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OVERDOSE by Glen Apseloff

OVERDOSE

by Glen Apseloff

Pub Date: Dec. 2nd, 2013
Publisher: CreateSpace

In Apseloff’s (Dying to Remember, 2013) latest medical thriller, a clinical drug trial turns deadly and a doctor goes on the run to track down her would-be killer.

Dr. Emily Morrison is a pharmacologist in charge of testing a controversial new contraceptive drug. But just before the clinical trial of BN-882, a letter bomb sent to Emily’s office explodes, severely injuring Janice, her office manager. While Emily wants to stay at Janice’s side in the hospital, she has to deal with her soon-to-be-ex husband, fight with the dean, who wants to relocate the clinical research program, and keep the drug trials running smoothly. When the first subject in the BN-882 test dies soon after the trial begins, Emily is concerned about the safety of the drug, but, working with pathologist Neville Phillips, she discovers that the woman was killed by a toxic chemical used for lab work. Emily also learns that someone has attempted to poison her with the same chemical, and then an assassin turns up, with Emily clearly his target. With help from Neville, who believes her even though the police are suspicious, Emily goes on the run from her assassin and develops a plan to trap him and discover who’s behind the plot against her. Apseloff’s own experience as a doctor is evident in the meticulously described lab setting, which brings readers into the story without getting stuck in overwhelming detail. The resolution is satisfying, with various subplots tying into the primary narrative, and the plausible motive and plenty of hints and red herrings dropped throughout will keep readers guessing. A number of minor characters are introduced for the sole purpose of being killed within a few pages, but the main characters are more engaging and well-developed.

An intriguing thriller set against a backdrop of clinical drug tests and medical research.