Robert Pobi

Do No Harm is the third book in the Lucas Page thriller series, and in this one Lucas is still recovering from the events of the previous book. An astrophysicist by profession, he has this interesting way of looking at the world, almost disdainful and condescending, but something I though was hilarious, as people struggled to keep up with a mind so sharp as they struggled to see the patterns and thoughts that flitted through his mind so easily. Missing an eye, arm, and leg meant that people who didn't know him often misunderstood him or underestimated him and I loved those interactions, as exasperating as they could be for a reader.

While Lucas has no interest in getting involved in another case, it inevitably find him when he attends a medical bash and discovers that a high amount of doctors have committed suicide or have died through natural causes the previous months. As he begins to delve deeper, he begins to see patterns that no one else sees and this is where the action takes off. Once it gets going, the author certainly knows how to keep up the tension and suspense and I had a hard time putting this one down. Plus, I worried for Erin, being part of the medical community, and that something terrible was going to happen to her. Having read the previous books, I know the author is not afraid to have terrible things happen to his main characters.

The writing style was riveting as well, as the author blends action with humour and family life, but this actually adds to the tension as you develop empathy for the characters and start to worry that something might happen to one of them. It was fast-paced, and as soon as I began to relax a little bit, something happened and sent the action flying along again. To be honest, this was a mixture of thriller, suspense, police procedural, and family life all rolled into one great story.

Lucas is a bit difficult to get to know and I don't think I would have felt as much empathy for him if I hadn't read the previous books as he comes across as aloof and a bit snotty. He doesn't connect very well with others and you only see the genuine person when he is with his adopted kids and his friend who watches them when he is working. He and Erin work very well together as she is kind and compassionate and often tells him to play nicely with others; their interactions constantly make me smile and I believe are used as comedic relief from the high tension of the other scenes in this book. We do get to see those rare moments when Lucas lets down his guard, and I have to appreciate the author's skill when he lets us get a glimpse of the real Lucas.

Verdict
Do No Harm was a clever, action-packed suspense book with much needed levity thrown in through family interactions. Personally, I can see this series on Netflix or Amazon Prime one day, and I was visualizing who would play the main characters as I read. The plot was interesting and the character development was good, and I am happy to say the twists and turns led me down a merry path so I had difficulty figuring out the answer to this one, although I had my suspicions. I really enjoy Lucas Page as a main character as he has such a unique personality, and I am curious as to what will happen to him next. Hopefully, there will be a book four in this series.

… (mais)

Do No Harm by Robert Pobi is a medical thriller that completely captured my interest. This is the third instalment in the Lucas Page series but it reads well as a stand-alone. However, you probably will want to read the first two novels after reading this one. I know I will be feasting on the two previous mysteries as soon as possible. What a treat. Lucas Page is ex-FBI and a multiple amputee. He is a polymath, a husband and a father of five children. Page becomes aware that more doctors have died recently than the norm. It is becoming obvious to Page that many could have died under suspicious circumstances. When his spouse, who is also an MD, has her life threatened, he avidly investigates and will not stop until there are answers. The characters are well-drawn and make this thriller stand out. The plot moves at breakneck speed and is a pure pleasure for the reader. If you like your books with intense suspense and with a great story, this one is for you. You will be hooked from page one. Robert Pobi has proven himself to be an exceptional author. Highly recommended. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.… (mais)