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Jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery #13
Night Shift: An Electrifying Medical Thriller From the Master of the Genre
" In this exhilarating medical mystery-thriller by Robin Cook, fan favorites Jack and Laurie are lured into the dark underbelly of hospital dangers when an internist is murdered.
Colleagues turned spouses Dr. Laurie Montgomery and Dr. Jack Stapleton already have their plates full with crazy work schedules and family pressures. The last thing they need is a murder. When Laurie's longtime friend, by all accounts healthy Dr. Sue Passero, dies mysteriously in the hospital parking garage, an autopsy is required, which falls squarely under Laurie's purview as newly appointed chief medical examiner. So when Laurie asks Jack to take special care with the case, he can hardly refuse.
With his curiosity sparked by the mystery around Sue's death, the indefatigable Jack, compelled to resolve the case at hand, sets out to investigate on-site at Manhattan Memorial Hospital, even though it means blatantly defying the Office of Chief Medical Examiner's rules. What started out as an inquiry into Sue's tragic passing soon turns into a deadly and dangerous chess game between Jack and the clever and deranged killer, who might just administer another lethal blow if Jack isn't careful. "
Colleagues turned spouses Dr. Laurie Montgomery and Dr. Jack Stapleton already have their plates full with crazy work schedules and family pressures. The last thing they need is a murder. When Laurie's longtime friend, by all accounts healthy Dr. Sue Passero, dies mysteriously in the hospital parking garage, an autopsy is required, which falls squarely under Laurie's purview as newly appointed chief medical examiner. So when Laurie asks Jack to take special care with the case, he can hardly refuse.
With his curiosity sparked by the mystery around Sue's death, the indefatigable Jack, compelled to resolve the case at hand, sets out to investigate on-site at Manhattan Memorial Hospital, even though it means blatantly defying the Office of Chief Medical Examiner's rules. What started out as an inquiry into Sue's tragic passing soon turns into a deadly and dangerous chess game between Jack and the clever and deranged killer, who might just administer another lethal blow if Jack isn't careful. "
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2022
685 people are currently reading
2121 people want to read
About the author
Robin Cook
181 books5,098 followersLibrarian Note: Not to be confused with British novelist Robin Cook a pseudonym of Robert William Arthur Cook.
Dr. Robin Cook (born May 4, 1940 in New York City, New York) is an American doctor / novelist who writes about medicine, biotechnology, and topics affecting public health.
He is best known for being the author who created the medical-thriller genre by combining medical writing with the thriller genre of writing. His books have been bestsellers on the "New York Times" Bestseller List with several at #1. A number of his books have also been featured in Reader's Digest. Many were also featured in the Literary Guild. Many have been made into motion pictures.
Cook is a graduate of Wesleyan University and Columbia University School of Medicine. He finished his postgraduate medical training at Harvard that included general surgery and ophthalmology. He divides his time between homes in Florida, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts where he lives with his wife Jean. He is currently on leave from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. He has successfully combined medical fact with fiction to produce a succession of bestselling books. Cook's medical thrillers are designed, in part, to make the public aware of both the technological possibilities of modern medicine and the ensuing ethical conundrums.
Cook got a taste of the larger world when the Cousteau Society recruited him to run its blood - gas lab in the South of France while he was in medical school. Intrigued by diving, he later called on a connection he made through Jacques Cousteau to become an aquanaut with the US Navy Sealab when he was drafted in the 60's. During his navy career he served on a nuclear submarine for a seventy-five day stay underwater where he wrote his first book! [1]
Cook was a private member of the Woodrow Wilson Center's Board of Trustees, appointed to a six-year term by the President George W. Bush.[2]
[edit] Doctor / Novelist
Dr. Cook's profession as a doctor has provided him with ideas and background for many of his novels. In each of his novels, he strives to write about the issues at the forefront of current medical practice.
To date, he has explored issues such as organ donation, genetic engineering,fertility treatment, medical research funding, managed care, medical malpractice, drug research, drug pricing, specialty hospitals, stem cells, and organ transplantation.[3]
Dr. Cook has been remarked to have an uncanny ability to anticipate national controversy. In an interview with Dr.Cook, Stephen McDonald talked to him about his novel Shock; Cook admits the timing of Shock was fortuitous. "I suppose that you could say that it's the most like Coma in that it deals with an issue that everybody seems to be concerned about," he says, "I wrote this book to address the stem cell issue, which the public really doesn't know much about. Besides entertaining readers, my main goal is to get people interested in some of these issues, because it's the public that ultimately really should decide which way we ought to go in something as that has enormous potential for treating disease and disability but touches up against the ethically problematic abortion issue."[4]
Keeping his lab coat handy helps him turn our fear of doctors into bestsellers. "I joke that if my books stop selling, I can always fall back on brain surgery," he says. "But I am still very interested in being a doctor. If I had to do it over again, I would still study medicine. I think of myself more as a doctor who writes, rather than a writer who happens to be a doctor." After 35 books,he has come up with a diagnosis to explain why his medical thrillers remain so popular. "The main reason is, we all realize we are at risk. We're all going to be patients sometime," he says. "You can write about great white sharks or haunted houses, and you can say I'm not going into the ocean or I'm not going in haunted houses, but you can't say you're n
Dr. Robin Cook (born May 4, 1940 in New York City, New York) is an American doctor / novelist who writes about medicine, biotechnology, and topics affecting public health.
He is best known for being the author who created the medical-thriller genre by combining medical writing with the thriller genre of writing. His books have been bestsellers on the "New York Times" Bestseller List with several at #1. A number of his books have also been featured in Reader's Digest. Many were also featured in the Literary Guild. Many have been made into motion pictures.
Cook is a graduate of Wesleyan University and Columbia University School of Medicine. He finished his postgraduate medical training at Harvard that included general surgery and ophthalmology. He divides his time between homes in Florida, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts where he lives with his wife Jean. He is currently on leave from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. He has successfully combined medical fact with fiction to produce a succession of bestselling books. Cook's medical thrillers are designed, in part, to make the public aware of both the technological possibilities of modern medicine and the ensuing ethical conundrums.
Cook got a taste of the larger world when the Cousteau Society recruited him to run its blood - gas lab in the South of France while he was in medical school. Intrigued by diving, he later called on a connection he made through Jacques Cousteau to become an aquanaut with the US Navy Sealab when he was drafted in the 60's. During his navy career he served on a nuclear submarine for a seventy-five day stay underwater where he wrote his first book! [1]
Cook was a private member of the Woodrow Wilson Center's Board of Trustees, appointed to a six-year term by the President George W. Bush.[2]
[edit] Doctor / Novelist
Dr. Cook's profession as a doctor has provided him with ideas and background for many of his novels. In each of his novels, he strives to write about the issues at the forefront of current medical practice.
To date, he has explored issues such as organ donation, genetic engineering,fertility treatment, medical research funding, managed care, medical malpractice, drug research, drug pricing, specialty hospitals, stem cells, and organ transplantation.[3]
Dr. Cook has been remarked to have an uncanny ability to anticipate national controversy. In an interview with Dr.Cook, Stephen McDonald talked to him about his novel Shock; Cook admits the timing of Shock was fortuitous. "I suppose that you could say that it's the most like Coma in that it deals with an issue that everybody seems to be concerned about," he says, "I wrote this book to address the stem cell issue, which the public really doesn't know much about. Besides entertaining readers, my main goal is to get people interested in some of these issues, because it's the public that ultimately really should decide which way we ought to go in something as that has enormous potential for treating disease and disability but touches up against the ethically problematic abortion issue."[4]
Keeping his lab coat handy helps him turn our fear of doctors into bestsellers. "I joke that if my books stop selling, I can always fall back on brain surgery," he says. "But I am still very interested in being a doctor. If I had to do it over again, I would still study medicine. I think of myself more as a doctor who writes, rather than a writer who happens to be a doctor." After 35 books,he has come up with a diagnosis to explain why his medical thrillers remain so popular. "The main reason is, we all realize we are at risk. We're all going to be patients sometime," he says. "You can write about great white sharks or haunted houses, and you can say I'm not going into the ocean or I'm not going in haunted houses, but you can't say you're n
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 550 reviews
December 29, 2022
Page turner medical thriller.
This is book #13, but my third book. It isn't too technical, fast pace, and can easily be read as a standalone.
I love this couple, husband-wife both medical examiners in NYC. Laurie is now Chief medical examiner and is Jack's boss.
Jack saw Laurie's friend Dr. Sue Passero's folder at the morgue when he arrived for work. This was shocking since Sue was only 41, athletic, and in good health until he found out she has type 1 diabetes. Against his wishes for a challenging case, Laurie told Jack to perform a post-mortem on their friend. Not so routine as Jack would soon find out.
Great execution! We follow the killer from the first chapter but don't know their identity. The reveal happens about midway but the characters don't know this yet. It becomes a thrilling cat and mouse until the very end.
My 2023 goal is to make a dent in the unread volumes of this series. 📚🤩
Trigger warning: COVID-19
This is book #13, but my third book. It isn't too technical, fast pace, and can easily be read as a standalone.
I love this couple, husband-wife both medical examiners in NYC. Laurie is now Chief medical examiner and is Jack's boss.
Jack saw Laurie's friend Dr. Sue Passero's folder at the morgue when he arrived for work. This was shocking since Sue was only 41, athletic, and in good health until he found out she has type 1 diabetes. Against his wishes for a challenging case, Laurie told Jack to perform a post-mortem on their friend. Not so routine as Jack would soon find out.
Great execution! We follow the killer from the first chapter but don't know their identity. The reveal happens about midway but the characters don't know this yet. It becomes a thrilling cat and mouse until the very end.
My 2023 goal is to make a dent in the unread volumes of this series. 📚🤩
Trigger warning: COVID-19
November 26, 2023
Night Shift
by Robin Cook is the thirteenth book in the Jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery medical thriller series. Jack is a medical examiner and Laurie is the newly appointed chief medical examiner in New York City. While this book is said to be a thriller, for most of the novel it is a mystery and the investigation of a death of a family friend. When Dr. Sue Passero dies in the hospital parking garage, an autopsy is required and Jack takes the case. Unable to determine a cause of death, he starts an investigation while waiting on lab results.
Cook’s description of Jack and several other characters came through extremely well. Jack is thorough, efficient, has a sarcastic sense of humor, and tends to function by pure reflex without thinking about the consequences. Laurie plays a much smaller role in this tale and mainly shows up in the last 25 percent of the book. Both Jack and Laurie are having trouble balancing work and family commitments. Beyond this, readers get a sense that Laurie is controlling, impatient, and feeling the stresses and strains of her new job.
This story focuses more on the investigation side of deaths versus action until the last 20 percent or so of the book. I wanted the suspense level to be higher than it was in the early part of the book. Additionally, this book takes place during the COVID pandemic and certain topics such as vaccines and masks were somewhat repetitive. However, these discussions were extremely common during the pandemic making it feel realistic.
After a slow start, the ending brings the suspense, danger, and foreboding that one expects from a medical crime thriller. Additionally, it looks at the levels of hospital staffing and the effects of a lost colleague on other staff members. The plot has plenty of twists and turns, but is unbelievable at times. My main quibble is that the antagonist was too easy to identify and it’s confirmed about half-way through the book. Despite this, I enjoyed the investigation part of the story which kept me intrigued.
Overall, this novel was well-written, thought-provoking, entertaining, and kept my interest. The tension, stakes, and action build up to an exciting ending that is over-the-top. The author’s ability to combine strong characters and complex plots kept me turning the pages.
