurb. The characters are well written, and the plot is excellent. I think it's safe to say I'll be reading more of this author's books soon.
I had never read a book by this author but was soon drawn in by the characters and the plot. At first, I was worried that the book took place as Covid hit the world would take me out of the book. I seriously didn't want to read a book about the virus. However, it was done the right way and not made to be the center of the novel, but put in the background.
I found myself laughing out loud at some parts, as the dialogue was snappy, on point, and funny at times.
The fact that the author dealt with the pandemic, a mystery, and managed to throw some humor into the mix simultaneously had me reading well into the night. As I said previously, I'll be reading more of this author and can't wait for the next in the series.
I had never read a book by this author but was soon drawn in by the characters and the plot. At first, I was worried that the book took place as Covid hit the world would take me out of the book. I seriously didn't want to read a book about the virus. However, it was done the right way and not made to be the center of the novel, but put in the background.
I found myself laughing out loud at some parts, as the dialogue was snappy, on point, and funny at times.
The fact that the author dealt with the pandemic, a mystery, and managed to throw some humor into the mix simultaneously had me reading well into the night. As I said previously, I'll be reading more of this author and can't wait for the next in the series.
February 25, 2022
Covid Pandemic has shaken the whole world to the core. The main plot of 'Coitioned' is set up against the Covid times. The main protagonist, Dr. Sean Nolan, is known for uncovering the mystery shrouded criminal cases. His earlier cases can also be read in the previous books by the author. However, present book is complete in itself. In the present book Dr. Sean undertakes the journey to find the reasons behind the suicide attempt by his close friend which reveals the conspiracies prevalent in the medicine and pharma industry. The story is full of mystery, thrill and suspense and the reader won't be able to put the book down, and the background of Covid times make it a compelling read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2022
E.W. Johnson, M.D. does an excellent job meshing the world of fiction with current day events. Beautifully written and hysterically witty, Johnson crafts a thrilling story against current events that many of us can relate to. The twists and turns, all the way until the end, had me constantly on the verge of my seat and wondering what was going to happen next. After working in the medical field, it was fun to see the medical facts and terminology thrown into the mix and made it all the more enthralling.
February 28, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this. I wasn't really into the idea of a book centered around covid. But the writing was entertaining and easy to read. I really enjoyed that the pandemic was more in the background and secondary to the actual plot. For a while, I felt like it could've been left out entirely but it all came full circle at the end, which I loved. The writing sometimes felt a little cheesy and forced for my liking but overall it was interesting and a good read. The characters were likeable and well thought out. I think I'll read the other books in this series.
March 3, 2022
great great great !
Constantly things changed in the story, much as in real life. I could hardly put the iPad down and the ending made me hope that the next book will still have the same characters !
Constantly things changed in the story, much as in real life. I could hardly put the iPad down and the ending made me hope that the next book will still have the same characters !
April 1, 2022
Really enjoyed this book and I even read it as a stand-alone! I hadn’t realized it was in a series, but it didn’t matter. The author did a great job of summarizing past adventures that I assume are in earlier books. It was suspenseful enough to keep me reading well past my bedtime!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews