Book Review: Flashback

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Flashback     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Michael Palmer
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Medical   Thriller
Century; 2000 (UK), 1988 (US); £17.99 (English pounds); 385pp
Classification: Adult fiction (medical thriller)

Toby Nelms is a normal eight year old who goes into hospital for a routine operation. The surgery is a success and he returns home. However, months later, Toby is forced to relive the operation repeatedly, including the terrible pain. Neurosurgeon Zack Iverson is put to the task of finding out why this is happening and to track down the secret behind it. If he fails, people are going to die.

With this novel being one of Palmer's earliest, it is also one of his weakest. He portrays a small town near the Canadian border held in the grip of a powerful corporation, but to me, it just did not ring true. The corporation in question seemed too powerful and the influence of some of the townspeople seemed too great. Perhaps this stems from my ignorance over the workings of small towns, but it seemed unbelievable.

On a positive side, the medical condition involved was interesting and the reader will be at a loss to explain how the operative effects are recreated repeatedly. The main character of Zack Iverson works well and his crusading character is clearly one on whom Palmer has based future doctors.

Overall, this is an interesting example of Palmer's writing that will demonstrate to his readers how his style has changed and matured since this book. Take, for example, a copy of 'The Patient' or 'Silent Treatment' and you will find a much better thriller.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

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