I recommend this book to those that enjoy medical mysteries. This is the fourth book I’ve read by this author, but the second in this series. It worked fine as a standalone novel for me. I’m looking forward to reading the next one as well as previous books in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was December 06, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.84 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Cook’s description of Jack and several other characters came through extremely well. Jack is thorough, efficient, has a sarcastic sense of humor, and tends to function by pure reflex without thinking about the consequences. Laurie plays a much smaller role in this tale and mainly shows up in the last 25 percent of the book. Both Jack and Laurie are having trouble balancing work and family commitments. Beyond this, readers get a sense that Laurie is controlling, impatient, and feeling the stresses and strains of her new job.
This story focuses more on the investigation side of deaths versus action until the last 20 percent or so of the book. I wanted the suspense level to be higher than it was in the early part of the book. Additionally, this book takes place during the COVID pandemic and certain topics such as vaccines and masks were somewhat repetitive. However, these discussions were extremely common during the pandemic making it feel realistic.
After a slow start, the ending brings the suspense, danger, and foreboding that one expects from a medical crime thriller. Additionally, it looks at the levels of hospital staffing and the effects of a lost colleague on other staff members. The plot has plenty of twists and turns, but is unbelievable at times. My main quibble is that the antagonist was too easy to identify and it’s confirmed about half-way through the book. Despite this, I enjoyed the investigation part of the story which kept me intrigued.
Overall, this novel was well-written, thought-provoking, entertaining, and kept my interest. The tension, stakes, and action build up to an exciting ending that is over-the-top. The author’s ability to combine strong characters and complex plots kept me turning the pages.
I recommend this book to those that enjoy medical mysteries. This is the fourth book I’ve read by this author, but the second in this series. It worked fine as a standalone novel for me. I’m looking forward to reading the next one as well as previous books in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was December 06, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.84 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
December 23, 2022
Once upon a time, I used to be a huge Robin Cook fan.
Robin Cook's earlier books were riveting medical thrillers that were impossible to put down.
WHAT HAPPENED TO ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS?
Similar to "Viral" (2021), this book was replete with comments about masks, vaccines, healthcare, and politics. (Huh?)
I respect Robin Cook's beliefs but I don't want to read about them in a medical thriller.
I listened to the audiobook and narrator Will Damron did an outstanding job with the narration and that is why I added an extra star to my rating.
Robin Cook's earlier books were riveting medical thrillers that were impossible to put down.
WHAT HAPPENED TO ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS?
Similar to "Viral" (2021), this book was replete with comments about masks, vaccines, healthcare, and politics. (Huh?)
I respect Robin Cook's beliefs but I don't want to read about them in a medical thriller.
I listened to the audiobook and narrator Will Damron did an outstanding job with the narration and that is why I added an extra star to my rating.
August 10, 2022
From the most reliable and exciting medical thriller writer in the universe, Robin Cook, comes another adventure for our married protagonists Jack and Laurie, this time with a medical serial killer running loose in their hospital.
I have loved Robin Cook since Coma, and he has yet to disappoint me. Even though he's been writing medical thrillers for decades, his research and cutting-edge issues and commentary on medicine stay current and relevant. His characters are a little old-fashioned, exclaiming things like, "Good gravy!" when they learn about serial killings, but somehow from Cook this is adorable and not at all dated when coupled with current research and interesting and creepy medical issues and pitfalls in the Covid era.
Here, medical examiner Jack is investigating the untimely and seemingly natural death of a promising young doctor who happened to be doing research on medical serial killers at the time of her demise. If we know anything about Jack, it's that he's going to leave the morgue and go out into the world to investigate the death scene better than the police ever will. Also, if we know Robin Cook, his plucky medical examiner hero is going to determine the true cause of death, and of course simultaneously encounter shadowy corporate hospital overlords who are doing their best to cover up nefarious medical disasters.
Robin Cook knows his formula works and he definitely knows what his readers want to see -- and here, as always, he delivers the thrills: the research, the science, the corporate espionage, and the medical folks playing God. Page after page practically turns itself.
So in conclusion, good gravy! If you like nonstop medical thrills and chills, and strong scientific heros and heroines fighting the forces of evil in a corporate hospital, you're going to love this book. A highly enjoyable read.
Thanks to the publisher, Robin Cook, and NetGalley for a wonderful read! 4.5 shiny stars.
I have loved Robin Cook since Coma, and he has yet to disappoint me. Even though he's been writing medical thrillers for decades, his research and cutting-edge issues and commentary on medicine stay current and relevant. His characters are a little old-fashioned, exclaiming things like, "Good gravy!" when they learn about serial killings, but somehow from Cook this is adorable and not at all dated when coupled with current research and interesting and creepy medical issues and pitfalls in the Covid era.
Here, medical examiner Jack is investigating the untimely and seemingly natural death of a promising young doctor who happened to be doing research on medical serial killers at the time of her demise. If we know anything about Jack, it's that he's going to leave the morgue and go out into the world to investigate the death scene better than the police ever will. Also, if we know Robin Cook, his plucky medical examiner hero is going to determine the true cause of death, and of course simultaneously encounter shadowy corporate hospital overlords who are doing their best to cover up nefarious medical disasters.
Robin Cook knows his formula works and he definitely knows what his readers want to see -- and here, as always, he delivers the thrills: the research, the science, the corporate espionage, and the medical folks playing God. Page after page practically turns itself.
So in conclusion, good gravy! If you like nonstop medical thrills and chills, and strong scientific heros and heroines fighting the forces of evil in a corporate hospital, you're going to love this book. A highly enjoyable read.
Thanks to the publisher, Robin Cook, and NetGalley for a wonderful read! 4.5 shiny stars.
December 25, 2022
Robin Cook does for the medical thriller genre what Grisham does for legal drama.
I was never enamored with the characters of Jack and Laurie and in this installment I like Laurie even less, however, I have always enjoyed the medical drama the books provide.
A close doctor friend of Jack and Laurie dies of an apparent heart attack sitting in her car in the hospital parking garage, but Jack is not convinced that the previously perfectly healthy woman’s death was caused by a heart attack and, being Jack, he is not going to sign a death certificate unless he is absolutely sure.
