When Dr. Brad Parker helps investigate the death of a patient at a Portland, Maine cancer center, he senses a coverup to protect the responsible physician. His suspicions are quickly confirmed when both doctors involved in the case are found dead. As Brad and his partner—FBI agent Karen Richmond—investigate, they uncover a hospital-based sex trafficking operation. Leaving them struggling to identify the man at the top before the victim count rises.
Geoffrey M. Cooper is an award-winning author of medical thrillers and a 2023 Maine Literary Award Finalist in Crime Fiction. His experience as a former cancer researcher and scientific administrator, having held positions at Harvard Medical School and Boston University as professor, department chair, and associate dean, now provides extensive background for his novels. He lives in Ogunquit, Maine.
Perilous Obsession is the fifth entry in the Brad Parker and Karen Richmond series, and I gobbled it up as quickly as I did the first four. Cooper has a way of drawing you in, both with his easy writing style and his quickly paced prose. This time around, Brad is asked to join an investigative committee looking into the drug overdose of a cancer patient due to physician error. Seems straightforward enough—until it isn’t. Soon Brad and Karen are caught up in a case with much darker roots.
Fans of medical thrillers will love seeing Brad, a cancer researcher, continue to strengthen his investigative skills—not to mention his self-defense moves!—with the help of his FBI agent girlfriend, Karen, a tough and determined woman who is every bit as likable as Brad. The setting of Maine and the culinary descriptions are a delicious bonus.
Thanks to the author and publisher for an advance reading copy of this enjoyable thriller!
Another fast-paced thriller from Geoffrey Cooper, the fifth in the series. This time Brad Parker and Karen Richmond are drawn into investigating a sex trafficking ring with connections to a major medical institute.
Strictly speaking, you can read this book without reading any of the previous Brad and Karen books. But, unlike the others, I have to say I think you shouldn’t. The way the characters develop is an important element of this book. So, I don’t think it’s possible to fully enjoy this story without already being familiar with the dynamic between Brad and Karen.
And so if you have read the other books in the series, you’ll be glad to know that this one is just as enjoyable as the rest. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys thrillers.
This book kept me hooked from the start. I highly recommend it and I'll be looking to read more by Geoffrey Cooper! I won this on the Goodreads giveaways. Big thanks to them, I've been be a be author to follow.
An overdose, murders, an institutional cover-up, and human trafficking, this book had it all.
The fifth book in the Brad Parker and Karen Richmond medical thriller series starts off with a prologue from the overdose victim’s perspective, immediately drawing you in. We then move into the first few of many easy-flowing chapters, where Brad serves as an external consultant of a committee investigating the overdose victim’s death and which of the two doctors who treated her are at fault, only for his opinions to be completely overlooked and dismissed.
The action of the book gets underway once both doctors are found dead. From here, Brad and Karen’s investigation flows at a simultaneously fast but easy-to-follow pace. We’re led by Cooper into considering that either the deaths were a murder-suicide, or revenge by the overdose victim’s loved ones, or to prevent a wrongful termination lawsuit, to finally the covering up of a hospital-based sex trafficking operation. Cooper has us ponder all possibilities and suspects in a way that feels natural and easy, and exciting without feeling too jarring or all over the place.
As a book that’s part of a series, especially the latest instalment, it has to play double duty of referencing the previous instalments and being a solid stand-alone novel. I felt that the occasional references to the previous instalments were mostly naturally placed, although they did feel a little forced at times. In regards to Perilous Obsession as a stand-alone novel, its combination of a compelling plot, well-paced action, and quieter moments exploring Brad and Karen’s developed relationship, made for a real-page turner. I also felt that Cooper’s experience as a former cancer researcher and scientific administrator, as well as his research trips to the locations that are featured, make the novel, its plot, and its characters feel more realistic and authentic.
It will be interesting to see where Cooper will take Brad Parker and Karen Richmond next, if he writes another instalment.
