The First Patient By Michael Palmer

Goodreads Summary:

From the blockbuster, New York Times bestselling author comes a high-concept, high-octane thriller at the crossroads of presidential politics and cutting-edge medicine. . . .

Gabe Singleton and Andrew Stoddard were roommates at the Naval Academy in Annapolis years ago. Today, Gabe is a country doctor and his friend Andrew has gone from war hero to governor to President of the United States. One day, while the United States is embroiled in a bitter presidential election campaign, Marine One lands on Gabe’s Wyoming ranch, and President Stoddard delivers a disturbing revelation and a startling request. His personal physician has suddenly and mysteriously disappeared, and he desperately needs Gabe to take the man’s place. Despite serious misgivings, Gabe agrees to come to Washington. It is not until he is ensconced in the White House medical office that Gabe realizes there is strong evidence that the President is going insane. Facing a crisis of conscience—as President Stoddard’s physician, he has the power to invoke the Twenty-fifth Amendment to transfer presidential power to the Vice President—Gabe uncovers increasing evidence that his friend’s condition may not be due to natural causes.

Who? Why? And how? The President’s life is at stake. A small-town doctor suddenly finds himself in the most powerful position on earth, and the safety of the world is in jeopardy. Gabe Singleton must find the answers, and the clock is ticking. . . .

With Michael Palmer’s trademark medical details, and steeped in meticulous political insider knowledge, The First Patient is an unforgettable story of suspense.

My Review:

I have always loved reading medical thrillers so I decided to take a step away from the young adult/paranormal books that I've been reading lately and get back to my first love!

I've read other Michael Palmer titles and this one didn't grip me quite as much as others, I'm undecided on whether to give this a 3.5 out of 5 or 4 out of 5 so I will split the difference and say 3.75.

The book turned out to be an interesting medial/political thriller. The POTUS (President of the United States) knows he's in trouble so he enlists the help of his old roommate Gabe after his current physician disappears. Gabe takes over as the President's physician and in doing so he is put in the most difficult position possible. Not knowing who to trust makes for a difficult time of uncovering the truth but Gabe slowly starts putting the pieces together and what he finds out is unbelievable...

Palmer is great at adding the unexpected twists. There were quite a few things that I did not see coming, which made the book that much better!