When another hospital employee whom Jack has just spoken to about his concerns turns up dead, Jack is pretty sure there is something nefarious going on.
Here we have a medical serial killer and it is up to Jack to ferret out the murderer.
If you like medical thrillers this won’t disappoint, but be warned you may have some reservations if you have to go to an ER anytime soon after reading this book.
I personally don’t think it’s all that far-fetched.
Note to Dr. Cook: Please give up the use of the phrase “Good grief”.
I was never enamored with the characters of Jack and Laurie and in this installment I like Laurie even less, however, I have always enjoyed the medical drama the books provide.
A close doctor friend of Jack and Laurie dies of an apparent heart attack sitting in her car in the hospital parking garage, but Jack is not convinced that the previously perfectly healthy woman’s death was caused by a heart attack and, being Jack, he is not going to sign a death certificate unless he is absolutely sure.
When another hospital employee whom Jack has just spoken to about his concerns turns up dead, Jack is pretty sure there is something nefarious going on.
Here we have a medical serial killer and it is up to Jack to ferret out the murderer.
If you like medical thrillers this won’t disappoint, but be warned you may have some reservations if you have to go to an ER anytime soon after reading this book.
I personally don’t think it’s all that far-fetched.
Note to Dr. Cook: Please give up the use of the phrase “Good grief”.
September 1, 2022
Personal Note:
I cannot believe that I read “Contagion” all the way back in 1987. It was my very first Robin Cook novel and I was only 17 at the time. Over the years, I of course would read almost every one of his books, plus add various other medical thriller authors. But at 17, the thought of Ebola should have scared the living “CRAP” out of me. However, it did not! It made me see even more, how wonderful the world of medicine is.
Robin Cook once again brings us this spellbinding thriller, a novel of “WHODUNNIT.” Only this time, it is a murder within the confines of a place we should trust the most.
Let us begin:
Laurie Montgomery has been newly promoted to Chief Medical Examiner.
While husband Jack is happy for his wife, he cannot help but feel a bit envious and upset. Not only is she his Wife, but now she is also his “Boss.”
To make matters worse, his mother-In-Law has announced she has come for an “extended” visit. In the guise that she is helping with the children. “What else can happen” Jack thinks?
Jack has two outlets, one is riding his bike, which he does every day. Even though it is dangerous, and Laurie does not like it.
And his love of performing autopsies, while he is performing autopsies, he can lose himself completely, shut out the world. Which means forgetting about his current situation at home for the moment.
When Laurie arrives at work, she finds that her good friend Dr. Susan “Sue” Passero is dead. Dr. Passero had been found dead, in her car in the parking garage.
To the police, it appears as if it were by natural causes, however they will not know decisively until they complete the autopsy and get a tox screen back.
Jack on the other hand is waiting for that one big case. The case that he will be able to leave his mark on. But that case is not happening for him today. Because Laurie brings him Dr. Passero’s case and tells him she wants him to manage this one with care. The kind of care as if it were a family member, because she was their good friend. Jack of course cannot refuse his wife, nor his “BOSS.”
Together Jack and his assistant Vinnie get to work performing Dr. Passero’s autopsy and what they find is absolutely “ASTOUNDING!”
This only makes Jack more interested now! Now this has his full attention, and he wants to know what exactly happened to Dr. Passero.
Jack begins to question Dr. Passero’s co-workers, to see if they heard or saw anything suspicious. All they knew is that earlier on she had trouble with three men, and that she was researching serial killers for some odd reason. For whom and for what, was beyond them. No one thought to ask her, it did not seem like it was that important at the time.
The further jack digs and the more questions he asks…………... The next thing we know is, “ULTIMATE COOK!” Style takes off!!
“HEART RACING,” PAGES TURNING FURIOUSLY,” “THRILL RIDE” to the very end.
Cook is the creator of Medical/Suspense/Thrillers, and he is proficient at his skill.
Classic “WHODUNNIT” and your guess might not be who you thought it was.
Another “STELLAR” Performance from Cook
Real time current events happening in the world, dealing with COVID19 “PANDEMIC.”
Especially incorporating the importance of proper PPE such as Masks.
The importance of the Vaccination.
Cook always finds a way to fuse a teachable moment within his novels. No matter how big or minute.
Kudos to you Cook!
JOB WELL DONE!
Keep on writing, never stop!
Thank you, NetGalley/Robin Cook/PENGUIN GROUP G.P. Putnam's Sons/ For this thrilling eARC for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.
I cannot believe that I read “Contagion” all the way back in 1987. It was my very first Robin Cook novel and I was only 17 at the time. Over the years, I of course would read almost every one of his books, plus add various other medical thriller authors. But at 17, the thought of Ebola should have scared the living “CRAP” out of me. However, it did not! It made me see even more, how wonderful the world of medicine is.
Robin Cook once again brings us this spellbinding thriller, a novel of “WHODUNNIT.” Only this time, it is a murder within the confines of a place we should trust the most.
Let us begin:
Laurie Montgomery has been newly promoted to Chief Medical Examiner.
While husband Jack is happy for his wife, he cannot help but feel a bit envious and upset. Not only is she his Wife, but now she is also his “Boss.”
To make matters worse, his mother-In-Law has announced she has come for an “extended” visit. In the guise that she is helping with the children. “What else can happen” Jack thinks?
Jack has two outlets, one is riding his bike, which he does every day. Even though it is dangerous, and Laurie does not like it.
And his love of performing autopsies, while he is performing autopsies, he can lose himself completely, shut out the world. Which means forgetting about his current situation at home for the moment.
When Laurie arrives at work, she finds that her good friend Dr. Susan “Sue” Passero is dead. Dr. Passero had been found dead, in her car in the parking garage.
To the police, it appears as if it were by natural causes, however they will not know decisively until they complete the autopsy and get a tox screen back.
