"Political Suicide" (St. Martin's Press), by Michael Palmer

Michael Palmer brings back his doctor-hero, Lou Welcome, from "Oath of Office," to help a friend involved in a huge scandal in his new novel, "Political Suicide."

Palmer writes terrific medical suspense, and he has thrown political intrigue into the mix with his last few books. While "Political Suicide" relies more on the thrills and the mystery, it still resonates.

Welcome receives a call from Dr. Gary McHugh. McHugh has been battling alcoholism, and Welcome has been his counselor and trusted confidante. McHugh needs help. He had just visited a congressman on the House Armed Services Committee and woke up with his car wrapped around a tree. The medics on the scene believe he's drunk. To make matters worse, the congressman is found murdered in his garage, and McHugh was the last person to see him alive. Then the news leaks that McHugh was having an affair with the congressman's wife.

Welcome investigates and soon believes that his friend did commit the horrible crime. Then he finds evidence of a conspiracy that has terrifying ramifications for the United States and its political future.

Palmer's novels also examine particular issues and causes, but to mention the subplot in "Political Suicide" that discusses a decidedly moral dilemma would be criminal — and would give away a huge chunk of the surprises that follow.

Fans won't be disappointed, and Palmer can add another best-seller to his list.

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Online:

http://www.michaelpalmerbooks.com/