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Rx Murder
Dr. Elena Gardner learns an OB patient of her fiancé, Dr. David Merritt, is suffering frequent beatings at the hands of her husband. Despite Elena’s advice, the wife refuses to take legal action against her abusing husband. David is so frustrated that he loudly and publicly voices his desire to beat the man senseless. When someone actually kills the husband in that fashion, David’s off-hand expression leads him to the sheriff’s office. As the situation worsens, the two doctors form a partnership with a new attorney in town in order to fight a murder charge.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2015
143 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Richard L. Mabry
30 books520 followersDr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, past Vice-President of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and the author of twelve published novels of medical suspense and six novellas. His books have been finalists in competitions including ACFW’s Carol Award and Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year, and have won the Selah Award from the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.
Richard’s non-fiction book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse (Kregel Publishers), has ministered to multiple thousands of grieving individuals. His meditations and short pieces have appeared in The Upper Room, In Touch, and several other periodicals.
When Richard is not writing, he spends his time reading, working fruitlessly to improve his golf game, and defending his title as the world’s best Granddad. He and his wife live in north Texas and are active members of Stonebriar Community Church, pastored by Dr. Chuck Swindoll.
Richard’s non-fiction book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse (Kregel Publishers), has ministered to multiple thousands of grieving individuals. His meditations and short pieces have appeared in The Upper Room, In Touch, and several other periodicals.
When Richard is not writing, he spends his time reading, working fruitlessly to improve his golf game, and defending his title as the world’s best Granddad. He and his wife live in north Texas and are active members of Stonebriar Community Church, pastored by Dr. Chuck Swindoll.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 16, 2020
This was an interesting short story. A woman who was pregnant was constantly getting beaten up by her husband. Her husband was a drunk and did not have very good work ethics.
The Ob-Gyn Doctor and his fiance (she was also a doctor) decided to help the woman get away from her husband. Then something terrible happened.
These doctors were caught in the middle of a murder case. They decided to pay costs to help the pregnant woman so they hired a young attorney to assist. There were some unforeseen twists in this story that I did not see coming.
The Ob-Gyn Doctor and his fiance (she was also a doctor) decided to help the woman get away from her husband. Then something terrible happened.
These doctors were caught in the middle of a murder case. They decided to pay costs to help the pregnant woman so they hired a young attorney to assist. There were some unforeseen twists in this story that I did not see coming.
June 19, 2021
A quickly read novella with a mystery of who killed an abusive husband and how that affected those around him. It raises the question of how to help an abused spouse and when to report such abuse. It also gives a glimpse into how lawyers defend a person accused of murder. And the responsibilities of doctors who discover abuse.
Great little who done it from a medical perspective.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
Great little who done it from a medical perspective.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
April 14, 2020
2.4 -- I don't tend to like novellas much because the stories aren't usually well developed and feel rushed. Such is the case with this novella. The author wasn't careful with his descriptions of a character. He wrote, "Dr. David Merritt stood six feet four inches tall," (page 5) and later wrote, "Attorney Randy Sparling was about an inch taller than David's six feet one..." (page 21).
October 18, 2016
Rx Murder is a fast paced medical thriller that kept me captivated until the very end. I enjoyed the mystery and was surprised by “who done it”. Dr. Mabry does a great job of weaving together the tough topic of domestic abuse with two compassionate doctors working to help a victim of it.
This is the first of Mr. Mabry’s books that I’ve read and it definitely won’t be the last. Rx Murder is a short but impacting book and definitely worth the read.
I received the audiobook from the author and have provided my honest opinion here.
https://wordynerdyblog.wordpress.com/...
This is the first of Mr. Mabry’s books that I’ve read and it definitely won’t be the last. Rx Murder is a short but impacting book and definitely worth the read.
I received the audiobook from the author and have provided my honest opinion here.
https://wordynerdyblog.wordpress.com/...