Jack on the other hand is waiting for that one big case. The case that he will be able to leave his mark on. But that case is not happening for him today. Because Laurie brings him Dr. Passero’s case and tells him she wants him to manage this one with care. The kind of care as if it were a family member, because she was their good friend. Jack of course cannot refuse his wife, nor his “BOSS.”
Together Jack and his assistant Vinnie get to work performing Dr. Passero’s autopsy and what they find is absolutely “ASTOUNDING!”
This only makes Jack more interested now! Now this has his full attention, and he wants to know what exactly happened to Dr. Passero.
Jack begins to question Dr. Passero’s co-workers, to see if they heard or saw anything suspicious. All they knew is that earlier on she had trouble with three men, and that she was researching serial killers for some odd reason. For whom and for what, was beyond them. No one thought to ask her, it did not seem like it was that important at the time.
The further jack digs and the more questions he asks…………... The next thing we know is, “ULTIMATE COOK!” Style takes off!!
“HEART RACING,” PAGES TURNING FURIOUSLY,” “THRILL RIDE” to the very end.
Cook is the creator of Medical/Suspense/Thrillers, and he is proficient at his skill.
Classic “WHODUNNIT” and your guess might not be who you thought it was.
Another “STELLAR” Performance from Cook
Real time current events happening in the world, dealing with COVID19 “PANDEMIC.”
Especially incorporating the importance of proper PPE such as Masks.
The importance of the Vaccination.
Cook always finds a way to fuse a teachable moment within his novels. No matter how big or minute.
Kudos to you Cook!
JOB WELL DONE!
Keep on writing, never stop!
Thank you, NetGalley/Robin Cook/PENGUIN GROUP G.P. Putnam's Sons/ For this thrilling eARC for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.
June 13, 2024
mucha medicina pero estuvo bueno que se yo
October 6, 2022
I am a big Robin Cook fan. I loved his book Coma. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a favorite book for me and is a DNF for me. After being a frontline healthcare worker, the last thing I want to read about is COVID and the authors opinions on COVID and the COVID vaccine. The book was very wordy with many details about New York City and bike riding. The bike trail and how it’s changed since the COVID pandemic. It’s probably good if you from New York but for those that are not… it was a LOT about the bike trails and dangers of riding in the city. I felt the book got lost with all of the details
February 19, 2024
3.5 / 5
I’ve not read any books from Robin Cook but I was intrigued by the style of the book being a medical type of drama book similar to Grey Anatomy. I think I was shocked at how well detailed the book went into regarding processes involved in medicinal examinations. Although the book was stupidly obvious and predictable I was more drawn to how well Cook was able to detail the routine of an examiner and what they get up to. But that being said, although this book is great I can see it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
The book follows powerhouse Jack and Laurie Stapleton who are medical examiners and Laurie being the main Chief. Laura’s long term friend Dr Sue Passero is brought in to be autopsied as she was found unconscious in her car. Jack is requested to take lead and finds that he is struggling to find answers on the cause of death. Jack suspects foul play around her death, but due to her husbands pressure to receive the death certificate asap Jack takes things in his own hands and tries to find answers.
I really like this book purely due to how well researched, well thought out plot, but I did knock it down due to how predictable it was!
I’ve not read any books from Robin Cook but I was intrigued by the style of the book being a medical type of drama book similar to Grey Anatomy. I think I was shocked at how well detailed the book went into regarding processes involved in medicinal examinations. Although the book was stupidly obvious and predictable I was more drawn to how well Cook was able to detail the routine of an examiner and what they get up to. But that being said, although this book is great I can see it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
The book follows powerhouse Jack and Laurie Stapleton who are medical examiners and Laurie being the main Chief. Laura’s long term friend Dr Sue Passero is brought in to be autopsied as she was found unconscious in her car. Jack is requested to take lead and finds that he is struggling to find answers on the cause of death. Jack suspects foul play around her death, but due to her husbands pressure to receive the death certificate asap Jack takes things in his own hands and tries to find answers.
I really like this book purely due to how well researched, well thought out plot, but I did knock it down due to how predictable it was!
December 28, 2022
Good Grief! Robin Cook's book have been on a downward slide for a while now. Preachy to the point of annoying about Covid and the vaccine, unsettlingly misogynistic when it comes to the depiction of Laurie Montgomery, and positioning Jack as perfection personified, Night Shift was almost unreadable. The word 'copacetic' was completely misused, which irked me. Not to mention the repetitive 'good grief', the frequent musings about bike lanes in New York, and the completely cliched and predictable ending.
December 22, 2022
DNF early - don’t need the vac lectures.
November 10, 2022
Medical (and legal) are my favorite sub-thriller genres, and I'm always delighted to see a medically-focused book from this author. For the most part, this one did not disappoint. Smack dab in the middle of the action are husband-and-wife medical examiners Jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery (well, she's now the chief ME for the city of New York, technically Jack's boss and a bone of contention between the two, as is the fact that he refuses to give up riding his bicycle to and from the ME's office). The two share a couple of young kids, both with medical issues; they're cared for by Laurie's mother, who's exceptionally competent despite being an anti-vaxxer (her odd-woman-out status and the mask or not to mask issue is interspersed throughout the story).
Early on, another physician, Sue Passero, is found dead in Laurie's hospital parking garage; an autopsy is a must, and because Sue was a good friend, Laurie asks Jack to handle it. Sue's diabetes ups the odds that her death was a heart attack, but the autopsy shows that clearly wasn't the case. Suicide? A not-likely possibility. The other option? Murder - but with an autopsy that turns up no means or motive (and, of course, no whodunit).
Perplexed - an emotion he does not enjoy experiencing - Jack sets off to determine Sue's cause of death; after all, he needs to sign a death certificate, the sooner the better, or so Laurie insists. So, he circumvents a few of the rules instituted by the hospital (now owned, it is noted several times, by a big bad conglomerate known for putting profits above professionalism) and meets with a few of Sue's admirers and a few who are not. What he learns from one on the friends side - and what happens next - is even more perplexing and worrisome, making Jack even more intent on getting to what may be a deadly truth in ways guaranteed not to please him or his wife.
