Sunday, August 29, 2010

MEDICAL ERROR - Richard Mabry - Free Book

I'm thrilled to feature Richard with his new book Medical Error. I read the ARC and loved it. I wrote a review of the book. Click on the tab at the top of this page that says Reviews - Books I've Read and go down the page until you find it.

Welcome, Richard. Why do you write the kind of books you do?


I write “medical suspense with heart.” Let’s break it down:
I practiced medicine for over four decades, so it’s no surprise that my novels have a medical setting.
I’ve been reading suspense all my adult life, and I’ve learned a few things about it along the way, so I write suspense.
You can take the “with heart” a couple of ways. There’s a bit of romance, although not enough to make the male audience put down the book. But my work also features the love God has for His children. And that’s important for me to communicate.

And you do it so well. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

God has given me so many great days that it’s hard to choose. I suppose I’d pick the day I first held my granddaughter.

Yes, holding each grandchild for the first time is like touching heaven. How has being published changed your life?

It has validated the call I felt when I attended my first writing conference. I went there thinking I’d like to write a non-fiction book after the death of my first wife. The publication of that book, The Tender Scar, fulfilled that particular dream. But the subsequent publication of my novels, Code Blue and Medical Error, makes me more certain than ever that God has called me into this endeavor after my retirement from medicine.

What are you reading right now?

I tend to re-read the works of some of my favorite authors in order to keep my own writing fresh. I’ve just finished a legal thriller by John Grisham and a medical thriller by friend/fellow physician Michael Palmer. These are in addition to the “to be read” pile of books by my fellow Christian fiction authors.

What is your current work in progress?

I’ve completed all three of the books contracted by Abingdon and am currently at work on my next novel. Here’s a taste. “A man she swore she’d never trust again offered a drug that could save lives. It looked like a miracle drug until deadly side effects surfaced.”

I'm interested in it already. What would be your dream vacation?

Two weeks with Kay on Maui, with no cell phone or Internet access.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

As much as anything, it has to do with my familiarity with the region and what fits the book’s plot. My first book was set in a smaller town because that contributed to the tension of the plot. My second book was set in a larger city—Dallas—because it offered more opportunities for me to exploit the setting.

I agree with you. I just finished teaching a workshop in Shreveport yesterday on Taking the Setting to the Next Level. If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

My pastor, Chuck Swindoll. Not only is he a fantastic preacher and wonderful Christian, I think he has more and better stories than anyone I’ve heard.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

That would be golf. I’ve had a standing golf date every Wednesday for many years with my friend and attorney, Jerry Gilmore. We’ve consoled each other through the death of our spouses, congratulated each other when God blessed us again with the love of wonderful women, and maintained our friendship whatever the circumstances. Oh, and we don’t keep score!

If I played golf, that's the way I'd want to play. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Sloth! It’s nice outside. There’s a book I want to read. I’d like to see a movie. But instead I have to write. How do I overcome it? Like anyone else, I just do it. Apply rear end to chair, write, revise, keep at it. Lather, rinse, repeat.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Learn everything you can about the craft. When you think you know it all, realize you don’t, so keep studying. Practice, practice, practice. Get your work critiqued by someone who knows whereof they speak (not your Aunt Erma, she’s prejudiced). And don’t give up. God’s timing isn’t ours.

Tell us about the featured book.

Here’s a little about Medical Error:

Dr. Anna McIntyre’s life was going along just fine until someone else started living it. Her patient died because of an identity mix-up, her medical career is in jeopardy because of forged prescriptions, and her credit is in ruins. She thought things couldn’t get worse, but that was before she opened the envelope and saw a positive HIV test with her name on it.

Her allies are two men who are also competing for her affection. Dr. Nick Valentine is a cynic who carries a load of guilt. Attorney Ross Donovan is a recovering alcoholic. The deeper Anna digs to discover who’s behind the identity thefts, the higher the stakes. Finally, when her life is on the line, Anna finds that her determination to clear her name might have been a prescription for trouble.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Eric Hatley’s last day alive began routinely enough.

He paused beside his brown delivery truck, shifted the bulky package, and turned in a tight circle to search for the right apartment.

Shouts filled the air. Firecrackers exploded all around him. A dozen red-hot pokers bored holes through his gut.

The package flew from his arms. He crumpled into a privet hedge at the edge of the sidewalk, clutching his midsection and recoiling when his fingers encountered something wet and slimy.

A wave of nausea swept over him. Cold sweat engulfed him.

Eric managed one strangled cry before everything faded to black.

* * *
Dr. Anna McIntyre bumped the swinging door with her hip and backed into Parkland Hospital’s Operating Room Six, her dripping hands held in front of her, palms inward. “Luc, tell me what you’ve got.”

Chief surgical resident, Dr. Luc Nguyn, didn’t look up from the rectangle of abdomen outlined by green draping sheets and illuminated by strong surgical lights. “UPS driver, making a delivery in the Projects. Got caught in the crossfire of a gang rumble. Took four bullets in the belly. Pretty shocky by the time he got here.”

“Find the bleeding source?”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://rmabry.com. I blog twice a week at http://rmabry.blogspot.com/.
And I can be found on Twitter and Facebook as RichardMabry

Lena, thanks for having me as your guest. I hope your readers like Medical Error.

I'm sure they will. Thanks for sharing it with us.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.














Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)


Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

45 comments:

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

I really enjoy this type of storyline, having worked in a hospital for 18 years, this type of novel is very interesting.

cenya2 at hotmail dot com

scottsgal said...

I've only read a few medical thrillers but this one's premise really caught my attention
msboatgal at aol.com

Richard Mabry said...

Lena, Thanks for the opportunity to tell your readers a bit about myself and about Medical Error. I'll drop by periodically to check the comments and respond when appropriate.

sharon54220 said...

I love reading this type of book. I grew up around the First Aid & Fire Dept. I also work at a hopsital.

Thanks for the chance.

sharon54220@gmail.com

Bakersdozen said...

I would love to read this book. And thanks for the great interview. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

Linda Kish said...

I love medical thrillers. They are especially good if the author has a medical background.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Michelle said...

I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Mabry's first novel. I've been looking forward to reading this one as well.

mchapman (at) windstream (dot) net

Anonymous said...

I am very interested in the storyline. I was once tested for Typhoid fever and when my father called(he was a docotor when he was alive)for the results, he was told that I was positive for Paratyphoid Fever!

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

grannyvon said...

Mystery, that is my kind of book. I would love to win this one. Thanks ybutler@oppcatv.com

Patsy said...

This book sounds so good. Can't wait to read it. Thanks for giving away a copy.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Richard Mabry said...

Michelle, Glad you enjoyed Code Blue.

Anonymous, tests for typhoid and paratyphoid (related diseases) can be reported together. What you describe isn't necessarily a lab error. In the book, it's a whole different story, though.

Thanks to everyone who has expressed an interest in Medical Error. Good luck winning a copy.

Cindy W. said...

Oh I would love to win Medical Error. I read Dr. Mabry's first book, Code Blue and couldn't put it down. I loved it! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Medical Error.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Laney4 said...

My heart is already racing. Great start to the book, as I definitely want to read it now.
Many thanks.

Anonymous said...

Please enter me. I love thrillers!
Thanks!
esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

Edwina said...

I loved that comment - "rinse, lather, repeat!" I'm going to put that on my wall and read it at least once an hour as I edit!

I really enjoy reading medical mysteries and this book sounds awesome! Please enter me in the drawing.

edwina[dot]cowgill[at]yahoo[dot]com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Would love to read the book, I love medical thrillers!!!

dancealert at aol dot com

Simply Stacie said...

Please count me in.

Coolestmommy said...

What a thrilling beginning. Can't wait to read the rest.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

Sylvia said...

I enjoy reading medical novels. This one sounds great!

nina4sm[at]gmail[dot]com

Richard Mabry said...

Thanks, everyone, for the enthusiastic response to this offer. I especially appreciate hearing that you've read Code Blue and are anxious to read Medical Error.

I was told yesterday that RT Reviews (ie, Romantic Times) gave Medical Error 4 1/2 stars in the Oct issue. I haven't been able to confirm that. Any of Lena's readers get that magazine? If so, please look on page 56 and let me know if that's true.

