The New York Times bestselling author and master of suspense delivers another novel at the crossroads of politics and medicine in this shocker of a thriller On the night of the State of the Union address, President James Allaire expects to give the speech of his career. But no one anticipates the terrifying turn of events that forces him to quarantine everyone in the Capitol building. A terrorist group calling itself "Genesis" has unleashed WRX3883, a deadly, highly contagious virus, into the building. No one fully knows the deadly effect of the germ except for the team responsible for its development—a team headed by Allaire, himself. The only one who might be able to help is virologist Griffin Rhodes, currently in solitary confinement in a maximum security federal prison for alleged terrorist acts, including the attempted theft of WRX3883 from the lab where he worked. Rhodes has no idea why he has been arrested, but when Allaire offers to free him in exchange for his help combating the virus, he reluctantly agrees to do what he can to support the government that has imprisoned him without apparent cause. Meanwhile, every single person in line for presidential succession is trapped inside the Capitol—every person except one: the Director of Homeland Security, who is safely at home in Minnesota, having been selected as the "Designated Survivor" for this event. With enemies both named and unnamed closing in, and the security of the nation at stake, Griff must unravel the mysteries of WRX3883 without violating his pledge as a scientist to use no animal testing in his experiments…and time is running out. Tense, thrilling, and entirely plausible, A Heartbeat Away will make you reflect, wonder, and be truly afraid.
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"Enjoyed this book alot. Read it almost cover to cover. The President is giving his State of the Union address and over 700 high ranking government officials are present at the Capitol. A suspected terrorist attack makes it necessary to lock down the entire building to determine was is going on as officials in the building begin to develop flu-like symptoms."
— Margaret (4 out of 5 stars)
“Actor Robert Petkoff delivers a tense, exciting performance. He's especially proficient as the crafty female speaker of the House. Petkoff's virtuosity makes this thriller intense and as close to reality as one dares to think about.
— AudioFile MagazineRobert Petkoff is excellent as narrator not only at maintaining the pace but also at providing the voices of the varied accents of men and women. Transitions are seamless and unobtrusive. Palmer's fans will be enthralled.
— Sound CommentaryRobert Petkoff proves to be the perfect choice to narrate Palmer's latest medical thriller…Petkoff never misses a beat in his reading of this high-octane medical thriller, fully realizing each scene and character with ease. His energetic and skillful performance will keep listeners on the edge of their seats.
— Publishers WeeklyActor Robert Petkoff does an exceptional job of narrating Palmer's follow-up to The Last Surgeon (2010), perfectly capturing each character's unique accent, quirks, and personality and rendering Griffin's best friend and colleague Melvin especially well. Sure to keep listeners on the edge of their seats; highly recommended for mystery/thriller fans.
— Library JournalSkillfully narrated by Robert Petkoff, A Heartbeat Away is a gripping saga that remains tense to the very end.
— The Midwest Book ReviewTense, thrilling, and entirely plausible, A Heartbeat Away will make you reflect, wonder, and be truly afraid.
