Fatal Rhythm

Texas Medical Center Mystery #1

by R.B. O'Gorman

In the pre-dawn hours of the graveyard shift, the ICU at the Houston Heart Institute is quiet, and quietly, patients are dying. Surgery resident Joe Morales must survive a two-month stint in an ICU rife with land mines—unexplained patient deaths, rival faculty, fellow-resident saboteurs, a cost-slashing administrator, a ruthless insurance executive, a seductive head nurse, a jealous wife, a critically ill son, an overprotective mother and an orderly distraught over his daughter’s death. Joe knows that an outstanding performance will secure a coveted cardiovascular fellowship. He must determine the cause of the suspicious deaths to salvage the career he's always wanted.

Genres: Mystery, Amazon, Thriller, Christian Fiction

331 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2014

About the author

R. B. O'Gorman obtained a PhD in Biochemistry from Rice University and studied cardiovascular surgery under Dr. Michael E DeBakey. FATAL RHYTHM is a medical suspense/mystery based on his training experience with Micahel E. DeBakey, called the "greatest surgeon ever."

Reviews

[David Beckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The technical details conspicuously absent from (or incorrect in) the majority contemporary and historical medical thrillers indicate that several popular authors, while gifted stylists and wordsmiths, lack the intensive, scientific training and life experience necessary to ground tales in the complex surgical arena. This failing should hardly surprise us; one lifetime feels insufficient to attain fluency in both creative writing and cardiovascular surgery. An exception to this disappointing pattern is Fatal Rhythm, the latest sortie from Catholic fiction writer R.B. O'Gorman who, when not composing novels, sidelines as one of America’s foremost heart surgeons. As the success of television programs such as “ER” amply demonstrates, readers are fascinated with the high-stakes world in which top surgeons operate. Losing the endlessly entertaining and always medically astute Michael Crichton left bookstore shelves denuded, bereft of works crafted by a vivid storyteller with a keen medical mind. Those eager for a medical mystery to fill this void should download Fatal Rhythm now, while it’s free!

[Catherine Barranco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike some kindle authors, who knock out books in 6 months or less, this highly-educated and intelligent writer spent years polishing his manuscript. In general, writing a stellar novel takes more than a single year, even for the greatest writers. I was attracted to read Fatal Rhythm because it's billed as a Christian Mystery. The book delivers on that promise. Devout Catholic R.B. O'Gorman infuses his original, detailed story with strong moral values. 5 Stars. Recommended.

[Margaret]

Those saying Dr. O’Gorman’s narrative does not reflect reality should review the TEN (10) or more 5-star reviews posted on Amazon by readers including respected physicians, nurses, technicians, and other hospital staff. Obviously, medical professionals are in the best position to judge the verisimilitude of a hospital mystery. Furthermore, self appointed Amazon Critics who read a book subtitled “A Christian Mystery” and then complain that the mystery is “too Christian” may need to consider stronger morning coffee. Yes, this novel is deeply Christian, just as advertised. Dr. O’Gorman’s impeccable credentials speak for themselves. I look forward to meeting him in New Orleans on October 16.

[Michael Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Good story, believable Characters. Doesn't require a medical di to any but has enough medicalese to make it a good read. Ending was a bit predictable although the who was up for grabs

[Erin Cupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

O'Gorman covers a lot of emotional territory between Dr. Joe Morales and Dr. Jacques De La Toure, the head of the Houston Heart Institute and Joe Morales’s hero/nemesis. Okay, nemesis is too strong a word, but you know how humans tend to pick someone to look up to and want approval from? Yes, I just ended two phrases with prepositions. Get over it. I’m trying to. Anyway, you know how we do that, humans? Dr. De La Toure is that person for Dr. Morales. Much of the plot is enriched by the interplay and complexities between these two characters: without spoiling much, Dr. Morales is shown in all the important facets of being a man–as son to a father-(figure), husband and father. That piece was handled particularly well and came to a very heartwarming finish.

Speaking of finish! This one had me guessing “whodunit?” up to the very last minute. There were clues all over the place, and as soon as I thought, “Aha! I know who’s the murderer!” that person would be exonerated, and then when we finally did discover the antagonistic forces behind the deaths, it was the kind of surprise that had me kicking myself for not having figured it out already. All this makes for a satisfying ending.

I also loved the relationship between Morales and his wife. I practically cheered out loud when the very things that would look like flaws, failings and imperfections in our characters were the very things that came to the rescue in the end. I found this a lovely illustration of how humans may not be perfect, but we are valuable.

Our Lady of Guadalupe and the traditions around celebrating her played a prominent part in Fatal Rhythm. This was done with a gentle hand steeped in culture, and the contribution this made to character development throughout the story was powerful–and believable. Frankly, you don’t get that with most faith-based fiction. Applause, applause, applause!

[Mahala Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

R. B. O’Gorman strikes gold with his first medical mystery. When the number of cardiac patients dying during the graveyard shift in a Texas hospital begins to climb with no logical explanation, young resident, Dr. Joe Morales is tapped to replace his good friend working in the cardiac ICU. His brilliant friend, by all appearances, has not taken good care of the patients on his watch. Morales quickly realizes that something is terribly wrong in the cardiac ICU, something dark and strange, but none of his supervisors will listen. It’s clear that Dr. De la Toure, the elder statesman on the cardiac surgical staff, has lost his magic touch, and his patients are dying at an alarming rate - patients who should have done well in surgery. Add a hospital administrator determined to bring new life to the bottom line of the hospital, a lonely head nurse who is a sexual overachiever, and Morales’ fears that his indigent background will be discovered and he will fail like his friend did. The plot is more than intricate enough to fool the most intrepid reader. Like John Grisham and his expertise with legal mysteries, O’Gorman brings his expertise as a cardiovascular surgeon to the pages of this book. His writing is clear with sharp pacing and well-developed, believable characters.

[Neil Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those that won't read this whole review, I will start with "*Best book I've read this year, maybe longer.*"
Fatal Rhythm, a medical thriller, was just that. It had me thinking and guessing "whodunnit" the whole way through. The medical parts were sound and realistic, which was great. I found myself thinking about the characters and actually feeling for them. I read the last 80 or so at a frantic pace, (which is unusual for me,) wanting resolution and justice.
What was most welcome for me was that O'Gorman found ways to work the faith into the story, and not just stick a story around faith. To me, it made the characters more believable and relatable, without the book being preachy or imposing, which can be a tough balance. I HIGHLY recommend this for anyone who loves thrillers and mysteries, especially those with medical themes and/or Christian overtones. Definitely worth the read.

[Randi Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Medical thrillers have been my favorite genre since I read Coma by Robin Cook. While not yet in the same league as Robin Cook, this author is a welcome addition to the genre. This book rang with authenticity in both the medical and religious aspects. The medical descriptions and terminology were not so technical as to be distracting. The descriptions of insurance controlling medicine were downright scary. Even though in the end insurance was not the culprit it points to a direction we cannot deny. Since I recently had cardiac catheterization I found the events depicted to be rather frightening. Character development was perhaps a little weak. I sometimes could not decide if I liked the characters or not. However, as a whole I enjoyed this book and look forward to more by this author.
I must state that I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatal Rhythm was a very enjoyable read. I especially enjoy medical novels. Having worked in biomedical research most of my life, medical novels are ‘right up my alley. The story included religious and ethnic personal conflicts into focus. Although not Catholic, I did attend a Catholic college. I enjoyed the religious aspect of the story. The medical insights were also interesting. The book has a diverse group of characters that you will enjoy. Happy reading!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, obviously the author knows his medical stuff and is able to describe surgery and work at a hospital in a way so that everybody can understand it. The story has got some suspense, but the religious side seemed to be somewhat disconnected to the rest. Generally I love christian thrillers that show how God is in control. But in this novel it isn't God, it is the Vergin of Guadalupe, and the advice how to deal with problems isn't "pray to God" or "trust in the Lord" or something similar. It's:"Put it in your heart". No,the religious part wasn't what I would have wanted to read.

[Peggy Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! While the medical setting was a new reading experience for me, nothing was too academic or hard to understand. I admired Joe for having the perseverance to stand by his convictions. The spiritual aspects of the book were also interesting. The power of prayer was enforced! I would recommend this book!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery with a Catholic flavor

I have always enjoyed a good murder mystery and lately have drawn towards novels with a Christian theme. This book is the first one that I have read that showcased the Catholic faith. It was well written but I didn't really get the dream sequences and felt they didn't really add anything to the plot.

[Philip Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to believe that this is Dr. O'Gorman's debut novel. It is obvious that this work is written by someone "on the inside," a doctor, but in an excellent way the reader does not feel like an outsider. Rather, the reader might as well be a nurse or a resident walking with Joe Morales side by side. Certainly a page turner that I would recommend to anyone, Christian or non-Christian.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read!

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters very well developed and I got to Spanish translation. The sections concerning the dreams did detract from my attention to the plot.
And it does show intense demands on interns during their training. The actions and mysteries kept the readers attention. I look forward to his next book.

[Lynn Student · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very predictable ending.

Maybe it is the fact that I spent over 30 years in Cardiology, but the book had very little suspense. It was clinically accurate which is a surprise. The book was just too predictable. Also if I had know that all the religious stuff was a big part of it, I would have thought twice about reading it.

[George R. (Dick) Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Rhythm

This medical thriller is a fantastic mystery with a significant amount of pure, accurate medical treatments, terminology, and is significantly factual. I highly recommend this thriller to readers who enjoy medical mysteries that contain accurate technology and techniques.

[Mary Blowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

You won't believe how low this villain stoops!! Can't believe this is their first novel. Likeable characters, family values, and medical mystery all in one. This is a page turner that kept me going right to the end.

[Deb Threadgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book that in places hit to close to what can and probably does happen in healthcare. I recommend reading this, but don't want to give any spoilers. I was surprised who the "villain" was in this book.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This medical whodunit has a great twist involving Our Lady of Guadalupe. There was plenty of suspense as various characters' motives were explored and, one by one, eliminated. Author (and doctor) R. B. O'Gorman keeps the reader guessing up to the very end. Good stuff!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner. Even though all the patients had heart surgery, too many were dying in ICU. WHY? Dr. O'Gorman did very factual job in his debut novel. Can't wait for next book.

[Beth Lechman · Rating 2 out of 5]

An in depth insight into the life and death struggle in a heart hospital. Also the problems that can occur with family.

[Daniel L Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

Very good and I was held to the story but I felt like it moved a little bit slow at times. Good subject matter and well written.

[Terry Southard · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 1/2 stars. Rounded down in this case.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Reading...

This is a great suspenseful book. It kept me up reading, not wanting to put it down. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Lisa Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very captivating and well written. A serious episode of V-Tach and how it influences the ICU is a perfect scenario for hiding a crime.