Implant - Softcover

"Wilson is one of the masters of the medical thriller...." --Larry King "This one will keep you page-turning on these long nights." --"USA Today" "A taut, battle-of-wits medical thriller that turns on vengeance...." --"Publishers Weekly" "The smoothness with which Wilson develops the plot, the fact that all the major characters are believable human beings, and the mounting excitement as the pieces of the murderous puzzle fall into place should keep the reader rapt right to the last page." --"Booklist" "Dr. Gina Panzella has returned to Washington, D.C., to practice, hoping to join the legislative process and influence the future of medicine. Her boss, Dr. Duncan Lathram, has similar aspirations, but his aims are less benign. Lathram is a famous plastic surgeon with a new device that speeds healing, putting him in great demand among Washington's rich and powerful. When Gina notices that Lathram's patients keep having violent accidents, she thinks it is only coincidental. Gradually, her reluctant investigation into the accidents jeopardizes her relationship with her lover, an FBI agent, as well as her life. This suspenseful medical thriller has complex, likable characters, an intriguing background, and it raises important questions by pitting self-serving bureaucrats against unethical physicians. Definitely a cut above most thrillers." --"Library Journal" "Believable medical suspense...Wilson's most sensible, reined-in plot so far features an attractive and well-spoken villain whose warped take on things is understandable, if not justified....A terrific story." --"Kirkus Reviews"

Young doctor Gina Panzella has known her boss, plastic surgeon Dr. Duncan Lathram, almost her entire life, and respects him deeply. Charming and brilliant, Duncan has invented a dissolving implant that allows incisions to heal without scarring. Duncan's artistry in the operation room is the salvationof Washington's biggest power players whenever they need touch-ups for C-Span. But there are a few things about Duncan that Gina can't quite figure out. Why did he trade vascular surgery for the more profitable but less vital plastic surgery, and why won't he accept his patients' medical insurance? What caused his daughter's death and the breakup of his marriage? Why do his tirades agains the new congressional medical ethics committee have such a bitter personal sting? And what is his connection to two committee members who died in accidents not long after Duncan operated on them?Soon Gina's curiosity about Duncanis replaced by suspicion and fear. With the help of Gerry Canney, a high school classmate now working for the FBI, Gina determines to find out what ruined Duncan's personal life and aroused his wrath against the congressmen. She find a man much more complex and mysterious than the sharp-tongued but kindhearted physician she though she knew. Then two more congressmen fall ill after Duncan's surgery. And Gina discovers another kind of implant in Duncan's arsenal...