"Houston-based orthopedic surgeon Bishop stays true to his narrative style in this installment, providing readers with authentic-sounding dialogue and an engaging plot. Along the way, he adds vibrancy to his characterization of Mary Louise so readers can more easily experience the longtime married couple's bond. However, it's the breathless concluding courtroom scene that truly steals the show. Another tightly wound medical thriller featuring an intrepid surgeon/detective." --Kirkus Reviews
"Readers cannot help but love the way Doc Brady's mind works and how he comes to conclusions and gets things resolved. Readers will be drawn into the story immediately and Bishop will have a firm grasp on your attention until you read the last word.....and he leaves you wanting more!!!" --Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
"The character development of Dr. Jim Bob, his wife, and those around him was excellent, and I only saw the plot come together near the end of this mystery - a very satisfying ending...an A+/5-star read."--Men Reading Books
"John Bishop again does a strong job of taking his knowledge of the medical world and using it to create a story that thriller fans will enjoy. I found myself again drawing connections to John Grisham, as I did with the previous book, as I was reading this sequel. If you are looking for a read that will have you thinking then this is a book that you will enjoy."--The Nerdy Girl Express
"I loved this fast paced plot - it is unique, well developed and engaging. It kept me on my toes - I wanted and needed to know what would happen next. The ending of this novel was excellent and perfect for the plot. I enjoyed every moment of this well written novel."--Working Mommy Journal
"There are sufficient medical explanations and terminology to convince the reader of the expertise of the author and between that and the insight into the world of medical insurance and malpractice lawsuits, quite the eye-opener. I liked the way the courtroom scenes unfolded (loved the judge!) and the doctor's theory advanced into the satisfying conclusion." --Rosepoint Publishing
"I highly recommend grabbing your copy of Act of Deception and I would also grab Act of Murder as well. I took the time to read these books back to back and I loved it!!" --Missi's Book Reviews
2020-07-08
A damaging accusation throws a Houston doctor’s life and livelihood into a tailspin in Bishop’s latest series installment.
A year after solving the case of a child’s mysterious death in Act of Murder (2020), orthopedic surgeon and amateur sleuth Jim Bob “Doc” Brady is back to deflect a personal attack on his professional reputation. Due to a malpractice lawsuit, the typically strong and resilient Brady is dealing with stress that not even his wife, Mary Louise, or his adoring pets can soothe. During a deposition with vicious lawyers, Doc must defend against claims that he acted poorly and recklessly while providing care for Billy Jones, who developed a serious infection and endured a subsequent amputation after knee-replacement surgery. It turns out that the plaintiff’s team includes the “king-dog-daddy of Houston medical malpractice plaintiffs’ attorneys,” as Doc calls him: Donovan Shaw, who tells Doc that he’ll “destroy you and that pretty wife of yours,” if that’s what it takes to win. Doc’s own investigation reveals Donovan to have had some shady dealings with other lawyers. When another doctor dies under suspicious circumstances and someone mugs Doc in broad daylight, the surgeon knows he needs to step up his sleuthing before he and his family end up dead themselves. Although Doc is represented by defense attorney and friend Pete Huntley, the doctor is determined to dig deeper into Donovan, his sketchy firm, and its history of questionable cases on his own, and readers will find his investigation compelling. The book also offers intriguing reflections on America’s flawed medical system, spotlighting amoral “testifying doctors” and patients “looking for a quick ‘medical lottery win’ ” through bogus malpractice claims. Houston-based orthopedic surgeon Bishop stays true to his narrative style in this installment, providing readers with authentic-sounding dialogue and an engaging plot. Along the way, he adds vibrancy to his characterization of Mary Louise so readers can more easily experience the longtime married couple’s bond. However, it’s the breathless concluding courtroom scene that truly steals the show.
Another tightly wound medical thriller featuring an intrepid surgeon/detective.