Perilous Obsession is a riveting page turner that hooks the reader from the very beginning. It’s a great introduction to the medical thriller genre for those who are new to the genre, like I am. The plot took a rather different turn than what I was expecting at the beginning of the book, but it still turned out to be a very interesting and complex plot. Several of the chapters end with cliffhangers and major twists, which I loved. In addition, Cooper (the author) seamlessly weaves in reminders in the latter portions of the book and when the plot picks up of what occurred towards the beginning of the book, making it easy to keep track of the many connections between the characters, as well as plot developments and twists, so this book is especially geared towards those who have a more difficult time remembering such things or remembering those characters that made infrequent appearances. In addition, Cooper provides a realistic description of the inner workings of large sex trafficking operations and stings, without going into gruesome detail about sexual assault. He also weaves in informative and intriguing descriptions of various processes, things, and places, describing various self – defense tactics, the history of some natural landmarks in the northeastern U.S., and the inner workings of some bureaucratic and institutional mechanisms. Fans of Maine and scenic descriptions and locations will like this book, as Cooper frequently makes references to Maine’s oceanfront scenery. Foodies will really love this book because Cooper frequently takes a break from the plot to focus on various cuisines and types of dishes, without getting too sidetracked. Finally, Cooper takes a good look at a variety of “white collar” psychopaths, i.e. those psychopaths who work in leadership positions in highly respected fields who defy many peoples’ expectations of what a psychopath looks like. I particularly liked this aspect of the book, as most psychopaths are actually not serial killers or regularly violent criminals, as mentioned in Mary Ellen O’Toole’s book, Dangerous Instincts.
This is the fifth novel in a series involving Dr. Brad Parker and his romantic partner FBI agent Karen Richmond, the first that I have read. Dr. Parker is enlisted by a major medical center to participate in a committee charged with reviewing the death of a cancer patient due to an overdose of medication sustained over a week. The other patients are all from the medical center and report in the work setting to the chair of the committee. The Committee interviews the doctor in charge of the section and the physician (fellow) who was actually treating the patient and responsible for seeing that the drug was administered. There is a question of whether the lady in charge had issued clear direction re the dosage or whether the younger male doctor, who comes across as somewhat arrogant and cocky, had misinterpreted the dosage instructions. Dr. Parker forms the opinion that the cocky young doctor was responsible for the dosage error and the death of the patient. But he is outvoted by the other members of the committee who follow the direction of the chair who decide to fire the lady in charge of the section.
Afterwards Dr Parker concluded that he was being used for window-dressing to create the impression of an independent review. It seemed clear that the fix was in before the Committee met. But why and who gave the order?
A couple of days later both doctors end up murdered . It appears that the younger doctor had murdered the lady in charge and then committed suicide. But Parker concludes that it is a frame up and in effect both were murdered. Despite compelling evidence to support his conclusion, Karen's FBI partner is pushing the suicide theory.
Later Parker and Redmond discover that there is a trafficking of young high school girls for sex to older men underway. And this is linked to the incidents at the medical center and the murders. But who is responsible? Parker's deductive powers lead them along a path which lead to the toppling of a pillar of the community.
If you are looking for a book that will keep you turning pages, look no further than Geoffrey M. Cooper’s Perilous Obsession! We follow the story through the eyes of the main protagonist, Dr. Brad Parker, as he solves medical mysteries with his wife, Karen. Don’t let the names stop you from picking up Perilous Obsession, Brad and Karen are about as far away from their namesake stereotypes as possible. With undertones of discussions around prejudice, misogyny, wealth, and power, Cooper’s novel keeps the reader on their toes the entire time.
I read this book in one sitting. Did I have other things to do? Yes. But I couldn’t put it down. I felt like I had to know what happened next. It seemed like there was a twist or turn in every chapter and I didn’t predict any of them. The writing style drew me in immediately and I was instantly in the world of the characters, trying to figure out the mystery with them. I laughed out loud in some sections and I almost cried at the end.
I felt very connected to Brad and Karen throughout the entire book. The character of Brad especially felt very genuine to me and I enjoyed being a part of his inner world for 200 pages. The antagonists were less fleshed out, however, I don’t think that mattered as much because we were meant to understand that they were bad from the beginning, the mystery was about figuring out exactly which bad person did which bad thing and finding a way to prove it.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to delve into a mystery for half a day. Brew a few cups of coffee and jump into the world of Brad and Karen, you won’t regret it.
