Book Review: Last Patient of the Night by Gary Gerlacher
As I reached for Last Patient of the Night: An AJ Docker Medical Thriller, I felt an unmistakable thrill—a blend of anticipation and trepidation. The premise, likened to a mashup of MASH* and Detective Harry Bosch, piqued my curiosity. How would an established emergency physician, Gary Gerlacher, translate his medical expertise into a riveting fictional narrative? Once I began reading, I quickly realized I was in for a wild ride.
At the heart of the novel is AJ Docker, an emergency room physician whose world flips upside down when he encounters a nameless young woman who dies on his watch. Fueled by a sense of justice, Docker embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, aided by his police friend and a four-legged companion—Banshee, the K-9 officer. This dynamic trio navigates the murky waters of crime and bureaucracy, revealing a world that is as chaotic as it is exhilarating.
Gerla cher’s background as an emergency physician shines through every page; the authenticity of the ER experience adds depth to the narrative. The author artfully intertwines compelling medical procedures with the escalating tension of a mystery thriller, making the plot not just entertaining but also informative. I particularly appreciated the lighthearted moments sprinkled throughout, reminiscent of the banter common in ERs. The gallows humor juxtaposed with serious themes strikes a perfect balance, drawing the reader in while maintaining a sense of realism.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is its cast of characters. They are fully fleshed out, nuanced, and relatable. Docker, with his wit and charm, often finds himself embroiled in absurd situations, yet his strong moral compass makes him a protagonist worth rooting for. A standout line that made me chuckle was when Docker remarked about "playing detective while trying not to trip over my own stethoscope." Such humor makes the narrative easy to digest, even as serious matters unfold.
I can’t help but echo the sentiments of other readers who’ve found solace in the engaging storytelling. There’s a delightful blend of urgency and humor that keeps you turning pages late into the night. As one reader put it: "It’s a fast-paced adventure with the heart of an espionage thriller." It’s this blend of genres that caught me off guard—in a good way!
While I can’t deny that some coincidences in the plot stretched believability, they didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. If anything, they added a flair of excitement that kept me anxiously flipping pages.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Last Patient of the Night to anyone who enjoys a gripping medical thriller enriched with character-driven storytelling and sharp wit. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas, medical fiction, or simply a lover of good stories, this debut novel sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating series. It’s a book that left me pondering long after I turned the last page, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be eagerly awaiting more adventures of AJ Docker and Banshee. Happy reading!
You can find Last Patient of the Night: An AJ Docker Medical Thriller here >>