The medical thriller premise had a lot of promise but somehow the pacing and prose disappointed. The twist was not satisfying but was unexpected indeed. The main character was supremely narcissistic and the reason why he thinks so highly of himself or is arrogant isn’t clear till halfway through the story. Editing could have been way better. If the writer spends more time polishing the prose and gets a better editor, the plot has a lot of potential.

If I could give this zero stars I would I couldn’t even make it past the first 50 pages. Definitely not the book for me.

Doctor Lucifer has a high-concept premise—hackers manipulating medical records to cause chaos in hospitals—but unfortunately, it falls short of living up to its potential. Dr. Mark Lin, the disillusioned internist, becomes the target of a hacker who’s hell-bent on ruining lives through digital manipulation. The idea of a medical cyber-thriller is intriguing, but the execution leaves much to be desired.

The pacing is uneven, and the stakes, while high, don’t fully translate into the gripping, edge-of-your-seat moments you’d expect. The plot feels formulaic, and the characters, particularly Mark, lack depth. He spends most of the book scrambling to fix problems caused by the hacker, yet his emotional journey never fully resonates. The villain, Doctor Lucifer, is more of a shadowy figure than a truly menacing threat, and his motivations never feel fully fleshed out.

Ultimately, Doctor Lucifer feels like it could have been a compelling tech-based thriller, but instead, it’s bogged down by predictable turns and a lack of real character development. It’s a missed opportunity to explore the darker side of healthcare and technology.

Doctor Lucifer by Anthony Lee is a gripping medical thriller that blends cybercrime with high-stakes hospital drama. Dr. Mark Lin, a skilled but jaded internist, faces a relentless hacker who manipulates digital medical records to endanger his patients’ lives. As Lin races against time to prevent further disasters, he must also contend with personal and professional obstacles, including a vengeful widow and a pompous surgeon. Fast-paced and filled with tension, this novel is a compelling exploration of the vulnerabilities in our increasingly digital world. Fans of suspenseful, tech-driven mysteries will find much to enjoy in Doctor Lucifer.

I received a free copy from NetGalley. Medical mistakes due to a hacker. Sounds good, but could use a better editor as it read very much like the debut novel it was.

A crazy plot where hackers threaten a hospital, but They aren’t looking for your credit card number. A brutal plot where hackers aim is to fudge records and ultimately get patients killed. All hell breaks lose when multiple patients are harmed, fights break out, and the doctor is attacked. An action-packed, dark and gritty thriller.

Doctor Lucifer is a chilling and thought-provoking psychological thriller that will appeal to fans of dark, atmospheric fiction. Anthony Lee’s ability to craft a complex, morally ambiguous protagonist in Dr. Lucius Wolfe is the heart of the book, and the layers of suspense, mystery, and psychological intrigue make it a compelling read from start to finish. The book’s exploration of evil, power, and redemption will leave readers questioning the nature of humanity long after they’ve finished the story.
While the pacing may lag slightly in the middle, the strong character development, eerie atmosphere, and shocking twists make Doctor Lucifer a standout in the thriller genre. If you're looking for a dark, atmospheric read with moral depth and psychological complexity, Doctor Lucifer is well worth the journey.


Strengths of the Book
1. Engaging Psychological Depth: One of the most striking elements of Doctor Lucifer is its psychological complexity. Dr. Wolfe is a deeply flawed character, and Lee does an excellent job of exploring the layers of his psyche. He is both brilliant and terrifying, and the novel slowly peels back the layers of his personality, revealing a character who is far more than just a villain. The book raises intriguing questions about the nature of evil, the fine line between genius and madness, and what it means to truly be human.

Alice, the journalist, is also a well-rounded character whose investigation adds an element of suspense and tension to the story. Her personal journey is as important as the external mystery, and her emotional growth adds depth to the narrative.

2. Atmospheric and Creepy: Lee does an exceptional job of creating an atmosphere that is both unsettling and immersive. The hospital setting, with its sterile corridors and dark secrets, serves as a perfect backdrop for the story’s sinister events. The pacing of the narrative builds tension gradually, with the sense of dread becoming more palpable as the story unfolds. The eerie tone of the book draws readers in, making them feel as if they’re caught in the midst of a twisted, psychological game.

3. Thought-Provoking Themes: The novel doesn’t just rely on suspense; it also tackles deeper moral and philosophical questions. What happens when a person with immense power loses their sense of morality? Can someone who has committed horrific acts ever be redeemed? Dr. Wolfe's experiments and his disregard for human life invite the reader to question the ethics of medical practice, as well as the dangers of unchecked ambition and the desire for control.

