The death of a doctor’s daughter may be malpractice—or murder—in this novel by a #1 New York Times–bestselling author: “I loved it” (Stephen King). In the tightly knit world of Boston medicine, the Randall family reigns supreme. When heart surgeon J. D. Randall’s teenage daughter dies during a botched abortion, the medical community threatens to explode. Was it malpractice? A violation of the … threatens to explode. Was it malpractice? A violation of the Hippocratic Oath? Or was Karen Randall murdered in cold blood?
The natural suspect is Arthur Lee, a brilliant surgeon and known abortionist, who has been carrying out the illegal procedure with the help of pathologist John Berry. After Karen dies, Lee is thrown in jail on a murder charge, and only Berry can prove his friend wasn’t the one who wielded the scalpel. Behind this gruesome death, Berry will uncover a secret that would shock even the most hardened pathologist.
An Edgar Award–winning novel by the author of such blockbusters as The Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park—and creator of the long-running NBC drama ER—A Case of Need is a “superb” medical-thriller mystery (Los Angeles Times).
This ebook features an illustrated biography of Michael Crichton including rare images from the author’s estate.more
One of his best books yet
If you are looking for an OLD mystery, this is okay. Really antiquated medical jargon. Okay back in 1962.
Always loved Crichton. He could make the blandest subject become terribly interesting and it would be hard to rival his knowledge about almost any subject. Enjoyed reading one of his older books.
An old novel, his first, winner of the Edgar, this book sometimes dates itself (‘Negroes’ for blacks, abortion is illegal…) but is well-written enough to sustain the suspense throughout. A girl dies from a botched abortion and a known abortionist is arrested for the crime. The trick is, he’s innocent. So who did it? Not at all predictable and a …
One of Chricton’s first novels written while in med school. It may have been a little too close to the truth, so he used a pseudonym.
Good read!
This is a glimpse of the truly great writer that was to come. Bears Crichton’s emerging trademarks of meticulous research and interesting characters, action, and suspense.
Having read many of Michael Crichton’s books, must say that this is my favorite.
He incorporates much of his medical knowledge and explains medical terms weaving them into the story. It’s an early Crichton book but one of his best.
Memorable!
A somewhat disappointing book from Michael Crichton. The narrator, a pathologist, was not a believable character to me. Perhaps one problem for me was that the book was written before Roe versus Wade and is less relevant today
Way over the top with medical terminology. Almost like he was looking for big words to use. Most people not in the medical field would not have a clue.
This is typical early Crichton work, well plotted, somewhat unpredictable, but most of his characters are two dimensional. The science and medicine is interesting and accurate, and for the time in which it was written, very topical, as well. The social structure and culture of medicine at the time is very accurate.
Love his style of writing and development of characters
Quite dated now, of course. Dated attitude toward women, as well. Of course it was written a long time ago. If Crichton were still alive, I’d have a thing or two to say to him.
when I opened the cover of this book I took a leap back in time to 1968. (before my time). As a new novelist currently working on my first series. I find it intriguing to check out the first novel of the biggest names of our time. Where did they start from and where have they gone? how was the writing?
In the case of Michael Crichton, I can see …
I liked the general accuracy of portraying medicine
Very interesting and hard to put down.
A bit dated, but a good page-turner.
Michael Crichton never wrote a bad story.
Really enjoyed it. Couldn’t put it down.
Excellent surprise ending. Good forensic thriller.