A Heartbeat Away

We have read a number but not all of his previous books and this is by far the worst. We've enjoyed his previous medical thrillers but there was not enough medical in this one to hold our interest in that genre. Instead he makes an attempt at including a large political componet which is not detailed or authentic enough to even hold one's interest in that genre either (and my husband enjoys poltical thrillers as well). He does not develope the characters to any extent that would make us care about what they are doing or why they are doing it. It was very boring and lengthy reading, partly because there was also so many listed names with government positions of characters which had no importance in the overall story line and it was confusing to keep them all straight. There were a few places where my interest was piqued for just a little bit but he never developed those areas to any great extent. For example, I became temporarily interested when Genesis took over the power grid then I again became interested when I saw that the main character, the President was a doctor but neither of these were ever followed up in the plot of the story to bring on any more than that fleeting excitement. I had to FORCE myself to complete the book and was not at all satisfied even by its ending. My wife just couldn't get past Chapter 10. There was a brief time near the end when we did not know who actually had the cure which lead to a TINY bit of suspense but that alone did not leave me with a feeling of a satisfied read. Detail and realism could have been alot stronger. As I've read some of the other reviews, we also hope Palmer gets back to writing his old style.

I love everything I've read by Michael Palmer and am so sad that he is no longer with us to continue you the spell-binding medical mysteries. I did have a few reservations about this book, however, as it seemed to drag a little at times. I think if I were more medically knowledgeable, it would have meant more to me; it often felt a little "over my head". That said, it was still a powerful plot that took some doing to come up with and make work.

I never miss any of Dr. Palmer's entertaining books, and as an animal rescuer and advocate, I was pleasantly suprised by one of the points the liberal author made in this one. His doctor-hero refused to use animals in his research. Dr. Palmer made his anti-animal research statement without being preachy or distracting from the story, which is about right-wing domestic terrorists and critical illness.If you read this novel, also go back and order some of the author's earlier books--they're all easy and interesting reads.

From the moment I started this book I couldn't put it down. I also have the Kindle app and made sure I was on the correct chapter so that, should I be without my Kindle, I could read it on my phone. The pace was perfect and never once was I not intrigued and wanting more. I knew I would finish it quickly, so there were times I would slow down as I really didn't want it to end.The characters were fascinating and intriguing, as I wasn't sure who was the protaganist, and I liked it that way.Keep it up Mr. Palmer as I am ready for your next one.

Michael Palmer quickly drew me into the intrigue and drama of this very interesting story. Terrorism has made all of us accept unlikely scenarios as plausible and this was a very well crafted one. Lots of twists and turns. Well described characters. Held my attention to the very last page. If you like mystery and suspense this is a recommended read.

I have to say that when I started this book - was a little bored with the beginning - but I never give up on books. There weren't any characters that I really liked - nobody who I focused on. But......when the story picked up with getting the scientist out of a jail he shouldn't have been in - I found the story to go really fast, be very interesting and keep you guessing. Loved the way the book played out and I recommend it to everyone who loves mystery books.

My husband and I have been Michael Palmer fans for a number of years. This is one more in a long line of great novels with exciting story lines. He is top notch at crafting a medical thriller that will keep you coming back for more. We found this one to be a book we had a hard time putting down.

Good guys and bad guys abound in a story surrounded by a group hell bent on destroying our country and government thru a biological attack during the State of the Union address. You can almost see these types of actions taking place so it keeps your attention all the way through the book. Good read and highly recommended.

It is definitely not one of his best. I was really looking forward to this book hoping he would produce a absorbing enthralling suspenseful read like THE FIRST PATIENT. I was disappointed. I couldn't put his other books down I recommend that if you enjoy the medical suspense genre Michael Palmer is the author to read but a heartbeat away was too predictable. Nevertheless a good read and useful to read to pass the time between books or during long journeys.

computer modelling of diseases is a great idea but no where near as advanced as portrayed in this book. Likewise viral cures very difficult to develop. Otherwise good read as you would expect from Michael Palmer.

I found this book riveting and extremely gripping wanted to keep reading into the small hours of the morning. Very well written and the fact it could happen makes it even more gripping. Was sure I knew who had caused the disaster but was wrong! Really like this author and read quite a few of his books - well worth the read.

Excellent book with a good storyline as usual with this author

Some very clunky dialogue - completely US centric - no surprises. It's a pity because I expected more from this usually superb writer.