April 11, 2015
I love medical suspense, always have. Dr Richard Mabry, a retired physician turned author, writes Christian medical suspense. I own all his books and loved each one.
Dr Mabry has now written a novella and it is captivating! My mind was all over the place trying to figure out who the murderer was. This one is full of twists and turns. The reader has no clue who the culprit is until the very last!
Dr. Mabry has a full length novel out very soon and I can't wait!
Dr Mabry has now written a novella and it is captivating! My mind was all over the place trying to figure out who the murderer was. This one is full of twists and turns. The reader has no clue who the culprit is until the very last!
Dr. Mabry has a full length novel out very soon and I can't wait!
July 16, 2017
Mislabled
There is very little in this story concerning medicine other than fact the main characters were doctors .The story was not a " thriller " nor was it particularly entertaining .If it was intended to arouse suspense with a twist , it failed.
There is very little in this story concerning medicine other than fact the main characters were doctors .The story was not a " thriller " nor was it particularly entertaining .If it was intended to arouse suspense with a twist , it failed.
July 26, 2018
Fair
Okay story. Plot was A bit thin. Should have been listed as a Christian read. Time and place, sometimes a bit out of kilter....Narrative was a little off at times.
Okay story. Plot was A bit thin. Should have been listed as a Christian read. Time and place, sometimes a bit out of kilter....Narrative was a little off at times.
November 12, 2017
I reviewed this for RT Bookreviews Magazine: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
This is Mabry’s first effort at indie publishing, and hopefully not his last. True to form, it’s an engaging medical thriller. A quick read that’s a great fill in between his full length novels. With vivid descriptions, it grabs the reader from the first paragraph. It’s full of twists that will keep the reader guessing, and also documents the sad reality of domestic abuse.
Dr. Elena Gardner is concerned about her new patient, Mary Lou. She is pregnant and obviously in an abusive relationship. Elena consults with her fiancé, Dr. David Merritt, who happens to be Mary Lou’s obstetrician. When he learns what is going on, he wants to attack Mary Lou’s husband, Luke. However, someone beats him to the punch, as Luke is found dead. Mary Lou is arrested, and Elena and David want to prove her innocence. However, they soon discover that there is more going on than meets the eye. (RICHARD L. MABRY, M.D., Apr., 82 pp., $5.99)
This is Mabry’s first effort at indie publishing, and hopefully not his last. True to form, it’s an engaging medical thriller. A quick read that’s a great fill in between his full length novels. With vivid descriptions, it grabs the reader from the first paragraph. It’s full of twists that will keep the reader guessing, and also documents the sad reality of domestic abuse.
Dr. Elena Gardner is concerned about her new patient, Mary Lou. She is pregnant and obviously in an abusive relationship. Elena consults with her fiancé, Dr. David Merritt, who happens to be Mary Lou’s obstetrician. When he learns what is going on, he wants to attack Mary Lou’s husband, Luke. However, someone beats him to the punch, as Luke is found dead. Mary Lou is arrested, and Elena and David want to prove her innocence. However, they soon discover that there is more going on than meets the eye. (RICHARD L. MABRY, M.D., Apr., 82 pp., $5.99)
January 30, 2019
While not as good as other Richard L. Mabry, MD novels, I still thought this one was pretty good. I figured out the ending on this one so that probably knocks down the rating some. And if there had a been a few more red herrings and other suspects, that would have improved the rating. But I did enjoy the mix of characters, Drs. Gardner and Merritt as well as the lawyer, Randy. And the story was good and quick. This novella, at 83 pages, could have benefited from another 20 pages or so. I also felt the title was a little off, considering the murder involved a beating to death and had nothing to do with prescriptions or medicine, etc. So in conclusion, a book worth reading if you have an hour or two, but not one that will stick with you like some of the other great novellas from Richard L. Mabry, MD.
Check out more of my reviews on my blog! https://wadeurspider01.wixsite.com/we...
