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Brain Death
Anesthesiologist, Luke Daulton, returns after his life and death struggle with nurse Brandt Stevens. He is now moonlighting in the ICU at a Pennsylvania VA hospital—the same hospital where the vice president of the United States is undergoing emergency open-heart surgery. The VP suffers some sudden unexpected post-op complications and Luke assists in his resuscitation. The next thing he knows, Luke wakes up paralyzed in the same ICU, only to learn he has been declared brain dead and is facing a lethal organ harvest procedure in less than 24 hours.
Luke must quickly unravel the mystery of how his doctors inexplicably botched his diagnosis. Does it have any connection with the vice president’s close brush with death following surgery? Is it possible someone wants the VP eliminated? Do they want Luke to share in the same fate?
The more Luke learns, the more his suspicions rapidly mount—but what can he do? He is totally paralyzed and carries a brain death diagnosis. Luke must somehow team up with his brilliant wife, Kim, and figure a way out of this nightmarish scenario.
Luke must quickly unravel the mystery of how his doctors inexplicably botched his diagnosis. Does it have any connection with the vice president’s close brush with death following surgery? Is it possible someone wants the VP eliminated? Do they want Luke to share in the same fate?
The more Luke learns, the more his suspicions rapidly mount—but what can he do? He is totally paralyzed and carries a brain death diagnosis. Luke must somehow team up with his brilliant wife, Kim, and figure a way out of this nightmarish scenario.
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2022
About the author
John Benedict
5 books169 followersI work as an anesthesiologist and spend a good part of my life putting other people to sleep for all kinds of surgery. It's very interesting and exciting--I get to interact with and help a lot of people in many different situations. However, the hours are tough (24 hour call shifts) and it can be a bit stressful!
One day it struck me-- people place an extraordinary amount of trust in their anesthesiologist (someone they have often just met minutes beforehand) as they are being wheeled in the OR for surgery. Since I read a lot of thrillers, I couldn't help but wonder--what if that trust is misplaced and their doctor is evil? I decided to write a book exploring this chilling concept. 12 years later, Adrenaline was published. The writing/publishing process was a real eye-opener! I learned the value of perseverance and belief in oneself to overcome obstacles.
I am also a husband and father of 3 sons.
Remember--any fool can put you to sleep--it's the one who wakes you up that's important!
One day it struck me-- people place an extraordinary amount of trust in their anesthesiologist (someone they have often just met minutes beforehand) as they are being wheeled in the OR for surgery. Since I read a lot of thrillers, I couldn't help but wonder--what if that trust is misplaced and their doctor is evil? I decided to write a book exploring this chilling concept. 12 years later, Adrenaline was published. The writing/publishing process was a real eye-opener! I learned the value of perseverance and belief in oneself to overcome obstacles.
I am also a husband and father of 3 sons.
Remember--any fool can put you to sleep--it's the one who wakes you up that's important!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 3, 2023
This is another installment in the medical thriller series featuring anesthesiologist Dr. Luke Daulton.
Although I enjoyed the medical details, the action and the story were just way too preposterous for me. All that Russian agent plot angle and Luke being brain dead but still managing to save the day was just too much.
Also, this should be labeled as Christian fiction. That element is quite pervasive in the book and frankly, I’m not a fan when authors include so much religion in a novel.
I am rating 2.5 stars but have to round. I won’t be reading any more having finished the 3 in this series. I don’t care for the character, his wife, his life, and the crazy stuff that happens.
Sorry, but can’t recommend.
Although I enjoyed the medical details, the action and the story were just way too preposterous for me. All that Russian agent plot angle and Luke being brain dead but still managing to save the day was just too much.
Also, this should be labeled as Christian fiction. That element is quite pervasive in the book and frankly, I’m not a fan when authors include so much religion in a novel.
I am rating 2.5 stars but have to round. I won’t be reading any more having finished the 3 in this series. I don’t care for the character, his wife, his life, and the crazy stuff that happens.
Sorry, but can’t recommend.
March 30, 2023
This was such a weird book that had very predictable plot points
April 12, 2023
Coma Meets 24!
Yikes! Every person’s worst nightmare: being assumed dead while fully conscious but unable to communicate. Imagine being a physician who just saved the Vice President’s life only to feel immobilized as physicians gather to prepare for a second brain scan before beginning surgery to harvest organs. Nightmare.
And so begins the drama racing.
