The Fifth Vial

By: Michael Palmer

Narrated by: J. Charles

Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Get drawn into a novel of medical suspense that begins with these chilling questions: Who ends up with the blood samples you routinely give for tests? What else are they being used for? Why don't you know?

From Boston, a disgraced medical student travels to South America to deliver a research paper that could save her career and becomes a victim of an unspeakable crime....Thousands of miles away, a brilliant, reclusive scientist, dying from an incurable disease that threatens to make each tortured breath his last, is on the verge of perfecting a serum that could save millions of lives, and bring others inestimable wealth....In Chicago, a disillusioned private detective, on the way to his third career, is hired to determine the identity of a John Doe, killed on a Florida highway, with mysterious marks on his body.

Three seemingly disconnected lives, surging unrelentingly toward one another. Three lives becoming irrevocably intertwined. Three lives in mounting peril, moving ever closer to the ultimate confrontation against a deadly secret society with godlike aspirations and roots in antiquity.

Medical student. Scientist. Private eye. Three people who will learn the deeper meanings of brilliance and madness, truth and deception, trust and betrayal.

Three lives linked forever by a single vial of blood: the fifth vial.

©2007 Michael Palmer (P)2007 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"A terrifying vision of the Hippocratic oath gone very wrong." ( Entertainment Weekly)
"Palmer taps a real medical issue for storytelling thrills." ( Boston magazine)
"A tale set at the very edge of our medical knowledge. I loved it!" (Tess Gerritsen)

Palmer at his best .........I guess

I've read everything that Palmer has written, and this book is very much like his others ...however....some of the characters that could have used some development. But the book ended way-way too soon. It could have used another 200 pages. Interesting topic. Excellent plot and the book flies... so be ready. It's non-stop.

one wild ride! Hang onto your seats!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

great narrator, thriller plot

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Fifth Vial?

Natalie's lifesaving receipt of a healthy lung at story's end

Have you listened to any of J. Charles’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no I haven't but I will definitely do so now!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

when Natalie almost lost her niece in the fire

Any additional comments?

if you're looking for a story which has many twists and turns, and lots of surprises, get The Fifth Vial! It took me awhile to like the private detective in the book; he didn't seem too inteligent! But by the time the story ended, he had my respect. J Charles was a new narrator to me, and I wasn't sure how he sounded. But, he was great! Get The Fifth Vial by Michael Palmer, you will not be sorry!

The Fifth Vial Review

What a great read (listen) The Fifth Vial by Michael Palmer was! I didn't want to stop until it was over and when it did end it left me wanting more! It is a great book and I think one of the best I have read (listened to) in quite awhile. Enjoy!

An enigmatic, believable novel.

This book has held my attention and has kept me on the edge of my seat. Magnificent writing, plot, narration!

Good listen

A little predicable in parts but overall an enjoyable listen

When is the next one coming out?

Palmer is one of my favorite authors and I love all his books...but he just gets better and better with every book he writes...more twists and turns than the best roller coaster.

I really enjoyed this audio book

Although the reviews were not so great, I was not a bit disappointed. Palmer is one of my favorite authors.

An excellent book that will keep you guessing

What made the experience of listening to The Fifth Vial the most enjoyable?

Michael Palmer delivers in this book with his style and knowledge of writing. The plot is enjoyable and never dull. I could not stop listening until the book was completed.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The private investigator, who I could feel my self relating to with his pasts. Plus the drive and ambition the character had in the book

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The content was shocking, but then again also very believable of a story that could actually happen.

Thrilling! Exciting!

Keep you on the edge of your seat mystery that spans the globe! I highly recommend you read/listen to this and tell a friend. You’re going to want to discuss it afterwards.

What an action pack book

This does have a surprise ending. Lot’s of twists & turns. I guess that is why I love his books so much he reveals how money can become so powerful a motivator in the medical field.