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Prognosis Critical: An Authentic Medical Thriller
Where deadly secrets are the norm, even for those who've sworn to help, how far will one dedicated doctor go to save her career?"Sizzles with authenticity." - CJ Lyons, NYT Bestselling Author
Dr. Jacey Flanigan has worked tirelessly to achieve her dream of becoming a pediatric cardiologist. But when she moves to Manhattan to begin her career at a prestigious children's hospital, she discovers that the medical profession may not be what she expected. An encounter with an arrogant heart surgeon on her first day sets the tone for what's to come - a world of enigmatic physician behavior and questionable cardiac surgical practices cloaked in secrecy.
As she navigates this new world, Jacey finds herself facing a difficult moral turn a blind eye to malpractice and protect her fledgling career, or risk everything by delving deeper into suspicious activity.
With deadly secrets and unexpected consequences lurking around every corner, Jacey must decide whether to stay silent or speak up, even if it means putting everything on the line ... including her life.
If you like taut mysteries that keep you guessing to the very end, then you will love Dr. Gary Birken's suspenseful and authentic medical thriller.
Buy Critical now and get your pulse racing!
Dr. Jacey Flanigan has worked tirelessly to achieve her dream of becoming a pediatric cardiologist. But when she moves to Manhattan to begin her career at a prestigious children's hospital, she discovers that the medical profession may not be what she expected. An encounter with an arrogant heart surgeon on her first day sets the tone for what's to come - a world of enigmatic physician behavior and questionable cardiac surgical practices cloaked in secrecy.
As she navigates this new world, Jacey finds herself facing a difficult moral turn a blind eye to malpractice and protect her fledgling career, or risk everything by delving deeper into suspicious activity.
With deadly secrets and unexpected consequences lurking around every corner, Jacey must decide whether to stay silent or speak up, even if it means putting everything on the line ... including her life.
If you like taut mysteries that keep you guessing to the very end, then you will love Dr. Gary Birken's suspenseful and authentic medical thriller.
Buy Critical now and get your pulse racing!
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2022
1044 people are currently reading
601 people want to read
About the author
Gary Birken
14 books130 followersGary Birken is a full-time pediatric surgeon, medical thriller author, husband, father, grandfather, and more.
Born and raised in New York, Birken completed his undergraduate studies in Ohio, spent two years studying in Paris, before returning to complete his general and pediatric surgery training at the Ohio State University Hospital and Columbus Children’s. Upon completion of his fellowship in pediatric surgery, Birken moved to Hollywood, Florida where he has spent his entire professional career. Presently, Birken serves as the Surgeon-In-Chief of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
As an Author, Gary Birken approaches novel writing as a means not only to entertain, but to educate the reader in a particular area of medicine. Birken’s approach to each book is first selecting a timely or controversial topic in medicine and then, using it as a springboard, Birken weaves a story of suspense and conspiracy around it.
When Birken is not in the operating room or writing his next medical thriller, he plays tennis, basketball and holds a black belt in martial arts.
Born and raised in New York, Birken completed his undergraduate studies in Ohio, spent two years studying in Paris, before returning to complete his general and pediatric surgery training at the Ohio State University Hospital and Columbus Children’s. Upon completion of his fellowship in pediatric surgery, Birken moved to Hollywood, Florida where he has spent his entire professional career. Presently, Birken serves as the Surgeon-In-Chief of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
As an Author, Gary Birken approaches novel writing as a means not only to entertain, but to educate the reader in a particular area of medicine. Birken’s approach to each book is first selecting a timely or controversial topic in medicine and then, using it as a springboard, Birken weaves a story of suspense and conspiracy around it.
When Birken is not in the operating room or writing his next medical thriller, he plays tennis, basketball and holds a black belt in martial arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 29, 2025
Ooooooooo! I am so happpyyyyy I borrowed this, I am a sucker for anything medical and surgery/surgeons, (I wanted to be a surgeon but broke as a joke)
I MUST get my hands on the rest of Mr. Birken's work..
I MUST get my hands on the rest of Mr. Birken's work..
