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Equity of Evil
Based on true events, this bold novel involves some of the world's oldest, most emotional and controversial issues. At the core of each matter is man's predisposition to control and take ownership of the human spirit for the sake of profit and personal gain. Such control and manipulation over the will of others is the most horrendous equity of evil.
"EQUITY of EVIL is a shocking indictment of the pernicious role of greed in the medical world. A powerful read!" Robin Cook, International Best-Selling Author
"Equity of Evil is surely to be one of the most controversial medical thrillers of this new decade, as it seamlessly transcends the boundaries between the brutal reality of today and the imaginative potential of the future, creating a powerful story with unleashed technology, corrupt self-interest and global international issues that continue to confront our society today." Mike Renner, Executive in the Med-tech Industry (Minneapolis, MN)
Rudy A. Mazzocchi is best known as a medical device and biotechnology entrepreneur, inventor, and angel investor, with a history of starting new technology ventures throughout the U.S. and Europe. He's been privileged to have the opportunity to see the newest innovations in healthcare and work with some of the most brilliant researchers, scientists and physicians in the industry.
"EQUITY of EVIL is a shocking indictment of the pernicious role of greed in the medical world. A powerful read!" Robin Cook, International Best-Selling Author
"Equity of Evil is surely to be one of the most controversial medical thrillers of this new decade, as it seamlessly transcends the boundaries between the brutal reality of today and the imaginative potential of the future, creating a powerful story with unleashed technology, corrupt self-interest and global international issues that continue to confront our society today." Mike Renner, Executive in the Med-tech Industry (Minneapolis, MN)
Rudy A. Mazzocchi is best known as a medical device and biotechnology entrepreneur, inventor, and angel investor, with a history of starting new technology ventures throughout the U.S. and Europe. He's been privileged to have the opportunity to see the newest innovations in healthcare and work with some of the most brilliant researchers, scientists and physicians in the industry.
292 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2012
About the author
Rudy Mazzocchi
3 books9 followersRudy is best known as a medical device and biotechnology entrepreneur, inventor, and angel investor, with a history of starting new technology ventures throughout the U.S. and Europe. He’s been privileged to have the opportunity to see the newest innovations in healthcare and work with some of the most brilliant researchers, scientists and physicians in the industry.
Authoring more than 50 patents, he has helped pioneer new companies involved in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurosurgery and even embryonic stem-cell development. Through these efforts, he has become the recipient of many technology and business awards, including the 2004 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Healthcare, 2005 Businessman of the Year Award, and 2013 Global Entrepreneur of the Year.
Combining these experiences and opportunities, with thousands of hours of travel and long evenings in hotel rooms, he found the initiative to start writing a collection of medical thrillers based on true events, the first of which is entitled EQUITY of EVIL.
Authoring more than 50 patents, he has helped pioneer new companies involved in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurosurgery and even embryonic stem-cell development. Through these efforts, he has become the recipient of many technology and business awards, including the 2004 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Healthcare, 2005 Businessman of the Year Award, and 2013 Global Entrepreneur of the Year.
Combining these experiences and opportunities, with thousands of hours of travel and long evenings in hotel rooms, he found the initiative to start writing a collection of medical thrillers based on true events, the first of which is entitled EQUITY of EVIL.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 18, 2012
The Dame's Take On The Novel: This is a novel extremely well-written and burning with intrigue. The medical aspects, though quite detailed at times are absorbing and visceral. I was reminded of several other medical thrillers in the opening pages- -many of which are known today as best sellers in the industry. The business dealings behind the medical scenes were fascinating. Rudy Mazzocchi is destined to be a recognized name in publishing. His book is very good. You'll be knocked back in your chair in the reading!
As I read "Equity of Evil" I was moved on many levels. Mazzocchi's characters cover the gamut of medical genius, Machiavellian personalities, manipulators of business and financial markets, political pawns, innocents, and the unaware. He leads us behind the scenes of medical labs and big business conference rooms, in back alleys and criminal darkness. We go where women are terrified... We often see where medical technology can lead us to depravity when it's taken to a level unchecked by heart and morality.
