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Dr. Cathy Moreland Mystery #5
Clinically Dead
When she pays a condolence call to medical secretary Sara Wiseman, Dr Cathy Moreland is a bit taken aback to find Sara more upset about the recent suspicious death of her colleague at the hospital than the loss of her own mother. But Cathy is far more surprised when Sara’s husband later confides that he suspects Sara was having an affair with the dead doctor—and that he fears it was the least of her transgressions. Could she have had something to do with not only his demise but with her own mother’s?
When the postmortem reveals the doctor had a chemical in his system that was stored in the pathology lab—and it becomes apparent that a large amount of the toxin has gone missing—Cathy agrees to assist her friend and fellow doctor Suzalinna in the investigation. She can only hope she doesn’t wind up in the mortuary herself . . .
When the postmortem reveals the doctor had a chemical in his system that was stored in the pathology lab—and it becomes apparent that a large amount of the toxin has gone missing—Cathy agrees to assist her friend and fellow doctor Suzalinna in the investigation. She can only hope she doesn’t wind up in the mortuary herself . . .
- GenresMystery
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2022
17 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Mairi Chong
12 books39 followersMairi grew up in the north-east of Scotland. The dramatic coastal village proved to be the perfect back-drop for imaginative play alongside her brothers.
"The neighbours must have hated us. We were always up on someone's shed roof tracking down smugglers, or digging in a ditch, hoping to unearth hidden treasure!"
Mairi read voraciously from a young age. Both her father and grandfather were great storytellers and read aloud to her, encouraging her to invent stories of her own. Their support led her to gaining a scholarship to study creative writing at a prestigious summer school.
In reading, she gravitated towards crime fiction, beginning with Agatha Christie, and moving on to Dorothy L. Sayers and Josephine Tey.
"I must have been a bit of a pig at school. I remember at the age of ten asking if the library had Bleak House! In my defence, I still think it was a good call. Dickens was one of the great pioneers in detective fiction."
Creativity took a backseat when Mairi chose to study Medicine at Dundee University. She qualified as a general practitioner, enjoying the variety of the work.
"I suppose I fell in love with every medical specialty as I moved through university. I especially enjoyed A&E and psychiatry. When I think about it, it’s probably because both involved listening to people’s stories."
Within General Practice, Mairi specialized in addictions psychiatry, women’s health and family planning, but following the devastating personal diagnosis of bipolar disorder, swiftly followed by renal cancer, she was forced to take a career break.
"It was a wake-up call really. I was ambitious and the illnesses forced me to prioritise. In many ways, it was the best thing that could have happened to our family. I realised that I needed to be at home with my beloved son. I felt that I had missed out on too much. As I slowly recovered, I read with him the stories I had myself once loved. I found it brought back my own appetite for books. I think, what with the mental illness and work, I had lost that part of myself entirely. The writing came not long after. It seemed like a very natural progression. Like rediscovering a long forgotten and much- loved friend."
Happily, Mairi has been declared free from cancer and now lives a peaceful existence deep in the Scottish countryside with her husband, son, cats and horses. She has even been known to deliver the odd calf for the neighbouring farmer if he’s in a fix.
"Stories are everywhere around me; I don’t need to go hunting for them. Sometimes the smallest comment or thought can spark an idea for a book. I know it seems impossible, surrounded by such beauty, but believe it or not, it’s the ideal place to plot a murder."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 2, 2022
Talk about a toxic workplace! Clinically Dead is the fifth book in the Dr Cathy Moreland series, about a Scottish GP who can’t stop herself uncovering wicked murders. I’ve read all of these in order, which helps in better understanding the main characters, but is not necessary to enjoy the mystery - although they’re all great, so you may as well start at the beginning. I liked the way that much of this was told from the perspective of a complex new character - who is both pitiful and despicable - and who may or may not turn out to be a suspect.
Sara is a middle-aged medical secretary with a difficult home life, and a painful crush on one of her younger colleagues in the hospital pathology department. When Cathy pays a condolence visit after the death of Sara’s elderly mother, she is bemused by her reaction - and becomes concerned about her possible role in a second death that night. Then her best friend Suzalinna decides she too wants to play detective, putting not just her home life at risk - can Cathy solve the heinous crime without losing everything she holds dear?
This was another clever mystery with a range of possible suspects, and once again I didn’t guess the killer until the final reveal. I liked the way Suz’s amiable husband Saj had a bigger role here, and the introduction of a love interest for Cathy added an interesting new dimension - you’d think he would run a mile after their first “date!” There’s perhaps a little too much coincidence in how everything ties together, but I can forgive that as common to most crime fiction - it would all be too obvious otherwise.
One of the things I most appreciate about this series is how the author accurately portrays the crushing workload of NHS General Practice, a system which survives on the dedication of its workers, and combines relentless stress with mind-numbing drudgery, where neither doctor nor patient is ever happy, and the worrying never stops. It’s been 22 years since I left but it seems nothing has changed - all those daily (and mostly pointless) house calls - ugh. (Here in NZ we only do home visits to the terminally ill - everyone else manages to get themselves to the doctor.) A good reminder of why I’m never going back!
Cathy’s bipolar disorder is referenced - both her anxiety about keeping it under control, and the effects it has had on her relationships felt very believable - and the author cunningly makes you wonder whether she is actually becoming hypomanic, as she stays up at night crime-fighting in the firm belief that she’s better at it than the police (once more, it turns out she’s right - her local detectives do seem particularly inept!) 4.5 stars, rounded up for great writing and intriguing characters.
I received a complimentary ARC direct from the author and am posting this honest review voluntarily. Clinically Dead is published on May 18th.
Sara is a middle-aged medical secretary with a difficult home life, and a painful crush on one of her younger colleagues in the hospital pathology department. When Cathy pays a condolence visit after the death of Sara’s elderly mother, she is bemused by her reaction - and becomes concerned about her possible role in a second death that night. Then her best friend Suzalinna decides she too wants to play detective, putting not just her home life at risk - can Cathy solve the heinous crime without losing everything she holds dear?
This was another clever mystery with a range of possible suspects, and once again I didn’t guess the killer until the final reveal. I liked the way Suz’s amiable husband Saj had a bigger role here, and the introduction of a love interest for Cathy added an interesting new dimension - you’d think he would run a mile after their first “date!” There’s perhaps a little too much coincidence in how everything ties together, but I can forgive that as common to most crime fiction - it would all be too obvious otherwise.
One of the things I most appreciate about this series is how the author accurately portrays the crushing workload of NHS General Practice, a system which survives on the dedication of its workers, and combines relentless stress with mind-numbing drudgery, where neither doctor nor patient is ever happy, and the worrying never stops. It’s been 22 years since I left but it seems nothing has changed - all those daily (and mostly pointless) house calls - ugh. (Here in NZ we only do home visits to the terminally ill - everyone else manages to get themselves to the doctor.) A good reminder of why I’m never going back!
Cathy’s bipolar disorder is referenced - both her anxiety about keeping it under control, and the effects it has had on her relationships felt very believable - and the author cunningly makes you wonder whether she is actually becoming hypomanic, as she stays up at night crime-fighting in the firm belief that she’s better at it than the police (once more, it turns out she’s right - her local detectives do seem particularly inept!) 4.5 stars, rounded up for great writing and intriguing characters.
I received a complimentary ARC direct from the author and am posting this honest review voluntarily. Clinically Dead is published on May 18th.
August 25, 2022
Thank you Bloodhound books for the kindle copy in exchange for a honest review. Dr Cathy Moreland is fast becoming my favourite mystery series. Sara's mother sadly passed away while Sara and her work colleagues were on a night out. Cathy is concerned when she does a bereavement visit as Sara is more upset about the death of one of her colleagues. It comes to light that lethal drugs were missing from Sara's workplace. Is Sara responsible for the death of her mother and colleague? Another great mystery for Dr Cathy Moreland.
April 23, 2022
A hugely enjoyable read – totally recommended
I looooved this. What a relief to be genuinely caught up in such a roll-of-a-read, after a run of dull plotless ones. As soon as I started, I knew I could relax into the safe hands of this writer: the prose is crisp and energised, the characters are original and engaging, and the plot is bulging with intrigue and momentum. I quickly realised that the book has a very believable underpinning that makes it extra-engrossing as all the medical stuff rings so true. I looked the writer up and saw that she was a doctor. She uses this knowledge to add fascinating details and believability.
The book has two main voices, both 3D and engaging. Firstly, there’s Sara the medical secretary, with her attraction to Michael, one of her colleagues in the morgue where she works, and struggling with her very relatable exhausted care for her ageing mother. And secondly, there’s Dr Cathy Moreland, GP, whose best friend’s husband works at the same morgue at Sara. When Sara’s mother and Michael both die, Cathy questions whether these deaths were in fact murders. The book is full of clever red herrings, believably flawed characters and a dash of humour. The final pull-back-and-reveal was very satisfying, and I hadn’t guessed it at all.
I thought this book was a stand-alone, and it totally works as such, but it’s part of a series. What a treat to be able to read more such enjoyable novels.
I looooved this. What a relief to be genuinely caught up in such a roll-of-a-read, after a run of dull plotless ones. As soon as I started, I knew I could relax into the safe hands of this writer: the prose is crisp and energised, the characters are original and engaging, and the plot is bulging with intrigue and momentum. I quickly realised that the book has a very believable underpinning that makes it extra-engrossing as all the medical stuff rings so true. I looked the writer up and saw that she was a doctor. She uses this knowledge to add fascinating details and believability.
The book has two main voices, both 3D and engaging. Firstly, there’s Sara the medical secretary, with her attraction to Michael, one of her colleagues in the morgue where she works, and struggling with her very relatable exhausted care for her ageing mother. And secondly, there’s Dr Cathy Moreland, GP, whose best friend’s husband works at the same morgue at Sara. When Sara’s mother and Michael both die, Cathy questions whether these deaths were in fact murders. The book is full of clever red herrings, believably flawed characters and a dash of humour. The final pull-back-and-reveal was very satisfying, and I hadn’t guessed it at all.
I thought this book was a stand-alone, and it totally works as such, but it’s part of a series. What a treat to be able to read more such enjoyable novels.
May 16, 2022
This is the book that revived my love of cosy mysteries. Even if you're not familiar with the series this is a great place to jump in and get hooked. The mystery is artfully built up with an excellent sense of tension and pace. There are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing!
May 17, 2022
I have read all the books currently in this series and loved them all! They are all brilliant Murder mysteries, but can be read as stand-alone’s but are much better when read in order. I hope there will be more to come!
May 18, 2022
Middle aged Sara Wiseman works as a medical secretary in the hospital’s pathology department and also cares for her elderly mother who has Alzheimer’s and is declining rapidly. Her husband John built a granny flat at their house so she is never really off duty. Lately the couple has drifted apart and Sara has dreams about the new doctor at work, Michael Croft, but he is married to an attractive ENT nurse and has a nasty habit. At a work’s meal one evening to boost morale which includes Professor Huxley who is unhappy with Michael’s attitude and work on his pet research project, and also Dr Saj Bhat, married to Cathy Moreland’s best friend Suzalinna, the atmosphere turns sour. When Sara is collected by John, she definitely has something on her mind she needs to confess. Events unfold pretty quickly as John and Sara arrive home to find police have forced entry to their house and discovered Sara’s mother dead. Cathy is happy to confirm natural causes since she has a long patient history with the lady. Then news breaks the next morning that Michael has also died in the night, apparently suicide from ingestion of a very nasty chemical. One that was supposed to have been returned by someone in the pathology department. Could the two deaths be mere coincidence wonders Cathy? Or does someone have murder in mind? Dr Cathy Moreland is back in another mystery and this time she has help in the form of best friend Suzalinna but will Suz prove a help or a hindrance?
The intrigue is kept up well throughout this story and, with plenty of red herrings and twists along the way, I was changing my mind about who the baddie could be right up to the end. It was great to see Suz and Saj taking larger roles this time and I would recommend reading the whole series to fully appreciate the history and great relationships between all these characters. Well written with a clever plot, once again a shocking ending delivers good news to some and justice to others. 5*
The intrigue is kept up well throughout this story and, with plenty of red herrings and twists along the way, I was changing my mind about who the baddie could be right up to the end. It was great to see Suz and Saj taking larger roles this time and I would recommend reading the whole series to fully appreciate the history and great relationships between all these characters. Well written with a clever plot, once again a shocking ending delivers good news to some and justice to others. 5*
May 8, 2022
An absorbing and chatty Scottish-based mix of Agatha Christie meets Emmerdale, this is the first of the Dr. Cathy Moreland series I have had the pleasure to read - a situation I would like to remedy quickly.
Dr. Cathy is an earnest, sincere woman, a somewhat-frazzled GP who knows her duty, sees her long list of patients, does her best, and can’t help but be drawn in to assist when things don’t quite seem to add-up.
A woman who has experienced her own dark side, Dr. Cathy is being treated for bipolar disorder, a devastating mental illness which although now under control through medication, has cleaved her professional and personal life into two camps - those quick-to-demonstrate caring and protective oversight (her closest personal and professional friends), and those now on the outskirts, disengaged and shrugging cold-shoulders mired in ignorance and marginalization (the others).
When Sara Wiseman, a medical secretary in her late forties, and a patient of Cathy’s, becomes entangled in not one, but two potentially-suspicious deaths, Cathy feels compelled to come to her assistance.
With the help of her connections and colleagues, including close-friends ENT Dr.
Suzalinna Bhat and her husband, pathologist Dr Saj Bhat, (a partner in the practice that employs Sara), Cathy soon finds criminal-activity looming around every corner, sucking all in its path into the murky depths of suspicion.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly, - a gossipy, intimate and engrossing read, with just the right amount of murder and mayhem - leaving me both satisfied (with the well-crafted ending) and wanting (eager to read more of Dr. Cathy).
