The First Patient

First #1

by Michael Palmer

From the blockbuster, New York Times bestselling author comes a high-concept, high-octane thriller at the crossroads of presidential politics and cutting-edge medicine. . . . Gabe Singleton and Andrew Stoddard were roommates at the Naval Academy in Annapolis years ago. Today, Gabe is a country doctor and his friend Andrew has gone from war hero to governor to President of the United States. One day, while the United States is embroiled in a bitter presidential election campaign, Marine One lands on Gabe’s Wyoming ranch, and President Stoddard delivers a disturbing revelation and a startling request. His personal physician has suddenly and mysteriously disappeared, and he desperately needs Gabe to take the man’s place. Despite serious misgivings, Gabe agrees to come to Washington. It is not until he is ensconced in the White House medical office that Gabe realizes there is strong evidence that the President is going insane. Facing a crisis of conscience—as President Stoddard’s physician, he has the power to invoke the Twenty-fifth Amendment to transfer presidential power to the Vice President—Gabe uncovers increasing evidence that his friend’s condition may not be due to natural causes. Who? Why? And how? The President’s life is at stake. A small-town doctor suddenly finds himself in the most powerful position on earth, and the safety of the world is in jeopardy. Gabe Singleton must find the answers, and the clock is ticking. . . . With Michael Palmer’s trademark medical details, and steeped in meticulous political insider knowledge, The First Patient is an unforgettable story of suspense.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Medical, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

371 pages, Hardcover

First published February 19, 2008

About the author

Michael Stephen Palmer, M.D., was an American physician and author. His novels are often referred to as medical thrillers. Some of his novels have made The New York Times Best Seller list and have been translated into 35 languages. One, Extreme Measures (1991), was adopted into a 1996 film of the same name starring Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Gene Hackman.

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe and Drew were once college roommates back at Annapolis. Now one of them is a small-town doctor and the other is President of the United States. When Gabe gets a call saying he’s needed in Washington, he comes. But things quickly spiral out of control. Drew has been experiencing mysterious medical attacks, a fact which has been kept from the public, and no one can figure out the cause. Worse, Gabe believes someone may be out to harm him.

This book started out somewhat slowly at first, however at about 20% into it, things began to really pick up and the pieces began coming together into a very interesting medical thriller. Michael Palmer has a medical background and the level of detail in his books is wonderfully done. I really enjoyed the combination of presidential/secret service plot lines, along with the medical/technology plot lines and all the twists and turns this one threw in.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been flying so much lately that I've had an unusually large amount of time to read. But, traveling a lot also means less time to stay organized and plan my reading list. This combination of factors has resulted in me desperately picking up a lot of books not normally found on my shelf because I unexpectedly finished, forgot or lost my "intentional" book. In this case, I'm certainly not complaining. The First Patient was totally captivating. Now, it was also poorly edited (the same bits of evidence kept showing up as if presented for the first time), a bit cliched (heroes tortured in basements full of rats, etc.), relatively implausible (renting a furnished 3-story brownstone in Georgetown for $3700/month? If only!), and the ending might have been totally obvious to anyone who reads more medical/political thrillers than me (i.e. anyone who has read more than one medical/political thriller). Also, I had pretty low expectations (poor Anne Patchett would not have received 4 stars for this tome). But The First Patient was free, relatively exciting, and it helped me mentally escape 2.5 hours of layover at depressing Nashville International, so I am forever grateful. Um, also, Bill Clinton apparently enjoyed it (per quote on front cover), so I guess we all have our guilty pleasures. ;-)
P.S. This seems like as good a place as any to apologize for turning my GoodReads reviews into a personal blog. Hopefully you can find a way turn off my reviews if you object; I'll take no offense. :-)

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read one of Palmer's previous medical thrillers, The Fifth Vial, and really enjoyed it. This one, not so much.

The plotline was very intriguing, and I did want to know what the motive was, but I found it hard to care about the characters, or even worry about the outcome. Also, every once in a while the book spouted something about how the President was so important, he had so much to contribute. That did make me gag quite a bit. (Maybe I'm a little jaded.)

