Due to a passing in the family a few years ago and my subsequent health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for years after the bereavement. Thank you for the opportunity.

The First Family is set in Washington DC, centering on the Presidents’ family, specifically, his son. When Cam starts showing vague signs of illness, the White House physician doesn’t seem to be concerned. The First Lady wants a second opinion and her secret service person, Karen, suggests her ex-husband, Dr. Lee Blackwood. She convinces her husband to allow him to come and do an exam and he finally agrees, but still wants the White House doctor to have final say. Lee is concerned about the symptoms the presidents’ son is presenting, and after referring him to the hospital he learns about another patient who might have the same symptoms. Is there more to this illness? Is there a reason Cam was targeted? Can they save Cam and the other young victim.

This book started off strong, but then slowed down midway through. I enjoyed the medical part and how they investigated the issue, I think it was the White House doctor and the president's blind faith that troubled me. There is also another storyline that added a red herring, but the resolution was a bit of a let down. I figured out what was going in about 3/4 of the way in and just wanted my guess to be proved right. Fred Berman's narration was well done and I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I think this book had a lot of promise and while I enjoyed it, it did not measure up to my expectations. If you enjoy medical thrillers, or political thrillers, give this one a try, as this one has mixed reviews and ratings.

Great follow up book. I generally dont like books that are too far fetched, this book bordered on that edge for me. I can say that I would read more in this series. I would like for the author to explore the political aspect of the decisions in these books a bit more. All in all its a decent thriller. if you like House of Cards, or Marie Force, first family series, you'll enjoy this.

It had been a long time since I had read a Michael Palmer, but am so glad I did this one. Interesting story lines, with the President of USA and In Vitro Fertilization.

Daniel Palmer continues his father’s tradition of writing medical thrillers. This one is absolutely a nonstop trip through the political maneuverings of those who seek to damage and destroy. The mystery-suspense is nail biting and the twists are fascinating. A five star read!

St. Martin's Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The First Family. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

19 year old Susie Banks, teenage violin prodigy, and 16 year old Cameron Hilliard, son of the President of the United States, have little in common besides similar, bizarre symptoms of an unknown medical issue. Special Agent Karen Ray, protector of the first family, makes the decision to involve her ex-husband, Dr. Lee Blackwood, for his superior diagnostic skills. As a family practitioner, Lee has come across unique and troubling diseases and afflictions, although none have had him as stumped as this. When it becomes apparent that the danger facing the teenagers is not completely from within, will Lee and Karen be able to provide a united front for the President and the First Lady?

Always a fan of medical suspense fiction, The First Family did not disappoint me in regards to plot or characterization. Fast paced and interesting, the novel gives readers an inside look into the White House, the Secret Service, and the complex world of medicine. Dr. Lee Blackwood is the type of main character that I like, as he is determined, intelligent, and willing to do whatever it takes to help his patients. The mutual respect between the exes shows a different side of divorce than what is typical, which I found refreshing. The First Family was well paced, with a plot that, although a little exaggerated, could absolutely happen in today's world. I would definitely recommend The First Family to other readers and I look forward to subsequent novels with this cast of characters.

3.5
Cam Hillard is the 16 year old son of the President. When he is stricken with a mysterious illness, it is up to Secret Service agent Karen Ray and her ex-husband Dr. Lee Blackwood to work together to determine the cause of his illness.


Even though they are no longer married, I liked how Karen and Lee worked together to help Cam. They run right into a political brick wall as the President has to decide what is right for his son versus what is politically correct. This was a slow burn of a novel as suspense builds with each clue that Karen and Lee uncover. This was a good story about perseverance and dedication to doing what is right.

I received this from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley.

I wished for this book on NetGalley and I was thrilled when I received the e-mail saying my wish had been granted. I received this book for an honest review from NetGalley and the publisher.
Wow! Just wow! Full of suspense and action. This medical thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next. Yes it is full of medical jargon, but for me that is a plus, because it shows the research that went into this book and made it just more believable. No mistake this is a chilling thriller that will make you think a lot.

I've long been a fan of Michael Palmer's so when I heard his son was taking over and finishing some of his novels and working on becoming an author himself, I was skeptical. In my experiences, when kids take over their parent's series, they're just never quite as good. This is an exception. I was immediately drawn in and while there were a few points where it seemed to lag just a bit, they are brief and the action picks right back up. For the family-minded readers, this is pretty friendly but more a PG-13 rating just due to some of the subject matter although nothing is overly gory or graphic. Overall, if you're a fan of medical suspense, don't pass this one by!

I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The author of The First Family, Daniel Palmer, is the son of the best-selling author Michael Palmer. Daniel is a best-selling author in his own right and this book simply reinforces that.