A great big thank you to the author and the publisher @BloodHound books for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
Dr. Cathy is an earnest, sincere woman, a somewhat-frazzled GP who knows her duty, sees her long list of patients, does her best, and can’t help but be drawn in to assist when things don’t quite seem to add-up.
A woman who has experienced her own dark side, Dr. Cathy is being treated for bipolar disorder, a devastating mental illness which although now under control through medication, has cleaved her professional and personal life into two camps - those quick-to-demonstrate caring and protective oversight (her closest personal and professional friends), and those now on the outskirts, disengaged and shrugging cold-shoulders mired in ignorance and marginalization (the others).
When Sara Wiseman, a medical secretary in her late forties, and a patient of Cathy’s, becomes entangled in not one, but two potentially-suspicious deaths, Cathy feels compelled to come to her assistance.
With the help of her connections and colleagues, including close-friends ENT Dr.
Suzalinna Bhat and her husband, pathologist Dr Saj Bhat, (a partner in the practice that employs Sara), Cathy soon finds criminal-activity looming around every corner, sucking all in its path into the murky depths of suspicion.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly, - a gossipy, intimate and engrossing read, with just the right amount of murder and mayhem - leaving me both satisfied (with the well-crafted ending) and wanting (eager to read more of Dr. Cathy).
A great big thank you to the author and the publisher @BloodHound books for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
May 16, 2022
The fifth in the series of Cathy Morland GP so far and, having read three of the previous novels, found it easy to slip back into Cathy’s life; almost like meeting up with an old friend you haven’t seen for a while.
Whilst this is a continuation, there is no reason why the novel cannot be read as a stand-alone, as it gives sufficient background detail of the main characters to make it an enjoyable read so you don't feel you have missed out any detail that is relevant to the characters and the way they act/react to things.
Along the way, the novel depicts the workings of a GP surgery and the challenges faced every day, which is really interesting in itself and certainly makes me feel more sympathy for what happens in a doctors’ surgery on a day-to-day basis.
This was another clever mystery with, once again, a range of plausible suspects and, whilst I had my suspicions quite early on as to who had ‘done it’, it was only at the end that the other suspects were finally eliminated. I liked the way we get to know a bit more about Suzalina’s husband, Saj,in this book too. The introduction of a potential love interest for Cathy moves her story along and I look forward to future novels which (hopefully) develops this strand, although given their pretty odd first date you’d think he’d run for the hills!
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Whilst this is a continuation, there is no reason why the novel cannot be read as a stand-alone, as it gives sufficient background detail of the main characters to make it an enjoyable read so you don't feel you have missed out any detail that is relevant to the characters and the way they act/react to things.
Along the way, the novel depicts the workings of a GP surgery and the challenges faced every day, which is really interesting in itself and certainly makes me feel more sympathy for what happens in a doctors’ surgery on a day-to-day basis.
This was another clever mystery with, once again, a range of plausible suspects and, whilst I had my suspicions quite early on as to who had ‘done it’, it was only at the end that the other suspects were finally eliminated. I liked the way we get to know a bit more about Suzalina’s husband, Saj,in this book too. The introduction of a potential love interest for Cathy moves her story along and I look forward to future novels which (hopefully) develops this strand, although given their pretty odd first date you’d think he’d run for the hills!
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2022
This was my introduction to Dr. Moreland and her friend Suzalinna, and I was especially interested because a) I have an aunt in the medical profession with bi-polar and we watched her struggle for years until they got her meds sorted enough so that she could continue working. Cathy Moreland certainly seems to have overcome a lot in order to get to the place she is in now!
and
b) I had a friend when I lived in Scotland who was *Just* like Suzalinna, so curious and bubbly and needing to delve into details, get more info... but sometimes a bit reckless with it all.
This medically-set cozy certainly had some great twists and I loved the balance of dialogue and description, which I always look for. If it's too much of one and not enough of the other, I find it hard to read; Mairi Chong has just the right amount indeed! Not to mention, she's made her doctors and nurses and lab technicians speak seemingly as they would to each other, but with their speech common enough for the layman to understand. I loved this aspect as I've read other medical mysteries/thrillers which are either bogged down in medical terminology OR which leave the reader feeling it's been 'dumbed-down'. Neither of these was the case here.
Clinically Dead was a most enjoyable read, and I must now search out more of Dr. Moreland's mysteries!
and
b) I had a friend when I lived in Scotland who was *Just* like Suzalinna, so curious and bubbly and needing to delve into details, get more info... but sometimes a bit reckless with it all.
