Trauma

By: Michael Palmer, Daniel Palmer

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

Dr. Carrie Bryant's four years as a neurosurgical resident at White Memorial Hospital have earned her the respect and admiration from peers and staff alike. When given the chance of performing her first unsupervised brain surgery, Carrie jumps at the opportunity. What should have been a routine, hours-long operation turns horribly wrong and jeopardizes her patient's life. Emotionally and physically drained, Carrie is rushed back to the OR to assist in a second surgery. There, she makes a careless and tragic mental error resulting in irreparable brain damage to her second patient. With her confidence shattered, Carrie quits her residency and moves back home, where her younger brother, Adam, a combat vet suffering from debilitating PTSD, also lives. When Carrie learns about an experimental program at the VA Medical Center exploring the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) that could forever cure the emotional and memory trauma of PTSD, it seems like a way back into medicine. Carrie is apprehensive, but a chance meeting with David Hoffman, a reporter for the Lowell Observer writing a story on PTSD, helps her overcome any hesitation. Her first surgery appears to be a success until her patient mysteriously vanishes. When a second patient also goes missing, Carrie employees the investigative skills of David, and together they descend into a labyrinth of murder and corruption. And the price Carrie might pay for asking the wrong questions could be her life.

©2015 Michael Palmer (P)2015 Macmillan Audio

The best Michael Palmer ever

Absolutely gripping medical thriller. Surprises around every corner. Seamless transition from Michael to Daniel Palmer sections. Narrator was great if a little fast in the beginning.
Possibly the best Michael/Daniel Palmer books.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Michael lives on

Any additional comments?

I don't know how much of this book was Michael(the king of medical thrillers) or how much was his son Daniel , but loved it evey bit as much as the other Michael Palmer books. Fast pace , interesting topic, good main character. I enjoyed listening to the interview with Daniel at the end too.
great narration too by Xe Sands

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

Loved it -- GREAT narrator!

Let's be honest -- I bought the book because of the name MICHAEL Palmer. I've read and loved several of his books over the years, and felt like reading a medical thriller again. But I'll tell you what -- this book by his son, in his late father's stead, was every bit as good as the Michael Palmer books. Especially interesting was the look into the Veteran's Administration system -- and yes, of course, it's fiction, and presumably nothing this horrific ever actually occurred (although quite frankly, from some of the stories, I wouldn't be surprised) but still, a glimpse into how the hospitals function, staffed and how they serve their patients was interesting -- and very timely. As was the theme of PTSD among our returning soldiers. Great topic -- a believable protagonist, excellent dialogue -- good book!

And a really great narrator -- maybe becoming one of my favorites, come to think of it. Xe Sands is perfect -- such a pleasant, clear voice, and she reads the book with just the right amount of inflection, reasonably differentiation among characters, and exactly the right pace. No overwrought theatrics, no dramatic pauses, no mispronunciations that I caught -- although as she effortlessly zipped through medical terms I'd never heard before, I can't vouch for that. But I will now be watching for books she narrates -- she's just first rate!

There's an author interview at the end that's good, too. I don't believe I've read any of the books that Daniel Palmer has written as himself, so to speak. I'm going to look for them -- clearly, the kid can write.

All in all, a great audio book experience!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Finished but Boring

This was a struggle to finish. Halfway through the book I was still questioning what was it all about. PTSD is the catalyst, the bright young doctor is the protagonist and the antagonist is not clear until the story's climax. Michael Palmer passed away before finishing this book and as much as I admire his son's dedication to complete his father's work I cannot admire the finished product. The medical side was boring, some important characters were underdeveloped and the vets were one dimensional.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Medical thriller

What did you like best about this story?

There's a suspense in every chapter

Which character – as performed by Xe Sands – was your favorite?

All the characters are portrayed well

Any additional comments?

A suspense novel from beginning to end

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Trauma

Audiobook narrated by Xe Sands, approximately eleven hours of listening, released in 2015 by Macmillan Audio. Trauma is marketed as being written by Michael and Daniel Palmer. Daniel Palmer is Michael’s son and Michael has been dead since 2013; this book was written by Daniel Palmer. Personally, I object to Daniel using his father’s name for promotional purposes. Daniel is talented enough to pursue writing on his own without the use of a familial crutch and should take a page from the playbook of Joe Hill. Joe Hill, author of such terrific stories as Nos4a2, is the son of Stephen King. Message to Daniel Palmer: Stop using Pop’s name to sell your books, not fair to his memory, not fair to your own talent.

That said … Trauma is a medical mystery/thriller and is the story of Carrie Bryant, a neurology resident, who makes a horrendous error in the process of prepping a gentleman for brain surgery. She flips, reverses, an X-Ray, resulting in brain surgery being performed on the wrong side of the brain. Big oops, huh. Hard to believe this sort of stuff actually happens, but it does. Carrie's mistake results in her resignation and a complete lack of confidence moving forward with her medical career. In a short time, through a friend of her father, she is recruited as a neurosurgeon to participate in a new method of treating PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) at a VA Hospital. Problem is the patients keep disappearing. Thus is the thrust of Trauma.

Why I liked? A decent mystery, I’m an easy touch for a good who-done-it … and, in Trauma, we’re not sure who the bad-guy is until the end - I didn’t guess - which is always fun. Narration is fine, Xe Sands does a credible job. Pacing/tempo is good, male/female voices good, basic production good, no trouble with who-is-talking-to-who.

Not so hot? Credibility with regard to the PTSD surgery experiment. Stretch your imagination a bit to swallow the possibilities suggested. The end results is certainly realistic. No spoilers.

Overall, a good story, well read. Enjoy!

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

If you like character development you'll love "Trauma!

Loved the story and the characters I live a book that I don't want to end. I am hoping to hear that there will be more adventures ahead for Kari!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Just middle of the road

It must be really difficult to finish a book your father started...even if you are an author in your own right.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

An awesome book!

I looked forward to this book & it was great. I have loved all of Michael Palmer's books, I was saddened to hear of his passing and moving to heaven. I have lost dear family members & I know how difficult it is, missing them so much. Daniel has kept in touch with his Dad's readers & we appreciate that so much. When Daniel told us he was finishing his Dad's last book, I was thrilled. Daniel did a wonderful job writing with his Dad. I know Michael is so proud of his son for the great story "Trauma" is. I cried at the end, so I really connected with the characters. I'm glad that Daniel & Matthew Palmer are continuing to write & carry on their Dad's legacy. I know he loves you & is proud of his 3 sons. Daniel, thank you for the gift of "Trauma".

5 of 7 people found this review helpful

Exciting

Found the technical descriptions of procedures very interesting, and the knowledge and skill needed by neurosurgeons takes long years of preparation. For the protagonist to "give up" her career is heartbreaking. The
Bureaucracy within hospitals is dense, not always making decisions that are popular.

The narration was very good.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful