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Prescription for Trouble #1
Code Blue
In the first book of the Prescription for Trouble series, "Code Blue" means more to Dr. Cathy Sewell than the cardiac emergency she has to face. It describes her mental state as she finds that coming back to her hometown hasn't brought her the peace she so desperately needs. Instead, it's clear that someone there wants her gone...or dead.
Cathy returns to her hometown seeking healing after a broken relationship, but discovers that among her friends and acquaintances is someone who wants her out of town...or dead. Lawyer Will Kennedy, her high school sweetheart, offers help, but does it carry a price tag? Is hospital chief of staff Dr. Marcus Bell really on her side in her fight to get hospital privileges? Is Will's father, Pastor Matthew Kennedy, interested in advising her or just trying to get her back to the church she left years ago? When one of Cathy's prescriptions almost kills the town banker, it sets the stage for a malpractice suit that could end her time in town, if not her career. It's soon clear that this return home was a prescription for trouble.
Cathy returns to her hometown seeking healing after a broken relationship, but discovers that among her friends and acquaintances is someone who wants her out of town...or dead. Lawyer Will Kennedy, her high school sweetheart, offers help, but does it carry a price tag? Is hospital chief of staff Dr. Marcus Bell really on her side in her fight to get hospital privileges? Is Will's father, Pastor Matthew Kennedy, interested in advising her or just trying to get her back to the church she left years ago? When one of Cathy's prescriptions almost kills the town banker, it sets the stage for a malpractice suit that could end her time in town, if not her career. It's soon clear that this return home was a prescription for trouble.
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2009
251 people are currently reading
3177 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 268 reviews
December 17, 2010
A somewhat shallow but still satisfying romance/mystery. I read the Kindle version which is free. Mabry treats the subject of medical mystery with a convincing knowledge of medical jargon that doesn't come off feeling contrived.
Cathy is a young, attractive, blond doctor who returns to her home town of Dainger, Texas to start a private practice. Fresh out of medical school, she is fleeing the Dallas area to leave behind painful memories of a couple of bad relationships. She soon discovers that not everyone is glad she is returning home.
Who is the driver of the black SUV trying to kill Cathy? Or is it all in her mind? Who has a reason to want her dead? Is it the banker? The pharmacist? Her fellow physicians? Her ex? Just who can want Cathy out of the way so badly they will kill her? Maybe it's one of her surgeon father's past patients? Or the result of her paranoid schizophrenic? mother's past? And what was really the cause of their fatal car accident years ago? Cathy needs to find out ..... stat!
Cathy has a few aces up her sleeve. For one, she's truly a brilliant doctor. Next, she has some good friends who loved her and her parents and are glad she's back. Then there's the patients who aren't afraid of a new woman doctor. And there's her ex-boyfriend from high school. He's a lawyer who still has a flame of desire burning for the good doctor. Can she trust him? It's hard not to when his parents are the kind and compassionate minister and his wife who welcome Cathy with open arms.
The story has a few interesting twists and turns, but fails to deliver intense thrills. I'm most impressed by the complete absence of even a single word of profanity. God is mentioned positively throughout the book. Faith is a virtue and Christianity holds a central place in the plot. Also happily missing is any illicit sexuality. There is romance, but without the tawdry sex, excessive kissing, petting and other winter sports. Overall a good and likable read.
Cathy is a young, attractive, blond doctor who returns to her home town of Dainger, Texas to start a private practice. Fresh out of medical school, she is fleeing the Dallas area to leave behind painful memories of a couple of bad relationships. She soon discovers that not everyone is glad she is returning home.
Who is the driver of the black SUV trying to kill Cathy? Or is it all in her mind? Who has a reason to want her dead? Is it the banker? The pharmacist? Her fellow physicians? Her ex? Just who can want Cathy out of the way so badly they will kill her? Maybe it's one of her surgeon father's past patients? Or the result of her paranoid schizophrenic? mother's past? And what was really the cause of their fatal car accident years ago? Cathy needs to find out ..... stat!
Cathy has a few aces up her sleeve. For one, she's truly a brilliant doctor. Next, she has some good friends who loved her and her parents and are glad she's back. Then there's the patients who aren't afraid of a new woman doctor. And there's her ex-boyfriend from high school. He's a lawyer who still has a flame of desire burning for the good doctor. Can she trust him? It's hard not to when his parents are the kind and compassionate minister and his wife who welcome Cathy with open arms.
