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Book Review of Race for the Dying (Dr. Thomas Parks, Bk 1)

Race for the Dying (Dr. Thomas Parks, Bk 1)
WhidbeyIslander avatar reviewed on + 691 more book reviews


This was the first book I'd read by the author and found his writing style easy and interesting. I had some problems with the book, though. One was the 50-odd pages spent detailing the recovery from the hero's accident. Too much detail that didn't move the plot along. Also some unneeded details about a few of the medical procedures his patients undergo. In addition, despite the padding, the book concludes very abruptly, and with a big unresolved question concerning one of the deaths and if the person responsible was going to be held such. And one character's motive for supporting the medical scam is left unclear. The setting is interesting, although not greatly fleshed out. A map of the fictional town would have been a nice touch. Have to admit I was more interested in the fate of the scroungy dog then some of the humans.

P.S. there was nary a mention of an epidemic threatening the town, as is mentioned in the description. And I never did understand the title. I assumed it would have something to do with the epidemic which didn't happen. And Dr. Thomas wasn't able to race anywhere, being in a wheelchair or on crutches for 99% of the book. Maybe it's a cultural reference I'm unfamiliar with.