December 16, 2022
Thank you in advance to the author; Gary Birken, MD; for providing a complimentary review copy through iRead Book Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
As someone who grew up around the medical field, I often find some books lacking in either credibility or believability. And, while I understand they are works of fiction – they should have “some” basis in reality.
Imagine my surprise when an ACTUAL doctor wrote a medical suspense/thriller. I was thrilled and everything about this grabbed me!
To be honest, I have been going through a family emergency, and I completely forgot about this book, so I dreaded having to read this and review it in the space of 18 hours; staying up all night to work on this.
No worries there! Right off this grabbed my attention and I read it in under 2½ hours. To say it held my attention is an understatement, and it really is a “can’t-put-it-down” type of read. So, there was no doubt this was going to keep me up anyway.
While this is a medical suspense/thriller, it isn’t gory. There are references to illegal adoptions, a cancer diagnosis, and threats against children though.
There are multiple POVs, but it is Jacey’s POV the reader sees more of.
The prologue threw me for a loop, and I was eagerly waiting to read for some connection.
Told in three parts, and using short chapters, Birken hits the ground running and doesn’t stop.
Readers are introduced to Tim and Abby who are adopting a baby. Then, a year or so later, when Jacey is new to Manhattan Children’s Heart Hospital, Tim and Abby are there regarding Jenna’s heart surgery. But, there is something amiss and it ends up being fatal for Tim.
On her first day, Jacey is introduced to Dr. Gault and the “hospital” politics. It is clear something is going on. And, after she consults with her father – another doctor – she gets some interesting advice.
Jacey is thrown for a loop when her college friend’s son is brought in. Even more stunning is the boy’s rapid decline that leaves him near-death. Despite her newbie status, Jacey isn’t going to just sit back and not try to look into the boy’s “complications”.
But, that isn’t all she soon discovers. And, she also realizes what lengths some will go to when it comes to preserving the good name of the hospital as she soon ends up being the victim of a review board.
In order to clear her name, she ends up breaking a few rules and is asked what is more important – her career or the truth?
And, Birken definitely holds the reader’s interest until the last pages with a surprise that I would not have ever anticipated. [FYI: it works SO well].
I’m sure as a doctor, the author has seen things. I know my mother has told me quite a few stories from the Emergency Department, an outpatient clinic, medical/surgical floor, as well as a transplant floor. So, I wasn’t too surprised by how well this turned out or its believability.
I was surprised by the real “culprit”. I was SO SURE I KNEW who it was. I have to hand it to the author – this certainly is a shrewdly designed plot. Jacey’s research and discovery wasn’t too shocking, but I love how she presented everything to the board.
For those who think Dr. Nichols’ denial of the evidence might be farfetched – I’ve actually met, known, and worked for people like him. His reaction is astoundingly realistic.
There was only one issue I had – it was a “mugging” of Jacey and the mugger used the term “clip” with regard to emptying the weapon’s bullets into Jacey’s side. The correct term is “MAGAZINE”. While some authors, TV shows, and movies often say “clip” – it is incorrect and some who work with and around firearms will likely cringe at the gaffe.
However, the medical language is 100% accurate, but might overwhelm some readers. I had no issues with the terms as my mother worked in a hospital as a Unit Clerk for 25 years, was a volunteer, as well as a pre-med explorer. Interestingly though, my preferred path was criminal justice.
There are a few instances at the end of the book where Jacey’s last name of Flanigan is misspelled as Flanagan; however, if there were any other typos, I probably skipped them. That says a lot about how well written and paced this book was.
Overall, this is a slick and unpredictable read that could definitely work as a movie with its realistic story-telling and dramatic plot. This was extremely fast-paced and I felt myself trying to keep up – especially with my notes.
While the author was new-to-me when I read this, I am definitely interested in his past and future work.
Fans of the author and/or medical thrillers won’t want to miss this. Those who enjoy standalone reads as opposed to series will be happy to know this is a standalone read.
As someone who grew up around the medical field, I often find some books lacking in either credibility or believability. And, while I understand they are works of fiction – they should have “some” basis in reality.
