About The Book
Dr. Peter Chesterfield is one of the Royal London Hospital’s top neurosurgeons. He is also a workaholic, ordered by his boss to take a week off to attend a medical symposium at the luxurious Elysium Grand on the island of Maui. While there, Peter pulls a woman with a skull fracture from the water. Though he is able to revive her in the ambulance, she eventually dies in his arms, leaving him with only one clue to what happened to her: the word “honu.”
- Number of Pages: 352
- Publisher: Revell
- Publication Date: 2022
My Thoughts
While Maui as the setting always makes a story better, I’m not sure it was enough to carry this one.
I have to admit that I love medical details and this started with a neurosurgeon right in the middle of surgery. While I always enjoy medical aspects in a thriller, this didn’t last. After the surgery, the doctor was shipped off to Maui to attend a medical symposium. In hindsight, I wonder if this detailed surgery added anything to the story that a few short sentences wouldn’t have done. We needed to basically know that the doc needed time off for an attitude adjustment.
We then jump to Maui and what is happening there. And this took me a bit to understand or care about. In time, Peter, our neurosurgeon, does show up in the story again. We find him determined to aid police officer Lisa Lealoha in solving a crime.
If you’re like me you may be wondering what makes him think he is qualified to help. Well, we learn that he has a knack for seeing things that are out of place. Well, that was news, but good quality, for sure.
At this point in the story, I was having trouble identifying any likable characters. And the plot was just okay. However, in time, the local doctor steps in and fills the likable character slot, at least somewhat.
What Concerned Me
It was, for the most part, a long time getting into the real story. And even when it did begin, I had trouble with the characters’ attitudes, which might have worked better if they’d felt more fleshed out.
Final Thoughts
I liked the setting of Maui, especially since I’ve been there and could imagine some of the references. And it was also nice for local jargon to be included.
Would I read a second novel with these same characters? (It did look like a sequel might be in the works.) It’s hard to say.
So, should you read this book? Sure. We all like different things and three stars only mean you decide for yourself. It was just fair for me.
My thanks to Revell for a copy of this book and the ability to post my opinion without stipulations.
Rating
About the Author
James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. This former stealth pilot from Houston, Texas, has been shot at, locked up with surface-to-air missiles, and chased down a winding German road by an armed terrorist. He is a three-time Silver Falchion Award winner for his children’s mysteries, and a Carol and Selah Award winner for The Gryphon Heist and Chasing the White Lion. His latest spy thriller is The Paris Betrayal. James is a rare multisense synesthete, meaning all of his senses intersect. He sees and feels sounds and smells, and hears flashes of light. If he tells you the chocolate cake you offered smells blue and sticky, take it as a compliment. Connect with James at www.jamesrhannibal.com.
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