Trigger warnings: medical malpractice, sexual assault of a minor
'She watched helplessly as her nurse turned on the IV and the poison started streaming through her body. For the third day in a row. Maybe if she took a deep breath and mustered all her energy, she could scream. Maybe that would make the nurse stop. She gave it a try, but all that came out was a low moan. ' Can we just start by appreciating that's a brilliant opening? Medical thrillers are not really my thing. I've read Antigenesis and The Silent Patient, but I've never been into the genre. I think this series will change it. The story starts with an apparent simple case of medical negligence. As the story progresses, it becomes yet another story of trafficing, abuse of power, and corruption. Cooper's writing is good. I literally read this entire novel in one sitting. I am someone who generally rages against romantic subplots. But this was well done. In fact, I won't say there was a romantic subplot. Rather, it just so happens the protagonists are a couple, and their relationship is essential to the plot. While there is a scene some readers might be uncomfortable with because it flirts with the illegal, I think it was necessary to this story.
I obviously started with book 5. But I am puting the other four Brad Parker and Karen Richmond books on my TBR.
'Then Karen turned to me with an expression that looked more like an executioner than the woman I loved. “I’m going to get these sick bastards,” she said. “Whoever did this to her is dead meat.”'
Cooper continues his ongoing Brad Parker series with this exciting fifth installment, "Perilous Obsession". Dr. Brad Parker and his partner, FBI agent Karen Richmond have recently moved in together to a cozy beach front house on Drakes Island, Maine, in order to be closer to Brad's job as Director of MTRI. Brad is asked to serve on an investigation committee after a lethal chemotherapy dosage kills a patient at a hospital in Portland. He begins to suspect something is amiss when both doctors involved in the cancer patient's case are suddenly murdered. And once again, Brad finds himself in the middle of another troubling case. Upon further investigation, Brad and Karen discover that the hospital is involved in a sex trafficking ring with a list of very high profile clients. Together, the pair devise a plan to save the teenage girls involved in the ring. Cooper's writing style has a way of just hooking readers and I found it difficult to put this book down. The chapters are short and the plot is fast-paced and entertaining. It's easy to get caught up in the hi-jinks Brad and Karen get themselves into but I also enjoy that the romantic aspect of their relationship is relatively minor and doesn't draw attention away from the main plot. One aspect I really enjoy about this series is that readers can read the books in any order and still have a good understanding of the characters and plot. I would definitely recommend this to medical thriller fans looking for a quick read.
Geoffrey M. Cooper has continued his series of medical thrillers starring the team of Brad Parker and Karen Richmond with his latest entry, “Perilous Obsession.” With this fifth installment, Cooper takes the reader into the dark world of human trafficking.
Parker and Richmond are easy protagonists to root for, and I enjoyed the dynamic between them. As Parker is a PhD with a science background, he offers a compelling viewpoint that balances Richmond’s passionate FBI investigator. Cooper nicely imbues his characters with a sense of humor that balances the dark storyline very well. I also appreciated Cooper’s own nods to another great writer in medical thrillers; he mentions Robin Cook and his novels that “popularized the genre” several times throughout the story. There are some twists along the way that resulted in a well-earned, but satisfying conclusion to this reader.
This thriller was well-plotted and offers short chapters that encourage you to read just one more. Although this is my first Cooper novel, it will certainly not be my last. With his medical background and local knowledge of Maine, he adds realism and thoughtful touches to his story. I’m looking forward to reading his backlist, as he offers small suggestions to the previous stories without giving them entirely away. Highly recommend this thriller from Geoffrey M. Cooper.
Dr. Brad Parker helps investigate the death of a cancer patient who received a lethal dosage of chemotherapy during her treatment. Reaching the cancer center, he suspects a cover-up, which quickly snowballs when the two doctors under investigation concerning the patient's death are murdered. His partner, Karen Richmond, an FBI agent, is called in, and they uncover much more than medical malpractice.
Perilous Obsession is the latest book in this medical thriller series, and it doesn't disappoint. The book picks up where the last finished with Dr. Brad Parker and Karen Richmond and the new life they've started together. Besides this, the rest of the story is a whole new thriller. Perilous Obsession, like the previous installments, can be read as a standalone.
From beginning to end, the story is well written, and the plot is full of twists and turns. The writing style is relaxed and flows easily. You can immediately put yourself into the story through Brad's first-person perspective. You can tell by how the book is written that the author has established these characters well throughout the series. Perilous Obsession is an addicting read that becomes more immersive the further you read.
I highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys thrillers and perhaps wants to read a day away on a great story. Perilous Obsession is a great addition to the series!
Cooper’s book starts by unveiling an accidental death of a chemotherapy patient at a cancer center. The death triggers an investigation and Professor Brad Parker is brought along to assist with the malpractice investigation. The Professor already senses something fishy when the two doctors who were directly involved with the patient, turn out dead with suspicion of murder. The situation sure appears as a cover-up with the entire scene staged as a suicide. Parker in turn decides to work alongside his life partner FBI agent Karen Richmond to investigate the case. Turns out there is more to the story when when they discover a sex trafficking ring and institutional corruption all backed up with high profile clients. The novel is a delightful read as Cooper gives an accurate description of the inner workings of medical institutions that give the plot its credibility. He clearly knows how to hook readers with a direct and functional writing style that makes the book an informative read from the first paragraph. Even though there is no credibility with the Professor who is portrayed as waltzing in and out of the FBI operation without being questioned, it does not stop the proceedings. The book is intriguing, with the plot advancing at a brisk pace.
This will be the third book from Geoffery M. Cooper that I will have read--all in the same series. What I do enjoy about these books is that you don't necessarily need to read them in order or within the context of the series. You could pick up any of them and still fully comprehend the characters' histories and the elements of these books that thread them together. It's a special ability, frankly, for an author to be so adept at writing and so connected to his own characters that he can bring them to life for any reader at any point.
This book does not disappoint. More medical mysteries, criminal thrills, love lines, and small-town mayhem. I enjoy so deeply that these books take place in Maine, where I'm from and currently live. I think Portland's potential is underestimated and Cooper does such a wonderful job at highlighting Portland's ability to rival other cities in a literary context BECAUSE of its small-town-ness.
Cooper has given us another complex and intriguing story and I relished every moment of reading it. I so look forward to more from this author and from these characters. May the mayhem never end!
Perilous Obsession by Geoffrey M. Cooper is a fantastic medical thriller novel. The book follows the story of Dr. Brad Parker and his partner- FBI agent Karen as they investigate a seemingly straightforward murder case that turns into something more sinister. The book's fast-paced storyline helps create an apt environment filled with suspicion. In addition to this statement, the excellent plot development amounts to making this book a more engaging and exciting read. The shocking twists and turns make the readers bite their nails out of anticipation. Even though the book deals with topics such as sex trafficking, the erotic and profane content is minimal. An equally satisfying conclusion follows the somber tone of the story. Another fascinating fact about the book is that the detailed plot does not leave any gaps in the story, thus creating a complete circle. Overall this medical thriller makes for a unique reading experience. The presence of themes such as murder, rape, and sex trafficking make this book a preferable reading experience for adult audiences. I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book is perfect for readers interested in mystery and thriller novels.
Even though this book was my first introduction to this series, Geoffery M. Cooper wrote the characters well enough that I didn’t feel lost. Although, when I came to leave a review and found that this was actually the fifth installment of this series, a few missing pieces made more sense. While I’ve never worked in a hospital like Dr. Brad, I do work in healthcare. It was such a relief to have an accurate depiction of the medical world unlike how most pop culture represents healthcare (cough, cough, Gray’s Anatomy).
If you like shows similar to The Blacklist and Bones, then I can guarantee you will like this book. There’s the perfect amount of drama, romance, mystery solving and tension sprinkled all throughout this book. I found myself reading this book during all of my free time; I just couldn’t put the book down! There are many unexpected twists in the plot, but they all flow together nearly seamlessly. I highly recommend this book!
