February 12, 2018
Paper-thin characters and a hard-to-swallow plot mar bestseller Palmer’s self-described homage to his late father Michael’s The First Patient. Karen Ray, the Secret Service agent primarily responsible for the safety of Cam Hilliard, the U.S. president’s teenage son, consults her ex-husband, Washington, D.C., family practitioner Lee Blackwood, after Frederick Gleason, the head White House physician, suggests that Cam be treated for a mental health problem. Lee is brought in for a second opinion, and, after his exam, clashes with Gleason over Cam’s treatment. Lee’s suspicions that there’s a physical basis for Cam’s symptoms are eventually validated and lead him and Karen to look into the True Potential Institute, “a unique educational center dedicated to helping D.C.’s most gifted children develop mastery in a variety of disciplines,” where Cam, a chess master, studies chess and where he routinely receives medications intended to boost mental acuity. The plot never generates much suspense. Readers can only hope that Palmer (Mercy) will return to form next time. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency.
February 15, 2018
Daniel Palmer writes suspense fiction under his own name, and medical thrillers that carry on the brand established by his late father, Michael (1942-2013). This one falls into the latter category and effectively extends the Michael Palmer legacy, nicely mixing elements of hard science with traditional thriller elements. Cam Hilliard, the son of the U.S. president, is a chess prodigy, but he has begun showing signs of depression and is losing his competitive edge. The president's doctor initially sees therapy as the answer, but a second opinion yields a surprising result. While the two doctors argue over what's best for Cam, it soon becomes clear that the president's son might not be the only one who has this affliction. Murder and political machinations play out in the background, but what makes this story shine is the mix of compelling characters and intriguing science. Michael Palmer and Robin Cook fans are the natural audience for this one, which should reconfirm the fact that Daniel is as adept as his father was at finding suspense in the intricacies of medicine.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)