Code 15-Gary Birken

Code 15
Gary Birken
Jove, Nov 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780515147209

At Dade Presbyterian Hospital in North Miami, Florida, Chief of Emergency Medicine Dr. Morgan Connolly wonders if her personal life issues are impacting her medical judgment at work as a physician. There has been an alarming sudden rise in Code 15 deaths that were caused by unacceptable preventable mistakes.

Pregnant and alone as her spouse left her just when her father was murdered, Morgan ponders over the rise and decides to investigate so that she can change procedures if necessary. She is stunned when hospital administrators blame her for the deaths calling her incompetent and wanting her fired and disbarred. Morgan is further shocked with how they react to her inquiries as if they are covering up for someone. Still she knows someone wants to destroy her and collateral damage of the innocent is acceptable by her unknown adversary. Instead of wallowing, Morgan turns determined and goes after her enemy planning to destroy her foe with the precision of a surgeon before he or she can further devastate her.

This is an exciting medical thriller starring an intriguing heroine who seems numb by all that is going on in her personal and professional life. The story line is fast-paced from the onset and never slows down until the mile high final confrontation. Although the villain is over the top of Mount Trashmore, sub-genre readers will root for the beleaguered lead protagonist as so much has happened to her in a short time including her father’s murder, her husband leaving and the Code 15 deaths along with the medical review of her have left her anesthetized yet obstinately resolute.

Harriet Klausner