Critical Condition- This is my first book by Richard Mabry. I typically enjoy medicine &crime based books. But the murder of a stranger on her front lawn is only the first in a string of events that have Dr. Shannon Frasier’s life teetering on the edge of chaos. She’s unable to make the deeper commitment her boyfriend deserves. Her sister shows up at her home needing a place to stay but with no promise she’ll remain sober. And her father is diagnosed with cancer.

Then Shannon’s life stops teetering and plunges into the abyss. Because the person behind the guttural voice on the phone wants to know what the stranger said before he died. And he won’t stop until Shannon gives him the information he wants—even if she doesn’t have it.This book was rather interesting because it had several plots, stories & characters. It was hard to see how all of the pieces would come together. But as crisis after crisis occurred on top of another, it just seemed a bit redundant. I have to say it was hard to follow and keep with all of the events and drama going on. I don't know if I would recommend this book to beginners because even as a progressed reader I struggled to keep with the plot and characters. ( )

Once you turn the first page of this fast paced, riveting, book you are going to be hooked. It begins with Dr. Shannon Frasier and her young boyfriend. What happened that night haunts the career of this doctor for years to come?
Once we enter the story, we hear a noise in the dark, unsure of what is happening; we head to the kitchen, only to find a gun pointed at us. Yes this is actually a preview of what is about to happen throughout this story. There is a web of suspicion over everyone, and you find yourself wondering who are the bad guys here. Wow!!
Even being a Preacher’s child doesn’t always help you to make the right decisions, and we find that those little seeds planted young, seem to come back at the right time. God is with they always, not just when danger appears, and the people who are put on their path, are not there by chance.
We do find these characters interfering with the murder/robbery investigation and although I would probably make some of the same mistakes they did, they could have ended up in jail.
Come along for another of Dr. Mabry’s reads, I know I wasn’t disappointed, and felt that I had become a part of the Fraizer family. I also enjoyed that there was an epilogue at the end of the book. Don’t miss this one, especially if you love mysteries!

I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

For fast-paced suspense novels, one go-to author is Richard Mabry, M.D. I have enjoyed his books in the past and was please to be included in the tour of his latest, Critical Condition. There’s a little bit for everyone — romance, suspense, a puzzling mystery, medical drama and characters that grapple with real life problems, questions and doubts. A quick read that will keep you turning the pages, Critical Condition is a good choice for your next book.

Shannon Frasier has dedicated her professional life to saving people. An accomplished surgeon at a teaching hospital in Texas, her past has informed her present. Unfortunately, it is the unresolved things of the past that keep cropping up that keep her from fully committing to life. When a man is gunned down on her front lawn, a series of events occur that make her a target not just for the bad guys, but for the police. Not knowing whom to trust, Shannon and almost-fiance, Mark, are determined to get the answers they need.

While I have never faced shootings and threats against my life, I could really identify with the main character’s doubts about God’s presence in all circumstances. When heartfelt prayers go seemingly unanswered it is easy to believe God just doesn’t really care. Even with the examples of calm and steady faith of her parents and boyfriend, Shannon has to learn to trust all by herself. That’s a lesson for us all. While another person’s walk truly does speak volumes, an individual really has to experience faith for themselves. Shannon is also a fixer (something I struggle with) and has to be reminded that some things you just have to turn over to God (page 212).

With just the right mix of suspense and romance, real life drama and the message of hope, Critical Condition is a good choice for your next read.

Recommended.

(Thanks to LitFuse and Thomas Nelson for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Title: Critical Condition
Author: Richard L. Mabry, M.D.
Pages: 321
Year: 2014
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Shannon Frasier witnesses the shooting of her college boyfriend, prays for him to live, but he dies. Thereafter, she blames God and has a very distant relationship with him. Ten years later, she is on staff, teaching residents how to be surgeons. She has a boyfriend, who wants to be engaged, but she keeps putting him off. Mark is a Christian and realizes Shannon’s spiritual life is mediocre at best.
While hosting a small dinner party, a man is shot on Shannon’s front lawn and dies in her arms, eerily reminiscent of her boyfriend’s death ten years ago. That same night her sister calls and wants to come stay with her for a while. She has had problems in the past with alcohol and drugs, but has been out of rehab for six months and sober. Shortly thereafter, Shannon receives a mysterious phone call asking about the shooting on her front lawn. Then, she discovers her father has been diagnosed with cancer. How much more can one person take? Oh yeah, she also is exposed to the HIV virus and has to begin antiretroviral therapy. Then the detectives sent to investigate the case begin to treat Shannon and Megan as suspects, so Shannon now doesn’t even trust law enforcement. Thankfully, Mark is there to support and encourage her through it all. He tells her, ”Whatever happens we can handle together.”
I liked the suspense and thrill aspect of the story. My favorite character was Megan. She was determined to live a new life after a former life of lots of mistakes. She has strength and a great support system in her sister and parents. I also enjoyed the medical setting and terminology. I didn’t like how Shannon appeared weak and uncertain when making nonmedical decisions sometimes. It just didn’t seem to jibe with her strong decision making skills as a surgeon. I did like that she finally recognized her need for help and sought that help instead of continually trying to fix her problem on her own. Mark shows spiritual maturity and a truly loving heart toward Shannon. I always enjoy this author’s exciting novels and look forward to what comes inside the next suspense-filled package!
My rating is 4 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )

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. My rating is 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. ( )