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cnorbury 's review for:
The First Patient
by Michael Palmer
Thrillers involving the POTUS and/or family always seem to carry an extra sense of urgency because of the stakes being higher than with "lesser" persons. Palmer delivers that urgency very well with an intriguing concept about the high-tech delivery of serious or even deadly chemicals using nanotechnology.
The protagonist's issues and background add a fish-out-of-water element to the story which adds nicely to the pressure he faces. Supporting characters are decently drawn and all have motives that sometimes conflict with other characters' motives, which adds to the tension and suspicion of who the "bad guy" is.
The "muscle" in the book, two goons who don't seem particularly vicious or competent, are the weakest element of the story. They add a threatening menace around the edge of the plot but don't seem to be a formidable obstacle to the protagonist.
Subplots lend complexity and interest to the overall story. Even though the good guys prevail in the end, there's a twist that is unexpected and adds a real-life satisfaction to the ending, even if it is a bit "noble" for the hero and denies him true justice in his eyes.
I was close to giving it 5 stars early on, but enough weak points cropped up that I couldn't do that. Still highly recommended and a great way to pass the time driving across the midsection of America for two long days.
The protagonist's issues and background add a fish-out-of-water element to the story which adds nicely to the pressure he faces. Supporting characters are decently drawn and all have motives that sometimes conflict with other characters' motives, which adds to the tension and suspicion of who the "bad guy" is.
The "muscle" in the book, two goons who don't seem particularly vicious or competent, are the weakest element of the story. They add a threatening menace around the edge of the plot but don't seem to be a formidable obstacle to the protagonist.
Subplots lend complexity and interest to the overall story. Even though the good guys prevail in the end, there's a twist that is unexpected and adds a real-life satisfaction to the ending, even if it is a bit "noble" for the hero and denies him true justice in his eyes.
I was close to giving it 5 stars early on, but enough weak points cropped up that I couldn't do that. Still highly recommended and a great way to pass the time driving across the midsection of America for two long days.