The First Family centers around concern for the President of the United States’ only child. Most people in the White House seem to think sixteen year old Cam is just exhibiting typical teenage behavior. However, Karen Ray, a member of the Secret Service detail assigned to protect the First Family, isn’t convinced. She calls upon her ex-husband and doctor, Lee Blackwood, a brilliant diagnostician, to evaluate his symptoms. As the story progresses it becomes apparent that not only is Cam’s behavior concerning, there are other students at his exclusive school who are also exhibiting some alarming symptoms.

This book is filled with interesting and compelling characters. The dialogue is crisp and the plot moves along nicely. There is plenty of action, as the author addresses every parents’ nightmare – unexplained behavior and illness of a child. As the story progresses the plot becomes more sinister and the ending is not only the final twist, it is also very satisfying.

I found The First Family very enjoyable and it was hard to put down for very long. I highly recommend it for your summer reading list.

Thank you, thank you NetGalley for this ARC of The First Family by Michael Palmer and Daniel Palmer. I absolutely loved this book from the first page to the last. The President's son is under the care of their personal physician who has his only his best intentions, or does he? Great read!

3.5*
I’ve read a number of Michael Palmer’s earlier books, but this was my first from his son Daniel.

Set in Washington, centering on the Presidents’ family. When the President’s son Cam starts showing vague signs of illness, the White House physician strangely doesn’t seem a bit concerned. Both the President and First Lady insist on a second opinion. Specifically, they ask for Dr. Lee Blackwood, a family physician with a practice based conveniently in Washington. He also just happens to be the ex-husband of Karen, part of the secret service detail protecting the first family. When Lee becomes alarmed at the symptoms the presidents’ son is presenting, he quickly concludes that Cam may not be the only one falling ill. Is there a great deal more to this illness? Is there a reason Cam was targeted? And who’s next?

This book started off with a bang, but then stalled out a bit midway through. In my humble opinion, I believe the potential for something else bigger and better was missed. (But that’s just me😉)

But give it a try! If medical and political thrillers are your cup of tea you may end up really enjoying this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Michael & Daniel Palmer for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

A nail-biter of a thriller built around Washington power struggles and a dedicated doctor trying to figure out why certain adolescents who attend a prestigious school, including the president's son, are suddenly afflicted with non-specific medical symptoms and illness. A fast-paced story guaranteed to capture readers. The ending seems truncated, although plausible, but perhaps that's the fault of the story speed and the fact that the reader still wants more.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to preview this book.
As a fan of Palmer medical thrillers, I had high expectations. This book did not disappoint!
The lives of thoroughly developed characters intertwined to complete this mystery. The US President’s family and that of a secret service officer ( including her adult son and physician, ex-husband) work together to find out why mysterious illnesses and deaths are associated with an institute for gifted studies. The life of the President’s son is in jeopardy and it soon becomes evident as to why.. There are several twists to the story but the book comes to a lgical conclusion with all questions being answered.
This book will hold one’s interest all the way to the final page!

This was an enjoyable thriller about the first family of the United States. It had a medical bent because much of the suspense involved a mysterious illness suffered by one of the children. It was a lot more involved than that, and I enjoyed the inside look at the White House and the Secret Service. The plot had several twists and turns and the ending was a surprise.

I highly recommend this book. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The First Family is an intelligent and chilling medical suspense thriller that was a little too heavy on the medical part for me and this affected my enjoyment for this story. I wanted the story to move forward more quickly and found the heaviness to slow down the story for me and I became lost with what was going on. Even though this was not the right kind of thriller for me I still recommend to readers who like a medical side to their thriller.

How far would you push an issue when everything in your wealth of experience tells you one thing, but there are powerful forces opposing you? What if the question at hand involved the First Family? What if death followed closely to the matter at hand, particularly to those you love and associate with you? Just how far would you go?

If you had the knowledge and ability to help people unleash additional power within their brains, how far would you go to achieve this dream? What would you do along the way if troubles got in your way? Where does your sense of morality fall?

These are major supporting trusses of the story arc of The First Family, a medical and political centered thriller.

I thought the story was well written with characters that were believable and interesting and a storyline that continued to move along. There are perhaps some "conveniences" in the story, but that is part of the license we give authors when we engage into the world they have created.

I am not a scientist, doctor, or genetics expert, but I thought while much of the plot was centered in this sphere the book wasn't technical and over my head. It explained enough to keep me interested and engaged with the book.