However, this is not a "preachy" novel. It is absolutely not a book of that sort. Rather it is a story based on truth that gives us a glimpse into things that are possible, and that may be on the horizon in our future. Things that we need to be thinking about. And, things that we may need to take into consideration when we look at laws and regulations in our country. Or, perhaps, just that we may want to be aware of when we consider the daily world news... Was it just an early teacher of mine who used to say, "A word to the wise should be sufficient?"
I found the book a great story to read. It was difficult not to be horrified at some parts of it. I'm going to have to tell you I'm pro-life, so the parts about fetuses being the size of a human thumb, having tiny hearts and lungs, eyelashes and tiny hands...being "plopped" out of bloody baggies onto clinical tables "making the exact sound of goldfish" and having their organs removed, hurt me. There were, of course, several other parts that hurt me having to do with the way women were treated, and the way animals were treated. I really despise violence toward children and women in particular. Human trafficking always makes me so angry!
But, all in all...I needed this book. I needed to have my eyes opened to the possibilities of medical research and development. I loved the human equations featured in this question. This was a great way for me to have an understandable and clear introduction into those actualities and future possibilities. I enjoyed the experience in the long run. I'm happy I decided to read "Equity of Evil" because it was all I'd hoped it would be, and I'm so happy I took the whole journey.
This is a novel of suspense, of mystery; a medical thriller with thrilling insights. If you loved Michael Crichton, you'll love this book. I hope it's going to be a great hit this year, it certainly deserves to be!
As I read "Equity of Evil" I was moved on many levels. Mazzocchi's characters cover the gamut of medical genius, Machiavellian personalities, manipulators of business and financial markets, political pawns, innocents, and the unaware. He leads us behind the scenes of medical labs and big business conference rooms, in back alleys and criminal darkness. We go where women are terrified... We often see where medical technology can lead us to depravity when it's taken to a level unchecked by heart and morality.
However, this is not a "preachy" novel. It is absolutely not a book of that sort. Rather it is a story based on truth that gives us a glimpse into things that are possible, and that may be on the horizon in our future. Things that we need to be thinking about. And, things that we may need to take into consideration when we look at laws and regulations in our country. Or, perhaps, just that we may want to be aware of when we consider the daily world news... Was it just an early teacher of mine who used to say, "A word to the wise should be sufficient?"
I found the book a great story to read. It was difficult not to be horrified at some parts of it. I'm going to have to tell you I'm pro-life, so the parts about fetuses being the size of a human thumb, having tiny hearts and lungs, eyelashes and tiny hands...being "plopped" out of bloody baggies onto clinical tables "making the exact sound of goldfish" and having their organs removed, hurt me. There were, of course, several other parts that hurt me having to do with the way women were treated, and the way animals were treated. I really despise violence toward children and women in particular. Human trafficking always makes me so angry!
But, all in all...I needed this book. I needed to have my eyes opened to the possibilities of medical research and development. I loved the human equations featured in this question. This was a great way for me to have an understandable and clear introduction into those actualities and future possibilities. I enjoyed the experience in the long run. I'm happy I decided to read "Equity of Evil" because it was all I'd hoped it would be, and I'm so happy I took the whole journey.
This is a novel of suspense, of mystery; a medical thriller with thrilling insights. If you loved Michael Crichton, you'll love this book. I hope it's going to be a great hit this year, it certainly deserves to be!
February 12, 2012
I've been privileged to read a pre-release ePub copy of Rudy's debut novel, and a privilege it has been.
Be prepared for some of your values to be challenged - just like real life. The start of the novel carefully puts together the backdrops and characters that take a life of their own as the plot takes off - around the world, full of action, and with things not always what they may seem.
This is hard book to write about without offering up spoilers that would reduce the experience for another reader.
Well done, a good pace and high energy and perhaps a pivotal novel in the genre of Medical Themed action novels.
