Lethal Cure, author Kurt Popke's first novel, is a medical thriller. With strong writing, well-defined characters and plenty of action, Popke's style is as good as any Robin Cook novel. Popke knows how to create tension and suspense, while pumping in a few cc's of humor to keep it balanced.

Dr. Jake Prescott is finishing his residency as an ER doctor. Before completing his term, he and fellow resident and friend, Tony Castaic, need to submit a research paper. While Castaic is working on a complex report, Prescott is merely cataloguing the hazards of smoking.

While at the hospital, two patients are brought in. There was a residential break-in. The burglar and the victim both suffered life-threatening injuries. While working to save the life of the burglar, Prescott has no idea that his wife was the victim.

Once he learns the truth, things only get worse. There were two thugs that broke into his house. They were looking for him. When they found he wasn't home, they attacked his wife and kidnapped his daughter.

Calling in a marker, Prescott contacts, Luther, a former patient. After saving the life of the private investigator, Luther told the doctor to call if he ever needed help. When he tracks down Luther, Prescott learns that the man has retired, but agrees to help get back his little girl.

Through a twisting turn of events, the police now believe Prescott is somehow involved in murder. Time is of the essence if Prescott wants to get his daughter back alive. While trying to track down the crazy person who took his daughter, Luther and Prescott keep out of sight so the police do not catch and detain them.

Though a little predictable, the fast-paced scenes, creative clues and clever antics make Lethal Cure an exciting read. In the future, I'll be looking for more works by Kurt Popke.

Book Summary:

Dr. Jake Prescott is a young ER doctor who unearths a deadly secret that has one of the most powerful companies in the United States desperate to silence him. During their initial attack, Jake's wife is critically injured and his daughter is kidnapped. Their efforts soon result in murder, but the evidence points to Jake as the prime suspect. He must now elude the police as he battles to save his daughter and clear his name. Hopelessly outgunned, Jake turns to a former patient, a retired PI, for help. Together they match wits with the cold-blooded assassin hired to eliminate Jake and his family.

REVIEWED BY PHILLIP TOMASSO III

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR, PHILLIP TOMASSO III

Phillip Tomasso III is the award-winning author of Adverse Impact, Johnny Blade, Third Ring, Tenth House and Mind Play. He works full time as an employment law paralegal, freelances for a community newspaper and writes regular book reviews for Futures Mystery Anthology Magazine, The Best Reviews and Curled Up With A Good Book. Tomasso also writes middle grade novels under the pen name, Grant R. Philips. King Gauthier and the Little Dragon Slayer will be released by Port Town Publishing, September 2003; Sounds of Silence in the Fall of 2004 by Star Bright Books. Living in Rochester, New York with his wife and three children. Tomasso is currently at work on his next mystery and middle grade novels.