The story has a few interesting twists and turns, but fails to deliver intense thrills. I'm most impressed by the complete absence of even a single word of profanity. God is mentioned positively throughout the book. Faith is a virtue and Christianity holds a central place in the plot. Also happily missing is any illicit sexuality. There is romance, but without the tawdry sex, excessive kissing, petting and other winter sports. Overall a good and likable read.
November 29, 2020
I'm on the constant look out for a couple things in books and medical story's is one of them. This sounded something I would like, being a medical thriller with some romance, but this did not hold my attention at all, just couldn't get into the story and found it severely lacking in many parts, but because I think medical thriller is hard to find I will give the next book a try.
January 23, 2016
CODE BLUE by Richard L. Mabry, M.D. was riveting. A must read!
Dr. Cathy Sewell has returned to her hometown to practice medicine, but is there someone in Dainger, Texas who wants her gone? And why? That’s the real question throughout the book. And with Cathy’s lack of trust in men, she doesn’t know if she can really put her faith in Will Kennedy, her former high school love and self-appointed lawyer, or Dr. Marcus Bell, Chief of Staff, with looks that could heal any broken heart.
Fearing mental illness runs in her family, Cathy wonders if the accidents surrounding her are coincidence or her own paranoia. Did someone run her off the road or was it a freak accident? Did she really write a prescription with a near fatal dosage or did someone tamper with it? And was the banking error that caused her insurance to lapse just an unfortunate clerical error, or is someone trying to destroy her credibility? Overwhelmed with the thought of someone trying to run her out of town–or worse, she has no alternative but to put her trust in Will and Marcus, hoping her reliance in them doesn’t get her killed.
Though there is some romance woven into CODE BLUE, I don’t feel it’s enough to detour male readers interested in a good suspense novel. I appreciated the authenticity of the medical details throughout CODE BLUE but at times, it got a little weighty and I found myself skimming the paragraphs with a lot of medical jargon. Overall, a great read. I quickly picked up MEDICAL ERROR, the second installment in the Prescription for Trouble series and read it with the same voraciousness. I anxiously await Mabry’s third book, DIAGNOSIS DEATH schedule to be released in Spring 2011.
Dr. Cathy Sewell has returned to her hometown to practice medicine, but is there someone in Dainger, Texas who wants her gone? And why? That’s the real question throughout the book. And with Cathy’s lack of trust in men, she doesn’t know if she can really put her faith in Will Kennedy, her former high school love and self-appointed lawyer, or Dr. Marcus Bell, Chief of Staff, with looks that could heal any broken heart.
Fearing mental illness runs in her family, Cathy wonders if the accidents surrounding her are coincidence or her own paranoia. Did someone run her off the road or was it a freak accident? Did she really write a prescription with a near fatal dosage or did someone tamper with it? And was the banking error that caused her insurance to lapse just an unfortunate clerical error, or is someone trying to destroy her credibility? Overwhelmed with the thought of someone trying to run her out of town–or worse, she has no alternative but to put her trust in Will and Marcus, hoping her reliance in them doesn’t get her killed.
Though there is some romance woven into CODE BLUE, I don’t feel it’s enough to detour male readers interested in a good suspense novel. I appreciated the authenticity of the medical details throughout CODE BLUE but at times, it got a little weighty and I found myself skimming the paragraphs with a lot of medical jargon. Overall, a great read. I quickly picked up MEDICAL ERROR, the second installment in the Prescription for Trouble series and read it with the same voraciousness. I anxiously await Mabry’s third book, DIAGNOSIS DEATH schedule to be released in Spring 2011.
December 24, 2014
Wow, the start of the book grabbed my attention in such a way that I just had to know what will happen. This is my first book from Richard Mabry, and I am very glad I found this author. Would definitely want to read the rest of this series.
The way the book was written was easy to follow and there was so much happening that you kept on wondering who the person is who is out to get Cathy. There was one stage where I felt, poor Cathy. The secondary story line about her parents also kept me intrigued, wanting to know what happened there.
I really liked the character of Cathy, sometimes she came across scatterbrained, forgetting things, though it was after accidents, so understandable. There is also some clear issues she is struggling with due to a situation with her mother and history with men. She also stood up for herself.
I loved the character Will. He represented Godly men for me, because of the way he was just so patient and helpful and there for Cathy.
