Book Review: The Patient

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Patient     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Michael Palmer
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Medical   Thriller
Bantam, Apr 2000, $24.95, 322 pp.

Eastern Massachusetts Medical Center (EMMC) neurosurgeon Jessie Copeland tests the use of assisted robotic tissue incision and extraction on corpses. However, in spite of the media push of her odious boss, Jessie feels ARTIE is not quite ready for prime time use to remove brain tumors in humans. Still, Jessie applies ARTIE on a renowned gymnast.

For years, CIA agent Alex Bishop has tried to capture the elusive soulless mercenary Claude Maloche without any success. However, Alex feels he is closing in on his enemy when he learns Claude suffers from a brain tumor with the trail leading to EMMC and Jessie. To insure his full recovery and safety, Claude threatens to kill thousands if Jessie errs. She and Alex know this amoral assassin is more than capable of carrying out what he threatens even if he dies on the operating table.

THE PATIENT is a typical Michael Palmer medical-terrorist thriller that leaves readers wondering how so much action and excitement can be packed into one story line. The plot is dynamic as Mr. Palmer blends modern medical technology with the unmerciful word of cold-blooded mercenaries. Jessie is a fine character struggling to keep her Oath and morals above board even as individuals surround her from both sides of the law who would corrupt her for their use. A Mr. Palmer tale should carry a warning label that his books increase adrenaline and the pulse rate to dangerous levels because they are so excitingly good.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner