Critical Condition

This is about a doctor who gets caught up in a murder-mystery when a man she doesn't know is shot on her front lawn. The author seems to have thrown almost as much as he could think of at his protagonist to the point where you wonder how much more she can take before she cracks. The end is a little too sweet and perfect, but still this was an enjoyable read, especially when trying to relax in the midst of a busy, stressful period. Only trouble was: I read a little too late as it was hard to put down!

Critical Condition starts with a bag (literally) as Shannon Frasier witnesses the gunshot that kills her long-term boyfriend Todd Richardson. Ten years later, she's a surgeon in a Dallas hospital and history almost repeats when a complete stranger is shot on her front lawn, and dies in her arms. Things grow rapidly more complicated when Megan, Shannon's sister, moves in with her after having a fight with her boyfriend . . . who then dies. Both Megan and Shannon's fingerprints are on the murder weapon, and the police seemed convinced that one or both of the women know more than they are saying. One of the policemen seems to be paying Shannon more attention than is necessary, which causes friction between her and almost-fiance Dr Mark Gilbert. \\r\\n\\r\\nThis is a complex plot, a combination of mystery, suspense, medical thriller and romance (although I did feel the romance was definitely last place). There were lots of related points to keep in mind, yet not so many that I lost track of who was who or what was what. Shannon and Megan were both well-drawn characters, with Shannon as the 'good' older sister who had worked hard and done well, and Megan the more flighty younger sibling with a more mixed personal history. Recommended for thriller fans. \\r\\n\\r\\nThanks to Litfuse and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review

I think I've read every one of Dr. Mabry's books and thoroughly enjoyed them. This one was equally as enjoyable. The characters are interesting and I found relating with many of their struggles. I particularly enjoyed the dynamics between Shannon and her little sister. At times I wasn't sure how I felt about Mark, but over time I found myself liking him. \\r\\n\\r\\nAlthough, the story was entertaining and fast-paced from the opening pages until the end, there is a familiarity to this story to other stories by this author. I don't want to give anything away, but if you've read other books by Dr. Mabry you will see the pattern. \\r\\n\\r\\nThis is a stand alone novel and would make a great introduction to an excellent author. If you've read and enjoyed Dr. Mabry in the past this one will not disappoint you. \\r\\n\\r\\nDisclaimer: I did receive this copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.