---
Full review (added Feb 12th 2012)
Rudy’s “Equity of Evil” début novel is an amazing read. Working carefully through the challenging areas of Medical Ethics, the Ethics of Venture Capital, the Abortion Issues, the International Transplant Organ Blackmarket, Rudy has woven a powerful tale of intrigue and adventure.
Often first works ring less true than an authors later works, with “Equity of Evil” Rudy has stood at the plate, swung and hit to score. Characters have personalities and emotions, places have textures & “a feel” and the loose ends are taken care of.
This is a very hard novel to write about without offering up bits of the story that would be “plot spoilers.” It is too good of a read to spoil for a review. I can tell you that areas of the medical & social ethics the novel’s characters wrestle with are well worth thinking about, and are in those challenging areas where there are perhaps only clear cut values for those who never really have to face the issues first hand.
Be prepared to work through a first portion where the characters and backdrop are put together, where your values get roughed up a bit and if you are like me you perhaps briefly start to wonder where this is all going.
The middle starts another more personal set of events that rattle your values while crafting the components of the intrigue. People will get hurt and just when you think you can’t be shocked much more over abortion & transplants, I found myself taking a few more body blows.
The last section is a real “page turner” where dangers and mysterious international forces meet the action of several near resolutions. I’m thinking I read the last third in one massive shove, wanting to find out how things work out for each of the characters.
Rudy’s editor was kind enough to arrange that I could read a pre-release copy of “Equity of Evil.” I read it over a few nights at the end of the day, rather than when traveling or on vacation - which would have been awesome opportunities when to read “Equity of Evil!” My hope is that Rudy follows with many more offerings of adventure in this interesting genre.
Be prepared for some of your values to be challenged - just like real life. The start of the novel carefully puts together the backdrops and characters that take a life of their own as the plot takes off - around the world, full of action, and with things not always what they may seem.
This is hard book to write about without offering up spoilers that would reduce the experience for another reader.
Well done, a good pace and high energy and perhaps a pivotal novel in the genre of Medical Themed action novels.
---
Full review (added Feb 12th 2012)
Rudy’s “Equity of Evil” début novel is an amazing read. Working carefully through the challenging areas of Medical Ethics, the Ethics of Venture Capital, the Abortion Issues, the International Transplant Organ Blackmarket, Rudy has woven a powerful tale of intrigue and adventure.
Often first works ring less true than an authors later works, with “Equity of Evil” Rudy has stood at the plate, swung and hit to score. Characters have personalities and emotions, places have textures & “a feel” and the loose ends are taken care of.
This is a very hard novel to write about without offering up bits of the story that would be “plot spoilers.” It is too good of a read to spoil for a review. I can tell you that areas of the medical & social ethics the novel’s characters wrestle with are well worth thinking about, and are in those challenging areas where there are perhaps only clear cut values for those who never really have to face the issues first hand.
Be prepared to work through a first portion where the characters and backdrop are put together, where your values get roughed up a bit and if you are like me you perhaps briefly start to wonder where this is all going.
The middle starts another more personal set of events that rattle your values while crafting the components of the intrigue. People will get hurt and just when you think you can’t be shocked much more over abortion & transplants, I found myself taking a few more body blows.
The last section is a real “page turner” where dangers and mysterious international forces meet the action of several near resolutions. I’m thinking I read the last third in one massive shove, wanting to find out how things work out for each of the characters.
Rudy’s editor was kind enough to arrange that I could read a pre-release copy of “Equity of Evil.” I read it over a few nights at the end of the day, rather than when traveling or on vacation - which would have been awesome opportunities when to read “Equity of Evil!” My hope is that Rudy follows with many more offerings of adventure in this interesting genre.
