Fatal Trauma, by Richard Mabry, M.D.

What happens when you are an emergency room doctor whose life's mission is to serve those who are sick and injured but the patient that just came in has a gun totting relative who is threatening to kill everyone if you let his brother die? The first problem is this, the brother is DOA from several gunshots, so how can you save someone who is dead?

That is what Dr. Mark Baker and Nurse Kelly Atkinson faced in the opening scene of this novel. Their solution was interesting but also traumatic for many people. It also sets the stage for the tension throughout the novel. The brothers were part of a drug cartel who will decide that everyone involved in treating the patient and letting him die will also need to die. That puts targets on our two main characters. How will this resolve.

Also, there is a love triangle of sorts, involving Dr. Baker, Nurse Atkinson and another doctor from the hospital. But the question will stand out with, what will happen? Who loves whom and will they get together?

Then add to that the religious aspect of searching happening by Dr. Baker. He accepted Christ at a young age, but he has drifted for years. Nurse Atkinson is not drifting, she has a vibrant faith in God. Others in the story are drifting, lost or walking with Christ. The author takes the theme of salvation, peace in Christ, trust and obedience and weaves them into the story line.

All this to say that the book has lots of good content and things that you can take and talk through with others as you like.

So, why only 4 stars? That's a good question. I guess it's because of all the death, killing and distrust that happens throughout the story. I know that is true human nature, but I guess I just didn't like the drug cartel having the mindset of killing everyone off. I guess I have just gotten to use to the happily ever after scenarios.

This book will definitely have some twists and turns that you won't see coming.

Enjoy!