Yikes! Every person’s worst nightmare: being assumed dead while fully conscious but unable to communicate. Imagine being a physician who just saved the Vice President’s life only to feel immobilized as physicians gather to prepare for a second brain scan before beginning surgery to harvest organs. Nightmare.
And so begins the drama racing.
March 30, 2023
What a thriller! The story is crowded with interesting characters. Exploring some of their lives would be fun! Some plot twists were a little to “out there” to believe but not enough to detract from the story. Who wants total reality anyway?! We can get that in real life! For me, this was a stay-up-and -read- to-the-end book. Loved it!
January 27, 2023
If you like medical thrillers, then Brain Death is a must read. Anesthesiologist Luke Daulton is moonlighting at a VA hospital when he is called upon to save a very important patient, the vice president himself. Unfortunately for him, the patient was targeted by an assassin, one that has set his sights on Luke because of his intervention. When Dr. Daulton finally wakens after his convenient accident, the doctors surrounding him are talking of organ donation. He has been declared brain dead as no activity was seen on the scan. Meanwhile his wife is insisting he is very much alive. Luke must hear all about this upcoming nightmare surgery of organ harvesting, while he lies in bed completely paralyzed. When the killer comes calling, gloating his deeds, and berating Luke for intervening to save the patient, it is a voice Luke knows well, now all he must do is wake his body and set things right. The characters and their interactions are fantastic, and the storyline is quite engaging. This unputdownable, chilling, fast-paced thriller kept me up late into the night until I turned the very last page. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 12, 2022
Another winner!!!
Brain Death is a total page turner! I was hooked from the beginning with the conspiracy topic. This book is entertaining and keeps you on the thrill ride from start to finish. It is well written and provides the reader with real medical scenarios. The writers creates characters with real depth, they are both amazing and some are very flawed. If you work in healthcare you might recognize some of those personalities! 😀. Great read, I highly recommend!
Brain Death is a total page turner! I was hooked from the beginning with the conspiracy topic. This book is entertaining and keeps you on the thrill ride from start to finish. It is well written and provides the reader with real medical scenarios. The writers creates characters with real depth, they are both amazing and some are very flawed. If you work in healthcare you might recognize some of those personalities! 😀. Great read, I highly recommend!
March 21, 2023
Excellent Story!
This book immediately grabbed my attention and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. A great storyline with plenty of twists and turns. I had not read anything by the author but plan to do so.
This book immediately grabbed my attention and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. A great storyline with plenty of twists and turns. I had not read anything by the author but plan to do so.
August 20, 2023
Holy cow
Finished the series of three books. Each one more exciting than the last. Thank you for writing. No wonder you understand the medical jargon being a doctor yourself. Same as Robin cook. If I wanted a medical thriller I d look up some of his work. Now I have a choice of two of you. Very happy to have read your series. As soon as I can satisfy Kindle s challenge requirements I ll be reading your other series.
Finished the series of three books. Each one more exciting than the last. Thank you for writing. No wonder you understand the medical jargon being a doctor yourself. Same as Robin cook. If I wanted a medical thriller I d look up some of his work. Now I have a choice of two of you. Very happy to have read your series. As soon as I can satisfy Kindle s challenge requirements I ll be reading your other series.
August 22, 2023
Easy Read
This book was easy to read but hard to put down. Really enjoyed the plot. Would like to read more books from this author.
This book was easy to read but hard to put down. Really enjoyed the plot. Would like to read more books from this author.
March 14, 2023
Excellent!
Dr. Daulton finds himself on the organ donation schedule against his will. Several people including his wife chip in to try to save him. Great read!
Dr. Daulton finds himself on the organ donation schedule against his will. Several people including his wife chip in to try to save him. Great read!
December 1, 2022
I love all of John Benedict's books, but I do think that Brain Death is the best one . Will Dr. Bennet be saved or will he die? The book is full of mystery and is a great medical thriller
October 3, 2023
1.5 stars. This was super tough to get through and finish. This book had some far-fetched events that were beyond unbelievable. Waking up from a coma where everyone (almost everyone) thinks your dead and your organs are about to be harvested...then becoming the hero and slaying the Russian spy. Ummm..nope. Being a nurse that practiced in the ICU, there was a few things that raised red flags for me. Yes, I know it is fiction but medical thrillers are so much more believable and fun when the facts are there. I was surprised to find out the author was board certified and still practiced, I honestly thought this book was published in the 90's early 2000's due to the content and phrases.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2023
As I start writing this review, the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up yet again. I’ve always thought that being sealed in a barrel awake and then buried alive would be the worst way that a person could die. John Benedict has redefined my worst nightmare in his novel, Brain Death. The more I read the more chills I got. Only a medical professional could have come up with this story. OMG! And, it doesn’t stop with this medical conspiracy. The hits just keep on happening as new layers are added to the original conspiracy, bang, bang, bang. Brain Death doesn’t quit until the last page. Reassure yourself that you can handle it before you start reading. A master conspiracy.