Imagine my surprise when an ACTUAL doctor wrote a medical suspense/thriller. I was thrilled and everything about this grabbed me!
To be honest, I have been going through a family emergency, and I completely forgot about this book, so I dreaded having to read this and review it in the space of 18 hours; staying up all night to work on this.
No worries there! Right off this grabbed my attention and I read it in under 2½ hours. To say it held my attention is an understatement, and it really is a “can’t-put-it-down” type of read. So, there was no doubt this was going to keep me up anyway.
While this is a medical suspense/thriller, it isn’t gory. There are references to illegal adoptions, a cancer diagnosis, and threats against children though.
There are multiple POVs, but it is Jacey’s POV the reader sees more of.
The prologue threw me for a loop, and I was eagerly waiting to read for some connection.
Told in three parts, and using short chapters, Birken hits the ground running and doesn’t stop.
Readers are introduced to Tim and Abby who are adopting a baby. Then, a year or so later, when Jacey is new to Manhattan Children’s Heart Hospital, Tim and Abby are there regarding Jenna’s heart surgery. But, there is something amiss and it ends up being fatal for Tim.
On her first day, Jacey is introduced to Dr. Gault and the “hospital” politics. It is clear something is going on. And, after she consults with her father – another doctor – she gets some interesting advice.
Jacey is thrown for a loop when her college friend’s son is brought in. Even more stunning is the boy’s rapid decline that leaves him near-death. Despite her newbie status, Jacey isn’t going to just sit back and not try to look into the boy’s “complications”.
But, that isn’t all she soon discovers. And, she also realizes what lengths some will go to when it comes to preserving the good name of the hospital as she soon ends up being the victim of a review board.
In order to clear her name, she ends up breaking a few rules and is asked what is more important – her career or the truth?
And, Birken definitely holds the reader’s interest until the last pages with a surprise that I would not have ever anticipated. [FYI: it works SO well].
I’m sure as a doctor, the author has seen things. I know my mother has told me quite a few stories from the Emergency Department, an outpatient clinic, medical/surgical floor, as well as a transplant floor. So, I wasn’t too surprised by how well this turned out or its believability.
I was surprised by the real “culprit”. I was SO SURE I KNEW who it was. I have to hand it to the author – this certainly is a shrewdly designed plot. Jacey’s research and discovery wasn’t too shocking, but I love how she presented everything to the board.
For those who think Dr. Nichols’ denial of the evidence might be farfetched – I’ve actually met, known, and worked for people like him. His reaction is astoundingly realistic.
There was only one issue I had – it was a “mugging” of Jacey and the mugger used the term “clip” with regard to emptying the weapon’s bullets into Jacey’s side. The correct term is “MAGAZINE”. While some authors, TV shows, and movies often say “clip” – it is incorrect and some who work with and around firearms will likely cringe at the gaffe.
However, the medical language is 100% accurate, but might overwhelm some readers. I had no issues with the terms as my mother worked in a hospital as a Unit Clerk for 25 years, was a volunteer, as well as a pre-med explorer. Interestingly though, my preferred path was criminal justice.
There are a few instances at the end of the book where Jacey’s last name of Flanigan is misspelled as Flanagan; however, if there were any other typos, I probably skipped them. That says a lot about how well written and paced this book was.
Overall, this is a slick and unpredictable read that could definitely work as a movie with its realistic story-telling and dramatic plot. This was extremely fast-paced and I felt myself trying to keep up – especially with my notes.
While the author was new-to-me when I read this, I am definitely interested in his past and future work.
Fans of the author and/or medical thrillers won’t want to miss this. Those who enjoy standalone reads as opposed to series will be happy to know this is a standalone read.
January 26, 2025
I like a good medical conspiracy!
Good entertaining medical thriller. The author had me reading well into the night and only falling asleep could derail me until the next morning where I quickly took up where I left off and read til I finished satisfied with the ending as I sighed contentedly! So, in my estimation: good book
Good entertaining medical thriller. The author had me reading well into the night and only falling asleep could derail me until the next morning where I quickly took up where I left off and read til I finished satisfied with the ending as I sighed contentedly! So, in my estimation: good book
November 21, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Prognosis Critical and hated to put it down! It only took me two nights to read it front to back!