This medically-set cozy certainly had some great twists and I loved the balance of dialogue and description, which I always look for. If it's too much of one and not enough of the other, I find it hard to read; Mairi Chong has just the right amount indeed! Not to mention, she's made her doctors and nurses and lab technicians speak seemingly as they would to each other, but with their speech common enough for the layman to understand. I loved this aspect as I've read other medical mysteries/thrillers which are either bogged down in medical terminology OR which leave the reader feeling it's been 'dumbed-down'. Neither of these was the case here.
Clinically Dead was a most enjoyable read, and I must now search out more of Dr. Moreland's mysteries!
May 16, 2022
This is book 5 in the Dr. Cathy Moreland Mystery series and whilst it’s good to know the background, as with the other books, it can be read as a standalone. Unlike previous books in the series Cathy doesn’t appear until we are a fair way into the book, about 25% in. Cathy is a Scottish GP who is bipolar but her illness is now controlled with drugs, however, she seems to attract murders and is quite adept at solving them. I’ve read and enjoyed all the books in the series so far and this is no exception.
Briefly, Sara is a middle-aged rather plain secretary working in a hospital pathology department. She has a crush on a Doctor who works in pathology with her. Following the death of Sara‘s mother Cathy pay’s Sara a visit. However Sara seems more upset about the death of her secret crush who died after an office night out and it appears to be suicide. Once again Cathy’s ‘little grey cells’ are at work! She starts investigating the two cases with some help from her friend Suzalinna, whose husband Saj also works in the pathology department.
As with all the books there are a number of suspects and at some time or other I suspected most of them. In fact everyone but the actual killer! This is quite a cozy mystery so if you are after blood and gore this is not one for you. But if you want a clean, enjoyable, easy read then grab it now. Another very good book in this lovely series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Briefly, Sara is a middle-aged rather plain secretary working in a hospital pathology department. She has a crush on a Doctor who works in pathology with her. Following the death of Sara‘s mother Cathy pay’s Sara a visit. However Sara seems more upset about the death of her secret crush who died after an office night out and it appears to be suicide. Once again Cathy’s ‘little grey cells’ are at work! She starts investigating the two cases with some help from her friend Suzalinna, whose husband Saj also works in the pathology department.
As with all the books there are a number of suspects and at some time or other I suspected most of them. In fact everyone but the actual killer! This is quite a cozy mystery so if you are after blood and gore this is not one for you. But if you want a clean, enjoyable, easy read then grab it now. Another very good book in this lovely series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
May 7, 2022
I read this without realising it wasn't the first in a series, and can categorically state it was fine to read as a standalone - there were a few passing comments about the main character having investigated deaths before, but nothing I felt I needed to know before reading this one. And, I enjoyed this enough to go back and read the others.
Clinically Dead ticks all the expected boxes to fit an enjoyable and well-written cosy mystery. It has twists, turns, mysteries, and a typically interfering amateur detective or two. The author's medical expertise shines through, but is never intrusive or 'difficult' - the medical terminology is slipped in effortlessly and adds great authenticity to the story.
I particularly liked the way the author led us along the 'could have been any of them' path, and how the main investigating character jumped to many wrong conclusions along the way. The story has more than one layer of mystery and, as always in cosy, it was fun to guess my own conclusions as the story unfolded (I was wrong, though!)
As a fellow cosy writer, and one who read a lot of cosy as part of my Creative Writing degree, I am happy to place this author on any 'must-read cosy list'.
Clinically Dead ticks all the expected boxes to fit an enjoyable and well-written cosy mystery. It has twists, turns, mysteries, and a typically interfering amateur detective or two. The author's medical expertise shines through, but is never intrusive or 'difficult' - the medical terminology is slipped in effortlessly and adds great authenticity to the story.
I particularly liked the way the author led us along the 'could have been any of them' path, and how the main investigating character jumped to many wrong conclusions along the way. The story has more than one layer of mystery and, as always in cosy, it was fun to guess my own conclusions as the story unfolded (I was wrong, though!)
As a fellow cosy writer, and one who read a lot of cosy as part of my Creative Writing degree, I am happy to place this author on any 'must-read cosy list'.
May 19, 2022
This book is coming out May 18, 2022. This is a Dr. Cathy Moreland Mystery. In order of reading: 1. Death by Appointment, 2nd Murder & Malpractice, 3rd Deadly Diagnosis, 4th.Shootig Pain, 5. Clinically Dead out now May 18, 2002, coming soon Lethal Resuscitation June 15, 2022.
