An intriguing, smoothly operating medical thriller ensconced in the dark world of herbal remedies and pharmacology
In Anthony Lee’s third book in his medical thriller series, Poison Pill, readers follow the well-intentioned Dr. Lin, an Asian American doctor who firmly believes in the Hippocratic Oath of “Do No Harm.” When a young man exhibiting kidney failure is placed in his care, he quickly becomes concerned about an herbal supplement encouraging weight loss that the young man has been taking.
As he encounters more patients taking the same supplement, as well as patients exhibiting issues from another weight-loss drug, Dr. Lin starts to wonder if something darker and more sinister is at play. Following the signs, he attends a medical conference where he encounters pushy salespeople intent on recruiting him to their side. As he dives deeper into investigating these drugs, people around him start to get hurt, letting him know this runs even deeper than he thought. It will be up to him to expose this side of the industry if he wants to save others.
The author’s medical background shines through in this unique thriller, as he provides substantial, razor-sharp detail to the plot. This starts with an intense description of blood in the body, and it continues throughout as he discusses the illnesses of his patients and the issues with the supplements and drugs they are taking. It might be a bit heavy on the details, but it leaves readers with a clear understanding of the topic on its way to unraveling its riveting mystery plot.
Dr. Lin is a compelling character. Serious and somewhat awkward in his social interactions, the hospital scenes showcase how much he cares for patients and strongly desires to take down the bad actors who are more interested in money than lives. There is a clear delineation between the good and the bad in this book, making it incredibly easy to root for him. His character has a hint of sadness as well, with his strained relationship with his father regarding the pressure he felt growing up, and his growth throughout adds an emotional layer to the book.
As detailed as he is with the medical jargon, Lee is equally so with other aspects of the storytelling. Readers who enjoy descriptive narration will appreciate his style; nothing is left to the imagination. Even the food eaten at each meal is described, right down to his preferred drink of water. This thoroughness to the storytelling continues to the very end as plot threads are wrapped up nicely and evenly into the book’s climax and resolution.
Lee has carved out a successful niche for himself with these medical thrillers. The timely plot-line will resonate, especially those distrusting of herbal and pharmaceutical companies. Good news is there could be more adventures in store for the likable Dr. Lin.
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