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BOOK REVIEW | MEDICAL THRILLER | CRIME FICTION

Last Patient of the Night

An AJ Docker Thriller by Gary Gerlacher

Some books arrive silently. For instance, they slip onto your nightstand unassumingly. However, once you start reading, you cannot stop. Consequently, you might find yourself still awake at 2 a.m. You will have no intention of putting the book down.

Gary Gerlacher’s Last Patient of the Night is exactly that kind of story. As a result of his thirty years in medicine, the author brings incredible authenticity. Therefore, this debut novel arrives with rare confidence and sheer readability.

A Story That Grabs You From the First Page

The story begins during an ordinary night shift at Ben Taub Hospital. Dr. A.J. “Doc” Docker is an emergency physician with a sharp wit. One night, he treats a young woman who has faced severe violence. Unfortunately, she arrives with no name and no history. Despite Docker’s best efforts, she does not survive.

For most doctors, that might be the end. However, Docker is different. Because he is haunted by her death, he sets out to find the truth. He partners with a police officer and a formidable K-9 named Banshee. Together, they pull on threads that lead deep into Houston’s criminal underworld. Ultimately, Docker becomes the hunted instead of the investigator.

AJ Docker: A Hero Worth Following

AJ Docker is a fantastic protagonist. Specifically, he is smart but not arrogant. Furthermore, he is brave without being reckless. His quick-fire dialogue gives the novel great energy. In addition, his partnership with Banshee adds real emotional depth to the story.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, Last Patient of the Night is a remarkable debut. It is propulsive, witty, and grounded. Therefore, it is genuinely difficult to put down. If you want a thriller that respects your intelligence, this is the one for you.

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