Philip Hawley, Jr. - Stigma (2007)
Reviewed by David J. Montgomery
It's early in 2007, but Philip Hawley, Jr.'s Stigma is already shaping up to be one of the top debuts of the year. Hawley is a pediatrician in Los Angeles and he's written a thriller about an emergency room doctor at an L.A. children's hospital who is also a former top-secret black-ops soldier.
The story kicks off when a boy from Guatemala is rushed into the emergency room and dies a mysterious death. The doctor begins to investigate what really happened, and discovers a plot involving high-tech science and low-grade greed.
In addition to a boat-load of action and suspense, Stigma probes interesting ethical questions about the role of technology in medicine, and the ages-old dilemma of where we draw the boundaries of medical science.
It's rare to find a first novel this polished and poised. Hawley is a fine talent and a welcome addition to the top ranks of thriller authors. Fans of Michael Crichton or James Rollins in particular will find much here to enjoy.
Don't miss Mystery Ink's 10 Questions with Philip Hawley, Jr.
Posted by David J. Montgomery in Book Reviews | Permalink