"Perilous Obsession: A Medical Thriller (Brad Parker and Karen Richmond Medical Thrillers)" is a medical thriller and the fifth installment in the series by Geoffrey M. Cooper. Here, Cooper analyzes a complex theme that is rarely spoken about:human trafficking. With a compelling tale at hand, he manages to weave a story that captured my heart to the very end. In this volume, Brad and Karen's investigative skills and background in the medical world play out smoothly as they investigate a double homicide. This text is gripping and eye-opening as well. You know you have read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend. This literary work of art did just that to me. It also boasts of a rich descriptive style that transports the reader into its world as it unlocks the inner sleuth in you. Cooper managed to pique my interest in this genre. I highly recommend his work to anyone looking for a good book that defies quick solutions.
I don't normally read a lot of medical thrillers but I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I'm definitely more drawn to the thriller aspect. This book has the medical component it at its heart it is truly a thriller. It's a quick read since you won't want to put it down. Unlike a lot of thriller that draw things out this one is fast paced and constantly evolving.
The narrator Brad is intelligent and witty and easily likeable. His partner Karen is just as well written. I enjoyed their dynamic and how they compliment each other. And I liked that the book starts with the main mystery with smaller size stories that you know must be connected but you aren't sure how. I had a fun time trying to anticipate connections and solve the mystery. The only thing I thought was kind of weird was that Karen was able to include Brad in every aspect of the investigation. I don't work for the FBI so I'm not sure how realistic that is but it didn't take anything away from the story.
Reading about Dr. Parker and his partner, Karen, is enjoyable. While I haven't read any of the other Brad Parker and Karen Richmond books, I didn't feel lost. Also, the book moves quickly from one scene to another, and the moments at home with Brad, Karen, and Rosie (the pug) are really great. It's nice to see some authentic romance and comedy in the genre, and the characters are easy to root for.
All this being said, the story was rather simple, and I wish the plot was a little less predictable. The case connections feel a little too easy, and it didn't feel like we were "discovering" things with the characters but rather going through the motions with something that had been set up long ago.
Neither the characters nor the audience have to work very hard, but that's kind of the book's charm. It's lots of fun and easy to read, but nothing to write home about.
I'm sure if you liked the other Brad Parker and Karen Richmond books, you will like this one, too.
This medical thriller grabs the reader's attention from page one and doesn't let go. Fans of the genre will appreciate the detailed fast-pace of the novel, and those who haven't read medical thrillers are sure to become fans. The story follows Brad Parker and Karen Richmond as they delve into a patient dying from a lethal dose of chemotherapy in which both doctor's involved in the case are murdered. What they find is that the hospital in question is the home of a sex-trafficking ring, and the two protagonists embark on a mission to save the teenage girls involved. There is a component of romance between Parker and Richmond which adds depth to the story. Location plays a key role with many descriptions of Maine that bring the setting to life. Though this is one of a series of thrillers, it can be read as a stand alone volume. Readers who enjoy unexpected plot twists, dynamic scenery, culinary escapades, and a touch of romance are sure to find enjoyment in this one.
This book by Geoffrey M. Cooper is a book I would recommend to people who love medical thrillers. The prologue of the book was pretty amazing because I got a rough idea of what the story was about. I loved how the author owned the story hence making the reader to remain glued to it. I also enjoyed how the story continued to unfold and I was not left in suspense. The camaraderie between Brad Parker and Karen Richmond is to die for. They were lovers as well as partners and always quick to help each other in times of trouble. Their commitment to help others cannot be ignored especially with Karen when it came to finding justice for girls who had been sexually assaulted. A lot of moral lessons can be derived from this story. One of them being that it is important to always stand for the truth and not be coerced as it was clearly demonstrated by Brad.
Perilous Obsession was amazing. This is the first Brad Parker and Karen Richmond thriller I’ve read, but I was easily able to pick up the story and not feel behind. Brad is asked to join a committee investigating a patient overdose at a local hospital. One thing leads to another, and he and Karen discover the hospital is linked to a sex trafficking ring.
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning. Each chapted was filled with action, and even though at times I thought I had the plot figured out, Cooper always threw in another twist. I was left guessing until the end!