Wendy said...

I enjoy medical thrillers and this sounds good.

Jennifer said...

sounds like a good book! Would enjoy reading.

Carol M said...

This sounds like a book I would really enjoy! Thank you for the giveaway!
mittens0831 at aol dot com

Brandi said...

Sounds interesting...I'm always on the lookout for new books/authors for my book clubs. I'm adding you and your book to this list. Can't wait to read it.

Thanks for doing the interview and giving us the opportunity for a peak inside!

Brandi
vi2005@aol.com

Richard Mabry said...

It's great to see such a response from people who say they like medical thrillers.

Brandi, I've met with a number of local book clubs to discuss Code Blue and anticipate similar interest in Medical Error. There are discussion questions that book clubs seem to enjoy using in the back of both novels .

PatriciaW said...

I like medical dramas. Aren't too many of TV these days, not worth watching anyway, which is really helping me to reduce my TV watching, a goal. But I could read them for days. Dr. Mabry is on my list of to-be-read authors.

pwriter1[at]yahoo[dot]com

Jan Marie said...

I would REALLY love to be the lucky winner of Medical Error - medical suspense/mysteries are my favorite genre. Please add my name to the drawing.

Thanks and God bless!
Jan Marie


janmarien[at]embarqmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Sounds great. Please enter me.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

Diane said...

Sounds like a gripping read. This kind of identity theft is scary! :O)

Richard Mabry said...

And the hits--I mean, comments--just keep on coming. Thanks to all of you who've shown such an interest in Medical Error. And thanks again, Lena, for having me as your guest, as well as for your continuing kindness to a struggling writer.

Carole said...

I have always loved the medical setting for a mystery and am so glad to see Richard writing for the Christian market. I read a couple of Robin Cook's books many years ago, but his got a little "out there" for me, and I never tried Michael Palmer because I figured his were too scary. Seeing that he is Richard's friend, I checked Palmer's books out on Amazon and may try one. Any recommendations, Richard? I also thought it interesting that he wrote a book arguing for the existence of God.

Thank you for an enjoyable interview and chance to win Medical Error. Best wishes with your writing, Richard.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Richard Mabry said...

Carole, thanks for your comment. I really like Michael Palmer's medical suspense books, although you may have to skip over or ignore some of the language.
I agree that Robin Cook's books are a bit too "out there" for me sometimes.
I've avoided some of Tess Gerritsen's books because they were too gory in a few places, but she's a great writer.
In the area of Christian fiction, Candace Calvert writes excellent medical novels, as does my colleague, Dr. Harry Krause.

Anonymous said...

I love medical type books...please enter me. Thanks!!!
jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

Jo said...

I enjoy readihng medical thrillers and this one sounds great. Please enter me.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

peachykath said...

I love medical mysteries. I work in the health field and it is always intriguing to find out some of the horror stories that are thought up to go along with medicine. Please enter me in the drawing for this book.
Thanks
Katherine

peachykath79[at]yahoo[dot]com

Lee said...

A medical mystery! It couldn't get much better! I'm a retired RN and this storyline really intrigues me!

lee at fishdreams dot com

Unknown said...

Richard has such a relaxed easy approach to writing...or it looks that way. I'm sure it takes lots of knowledge and facts to write a medical story. These are among my favorite genre of stories - medical. I would really like to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win. Hope I do!

Sharing God's Love,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

MaureenT said...

Interesting story line...almost sounds like it could be true!
I used to carry a card around with my blood type A+...when I told my folks my type they looked at me strangely. They were both O+...guess what the lab goofed...good thing I didn't have a problem before it was fixed!

A J Hawke said...

Medical Error sounds like an interesting medical mystery.

Put my name in the drawing

A J Hawke

wmmahaney said...

I love this kind of book. The story sounds great.

rubynreba said...

Sounds like an interesting book. please enter me.

Emily said...

Oh, I would absolutely love to win this. I have his first one, and they both look so good.
Please enter me!

deb said...

Looks like a really amazing book.
Please enter me!

Dreilly316@gmail.com

Elyssa said...

Looks great! Please enter me!

Jennifer said...

Awesome! Please enter me!