Monday, July 24, 2017

CARDIAC EVENT - Richard L Mabry, MD - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, Cardiac Event is available now for pre-order via Amazon (click the cover in the left sidebar of this blog, and it will take you to the book). Or you can use the book icon below. It will be released on July 28 with a special pre-publication price for the Kindle version until then.

Welcome back, Richard. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Like most writers, I began with a “What if…?” question. In this case, while thinking about physician interactions, I asked myself, “What if a couple of physicians continually crossed swords, but then—when the older one has a heart attack—he asks the young one to care for him…virtually holding his life in his hands?”  I sort of massaged this a bit, and came up with the idea for Cardiac Event.

That sounds interesting. I’m eager for the release date. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Wow, that’s tough. I suppose I’d start with people I know, especially those who write in roughly the same genre I do. Off the top of my head, the list would include Candace Calvert, DiAnn Mills, Jordyn Redwood, Harry Kraus, James Scott Bell, Jim Rubart… That’s already six, isn’t it? But there are so many more.

And I love reading all those authors’s books. It’s a very good group. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Don’t tell anyone, but I rarely read in this genre. Nevertheless, there are people whose names stand out, and I’d definitely include them. I’d want Lauraine Snelling, Myra Johnson, Sarah Sundin, Francine Rivers, Jody Hedlund, Robin Lee Hatcher…and several others.

Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?
It’s deciding whether to indie-publish or seek a contract. Despite the perception of readers (if they think of it at all), writers sometimes don’t stay with the same publishing house for the totality of their careers. If book sales don’t justify continuing the association, no new contract is offered. All authors are familiar with the situation where the publisher has discontinued its Christian fiction line. And sometimes, the book offered isn’t a good match for the publisher. Now, with the relative ease of self-publication, some authors are moving toward that pathway. Since I’d already done three novellas as a “hybrid” author, this wasn’t the scary situation some writers envision, so I decided to self-publish my next novel.

I indie-published my last full-length novel, and it’s one of three finalists for the FHL Readers’ Choice award in the long historical category. Tell us about the featured book.
Why don’t I give you the back-cover blurb? “Cardiologist Dr. Kirk Martin continually crosses swords with Dr. Cliff Hamilton, so he is surprised when Hamilton asks him to care for him after a heart attack. When he is ready for discharge, Hamilton is found dead in his hospital bed, and Martin is suspected of murdering him.
“After another doctor is found shot to death, Martin’s girlfriend, nurse Janet Rush, reminds him to be careful because he may be next. Can he save his own life while searching for the identity of the real murderer?”

Please give us the first page of the book.
Dr. Cliff Hamilton watched the bright green lines of the EKG dance across the monitor screen. It wasn’t until the tracing had remained normal for several minutes that he allowed himself to relax. I think that second shock did it. He took a deep breath and felt some of the tension turn loose.
           
The patient, Matthew Gaines, was an older male with known coronary artery disease and increasing symptoms. Heart specialist Dr. Kirk Martin had admitted him to Sommers General Hospital for further testing and treatment. When Gaines reached the cardiac unit and was hooked up to a monitor, Nurse Anna Scott noticed the man’s heart rhythm becoming more and more erratic and his rate increasing beyond acceptable limits. The heart rate sped up quickly until Gaines was in full-blown ventricular tachycardia, the beats coming at a rate of more than two hundred per minute, and the nurse knew she had to do something.

“I need some help here,” Anna called. Her voice, only slightly above conversational level, was still loud enough to get Dr. Hamilton’s attention as he passed by the room.

Now both doctor and nurse were bathed in perspiration. Gaines was pale, but his heart ticked along in a normal rate and rhythm. Despite the stress of the past few minutes, Hamilton felt the elation that went with snatching another patient from death.

“Mr. Gaines,” Hamilton said. “Your heart acted up for a while there, but I think it’s under control now.”

Gaines’s eyelids flickered but did not fully open. His lips parted, but no sound emerged. He nodded slightly, made one movement as though to sit up, held there for a few seconds, then fell back onto the pillow. His breathing deepened, and he seemed to relax.

“Do you want me to page Dr. Martin and tell him what’s going on?” Anna asked.

“That won’t be necessary.” The voice from the doorway was quiet, but the tone was measured and biting. “Cliff, what are you doing with my patient?”

