Brain Storm by Elaine Viets is the first book in the NEW “Death Investigator Angela Richman” mystery series. Publisher: Thomas and Mercer, August 2016
When The Old Money Façade Fails, The Lies Comes to Light.
The ultrawealthy families of Chouteau Forest may look down on a woman like death investigator Angela Richman, but they also rely on her. When a horrific car crash kills a Forest teenager, Angela is among the first on the scene. Her investigation is hardly underway, however, when she suffers a series of crippling strokes. Misdiagnosed by the resident neurologist, Dr. Gravois, and mended by gauche yet brilliant neurosurgeon Dr. Jeb Travis Tritt, Angela faces a harrowing recovery.
It’s a drug-addled, hallucinating Angela who learns that Dr. Gravois has been murdered. . .and the chief suspect is the surgeon who saved her life. Angela doesn’t believe it, but can she trust her instincts? Her brain trauma brings doubts that she’ll ever recover her investigative skills. But she’s determined to save Dr. Tritt from a death-row sentence—even if her progress is thwarted at every turn by a powerful and insular community poised to protect its own.
All I can say is “wow!” This book immediately grabbed my attention with that first sentence and from that moment, I could not put this book down until the last page was read. The raw emotions contained in this narrative kept me riveted to what was going on as this multi-plot scenario captured Angela’s recovery and the investigation into the “favored” doctor’s murder. Superbly written, this fast-paced drama had me quickly turning the pages as I had to know how this will all play out. The author did a great job setting up this mystery with plenty of suspects and when I thought I had nailed the killer, the author changed direction with some intriguing twists that enhanced the telling of this tale, a twist I did not see coming. Elaine draws on her own experience as a stroke survivor and the depth in which she illustrates the recovery is testimony to the engaging tale that will leave you with awe and triumph for both Angela and Elaine. This is a terrifically gripping read and I look forward to more stories with Angela and her death investigations.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) book from the author.
This is already on my library list! I can’t wait.
On Pre-Order for Tuesday! Thanks for the informative review, Dru.
Great review, now must get the book.
Elaine is a terrific author, and I am anxious to learn how she handles this situation (strokes) with her main character. I don’t recall a lead character ever facing such a drastic disability or health issue in a series. I am going to read this one right away, Thanks Dru Ann for today’s review! 🙂
Dru Ann, I am bowled over that you liked BRAIN STORM. Thank you for the glowing reviews. Gram and Cheryl, I hope you’ll enjoy BRAIN STORM.
Barbara and Maria, you can still pre-order BRAIN STORM for $1.99 as an e-book and $9.99 as a paperback through Monday. http://amzn.to/29KudfA
Can’t wait for Tuesday. I remember Elaine’s first bookstore appearance in STL after the strokes. It was a miracle to see her there and she hasn’t stopped since. I loved her newspaper columns and have all of her books. I look forward to this new series.
I already know what a great writer Elaine is from her Dead-End Series and her Mystery Shopper series so I will be anxious t read her first in her new Death Investigator series Congratulations on your release, Elaine, and much success in all your future writing.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Blain
Thank you, Diana. You’ve been through a medical miracle yourself with brain surgery. I was really happy to see you on my recent visit to St. Louis.
Appreciate the kind words, Cynthia. Hope you’ll like this new series.