— Bookin' with Bingo" The depths of evil within the government are highlighted in this novel about mad science gone wrong and the terrorist sabotage of the State of the Union address. The finish was too easy... "
— Jonathan, 2/18/2014" As per usual, a twisty-turney page turner. Don't think you've got it figured out cuz you probably don't. I really like this author and have read almost everything he's ever written. Absolutely enjoyed it. "
— Debra, 2/13/2014" We listened to this audio on our recent car trip. It's a story about the insidious greed for political power and wealth and the extent to which the characters will go to get what they want. Disenchantment with politics seems to be a common theme these days, and unfortunately a justifiable one with the political climate we have been living in for the last decade. The premise was a bit far fetched as was the solution to the predicament. But leave your reality check at the door and it's an entertaining story, exciting and fast paced action. "
— Lee, 2/9/2014" I thought this book was just okay. It wasn't as bad as some critics have said. But at the same time its one where I wouldn't rush to get it. The plotline was a little unrealistic. "
— Jill, 2/7/2014" A little light on plot.... "
— Bob, 2/3/2014" Michael Palmer does it again ,suspense the whole way , good guys & bad guys ... great audio book . "
— Frances, 1/19/2014" great book...michael palmer..medical mysteries especially around politics...just as good as robin cook.... "
— barry, 1/11/2014" This was hard to put down, and creepy. It's all about bio-terrorism which I probably would rather have stayed ignorant of. But if you like that sort of thing it's a great read. "
— Pam, 12/18/2013" Definitely a little out there, but if you enjoy conspiracy theories and action, you'll probably like this book. "
— Tina, 12/13/2013" an entertaining medical thriller with an appealing main character. there were times I needed to accept a few plot contrivances, but it still was an entertaining read. It didn't terrify like "Ebola" and "Hot Zone" did, but was still good. "
— Lab, 11/18/2013" Exciting page-turner focusing on the Presidential Succession. "
— Katherine, 11/5/2013" Michael Palmer is one of our favorite authors! Whenever possible we listen to one of his books while we travel. "
— Janet, 10/9/2013" Great political thriller wrapped in a medical thriller "
— Autumn, 7/29/2013" Pretty good story. Nice twists and turns. "
— Kathleele, 4/29/2013" Next to Michael C , Palmer is a one of a kind. Robin Cook Fan will love this book. "
— Dena, 3/5/2013" An enjoyable political/medical thriller. I've never read this author before, but will look at some of his other books. "
— Mike, 1/31/2013" Three stars for a mystery or suspense generally carries less weight in my ratings system than 3 stars for a literary work. Wish there was a star system with more nuance. Three stars for a suspense like this means it satisfied the need for an entertaining, quick read in a mostly believable way. "
— Sara, 9/3/2012" Michael Palmer always manages to freak me out with his stories of what evils lie within the medical field, and this book lives up to the reputation. An intriguing scenario and a satisfying conclusion. "
— Katg, 10/14/2011" Loved the premise but after the first couple of chapters it really dropped off for me. Just felt like this was not his best . "
— Paula, 8/20/2011" This was an interesting storyline that a virus could be introduced into a session of congress. It took awhile for the story to get going but, then the last 100 or so pages became page-turners. "
— Tommy, 5/23/2011" Best book I have read in years. Could not put it down. "
— Lynn, 5/5/2011" This was hard to put down, and creepy. It's all about bio-terrorism which I probably would rather have stayed ignorant of. But if you like that sort of thing it's a great read. "
— Pam, 5/3/2011" Fast paced book, had me guessing all the way. "
— Katrin, 4/30/2011" Great medical mystery about being a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Lovely fun to read. "
— Martha, 4/12/2011" This book, as most of Palmer's books, reminds me of Early Crichton. Halfway through in two days....great read. <br/> <br/>Frightening in details, great conclusion. Hope he uses the characters again. "
— Laura, 4/3/2011" Definitely a little out there, but if you enjoy conspiracy theories and action, you'll probably like this book. "
— Tina, 4/2/2011" It was like reading an episode of "24". Only it took place in ten days instead of one day. "
— Vickie, 3/31/2011" As per usual, a twisty-turney page turner. Don't think you've got it figured out cuz you probably don't. I really like this author and have read almost everything he's ever written. Absolutely enjoyed it. "
— Debra, 3/31/2011" Fast moving, listened to the audio book while traveling. "
— Susan, 3/30/2011" Starts out a little slow and confusing with alot of characters, but ends up being really entertaining. Would make a good movie. The president and 700 people in the capital building are exposed to a rare virus and the race is on to save them. "
— Cheryl, 3/28/2011" Good book. Full of adventure and action (lots very implausible, but what do you expect!). "
— Nancy, 3/27/2011" Very Good. Could not put it down! "
— Laurie, 3/26/2011" Pretty good story. Nice twists and turns. "
— Kathleele, 3/25/2011Michael Palmer (1942–2013) authored twenty-one novels of medical suspense, all international bestsellers, including The First Patient, The Second Opinion, and The Last Surgeon. His books have been translated into thirty-five languages. Extreme Measures was the basis for a movie starring Hugh Grant and Gene Hackman.
Robert Petkoff is an actor and audiobook narrator who has won a prestigious Audie Award and multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards and has been named an AudioFile Golden Voice. He has appeared on Chappelle’s Show, Law & Order, and Quantum Leap. His Broadway credits include Sir Robin in Spamalot, Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof, and Tateh in Ragtime.