Anytime that the First Family is involved there is a level of drama, and this book was no different. I thought they did a good job portraying how lonely it is to occupy the most famous address in the USA. With all of the power and fame associated with the office and responsibilities, I believe there would be a tough side of keeping up appearances for the sake of the office and role where everyday families are able to struggle and have bad days. The Palmers did a good job painting this picture.

All in all, I was excited for this book based on released plot lines, and it lived up to my expectations. I think it deserving of a solid 8 - 8.5 stars out of 10.

I with to express my gratitude to both NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange for my thoughts and review comments.

I have long been a fan of Michael Palmer’s medical thrillers and I’ve been so thrilled that his son has continued the tradition and is doing so with the same gorgeous excellence.

This book does not disappoint. I was so caught up in this story. It is a book read at breakneck speed. I found it so fascinating and I loved watching Dr. Lee Blackwood figure the mystery all out to save the day.

This is medical suspense in its highest and best form, truly a page turner that led to a couple of sleepless nights that I didn’t regret in the morning.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of medical suspense and especially those who love fabulously written books. I loved this one.

“The First Family,” by Daniel Palmer/Michael Palmer , takes the reader into the White House with his newest novel. You will be introduced to all the characters that live and work in the White House.
Daniel would once again make his dad, Michael Palmer, proud of his author son and the legacy he is carrying on. I no doubt felt as though I were reading a Michael Palmer novel.
The book is engaging from the start. The plot has many variables that will keep you turning the pages. The plot consists of murder, corruption, politics, violence & greed. The mysterious illnesses that you will read about is food for thought. What’s not to like about this!!!
If you have no knowledge about medical issues or jargon, don’t let it deter you from reading it. It’s easy to follow and understand.
Once again, Daniel Palmer has hit it out of the ballpark.
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me a digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. My honest opinion is... don’t miss out on this one!

The First Family by Michael and Daniel Palmer is an absolutely riveting medical suspense read! The Palmers really know how to do it when it comes to writing winners in this genre. The characters are richly drawn so that the reader can picture and relate to each one; the plot line is well-thought out; and the action never stops.

Cameron (Cam) Hilliard, 16 year old son (and only child) of President Geoffrey and First Lady Ellen Hilliard, is a world ranked chess prodigy. When he begins to feel not himself, and starts losing chess games against opponents he has always easily beaten, the chief White House physician, Dr. Frederick Gleason, attributes it to depression brought on by the stress of being the President's son. But Karen Ray, a special agent of the Secret Service who is charged to protect the First Family with her life, isn't buying it. She has held this position for six and a half years now, and knows Cam well enough to suspect something is really wrong, and is especially concerned when Cam tells her that he doesn't trust Dr. Gleason. Karen and the First Lady, Ellen, have always gotten along well due to some shared personal experiences, and despite their positions, have become friends; the First Lady trusts Karen and respects her judgement. When Karen asks her to bring in Dr. Lee Blackwood, a family physician and a gifted diagnostician for a second opinion, the First Lady agrees.

The President and White House physician, Dr. Gleason, are not happy that someone else has been brought in for a consult, and both resoundingly state that Cam's problem is depression. Dr. Blackwood (who is Karen's ex-husband) finds nothing apparent in his physical examination of Cam, but is insistent that there is more going on here, and wants Cam hospitalized for further testing. Dr. Gleason scorns the idea, and Cam's parents, feeling if the exam shows nothing it must be depression decide to let the matter rest. And so it does until Cam takes a very hard hit in a touch football game, and Dr. Gleason says he'll be alright without even examining him or taking an xray. Karen notices Cam worsening, and gets Ellen to admit Cam to a hospital under Lee's care when Gleason is unavailable across town. Lee notices that some of Cam's lab results are alarming and seem to match those of another patient, Susie Banks, who was brought to the hospital following carbon monoxide poisoning at her home; a tragic incident where both of her parents succumbed to the poisoning. Lee suspects some genetic abnormality may be at play in both cases but he can't yet prove it.

After learning that both Cam and Susie are students at the True Potential Institute, which is "dedicated to helping DC's most gifted children develop mastery in a variety of disciplines", Lee feels that's too much of a coincidence, and asks Karen to look into it. When it's found that three other students have died recently in accidents which under closer inspection look suspicious, Susie's poisoning begins to look like attempted murder, and all are wondering if someone is trying to kill Cam as well.

With the Institute and Dr. Gleason thwarting Lee's and Karen's attempts to uncover the truth at every turn, rogue Secret Service agents, hit-men being manipulated by an unknown person, numerous deadly encounters and several unexpected plot turns, the action gets more and more ramped up (as was my heart rate and page turning speed!).

I give this a 4.5 star rating for the enjoyment and thrill-ride it provided. I hope you don't miss it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. All views expressed in this review are strictly my own.