Dr Anne Wiley has never lost a patient on the operating table. But when she recognises the man in front of her, she freezes and gives up his resuscitation. Would he have died anyway or did she kill him?
The Surgeon is a psychological thriller set in America. There are some graphic surgery descriptions which some readers may be sensitive to.
Anne is a dedicated doctor and surgeon. Incredibly, she has never had a patient die during one of her operations. So her team, and even she herself, are surprised when she gives up the resuscitation of a patient. His heart hadn’t given any sign of damage but just won’t start. She looks down at his face and recognises him from her past, then immediately calls time of death. After the op she battles with herself about whether she did the right thing or if she could have saved him. Then an investigation into his death and her behaviour is launched…
The majority of the book is written from Anne’s first person perspective so we can see her dilemma and emotional anguish. The rest of the book is written from the third person viewpoint of Paula, a determined lawyer and investigator. She is hugely ambitious and is having an affair with the prospective new mayor of the city. About a third of the way trhough the book, these women’s connection is revealed although there are more twists to follow…
There were plenty of twists, tension and drama to keep the reader entertained. The moral dilemma is fascinating as Anne ponders her culpability in the death. I felt the initial link between Anne and Paula was obvious but I was totally engrossed in finding out how events would play out. The ending was a bit too open ended for my liking but this did not spoil my enjoyment of the book overall.
The Surgeon is a tense and entertaining medical and psychological thriller.
Before my world came crashing down, I had it all. The successful career I dreamed of. The beautiful red-brick home where I could relax in front of the fire. The handsome, devoted husband whose blue eyes and charming smile always made me feel safe.
As I call time of death, my voice is steady. My colleagues stand hushed around me, their eyes on me, confused, concerned.
I have never lost a patient until today.
My hands tremble inside their gloves. I slide down the cold tiled walls, my heart racing in my chest.
I have never hated a patient until today.
But what choice did I have, once I recognized him?
And what will I do to protect myself, if someone learns the truth?
A totally gripping psychological thriller that will have you racing through the pages, gasping for breath until the final jaw-dropping twist. If you love Freida McFadden, Shari Lapena and The Girl on the Train, you won’t be able to put this down.
Author Bio:
Leslie Wolfe is a bestselling author whose novels break the mold of traditional thrillers. She creates unforgettable, brilliant, strong women heroes who deliver fast-paced, satisfying suspense backed up by extensive background research in technology and psychology.
Her novels have a consistent presence in genre bestselling lists and a solid sales track record, with more than a million copies sold. Her bestselling series include the Detective Kay Sharp series, the Tess Winnett series, the Baxter & Holt series, and the Alex Hoffmann series.
