Marker

This novel sees the return of New York City medical examiner, Laurie Montgomery, and NYPD homicide detective, Lou Saldano, to whom I was first introduced in the author's medical mystery thriller, "Blindsight". This pretty much follows the formula in that book. Here, young, reasonably healthy adults enter the hospital for seemingly routine minor surgery and end up dying while hospitalized. Our intrepid medical examiner senses that there is something wrong afoot, as she takes notice of this but cannot initially ascertain what the problem is. As the death toll mounts up, Laurie knows that the law of probability is against these deaths being accidental. She thinks that there is a serial killer afoot, but she does not know how or why. More galling to her is the fact that no one seems to share her concerns initially, although she does confide her concerns to Detective Saldano. Unfortunately, his hands are tied, because the medical examiner's office is not classifying these deaths as homicides. Set against the backdrop of this medical conundrum is the personal angst Laurie is suffering because of the reluctance of Jack Stapleton, her long term significant other and fellow medical examiner, to commit to marrying her and having children. Since Laurie is forty three and her biological clock is in countdown mode, she won't take no for an answer this time. Consequently, she and Jack seem to be going their separate ways, and Laurie meets up with a another doctor, one who is in a successful private practice and seems smitten by Laurie. The author weaves a fine plot, even though the author's cookie-cutter characters and limp dialogue leave something to be desired. The reader will know who the killer is relatively early, but why the killings are taking place is what is at the heart of this book. Still, the clever plot will keep the reader eagerly turning the pages of this book. Although though the discerning reader will probably solve the mystery long before Laurie and Lou do so, the plot will still keep the reader turning the pages of this entertaining, quick read. The book is also a social commentary on the evils inherent in managed health care.

I was so glad to be able to follow Drs Jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery again, after too long a time, as they resume their fight against the various applications of greed to the latest medical discoveries; this time genetic markers. Good way to see who needs to be eliminated (sanctioned) to maximize the bottom line of AmeriCare (the managed health care company, managed of course to increase profits). Dr Cook is back in good writing form and still remembers how to spin out a thriller, as well as to educate us a little more on the medical field. Hope he will turn out another Jack/Laurie sequel and not wait so long to do it.

Dr. Cook's books always strive for more with each book he writes. This one is no exception. Eventhough I am not completely done reading, I feel the events are merging together to the fast pace that always comes towards the end. It is almost always like a roller coaster ride that you are not sure when it will end. I also think the Dr. Cook loves to educate his readers without boring them to death. I have read all of his previous books and hope to continue to read them.

If you're a fan of medical mysteries, this is a must read. Robin Cook is on top of his game as he brings back the Pathology team of Jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery to solve the cases of mysterious deaths of apparently healthy patients (sound familiar, doesn't it). That's not to say Cook resurrects old material - sinister health insurance companies and medical procedures are a big part of this novel, but the author has the talent to breathe new life into old plot lines. The sub plots of Laurie's medical problems and the "bad guy" (one hell of a nasty nurse) are anything but distracting. Not wanting to spoil the ending for anyone, but chapter 24 has got to be one of the most exhilarating pages Cook has ever written. Perfect summer time entertainment.