4. Well-Constructed Twists: Doctor Lucifer is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The plot is rich with suspense, and Lee doesn’t shy away from subverting expectations. Each revelation about Dr. Wolfe’s past and the true nature of his actions is carefully timed, ensuring that the tension never lets up. The final twists are both satisfying and haunting, leaving a lasting impact long after the last page is turned.

This is a unique medical thriller comparable to the works of Robin Cook and Tess Gerritsen, two authors that I enjoy. Author Anthony Lee's debut novel is, I believe, the beginning of a series. This is one of my favorite genres, I found the story quite interesting throughout and look forward to the next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to Net Galley for an ARC copy of this text.

What would your worst day look like? For Dr. Mark Lin, that day looks like patient after patient having medical complications. Not a huge deal, considering he works in the ER, but what if those complications were due to human error NOT an actual problem? Now, what if the errors were not errors but intentional. It is up to Dr. Lin to find out why somebody would cause these potentially fatal changes to their information, while still attempting to keep his routine as normal as possible.

Overall, this book was OK. It was a little long for what it was.

I count get into it, it was so hard, maybe am not interested into medical stuff, the title is what got me, I thought was going to be scary but no, not to me but it was really hard to fully get my attention and I did really try.

Dr. Lin is an Internal Medicine Specialist at a large hospital. One morning while making rounds, he is suddenly dealing with three patients in a row with serious emergencies that require immediate attention. After things calm down, one patient is dead and another in ICU. When Dr. Lin goes and checks the patient’s charts, the orders he put in previously have been changed and caused the horrible outcomes.
Dr. Lin is afraid he will be fired. He finds out that there’s a computer problem worldwide called the Lucifer Worm. Is that what has caused the problems with his patients’ health? Will the higher ups believe him?
Unfortunately, cyber hacking has become all too common. This story does seem plausible in some ways, though the message the doctor receives early on is on the paranormal side.
I worked in a hospital lab in my first career and my sister and daughter are nurses. The hospital jargon and setting is very realistic.
If you are looking for a creepy and compelling book, Dr. Lucifer is perfect for you.0

I really wanted to love this book based on the synopsis, but it fell flat for me. The story was unique, but a lot of the medical stuff wasn't for me. I was interested in the plot enough to finish the book.

“Doctor Lucifer” by Anthony Lee is a gripping thriller that brilliantly merges medical drama with cybercrime suspense. Dr. Mark Lin’s battle against a hacker tampering with patient records is intense, and the stakes feel all too real in today’s tech-reliant world. While some of the medical jargon slowed the pace a bit, the unique premise and relentless tension kept me hooked. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves medical thrillers with a modern twist!

A medical thriller that had me screaming in my seat! When Dr. Mark Lin finds himself and his patients a victim of medical hacking, you would think that him or the hospital may want to take an extended medical leave to put all the pieces together. Not Ivory Memorial or Dr. Mark Lin! While there were definitely aspects of this storyline that drove me crazy, overall, it was a thrilling and quick read.

Anthony Lee's debut novel, Doctor Lucifer is a well-written book that combines cybercrime with medical drama. I love how the story is not out of the realm of possibility in today's treacherous online environment. Experienced internist Dr. Mark Lin confronts a hacker who is messing with medical data for lethal purposes. Three patients at Ivory Memorial Hospital suffer from prescription mistakes because of the computer hack. Mark fights the hacker's attempts while trying to defend his patients wile protecting his reputation. The story is a good read mostly because it actually could happen but also due to the fast pace and well-defined characters. A relevant and solid read. Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author.

I loved how the medical aspect was woven into the plot—it adds an intriguing layer, and the terminology is accessible for readers without a medical background, making it easy to follow.

That said, the book does fall a bit flat in places. Much of the story is driven by dialogue, which, unfortunately, didn’t leave enough room for deeper character development. The conversations often felt repetitive, and I found myself wanting more complexity and emotional depth from the characters. While the premise is gripping, the overall execution could have been more dynamic to match the intensity of the plot.
Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“Doctor Lucifer” by Anthony Lee is a gripping medical thriller that delves into the dark intersections of healthcare and cybersecurity. This debut novel introduces readers to Dr. Mark Lin, a skilled but disillusioned internist at Ivory Memorial Hospital in Southern California. The story kicks off with a series of mysterious medication errors that put patients’ lives at risk, all seemingly orchestrated by a nefarious hacker known only as Doctor Lucifer.

The plot is a rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue. As Dr. Lin races against time to uncover the hacker’s identity and clear his name, readers are taken on a journey through the high-stakes world of modern medicine. The tension is palpable, with each chapter revealing new twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Lee masterfully blends medical knowledge with the thrill of a mystery, making the narrative both educational and entertaining.

Dr. Mark Lin is a complex protagonist, grappling with personal demons and professional challenges. His journey from cynicism to determination is compelling, and readers will find themselves rooting for him despite his flaws. The supporting characters, including hospital staff and patients, are well-drawn and add depth to the story.

The writing is crisp and engaging. Lee’s background in the medical field is evident in the detailed and accurate descriptions of hospital procedures and the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals. The dialogue is sharp, and the pacing is brisk, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.

“Doctor Lucifer” explores timely themes such as the vulnerabilities of healthcare systems to cyber attacks and the ethical implications of technology in medicine. These elements add a layer of realism to the story, making it not just a thriller but also a thought-provoking read.

“Doctor Lucifer” is a standout debut that combines the thrills of a mystery with the intricacies of medical drama. Anthony Lee has crafted a story that is both entertaining and enlightening, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a medical professional or simply a lover of thrillers, this book is sure to keep you hooked from start to finish.

Personally, I enjoyed this book thoroughly. If you are a fan of Robin Cook's medical novels, this might be right up your alley.

"Doctor Lucifer," the first installment in the Dr. Mark Lin Medical Thrillers series by Anthony Lee, is a gripping novel that adeptly melds the realms of cybercrime and medical drama. Set in an era where digital security is paramount, Lee's narrative explores the chilling possibility of a hacker manipulating medical records to fatal ends, creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking thriller.

Dr. Mark Lin, the protagonist, is a seasoned internist who finds himself in the crosshairs of a nefarious hacker known as Doctor Lucifer. The story kicks off with three of Mark's patients at Ivory Memorial Hospital falling victim to medication errors orchestrated by the hacker, casting a shadow of doubt and blame on him. This setup is not only intriguing but also terrifyingly plausible, reflecting our increasing dependence on technology in healthcare.

Lee's portrayal of Mark Lin as a cynical and disillusioned doctor adds depth to the character, making his journey compelling. The narrative gains momentum as Mark teams up with the hospital’s IT team to counter the hacker's threats. The ensuing battle against time and technology keeps readers on the edge of their seats, showcasing Lee's skill in building tension and suspense.

What sets "Doctor Lucifer" apart is its exploration of the human element amidst the technological chaos. Mark's struggles are not limited to the digital battlefield; he faces personal and professional upheavals, including the wrath of a vengeful widow and the antagonism of an egotistical surgeon. These subplots enrich the main narrative, providing a well-rounded view of the protagonist's life and challenges.

Anthony Lee’s writing is sharp and engaging, and his ability to create believable and high-stakes scenarios is commendable. The book also serves as a commentary on the vulnerabilities of modern medical systems, raising pertinent questions about cybersecurity in healthcare.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the technical jargon can be overwhelming for readers not well-versed in cybersecurity. Additionally, the pacing occasionally falters with some repetitive sequences, but these are minor quibbles in an otherwise compelling story.

"Doctor Lucifer" is a strong debut that promises more thrilling adventures in the series. It’s a must-read for fans of medical thrillers and cybercrime, offering a fresh take on both genres. Anthony Lee has successfully crafted a story that is not only a page-turner but also a stark reminder of the dark possibilities lurking in our digital world.

With computer hackers becoming ever smart and able to wreak havoc on our nation, this book was utterly terrifying! I enjoyed the medical aspects and couldn't stop reading to find out what was really going on. Dr. Mark Lin is an internist and the hospital he works for undergoes a ransomware attack. No one suspects that the hackers could soon start messing with more than email. Patient's start mysteriously having complications and some even dying. I really enjoyed this and the ending will shock you!

A doctor and his patients are under deadly attack from a hacker, and he and his IT team must fight to stop it. I feel that this book was okay. I liked the premise of the story. I feel as though it just wasn't the right story for me.

What I did like was that the story is believable to me. I feel as though a hacker could make an attack like this. The writing for me was hard to follow and I cannot pinpoint why.

I may check out the next in the series to see if I dig it.