I felt the mysteries in the book were almost ‘dead ends’ – they were secretive, but you knew something was off, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on what it was. One thing wouldn’t be solved and we would learn about something new – all the while, you are trying to piece together how they all fit together and who is behind everything.
As the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place, I could see what was happening, but there were definitely a couple of twists that I never saw coming – which only makes the read all that more enjoyable!
Prognosis Critical has conspiracy, fraud, suspense, murder, a hint of romance – an all around amazing mystery read!
I felt the mysteries in the book were almost ‘dead ends’ – they were secretive, but you knew something was off, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on what it was. One thing wouldn’t be solved and we would learn about something new – all the while, you are trying to piece together how they all fit together and who is behind everything.
As the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place, I could see what was happening, but there were definitely a couple of twists that I never saw coming – which only makes the read all that more enjoyable!
Prognosis Critical has conspiracy, fraud, suspense, murder, a hint of romance – an all around amazing mystery read!
March 1, 2025
Enjoyed
A few typographical errors. The storyline was excellent. So many stories in the story. I really enjoy this author. If you like medical/hospital drama, here it is.
A few typographical errors. The storyline was excellent. So many stories in the story. I really enjoy this author. If you like medical/hospital drama, here it is.
November 21, 2022
This is the first medical mystery and my first book by this author. I was not disappointed with my choice. This story is easy to follow. Something seems wrong to a new doctor and she follows it to keep her patients safe. I liked the authors writing style. You do not need to be familiar with medicine to read this book. The medical terms are high level and easy to understand how they fit with the story. If you like medical suspense, you will enjoy this book.
November 7, 2022
Excellent book keeps you on edge I read several books by this Author and I’ve been pleased with all his writing.
November 7, 2022
Amazing read! I highly recommend to anyone looking for a great medical mystery! I could not put it down!
Read
November 6, 2022Great read and it kept me intrigued until the end.
September 11, 2022
Great read, clean and very interesting
This is my first book by this author. It's a fantastic story about a doctor who shrewdly uncovers unethical practices at a hospital and the challenges she undergoes upon discovery.. The villains aren't as obvious as they may seem at first, so one has to keep reading to find out who they really are and what happens. As well, the reader is left wondering if the end justifies the means and if so, where does one draw the line? If you enjoy a solid, clean (no excessive foul language) drama with a bit of mystery and ethical dilemma tied in, you'll like this book, and this author, as I do. I would definitely recommend.
This is my first book by this author. It's a fantastic story about a doctor who shrewdly uncovers unethical practices at a hospital and the challenges she undergoes upon discovery.. The villains aren't as obvious as they may seem at first, so one has to keep reading to find out who they really are and what happens. As well, the reader is left wondering if the end justifies the means and if so, where does one draw the line? If you enjoy a solid, clean (no excessive foul language) drama with a bit of mystery and ethical dilemma tied in, you'll like this book, and this author, as I do. I would definitely recommend.
December 6, 2022
Prognosis Critical is first and foremost a medical thriller. There is a mystery to solve, there are unexpected deaths, and most frightening of all is it centers around vulnerable young children. These are all definite trigger points for me. so I knew I would be affected reading this book.
Dr. Jacey Flanigan truly shined in her pediatric residency. While she had many offers to chose from, she decides to join The Children's Heart Hospital in Manhattan based on it's incredible reputation. From the moment she arrives, her instincts start whispering that something is off. The surgeons are touchy about anyone, including the cardiologists, helping with their patients. Most won't even let anyone outside their team watch their surgeries. Even more interesting is they won't operate unless they have their specific team.
And the numbers are off. The young patients they operate on have a recovery rate for surgery that is way out of line with the results at hospitals around the country. Then one of Dr. Flanigan's friends has a child who almost dies awaiting surgery, even though he was totally stable when she checked him earlier. That event was the final straw for Flanigan. She knows something is off and cannot let it go. It's time to start figuring it out what is going on. The question is how to do that without raising flags with the powers at be.
