I recently dove into Last Patient of the Night by Gary Gerlacher, intrigued by its engaging premise. As a fan of medical thrillers and mysteries, I was particularly drawn to the blend of emergency medicine and crime investigation that the book promised. The description likened the story to "MASH meets Detective Harry Bosch," which piqued my interest even further. I was curious to see how that combination would manifest.
The book kicks off with a compelling premise—the death of a nameless young woman in the emergency room sends physician AJ Docker on a journey of discovery. With the help of his policeman friend and a loyal police dog, the search for justice becomes a deep dive into the underbelly of the criminal world. This riveting storyline not only kept me engaged but also evoked a genuine curiosity about the medical profession and the ethical dilemmas frequently faced within it.
One of the highlights of the book is Gerlacher’s authentic portrayal of the emergency room environment, which undoubtedly stems from his own experience as an emergency physician. His attention to detail paints a vivid picture of the chaotic but exhilarating life within the ER. I found myself captivated by the numerous lighthearted anecdotes interwoven throughout the narrative, providing a nice balance against the weightier themes of loss and justice.
However, not everything was perfect. Some readers have mentioned that while the characters are interesting, they might lack the depth usually found in more developed novels. I agree to an extent; although AJ Docker is a fascinating protagonist, some supporting characters felt a bit underexplored. I wished for a bit more emotional background on them, which could have added layers to the overall story.
Another drawback I’ve seen in other reviews is the pacing. While the book is action-packed, some might feel that certain sections dragged out unnecessarily, particularly during the investigations. Personally, I didn’t mind the pacing as much, as I found the intricate details of both the medical world and the investigation kept me invested, even if it slowed down at times.
Gerlacher’s skill in intertwining the fast-paced world of medicine with a gripping narrative is commendable. The exploration of justice, combined with the humor from the ER stories, created a well-rounded reading experience. The aim was to evoke a sense of justice for the lost patient, and I felt that drive throughout the book, which is what ultimately matters in thrillers.
The constant twist of discovering more questions than answers kept me engaged, aligning perfectly with the essence of a good thriller. As I flipped through the pages late into the night, I was eagerly anticipating what AJ would uncover next.
Overall, Last Patient of the Night exceeded my expectations as a debut in the AJ Docker series. Despite a few shortcomings, the combination of medical drama and crime thriller elements made for an enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an action-packed narrative alongside glimpses of the medical profession’s realities.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of thrillers that merge fast-paced action with well-grounded storytelling, I highly encourage you to pick up Last Patient of the Night. It’s a fantastic start to what I hope is a long-running series, and I’m certainly looking forward to the next installment.