Scan barcode
A review by topdragon
Political Suicide by Michael Palmer
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.