However the nanotechnology story and the intrigue did hold me. Sorry I couldn't rate it any higher. But I do still like this author. It's a good thing I'd read The Fifth Vial earlier, otherwise I wouldn't ever give this author a chance.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Gabe Singleton and Andrew Stoddard were roommates at the Naval Academy in Annapolis years ago. Today, Gabe is a country doctor and his friend Andrew has gone from war hero to governor to President of the United States. One day, while the United States is embroiled in a bitter presidential election campaign, Marine One lands on Gabe's Wyoming ranch, and President Stoddard delivers a disturbing revelation and a startling request.

His personal physician has suddenly and mysteriously disappeared, and he desperately needs Gabe to take the man's place. Despite serious misgivings, Gabe agrees to come to Washington. It is not until he is ensconced in the White House medical office that Gabe realizes there is strong evidence that the President is going insane. Facing a crisis of conscience—as President Stoddard's physician, he has the power to invoke the Twenty-fifth Amendment to transfer presidential power to the Vice President—Gabe uncovers increasing evidence that his friend's condition may not be due to natural causes.

Who? Why? And how? The President's life is at stake. A small-town doctor suddenly finds himself in the most powerful position on earth, and the safety of the world is in jeopardy. Gabe Singleton must find the answers, and the clock is ticking.

Review: This book changes course for Palmer. This time around he delves into political gamemanship and deceit. The question abounds for Gabe; who can you trust? Gabe ends up being on the end of an attempted assassination attempt, all to quell his questioning of what is happening to his friend the POTUS. The villian of the story is evil true to form. There is, however, too much information promulgated in the first 100 pages of this book. You get to the point where your brain screams of information overload. KEEP READING!!!

[Cynthia · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story started out great, but went downhill fast. The storyline became so absurd, that I almost did not finish the book. The president had the most inept Secret Service detail. One of the characters, Alison, was brought in undercover specifically by the head of the Secret Service to determine what was really going on in the White House. When she goes unaccounted for, and the president specifically asks the head of the Secret Service to help find her, the president is told she has not been out of contact long enough for them to become concerned!!! WTF!!! That's just one instance of how bad this story evolved. The author devised his plot, then fit the story around his plot, regardless of how absurd the circumstances. And what about all the nano-crap in the president's body? Were all the transmitters destroyed or found? Is he a ticking timebomb? There is no resolution in regards to this. And, the two hitmen were laughable. They were so inept! The president's father wasted his money on those two idiots.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very exciting thriller. Michael Palmer did an excellent job of creating a unique plot that keeps up a fast pace throughout the book. There are many suspects, but the final reveal is something I didn't see coming and made the book even more enjoyable.

[Phyllis Sommers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Michael Palmer novels, which are usually medical thrillers. This novel definitely has a medical bent, as, right off the bat, we meet Dr. Gabe Singleton, a doctor in a small Wyoming ranch town. As we meet Gabe, however, we also meet U.S. President, Andrew Stoddard, Gabe's college roommate and lifetime friend. Drew has traveled to Wyoming to lure Gabe to return with him to Washington, D.C. and to ask him to take the post of personal physician to the President. The previous physician has mysteriously gone missing and Drew is in immediate need of a replacement. Gabe is very reluctant to leave the peacefulness of his ranch, but allows himself to be swayed. It is not long before he's having second thoughts, however, as he witnesses what appears to be a short-term mental breakdown in the President and is shot at, himself, soon after, as he leaves the White House. Fortunately for Gabe, undercover Secret Service Agent, Alison Cromartie, is following him as the shot is fired and steps in to save his life.

Drew had held back on telling Gabe about his mysterious emotional problems and the fact that he'd had other similar psychological episodes, for fear Gabe wouldn't take the position. It soon becomes apparent to all that Gabe, Drew and Alison are caught up in a web of danger and intrigue and that it may well be the President's life and his official position that are at stake. The book is a page-turner, from start to finish, and a very enjoyable read!

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up the book because of its premise. What would happen if the President of the United States was going insane (some would argue this has happened to more than one President already, but we won’t get into that here)? Who would decide and could they hide it from the public? Well, Dr. Gabe Singleton is called by his old college roommate and asked to serve as the President’s personal doctor. Once in DC Gabe is confronted by the startling possibility that the President is not going mad, but being drugged.

