Member Reviews

This book was great, very engaging. It really kept you intrigued and interested in wanting to know what happened. It was really hard to put down. Great book by a great author can't wait for the next one

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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"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.

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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!

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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.

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Special thanks to NetGalley and Anthoney Lee for an e-arc of this novel.

The storyline and the writing were great.
The story was unique and some of it pretty applicable to out current times.
However, the main character let me down as he didn't react to certain things that happened in the way I think a reasonable person would have acted, especially in the medical profession. It not for that it would have been a 4 star read but I knocked a star off due to fact that.

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Sadly, this one was not for me.
The medical stuff didn't appeal to me and it pulled me out of the story. I'd prefer this book to go straight horror or even sci-fi hardcore.
Readers who enjoy medical thrillers might enjoy this book.

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I think this book had a very interesting premise, and the blurb really did excite me to read this book! I however, struggled to finish this book as it was not as fast paced as I originally believed that it was going to be. I would like to see this author's future books as I do believe he has such strong potential and his ideas are very innovative! Also, as someone who knows absolutely nothing about medical terminology, I would say this was pretty decent to follow.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review!

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The premise of this book was promising but the execution was lacking a bit for my taste. Too much medical jargon; too much over explanation of medical references; too much fluff (the book could've easily been at least 1/3 shorter). Also I didn't understand how this hacker is literally putting patients lives in danger and threatening to kill patients but no one calls the police; the hospital administration doesn't seem to get involved; and it's up to 2 guys in IT (who tell him they've got other responsibilities and can't keep a constant watch) and the doctor to deal with the problem. I really wanted to like this story and while I'm usually able to overlook the improbabilities of book plots, this one was way too hard to get past. The writing itself is good and I'd like to see if Anthony Lee improves in the execution for his next novel.
2.5 stars

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This book was an interesting read. Kind of slow getting into but the end had me guessing. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

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Admittedly, this book took me by surprise. It's an engaging read with excellent writing, though the plot didn't quite resonate with me personally. It's a book that mirrors the zeitgeist of our era, blurring the lines between fiction and potential reality. Anthony masterfully instills a deep-seated apprehension about technology and the future through his narrative. This isn't your run-of-the-mill medical mystery; instead, it introduces a new kind of virus causing chaos—not one that attacks the body, but one that infiltrates computers. The thriller elements, including the cyber attack and the enigma surrounding the identity of Dr. Lucifer, kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself speculating and revising my theories as the story unfolded. The characters are well-developed and relatable, avoiding the pitfall of becoming one-dimensional.

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To Be fair, this book wasn't what I expected. It's a good read. Great writing, the storyline just wasn't for me.
It's a perfect book for today's day in age. This could, or possibly already has happened. Anthony knows how to put the fear of technology and the future deep into your late night thoughts with this book.

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Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of Doctor Lucifer by Anthony Lee in exchange for an honest review. This was a really interesting book. Not a typical medical mystery, there is a new virus wrecking havoc. It's not a medical virus though, but a computer one.

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Doctor Lucifer follows Dr. Mark Lin--an internist at Ivory Medical Center and the downfall of patients in his care alongside a cyber attack called Lucifer's Worm orchestrated by Dr. Lucifer himself. Dr Lin rushes to save his patients and clear his name all the while Lucifer's Worm is working its way through the world destroying everything in its path. Dr Lin knows something isn't quite right and will stop at nothing until he discovers who is behind the mysterious Dr. Lucifer.

I really liked the premise of this novel--it is built on the medical field without being too technical for my liking. I do work in the medical field, however I didn't find this to be too full of jargon or things I didn't understand--and I am not a clinical healthcare provider at all, I simply handle patient access/registration. I also enjoyed the thriller aspect of the cyber attack and the mystery of who would end up being unmasked as Dr. Lucifer. I found myself having a few guesses and changing them throughout the course of the book. The characterization of the characters is great, they didn't fall flat and I found them relatable. A few things within the book seemed far fetched--for instance the attack on the roof of the parking garage, but most of the book I could see happening given the circumstances.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and think it would be a great read for anyone whom is looking for a medical thriller.

✨Thank you to NetGalley, AuthorBuzz, and the author for an copy of this book in exchange for my honest review ✨

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Fast paced thriller. The hacker turned killer is out to get Dr. Lin. But he solves it in time to save himself and some patients

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Doctor Lucifer is author Anthony Lee's debut novel. The choice of a hospital setting in which patients are dying at the hands of a cyber-bully, and a doctor is specifically being targeted and blamed, is probably not impossible in today's tech age (implausible considering what they cyber-bully has to gain, but ignore that). Had Lee pulled it off with success, it would have been an excellent debut. Unfortunately Dr. Mark Lin, isn't the least bit likeable, personable, nor by the end, redeemed. The author seems to have forgotten that even anti-heroes need to be enjoyed, on some level. The writing itself is inconsistent, The biggest fault is the execution. While I have never worked in the medical industry, I have worked for enough corporate and government agencies to know that there are legal ramifications for nearly every twist the author introduced. Where is HR and the legal department in this book. Where are the hospital rules, the sanctions, the suspensions, the reporting, the other staff who would have provided checks and balances that would have made it near impossible for Dr Lin to navigate things the way that he did. Sometimes an author needs to not look so far outward at how he can make the biggest boom, and instead hone in on all the little details of the bomb being built. Sometimes the operating rules of a company are ridiculous enough that, when detailed exactly as how they would be applied in real life, they provide all the tension a story needs. While I don't think this was a great book, the potential are there.

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What a unique thriller!

I read a lot of thrillers and the plot lines can become monotonous as it feels like the same plot lines over and over, but this being a medical hacking thriller was completely different to anything I’ve ever read before and I absolutely loved it! I also have a background in the healthcare field, so this was a bit more “relatable” to me compared to other thrillers.

I thought the plot line was also very intriguing, because it is something that could definitely happen. With the majority (if not all) of healthcare practices using electronic health records, hackers interfering with patient care could become a true reality! It gives it an extra special spooky and creepy feeling.

I found that sometimes the main characters monologues could be a little long winded and not necessarily needed. One in particular that comes to mind is the main character driving to the beach (I believe it was) and he is talking about all of the different songs he is listening to and going back in his memories about his childhood. It felt a little long and drawn out, but that’s really the only criticism I feel I have for this book.

I will absolutely recommend this book to others and hope that Anthony Lee continues to write more thrillers as I am very anxious to read more from this author!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

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