Thank you, Richard, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers are as eager as I am to read it.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
I post on my blog Tuesdays (general “stuff”) and Fridays (“the writing life”). Readers can sign up at that location for my newsletter, which gives them information and previews about my books. I also post a couple of times a day on my Facebook fan page.  My twitter handle is @RichardMabry.

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. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

27 comments:

Richard Mabry said...

Lena, thanks for the opportunity to get to know the readers of your blog better.

Linda Kish said...

As a retired nurse, I love reading medically based books, especially thrillers. And, Dr. Mabry writes some good ones. I'd love to read this. The excerpt just wasn't enough.

Linda in CA

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Pam said...

Dr. Mabry's books ALWAYS grip my attention from page 1. Would love to win this one!

Pam in OH

Dianna said...

I love this author! His books are always exciting.
Dianna in TN

Lourdes said...

Love all of Dr. Mabry's books thanks for the opportunity to win one.

Lourdes Long Island, NY

Cindy W. said...

I love all of the books by Dr. Mabry and would love to win a copy of this one. Thank you for the chance.

Blessings,
Cindy W. from Indiana

Vera Godley said...

Oh, Dr. Mabry this book sounds exciting and at the same time allows for an emotional complexity when professionals clash and then have to interact in a personal life and death situation. I would love to read this one, but I don't read ebooks. Here is to hoping that it will soon be in print form and available

Your books are always a good read and bathed in professionalism both as a writer and as a medical expert.

Don't include me in the "draw" for a winner's copy, but I just wanted to say "Hi!" and comment on this book.

Thank you, Ms. Lena for hosting Dr. M.

Richard Mabry said...

Thanks to all of you for your kind words. And Vera, the print version of the book is also available. Official release is Friday, but you can pre-order it now.

Paula Shreckhise said...

As always a gripping start to what looks like a page turner. I am a big fan of Richard's books. Count me in. I'm from Missouri! Thanks and blessings!

Melanie Backus said...

Sounds like another winner! Would love to read it! Melanie Backus, TX

Rick Estep said...

Never read a book by Dr. Mabry that wasn't a winner! Looking forward to this one in Middleburg, Florida.

Winnie said...

Thanks for the post! I'd love to read this book. I really enjoy medical-based novels.

Winnie T from Utah

Richard Mabry said...

I don't think it's been mentioned anywhere that, sort of in celebration of the release of Cardiac Event on Friday, the price on my novella, Doctor's Dilemma, has been reduced until then.
Thanks, all, for your continued nice words about my writing.

lilac grandma said...

Love that you mentioned Candace Calvert love all your books would love to win!

lilac grandma said...

Ontario Canada

GREG FULLER said...

Back in the early year of 2000, around 2009, I fell down a flight of stairs and tore my left thigh down to the muscle. Eventually, I had to have surgery, and shortly after surgery, my surgeon had a heart attack. He is still alive, but it can happen at any time. Looking forward to reading this novel.

Anonymous said...

I live in Iowa.
I am sure this will be another great book by Dr.Mabry!
Martha T.
CRPrairie1(@)imonmail(dot)com

Trixi said...

Love Dr. Mabry's books! This one sounds great, thanks for the chance to win.

Trixi in OR

Unknown said...

Love yours books and articles, always of interest. Looking forward to reading Cardiac Event. California


Richard Mabry said...

I appreciate all your kind words. Good luck to everyone who enters the drawing.

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

I really enjoy Dr. Mabry's novels, his books are always a safe Christian read for me.

I live in London, Ontario, Canada

Jacque said...

Hi, I am from Cochran, GA. I preorder your books as soon as I hear they are coming out. I love reading them. One reason is because it is not the same old thing in every book. Each book is its own entity. That keeps me coming back.

Gail H. said...

No need to enter me.
I am 3/4 way through this book and I'm loving it! You need to buy this especially if you like medical thrillers/mystery suspense type books. I'm "dying" to know who's involved in the murders but I'm not one to sneak peeks in the back. Dr Mabry is an excellent author and being an actual doctor adds so much authenticity to the story!

Caryl Kane said...

Hello Dr. Mabry and Lena! I enjoy medical thrillers. This one sounds great!

Caryl K in TEXAS

Connie Porter Saunders said...

Sounds very intriguing!
Connie from KY
cps1950(ay)gmail(dot)com

Richard Mabry said...

Thanks for all the nice comments. To those who have read or are reading Cardiac Event, I appreciate it. For those who haven't read it yet, I hope you'll give it a try. And thanks to Lena for having me.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great book!Shelia Hall sheliarha64@yahoo.com