June 7, 2012
Anyone choosing to read a novel pitting Pro-Life against Pro-Choice should be prepared for an emotional thumping, even if the author skillfully avoids taking sides, as is the case here. However, Equity of Evil goes beyond the volatile abortion topic, into the dark black-market world of human organ trafficking and murder in an international setting. This is no imagined tale, but one supported by facts. Nor is the growing of human organs all that different from hydroponic farming. Throw in international intrigue, conspiracy, duplicity, megalomania, risk mania and human torment, and you have the ingredients of not just one, but several novels.
One of the marvelous aspects of this medical thriller is rooted in the verifiable medical background of the author, who writes as though he has been there in more than a few ways. The characters are so well developed that no physical descriptions are necessary— their actions and words define them. Indeed, I believe I have met Roman Citrano, Dr. Marcus Levine and Andrea Robbins several times in my life, each with different names and at different times, in other circumstances. Scenes in the novel are easily visualized, dialogue well done, and the story line moves without letup until the final page.
The novel delivers a reasonable ending, given the volatile nature of the major premise, but a truly satisfactory ending may have been impossible. Those at the top are still there, unseen, wielding their puppet strings, and the billion-dollar illicit enterprise will continue.
Which makes me wonder about a possible sequel. If this is indeed the author’s first-ever novel, the reading public is in for some future treats. I’ll be watching for the next one.
Equity of Evil
May 17, 2012
Roman Citrano is a successful entrepreneur who is hailed by others for chasing high risk deals. When a proposal to set up a controversial new company that offers mobile abortions is placed on his desk, he sees it as a way to get rid of seedy and life-threatening back room procedures by offering a clean, safe and dignified alternative.
However, the rabbit hole runs deeper than that and he soon finds himself in an unfolding world of deceit, rape, human trafficking and assassination. One that becomes extremely personal when his love interest secretly uses one of the mobile vehicles to end her own pregnancy and then disappears with nothing but bloodstains and a broken lamp as proof she was taken by force.
I liken this book to a jigsaw puzzle. Rudy Mazzocchi uses his own experience to present the reader with an edgy medical thriller that you won’t want to put down till the end. He lays out the pieces, leaves the reader wondering just how they’re all going to fit together and then there’s sudden clarity in one epic moment. Not everything comes together mind you, but most of it does. Considering the subject matter, I thought it might reflect the author’s values or seem a little preachy but was happy to find that the author let the character form his own views based on what he goes through and some of the absolute horrors in this book. It made for a really agreeable yet controversial read and that’s something I’ve never seen before. It pulled me in, ensnared me, made me wonder just how much of it was true and left me wanting more from this author!
Thank you to Pump Up Your Book for the review copy. It in no way influenced my review.
However, the rabbit hole runs deeper than that and he soon finds himself in an unfolding world of deceit, rape, human trafficking and assassination. One that becomes extremely personal when his love interest secretly uses one of the mobile vehicles to end her own pregnancy and then disappears with nothing but bloodstains and a broken lamp as proof she was taken by force.
I liken this book to a jigsaw puzzle. Rudy Mazzocchi uses his own experience to present the reader with an edgy medical thriller that you won’t want to put down till the end. He lays out the pieces, leaves the reader wondering just how they’re all going to fit together and then there’s sudden clarity in one epic moment. Not everything comes together mind you, but most of it does. Considering the subject matter, I thought it might reflect the author’s values or seem a little preachy but was happy to find that the author let the character form his own views based on what he goes through and some of the absolute horrors in this book. It made for a really agreeable yet controversial read and that’s something I’ve never seen before. It pulled me in, ensnared me, made me wonder just how much of it was true and left me wanting more from this author!
Thank you to Pump Up Your Book for the review copy. It in no way influenced my review.