Loved this from the book: "God provides for His Children. We may not like what He provides, though, because we don't see the big picture as God can" and "We don't always like what God sends. We forget that He sees things we cant's. God wants to send us blessings, even though we may not recognize them".
The way the book was written was easy to follow and there was so much happening that you kept on wondering who the person is who is out to get Cathy. There was one stage where I felt, poor Cathy. The secondary story line about her parents also kept me intrigued, wanting to know what happened there.
I really liked the character of Cathy, sometimes she came across scatterbrained, forgetting things, though it was after accidents, so understandable. There is also some clear issues she is struggling with due to a situation with her mother and history with men. She also stood up for herself.
I loved the character Will. He represented Godly men for me, because of the way he was just so patient and helpful and there for Cathy.
Loved this from the book: "God provides for His Children. We may not like what He provides, though, because we don't see the big picture as God can" and "We don't always like what God sends. We forget that He sees things we cant's. God wants to send us blessings, even though we may not recognize them".
January 18, 2012
In the first book of the Prescription for Trouble series, “Code Blue” means more to Dr. Cathy Sewell than the cardiac emergency she has to face. It describes her mental state as she finds that coming back to her hometown hasn’t brought her the peace she so desperately needs. Instead, it’s clear that someone there wants her gone…or dead.
Cathy returns to her hometown seeking healing after a broken relationship, but discovers that among her friends and acquaintances is someone who wants her out of town…or dead. Lawyer Will Kennedy, her high school sweetheart, offers help, but does it carry a price tag? Is hospital chief of staff Dr. Marcus Bell really on her side in her fight to get hospital privileges? Is Will’s father, Pastor Matthew Kennedy, interested in advising her or just trying to get her back to the church she left years ago? When one of Cathy’s prescriptions almost kills the town banker, it sets the stage for a malpractice suit that could end her time in town, if not her career.
I didn't guess who was behind it although I was suspicious of Will.
Cathy returns to her hometown seeking healing after a broken relationship, but discovers that among her friends and acquaintances is someone who wants her out of town…or dead. Lawyer Will Kennedy, her high school sweetheart, offers help, but does it carry a price tag? Is hospital chief of staff Dr. Marcus Bell really on her side in her fight to get hospital privileges? Is Will’s father, Pastor Matthew Kennedy, interested in advising her or just trying to get her back to the church she left years ago? When one of Cathy’s prescriptions almost kills the town banker, it sets the stage for a malpractice suit that could end her time in town, if not her career.
I didn't guess who was behind it although I was suspicious of Will.
February 13, 2014
I liked this. It flowed well and the characters were very likeable. I couldn't help but feel for Cathy as she struggled with finding out who was out to get her.
Cathy Sewell has returned to her hometown of Daniger to start her medical practice. She knew it wasn't going to be easy, but Cathy never imagined that she would hit a stumbling block at every turn. When someone ran her off the road and left her for dead Cathy knew without a doubt that someone wanted her gone. Her old flame comes to the rescue and a spark tries to rekindle the relationship. Cathy is gun shy from past relationships and trying to deal with her parents death. Cathy is starting to feel paranoid, especially when no one seems to truly believe that someone is trying to hurt her. I liked the faith based them that ran through the story and how it blended in well and didn't overwhelm.
On to the next in the series. Yeah!
Cathy Sewell has returned to her hometown of Daniger to start her medical practice. She knew it wasn't going to be easy, but Cathy never imagined that she would hit a stumbling block at every turn. When someone ran her off the road and left her for dead Cathy knew without a doubt that someone wanted her gone. Her old flame comes to the rescue and a spark tries to rekindle the relationship. Cathy is gun shy from past relationships and trying to deal with her parents death. Cathy is starting to feel paranoid, especially when no one seems to truly believe that someone is trying to hurt her. I liked the faith based them that ran through the story and how it blended in well and didn't overwhelm.
On to the next in the series. Yeah!
February 15, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
I wish I would have remembered to come post my review within a week of finishing this book. Lol. Since I finished it in June and am posting this review in mid-November, it's hard to recall the details.
The main reason I marked this book as just okay (3 stars) is because it dipped a little too far in the medical portions. Yes, I realize this is a medical suspense book. But I didn't think that would include actual procedures to the extent that it felt like I was doing surgery myself. I have a tendency to get lightheaded around medical procedures, which is one reason I didn't go into nursing. Details of surgeries in books push me toward passing out, and that's not a very comfortable place to be.
