THE DOCTOR ROCKS THE BOAT

The Schuylkill River provides the backdrop, or rather the undercurrent, for the Philadelphia physician’s latest case.

His old fondness for rowing rekindled, Dr. Andrew Fenimore (The Doctor Dines in Prague, 2003, etc.) rejoins his former club. His sponsor, former fraternity brother Dr. Charles Ashborn, gave up rowing when he was pronounced at risk for sudden cardiac death. Charlie is reliving his glory days through his son Chuck, who may be at risk of SCD as well. When Fenimore questions his old friend, Charlie eventually tells him that he had Chuck checked out by a cardiologist in the Poconos and all is well. Curious, Fenimore makes an appointment to see Dr. Burton. Taking the opportunity to snoop, he finds that Burton had diagnosed Chuck with SCD and implanted a defibrillator. Days after Chuck wins a race that will send him to the Henley Regatta, he’s rushed to the hospital. An autopsy shows an overdose of potassium and no sign of SCD. Meanwhile, Fenimore, struck by a power boat while rowing, is saved from drowning by Chuck’s rival oarsman Hank Walsh. Sure that foul play is involved, he makes a list of suspects with the help of his usual posse: his nurse Mrs. Doyle, his ladylove Jennifer Nicholson and his office assistant Rat.

The mystery, alas, is all too easily solved. Only rowers and the Doctor’s most ardent fans need apply.