Synopsis
When her elderly patients start dying at home days after minor surgery, anesthesiologist Dr. Kate Downey wants to know why. The surgeon, not so much. When Kate presses, surgeon Charles Ricken places the blame squarely on her shoulders. Kate is currently on probation and the chief of staff sides with Charles, leaving Kate to prove her innocence and save her own career.
Aided by her eccentric aunt, a precocious medical student, and the lawyer son of a victim, Kate launches her own unorthodox investigation of these unexpected deaths. As she comes closer to exposing the culprit’s identity, she faces professional intimidation, threats to her life and, tragically, the suspicious death of someone close to her. The stakes escalate to the breaking point when Kate, under violent duress, is forced to choose which of her loved ones to save—and which must be sacrificed.
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Praise
“Medical suspense as sharp as it gets. Euliano is off to a good, no, a brilliant start.” — Kathy Reichs, New York Times bestselling author of the Temperance Brennan Bones series
“This is terrific—delicious suspense, done-that authenticity, and a great main character in Dr. Kate Downey … we want to see more of her.” — Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author of The Sentinel
“Fatal Intent rings with thrilling authenticity. Tammy Euliano writes with convincing authority, immersing us in a world only a doctor truly knows.” — Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of Call After Midnight
“Tense and fulfilling, there’s plenty of sizzle and emotional clout in this stirring debut. And, even better, it’s all written by someone who knows what she’s talking about. A wonderful beginning and I’m looking forward to more.” — Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Kaiser’s Web
“[Fatal Intent has] an intriguing plot with wonderful twists and turns and all kinds of dangers—devious and frightening! A wonderful debut for this talented author!” — Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author of Danger in Numbers
“A tale of high stakes and shocking manipulations, the tension will keep you holding your breath until the very last page.” — Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of The First To Lie
Review
The topic of this book is a great one for book clubs or discussion in general. How do you feel about end-of-life issues especially when one is terminal or in a vegetative state? Why are they forced to suffer? This book will possibly have you thinking twice about how you feel on this subject.
Dr. Kate Downey is a strong protagonist but not without her own flaws. Her husband is in a vegetative state which weighs heavily on her emotions. Is she doing the right thing? This becomes very important as the book progresses as Dr. Downey works to uncover the mystery of why patients are dying after simple surgeries.
I was pulled into the story right from the start. I found the mystery intriguing and wondered if I would be able to decipher the clues and figure out how this was happening. Of course, I didn’t. But the journey was a roller coaster that kept me engaged. From Kate’s life as an anesthesiologist, teaching future doctors in anesthesia, a complicated situation with her husband and his family, and battling the Chief of Staff at the hospital. I felt a range of emotions, much like Kate. Sorrow for her family situation, curiosity about the recent deaths, compassion for her patients and students, and relating to the love she felt for her husband despite his situation.
There are many likable characters including her eccentric Aunt Irm, her student Jenn, a deceased patient’s son Christian. These characters helped round out the story and added an additional dimension to the various situations. I really liked Aunt Irm and her love for Kate and wanted to assist with solving this puzzle.
This book had the perfect blend of characters and situations to keep a reader engaged and on the edge of their seat. There will be some revelations at the end that might surprise you, I know I was not expecting them and it took the book in a new direction.
We give this book 5 paws up!
About the Author
Tammy Euliano, MD, is a practicing anesthesiologist and tenured professor of anesthesiology at the University of Florida. In addition to a prolific list of academic publications, YouTube teaching videos, and numerous teaching awards, she has also written award-winning short fiction. Fatal Intent is her debut novel. Tammy lives in Gainesville, FL, with her husband.