There's plenty of action, and of course, I love all the descriptions of medical procedures (also plentiful), but of course I can't get into more detail without giving away too much. The only thing confusing me a bit is that the book, which I received pre-release courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley - thanks very much - is why the description shows 432 pages when I downloaded it and only 240 at Amazon, where it's for sale. That's a big chunk to lose - gotta wonder what didn't make the cut!
Early on, another physician, Sue Passero, is found dead in Laurie's hospital parking garage; an autopsy is a must, and because Sue was a good friend, Laurie asks Jack to handle it. Sue's diabetes ups the odds that her death was a heart attack, but the autopsy shows that clearly wasn't the case. Suicide? A not-likely possibility. The other option? Murder - but with an autopsy that turns up no means or motive (and, of course, no whodunit).
Perplexed - an emotion he does not enjoy experiencing - Jack sets off to determine Sue's cause of death; after all, he needs to sign a death certificate, the sooner the better, or so Laurie insists. So, he circumvents a few of the rules instituted by the hospital (now owned, it is noted several times, by a big bad conglomerate known for putting profits above professionalism) and meets with a few of Sue's admirers and a few who are not. What he learns from one on the friends side - and what happens next - is even more perplexing and worrisome, making Jack even more intent on getting to what may be a deadly truth in ways guaranteed not to please him or his wife.
There's plenty of action, and of course, I love all the descriptions of medical procedures (also plentiful), but of course I can't get into more detail without giving away too much. The only thing confusing me a bit is that the book, which I received pre-release courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley - thanks very much - is why the description shows 432 pages when I downloaded it and only 240 at Amazon, where it's for sale. That's a big chunk to lose - gotta wonder what didn't make the cut!
August 11, 2022
I have read almost all of Robin Cook''s books and although he is pretty wordy, I have liked most of them. This one seemed quite long to have to read on my Kindle, and I felt that the first 40% of the book was mainly filled with complaints from Jack. In fact, I have felt like in the last few books that Jack is becoming increasingly whiny and that he feels like he can do anything because he is "special." Want a sample of tissue checked right this minute, although several other orders are in front of you? No problem. Leave the office to investigate something although you know it is not permitted? No problem, what the boss (also his wife) doesn't know won't hurt her. Always want things done my way at work and at home, No problem. Well, maybe a small one. And isn't this a bit of a rerun plot, as it is mentioned several times that the same serial killer in the hospital thing happened to Laurie a few books back? Not so happy with this one.
February 14, 2023
Yes, indeed, what happened to Robin Cook? Did he forget how to write dialogue? 10 pages in, and I'm already being lectured to. No thank you.
March 26, 2025
I know these are moderately corny and predictable but it just reminds me of an episode of Grey’s Anatomy (NOT as far as content or drama) just with the storylines being corny and predictable.. but just like Grey’s, I’m there every Thursday…. With this series, I’m binging them! They’re so entertaining to me 😂
April 25, 2024
¡Hola lectores!
Hoy les traigo un apasionante thriller médico, de mano del escritor que fue pionero en este subgénero.
Sin duda leer a Robin Cook, hacía tiempo que no leía ninguna de sus novelas, ha sido todo un acierto y un recordatorio de lo buenas que siempre resultan sus historias.
Novelas en las que se ponen de manifiesto las implicaciones éticas que tienen el desarrollo médico y biotecnológico y del peligro que supone que esos adelantos estén en manos de grandes corporaciones, en los que priman las ganancias económicas. Basándose en esos temas tan delicados y actuales ha sido capaz de crear apasionantes historias como la que les traigo hoy.
Sospechosas muertes ocurridas en un hospital, hacen que el médico forense Jack Stapleton quiera investigar, aunque para ello se salte todas las normas establecidas. Muertes que no terminan de cuadrarle y mas cuando descubre intereses ocultos en el Manhattan Memorial Hospital por encubrir ciertas estadísticas en la mortalidad de los pacientes, lo que lleva a disputas internas entre los distintos comités y personal.
Para colmo, se sospecha de un asesino en serie, un “ángel de la muerte” dentro del propio hospital. Algo que definitivamente le llevará a salir de la mesa de autopsias y adentrarse en un pantanoso terreno no exento de peligros.
Escrita en un lenguaje sencillo y con capítulos cortos, esta es una novela que atrapa y entretiene muchísimo. El estilo de Robin Cook hace que los capítulos se devoren y que la tensión vaya en aumento hasta un final de infarto.
Además los conocimientos médicos y hospitalarios del autor le dan mucha veracidad a la historia y es un plus a destacar.
En conclusión, un escritor y una novela súper recomendables si buscas un thriller que te atrape desde la primera página.
Hoy les traigo un apasionante thriller médico, de mano del escritor que fue pionero en este subgénero.
Sin duda leer a Robin Cook, hacía tiempo que no leía ninguna de sus novelas, ha sido todo un acierto y un recordatorio de lo buenas que siempre resultan sus historias.
Novelas en las que se ponen de manifiesto las implicaciones éticas que tienen el desarrollo médico y biotecnológico y del peligro que supone que esos adelantos estén en manos de grandes corporaciones, en los que priman las ganancias económicas. Basándose en esos temas tan delicados y actuales ha sido capaz de crear apasionantes historias como la que les traigo hoy.
Sospechosas muertes ocurridas en un hospital, hacen que el médico forense Jack Stapleton quiera investigar, aunque para ello se salte todas las normas establecidas. Muertes que no terminan de cuadrarle y mas cuando descubre intereses ocultos en el Manhattan Memorial Hospital por encubrir ciertas estadísticas en la mortalidad de los pacientes, lo que lleva a disputas internas entre los distintos comités y personal.