For those readers without the woozy issue I've got, this would be a highly entertaining story.
This is my honest review.
I wish I would have remembered to come post my review within a week of finishing this book. Lol. Since I finished it in June and am posting this review in mid-November, it's hard to recall the details.
The main reason I marked this book as just okay (3 stars) is because it dipped a little too far in the medical portions. Yes, I realize this is a medical suspense book. But I didn't think that would include actual procedures to the extent that it felt like I was doing surgery myself. I have a tendency to get lightheaded around medical procedures, which is one reason I didn't go into nursing. Details of surgeries in books push me toward passing out, and that's not a very comfortable place to be.
For those readers without the woozy issue I've got, this would be a highly entertaining story.
This is my honest review.
May 31, 2015
If a mystery/thriller has a medical or legal focus, it'll get my attention. If it's part of a series, even better; I love to have something on the back burner to turn to when my supply of favorite-author books starts to dwindle. I had high hopes for this book about the trials and tribulations of Dr. Cathy Sewell, who returns to her home town to set up her own practice. It's the first of three books in the "Prescription for Trouble" series by the author, a retired physician.
What I didn't realize is that the book might be more accurately listed under Christian fiction. Certainly I should have known; it's published by Abington Press, an imprint of The United Methodist Publishing House. But even though that's not my style (not even close, in fact), I must say I wasn't overwhelmed with the "I hate God for allowing my parents to die" followed by a lecture on why that's not true kind of thing. Only in a couple of places did talk of converting to true believer status become intrusive, and I was able to speed-read my way through those and get on with the story.
Cathy, it seems, returned home after ending a bad relationship - still grieving at the untimely loss of her parents in an accident just as she finished medical school. But sometimes it just doesn't pay to go home again; early on, it appears someone wants her to turn tail and get outta Dodge. Or maybe it's several someones; she has trouble getting a loan to set up her practice, trouble getting privileges at the local hospital, trouble driving down the road without being attacked by a mysterious black SUV and trouble when patients she treats end up in worse condition than when they came to see her. Given all that plus her past life experiences, she's lost the ability to trust - not even a local (and hunky) lawyer who promises to take care of her - and certainly not her own judgment.
All things considered, it really wasn't a bad story. I'll emphasize that the religious slant isn't the reason for my mid-point rating, nor is the technical quality of writing. In fact, it was nice to read a book that doesn't have grammar, punctuation and spelling errors splattered throughout every other chapter. Rather, it's because the overall plot is a little simplistic, and some of the details - which I can't mention without issuing a spoiler alert - just didn't have real-life plausibility. What happens to Cathy borders on overkill, so to speak; you think you're having a bad day? After reading only a few chapters that detail what she's going through, your life will seem like a walk in the park.
Still, at just 288 pages, it's a quick, easy read - ideal for my "fill-in" series requirement. And while it's far from the best book I ever read, it was good enough that I'm not calling in the crash cart for this series; in fact, I'm likely to try the next two Medical Error and Diagnosis Death. I'll keep you posted!
What I didn't realize is that the book might be more accurately listed under Christian fiction. Certainly I should have known; it's published by Abington Press, an imprint of The United Methodist Publishing House. But even though that's not my style (not even close, in fact), I must say I wasn't overwhelmed with the "I hate God for allowing my parents to die" followed by a lecture on why that's not true kind of thing. Only in a couple of places did talk of converting to true believer status become intrusive, and I was able to speed-read my way through those and get on with the story.
Cathy, it seems, returned home after ending a bad relationship - still grieving at the untimely loss of her parents in an accident just as she finished medical school. But sometimes it just doesn't pay to go home again; early on, it appears someone wants her to turn tail and get outta Dodge. Or maybe it's several someones; she has trouble getting a loan to set up her practice, trouble getting privileges at the local hospital, trouble driving down the road without being attacked by a mysterious black SUV and trouble when patients she treats end up in worse condition than when they came to see her. Given all that plus her past life experiences, she's lost the ability to trust - not even a local (and hunky) lawyer who promises to take care of her - and certainly not her own judgment.
All things considered, it really wasn't a bad story. I'll emphasize that the religious slant isn't the reason for my mid-point rating, nor is the technical quality of writing. In fact, it was nice to read a book that doesn't have grammar, punctuation and spelling errors splattered throughout every other chapter. Rather, it's because the overall plot is a little simplistic, and some of the details - which I can't mention without issuing a spoiler alert - just didn't have real-life plausibility. What happens to Cathy borders on overkill, so to speak; you think you're having a bad day? After reading only a few chapters that detail what she's going through, your life will seem like a walk in the park.
