In Political Suicide, Michael Palmer delivers another gripping thriller at the crossroads of politics and medicine Dr. Lou Welcome, from Palmer's New York Times bestselling Oath of Office, is back in this heart stopping medical thriller. A desperate phone call embroils Lou in scandal and murder involving Dr. Gary McHugh, known around the Capital as the "society doc." Lou has been supervising McHugh, formerly a black-out drinker, through his work with the Physician Wellness Office. McHugh has been very cavalier about his recovery, barely attending AA and refusing a sponsor. But Lou sees progress, and the two men are becoming friends. Now, McHugh has been found unconscious in his wrecked car after visiting a patient of his, the powerful Congressman Elias Colston, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Soon after McHugh awakens in the hospital ER, Colston's wife returns home to find her husband shot dead in their garage. She then admits to the police that she had just broken off a long-standing affair with McHugh. Something about McHugh's story has Lou believing he is telling the truth, that the Congressman was dead when he arrived and before he blacked out. Lou agrees to look into matters, but when he encounters motive, method and opportunity he is hard pressed to believe in his friend—that is until a deadly high-level conspiracy begins to unravel, and Lou acquires information that makes him the next target.
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"Excellent thriller,characters who surprise you with their talents as you get to know them,with an ending you don't see coming. You learn about different ways of life,and find yourself wondering what happens in relationships as the large problem is faced and eventually solved."
— Kathi (5 out of 5 stars)
“A must-read for fans of political intrigue.”
— Fort-Worth Star Telegram“When you open the pages of a Michael Palmer novel, you know you are in the hands of a pro.”
— Huffington Post" Very Good; Continuing character: Dr. Lou Welcome; Welcome's friend is arrested for the murder of a congressman, and he goes to work to try and prove he's innocent and runs into a military conspiracy "
— Joe, 2/17/2014" This was pretty good, but I didn't think it was quite as fast paced as it could have been. Although, that has been the case with many Palmer books. It took me awhile to get into it, but once I did I really enjoyed it. "
— Tony, 2/14/2014" I believe this is the best from Michael Palmer. I have read all 18 of his books. He keeps you on the edge of your seat in this one. "
— Sandi, 2/13/2014" Definitely a 5 star thriller! "
— Corky, 2/13/2014" I have read every one of Michael Palmer's novels (and those by his son, Daniel) and am a fan, as can be evidenced by me rating all of them as 4-star novels. Only that kept me from rating this work as only a 2-star effort. In this book, Palmer writes about the military. It upsets and angers me when authors make mistakes because they lack familiarity with how the military is organized and operates. Other writers get it right by researching extensively. There are plenty of sources out there that could be consulted. As a retired active-duty Army officer, I surely would never presume to write a hospital, doctor, or medical insurance story without enlisting the expertise of doctors, nurses, administrators, etc. Making numerous, obvious errors devalues your work! "
— William, 2/7/2014" Scary and suspenseful. Hope there is no one out there like that. "
— Virginia, 2/4/2014" This book kept me interested throughout, reading late into the night. "
— Susan, 1/28/2014" A good read and a strong political thriller. The book hits on some definite ethics questions. It starts with a bang and doesn't slow down. "
— Aaron, 12/23/2013" Loved the book from page 1. Many twists and turns. Emily is a great character. Would recommend this book to all. I won this book in a giveaway and am very happy I did. Great plot and very pretty setting. Funny and interesting and fast paced all at the same time. "
— Melissa, 11/20/2013" another great michael palmer thriller "
— barry, 11/7/2013" Good escape literature. Dr. Gary McHugh is accused of murdering his lover's husband, Senator Elias Colston. McHugh calls on his friend Lou Welcome, another doctor, to help establish his innocence. This gets Welcome deeply involved in a secret U.S. Marines unit and mission. "
— Trudi, 10/17/2013" Interesting, and a little out there. Good story. "
— Laurie, 9/11/2013" A rouge military unit and a high level conspiracy makes for a good story. "
— Rosemary, 8/22/2013" Oops--jumped the shark with some silly dialogue near the end. Get out the 10 foot pole. "
— Judy, 8/3/2013" Palmer's writing has degraded from writing stellar medical thrillers to cheap action ones :( "
— Tulsi, 6/10/2013" Thought it was good but not his best. Wasn't always sure where the story was going. "
— Tina, 5/24/2013" An interesting story of an interesting commando squad. The nature of this novel makes it difficult for this reader to enjoy, although it is well written with a decent ending. 7 of 10 stars "
— Tim, 3/26/2013" Liked the characters, liked the story, fast paced and a very good read! "
— Linda, 1/21/2013" Overall good book. Not his best but still worth the read. Throws politics into the medical mix and makes for a good story. "
— Jennifer, 1/19/2013" The plot was a novel twist on the suicide bombers theme, but it got meandering towards the end, thus affecting the reading experience. Also there were some loose ends. "
— Anandh, 12/10/2012Michael 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.