The book provides a look at the inner-workings of the White House medical team and those who have access to the President. The 25th Amendment, or the succession amendment, also plays a big role in the book. I feel I know a little more about the White House and that’s a good thing.

On the scientific front there is the cutting edge technology of nanoscience. Much of the detail was lost on me, but the horrifying image of two functioning brains in jars being probed and studied was disturbing.

I liked the book. There was an interesting plot, lots of suspects, a few surprises, and a love connection. That said, it might have been better. The past history between the President and Gabe seemed a bit contrived. A successful Doctor nearing 50 should have more of his demons under control, but, hey, maybe I’m just an optimist

[Dennis · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a thriller, this book was remarkably flat and predictable. After about 130 pages, I'd already figured out who the bad guys probably were and weren't, the method in which they were attacking the President, and where all the red herrings lay - now I had 350 pages more to plow through to get to the showdown and final unveiling of the person behind all this nonsense. Why do I say nonsense? Because the development of the stories depended on so many incredibly unbelievable strokes of luck that it became ridiculous. The doctor-writer of this novel was competent in following a blueprint based on current science and well-worn plotlines. He didn't suddenly overreach and try to weave any artistic prose, beyond a bunch of clunky metaphors, didn't try to douse the reader in testosterone and bad language, and generally stayed within the lines of this sort of book, like a competent physician. In fact, this book was so clinical that the only difference was that in thrillers, unlike in medicine, you're legally allowed to kill people.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The president and Gabe were roommates back at the Naval Academy years ago. He shows up at Gabe's ranch in Wyoming to ask him if he will serve as his physician since his physician is missing along with his daughter. As Gabe becomes acquainted with the Washington scene he begins to discover some items that are deeply concerning to him and to the security of the nation. Will Gabe be able to keep himself safe so that he can secure the safety of the president?

This story was outstanding with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. Keeping you on the edge of your seat, you never know what to expect next. I think that this might be the first Palmer book that I have read but it will not be the last!

[Norma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of a Wyoming rancher/doctor being asked to become the personal doctor of his friend who happens to be the President of the United States was a great hook. Was the President going mad? Was he being drugged? A few attempted murders...a little bit of torture, and some strong sleuthing and a lot of who-to-trusts. Throw in a little prospective romance and you have The First Patient. As improbable as this whole scenario goes, this political-medical thriller had its interesting parts. Not particular crazy about the ending but it was a decent read.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

One part I guessed early on, but there were so many other twists it was a pure example of 'a bline squirrel finding a nut.' More and more authors are including nanotechnology in their books!

[Jennice Mckillop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually finished this book a couple days ago but needed some time to digest the intrigue, distortions, & ponder the time related issues.
Could this happen in actuality?
The fearfilled answer is yes. Taking into account the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, it’s a resounding yes.
The storyline dealing with nanotechnology & it’s applications in Industry, medicine, & in the wrong hands - terrorism, is very chilling.

Very thrilling ride. Lots of surprises as the story closes. Major “say-what?” at conclusion.

One huge complaint: making President Drew Stoddard to be such a great & accomplished President was a bit too much at times.

[Glenda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A country doctor and friend is tasked to be the new physician for the President of the United States. who appears to very, very sick ... maybe insane. What follows is a ride to terror ... each page brings a new problem. I really like this book ... exciting read. I would recommend it to all who like thrillers.

[Andy Grouwstra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed, especially because the characters were not very realistic, and not very well developed. I'd expected more from Michael Palmer.

[Jjean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A medical mystery - starts off slow but becomes a "can't put down" story - a unique plot was created - many characters to with twist & turns but written so that it is easy to follow.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this more medical/political thriller once I got a ways in. Now I have a new author to add to my reading list.

[Bodosika Bodosika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a medical thriller and I really enjoyed it.