I absolutely loved the down to earth characters and their relationship with each other. The book has a good balance of dialogue, description, and action. I can’t believe how fast I devoured this book and would love to read more by Cooper.
Perilous Obsession is a really good, intriguing and mysterious read. I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, but that didn't detract from what is essentially a self-contained story. In the style of a good old-fashioned murder mystery, the story gets going immediately and doesn't pause for breath whilst the author leads you between possible conclusions, suspects and motives. I genuinely didn't know what was going to happen next and - given that the book is relatively short - it kept my attention from start to finish. I really wanted to know what happened at the end! I think I will definitely go back and read other books in the series, particularly to find out more of the backstory of the main characters, Brad and Karen, and hope that those earlier books are as good as this one.
Another great mystery from Geoffrey M Cooper, “Perilous Obsession” picks up action with each turn of the page. Dr. Brad Parker, once again, finds himself mixed in the center of trouble when the medical investigation committee he is invited to serve on has unexpected secrets that run deeper than anyone first realizes. The attention to detail in the story and the continued romance of the main characters, is well balanced by the thrill of mystery, where the truth doesn’t fully come together until the very end. I have read many of the previous installments with these characters and, while it’s nice to have the full background on them, it isn’t necessary to enjoy the book as a standalone. If you have enjoyed any of the other Cooper medical thrillers, this one will not disappoint.
It was a pretty good book. I'm a huge fan of medical thrillers in the vein of Robin Cook, and while this one wasn't the best in the medical thriller genre (I'm not even sure I'd consider it a "thriller"), it was a decent and entertaining read. The suspense and medical drama were light but just enough to keep me turning the pages. I'm not at all a fan of books dealing with human trafficking, but I gave it a shot in the hopes of finding a good medical drama. If you're sensitive to profanity, note that there's quite a bit of it. There were also a couple situations of flirtatious sexual talk, but nothing explicit. There was a short sexual scene toward the end that I could've lived without reading. All-in-all, I'd probably read another of the author's books in the future.
Having read and enjoyed Cooper’s previous medical thriller, ILL INTENT, I didn’t hesitate to grab Perilous Obsession and For me, this book was even better! Cooper wasted less page space describing what he and Karen were eating and devoted more room to character development and plot. Whoo-hoo! The result? A fantastic, fast paced plot that was incredibly credible, and a great cast whose feelings were so relatable. I love a novel that challenges me to try and locate the bad person pulling the strings until he gets caught up in them and strangles himself. That’s what Cooper gives us here. If that’s your kind of story, you’ll love this!
Perilous Obsession has our favorite couple solving yet another mystery. This time, Geoffrey M. Cooper takes us on a thrilling ride where everything is not as it seems. The way that the author blends the subplot with the main plot so smoothly is impeccable. Not to mention, it's always a pleasure to read a story that has the right amount of cute moments with the main characters without it overshadowing the whole story. There are also moments where one doesn't know what's going to happen until the end. Overall, this was a good thriller that anyone who loves thriller books would enjoy. This book definitely gets a four out of five star rating.
When Brad Parker gets invited to sit in on a hospital's review of what appears to be a doctor's mistake, it seems straightforward. Someone made a medical mistake, killing a patient. Little does he know he's in for a ride! He discovers the coverup and wonders why the guilty doctor is safe. As he goes digging, he stumbles on a sex trade ring that is run from the hospital. Calling on his fiancee, Karen Richmond, they come up with a rescue plan. Will it work? Will they survive? Will the girls survive or will they be taken elsewhere? Grab a copy to find out and get ready for a wild trip!
I enjoy medical thrillers. But I must point out that the pharmacy would have noted the drug dose error. Also in today's medical centers physicians do listen to nurses. Safety in cancer treatments is high priority with double and triple checks especially in treatments that occur over several days. The FBI part was interesting and I have enjoyed previous books of this author.
Cooper once again proves he's a skilled writer adept at weaving a complex plot and a team of Dr. Brad Parker and FBI Agent Karen Richmond whose relationship and skills keep everything moving at break-neck speed. In this story about murder and sex trafficking is a drama perfect for fans of medical thrillers. Action-packed with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.