Para colmo, se sospecha de un asesino en serie, un “ángel de la muerte” dentro del propio hospital. Algo que definitivamente le llevará a salir de la mesa de autopsias y adentrarse en un pantanoso terreno no exento de peligros.
Escrita en un lenguaje sencillo y con capítulos cortos, esta es una novela que atrapa y entretiene muchísimo. El estilo de Robin Cook hace que los capítulos se devoren y que la tensión vaya en aumento hasta un final de infarto.
Además los conocimientos médicos y hospitalarios del autor le dan mucha veracidad a la historia y es un plus a destacar.
En conclusión, un escritor y una novela súper recomendables si buscas un thriller que te atrape desde la primera página.
July 7, 2022
Happy to realize that prolific author Dr. Robin Cook is still writing medical thrillers — I’ve read many of them through the years and they still never disappoint.
From the first chapters we, the audience, know that Dr. Susan Passero was murdered. However, when she’s found it appears as if she had a heart attack. So, it’s up to Dr. Jack Stapleton, medical examiner, and his wife, Laurie Montgomery, the Chief Medical Examiner (and good friend of the victim), to slowly realize what we know already and determine the perpetrator and the motive. We know early on that Dr. Sue was up against a trio of narcissistic guys and we also know that she was researching medical serial killers for some reason.
Which is why Robin Cook thrillers are so entertaining — a straightforward whodunit with lots of medical clues (and explanations) to sort through and clear cut heroes like Jack and Laurie. I have loved Robin Cook thrillers for nearly forty years (!) and this novel confirms why I continue to love them. 4 stars!
Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam, G.P, Putnam and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Laurie has blue-green eyes
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO It’s December in NYC and the trees are leafless.
From the first chapters we, the audience, know that Dr. Susan Passero was murdered. However, when she’s found it appears as if she had a heart attack. So, it’s up to Dr. Jack Stapleton, medical examiner, and his wife, Laurie Montgomery, the Chief Medical Examiner (and good friend of the victim), to slowly realize what we know already and determine the perpetrator and the motive. We know early on that Dr. Sue was up against a trio of narcissistic guys and we also know that she was researching medical serial killers for some reason.
Which is why Robin Cook thrillers are so entertaining — a straightforward whodunit with lots of medical clues (and explanations) to sort through and clear cut heroes like Jack and Laurie. I have loved Robin Cook thrillers for nearly forty years (!) and this novel confirms why I continue to love them. 4 stars!
Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam, G.P, Putnam and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Laurie has blue-green eyes
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO It’s December in NYC and the trees are leafless.
January 22, 2023
I've been a fan of Robin Cook for decades...until this piece of propaganda drivel. Early into the book, the COVID scam garbage appears. I chose to overlook it, but as the book goes on, it gets more and more into the face diapers and clot shots. There is a conversation in the book between Jack and a doctor referencing the BS efficacy of the jab and boosters, when it's no secret people are dying left, right and center from it. This vomit inducing conversation was the final straw for me, and I discontinued finishing it. Any doctor worthy of that title wouldn't push this scam narrative, but when that same person deliberately attempts to push it via a book, as far as I'm concerned, it's clear Robin bought into the grift. In my opinion, he's reached an all-time low beyond redemption. I will never read another of his books. Don't waste your time or money with this garbage. I'm glad I never purchased it, and it's going back to the library. It's not even worth the 1 star I was forced to give.
January 29, 2023
Ridiculously predictable and FFS, what's with all the COVID vaxx BS?? I just want to read a book without being inundated with politics and propaganda. I'm not anti vaxx, but sheesh, this was painful. Do yourself a favor and AVOID. By the second chapter, you'll know who did what, and you'll save yourself pages and pages and pages of are you vaxxed and boosted?? These used to be good books.
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December 6, 2022
A fast paced medical thriller with a set of favorite characters.
Dr. Jack Stapleton and Dr. Laurie Montgomery are married with a couple of special needs kids. In addition, both are medical examiners for the state of New York, with Laurie being the chief. This long running series features the pair of doctors examining cases that are atypical and confusing. In this thirteenth installment, Jack is tasked with an autopsy that should be routine but that turns into so much more than he anticipated. It seems there is a medical serial killer loose in the hospital and Jack is determined to find out who it is and stop them.
I’ve read Robin Cook forever and that is saying something as I am well past middle age. I absolutely love a good medical thriller and this author usually comes through with a good case scenario that I can dissect and enjoy. Can I help it if at times I don’t want Jack and Laurie to be rescued by a last minute miracle — but sorry — they do always manage to figure out what is going on, identify the dastardly criminal, and save the day. I always love the forensic details and the medical stuff, the interesting characters, and the plots.
Even if you haven’t kept up with the series, you can pick this one up and read as a standalone for the mystery and the intrigue alone. I do look forward to the next one by one of my favorite authors in this genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
Dr. Jack Stapleton and Dr. Laurie Montgomery are married with a couple of special needs kids. In addition, both are medical examiners for the state of New York, with Laurie being the chief. This long running series features the pair of doctors examining cases that are atypical and confusing. In this thirteenth installment, Jack is tasked with an autopsy that should be routine but that turns into so much more than he anticipated. It seems there is a medical serial killer loose in the hospital and Jack is determined to find out who it is and stop them.
I’ve read Robin Cook forever and that is saying something as I am well past middle age. I absolutely love a good medical thriller and this author usually comes through with a good case scenario that I can dissect and enjoy. Can I help it if at times I don’t want Jack and Laurie to be rescued by a last minute miracle — but sorry — they do always manage to figure out what is going on, identify the dastardly criminal, and save the day. I always love the forensic details and the medical stuff, the interesting characters, and the plots.
Even if you haven’t kept up with the series, you can pick this one up and read as a standalone for the mystery and the intrigue alone. I do look forward to the next one by one of my favorite authors in this genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
April 14, 2023
Gave up on this one.
