Trauma

A Novel

By: Michael Palmer, Daniel Palmer

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Dr. Carrie Bryant's four years as a neurosurgical resident at White Memorial Hospital have earned her the respect and admiration from peers and staff alike. When given the chance of performing her first unsupervised brain surgery, Carrie jumps at the opportunity. What should have been a routine, hours-long operation turns horribly wrong and jeopardizes her patient's life. Emotionally and physically drained, Carrie is rushed back to the OR to assist in a second surgery. There, she makes a careless and tragic mental error resulting in irreparable brain damage to her second patient. With her confidence shattered, Carrie quits her residency and moves back home, where her younger brother, Adam, a combat vet suffering from debilitating PTSD, also lives. When Carrie learns about an experimental program at the VA Medical Center exploring the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) that could forever cure the emotional and memory trauma of PTSD, it seems like a way back into medicine. Carrie is apprehensive, but a chance meeting with David Hoffman, a reporter for the Lowell Observer writing a story on PTSD, helps her overcome any hesitation. Her first surgery appears to be a success until her patient mysteriously vanishes. When a second patient also goes missing, Carrie employees the investigative skills of David, and together they descend into a labyrinth of murder and corruption. And the price Carrie might pay for asking the wrong questions could be her life.

©2015 Michael Palmer (P)2015 Macmillan Audio

Excellent

Great story line, I couldn't put it down. Love, Love, Loved this heart pounding read. Thank You.

Wonderful

This was very exciting. I didn't stop till I was finished, then wished there was more.

Started with a bang

The OR error was done so well but the story became too fantastic - I made it through

Intriguing story!

Great story... Thought provoking... I wonder if this could really be happening!

The author did an authentic job ... In completing his father's work! Impressive! Now I'll look for his own books... Great author!

Thoroughly good story!

Well written and believable characters. Definitely worth the time and a thought provoker! I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the twists.

A wonderful book!

Great book love the palmer book both father may he never be forgotten. And the son. His dad is proud.

Loved it -- GREAT narrator!

Let's be honest -- I bought the book because of the name MICHAEL Palmer. I've read and loved several of his books over the years, and felt like reading a medical thriller again. But I'll tell you what -- this book by his son, in his late father's stead, was every bit as good as the Michael Palmer books. Especially interesting was the look into the Veteran's Administration system -- and yes, of course, it's fiction, and presumably nothing this horrific ever actually occurred (although quite frankly, from some of the stories, I wouldn't be surprised) but still, a glimpse into how the hospitals function, staffed and how they serve their patients was interesting -- and very timely. As was the theme of PTSD among our returning soldiers. Great topic -- a believable protagonist, excellent dialogue -- good book!

And a really great narrator -- maybe becoming one of my favorites, come to think of it. Xe Sands is perfect -- such a pleasant, clear voice, and she reads the book with just the right amount of inflection, reasonably differentiation among characters, and exactly the right pace. No overwrought theatrics, no dramatic pauses, no mispronunciations that I caught -- although as she effortlessly zipped through medical terms I'd never heard before, I can't vouch for that. But I will now be watching for books she narrates -- she's just first rate!

There's an author interview at the end that's good, too. I don't believe I've read any of the books that Daniel Palmer has written as himself, so to speak. I'm going to look for them -- clearly, the kid can write.

All in all, a great audio book experience!

An awesome book!

I looked forward to this book & it was great. I have loved all of Michael Palmer's books, I was saddened to hear of his passing and moving to heaven. I have lost dear family members & I know how difficult it is, missing them so much. Daniel has kept in touch with his Dad's readers & we appreciate that so much. When Daniel told us he was finishing his Dad's last book, I was thrilled. Daniel did a wonderful job writing with his Dad. I know Michael is so proud of his son for the great story "Trauma" is. I cried at the end, so I really connected with the characters. I'm glad that Daniel & Matthew Palmer are continuing to write & carry on their Dad's legacy. I know he loves you & is proud of his 3 sons. Daniel, thank you for the gift of "Trauma".

A must read

Great book, will miss you Michael
Palmer. This was a terrific book as were all your other medical thrillers.

Good subject but written for medical professionals

I kept fast forwarding through much of the medical lingo. Too much detail made this fictional story cumbersome to finish. Good reader and strong subject kept me going.