cover image Terminal Condition

Terminal Condition

David Shobin. St. Martin's Press, $6.99 (345pp) ISBN 978-0-312-96622-5

Curious things are happening at New York's Metropolitan Hospital Center: fat mice are learning to run the equipment and dubious research is being conducted on brain trauma patients. As the hospital death rate rises, Todd Langford, M.D., and pretty med student Jordan Parker-Ross--a patient being treated for a head injury--begin to investigate. Jordan proves particularly helpful when she mysteriously gains the ability to sense when people are lying. The duo soon discovers a Mob link through patient Salvatore Aiello, as Dr. Langford races to restore his rapidly deteriorating mind. While Shobin (The Center) creates believable atmosphere, readers may find that his medical jargon hinders the pace of his thriller. (Nov.)