Clinically Dead (Dr. Cathy Moreland Mystery #5 book) is a delight to read. The mystery starts off on the 1st page. It will have you emotionally invested. I was wondering what happen? Who? Why? How? When? I had to read to get the details of what this was about. I cannot tell you to many details for giving something away. But you will enjoy the book. You will have characters like Mrs. Sara Wiseman a medical secretary in Pathology, husband Mr. John Wiseman, Dr. Michael wife Victoria, Dr. Bhat, Professor Huxley Lab tech. Ettie, Jennifer, and medical secretary Agnes, that works with Sara Wiseman, Sara's mother Mrs. Golding had Alzheimer's and getting frail. Saj, and Suzalinna, husband and wife, Chris also, and even more characters you will meet inside this novel.
Clinically Dead (Dr. Cathy Moreland Mystery #5 book) is a delight to read. The mystery starts off on the 1st page. It will have you emotionally invested. I was wondering what happen? Who? Why? How? When? I had to read to get the details of what this was about. I cannot tell you to many details for giving something away. But you will enjoy the book. You will have characters like Mrs. Sara Wiseman a medical secretary in Pathology, husband Mr. John Wiseman, Dr. Michael wife Victoria, Dr. Bhat, Professor Huxley Lab tech. Ettie, Jennifer, and medical secretary Agnes, that works with Sara Wiseman, Sara's mother Mrs. Golding had Alzheimer's and getting frail. Saj, and Suzalinna, husband and wife, Chris also, and even more characters you will meet inside this novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2022
I have read all of these books so far and each one gets better and better. This is my favourite as it feels more personal with more involvement from Suzalinna and Saj when a colleague of Saj's dies from an apparent suicide after a department night out.
At the same time, there is the death of the mother of one of the medical secretaries in the same department, ostensibly from old age and dementia but after some remarks, Cathy is wondering if there was anything suspicious involved.
There is some turmoil here with Cathy and Suzalinna getting involved in Saj's workplace and as previously stated, I enjoyed this more personal element to the story. There are several potential suspects in play and it seems there's also some missing chemicals from the lab.
I was so engrossed in this and read it in a day. The constant questioning of what was suspicious or not and what secrets people were hiding kept me gripped throughout. I can't wait for the next in the series.
At the same time, there is the death of the mother of one of the medical secretaries in the same department, ostensibly from old age and dementia but after some remarks, Cathy is wondering if there was anything suspicious involved.
There is some turmoil here with Cathy and Suzalinna getting involved in Saj's workplace and as previously stated, I enjoyed this more personal element to the story. There are several potential suspects in play and it seems there's also some missing chemicals from the lab.
I was so engrossed in this and read it in a day. The constant questioning of what was suspicious or not and what secrets people were hiding kept me gripped throughout. I can't wait for the next in the series.
May 18, 2022
Thank you to Bloodhound books and the Author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 5th book in the Cathy Moreland series and it doesn’t disappoint!
Cathy is a GP partner in a busy surgery but also likes to solve deaths/murders on the side.
This story involves Sara, a medical secretary in a morgue who has a crush on one of the junior doctors, Michael who is on placement there. She is in a loveless marriage and is struggling to care for her elderly sick mother.
When both Sara’s mother and Michael end up dead and a lethal substance missing from the morgue, Sara is key suspect. But did she really do it?
This was another very enjoyable read with twists and turns throughout. I can’t wait for the next in the series as there is a live interest for Cathy and can’t wait to see how that evolves.
This is the 5th book in the Cathy Moreland series and it doesn’t disappoint!
Cathy is a GP partner in a busy surgery but also likes to solve deaths/murders on the side.
This story involves Sara, a medical secretary in a morgue who has a crush on one of the junior doctors, Michael who is on placement there. She is in a loveless marriage and is struggling to care for her elderly sick mother.
When both Sara’s mother and Michael end up dead and a lethal substance missing from the morgue, Sara is key suspect. But did she really do it?
This was another very enjoyable read with twists and turns throughout. I can’t wait for the next in the series as there is a live interest for Cathy and can’t wait to see how that evolves.
May 18, 2022
I didn't realize when I chose this book that it was book 5 of a series about the Dr. Cathy Moreland Mysteries. I was tempted to put it aside until I could start with book 1. However, with nothing else to read....I began. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't need any background to follow the story. It was easy to get aquainted with the characters and the story-line needed no prequel. As the story begins, you are pretty sure you've already figured it out. But just wait - there is twist after twist waiting throughout the book. It was an entertaining read. So it's your turn to read and figure out "who did it?".