Even more scary is that two professionals who raised questions before have died and there seems to be a man following her every time she is away from her work. Can Jacey find the answers on whatever devious is going on without destroying her career, or even worse, losing her life? The race is on.
Dr. Jacey Flanigan truly shined in her pediatric residency. While she had many offers to chose from, she decides to join The Children's Heart Hospital in Manhattan based on it's incredible reputation. From the moment she arrives, her instincts start whispering that something is off. The surgeons are touchy about anyone, including the cardiologists, helping with their patients. Most won't even let anyone outside their team watch their surgeries. Even more interesting is they won't operate unless they have their specific team.
And the numbers are off. The young patients they operate on have a recovery rate for surgery that is way out of line with the results at hospitals around the country. Then one of Dr. Flanigan's friends has a child who almost dies awaiting surgery, even though he was totally stable when she checked him earlier. That event was the final straw for Flanigan. She knows something is off and cannot let it go. It's time to start figuring it out what is going on. The question is how to do that without raising flags with the powers at be.
Even more scary is that two professionals who raised questions before have died and there seems to be a man following her every time she is away from her work. Can Jacey find the answers on whatever devious is going on without destroying her career, or even worse, losing her life? The race is on.
December 14, 2022
Prognosis Critical is a Page Turner From the Very Beginning. The author brings mystery to his thriller in the very first few pages as he quickly introduces characters and scenes with short, alternating chapters devoted to each. Each character plays a role in the developing thriller at the Manhattan Children's Heart Hospital--with secrets, suspense, and feelings of deception surrounding each storyline. The writing style creates a fast-paced thriller with many interconnected, moving parts that engage readers from beginning to end.
Suspense, Murders, Ethics, and a Little Romance Weave the Novel Together. As Jacey seeks to do the right things for her patients and her own code of ethics--she has many choices to make throughout the novel. While the issues at the hospital become quickly apparent to readers as the patients' stories unfold, there are still suspenseful interactions, ethical dilemmas, mysterious connections to sort through, and loose ends to tie up. Even a slight romantic element is tossed into the twists and turns of the story.
Would I Recommend Prognosis Critical by Gary Birken, M.D.? This is the first book I have read from this author, but it won't be the last! I loved the realistic feel of the storyline and the well-paced writing style. I also enjoyed the clean nature of the novel! If you want clean, medical thrillers that hold a bit of frightening realism, this should be on your reading list.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Suspense, Murders, Ethics, and a Little Romance Weave the Novel Together. As Jacey seeks to do the right things for her patients and her own code of ethics--she has many choices to make throughout the novel. While the issues at the hospital become quickly apparent to readers as the patients' stories unfold, there are still suspenseful interactions, ethical dilemmas, mysterious connections to sort through, and loose ends to tie up. Even a slight romantic element is tossed into the twists and turns of the story.
Would I Recommend Prognosis Critical by Gary Birken, M.D.? This is the first book I have read from this author, but it won't be the last! I loved the realistic feel of the storyline and the well-paced writing style. I also enjoyed the clean nature of the novel! If you want clean, medical thrillers that hold a bit of frightening realism, this should be on your reading list.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
December 9, 2022
Prognosis Critical is my first experience in reading anything by the talented author Gary Birken. It will not, without a doubt, be the last one I read. I honestly not sure what to think when I opened to the first page. Within the next chapters, I was hooked. It had a lot of twists and turns that made me feel as though I was on a thrilling roller coaster ride. I never knew what would next from scene to scene. I really liked the character of Dr. Jacey Flanigan. I admired her bravery, courage and determination to keep digging for truth. I was intrigued with how she dealt with the discovery of secrets she unsurfaced. This is one of those books that I can not just put down and come back to it later. I had to keep reading until I read the whole book in one sitting. This was a great way to spend a cold day by the fire.
I am giving Prognosis Critical five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy suspense filled mysteries and medical thrillers will most definitely want to grab this one up and read it. I will be eagerly waiting for more releases by Gary Birken in the future to see where his imagination will take his characters and readers to next.
I received a paperback copy of Prognosis Critical from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Prognosis Critical five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy suspense filled mysteries and medical thrillers will most definitely want to grab this one up and read it. I will be eagerly waiting for more releases by Gary Birken in the future to see where his imagination will take his characters and readers to next.
I received a paperback copy of Prognosis Critical from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
December 23, 2022
First, I want to thank Gary Birken, MD for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
OH this is just the medical thriller that I have been craving!!! I absolutely LOVED Gary Birken, MD’s Prognosis Critical! It had everything you would want in a medical themed book: the pull on your heartstrings moments, the shocking jaw dropping moments, and oh the drama!!
This is an incredibly fast paced that is so addicting that you will be able to devour it in one sitting.
If you are a fan of any of the medical shows on tv like Grey's Anatomy, ER, New Amsterdam or Chicago Med this is a book for you! Or if you are like me and love all things medical you need to pick this book up!
The graphic designers did an amazing job with the cover and definately got my attention! I loved the colors along with the graphics.
One of my favorite characters in the book was Jacey Flanigan the pediatric cardiologist. She had a heart of gold and wanted the best for her patients. However, on the flip side I was not a fan of Dr. Gault the cardiac surgeon. He seemed the opposite of Jacey, cold and heartless.
OH this is just the medical thriller that I have been craving!!! I absolutely LOVED Gary Birken, MD’s Prognosis Critical! It had everything you would want in a medical themed book: the pull on your heartstrings moments, the shocking jaw dropping moments, and oh the drama!!
This is an incredibly fast paced that is so addicting that you will be able to devour it in one sitting.
If you are a fan of any of the medical shows on tv like Grey's Anatomy, ER, New Amsterdam or Chicago Med this is a book for you! Or if you are like me and love all things medical you need to pick this book up!
The graphic designers did an amazing job with the cover and definately got my attention! I loved the colors along with the graphics.
One of my favorite characters in the book was Jacey Flanigan the pediatric cardiologist. She had a heart of gold and wanted the best for her patients. However, on the flip side I was not a fan of Dr. Gault the cardiac surgeon. He seemed the opposite of Jacey, cold and heartless.
November 29, 2022
Wow! What a fantastically gripping read. This certainly had me in it's clutches. From the first chapter you can feel that something is not right but you are unable to put your finger on what it is. I actually enjoyed all the characters and I think all there parts in the story were written to perfection. The hospital settings had me cringing but left me wanting more. I loved that the medical terms were easy enough for a non medical profession person like myself to understand and follow. It is a rollercoaster of a ride as my heart would be cruising along and then next second it's beating out of my chest. I did like that it wasn't gruesome like I was expecting. I would class it more as a physcological thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed this non-stop ride. If you are after a physcological thriller with a medical mystery then try this book, you won't regret it.
December 9, 2022
Prognosis Critical is a medical thriller that is written by Gary Birken, MD. This is my first exposure to this author and I enjoyed the book very much. This book will take you on a heart pounding adventure. Dr. Jacey Flanigan has started working at Children’s Heart Hospital in Manhattan. As soon as she arrives she feels like something is not right with this hospital. Some of the doctors are very secretive. They will not let anyone watch their surgeries and will only operate if it's a certain team.
Being new to the hospital, Jacey wonders how to poke around without arousing suspicion. Then she sees someone following her when she is off duty. What in the world is going on? This book is a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, fraud and action. I will be looking out for more of the author's books.
Thank you to the author, publisher and IRead Book Tours - all thoughts are my own.
Being new to the hospital, Jacey wonders how to poke around without arousing suspicion. Then she sees someone following her when she is off duty. What in the world is going on? This book is a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, fraud and action. I will be looking out for more of the author's books.
Thank you to the author, publisher and IRead Book Tours - all thoughts are my own.
December 24, 2025
I borrowed the audio version from my library. Just a heads up some of the worst narration yet. The voice for the main character is ok but then she launches into other characters So eg whispers to make you think the angry older doctor is talking. Or doing an snl worthy version of an 'old' lady who is probably in her 60s if that. Hilarious. They should PAY a few voice actors instead of paying one unknown to do all the characters it is distracting and absurd when they can't pull it off.
