Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite

Dr. Jack Forester, director of the New Canterbury University Hospital emergency department, is set to achieve something he’s been after for some time, the modernization the ER. However, he is suddenly blocked by the power-hungry acting medical school dean, Bryson Witner. When his mentor and the former dean arrives and says something is not quite right with the Medical Center someone tries to kill him, setting it up to look like suicide. Jack can’t believe it was a suicide attempt. With the help of beautiful journalist Zellie Andersen , little by little, Jack uncovers facts that suggest several other recent tragic accidental deaths just may not have been accidental after all. The deeper they dig, the more dangerous things become as a nightmare unfolds directly from the twisted mind of a mentally disturbed man. Somehow Jack must find a way to stop an evil plot before his old friend and mentor becomes the latest casualty.

FINAL MERCY is a superbly written medical thriller. The author, a medical doctor, has created a tale of suspense and intrigue, while providing an inside look at teaching hospitals, medical schools and emergency medicine. While the plot developed a little slowly, it didn’t take away from the overall excellence of the story. The reader will quickly identify with the characters, from the struggles of the overworked hospital staff to the egotistical department heads and other faculty members. As the action unfolds, the tension builds as the main characters are faced with ever increasing danger. All that and an exciting climax as well. Outstanding.