Check out more of my reviews on my blog! https://wadeurspider01.wixsite.com/we...
April 8, 2020
An abused wife, a murder, an assumed identity and a large life insurance policy - what more could you ask for a fabulous way to spend a few hours! There were plenty of suspects, but finally who really wanted Luke dead, besides half the town? The author has done a fine job of leading the reader in several different directions before the truth is finally revealed. It certainly wasn’t what I expected - well done, Dr. Mabry. I highly recommend this well written story.
September 28, 2020
•audiobook•
With an author who promotes his retired physician status, I expected more medical than legal.
Characters were cardboard flat and drabby.
Conversations didn’t flow.
Over explaining was nauseating. This was supposed to be an adult book. Not reading to a kindergartner.
And the icing ... One of my least favorite narrators.
The pros:
It’s clean
This is my voluntary review of a complimentary audiobook received.
With an author who promotes his retired physician status, I expected more medical than legal.
Characters were cardboard flat and drabby.
Conversations didn’t flow.
Over explaining was nauseating. This was supposed to be an adult book. Not reading to a kindergartner.
And the icing ... One of my least favorite narrators.
The pros:
It’s clean
This is my voluntary review of a complimentary audiobook received.
October 1, 2022
I enjoyed this book.It was fast and fun. A doctor is seeing a patient who is obviously beaten by her spouse. She knows that the woman is seeing her husband for OBGYN. She tells her husband what is going on, There is no Hippa in this town,or lawyer privacy.They hire an attorney after the womans husband is found dead. A very weird ending ,still fun. Meghan Kelly was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 18, 2019
Realistic!
This book hit me too close to home even to dialog. The beaten woman had people in her life to befriend her and she naturally took advantage of that. Yes, it was actually too realistic to give it 5 stars, hard to read because of past experiences but excellent in writing and authentic feeling.
This book hit me too close to home even to dialog. The beaten woman had people in her life to befriend her and she naturally took advantage of that. Yes, it was actually too realistic to give it 5 stars, hard to read because of past experiences but excellent in writing and authentic feeling.
April 13, 2020
A short, fast read
I'm not usually a fan of novellas, but this on was more well written than some books I've read with twice the details. Mabry has a unique ability to draw the reader into the story. He is able to create in-depth characters and a good mystery with a few twists. Well done.
I'm not usually a fan of novellas, but this on was more well written than some books I've read with twice the details. Mabry has a unique ability to draw the reader into the story. He is able to create in-depth characters and a good mystery with a few twists. Well done.
February 18, 2019
Quick short story.
Expected the book to be a little longer, and the facts taking longer to be reached. However the ending felt good. A great story, with Christianity a single underlying focus, made the story more appealing.
Expected the book to be a little longer, and the facts taking longer to be reached. However the ending felt good. A great story, with Christianity a single underlying focus, made the story more appealing.
April 28, 2020
A Quick Read!! An Interesting Medical/ Legal Mystery
I definitely enjoyed reading this book. It deals with an abusive husband and pregnant wife. The author quickly draws the reader in to the circumstances and then gives a couple of twists and turns to complete the story.
I definitely enjoyed reading this book. It deals with an abusive husband and pregnant wife. The author quickly draws the reader in to the circumstances and then gives a couple of twists and turns to complete the story.
December 2, 2020
A short book but very intriguing. I enjoy Dr. Richard Mabry s Medical Suspense stories. He is very good at making things very down to earth and understandable for the average person. Also he will keep you guessing who the bad guy is until the end. I recommend his books.
April 14, 2023
Stiff
The dialogue was choppy and stilted. I honestly couldn't get through more than 20 pages. And really, if you're going to write medical fiction, you should know it's HIPAA. Not HIPPA.
The dialogue was choppy and stilted. I honestly couldn't get through more than 20 pages. And really, if you're going to write medical fiction, you should know it's HIPAA. Not HIPPA.