Not to mention the story is going ON AND ON and I am waiting for some doctor to get a clue that something nefarious is going on in their hospital lol.
Good story potential but do NOT get the audible version matter of fact I don't think audible even has it. Narration is God awful.
Not to mention the story is going ON AND ON and I am waiting for some doctor to get a clue that something nefarious is going on in their hospital lol.
Good story potential but do NOT get the audible version matter of fact I don't think audible even has it. Narration is God awful.
January 7, 2026
I was so excited to read this book, as I love medical thrillers and am a practicing physician. However, upon finishing the book, I have really mixed feelings. The pace of the book was good, and I found myself wanting to continue reading, but the medical tone of the book seemed off to me. There were a few things that I could overlook, such as the author's consistent use of "cardiac ultrasound" which every other physician in the US is referring to as echocardiography or echo these days. However, I couldn't look past the relationships between the cardiac surgeons, Jayce, and the medical student, which just didn't seem authentic. Jayce's day-to-day responsibilities and role in the hospital also did not seem consistent with modern day hospital medicine.
April 2, 2025
Wondering what was going on in the hospital
Lacey was a pediatric cardiologist and landed a dream job at the prestigious MCHh. MCHH was a highly regarded cardiac childrens hospital. Lacey, from the start, was treated badly by the doctors for butting in where she didn't belong. She soon found out that somethings didn't add up and she started her own investigation. She soon found herself called before the Committee of Ethics. They were trying to frame her so she had to prepare for her response to her peers. That is where things get interesting. Must read. Love Laden's determination.
Lacey was a pediatric cardiologist and landed a dream job at the prestigious MCHh. MCHH was a highly regarded cardiac childrens hospital. Lacey, from the start, was treated badly by the doctors for butting in where she didn't belong. She soon found out that somethings didn't add up and she started her own investigation. She soon found herself called before the Committee of Ethics. They were trying to frame her so she had to prepare for her response to her peers. That is where things get interesting. Must read. Love Laden's determination.
September 13, 2023
Are you a fan of the medical genre and the author, Gary Birken? If so… head out and purchase “Critical Prognosis. “
The writing was crisp and authentic as the author is a medical doctor. As a medical professional myself I must admit that I’ve read medical novels written by physicians that were questionable. Not so with this novel or any others he has written.
I highly recommend this book. The characters are believable and the storyline is well plotted.
Thank you once again, Dr. Birken for a wonderful reading experience. I highly recommend this book.
The writing was crisp and authentic as the author is a medical doctor. As a medical professional myself I must admit that I’ve read medical novels written by physicians that were questionable. Not so with this novel or any others he has written.
I highly recommend this book. The characters are believable and the storyline is well plotted.
Thank you once again, Dr. Birken for a wonderful reading experience. I highly recommend this book.
December 12, 2025
Well Balanced
So I'm now on a medical thriller kick and this is the first book by this author that I've read. Happy to say I was not disappointed. Love the main character and the storyline. Finished it in one day as it was just so engaging. I did struggle just a tiny bit with some of the medical parts but they were really minor and definitely didn't take from the story. Also I, once again, didn't guess the culprits which always makes for a satisfying read. Will be reading more from this author!
So I'm now on a medical thriller kick and this is the first book by this author that I've read. Happy to say I was not disappointed. Love the main character and the storyline. Finished it in one day as it was just so engaging. I did struggle just a tiny bit with some of the medical parts but they were really minor and definitely didn't take from the story. Also I, once again, didn't guess the culprits which always makes for a satisfying read. Will be reading more from this author!
August 21, 2024
Elaborate and well written
A newly minted pediatric cardiologist stumbles into a horrific conspiracy at a top pediatric hospital that involves some levels of administration and several of the cardiac surgeons - all in the quest to achieve ratings as an excellent pediatric cardiac center. Its an engrossing read - not one of the best books I've ever read, but one that kept my interest to the point that it was hard.to put down.