May 18, 2022
I enjoyed reading this suspenseful story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. One of the things I enjoy most about this author is their ability to pull me into the story from the start. Her characters are not only connectable and make the story come to life. This is a well written story that has twists and turns you won't see coming. They are sitting on the edge of your set, need to know more characters. This is a fast paced, engaging, hard to put down story. An entertaining story that is easy to read and has great plot growth. I highly recommend this book.
May 18, 2022
Another excellent Cathy Moreland mystery!
This time a young, seemingly arrogant doctor has died and there is a connection between the case and the husband of Cathy's best friend. Cathy has to figure out if Saj is involved or if he is an innocent bystander.
This is another excellent story by Chong. She has an ability to make it seem completely natural that Dr. Cathy would get involved in these cases. She doesn't seek them out. She stumbles on them and she often doesn't want to be involved but she has a passion for helping give people closure.
I really love this series and I can't wait for another one!
This time a young, seemingly arrogant doctor has died and there is a connection between the case and the husband of Cathy's best friend. Cathy has to figure out if Saj is involved or if he is an innocent bystander.
This is another excellent story by Chong. She has an ability to make it seem completely natural that Dr. Cathy would get involved in these cases. She doesn't seek them out. She stumbles on them and she often doesn't want to be involved but she has a passion for helping give people closure.
I really love this series and I can't wait for another one!
May 18, 2022
The best so far. There is trouble in the path lab at the hospital, to ease the tension the Prof suggests a meal out. Unfortunately tensions rise and the meal is not a great success, the night gets worse as fist Sara, one of the secretaries, gets home to discover her mother has died. Later Michael, the registrar died at the end of the night out.
Dr Cathy gets involved after remarks made to her by Sara’s husband, that Sara might have had a hand in her mothers death.
Just a really good read as Cathy and her friend investigate the deaths.
Dr Cathy gets involved after remarks made to her by Sara’s husband, that Sara might have had a hand in her mothers death.
Just a really good read as Cathy and her friend investigate the deaths.
May 1, 2022
Murder seems to follow Cathy around and once again she becomes embroiled in discovering what has happened with one of her patients. This time it involves her best friend Suzalina, when a colleague of her husband dies after a work night out. The connection between him and her patient, a medical secretary, throws doubt on things. If you're after a simple murder mystery you won't be disappointed.
May 10, 2022
Clinically Dead is the fifth in the Cathy Morland Mysteries and I have been fortunate to read them all. The story concerns two deaths that occur on the same night that are linked by Cathy's patient, Sara Wiseman. One is Sara's mother and the other her colleague, Michael who it appears she has a quite a crush on, even though he is much younger.
After signing the death certificate for Sara's mother, Cathy becomes concerned by Sara's behaviour and decides to report her misgivings to the Procurator Fiscal. On hearing from her best friend Suzalinna that there has been a death in the Pathology Department where her husband, Saj works and that person is Michael, Cathy is persuaded to carry out some investigations of her own. Suzalinna is desperate to be involved but Cathy has her misgivings as Saj is none too pleased with his wife's interference. When it is discovered that some dangerous chemicals in Pathology were not returned to the supplier it begins to look like Michael's death may not have been a suicide and when Suzalinna also goes missing Cathy starts to wonder what they have got themselves into.
I enjoyed this latest mystery from Mairi Chong and it was good to see that Cathy may have made a romantic attachment. Many thanks to Bloodhound books for an ARC, the views are my own.
After signing the death certificate for Sara's mother, Cathy becomes concerned by Sara's behaviour and decides to report her misgivings to the Procurator Fiscal. On hearing from her best friend Suzalinna that there has been a death in the Pathology Department where her husband, Saj works and that person is Michael, Cathy is persuaded to carry out some investigations of her own. Suzalinna is desperate to be involved but Cathy has her misgivings as Saj is none too pleased with his wife's interference. When it is discovered that some dangerous chemicals in Pathology were not returned to the supplier it begins to look like Michael's death may not have been a suicide and when Suzalinna also goes missing Cathy starts to wonder what they have got themselves into.
I enjoyed this latest mystery from Mairi Chong and it was good to see that Cathy may have made a romantic attachment. Many thanks to Bloodhound books for an ARC, the views are my own.
May 13, 2022
Wanting a break from ordinary cozy mysteries and medieval whodunits I decided to join Ms. Chong’s ARC team. I had finished Books 1 and 2 which could be read as stand alones so I was very interested in Book 5 (3 and 4 are still on the “To Be Read” list). When my ARC arrived I was not disappointed. So much intrigue! This book I could not put down. I found myself saying “ No, surely that can’t be right” and “Well, well. I wasn’t expecting that.” and “I’ll just read another chapter.” and “Just one more chapter”.
I can count on one hand the authors who write modern mysteries that grab my attention and don’t let go until the last page. Well, I think I need to start another hand now. Books 3 and 4 here I come.