September 18, 2022
Yet another conquest from John Benedict, M.D
I have been enamored of John Benedict's medical thrillers ever since I read Adrenaline. The current book Brain Death surpasses all of its predecessors by combining diverse aspects of life such as politics and political intrigues, malevolent and diabolical conspiracies, struggling against foreign and domestic plots etc.
The trials and tribulations of Dr. Luke Daulton his wife Kim and their supporters Brian and Chris keep the readers glued to their books/e-readers! The readers also go through severe anxiety, stress, worry and get distraught when they are reading the troublesome parts of the book because they become totally empathic and one with each of the characters! The characterization is true to life, impeccable and heartwarming!!
As always, the storyline is spectacular, spellbinding and wholly absorbing, keeping the readers riveted until they have finished the book and heave a great satisfying sigh of relief.
This has been one very much of a gratifying , magnificent and fabulous reading experience. Thank you very much, John Benedict, M.D!!
I have been enamored of John Benedict's medical thrillers ever since I read Adrenaline. The current book Brain Death surpasses all of its predecessors by combining diverse aspects of life such as politics and political intrigues, malevolent and diabolical conspiracies, struggling against foreign and domestic plots etc.
The trials and tribulations of Dr. Luke Daulton his wife Kim and their supporters Brian and Chris keep the readers glued to their books/e-readers! The readers also go through severe anxiety, stress, worry and get distraught when they are reading the troublesome parts of the book because they become totally empathic and one with each of the characters! The characterization is true to life, impeccable and heartwarming!!
As always, the storyline is spectacular, spellbinding and wholly absorbing, keeping the readers riveted until they have finished the book and heave a great satisfying sigh of relief.
This has been one very much of a gratifying , magnificent and fabulous reading experience. Thank you very much, John Benedict, M.D!!
October 25, 2022
I loved this book. This was the best one Dr. Benedict has written. I have read all of his books and can recommend them all. I read this book in a day because I was eager to learn the outcome. Would anyone be able to save Luke Daulton before he was declared brain dead and his organs would be harvested. Who wanted him dead and why? Read the book and join the conspiracy before it is too late Betty
October 3, 2022
Absolutely love everything this guy writes. His latest, Brain Death, is quite possibly my favorite! It’s a perfect balance of medical, political, and personal content. Do not miss any of Dr. Benedict’s books!
October 16, 2022
Awesome
great read! Love the characters. Couldn't put down. Thank you! Loved the medical terms which made the story more real
great read! Love the characters. Couldn't put down. Thank you! Loved the medical terms which made the story more real
January 29, 2023
OH! MY! STARS! This is one more breathtaking medical thriller. It is fast-paced, frightening, intense, touching, faith-based, and everything in between. In this book, Dr. Benedict deftly plays on the inherent fears most people have at a primal level of someone thinking they are dead when they aren't: locked-in syndrome, strokes, and medication errors. All things that can cause the appearance of death, but luckily we have the science to disprove it. But those fears harken back to years in our history when people were presumed dead and would wake up buried alive. They still hide in our DNA and Dr. Benedict plays on them with excellent skill.
I have to admit that as a retired nurse I approach a new medical thriller with a bit of trepidation. Sometimes the details are far more wrong than right, but Dr. Benedict nails the medical details here which gives it such a real resonance. I can't say enough good things about it and highly recommend you check out his writing. I can't wait to see what's next. And be forewarned, once you start reading you really aren't going to want to stop until the very last page.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
I have to admit that as a retired nurse I approach a new medical thriller with a bit of trepidation. Sometimes the details are far more wrong than right, but Dr. Benedict nails the medical details here which gives it such a real resonance. I can't say enough good things about it and highly recommend you check out his writing. I can't wait to see what's next. And be forewarned, once you start reading you really aren't going to want to stop until the very last page.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
March 3, 2024
Ok, I am a Trauma surgeon and have knowledge about certain medical procedures that are included in this book. This book has a dr who has saved the VP of th United States and then somehow wakes up and realizes he too is in the hospital himself. However, there is something strange……he is in a coma and the drs that put him in said coma believe he also has the same brain disease and they plan on harvesting his organs. I honestly thought they were going to take Luke’s organs to give to the VP in hopes of keeping him alive. Yet, that is not completely true. Dr Luke must now save himself while being in a coma and does so with the help of his wife. This also has a lot of Christianity inside. I am a Christian but this is probably too much for most people when they are not expecting it. Overall, I just cannot fathom that the things that happen to Dr. Luke and then how he manages to get away.
