THE FIRST PATIENT by Michael Palmer
Michael Palmer combines his knack for medical thrillers with a newly acquired skill for writing
political thrillers. The result is THE FIRST PATIENT, his suspenseful and timely new novel. It
is a story that deals with a man serving as doctor to the President of the United States. When
there is a situation that arises concerning the President's health the doctor is plunged into a
nightmare of intrigue and terror.
Gabe Singleton and Drew Stoddard were roommates at the Naval Academy. Since that time their
lives have taken different paths. Gabe was involved in a car accident in which a woman and her
unborn child were killed. He was drinking at the time and ended up serving prison time for the
offense. Drew's father was instrumental in helping Gabe receive a lighter sentence than would
have been handed down and he also helped him get into medical school.
Now a practicing physician, Gabe is caught unawares when the Presidential helicopter sets down
near his home and the President asks him to become his personal physician. He at first is hesitant
to disrupt his life and practice but at Drew's insistence he says yes.
Once in Washington, Gabe is shocked to learn the President is having some moments of
madness. At this time the man becomes disoriented and begins to ramble. He doesn't even seem
to be in touch with reality. The question now becomes whether or not the President should step
down. Drew begs Gabe to treat him and not expose his "illness." While making up his mind
Gabe finds his own life is at risk. Someone wants him dead.
There are twists and turns throughout the story, some plausible and some not so much. Gabe
seems to be awfully calm for a man whose life is in the cross hairs of somebody's weapon. Plus
there is a romance that develops that is just too quick and too intense to ring true.
Those are small negatives in a book that has so many positives to recommend it. Palmer is a
master at plotting, plus his medical knowledge is strong in this story. There is the whole science
of "nanotechnology" that plays an important role in this story. Palmer makes it understandable
and engrossing.
So for a brisk read you can't select a better book than THE FIRST PATIENT. Palmer knows how
to weave a dangerous plot and this is one of his best in that regard.
THE FIRST PATIENT is published by St Martin's Press. It contains 371 pages and sells for
$25.95.