CRITICAL DECISION
GENRE: Inspirational Suspense
RELEASE DATE: March 3, 2020
PAGES: 171
IT BEGAN WITH AN INNOCENT-APPEARING PACKAGE ON HER FRONT PORCH
The box contained a cell phone, which rang as soon as she opened the package. A voice that called Dr. Kathy Hoover by name said that her husband had been kidnapped. To get him back she would have to poison one of her patients.
At first, she didn’t believe that her husband had been taken from the conference he was attending, but soon she discovered that the kidnappers really had Darren. If she wanted to see him again, she had to give medication that would murder Kelton Rush, former Vice-President. What was she to do? How would she handle this critical decision?
Kathy Hoover is immediately relatable in Critical Decision, the opening scenes a glimpse of her going through her typical day … until a mysterious cell phone shows up on her doorstep and sends ‘typical’ into a vortex of kidnapping, attempted murder, and a fight for her life, her husband’s, and that of a former Vice President of the United States.
Intrigued yet? So was I! So much so that I read this short novel in one sitting, flipping the pages in my Kindle as fast as I could. The plot is complex and layered, with a handful of likely suspects and a few other characters you want to trust but aren’t sure you can. I was suspicious of everyone at one point – even completely innocuous characters who didn’t have anything to do with anything except scene setting haha!
I also really liked Kathy’s husband Darren. He may ‘just’ be a professor but he surprised me with his will to survive and figure out a plan to escape. He is definitely not a passive character, though for some reason I was expecting him to be. The dynamic between Darren and Kathy is realistic for a married couple – both when they are getting along and when they aren’t lol – and provided more dimension to their situation as well.
Bottom Line: Critical Decision is another stellar offering from Richard Mabry – combining medical drama with high-stakes suspense & a bit of intrigue thrown in for good measure. All of the above is set against a backdrop of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances (and can’t we all relate to that right now?) with a gentle thread of faith that uplifts, convicts, and inspires. A great reminder that God is with us, no matter our situation, and that He is always working on our behalf even when we don’t readily see it.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
My Rating: 4.5 stars / love it!
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Also available to read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical mystery with heart.” His novels have garnered critical acclaim and been finalists for ACFW’s Carol Award, both the Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year and Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and the Selah Award. He is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the International Thriller Writers, and Novelists Inc.
He and his wife live in north Texas, where he writes, works on being the world’s greatest grandfather, and strives to improve his golf game. You can learn more about him at his website, and via his blog and Facebook page.
Other Books by Richard L. Mabry
Richard Mabry is offering a print copy of Critical Decision to one of my readers! (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.) This giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower’s giveaway policies which can be found here. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.
What about you? What interests you most about Critical Decision?
Carrie, thanks so much for the review. Glad you enjoyed the book. And good luck to all those who participate in the give-away. I wish everyone could win.
Thanks, Dr. Mabry! 🙂
I have not read many medical suspense stories. This one sounds really interesting.
it is!
I have not read many medical mystery and this would be an interesting genre to try. The story line sounds intriguing.
I am interested in Mabry’s, Critical Decision, because of the medical mystery that is usually in his stories. I have been a fan of Dr. Mabry’s for a few years and love his blog posts on FB as well. Thanks for the chance to enter this giveaway!
you’re welcome, Diane!
Fascinating premise. Wonder what I would do in that situation….
right?? I wondered the same thing
I like reading medical fiction. Adding to my TBR list.
yay!
I keep wondering what I would do
i wondered the same thing!
Sounds really great
I love reading medical suspense. This one sounds very good! Thanks for the giveaway.
Just reading about the box, w/ the cell phone, and the instructions… what happens!???
right?!?
Medical suspense is a thrilling read!
I love Richard’s books! They keep me up way past my bedtime! I have to see how they end.
I liked the synopsis. The book sounds really interesting, very intriguing. I’m not sure what I would do in such a situation.
right?
Captivating, intriguing and a brilliant author with such great stories.
Well, see how the title comes into play! Dr. Kathy has such a “critical decision” to make that none of us hopes we’ll have to make. Don’t want to kill someone, but then again, I’d want my husband back! Will be interesting to see what another option they’ll be!
Sounds very suspenseful, love these kind of reads!
I would love to read this book, thank you for the opportunity to win it.
Being a retired RN and an avid reader, medical suspense is right up my alley! I can’t wait to read this newest from Dr Mabry.
Sounds fascinating
The author. I love Mabry’s books and would love to read this one.
The cover is atmospheric and attracts readers to the book. I think the premise of the book is very suspenseful and would make a good read which is why I am interested. Best wishes to the author on the new release.
I love Dr. Mabry’s books so just his name on the cover makes me want to read it!