2 1/2 stars rounded to 3.
2 1/2 stars rounded to 3.
July 3, 2023
I liked it. As a medical thriller, it's not the type of genre I usually read, but I enjoyed it. The pacing was interesting, as it felt both fast and slow. Perhaps that was to increase the tension. The chapters felt short, and there were quite a lot of them. That actually worked in the story's favor as they usually had a different pov. But it would have been nice if the chapters were labeled by pov name instead of numbers. Considering it was pretty easy to pick up on who was bad early on in the book, I don't think it would have been a terrible idea to have the chapter labeled by pov. I do think the ending was rushed, though, with how much detail had been given earlier in the book. It seemed like they tied the plots all up at once, which wasn't very satisfying for me. The ending wasn't the worst, but it could have been a lot better.
December 22, 2023
Brain Death was a super suspenseful medical thriller, and it definitely kept me on my toes throughout the entire ride.
Let me start by saying that I hope to never find myself in the protagonist, Luke's, position. I truly cannot imagine anything more horrifying than being aware of everything around you, but unable to communicate, move, or acknowledge your presence.
If you've seen and enjoyed that 2007 movie, Awake, I really think you'll enjoy this book. I was never the same after seeing that movie, and now I've solidified a lifelong fear of "accidental awareness" after reading Brain Death.
Furthermore, I'm not someone who's super versed in medical terminology; however, I found that the author did an excellent job of explaining various medical jargon in a way that allowed the reader to keep up, regardless of their level of medical knowledge.
Let me start by saying that I hope to never find myself in the protagonist, Luke's, position. I truly cannot imagine anything more horrifying than being aware of everything around you, but unable to communicate, move, or acknowledge your presence.
If you've seen and enjoyed that 2007 movie, Awake, I really think you'll enjoy this book. I was never the same after seeing that movie, and now I've solidified a lifelong fear of "accidental awareness" after reading Brain Death.
Furthermore, I'm not someone who's super versed in medical terminology; however, I found that the author did an excellent job of explaining various medical jargon in a way that allowed the reader to keep up, regardless of their level of medical knowledge.
February 19, 2023
I have to say that this book was amazing. So many plot twist and turns that I was not sure the bad guy/guys would get caught. Luke Daulton helps save someone, then the people who tried to kill them attacked Luke and put him in a coma. Then because they were a Dr. they managed to convince everyone that he was brain dead. His wife never believed it and finally saves her husband moments before they are going to harvest his organs.. It gets crazier from there but such an intense crazy that you cant put the book down.
If you like medical thrillers you will love this book. I can not wait to read more from John Benedict.
If you like medical thrillers you will love this book. I can not wait to read more from John Benedict.
March 27, 2023
This book is like a unitedstatian action film, where our hero manages to save the day despite the craziest obstacles. If you like this style, it's an ok read.
But... seriously??? The main character gives an SOS signal with his heart rate while he is an a comma, managing to get the help he needed to wake up right before his organs were harvested. Then, he quickly saves the vicepresident's life. Later (on the same day!!!) he confronts an experienced Russian spy, who decides not to shoot him and get over with it but fight him barehanded. Our hero not only survives the fight but kills the spy (?!).
And all of this is sprinkled with thoughts and prayers (they worked!!!).
But... seriously??? The main character gives an SOS signal with his heart rate while he is an a comma, managing to get the help he needed to wake up right before his organs were harvested. Then, he quickly saves the vicepresident's life. Later (on the same day!!!) he confronts an experienced Russian spy, who decides not to shoot him and get over with it but fight him barehanded. Our hero not only survives the fight but kills the spy (?!).
And all of this is sprinkled with thoughts and prayers (they worked!!!).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2024
1,200 +Amazon reviews 70% 5 star That's good.
They want the US Vice President dead, an anesthesiologist saves his life when they try to kill him. Pissed, they try to kill him too and take another shot at the VP.
What I liked:
-Written by an anesthesiologist, the details are all right. That added a lot to the story, knowing the medical details were right.