January 17, 2023
*Thank you to Penguin Group/Putnam, Robin Cook, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This is my 2nd book by Robin Cook. The first one was Viral, which I read in 2020 at the onset of the Coronavirus Pandemic. As per my previous review, I was not a big fan of that novel. I am happy to say that Night Shift is so much better and I am glad I gave Mr. Cook a second chance.
Laurie Montgomery has been newly promoted to Chief Medical Examiner. Her husband Jack, is also an ME but now works under his wife. We learn early on in the book that their home life is not without tumult, his mother in law has been staying with them since the death of her husband and each of their children have developmental issues. Jack rides his bike every day to the ME office from the Upper East Side even though it is quite dangerous.
When Jack comes into work that day, he finds that Dr. Susan Passero, Laurie's best friend has died from a heart attack in the parking garage at MMH. When he does her autopsy, he finds that her heart is in perfect condition so what did she really die of? Was she murdered for her suspicion that a medical serial killer is on the loose in at Manhattan Memorial Hospital? When he goes to investigate against Laurie's wishes, he talks to another nurse who was close with Sue Passero. But then she dies of a heart attack. Or does she?
This is a heart-racing, adrenaline packed mystery with great characters, though I will admit Laurie Montgomery is my least favorite. I found her lukewarm, almost cold, towards her husband.
This is my 2nd book by Robin Cook. The first one was Viral, which I read in 2020 at the onset of the Coronavirus Pandemic. As per my previous review, I was not a big fan of that novel. I am happy to say that Night Shift is so much better and I am glad I gave Mr. Cook a second chance.
Laurie Montgomery has been newly promoted to Chief Medical Examiner. Her husband Jack, is also an ME but now works under his wife. We learn early on in the book that their home life is not without tumult, his mother in law has been staying with them since the death of her husband and each of their children have developmental issues. Jack rides his bike every day to the ME office from the Upper East Side even though it is quite dangerous.
When Jack comes into work that day, he finds that Dr. Susan Passero, Laurie's best friend has died from a heart attack in the parking garage at MMH. When he does her autopsy, he finds that her heart is in perfect condition so what did she really die of? Was she murdered for her suspicion that a medical serial killer is on the loose in at Manhattan Memorial Hospital? When he goes to investigate against Laurie's wishes, he talks to another nurse who was close with Sue Passero. But then she dies of a heart attack. Or does she?
This is a heart-racing, adrenaline packed mystery with great characters, though I will admit Laurie Montgomery is my least favorite. I found her lukewarm, almost cold, towards her husband.
December 6, 2023
Dr Sue Passero była przyjaciółką Laurie Montgomery. Była, ponieważ właśnie wjechała na kanał do Jacka. Kobietę znaleziono nieprzytomną w szpitalnym garażu, i mimo przeprowadzonej resuscytacji, nie udało się przywrócić funkcji życiowych. Sytuacja jest podejrzana, ponieważ dr Passero była okazem zdrowia i poza wyrównaną cukrzycą typu I, na nic nie chorowała. Przed Jackiem bardzo trudne zadanie ustalenia przyczyny zgonu, a jego małe śledztwo prowadzi do szpitala, w którym pracowała Sue. Kobieta prawdopodobnie wpadła na ślad przerażającego procederu, jaki odbywał się w tym miejscu, i dlatego straciła życie. Oczywiście Jack zamiast poinformować o sprawie swojego przyjaciela Lou Soldano, sam zaczyna węszyć. Jak myślicie, ile jeszcze żyć pozostało dr Stapletonowi do wykorzystania w tej serii?
Książka oparta jest na autentycznych wydarzeniach i jeżeli ktoś zna tę historię, to może być rozczarowany, bo szybko domyślimy się, kto jest złym człowiekiem w tej części. Mi to zupełnie nie przeszkadzało, chociaż znałam tę sprawę. Chyba przeważył sentyment do Laurie i Jacka, mam nadzieję, że niedługo znów będę mogła śledzić ich niesamowite przygody (zupełnie nierealne w prawdziwym życiu, ale to nic :)).
7/10
Książka oparta jest na autentycznych wydarzeniach i jeżeli ktoś zna tę historię, to może być rozczarowany, bo szybko domyślimy się, kto jest złym człowiekiem w tej części. Mi to zupełnie nie przeszkadzało, chociaż znałam tę sprawę. Chyba przeważył sentyment do Laurie i Jacka, mam nadzieję, że niedługo znów będę mogła śledzić ich niesamowite przygody (zupełnie nierealne w prawdziwym życiu, ale to nic :)).
7/10
December 25, 2022
The book would have been more tolerable if it wasn't so repetitive. The protagonist (Jack Stapleton) seems to be telling us his same thoughts over and over again. Also, Lou Soldano is right when he tells Jack to not be detective. He makes a very poor one. His questioning is terrible, and he ends up revealing information that he shouldn't have. A good interrogator only collects information without giving too much away and Jack's poor skills here cause a lot of harm. The book would have been better 50 pages less even though the theme of the story has gotten a little long in the tooth.
October 1, 2023
O damn jakie to było dobre
May 20, 2024
Finalizada. Si sabes qué te vas a encontrar y no esperas más, es muy entretenida. Thriller médico con forenses muy, muy listos y malos espabilados. Nota 3/5. FIN.
June 14, 2025
Muy interesante, pero su estilo es tan descriptivo, con tanto detalle de cosas que no aportan nada a la trama, ni a su comprensión que a veces me aburren. Claro sus intrigas médicas y forenses son muy buenas y atrapantes.
August 5, 2025
3,5* Por defeito profissional os thrillers médicos são os meus favoritos, mas este desiludiu-me um bocado por ser muito descritivo em coisas técnicas que não enriquecem nada o enredo e o tornam maçador
April 13, 2025
Not his best
Maybe 2 1/2
But definitely won’t be reading a jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery series again. Only got good the last hour (I had the audiobook)
Maybe 2 1/2
But definitely won’t be reading a jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery series again. Only got good the last hour (I had the audiobook)
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