Miracle Drug

Politics and health clumsily collide with heavy religiosity in the ninth medical thriller from Mabry (after Fatal Trauma). Dr. Josh Pearson never expected to be awarded the honor of serving as personal physician to former U.S. president David Madison. However, after his colleague Ben Lambert dies during a visit to Colombia with Madison, Josh inherits the position, along with the mystery of a potentially fatal illness contracted by his newest patient. Not only is Madison afflicted, but Josh's girlfriend, nurse Rachel Moore, is also infected. When Ben's body goes missing, Josh must race against time to track down a treatment for an almost unknown disease, and find a killer. Improbable coincidences abound during the fevered quest for a cure. Moments of plot brilliance are frequently overshadowed by an almost academic style of writing. The premise is intriguing, but its potential is lost in overly complex conspiracies, virtually irrelevant red herrings, and the uneven application of religious tenets. Agent: Rachelle Gardner, Books & Such Literary. (Sept.)