The setting is Vancouver, Canada. Dr. Julie Rees is an ER doctor as well as a toxicologist, who is mystified when young people who attended the same party begin to stream into the ER. Nearly all are close to death and appear to be cases of overdose.
To make this mystery even more interesting, Dr. Rees has a past history and knowledge that involves opiate abuse and death. She is aware and on high alert. But this current problem isn’t responding to the normal method of treating overdoses.
It doesn’t take too long before Fentanyl is suspected of being the drug that is causing the overdoses. But the reactions seem extreme, even for Fentanyl.
So Dr. Rees quickly begins working with Anson Chen, a detective in the Vancouver Police Department. As they search for answers it becomes more and more apparent that tainted drugs are the problem.
If you’re interested in medical details, you will certainly find them included in this story. The author, Dr. Daniel Kalla, brings a reality to the medical scenes that are full of insights into health care and emergencies.
My Thoughts
I love medical jargon and medical stories, but I did have a little trouble with this book. Why? I’m not sure. I can’t seem to put my finger on it. Perhaps my problem was more the mystery. Basically, it was locating the source of the deadly drug, which just didn’t feel suspenseful.
The story delves into the drug world, yet keeps tabs on what is happening in the hospital with the overdosed patients.
While it is a good book, I didn’t feel any page-turning rush to find an answer.
Details
- Title: The Last High
- Author: Daniel Kalla
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Publishing Date: May 12, 2020
- Pages: 320
What Concerned Me
It just didn’t capture my desire to find an answer and solve the mystery. I think the topic, though relevant, didn’t capture my need to know.
What I Liked Most
I’m one who definitely appreciates medical jargon and hospital descriptions. Thumbs up, Dr. Daniel Kalla. I thoroughly enjoyed that.
And finally, kudos to a man who is both a physician and author. I’m very, very impressed! And I will be watching for your next novel.
This review falls very much in the minority. If you like a crime novel, medical atmosphere, a bit of romance, drug sellers and gang leaders who many times hide behind legitimate fronts, I totally suggest you give this novel a try!
My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC of this book. I also appreciate the ability to review it with my honest evaluation.
About the Author
Daniel Kalla is the international bestselling author of We All Fall Down, Pandemic, Resistance, Rage Therapy, Blood Lies, Cold Plague, and Of Flesh and Blood. His books have been translated into eleven languages, and two novels have been optioned for film. Kalla practices emergency medicine in Vancouver, British Columbia. Visit Daniel at DanielKalla.com or follow him on Twitter @DanielKalla.