Still, at just 288 pages, it's a quick, easy read - ideal for my "fill-in" series requirement. And while it's far from the best book I ever read, it was good enough that I'm not calling in the crash cart for this series; in fact, I'm likely to try the next two Medical Error and Diagnosis Death. I'll keep you posted!
November 11, 2023
3.25 stars - Read via Kindle
This was my first book by this author. I made a goal for 2023 to read six or more male Christian Fiction authors. I’ve had the first three of this series since my early days of getting a Kindle. After doing some organizing and seeing how many unread books I had buried, I wanted to get this series started.
I enjoyed the story but found the reasoning of the guilty party rather flimsy. However, if a person has listened to or read any true crime, there are people who will do unconscionable things over foolish and petty things. I also felt the “big boys” club with the hospital wasn’t really dealt with. There were a couple of other small loose ends for me.
I respected the medical knowledge and reading a different kind of suspense novel.
This was my first book by this author. I made a goal for 2023 to read six or more male Christian Fiction authors. I’ve had the first three of this series since my early days of getting a Kindle. After doing some organizing and seeing how many unread books I had buried, I wanted to get this series started.
I enjoyed the story but found the reasoning of the guilty party rather flimsy. However, if a person has listened to or read any true crime, there are people who will do unconscionable things over foolish and petty things. I also felt the “big boys” club with the hospital wasn’t really dealt with. There were a couple of other small loose ends for me.
I respected the medical knowledge and reading a different kind of suspense novel.
August 12, 2011
Thank goodness this one was a Kindle freebie....
Blah is the first thing that comes to mind about this book. It's supposed to be some fantastic medical mystery thriller, and I had high hopes, as it's written by a retired doctor. I was disappointed to say the least. The main character, while a practicing doctor, is a flake. The story line was poorly written. It had entirely too much unnecessary religious undertones. Just when I thought I was getting to the 'thriller' part of the book, it is ruined by a ridiculous conversation between captor and hostage. Unfortunately I would not recommend this book to anyone.
Blah is the first thing that comes to mind about this book. It's supposed to be some fantastic medical mystery thriller, and I had high hopes, as it's written by a retired doctor. I was disappointed to say the least. The main character, while a practicing doctor, is a flake. The story line was poorly written. It had entirely too much unnecessary religious undertones. Just when I thought I was getting to the 'thriller' part of the book, it is ruined by a ridiculous conversation between captor and hostage. Unfortunately I would not recommend this book to anyone.
January 11, 2015
Christian fiction/suspense. 1st book in the Prescription for Trouble series and 1st I have read by Richard L. Mabry. The main characters were very likable and I rooted for them throughout the book. The plot really moved so while it was a bit light, the addition of her faith journey smoothed that out for me personally. Loved the medical details and brief hinting at the difficulties of practicing medicine. Wish there were more doctors like Cathy out there! Will eventually continue the series; recommend for those who like lighter fare.
February 17, 2013
A tad slow moving in the beginning, but it did keep my interest, which built as I kept reading. The mystery was revealed by the antagonist in a very long confession prior to attempting to finally do in the doctor that was being stalked. That confession part seemed so unlikely, but the author had to tie all the pieces together for the reader somehow. Not a bad book for an Amazon freebie. Being in the medical field, it had extra interest for me. If the others in the series come up as freebies on Amazon, I'll probably download and read them.
March 25, 2013
Medical stories intrigue me, and I really enjoyed this one about a young doctor beginning a family practice in her hometown. There was a mystery involved,which was intriguing, but I did feel the author went just a little bit too far in trying to present a lot of suspects and keep you wondering. As a retired doctor, Mr.Mabry certainly had the medical knowledge to make the story believable. This is the first book in a series, and I can't wait to read the others. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys medical and Christian fiction.
December 1, 2015
SUMMARY:
For Dr. Cathy Sewell, Code Blue means more than just the cardiac emergencies she faces—it’s the state of her life when the return to her hometown doesn’t bring the peace she so desperately needs. The town doctors resent the fact that she’s not only a newcomer but also a woman, and the devastating results from one of her prescriptions may mean the end of her practice. As two men compete for her affection, an enemy wants her out of town—or possibly even dead.
Cathy returns to her hometown seeking healing after a broken relationship, but discovers that among her friends and acquaintances is someone who wants her out of town…or dead. Lawyer Will Kennedy, her high school sweetheart, offers help, but does it carry a price tag? Is hospital chief of staff, Dr. Marcus Bell, really on her side in her fight to get hospital privileges? Is Will’s father, Pastor Matthew Kennedy, interested in advising her or just trying to get her back to the church she left years ago? When one of Cathy’s prescriptions almost kills the town banker, it sets the stage for a malpractice suit that could end her time in town, if not her career. It’s soon clear that this return home was a prescription for trouble.
REVIEW: This is not my first Richard Mabry read, and I always finding his medical thrillers "Can't put it down, page turner" reads. His writing and storylines remind me a great deal of Robin Cook's medical thrillers. Mabry combines medical expertise, solid suspense, faith, and romance to make a well-rounded novel. I enjoyed the re-developing romance between Cathy and Will especially that Will was willing to give her the time and space she needed to gain back her trust in men and to realize that the person she needed to rely on was God. Mabry developed enough minor characters to keep the reader guessing as to who was trying to disrupt Cathy's life. Great overall read and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I guess I need to be clearer about my feelings for them. Do I value them for what they can do for me or just for themselves?"
"We don't always like what God sends. We forget that He sees things we can't. God wants to send us blessings, even though we may not recognize them."
"He (God) doesn't cause bad things to happen. But, when they do, He's here to comfort u. Learn to lean on Him. Don't give up on God. He hasn't given up on you."
"If you're sloppy in the little things, you'll be sloppy in the big ones too. Take the time to do it right."
For Dr. Cathy Sewell, Code Blue means more than just the cardiac emergencies she faces—it’s the state of her life when the return to her hometown doesn’t bring the peace she so desperately needs. The town doctors resent the fact that she’s not only a newcomer but also a woman, and the devastating results from one of her prescriptions may mean the end of her practice. As two men compete for her affection, an enemy wants her out of town—or possibly even dead.
Cathy returns to her hometown seeking healing after a broken relationship, but discovers that among her friends and acquaintances is someone who wants her out of town…or dead. Lawyer Will Kennedy, her high school sweetheart, offers help, but does it carry a price tag? Is hospital chief of staff, Dr. Marcus Bell, really on her side in her fight to get hospital privileges? Is Will’s father, Pastor Matthew Kennedy, interested in advising her or just trying to get her back to the church she left years ago? When one of Cathy’s prescriptions almost kills the town banker, it sets the stage for a malpractice suit that could end her time in town, if not her career. It’s soon clear that this return home was a prescription for trouble.
REVIEW: This is not my first Richard Mabry read, and I always finding his medical thrillers "Can't put it down, page turner" reads. His writing and storylines remind me a great deal of Robin Cook's medical thrillers. Mabry combines medical expertise, solid suspense, faith, and romance to make a well-rounded novel. I enjoyed the re-developing romance between Cathy and Will especially that Will was willing to give her the time and space she needed to gain back her trust in men and to realize that the person she needed to rely on was God. Mabry developed enough minor characters to keep the reader guessing as to who was trying to disrupt Cathy's life. Great overall read and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I guess I need to be clearer about my feelings for them. Do I value them for what they can do for me or just for themselves?"
"We don't always like what God sends. We forget that He sees things we can't. God wants to send us blessings, even though we may not recognize them."
"He (God) doesn't cause bad things to happen. But, when they do, He's here to comfort u. Learn to lean on Him. Don't give up on God. He hasn't given up on you."
"If you're sloppy in the little things, you'll be sloppy in the big ones too. Take the time to do it right."
December 31, 2013
I enjoyed the story and characters. However, I had a problem with the timeline. In the confrontation between Cathy and the person trying to kill her, the perpetrator mentioned something happening three weeks ago that triggered the stalking and murder attempts. However, the things that happened couldn't have been happened in that short a time period. The other thing that gave me pause was that in the end Cathy was relieved to learn that her mother had been drugged and hadn't really been mentally ill. That was significant to the plot, as Cathy was concerned that she was exhibiting the same symptoms as her mother. However, it left me with the feeling that I wouldn't have liked reading that if I had a mentally ill family member. Many of us fear to some extent suffering from the same illnesses as our parents, whether those diseases are mental or physical. But I was left with the feeling here that it was the stigma of mental illness that was the big issue. My late husband had Alzheimer's, and although I hated seeing him suffer with this terrible disease, I do not like anyone associating a stigma with the disease--as if a disease of the mind rather than the body is something to be ashamed of. I would have given the book 5 stars except for those two elements.