December 20, 2017
Rd Murder
This was a very good and quick read. It was full of romance and suspense until the end of the story.
This was a very good and quick read. It was full of romance and suspense until the end of the story.
April 12, 2020
Definitely too short, I wanted the book to go on and on.
April 17, 2022
Short but a fun read
I like medical stories. This one ha little medicine in it, but romance and suspense. If you want a realquicky,read thiss.
I like medical stories. This one ha little medicine in it, but romance and suspense. If you want a realquicky,read thiss.
July 8, 2022
Good short story
This story was a good one. Very short but still pretty good. I enjoyed reading it and think that you probably will too.
This story was a good one. Very short but still pretty good. I enjoyed reading it and think that you probably will too.
July 14, 2023
The twists were good that determined the murderer.
December 20, 2017
A short, enjoyable read. I did not solve this one and I never would have guessed! Great mystery. I love Dr. Mabry’s books!
April 4, 2015
More than just a whodunnit!
Richard Mabry wastes no time in bringing his readers into his world with Rx Murder. "Mary Lou Stewart cowered, half-crouching, in the corner of her living room. She felt consciousness slipping away, and fought it with deep breaths." This is how Mabry begins his exciting new novella, Rx Murder. I was immediately drawn into Mary Lou's pain and fear as her husband Luke was beating her. Dr. David Merritt and his fiance Dr. Elena Gardner try to help Mary Lou get out of her abusive situation, but find themselves in far deeper than they bargained for when Luke ends up dead!
Richard Mabry's writing elicits energy and excitement. I could hear the bones crunch; I could see the blood ooze. His detailed descriptions play the story in my mind clearly. I could not put it down until the end. Mabry's writing talent is not just in his ability to draw the pictures with his words, but also in laying the story out in such a way as to keep me guessing about who really dunnit!
Richard Mabry wastes no time in bringing his readers into his world with Rx Murder. "Mary Lou Stewart cowered, half-crouching, in the corner of her living room. She felt consciousness slipping away, and fought it with deep breaths." This is how Mabry begins his exciting new novella, Rx Murder. I was immediately drawn into Mary Lou's pain and fear as her husband Luke was beating her. Dr. David Merritt and his fiance Dr. Elena Gardner try to help Mary Lou get out of her abusive situation, but find themselves in far deeper than they bargained for when Luke ends up dead!
Richard Mabry's writing elicits energy and excitement. I could hear the bones crunch; I could see the blood ooze. His detailed descriptions play the story in my mind clearly. I could not put it down until the end. Mabry's writing talent is not just in his ability to draw the pictures with his words, but also in laying the story out in such a way as to keep me guessing about who really dunnit!
September 7, 2015
Dr. Mabry has now ventured into the self-publish field with a quick read in the novella Rx: Murder. I found this short little book fun and relaxing to read since the story is not as expansive or convoluted as his regular reads.
The characters all seem to work well and are well drawn by author as he introduces and weaves them into the plot. I'd like to see more of the attorney, Randy, in future Mabry reads. I rather liked Dr. David Merritt. as well, for his compassion and involvement with his patients. Perhaps more of him in the future, too.
While not kept on pins and needles during the story, there were a couple of surprises and the ending totally caught me by surprise. But thinking back through the story (after finishing the book), I can see where Mabry scattered a few bread crumbs that the astute (probably not me, though) reader could catch.
Like I said, this was a fun (not comical, though) read and I can recommend it to my readers. Now to try to win your own copy.....
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review.
The characters all seem to work well and are well drawn by author as he introduces and weaves them into the plot. I'd like to see more of the attorney, Randy, in future Mabry reads. I rather liked Dr. David Merritt. as well, for his compassion and involvement with his patients. Perhaps more of him in the future, too.
While not kept on pins and needles during the story, there were a couple of surprises and the ending totally caught me by surprise. But thinking back through the story (after finishing the book), I can see where Mabry scattered a few bread crumbs that the astute (probably not me, though) reader could catch.
Like I said, this was a fun (not comical, though) read and I can recommend it to my readers. Now to try to win your own copy.....
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review.
June 29, 2016
Disclosure: We received a copy from the author/publisher in exchanged for an honest review. This does not influence my review in any shape or form.
The story was definitely interesting but for me the narrator really made this story for me. I would definitely listen to more books narrated by Meghan Kelly.
The story was bit cliché abusive husband, pregnant wife and he suddenly ends up dead. I’m pretty sure that was a CSI MIAMI episode. I thought for sure the killer was obvious, I mean everything else was cliché how could I not know who the killer was from the very beginning. But the author was able to throw in some twists to really keep you on your toes.
I thought the story could have been better developed. I felt like the author missed opportunities to really add mystery to the story and so it wouldn’t have been so cliché. I felt like things were a bit rushed and disjointed, I’m still not sure how we got from point A to point B.
Missed opportunities really hurt this story for me but the narrator was great.
The story was definitely interesting but for me the narrator really made this story for me. I would definitely listen to more books narrated by Meghan Kelly.
The story was bit cliché abusive husband, pregnant wife and he suddenly ends up dead. I’m pretty sure that was a CSI MIAMI episode. I thought for sure the killer was obvious, I mean everything else was cliché how could I not know who the killer was from the very beginning. But the author was able to throw in some twists to really keep you on your toes.
I thought the story could have been better developed. I felt like the author missed opportunities to really add mystery to the story and so it wouldn’t have been so cliché. I felt like things were a bit rushed and disjointed, I’m still not sure how we got from point A to point B.
Missed opportunities really hurt this story for me but the narrator was great.
May 13, 2015
Richard Mabry is an excellent storyteller. He keeps the reader guessing. At the pace things were moving, I’m not sure I could have stood the suspense if this had been a full-length book rather than a novella. With a fast pace, lots of suspense, and a touch of romance, the author takes the reader on an interesting search to find the real murderer. It’s obvious that the first murder suspect couldn’t have done it so you start questioning almost everyone else. I kept wondering who would be the next suspect and what evidence would be found. Ending with the pastor preaching from Psalm 51 puts the perfect touch on the story since everyone falls short, although for most it doesn’t involve murder, and needs to seek God’s forgiveness. I recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of the Kindle edition of this novella from the author in exchange for my honest review.
December 11, 2015
Having won a signed copy of this, I was excited to read my first novella. It was definitely a fast read and filled in time while figuring out my next read.
The story went too quickly for my liking, especially being a suspense; I didn't feel like it was suspenseful throughout. The interactions between characters didn't seem believable. I also felt like it lacked in being descriptive.
Being the first novella I have read, I decided it wouldn't be fair to give less than a 4. The overall concept was captivating, despite my criticisms. Had there been about 300 more pages with character histories and setting descriptions, I would have given it a 5.
The story went too quickly for my liking, especially being a suspense; I didn't feel like it was suspenseful throughout. The interactions between characters didn't seem believable. I also felt like it lacked in being descriptive.
Being the first novella I have read, I decided it wouldn't be fair to give less than a 4. The overall concept was captivating, despite my criticisms. Had there been about 300 more pages with character histories and setting descriptions, I would have given it a 5.
March 2, 2016
Rx: Murder is a fast read by Richard Mabry, M.D. There are several characters in this novella with their connection written well. Luke Stewart is murdered in the middle of the night at his home. Mary Lou Stewart is arrested for the murder. However, her physicians are aware of Luke being abusive to her. So both physicians decide to assist her. Will the real murderer be found out or will Mary Lou be charged with the crime? Read this action packed quick read by Richard Mabry to see what transpires.
5 stars for this novella. Dr. Mabry has a way of writing medical suspense stories that are winsome and inspirational.
5 stars for this novella. Dr. Mabry has a way of writing medical suspense stories that are winsome and inspirational.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews