The First Patient    by Michael Palmer Order:  USA  Can St. Martin's, 2008 (2008) Hardcover, Audio, CD     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Can the President of the United States - POTUS - really be going insane? When even he recognizes that his behavior has become erratic, he persuades his old college roommate, country doctor Gabe Singleton, to become his personal physician. With an upcoming election, the president's health is a major concern. Gabe becomes convinced that factors outside the field of medicine are involved. In pursuing this line of thought, Gabe feels he cannot trust anyone - not even the pretty Secret Service agent who is assigned to the White House. POTUS's previous physician, Jim Ferendelli, has disappeared, and Gabe is shot at as action accelerates -though a trifle slowly at times. But that is more than made up for by background on what happens at the White House when the president moves around - from room to room, to Camp David, and to another country. The characters are well fleshed out, some with traits you would rather not know about. The president, Andrew Stoddard, is frighteningly human, much to Gabe's detriment. Brutality, murder, pedophilia, intrigue, greed, a monstrous amount of money, nanotechnology, as well as love and long-lasting friendship, all play an important part in The First Patient. Whatever you do, brace yourself for the cliffhanging ending. WOW! Bestselling author Michael Palmer has written numerous other medical thrillers - such as The Patient, The Society and The Fifth Vial. All were very well-received by his loyal fans, as The First Patient will undoubtedly be also. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews