Everyday when we turn on our radios, televisions or Internet, we are bombarded with news of suicide bombings that occur around the globe. Most of these follow a similar pattern and modus operandi.
However, what if the culprits were extremely creative and decided that a good way to raise funds for their cause would be to convince the suicide bomber to undergo surgery that would lead to his certain demise?
Once the patient dies on the operating table, the surgeon and the hospital would be sued for malpractice, and if the deceased were insured, the survivors would also claim the proceeds from his policy. To muddy the waters, the family of the deceased would not permit an autopsy. Nice scenario if you could pull this off and this is at the heart of Joseph J. Neuschatz, M.D.’s TerrO.R.
Our story unfolds when a seemingly a perfectly healthy nineteen year old James Walker, undergoes surgery for the removal of his tattoos. Dr. Philip Newman is the anaesthesiologist and the Plastic Surgeon is Dr. Maloney. Dr. Newman is confident that the operation will not take too long as the tattoos were smaller than expected. As a result, there would be no need for skin grafts. Within fifteen minutes into the operation, Dr. Newman notices that all is not exactly as planned and Walker’s heart exhibits a premature heartbeat, which is not usual for patients during removal of a tattoo. Shortly thereafter both doctors decide to stop the surgery and one of the assistants calls for a Code Blue after the patient succumbs to a cardiac arrest.
After a valour attempt to save Walker’s life, he passes away on the operating table. It doesn’t take very long after the unfortunate event that the doctors and the hospital are sued by the family for malpractice. As our story proceeds, Dr. Newman decides to do a little research and discovers that there were other similar misfortunes without explanation. However, there seemed to be a common pattern, particularly that the deceased’s family refused an autopsy.
Dr. Neuschatz’s masterstroke is in creating a drama with vivid descriptions so believable that when you put down the book, you begin to wonder if what was described could actually transpire.
Moreover, readers get a front row seat as to what goes on in operating rooms, as well as how the insurance companies and hospital administrators handle the situation.
Although, this novel is quite compelling and enjoyable read, it would have been much better had Dr.Neuschatz not succumbed to what the French call deformation professionnelle with his overuse of medical terms and procedures. Unless you are a health profession, you probably would not have the foggiest notion of what the good doctor was talking about. Nonetheless, it is a terrific debut novel and I hope to read more from Dr. Neuschatz.
The above review was contributed by: The Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com, Norm Goldman, B.A. LL.L, Retired Title Attorney: Norm is also a travel writer and together with his artist wife, Lily, the couple meld Norm's words with Lily's art. To check out their travel site click on Sketchandtravel.comClick here to view Norm’s Reviews & Interviews.
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