April 19, 2012
Equity of Evil is based on true events, which makes this novel particularly chilling. I have always been a fan of medical thrillers and I found this one to be very intriguing and informative. Lots of suspenseful twists and turns on a topic that has long been controversial. Abortion. No matter how you feel about this issue it is definitely there and won't be going away any time soon. Venture capitalist Roman Citrano, when approached with an idea for a new company with innovative ideas, is intrigued, not only with the idea but with the man behind it. He promotes the idea to his partners and they agree to fund this new venture. The idea?? Mobile abortion clinics, with sterile environments for safe abortions to the woman who chooses to go this route. Sounds like a great idea until the real reason behind the company is exposed. I found this story to be engrossing to say the least. A believable concept and cast of characters, struggles between good and evil. I was thoroughly appalled that these evils are going on in our day and age. I highly recommend reading this book, it is very readable, the medical jargon easy to understand and the book hard to put down. I can definitely see a movie here.
May 18, 2012
What a fantastic read. This is an intriguing and insightful book from the lab to the boardroom. This should be a must read in every medical ethics class.
April 28, 2012
It seems that we are focusing more and more on how the medical and scientific field are advancing. I am sure there has always been those who wonder if we are going too fast. And others that feel that the breaks are not coming soon enough. So where is that perfect balance. Well like Lady Justice wearing her blindfold, the scales never stay at an even keel.
I know that I am always weary of new medications. I want to be sure they have been tested and the long term results are known. At the same time I wish there was a miracle drug that would take the constant pain away. With lawsuits always popping up for every new medication you know that it is a wonder we are able to have anything pass through to really help.
In all of this where is the answers we are always looking for? Is it in stem cell research? Can we find what we need from exploring embryonic and fetal research. Do we take it a step further? Where is the cut off point of doing more to help those in need compare to doing no harm to accomplish that goal. When we are begging for technology and medical breakthroughs then it is important to talk to those who have been there already. Rudy Mazzocchi has authored over 50 patents on medical devices that have saved lives, that has improved lives, that has made changes in the industry that will never go back.
Rudy knows what he is talking about. So it is really amazing to see how he takes our very questions and weaves them into a medical thriller exploring the limits and beyond of new medical breakthroughs. Equity of Evil has you right on the edge not sure which way to sway. You are pushed to explore past your comfort level as to what is safe and what is worth a risk. I loved the suspense that was pulled upon when reading Equity. But more so I loved that when I was done, I was questioning what I thought was right or wrong. My mind was opened up at both the dangers and the opportunities.
I thank Rudy for sharing with me. More so I thank him for both a wonderful novel and a great eduction combined.
I know that I am always weary of new medications. I want to be sure they have been tested and the long term results are known. At the same time I wish there was a miracle drug that would take the constant pain away. With lawsuits always popping up for every new medication you know that it is a wonder we are able to have anything pass through to really help.
In all of this where is the answers we are always looking for? Is it in stem cell research? Can we find what we need from exploring embryonic and fetal research. Do we take it a step further? Where is the cut off point of doing more to help those in need compare to doing no harm to accomplish that goal. When we are begging for technology and medical breakthroughs then it is important to talk to those who have been there already. Rudy Mazzocchi has authored over 50 patents on medical devices that have saved lives, that has improved lives, that has made changes in the industry that will never go back.
Rudy knows what he is talking about. So it is really amazing to see how he takes our very questions and weaves them into a medical thriller exploring the limits and beyond of new medical breakthroughs. Equity of Evil has you right on the edge not sure which way to sway. You are pushed to explore past your comfort level as to what is safe and what is worth a risk. I loved the suspense that was pulled upon when reading Equity. But more so I loved that when I was done, I was questioning what I thought was right or wrong. My mind was opened up at both the dangers and the opportunities.
I thank Rudy for sharing with me. More so I thank him for both a wonderful novel and a great eduction combined.
July 30, 2012
Incredible story that I had to read for a second time. I was so deeply engaged in the technology and medical aspects of this novel that I wanted to go back and re-read for a better appreciation of the characters. Amazing story that left me with the same feelings I had after reading "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". A must read!
March 9, 2012
Unbelievably suspenseful! What makes it scarier is that this is based on true events. I've never read a novel like this before and have now become a big fan of medical thrillers. It's something everyone can relate to and makes you think about how you would react if something like this happened to you! This would make a terrific movie!