February 28, 2013
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R24CX20X...
Review on my blog (to be posted 3/3): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
I haven't read many, if any, medical thrillers, so Code Blue made for a nice change from my usual reading. I actually ended up liking the story and had a hard time sticking with one person as my guess of who the culprit was.
The characters were very good and my favorite was definitely Will. I liked him pretty much from when he was first introduced in Code Blue... he just seems like a great guy. :)
One thing I didn't like was when the writing didn't seem to flow well (at least to me) and the story seemed to end a little too soon. Still, I did enjoy Code Blue and look forward to reading more of Mabry's books in the future. If you enjoy suspense novels with some medical aspects in it, then I think you'll enjoy this book. Good read.
*I did not get this book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Review on my blog (to be posted 3/3): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
I haven't read many, if any, medical thrillers, so Code Blue made for a nice change from my usual reading. I actually ended up liking the story and had a hard time sticking with one person as my guess of who the culprit was.
The characters were very good and my favorite was definitely Will. I liked him pretty much from when he was first introduced in Code Blue... he just seems like a great guy. :)
One thing I didn't like was when the writing didn't seem to flow well (at least to me) and the story seemed to end a little too soon. Still, I did enjoy Code Blue and look forward to reading more of Mabry's books in the future. If you enjoy suspense novels with some medical aspects in it, then I think you'll enjoy this book. Good read.
*I did not get this book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
January 14, 2011
I was excited when this was the free book offered through Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago. However, it was terrible. I was looking forward to a medical thriller, but there was nothing thrilling about this book. Not only that, but it turns out that it has a huge religious underscoring throughout the whole book which I thought was frankly a little much and largely unnecessary. I have nothing against religion, but I don't need it thrust on me under the guise of a romantic medical thriller. I am glad I didn't buy that book, but I am still sorry that I wasted my time on it.
May 12, 2010
Going home is never the same and poor Cathy Sewell is learning that lesson the hard way! Great new book by Richard Mabry! Thanks to Candace Calvert for the great recommendation! Full review to appear on my blog later this week!
May 21, 2012
A medical suspense.
Dr. Cathy Sewell has returned home to set up her own practice but obstacles face her at every turn, not to mention someone obviously has a grudge against her - but who? Fortunately lawyer (& former sweetheart) Will Kennedy is on hand to help her narrow down the suspects before it's too late.
Dr. Cathy Sewell has returned home to set up her own practice but obstacles face her at every turn, not to mention someone obviously has a grudge against her - but who? Fortunately lawyer (& former sweetheart) Will Kennedy is on hand to help her narrow down the suspects before it's too late.
January 1, 2011
A good mystery with the Christian faith positively portrayed.
April 7, 2010
Loved the book! I couldn't put it down, always wanting to find out what would happen next.
May 22, 2019
Code Blue is a religious, medical drama/suspense written by Richard Mabry, M.D. This is his first medical suspense novel and he considers himself a Christian writer. It is about Dr. Cathy Sewell. She decided to start anew in her hometown and realized that someone don't want her back. It is a fast pace book and is decently written. There is no gory details or scenes and although there is romance going on, the author did not bother to add any detailed intimacy.
I downloaded it on Nook's Free Fridays and I might download Dr. Mabry's second book. If you are looking for books like the medical thrillers by Robin Cook, this might disappoint you. Although the main characters are doctors, the medical aspects of the plot is not the focal point of the story. Dr. Mabry almost reminds me of Tess Gerritsen who is also a physician turned writer who included a doctor as the main character in her books but the story line is not really medically related. Some reviewers don't like the fact that the author added some religious aspects about lossing and finding God in ones life as well. But I think it is a good, wholesome book to curl up with and enjoy.
I downloaded it on Nook's Free Fridays and I might download Dr. Mabry's second book. If you are looking for books like the medical thrillers by Robin Cook, this might disappoint you. Although the main characters are doctors, the medical aspects of the plot is not the focal point of the story. Dr. Mabry almost reminds me of Tess Gerritsen who is also a physician turned writer who included a doctor as the main character in her books but the story line is not really medically related. Some reviewers don't like the fact that the author added some religious aspects about lossing and finding God in ones life as well. But I think it is a good, wholesome book to curl up with and enjoy.