-Who wanted the VP dead? The President, his chief of staff, the Russians with a Russian neurologist who's an expert at reading brain scans.
-The story flows well.
-The wife with help saves her hubby in an induced comma ready to get his organs harvested.
What I didn't like:
-nothing
They want the US Vice President dead, an anesthesiologist saves his life when they try to kill him. Pissed, they try to kill him too and take another shot at the VP.
What I liked:
-Written by an anesthesiologist, the details are all right. That added a lot to the story, knowing the medical details were right.
-Who wanted the VP dead? The President, his chief of staff, the Russians with a Russian neurologist who's an expert at reading brain scans.
-The story flows well.
-The wife with help saves her hubby in an induced comma ready to get his organs harvested.
What I didn't like:
-nothing
September 30, 2022
Brain Death
This book moves fast. I had to pay attention to keep up with it. But it was also one I didn’t want to put down either.
John Benedict’s books are very real and life like in that something like this could really happen.
I just had a shoulder replacement and this book is so true to life, I had to wait until after my surgery was over. I have a vivid imagination and knew I couldn’t read this until afterwards.
I would really recommend this book if you like books like this.
This book moves fast. I had to pay attention to keep up with it. But it was also one I didn’t want to put down either.
John Benedict’s books are very real and life like in that something like this could really happen.
I just had a shoulder replacement and this book is so true to life, I had to wait until after my surgery was over. I have a vivid imagination and knew I couldn’t read this until afterwards.
I would really recommend this book if you like books like this.
January 30, 2023
What a great read!
Luke is anesthesiologist in the hospital when the vice president suffers a complication after Open heart surgery. He jumps in to save him - but unknown to him Someone wants the vice president dead.
After Luke’s shower he wakes to find himself in the ICU considered brain dead…… but he isn’t … why are they saying the scan says he is? And worse they plan to harvest his organs. How can he tell them he’s alive? There must be a way to tell his wife? But someone is trying to make sure Luke doesn’t live. Grab this book for a heart stopping read!
Luke is anesthesiologist in the hospital when the vice president suffers a complication after Open heart surgery. He jumps in to save him - but unknown to him Someone wants the vice president dead.
After Luke’s shower he wakes to find himself in the ICU considered brain dead…… but he isn’t … why are they saying the scan says he is? And worse they plan to harvest his organs. How can he tell them he’s alive? There must be a way to tell his wife? But someone is trying to make sure Luke doesn’t live. Grab this book for a heart stopping read!
March 22, 2023
It's incredible suspense. This is the kind of suspense where the reader knows exactly what happened, but all those around (in the book) are not aware of what is happening, nevertheless, little by little, piece by piece, they begin to understand.
The book is full of twists and turns that makes your head spin.
There are parts that are really scary. A perfect medical suspense book. Anyone who liked books by Michael Palmer, or Robin Cook in his good days, will undoubtedly enjoy this book.
I gave the book 5 stars, but in my private lists it is 6 stars.
The book is full of twists and turns that makes your head spin.
There are parts that are really scary. A perfect medical suspense book. Anyone who liked books by Michael Palmer, or Robin Cook in his good days, will undoubtedly enjoy this book.
I gave the book 5 stars, but in my private lists it is 6 stars.
February 3, 2023
I've been getting through books slowly since the beginning of the year....until now! Wow! What an absolute gripping read. As usual John Benedict has created another superb and well written addictive medical thriller. It's amazingly tense with the feeling of frustration, anguish and fear rippling through the pages until the very end. Excellently crafted characters and a chilling storyline. It had me turning the pages well into the early hours. Top notch story telling and an easy 5*.
October 19, 2023
He starts this book like Clancy, five chapters of different characters and you are trying to figure out how it all fits together. How can they plan an organ harvest without the consent of the wife? PA law?? Thenw(arts the rush, as long as he’s alive the other organs are working. Anyway it was a I couldn’t put it down book, fabulous. Only glaring error was how they found Luke at the airport. Great job 5. Oct/23
March 14, 2023
A heart pounding story
A beautiful and well written story. I was at the edge of my seat with my heart pounding. I had to take a minute, take a walk before I continued reading. I fell they were going to operate on Luke for his organs. What had me laughing out was when he said I am not dead. Well done..
Well written. Great
A beautiful and well written story. I was at the edge of my seat with my heart pounding. I had to take a minute, take a walk before I continued reading. I fell they were going to operate on Luke for his organs. What had me laughing out was when he said I am not dead. Well done..
Well written. Great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews