2 stars
Publication date December 3, 2024

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for sending this eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I really wanted to love this book, as I have read many Robin Cook novels in the past, and loved them. This one just didn't do it for me. I did not like the paranormal aspect, and I felt like I was left with too many unanswered questions. The dialogue between characters seemed strange to me, as well as some of their reactions (or non-reactions) to things going on around them.

Thanks to NetGallery for this ARC. Unfortunately it was a dud. The story had promise, but fell flat.

First, the jargon. Sure, I expect medical jargon in a Robin Cook novel. However, the HUGE amount of architectural jargon and what my dad would call "50 cent words" was unwarranted, out of place, and way over done. Yes, give us some nice description so we can grasp the majesty and creepiness of the building. But don't beat us over the head with it! Nobody reading a medical/supernatural thriller wants paragraph upon paragraph of architecture words that mean nothing to them and make their eyes glaze over in the middle of what should be a riveting scene.

Second, the characters. Twenty-somethings, whether they are doctors or not, do not talk like that. They do not say "My word" and "Good gracious". His characters talk like 70 year olds. Or maybe young adults from the 50's. I spend a lot of time with that age bracket and the author clearly needs to at least have a couple conversations with a modern twenty-something.

Third, story. The story has so much great potential. Being a reader of both medical thrillers and supernatural ones I was excited for this combo from a well-respected author. The first half of the story is pretty good...giving you backstory, strange happens, and drawing you in. A little over halfway through the book it goes downhill. The main character, Mitt, starts making absolutely nonsensical choices and even his explained thinking process makes you say "what?". And then it abruptly ends. Not even in an good unexplained mystery type of way which is often done in supernatural books, but instead feels very abrupt and jarring like the author hit a word count and was like, okay here's the ending!

All in all, I don't recommend even if you are a fan of Robin Cook. I did receive this early reading copy in exchange for a review and as you can see, I do not shill 4-5 star reviews in hopes of getting more books. I give my honest opinion, whatever it is.

A Note of Gratitude to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the Advance Copy of Robin Cook's Latest Medical Thriller

As a long-time fan of Robin Cook’s medical novels, I was thrilled to have an opportunity to read an advanced copy. With a rich history of weaving intricate stories blending medicine and suspense, Cook has established himself as a titan in the genre. Therefore, when I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam, my excitement was palpable. However, my experience with this book was unfortunately marred by disappointment.
**The Plot and Characters: A Missed Opportunity**
The story revolves around Mit Fuller, a fresh-faced medical resident embarking on his first day at Bellevue Hospital, a renowned institution steeped in medical history. The narrative promises intrigue; however, it falls short when it comes to character development and meaningful storytelling. Mit is depicted as an uncertain young doctor from a family of medical legends, yet he lacks the depth that would allow readers to connect with him and care about his journey.
While Cook’s expertise in the medical field is evident throughout the book, the plot feels more like a series of medical facts strung together rather than a cohesive narrative. The characters are introduced with minimal backstory or growth, leaving readers feeling detached. The absence of character building is particularly glaring with Mit, who, despite his intriguing mental abilities—like reading thoughts and predicting outcomes—does not evolve throughout the story. This disconnect ultimately hampers the reader’s investment in the outcome of his experiences.
**Spooky Elements and Unresolved Tension**
As the plot unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Mit is grappling with more than just the challenges of residency. He encounters ghostly apparitions, including a haunting little girl in a bloody dress, which adds a layer of supernatural intrigue. However, rather than enriching the plot, these elements feel disjointed and unresolved. The book offers tantalizing threads of horror and mystery, yet they are left hanging, with little resolution to the questions they raise.
Moreover, the exploration of Bellevue’s dark history—particularly the controversial practices of Mit’s ancestors in psychiatric care—has great potential to serve as a powerful backdrop. Unfortunately, this rich history is not fleshed out enough to create a compelling narrative arc. The story touches upon the harrowing legacy of lobotomies and the ethical implications of past medical practices but fails to delve deeply into these themes, leaving the reader wanting more.
**The Ending: A Disheartening Conclusion**
Perhaps the most disconcerting aspect of the book is its ending. Without offering any substantial resolution or character growth, the conclusion feels abrupt and unsatisfying. It leaves readers more bewildered than fulfilled, raising questions that remain unanswered. The culmination of Mit's journey, which could have been a profound reflection on the medical profession's moral complexities, instead falls flat, leaving a bitter aftertaste.
**Final Thoughts**
In summary, while I was excited to explore the latest offering from Robin Cook, the book did not meet my expectations. The intertwining of medical knowledge with a supernatural storyline held great promise, but ultimately, the lack of character development and coherent storytelling left me feeling unfulfilled. I extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for providing me with an advance copy; I look forward to hearing other readers' perspectives on this book upon its release. I remain hopeful that Cook's next novel will return to the captivating blend of suspense and depth that he is known for, rekindling my enthusiasm for his work.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I was thrilled to get approved for this book. I love the author and I was excited to read a book set at a historic hospital that really was in operation.
I enjoyed the book, definitely some surprises and what in the world is going on moments. Fascinating look into the history of practicing medicine as well.
The only thing I didn’t love was the ending. I can’t decide if it was just right or if it just dropped off.
Other than that I really liked it.

Mitt Fuller is doing his surgical residency at Bellevue, where generations of his ancestors have also practiced. During his first couple of days he experiences weird sensations, smells, apparitions and learns some very difficult truths about his predecessors. Mitt begins to wonder if he should continue on at Bellevue or look for another residency program.

I enjoyed this Robin Cook thriller. The plot was interesting and moved along at a comfortable pace. The ending, however, felt a little rushed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/G.P. Putnam's sons for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for this ARC!

I am a longtime Robin Cook fan so I was definitely excited for this read. I love medical thrillers but I feel like this one was more medical and less thrill. This is not to say that the content wasn’t good or that I didn’t enjoy, it just wasn’t what I expected.

Still a good read!

Mitt Fuller is starting his residency at Bellevue Hospital, a hospital his family has a long history with. Matt is a promising physician, but he starts having what he thinks are hallucinations. This book was definitely a page turner.it had a bit of an occult feel to it which I don’t normally like, but in this book I didn’t mind it. The ending was rather startling. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

I just wasn’t a huge fan of the book. It kind of just dragged on and on and on. I felt like there was so much unneeded information. I did want to find out what happens next with the main character but was super unhappy with the ending. I honestly wish the main character was actually nuts and was admitted to the hospital but thought he was an actual doctor at the hospital. I would have given another star for that ending.

Rating: 5 stars ~ Genre: Medical Thriller ~ Pages: Unknown at time of review ~ Publish Date: 3 Dec 2024

Everyone knows what Bellevue represents. Medical. Hospital. Mental Institution. And just a tad of fear. What we have heard or read or perhaps seen in a movie. But what do we really know about Bellevue? That it is in New York City–actually Manhattan. But did you know it is the oldest public hospital in the United States and began in 1736?

“Bellevue” by Robin Cook starts in 1949 with the Fuller family. Multiple Fullers were doctors at Bellevue going back four generations and Clarence wanted the position of director of the Psychiatric Division. And lobotomies were his way of making that happen. A relatively new procedure (first performed in 1936 but NOT at Bellevue) Clarence believed lobotomized patients would return home, docile rather than combative.

The “doctors” were revered by the Fuller family almost seeming larger than life.

The story moves between 1949 and 2005 when a new Fuller, Dr. Mitt Fuller begins a surgical residency at Bellevue. One of the first things we learn about Mitt is that he has a skill no one, not even his parents, knows about — a precognitive ability, a sixth sense that sometimes allows him to know what people are thinking. Quite handy when trying to please his parents. And the staff of Bellevue also knew of his Fuller history.

Thus begins the meat of the story. While this is a medical thriller, it is also a paranormal thriller. Do you believe in ghosts? You may after reading “Bellevue”. As the family genealogist, I know that what the family sometimes “thinks” about an ancestor or lineage doesn’t always match the facts. And Mitt will learn that as well. But it’s HOW he discovers certain truths. Along with what he sees that others do not. And then there are his first patients — the ones that should come through surgery fine …

And there I stop. “Bellevue” pulls you into the story and doesn’t let go. Since I like medical stories, I immediately wanted to read this latest novel by Robin Cook. When I read the work Lobotomy, I recalled the sadness of learning about President John F. Kennedy’s sister, Rosemary, who was lobotomized at age 23 in 1941. It’s important to remember that at the time, a lobotomy was a recommended treatment. “Bellevue” wasn’t necessarily an easy story to read but it was fascinating.

In the Bibliography, Cook relates that he was a sub-intern at Bellevue in the early 1960s. Perhaps that’s why the description of the original building and the arch that Mitt used were so vivid. I highly recommend this medical (paranormal) thriller.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Bellevue” via NetGalley from the publisher, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam’s Sons. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Cover: Striking and a bit spooky.
Pages: Unknown at the time of review
Publish Date: 3 December 2024
#Bellevue #NetGalley #RobinCook

My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an advance copy of the latest book by a man who has made a career of telling stories of medicine gone wrong, though this time the problems with people's health might not be from the material world.

My Mom and my aunt were both nurses way back in the distant path. Being smart and gifted both of them were part of an accelerated program that mixed classroom teaching with real world training. They first started in Bellevue Memorial which though it was a hospital with one of the best intensive care programs, was synonymous with the place where the crazy people of New York City were brought. My mom soon moved to maternity in a hospital in the Bronx, but my aunt stayed at Bellevue working between the psychiatric hospital and the main hospital. This all took place in the sixties, when things were changing for women, health, and in understanding of mental issues. My aunt saw a lot of stuff there, and has a lot of odd stories to tell. I can't think of a better place to set a story about medicine and things that science can't or should not deal with. Bellevue by the master of medical horror Robin Cook is a a story about family, medicine, the crimes of the past, and trying to make amends, even for things long ago.

Michael “Mitt” Fuller has always had an ability to see things that shouldn't be there. To find answers to questions never asked, and to see things wrong that even the most expensive pieces of equipment miss. This skill Fuller hopes will help him as he starts his surgical residency in Bellevue Hospital, a place that many generations of Fuller doctors have practiced, with great acclaim. Things start going bad though as Fuller starts to lose patients, patients all dying for different yet mysterious reasons. Also, Fuller is starting to be haunted by visions, strange things that lead him to think that maybe the pressure is too much for him, that maybe he is the Fuller that is not quite ready to be a doctor. These visions lead him to the old Bellevue building, where he finds that his visions might be a portent of something far worse.

My mom is the one that started me on Robin Cook, passing on a copy of the book Coma, that even after all these years still stays with me. Cook has a way of describing the simplest procedure and writing it in a way that it makes sense, one understands why it is necessary, and yet can fill a person with dread about it every happening to them. There is a bit more supernatural in this book, which might bother some, but I thought added an interesting little mix to the story. The story starts quickly and moves along well, though there are some slight hiccups in deduction. These are minor quibbles. The story is tense, spooky and makes on worry about that physical that one has planned.

Just wow. Robin Cook delivers again. As we get into the routine of Mitt Fuller's residency at Bellevue Hospital, we can appreciate the difficulties doing a first year residency bring. But then he starts seeing things. Are they ghosts? Hallucinations? The ending was a real twist I didn't anticipate. I thought I knew where the story was going, and then BAM! Completely the other way. You will enjoy this book.

Thank you to Robin Cook, the publisher and Netgalley for making this e-book available to me.

Where to start...I've read books by Robin Cook in the past so I expected scary vibes. The scary vibes were there. But truthfully, I found some bits boring, some bits annoying and the ending overly abrupt. (It struck me as more appropriate for a short story or perhaps a novella...) I was interested in the descriptions of the "old Bellevue" as I am a native NYer and am familiar with the institution's backstory to some extent as I love NY history.

Essentially, I found this book disappointing. The dialog seemed stiff, there was a lot of "telling" rather than "showing," the main character was often pedantic in his inner dialog--I didn't really feel as that I knew him any better near the end of the book than when he was first introduced. Also, certain descriptive phrases were used far too many times. I've given Bellevue 3 stars but would give it 2.5 stars if it were possible.

Very Monotone and singular read. For the medical nerds in the house; I'm one of them, you are going to love the intellectual angle of this. Still it just didn't hit the mark, and it had so much potential to do so. I wish we learned more about the other ancestors in the main character's story; only the surface was scratched.

Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for this ARC! Beyond humbled

Solid 2.5 STARS!!
Bellevue out Dec 3rd 2024

Dr Michael “Mitt” Fuller is looking forward to starting work as a New York University (NYU) 1rst year surgical resident at Bellevue Hospital. Part of his excitement comes as 4 of his ancestors had previously worked at this renowned institution. As his first day progresses, Mitt starts noticing things happening he can’t explain. Surgeries that should be straight forward have unexpected complications. He experiences what he thinks are hallucinations and periodic horrible odors in the halls of the hospital. He then learns that his ancestors might not have been the outstanding physicians he had been led to believe by his family.
I won’t say more as I don’t want to give away any of the twists you will encounter.

I found this to be a spellbinding thriller that I couldn’t put down. At times I wanted to scream “No, don’t do that” as I was reading. As a retired nurse who worked in a teaching hospital, so many of the scenes were familiar. This is a suspenseful, heart pounding read.I highly recommend.

Thank you to Net Galley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Set at the well-known Bellevue hospital in NYC, Mitt is a first year surgical resident with some "abilities" he's not quite sure what to do with (or even sure they're real). When his first week on the job consists of the deaths of the majority of his patients, even though things seemed okay at the start, he begins to worry it's his fault somehow (even when his friend and coworker assures him it's impossible). His generational ties to the hospital have long been a point of pride for him and his family, but he's starting to wonder if something else is lurking beneath the surface, and if the closed up Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital has anything to do with it.

I was going into this hoping for a bit more of a dive into the family history aspect hinted at in the book's official blurb, as well as the history of the psychiatric hospital, but was left a bit hanging there, and also felt the ending of the book came quite abruptly after a long and slow buildup. Additionally, character dialogue seemed stilted and not quite how people actually talk, which took me out of the book at times, but I stuck with it hoping to get more into the mystery/history aspect. I'm sure some readers more familiar with medical thrillers will enjoy this book, but it wasn't quite my cup of tea after all.

Robin Cook is known for writing fast-paced medical thrillers with interesting storylines that grab your attention immediately and keep you interested all the way through.

Bellevue follows that standard but wraps paranormal and supernatural activities into the story as well. While it was interesting, I didn't enjoy it as much as his other books. This is definitely a personal preference, and those enjoying the paranormal/supernatural genres will love it.

My thanks to G.P.Putnam's Sons for allowing me to read a DRC of the novel via NetGalley. It will be published 12/3/24. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

This book was quite unique, featuring aspects of the paranormal alongside a medical mystery. At times, there was an excess of medical terminology, but I realize Cook is known for such detailed accuracy. I’m not someone who particularly enjoys any supernatural elements, so this book never would have been my ideal choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN Group Putnam for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.

From the medical murder mystery award winning author, Dr. Robin Cook comes a very engaging and suspenseful thriller. Unlike many of his books, we are treated to a The world build was well described with inricate details of both the old Bellevue hospital building that calls to Mitt, our main character, (who is vividly portrayed) and the current new Bellevue facility where he is to do his first year residency. I enjoyed reading this page-turner. As a reader, I love the details in order to picture the story in my mind. This book does not disappoint in either genre and is very chilling. I highly recommend this book to all medical murder mystery and paranormal fans. Check out the blurb. Dr. Cook I am a fan now and forever.Robin Cook
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedEasy-to-readEntertainingGreat world buildingOriginalPage-turnerTwistedUnpredictableWonderful characters

I have been a fan of Robin Cook for many years but it's been a long time since I've picked up one of his books. Bellevue has his trademarked great writing style and descriptions, it is extremely atmospheric and has a very creepy feel. It went off the rails a bit towards the middle in a way that some readers will love and some will hate. (I wasn't much of a fan). I loved learning about Bellevue though, I hadn't even realized that it was a real place until I finished the book. A lot of great historical details are sprinkled throughout the book. A fun story but a bit far fetched.

I’ve read a couple books by Cook in the past and loved them, so I was super excited to read this one. Unfortunately, this wasn’t what I was hoping for. Chapter one was gruesome but interesting while also having innumerable details about things that had no bearing on the story. Once we reached present day, the foreshadowing was heavy handed. Mick’s “sixth sense” and his mind reading abilities (but only when they lock eyes) were described in great detail, only for Mick to feel the same sensations (that were described previously) multiple times before he thought all about them minutes later while talking with his friend. There was so much repetition throughout the story; thoughts were thought then discussed, events happened and then had to be recounted to multiple people in multiple different conversations. The dialogue felt stilted and unreal, like the characters were caricatures of people.
While I love the concept, I feel like the author was trying too hard to sell the paranormal aspects of the story and didn’t spend enough attention on making the non-paranormal pieces work.


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.