"Stress Test" by Richard L. Mabry, M.D. (Review & Giveaway)

About the book: 
They may not have enough evidence to convict him, but they have enough to ruin his life.

Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left his last shift in the ER have no such plans-they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt's only thought is escape. He does so, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he's being charged with murder.

Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors. But when Matt calls, she knows she can't walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.

Matt's career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he's a murderer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth-and the faith to keep going-will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured.

My thoughts:  In the book market you will find a number of successful authors who write in the medical thriller genre.  Authors who are doctors and can write with authority from a medical standpoint.  However, if you prefer to limit yourself to reading works written by Christians, your selection begins to shrink.  Awhile back I saw that a retired physician (and his picture looks the epitome of a gentle, kindly family doctor) was now in the playing field of physicians who write medical thrillers published by Christian publishing houses.  I could hardly wait to get my hands on his new book, Stress Test.  His name is Dr. Richard L. Mabry. 

I was not disappointed because from the first page, the author caught my attention with dynamic and fast moving action.  This work is not a stroll through the halls of some grand research hospital or the vying for attention by some cute nurse for that handsome, intelligent, and wealthy doctor.  No, this tale involves a kidnapping, attempted murder, emergency room action, skilled surgery, doctors and lawyers, and  a variety of characters from the shady side of life. It is written with skill and will draw the reader right into the unfolding drama.  Dr. Mabry writes with the authority of an experienced and skilled surgeon without the mumbo-jumbo of an overtly medical expose.

The main character, Dr. Matt Newman, awakens from being kidnapped to find himself accused of murder. The story follows his and his attorney's struggle to exonerate him of charges and stay alive in the process.  Through these trials, Matt finds himself being drawn back to the faith of his childhood. 

I found the characters well developed and interesting and the story plot exciting, suspenseful, and medically interesting.

This is a fast paced, enjoyable read that I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to review.  I look forward to future books by Dr. Mabry and hope to be among his select reviewers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
GIVEAWAY:  One of Chat With Vera's readers will be the recipient of a copy of Stress Test by Dr. Richard L. Mabry courtsey of Litfuse Publicity Group. Just enter using the Rafflecopter entry form below (please be patient if it is a bit slow to load). Begins April 16 ENDS May 6 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT.

About the author: A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of four critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas. Visit his website at http://www.rmabry.com

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Stress Test was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and publisher, Thomas Nelson to facilitate my honest review without obligatory constraints for a positive report. The giveaway copy is provided courtesy of Litfuse and will be mailed by Litfuse directly to the Chat With Vera winner.