I can count on one hand the authors who write modern mysteries that grab my attention and don’t let go until the last page. Well, I think I need to start another hand now. Books 3 and 4 here I come.
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May 13, 2022This is Book 5 in the Dr Cathy Moreland Mysteries although can be read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend the first four books as they won’t disappoint.
This book centres around a patient of Dr Cathy Moreland, Sara whose mother passed away while she was out on a works dinner. When Cathy attends the house for a bereavement visit, she is met by the husband. The husband explains that not only had her mother died the previous night but also a doctor from the pathology lab where she was a secretary. Sara seems more upset that the young Dr had died than her own mother. Is there something here? Mysteries seem to follow her about.
Enter her best friend Suzalinna who is dying to get involved with one of Dr Cathy’s investigations this one especially as the young Dr worked at her husband’s lab. I would definitely recommend this book an enjoyable read.
This book centres around a patient of Dr Cathy Moreland, Sara whose mother passed away while she was out on a works dinner. When Cathy attends the house for a bereavement visit, she is met by the husband. The husband explains that not only had her mother died the previous night but also a doctor from the pathology lab where she was a secretary. Sara seems more upset that the young Dr had died than her own mother. Is there something here? Mysteries seem to follow her about.
Enter her best friend Suzalinna who is dying to get involved with one of Dr Cathy’s investigations this one especially as the young Dr worked at her husband’s lab. I would definitely recommend this book an enjoyable read.
May 21, 2022
Every time I think this author has written her best, the next book is even better. Now we're on book 5 we know the main characters quite well, but each book deepens our knowledge of them and their friendships and foibles. The plot for this one was full of twist and red herrings, as a good crime book should be, and kept me guessing right to the end.
May 18, 2022
I was lucky enough to be an advanced reader for this amazing, gripping book! I yet again did not guess who the murderer was. Twists, turns and secrets make this a great read!
May 16, 2022
I would firstly like to thank Mairi Chong and Bloodhound books for my ARC copy of this book. I have read them all so far and thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. I hope there will be more books like this one to come.
May 12, 2022
This is the 5th book in the Dr Cathy Moreland series and it doesn’t disappoint. I have read four of the five books. The author gives the reader enough information about the characters previous lives that enables this book to work equally well as a stand alone.
The book begins with a death and we meet the people that are linked to the victim. Dr Moreland´s friend Suzalina gets involved in the investigation.
A great read and I am looking forward to the next one.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for my ARC.
The book begins with a death and we meet the people that are linked to the victim. Dr Moreland´s friend Suzalina gets involved in the investigation.
A great read and I am looking forward to the next one.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for my ARC.
May 12, 2022
Another good book by this author! The action pulls you along by keeping you by turns curious and in suspense, as Cathy investigates what might be two related murders. One of them is an aged patient of hers, and although judged as a plain death by the police, Cathy suspects more when the husband reports a strange conversation. Her colleagues Suz and Saj are wonderful friends and help her in her search for the truth behind this and the death of a young flirty doctor in Pathology. Very, very hard to put down – great writing! - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.
May 16, 2022
A fun murder mystery with a likable protagonist and a plot with enough twists to keep the reader guessing. This is the 5th book in a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone.
May 7, 2022
The fifth in the series, and definitely my favourite so far!
Dr Cathy Moreland finds herself caught up in a suspicious death of a member of staff from the pathology department at the local hospital, where her friend Saj works. Best friend Suzalinna, who happens to be Saj's wife, is keen to help Cathy work out what happened, but is she too close to events to do so?
Another great story, lots of twists and turns. I especially liked the arrival of Cathy's old friend Chris - can't wait to see more of him in the next book!
Dr Cathy Moreland finds herself caught up in a suspicious death of a member of staff from the pathology department at the local hospital, where her friend Saj works. Best friend Suzalinna, who happens to be Saj's wife, is keen to help Cathy work out what happened, but is she too close to events to do so?
Another great story, lots of twists and turns. I especially liked the arrival of Cathy's old friend Chris - can't wait to see more of him in the next book!
May 12, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book and this is my own honest review.
Having read the rest of this series, this book has been eagerly awaited. It was great catching up with Cathy. Both the narrative and characters flow seamlessly from one book to another. Each has multiple layers, giving an intriguing read. A host of interesting personalities that fit together well give depth.
A Highly Recommend series.
Having read the rest of this series, this book has been eagerly awaited. It was great catching up with Cathy. Both the narrative and characters flow seamlessly from one book to another. Each has multiple layers, giving an intriguing read. A host of interesting personalities that fit together well give depth.
A Highly Recommend series.
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