Requiem: Roman

by Ken McClure

Journalist James Kincaid has a pretty jaundiced view of the medical profession. So when he finds out the truth about what's happening at Newcastle's College Hospital, he's not surprised. He's stunned. Disbelieving. Appalled . . .The hospital is the showpiece of the National Health Service. The brilliant, computerized Northern Health Scheme has dramatically lowered costs and improved services in the area. It's seen as a personal triumph for the new health secretary. A passport perhaps to Downing Street.So why is the new system shrouded in secrecy? What really happened to Greta Marsh after her much-publicised operation? And why on earth is a top research scientist programming the hospital's computers? Kincaid knows the answers will get him the scoop - and the scandal of the century. If he can find them. If he can live to tell the tale . . .This title was first published by Simon & Schuster Ltd. (UK) in 1992.KEN McCLURE is an award-winning medical scientist as well as a global selling author. He was born and brought up in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he studied medical sciences and cultivated a career that has seen him become a prize-winning researcher in his field. Using this strong background to base his thrillers in the world of science and medicine, he is currently the author of twenty-three novels and his work is available across the globe in over twenty languages. He has visited and stayed in many countries in the course of his research but now lives in the county of East Lothian, just outside Edinburgh where he is happiest playing with his two young grandsons, Sam and Joel.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Medical Thriller, Crime

Perfect Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Ken McClure is the internationally bestselling author of over twenty medical thrillers such as The Lazarus Strain, The Gulf Conspiracy, White Death and Dust to Dust. His books have been translated into twenty-five languages and he has earned a reputation for the accuracy of his predicitions. McClure's work is informed by his background as an award-winning research scientist with the UK's Medical Research Council. He lives in a small village in the Lammermuir Hills of Scotland.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another medical mystery from one of the masters of the genre. An exciting and easy read. It has dated a little, computer discs too large to carry and as for mobile phones I don't think they had been invented when this book was written. Despite this there are still some relevant themes e.g. issues surrounding AIDS and the increasing centralisation of the NHS. The introduction of the female character to add a touch of romance certainly stretches the imagination. Regular readers of Ken McClure would agree I think. This book introduces the main themes and ideas at the beginning. Some reviewers have noted this as a negative however I would say that this was one of the more positive features. It kept me sufficiently interested to see which way the author would take the story but without losing too much in the detail. There is plenty of action and suspense throughout and the pace is good. This book builds slowly to a wonderful and twisty climax and for that reason I would highly recommend it.

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book - right up to the last page. It's fast, the plot is plausible enough, and since it was written the basis has become even more of an issue. The reader knows just enough more than the characters to understand what's going on without getting frustrated by their obtuseness, and involved enough with them to be urging them on. Which is why, for me, the last page spoils it and reduces the star rating. If you like your reading matter to be tidy and all issues resolved, this is not the book for you. It was good enough for me to want to read more by McClure, with a caveat: if the next one ends in a similar way, he will be off my list.

[Grammar*Kitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Ken McClure writes a striking medically-themed crime/mystery novel. This is possibly the best book I have read whilst taking part in the 6 book challenge (don't let this disillusion you - it was the best of the 38 books I have read in the last 4 months!)– the story was a little slow to get going, but once it did, it dragged you along like a freight train, and there were no stops to get off! Very intriguing medical thriller about a jaded journalist’s suspicions about a new roll out of an all-singing all-dancing computerised NHS System in the north east as he struggles to cope with his brain damaged daughter, his ailing father and threats to his life as he gets too close to an altogether sinister source.

I can't believe that this book is nearly as old as I am - it seems so plausible now, but must have been a thing of almost science fiction in it's early years - the only thing that reminded me of it's age was the search for payphones instead of whipping out a mobile!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first try at Ken McClure - thoroughly enjoyed a good plot and the ending was unexpected and could not put down.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please someone tell me this was the first book in a series! It was such an awesome book but the ending - WOW!!! I need more!

[Helene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary that the story could be true but then the cruelty of man is ever astonishing. Hospitals and doctors are supposed to be trustworthy - after all, our lives are at stake. But even in the medical field, power and greed have impacts.

The book also shows a light on the world of journalism - the story should be told but at what risk? Why do those who ask the important questions become targets?

[Vlaďka Novotná · Rating 4 out of 5]

Děsivé...

[Z.K. Dorward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started out hating this book. I almost DNF'd at page 60 (20%). But something kept me gripped. The ending is sensational and I'm so glad I kept going with it.

[Random-girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

but...the end 😩😱

[Darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book because it was cheap on Amazon and set in my home town of Newcastle. However, the book could have been set anywhere as there was no reference to any locations or landmarks in the city, which I was a bit disappointed in. Aside from that, a great read about something a bit different - I've read a few books in the crime/thriller genre recently and they can get a bit samey, but this one was about a conspiracy in the health service, offering plenty of twists and turns as the plot unravels, right up to the last page.

[Jeannine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half was a little slow and I wished for it to speed up, but I really liked the characters. It picked up well, but the ending left me frustrated though...

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Medicopolitical thriller. Journalist James Kincaid and GP Neil Tolkein uncover a eugenic plot.