Tuesday, April 16, 2013

"Stress Test" by Richard L. Mabry, M.D. (Review & Giveaway)

About the book: 
They may not have enough evidence to convict him, but they have enough to ruin his life.


Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left his last shift in the ER have no such plans-they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt's only thought is escape. He does so, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he's being charged with murder.

Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors. But when Matt calls, she knows she can't walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.

Matt's career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he's a murderer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth-and the faith to keep going-will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured.

My thoughts:  In the book market you will find a number of successful authors who write in the medical thriller genre.  Authors who are doctors and can write with authority from a medical standpoint.  However, if you prefer to limit yourself to reading works written by Christians, your selection begins to shrink.  Awhile back I saw that a retired physician (and his picture looks the epitome of a gentle, kindly family doctor) was now in the playing field of physicians who write medical thrillers published by Christian publishing houses.  I could hardly wait to get my hands on his new book, Stress Test.  His name is Dr. Richard L. Mabry. 

I was not disappointed because from the first page, the author caught my attention with dynamic and fast moving action.  This work is not a stroll through the halls of some grand research hospital or the vying for attention by some cute nurse for that handsome, intelligent, and wealthy doctor.  No, this tale involves a kidnapping, attempted murder, emergency room action, skilled surgery, doctors and lawyers, and  a variety of characters from the shady side of life. It is written with skill and will draw the reader right into the
unfolding drama.  Dr. Mabry writes with the authority of an experienced and skilled surgeon without the mumbo-jumbo of an overtly medical expose.

The main character, Dr. Matt Newman, awakens from being kidnapped to find himself accused of murder. The story follows his and his attorney's struggle to exonerate him of charges and stay alive in the process.  Through these trials, Matt finds himself being drawn back to the faith of his childhood. 

I found the characters well developed and interesting and the story plot exciting, suspenseful, and medically interesting.

This is a fast paced, enjoyable read that I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to review.  I look forward to future books by Dr. Mabry and hope to be among his select reviewers.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
GIVEAWAY:  One of Chat With Vera's readers will be the recipient of a copy of Stress Test by Dr. Richard L. Mabry courtsey of Litfuse Publicity Group. Just enter using the Rafflecopter entry form below (please be patient if it is a bit slow to load). Begins April 16 ENDS May 6 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT.

About the author: A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of four critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas. Visit his website at http://www.rmabry.com

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Stress Test was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and publisher, Thomas Nelson to facilitate my honest review without obligatory constraints for a positive report. The giveaway copy is provided courtesy of Litfuse and will be mailed by Litfuse directly to the Chat With Vera winner. 

26 comments:

  1. Hmmmm. Stress free and clean? How about playing with my puppy in the mornings? She likes to come out of her crate and climb up on my bed just after I wake up. We play a little and rough-house and then she gets up and runs over to my bedroom door where she turns around and tells me, quite loudly, to hurry up!

    Jasmine A.

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  2. Code Blue sounds really good, of course the entire series does, but this one gets my attention the most.
    Jasmine A.

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  3. What book of Richard I would like to read ? " Medical Error." Thanks Vera for the give-away. Also thanks to Richard.
    Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  4. Vera, thanks so much for your kind words (including your description of my picture). Seriously, I'm glad you enjoyed Stress Test and hope the readers of your blog do, as well. Appreciate it.

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    1. Dr. Mabry - Thank you for stopping by. I was so happy to read and review your book! The pleasure and joy was mine. I hope my review will generate book sales and interest in your books. The medical thriller is a nice break from "bonnet" books. But I love them all! I do hope I have the opportunity to be a future "reviewer" for your books.

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  5. A happy moment is just going to a coffee and reading a book there.

    cenya2 at hotmail dot com

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  6. Recently I've had the opportunity to renew an old acquaintance. Those few meetings have been joyful and stress free.
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  7. I have his Prescription for Trouble Series on my wish list. I just haven't had time to read them, yet.
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  8. I think I'd like to read Code Blue.

    Katie J.

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  9. My daughters' first birthday party. My friends took care of most of the coordination and there were mostly adults there.

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  10. I would like to read Medical Error about identity theft.

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  11. I have many joyful moments reading!
    Stress Test looks like a great book. I'd be very happy to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.
    I'd like to read his book Code Blue.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  12. For those of you who'd like to catch up on my previous novels and who have an e-reader or the free Kindle for Mac or Kindle for PC apps on your computer, all four of my Prescription For Trouble novels are selling until Friday for less than $4 in e-book form on Amazon, B&N, and Christian Book dot com.

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  13. I have so many joyful moments. My kids bring me much joy!
    I was so very proud when my son graduated high school in 2012 #7 in his class of 438! Imagine my pride and joy!

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  14. No, I've never read one of his books but after reading your fabulous review, I need to put it on my Goodreads to read list! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  15. I'd love to read all of them! They sound great. I love suspense thrillers. I'd start with Code Blue!

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  16. I'd like to read Lethal Remedy next. Thanks

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  17. This book was so good! I get to post my review on April 23. Litfuse is so awesome to review for! Your review said it: exciting, suspenseful and medically interesting!

    As for a joyful moment, I love the moment when I discover a new author, or a new book coming from a favorite author!

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  18. Sitting in the sun.

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  19. Today started out like most days.....Awesome - My hubby brought me a fresh brewed cup of my favorite coffee. What is best about this experience is that he has done this for years (without being ASKED)! thank you BL

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  20. Really great titles that got my attention. I would like to read or own - DIAGNOSIS: DEATH. thank you BL

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  21. A joyful moment would be if I win this book!Lol
    Other than that I got to hangout with a good friend of mine today and had a blast.

    Thanks!

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  22. Stress-free, joyful moment? When I'm in the middle of a good book! :)

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  23. They all sound wonderful! I guess I would say "Lethal Remedy". :)

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