CRITICAL CONDITION By Richard L. Mabry, MD

Publisher:  Thoman Nelson
Expected Release Date:  April 15, 2014
Pages:  336
Genre:  Christian Medical Mystery/Suspense

Book Description:  Dr. Frasier couldn't save the gunshot victim on her front lawn. Now she's fighting for her own life.

It began as a quiet dinner party honoring Dr. Shannon Frasier's colleague, but became a nightmare when a man was shot on her lawn, reviving emotions from a similar episode a decade ago. Then a midnight call from her sister, Megan, causes Shannon to fear that her sister is on drugs again.

Her "almost-fiance" Dr. Mark Gilbert's support only adds to Shannon's feelings of guilt, since she can't bring herself to fully commit to him. She turns for help to her pastor-father, only to learn that he's just been diagnosed with leukemia.

Shannon thought it couldn't get any worse. Then the late-night, threatening phone calls begin, the rough voice asking, "What did he say before he died?"

With everything around her in a critical state, simply staying alive will require all the resources and focus Shannon has.

Wanda's Thoughts - Dr. Shannon Frasier, a complex character with a vivid personality, had seen two lives snuffed out by guns.  Her life changed instantly when Todd, the man she loved, was shot, while she watched helplessly.  That night she made a commitment to fight against death.  Then ten years later, during a quiet dinner party, a stranger is murdered outside her home. 

Shannon was more competent in her professional life than her personal.  She couldn’t seem to accept love and move forward with her life.  It was as though she had an aversion to commitment.  Shannon’s “almost fiancé”, Dr. Mark Gilbert, a pathologist, displays a lot of faith and understanding throughout the storyline – I liked him a lot. 

And the story unfolds with a mystery that keeps you guessing, a little romance, and a thread of faith spread throughout. 

The overall premise of the story was good with its share of twists and turns.  And the writing is simple and flowing – easy to read.  However, I craved a little more suspense and drama.  Unfortunately, the storyline fell a bit flat for me.  3/5 Stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions shared are solely my responsibility.

The Author - Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, past Vice-President of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and the author of five published novels of medical suspense. His books have been finalists in competitions including ACFW’s Carol Award and Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year. His novel, Lethal Remedy, won a 2012 Selah Award from the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. His most recent medical thriller, Heart Failure, released in October.

Richard’s non-fiction book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse (Kregel Publishers), has ministered to multiple thousands of grieving individuals. His meditations and short pieces have appeared in The Upper Room, In Touch, and several other periodicals.

When Richard is not writing, he spends his time reading, working fruitlessly to improve his golf game, and defending his title as the world’s best Granddad. He and his wife live in north Texas and are active members of Stonebriar Community Church, pastored by Dr. Chuck Swindoll.