A newly minted pediatric cardiologist stumbles into a horrific conspiracy at a top pediatric hospital that involves some levels of administration and several of the cardiac surgeons - all in the quest to achieve ratings as an excellent pediatric cardiac center. Its an engrossing read - not one of the best books I've ever read, but one that kept my interest to the point that it was hard.to put down.
July 11, 2025
Rookie Doctor
What a great book about medical ethics being compromised. The newest cardiologist in an excellent hospital/research center was treated as a rookie in medicine. Dr. Flanigan surpassed her colleagues in many instances, never giving in to bullying and threatening. Too many patients showing too quick recovering from open heart surgery rang questionable bells in her mind. A young Resident added romantic interest to Dr. Flanagan quirky schedule. Thanks Dr. GB
What a great book about medical ethics being compromised. The newest cardiologist in an excellent hospital/research center was treated as a rookie in medicine. Dr. Flanigan surpassed her colleagues in many instances, never giving in to bullying and threatening. Too many patients showing too quick recovering from open heart surgery rang questionable bells in her mind. A young Resident added romantic interest to Dr. Flanagan quirky schedule. Thanks Dr. GB
December 12, 2022
I felt that this is a wonderful medical suspense novel. I loved the suspense. I really liked Jacey and felt she seemed like a fantastic doctor. I loved the way she figured out what was happening to the children and their families. I hope that something like this never happens. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
February 4, 2024
Fantastic book
I'm completely astonished that this is possibly happening now. I can't believe that hospitals are more concerned about making money over patient care.
It's obviously going on with without an you never know. But with all of the hospitals and doctors merged together now, makes me wonder.
I'm completely astonished that this is possibly happening now. I can't believe that hospitals are more concerned about making money over patient care.
It's obviously going on with without an you never know. But with all of the hospitals and doctors merged together now, makes me wonder.
April 14, 2024
I love medical thrillers, so my expectations were high, and this one did not disappoint! Had to get used to some of the character voices but enjoyed it very much. I appreciate that the story stayed on track and didn't wander off down relationship trails or too many storylines running at the same time.
May 21, 2024
Pediatric Cardiology
Jacey is a good doctor and a good sleuth, and she reaches the obvious conclusion about the many successful repairs of VSDs in children at the hospital. I liked her character, but I found the story lacked any depth in the general area of pediatric cardiology which includes so much more than VSDs.
Jacey is a good doctor and a good sleuth, and she reaches the obvious conclusion about the many successful repairs of VSDs in children at the hospital. I liked her character, but I found the story lacked any depth in the general area of pediatric cardiology which includes so much more than VSDs.
November 21, 2024
Prognosis critical
I am loving all of Birkens books! This was #4. Nothing like a good medical thriller. Unfortunately I don't get anything done because all I do is read(and play pickleball). It's sad to think there are people out there who would risk children's lives to further their own selfish gains!
I am loving all of Birkens books! This was #4. Nothing like a good medical thriller. Unfortunately I don't get anything done because all I do is read(and play pickleball). It's sad to think there are people out there who would risk children's lives to further their own selfish gains!
April 4, 2025
medical page turner
Good story about a pediatric surgeon that exposes criminal activity in a children’s hospital. It was a little shallow and the writing was somewhat repetitive but kept me interested. It is a quick read, light on medical details and I wasn’t as invested in the characters as I normally am. Just a tad above ok.
Good story about a pediatric surgeon that exposes criminal activity in a children’s hospital. It was a little shallow and the writing was somewhat repetitive but kept me interested. It is a quick read, light on medical details and I wasn’t as invested in the characters as I normally am. Just a tad above ok.
April 22, 2025
Kept me reading!
…and wanting more! This is the first of Gary Birken’s books I’ve read. I found it free from a link in Facebook. Usually staying away from these type of links, I’m so glad I followed this one.
A new cardiologist begins her job at a well respected big hospital. The story follows her as she finds things not to be as she expected.
…and wanting more! This is the first of Gary Birken’s books I’ve read. I found it free from a link in Facebook. Usually staying away from these type of links, I’m so glad I followed this one.
A new cardiologist begins her job at a well respected big hospital. The story follows her as she finds things not to be as she expected.
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