"A searing, emotionally provocative medical thriller set in a small Irish border town where a locum begins to suspect that the doctor he is covering isn’t quite so highly regarded as it first appeared."
Oh-so readable and intensely thought-provoking, this medical thriller set in 1987 covers themes of power, trust, consent, manipulation, and courage. Bestselling author Paul Carson, had a career in medicine for over 40 years, consequently the authenticity shines through his writing. Alongside that feeling of scorching reality, sits punchy descriptive writing that hits hard.
Short sentences and chapters contain power that flows through the pages. The prologue is intriguing, and as chapter one then travelled back to five weeks earlier, I found the prologue stayed with me as I read. I could see the setting in both time and location in my minds eye, I felt the atmosphere, the community, the place.
It’s not only the medical aspect that feels as though it could be real, the characters contain flaws and a relationship travels a rocky road. Dr Jakob Kane’s shortcomings are made clear from the start and his emotional journey is an interesting one. The author skilfully traverses a path with a sheer drop on both sides, he balances compassion and empathy against thrilling entertainment with care and attention.
I’d recommend this novel to those who love a fast-paced intensely thrilling tale with an arresting main character and challenging themes. Powerful and provocative, Fatal Practice packs a punch as it explores abuse of power in those who should be beyond reproach.
A gripping medical thriller following locum Dr Jakob Kane who uncovers suspicious activity connected to the doctor he has replaced. The novel explores the abuse of power within the medical system – a timely and thought-provoking theme – delivered in a gripping, suspense-filled narrative.
| Primary Genre | Thriller and Suspense |
| Other Genres: | |
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Closing date: 15/10/2026
A gripping medical thriller following locum Dr Jakob Kane who uncovers suspicious activity connected to the doctor he has replaced. The novel explores the abuse of power within the medical system – a timely and thought-provoking theme – delivered in a gripping, suspense-filled narrative.
Fatal Practice features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Crime / Thriller Pick of the Month, Crime and Mystery, Thriller and Suspense
Paperback. Not Available.
Fatal Practice was written by Paul Carson and published by Whitefox Publishing Ltd