May 3, 2013
Wow! It's hard to believe this is a first novel for Rudy Mazzocchi. What an intriguing medical suspense novel. Watch out Robin Cook, Tess Gerritsen, and James Rollins. If your looking for a book to generate discussion at your next book club, this is the book for you. However, make sure your group can handle the topic.
As a person who reads voraciously, I'm in constant search of new authors. Besides beginning a medical suspense, it's a bit of a Sci-FI based on some actual factual new technology. More importantly it explores what motivates people to do make the decisions they make.
Granted this tale starts slow, taking a few brief chapters to introduce the cast of characters. The characters may seem extreme, but the business and medical research world is full of highly intellectual individuals who sometimes make despicable decisions in seeking fame and fortune. However, without these kinds of individuals we may never have had knee implants to ease or arthritic knees or artificial lens to use after cataract surgery or developed vaccines to rid the world of Polio. But this story explores how different individuals justify the choices they make.
Don't miss this book, I'm going to by Mr. Mazzocchi next novel tomorrow.
As a person who reads voraciously, I'm in constant search of new authors. Besides beginning a medical suspense, it's a bit of a Sci-FI based on some actual factual new technology. More importantly it explores what motivates people to do make the decisions they make.
Granted this tale starts slow, taking a few brief chapters to introduce the cast of characters. The characters may seem extreme, but the business and medical research world is full of highly intellectual individuals who sometimes make despicable decisions in seeking fame and fortune. However, without these kinds of individuals we may never have had knee implants to ease or arthritic knees or artificial lens to use after cataract surgery or developed vaccines to rid the world of Polio. But this story explores how different individuals justify the choices they make.
Don't miss this book, I'm going to by Mr. Mazzocchi next novel tomorrow.
December 23, 2012
More than just a medical thriller, Equity of Evil is a suspenseful story about highly controversial medical science that will shake up how you think about several moral and ethical issues. It also provides unbelievable and scary insights into the business and venture capital side of our healthcare system. This is a must read for anyone interested in business, science, healthcare, and/or how our government impacts and controls matters associated with our own bodies. The author pulls from true events and scary medical science that is under development, making this a gripping story that will stay with you for several weeks after you turn the last page. This should become one of those pieces of literary fiction that will be mandatory reading in high school or college. I can't wait for the author's next novel and hope to see this one play out on the big screen!
August 24, 2012
A politically compelling, suspenseful and reality-cutting Medical Thriller that will challenge the reader’s personal views on capitalism, ethics, and the basic morality of his fellow man. This globe-trotting thriller will drag you through a dark and brutal new world where human life becomes the equity of evil.
May 30, 2012
I was searching through highly rated books Amazon to find something to read and found this one. It shouldn't be highly rated. It follows a questionable plot line, and deals with subject matter that makes you wince. The mystery crime syndicate is a run of the mill organization that commits heinous crimes anonymously and is too mysterious for the author to explain. The characters are plastic and their actions are not believable. The ending of the book was quite ridiculous. That might make it sound interesting, it's not, it's just bad. Please don't read it.
March 17, 2013
"EQUITY of EVIL is a shocking indictment of the pernicious role of greed in the medical world. A powerful read!"
— Robin Cook, International Best-Selling Author
“EQUITY of EVIL by Rudy A. Mazzocchi, a new Medical Thriller, is one of the most politically compelling, suspenseful and reality-cutting literary works of our time, with a writing style elevated beyond mainstream fiction.”
- FSB Associates
— Robin Cook, International Best-Selling Author
“EQUITY of EVIL by Rudy A. Mazzocchi, a new Medical Thriller, is one of the most politically compelling, suspenseful and reality-cutting literary works of our time, with a writing style elevated beyond mainstream fiction.”
- FSB Associates
December 4, 2012
Scary topic ! However the book lacked details in writing I don't know how it got 5 star ratings . Stuff just happens here , pieces fall into place !! Hate books like that! The writer , it seems, didn't research enough about the issue at hand or the local settings etc.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews