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topdragon's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second novel to feature Michael Palmer's physician/detective Dr. Lou Welcome, following the book: [b:Oath of Office|12393699|Oath of Office|Michael Palmer|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317794441s/12393699.jpg|17374825]. Even though the author of this book is a doctor, and is known for writing medical thrillers, he also writes political thrillers and this latest novel hits all the marks. At first, I wasn't sure what to make of the title but as the novel unfolds it becomes quite clever...and on several levels. In fact, that's what I found intriguing about the entire novel: very clever and well done on multiple levels.
At first blush, the novel seems a fairly straight forward political thriller with a military element, high level political involvement, and a race to keep the bad guys from succeeding in their diabolical mission. On another level, it reads much like a detective novel, with the main character, Dr. Lou Welcome working against the clock to solve the behind-the-scenes mystery. Along the way we are treated to a quality grouping of supporting characters including a journalist, blinded for getting too close to the truth and yet not in the least disabled by her condition, a beautiful defense attorney with a chip on her shoulder against the medical profession, and several elite military personnel, each forced to deal with their own demons.
I found it interesting to learn that the author is an associate director of the Massachusetts Medical Society Physician Health Services, an organization devoted to helping physicians troubled by mental illness, physical illness, behavioral issues, and chemical dependency. Likewise, the protagonist of this novel, Dr. Welcome has a similar role in addition to working the ER night shift. It definitely lends an air of authenticity to the whole novel.
This is not a perfect novel though. There were times when the plot was a bit too contrived in order to make everything work out properly, a couple too many fortunate coincidences. And the author's understanding of the US military doesn't seem very realistic (based on my own 20+ years' service), even given the unique plot elements that impact the marines' behavior in this story. And I would add that the romantic elements of the plot are also a little too convenient. But in the end, none of that really mattered. If you're a fan of Mr. Palmer's work, you won't be disappointed. If you've never tried him before this would be a fine place to start...no particular need to read the prior Lou Welcome novel first.
At first blush, the novel seems a fairly straight forward political thriller with a military element, high level political involvement, and a race to keep the bad guys from succeeding in their diabolical mission. On another level, it reads much like a detective novel, with the main character, Dr. Lou Welcome working against the clock to solve the behind-the-scenes mystery. Along the way we are treated to a quality grouping of supporting characters including a journalist, blinded for getting too close to the truth and yet not in the least disabled by her condition, a beautiful defense attorney with a chip on her shoulder against the medical profession, and several elite military personnel, each forced to deal with their own demons.
I found it interesting to learn that the author is an associate director of the Massachusetts Medical Society Physician Health Services, an organization devoted to helping physicians troubled by mental illness, physical illness, behavioral issues, and chemical dependency. Likewise, the protagonist of this novel, Dr. Welcome has a similar role in addition to working the ER night shift. It definitely lends an air of authenticity to the whole novel.
This is not a perfect novel though. There were times when the plot was a bit too contrived in order to make everything work out properly, a couple too many fortunate coincidences. And the author's understanding of the US military doesn't seem very realistic (based on my own 20+ years' service), even given the unique plot elements that impact the marines' behavior in this story. And I would add that the romantic elements of the plot are also a little too convenient. But in the end, none of that really mattered. If you're a fan of Mr. Palmer's work, you won't be disappointed. If you've never tried him before this would be a fine place to start...no particular need to read the prior Lou Welcome novel first.
beastreader's review against another edition
3.0
Dr. Lou Welcome receives a phone call from a friend, Dr. Gary McHugh. Dr. McHugh tells Dr. Lou that he urgently needs his help. He needs to come to his house before the police arrive. Lou arrives to learn that Gary is the prime suspect in the murder of Congressman Elias Colston. To make matters worse, Gary can not remember a thing. He was found unconscious in his car. Thus the reason for Lou’s help. Gary knows that Lou will get to the truth.
I must admit that it has been a long time since I have picked up another one of Mr. Palmer’s books to read. My first introduction to this author was The Fifth Vial. From this book, I knew Mr. Palmer was an author to watch out for. Thus my reason for wanting to read another one of his books.
Political Suicide features the return of Dr. Lou Welcome from Oath of Office. This book can be read as a stand alone novel. I liked this book. It had a good steady pace to it. The flow of the story kept moving which is always a great thing. Dr. Lou is a strong male lead. He is someone I would want on my side. However as much as I liked Dr. Lou for some reason the rest of the characters did not do much for me and thus I was not as invested in the story as I would have liked. A positive thing about this book is that there are a few surprises to be had.
I must admit that it has been a long time since I have picked up another one of Mr. Palmer’s books to read. My first introduction to this author was The Fifth Vial. From this book, I knew Mr. Palmer was an author to watch out for. Thus my reason for wanting to read another one of his books.
Political Suicide features the return of Dr. Lou Welcome from Oath of Office. This book can be read as a stand alone novel. I liked this book. It had a good steady pace to it. The flow of the story kept moving which is always a great thing. Dr. Lou is a strong male lead. He is someone I would want on my side. However as much as I liked Dr. Lou for some reason the rest of the characters did not do much for me and thus I was not as invested in the story as I would have liked. A positive thing about this book is that there are a few surprises to be had.
kdurham2's review against another edition
4.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
Have you ever wanted an inside look at the unspoken missions of the marines? Do you wonder how many people are involved when decisions are made in the military? This political thriller not only takes you behind the scenes, but the reader feels a part of the investigation as the clues are unraveled at just the right pace.
Have you ever wanted an inside look at the unspoken missions of the marines? Do you wonder how many people are involved when decisions are made in the military? This political thriller not only takes you behind the scenes, but the reader feels a part of the investigation as the clues are unraveled at just the right pace.
mohreading's review against another edition
4.0
I'm giving it 3.5 stars rounding up because the reveal of the killer and why caught me by surprise.
alifromkc1907's review against another edition
4.0
Gut Instinct Rating: 4
Characters: 4.5
Believability: 4
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 4
Excitement Factor: 5
Story Line: 5
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 5
Overall: 4.61
Characters: 4.5
Believability: 4
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 4
Excitement Factor: 5
Story Line: 5
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 5
Overall: 4.61
emtrey's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
katecollier's review against another edition
2.0
Did not finish.
I've been a fan of Michael Palmer books in the past and I'm generally a fan of political intrigue books so I picked this up thinking it would be an exciting combination of the two. Instead, it was rather lackluster and the dialogue tedious. I like Michael Palmer enough to go back to some of his previous books, but this one just wasn't for me.
I've been a fan of Michael Palmer books in the past and I'm generally a fan of political intrigue books so I picked this up thinking it would be an exciting combination of the two. Instead, it was rather lackluster and the dialogue tedious. I like Michael Palmer enough to go back to some of his previous books, but this one just wasn't for me.
cnorbury's review against another edition
4.0
Despite the fact that Dr. Lou Welcome doesn't use his doctor "superpowers" in any substantial way to solve the mystery of who killed Congressman Colson, I enjoyed the premise of the book, fighting terrorists at their own game--suicide bombing.
Supporting characters were better than average--Papa Steve, Cap Duncan, Edith Harmon--and were unique enough to give this story freshness.
Plot occasionally dragged but not as bad as some bestsellers tend to do these days. Palmer avoided political preachiness about the merits of the Mantis "ideology" (Whatever it takes!) and the moral implications of brainwashing soldiers into committing suicide in order to achieve a victory in the war on terrorism.
Entertaining, and the narrator did a fine job of bringing the characters to life.
Supporting characters were better than average--Papa Steve, Cap Duncan, Edith Harmon--and were unique enough to give this story freshness.
Plot occasionally dragged but not as bad as some bestsellers tend to do these days. Palmer avoided political preachiness about the merits of the Mantis "ideology" (Whatever it takes!) and the moral implications of brainwashing soldiers into committing suicide in order to achieve a victory in the war on terrorism.
Entertaining, and the narrator did a fine job of bringing the characters to life.
aspygirlsmom_1995's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0