[Harry Roger Williams III · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Palmer was coming to Quincy to speak at the Thomas Crane Public Library, so I read this in preparation. His talk was wonderful, and this was my first but not my last Michael Palmer novel. In fact I purchased a copy of his newest novel, Political Suicide, that evening and he was kind enough to sign it "To Harry The Librarian - my favorite kind of book-keeper." I actually haven't read that one yet. He told us it was part of his first attempt, after more than a dozen stand-alone novels, to craft a series. Knowing that, I recently read the first in that series, Oath Of Office, to lay the groundwork for best enjoying Political Suicide. One thing Palmer said was that he would go to any length to speak to audiences in public libraries. I posted the next day on his Facebook page, "I just saw your post from yesterday and was amazed you had traveled pretty much across the entire country to get here - and nary a complaint from the lecturn about your hectic schedule." This is an unassuming and truly nice author and human being. And a writer of exciting and compelling prose. Thank you, Michael Palmer.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Michael Palmer's the First Patient, another excellent medical thriller with political thriller elements, this would take you to the edge of the seat. Andrew Stoddard and Gabe Singleton were room mates at the Naval Academy years ago. From war heroes, they became a county doctor and the governor to the president of the United States. During a political campaign, it was when Andrew's plane landed on Gabe's Wyoming home and had asked for Gabe's help, as he told him a shocking revelation--his own doctor's missing and had disappeared. He needed him to replace him. Gabe had serious doubts before he agreed to get on board. When he had his own office in the White House, he believed Andrew might be going insane. He had the power to invoke the 25th Amendment, while he investigated his condition; in a race against time, it was up to him to save the country, too.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the medical thrillers by Robin Cook and Michael Palmer. They're a bit farfetched, but thought provoking since medicine and the other sciences are fraught with ethical issues these days. This one's hero is a Wyoming physician called in to sub for the President of the United States' physician, who has mysteriously disappeared. The President and his temporary physician are longtime friends. There are some real surprises and the story is exciting and involving, though of course farfetched. A good escapist thriller. The only thing I found a bit annoying was the fact that the president was, as is usually the case in these books, a "visionary" liberal. These days we need more adherence to the Constitution rather than "vision". OK, there's my rant for the day.

[Emilia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was a transparent, predictable, not well planned out book. I felt the author tried to keep one hooked with cliffhangers to keep you interested in the absolute rubbish. The characters were not believable in my opinion, for example Gabe didn't seem regretful about the affair in Fairhaven than a few crucial times in the book. Drew's character wasn't consistent, and Allison's past with the four C's didn't seem well thought through at all. I picked it up for some light reading and found that it was hard to believe the storyline. The only reason I finished the book was that it was a LONG flight.

[Cathleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This had its moments, but they were few. Some details/passages were repeated unnecessarily, and the women characters were wholly unbelievable (e.g., during surveillance, one female "straight-arrow" operative noted the breasts of an adolescent girl -- twice! just creepy). I didn't expect great literature, but I did hope for an intricate and exciting plot. Um...no.


audiobook note: poor quality of recording and sub-excellent narration

[Lyddie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am about 100 pages from being done and I am still very unimpressed. I don't care about these characters; it's all very far fetched. I understand that these kinds of novels require the reader to suspend his or her system of disbelief. Maybe my opinion will change when I've completed the novel. Right now it feels like a John Grisham (only medical) done very poorly.

Finally finished. Here's what I think:
www.theliterarylollipop.wordpress.com

[Corky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read The Fifth Vial and loved it so picked this one up when it came in at the library. Oh so different....only in books can 2 people fall in love with one look while being chased by the bad guys and ...well I won't spoil the story but all I can say is as much as I loved a previous title (and others) by this author, I would not recommend this one.

[Suzze Tiernan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, a co-worker had hyped this book up to me so much that it could never have lived up to it. I liked it, but didn't love it. It was my first Michael palmer, and I do think I will try another one.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

President drugged to look like going insane. His doctor and friend Gabe with help of Secret Service "nurse" Allison find out that his father and top secret service guy want him out of Presidency due to nanotechnology (molecules and atoms). Complex but very good.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline in this book involves the President of the U.S. having episodes of mental instability which may be connected with the disappearance of his personal physician. The President calls in his old doctor pal to help out and the action takes off from there. Good book.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

What do you do when the president's doctor disappears and you are asked to take his place? That is the decision facing Dr. Gabe Singleton. When he settles in at the White House he starts discovering evidence that the president could be going insane.

[Katherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

A disappointment