July 29, 2024
This was a quick and easy read. Cathy Sewell is a strong heroine, who comes across as realistic and relatable. She may be a doctor, but she’s also swimming in debt, has a shattered love life and is insecure about her future, if she has one.
After all, someone is trying to kill her. First she is run off the road and ends up down a ravine, crashed into a peach tree. This is followed by two near misses while she is driving other vehicles. Even scarier is the night someone lit her apartment on fire!
The suspense portion of the book is tamed by the faith. The lessons Cathy is being reminded of by the people in town come across as sincere compassion and not hypocritical malarkey, which I appreciated.
A good stand alone novel, and an intriguing start to a series.
After all, someone is trying to kill her. First she is run off the road and ends up down a ravine, crashed into a peach tree. This is followed by two near misses while she is driving other vehicles. Even scarier is the night someone lit her apartment on fire!
The suspense portion of the book is tamed by the faith. The lessons Cathy is being reminded of by the people in town come across as sincere compassion and not hypocritical malarkey, which I appreciated.
A good stand alone novel, and an intriguing start to a series.
May 6, 2019
This is one of those books that sucks you in and you can’t stop until you’re finished. I thought I figured the bad guy out but, I didn’t. Whahahaha! I wasn’t aware of the Christian aspect until about half way or so through. It’s not overwhelming but a nice sprinkle of there’s something bigger than you out there! Anyways, I enjoyed this read and would recommend it to select others. Think I’ll be requesting the second book soon.
December 1, 2019
This was a nice, enjoyable read.
It is centered around medicine, which is the environment I work in. So some of the terminology used was familiar. I found this quite entertaining.
Adding on, I enjoyed how the author chose to write the script. The mystery and romance were simple, yet intriguing. I thought I knew who was trying to kill Cathy, but I was completely wrong. The romantic ending was very cute.
It is centered around medicine, which is the environment I work in. So some of the terminology used was familiar. I found this quite entertaining.
Adding on, I enjoyed how the author chose to write the script. The mystery and romance were simple, yet intriguing. I thought I knew who was trying to kill Cathy, but I was completely wrong. The romantic ending was very cute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2020
I read Code Blue in two days. I met the author years ago at a conference. As a doctor, he has all the terminology perfect and precise. The storyline is excellent. Dr. Cathy is back where she grew up and trying to establish herself as a doctor with a private practice and ER doc. Lots of conflict as someone is out to get her. There's tension because of and between several potential suitors. I liked the characters, and the way the story unfolded. Dr. Mabry, the author, knows his stuff.
January 24, 2018
Medical suspence
Code Blue by Dr. Richard Mabry is a medical suspense/thriller. I believe it is his inaugural book, and it's excellent. I have read most of his books, don't know how I missed this one. I can highly recommend it. Good storyline, good characterization, all threads tied up at the end, and a surprise villain at the very last. Super good read!
Code Blue by Dr. Richard Mabry is a medical suspense/thriller. I believe it is his inaugural book, and it's excellent. I have read most of his books, don't know how I missed this one. I can highly recommend it. Good storyline, good characterization, all threads tied up at the end, and a surprise villain at the very last. Super good read!
June 1, 2021
Great book, final edit issues
I loved the plot and how Mr. Mabry wrote it out. What I wish I could have was access to the electronic version, open to punctuation corrections because his editor neglected to call out the typos and misspelled words throughout the book. Otherwise, great novel.
I loved the plot and how Mr. Mabry wrote it out. What I wish I could have was access to the electronic version, open to punctuation corrections because his editor neglected to call out the typos and misspelled words throughout the book. Otherwise, great novel.
July 23, 2017
Good start for suspense series
I've always enjoyed medical mysteries, so I enjoyed this book that included faith in the story. It was enjoyable to read, though not as detailed or intense as Michael Palmer's books.
I've always enjoyed medical mysteries, so I enjoyed this book that included faith in the story. It was enjoyable to read, though not as detailed or intense as Michael Palmer's books.
January 22, 2018
Prescription for delight!
This book is excellently written with the perfect combination of suspense and romance. Richard Mabry’s knowledge of the medical field gives the book that much more of a step in reality to ground the book.
This book is excellently written with the perfect combination of suspense and romance. Richard Mabry’s knowledge of the medical field gives the book that much more of a step in reality to ground the book.
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