Political Suicide: A Thriller

Written by Michael Palmer

Narrated by Robert Petkoff

In Political Suicide, Michael Palmer delivers another gripping thriller at the crossroads of politics and medicine

Dr. Lou Welcome, from Palmer's New York Times bestselling Oath of Office, is back in this heart stopping medical thriller. A desperate phone call embroils Lou in scandal and murder involving Dr. Gary McHugh, known around the Capital as the "society doc." Lou has been supervising McHugh, formerly a black-out drinker, through his work with the Physician Wellness Office. McHugh has been very cavalier about his recovery, barely attending AA and refusing a sponsor. But Lou sees progress, and the two men are becoming friends. Now, McHugh has been found unconscious in his wrecked car after visiting a patient of his, the powerful Congressman Elias Colston, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Soon after McHugh awakens in the hospital ER, Colston's wife returns home to find her husband shot dead in their garage. She then admits to the police that she had just broken off a long-standing affair with McHugh.

Something about McHugh's story has Lou believing he is telling the truth, that the Congressman was dead when he arrived and before he blacked out. Lou agrees to look into matters, but when he encounters motive, method and opportunity he is hard pressed to believe in his friend—that is until a deadly high-level conspiracy begins to unravel, and Lou acquires information that makes him the next target.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Dec 11, 2012
• ISBN: 9781427209986

Michael Palmer

Michael Palmer (1942-2013) wrote internationally bestselling novels of medical suspense, including The First Patient, The Second Opinion, The Last Surgeon, A Heartbeat Away, Oath of Office and Political Suicide. His book Extreme Measures was adapted into a movie starring Hugh Grant and Gene Hackman. His books have been translated into thirty-five languages. Palmer earned his bachelor's degree at Wesleyan University, and he attended medical school at Case Western Reserve University. He trained in internal medicine at Boston City and Massachusetts General Hospitals. He spent twenty years as a full-time practitioner of internal and emergency medicine. In addition to his writing, Palmer was an associate director of the Massachusetts Medical Society Physician Health Services, devoted to helping physicians troubled by mental illness, physical illness, behavioral issues, and chemical dependency. He lived in eastern Massachusetts.

Reviews for Political Suicide

[lilk_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My thoughts...Michael Palmer knows how to write a story that draws you in from the very beginning. Dr. Lou Welcome is called by his good friend to help keep him out of prison for a murder he's been accused of and has no memory of because he was suffering from an alcoholic blackout. In the process of the sleuthing investigation by Dr. Welcome things don't seem quite right. Michael Palmer writes an amazing plot that takes many twists and turns that will keep you wondering until the very last page.I haven't had the opportunity to read "Oath of Office" where Dr. Lou Welcome is introduced but I think it's going on my to be read list very soon.

[brknhrt_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you have read Oath of Office by Michael Palmer, you will recognize Dr. Lou Welcome as the main character in his new book, Political Suicide. The author has drifted away from his medical mysteries and into the political thriller genre. Even if you haven’t read Oath of Office, Political Suicide is absolutely a stand-alone read. Lou’s work with doctors recovering form drug or alcohol abuse once again leads him to precarious circumstances in his attempts to help one of his patients. When Dr. Gary McHugh is about to get arrested for the murder of a congressman, he calls Lou for help. Dr. McHugh declares his innocence, but admits he was in an alcohol blackout. What starts out as a murder mystery quickly turns into much more with an intricate thriller plot with a military angle. Lou’s family is again an important part of the story, and his daughter Emily is back in this story. When the doctor finds himself in dangerous circumstances, his mind always goes to thoughts of Emily. Those thoughts give him the strength to endure and survive. His best friend, Cap, is back again and takes an important role in the story. There are also several new characters that I suspect we will see again in another upcoming book.There is plenty of action as the story explores rogue military actions, questionable medical research, and twists and turns along the way that were totally unexpected. This is another great book by Michael Palmer and I recommend it for anyone who likes a fast-paced thriller with interesting and strong characters..Lou’s family is again an important part of the story, and his daughter Emily is back in this story. When the doctor finds himself in dangerous circumstances, his mind always goes to thoughts of Emily. Those thoughts give him the strength to endure and survive. His best friend, Cap, is back again and takes an important role in the story. There are also several new characters that I think we will be seeing again in another upcoming book.There is plenty of action as the story explores rogue military actions, questionable medical research, and twists and turns along the way that were totally unexpected. This is another great book by Michael Palmer and I recommend it for anyone who likes a fast-paced thriller.

[nyiper · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As usual, a great audio---I'm not all that fussy with small problem details in such thrillers so I was very happy to have this background going while I was working on something that just required my hands. Moved right along---typical Michael Palmer.

[patbilly · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thanks to Michael Palmer for sharing the message throughout the book. Seeing slogans and use of sponsors and walking the walk in the midst of a crisis is almost like reading an accelerated Big Book chapter. I claimed my seat identifying with the crazy thinking and actions, and with seeing the H.A.L.T. kick in at the right times.
The only problem I had was your changing the wording of Step One to accommodate those with addiction problems other than alcohol. Please leave AA's steps as written - they're a nice tradition. All those people with other addictions are still welcome at open meetings! Very welcome!
If you don't understand my review, it's because it's meant for those in AA.... it's a type of meeting-speak.

If you would like a way of living in sobriety, try several AA meetings, and be sure to introduce yourself as a newcomer because AA is so very much about the "Fellowship". I am so very grateful for those in AA who brought me to sobriety and a much better way of life. Peace. Serenity. Laughter. Freedom from fear (without the red drink).

Thanks, Michael Palmer, for a fun read and a great meeting.

[steadfastreader · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Tolerable. For inexplicable reasons I chose this book to listen to on my way back from Chicago (to STL) after taking the Illinois bar.

It's not awful, but it's far from good. Anyone with a military or legal background (I have both) will be bothered by elements of this book.

That being said, it should be judged for what it is... a beach read, an airplane novel, something entertaining to throw away.

If you have time on your hands....... try it. Though, I might recommend a Stephen King, instead.

[livelylady · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dr. Lou Welcome, MD, former drug and alcoholic, comes to the aid of a friend being convicted of murder. In the course of trying to find out what happens, he comes across a plan using the US military for an elite team. The head of this team exchanges weapons for a drug that lessens the men's fear. Very good story, hard to put down. It would have been a "5" if the characters were better described, more human IMO.

[thisbookends · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My thoughts...Michael Palmer knows how to write a story that draws you in from the very beginning. Dr. Lou Welcome is called by his good friend to help keep him out of prison for a murder he's been accused of and has no memory of because he was suffering from an alcoholic blackout. In the process of the sleuthing investigation by Dr. Welcome things don't seem quite right. Michael Palmer writes an amazing plot that takes many twists and turns that will keep you wondering until the very last page.I haven't had the opportunity to read "Oath of Office" where Dr. Lou Welcome is introduced but I think it's going on my to be read list very soon.

[mckait · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Oh, Dr. Lou Welcome. Always sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong. It seems this latest offering about Welcome continues his penchant for trouble and adventure. It also continues his ability to help solve criminal cases for those who should be doing it without him, That's all part of the fun though. Lou is a good dad, a caring physician and a bit of a romantic. This all combines to make these stories a compelling read. This oneinvolves a a dead congressman, and a friend of Welcome's, a Dr. Gary McHugh, who has been accused of the murder. There is evidence, linking McHugh and he ends up cooling his heels in jail. OF course we all know that things are not always as they seem, and sometimes there are bad guys to be found side by side with the good. Political Suicide is a good fun read.. hooks you on the story from page one, and has the expected compelling characters. Once again Michael Palmerpulls it off. I look forward to the next one!recommended for an edge of the seat read that also has a little bit of heart.. I like this author.

[tmtrvlr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you have read Oath of Office by Michael Palmer, you will recognize Dr. Lou Welcome as the main character in his new book, Political Suicide. The author has drifted away from his medical mysteries and into the political thriller genre. Even if you haven’t read Oath of Office, Political Suicide is absolutely a stand-alone read. Lou’s work with doctors recovering form drug or alcohol abuse once again leads him to precarious circumstances in his attempts to help one of his patients. When Dr. Gary McHugh is about to get arrested for the murder of a congressman, he calls Lou for help. Dr. McHugh declares his innocence, but admits he was in an alcohol blackout. What starts out as a murder mystery quickly turns into much more with an intricate thriller plot with a military angle. Lou’s family is again an important part of the story, and his daughter Emily is back in this story. When the doctor finds himself in dangerous circumstances, his mind always goes to thoughts of Emily. Those thoughts give him the strength to endure and survive. His best friend, Cap, is back again and takes an important role in the story. There are also several new characters that I suspect we will see again in another upcoming book.There is plenty of action as the story explores rogue military actions, questionable medical research, and twists and turns along the way that were totally unexpected. This is another great book by Michael Palmer and I recommend it for anyone who likes a fast-paced thriller with interesting and strong characters..Lou’s family is again an important part of the story, and his daughter Emily is back in this story. When the doctor finds himself in dangerous circumstances, his mind always goes to thoughts of Emily. Those thoughts give him the strength to endure and survive. His best friend, Cap, is back again and takes an important role in the story. There are also several new characters that I think we will be seeing again in another upcoming book.There is plenty of action as the story explores rogue military actions, questionable medical research, and twists and turns along the way that were totally unexpected. This is another great book by Michael Palmer and I recommend it for anyone who likes a fast-paced thriller.

[darcia_10 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Political Suicide has it all: Characters you can't help but love or hate, nonstop action, a plot that keeps you guessing, and, of course, excellent writing. While the main character here is a doctor, this book is more a political thriller than a medical thriller. And I must disclose that I'm not a big fan of political intrigue. Yet I loved this one. I could list many reasons for that, but the main thing for me is that the characters and storyline go far beyond one-dimensional political conspiracy. That, and Michael Palmer knows how to weave a story that pulls me right in. Dr. Lou Welcome made his first appearance in Palmer's last book, Oath of Office. While I would recommend reading that one because it's a great book, it's not a prerequisite to enjoying this one. The books function quite well as stand-alone reads.