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Caduceus Awry
H. Thomas Milhorn, MD, PhD
The plot
Dr.
Mark Valentine, once a highly-respected plastic
surgeon, struggles to overcome alcoholism so that he can get his license
to practice medicine reinstated. His life takes a turn for the worse when
he is abducted at gunpoint and flown to a location hundreds of miles away.
Subsequent events lead to a life of constant danger as he is relentlessly
pursued by Jesus Dimaria, a vicious Mafia hit man. As patient after
patient at Charity dies for no known reason, Dr. Ed Billingsworth, the
Hospital Director, comes to believe that a high-ranking hospital employee
is behind the serial murders. However, he does not name the person because
of lack of proof. When Billingsworth has a massive heart attack and
lies unconscious in the Coronary Care Unit, Mark comes to the realization
that he must identify Charity’s serial killer to save Billingsworth's
life. Billingsworth is the only
person with the power to help him get his license back. In a race against
time, Mark manages to stay one step ahead of Jesus's attempts on his life
as he desperately pursues one lead after another.
Reviews
Editorial Review:
"Love the story! It immediately captures the reader's attention then moves
along at a good pace. Mark Valentine is easy to care about, although you
wish he'd make better choices sometimes. Still, from the start, you want
to cheer him on and hope he'll get a good break. The plot has unique
twists that make it fresh and exciting. The writing style is good, too.
Excellent job!"
Amazon.com.
A
reader from Brooklyn, New York: This is the most enthralling
medical thriller I have read in a while! Dr. Valentine is adamant in
fighting the odds against his own survival, both external and internal.
You definitely will feel empathy for this man and root for him during this
rollercoaster ride. I must admit, there is a little Mark Valentine in all
of us. Fight on, Mark!
Mississippi Writers and Musicians:
Caduceus Awry is an enthralling novel by Tom
Milhorn. The novel grabs the reader's attention and does not let go until
every problem, of which there are many, is solved. The story is about a
plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark Valentine, who loses his license due to
alcoholism and is forced to work as a second-rate emergency room doctor on
a limited institutional license. Valentine is accosted by a mob
ring-leader and must stop a serial killer at his hospital to save the life
of the only man who can get his license back. Throughout all of these
problems, Valentine faces struggles in his love life and his fight against
alcoholism.
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel because the plot had so many twists
that it kept me guessing until the conclusion. Also, I appreciated
Milhorn's ability to be concise in the writing of the novel. Moreover, I
was amazed that I could imagine myself in Dr. Valentine's shoes as the
novel progressed.
The plot follows Valentine from Atlanta, Georgia, through much
traveling, to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he and the novel eventually
stop. Milhorn has the ability to make these settings come alive to the
reader. Also, the amount of travel keeps the reader guessing as to where
Valentine will end up in the next chapter.
I would recommend the novel Caduceus Awry as an amazing medical
mystery in which to immerse yourself. There are a few references to sex
and alcohol, which may make the novel more suitable for mature young
adults or adults. In addition, there are some occurrences of violence.
However, I do not believe that these situations subtract from the novel or
make it any less desirable to read.
Caduceus Awry is a novel of plot twists and flaws of human
nature. Dr. Valentine represents every person who has ever been stretched
almost to the breaking point but finally defies the odds and becomes
victorious over his struggles. I suggest that you read Caduceus Awry.
You will not regret your decision. (Review by Nathan Kiser)
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