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In Boston, Dr. Craig Bowman has the perfect life as he balances work, a romantic relationship and cultural enrichment, while remaining at the top of his profession. Who can ask for more? Who can settle for less? Having left a fee-for-service medical practice for a successful "concierge" position, Craig is finally able to enjoy life fully while at the height of his medical career. Although he provides 24/7 accessibility for his clients, makes frequent house calls when warranted and offers immediate patient access, a malpractice lawsuit rears its ugly head.
When Craig's cell phone rings as he dresses for a night at the Boston Symphony, his life is about to take a serious detour. Jordan Stanhope, the husband of Craig's wealthy client, Patience Stanhope (Craig's most annoying hypochrondriac patient), reports that his wife is experiencing very serious symptoms and that Craig is needed immediately. It turns out that Craig is about to make his last house call.
Dr. Jack Stapleton, a medical examiner in New York City and Craig's brother-in-law, is anxiously awaiting his upcoming wedding a few short days away. When he is summoned to provide moral support to his brother-in-law and sister, Alexis, he responds by flying to Boston for what he assumes will be a couple of days.
CRISIS provides entertainment and mental stimulation. For example, Patience Stanhope dies of an apparent heart attack after Craig, knowing her propensity for hypochrondria and her fear of hospitals, makes a house call en route to the symphony. Craig and his girlfriend arrive to find Patience appearing much worse than Jordan had described over the phone. Did Patience commit suicide, or was she murdered? And if so, by whom and why?
One great aspect of this book is the descriptions of the attorneys. We see an insurance company attorney who is conservative, well spoken, and well educated. On the other side we have a Sopranos-style attorney, complete with a bodyguard and hitmen. What exactly are the issues under scrutiny by the jury? 1) Concierge medical practices vs. traditional fee-for-service practices; 2) Lifestyles of the wealthy; 3) Personal gain vs. patient rights; and 4) Physician decisions made out of convenience.
Although it is in excess of 400 pages, CRISIS reads quickly and is engrossing. Robin Cook has laid out a rather complex story that at first blush seems like a yes-or-no malpractice case. Skillfully crafted with believable characters and a balanced plot with enough suspense to maintain our interest, CRISIS moves logically and Cook provides some great surprises here.
--- Reviewed by Marge Fletcher
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