Trauma

A Novel

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.

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!

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

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

Excellent

Great story line, I couldn't put it down. Love, Love, Loved this heart pounding read. Thank You.

Good Read!

If you enjoy medical thrillers/mysteries, this is a good book. Better plot and characters than the past few Michael Palmer books I have read. Back on track! Keep up the good work and thank you. Looking forward to future books.

Xe Sands is an excellent reader as well.

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!

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.

Suspenseful!! Loved it!!

Highly recommend!!This audio detailed graphically what PTSD our Veterans go through. Also gives some hope for potential treatment. This audiobook definitely engages the listener .

Very intrigging mystery

I was looking for a good mystery read by Xe Sans. I found a familiar reviewer recommending this one and she was absolutely correct. I loved the mystery, finished it in 1 and a half days. This was my first of Daniel Palmer books and I will definitely look for more. He is amazing.

But above all, Xe Sans is absolutely superb in her performance. So natural, no drama! I even cried in the emotional parts of the book. It was a very satisfying listen.