Would you take cash instead of medical care? This is one man's plan to fix the broken medical system. Theodore Parker, takes an idea that a client brings to him and turns it into a plan to revamp the current medical/insurance system. He brings it to a company owned by James Grady, who determines he can turn the idea into reality. A person thus gets a choice with their medical care - they can opt to be given 18% of what medical care would cost for a particular issue or take the medical care that they would normally receive. However, this plan has holes in it, not to mention the billionaire behind the plan may have other intentions of how to use this program and the popularity he hopes to secure with it. Dr. Parker and the others involved must endeavor to determine what is actually happening, before it becomes too late.

I thought that the cover of the book looked interesting, and the premise was also intriguing. The book itself, while bringing up some interesting thoughts and ideas, did not live up to this writers expectations. I did not like any of the characters in this book. It was not until the last quarter of the book that any of the main characters seemed to open their eyes to what was happening, which felt pretty late in the game. The author wrapped things up in unexpected ways, but this reader was left feeling let down.

Thank you to Netgalley and Megdad Zaatreh for the advanced ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Imagine going to the doctor and finding out you have Cancer. Suppose the doctor tells you that you can maybe live a year if you have chemo and radiation, 6 months if you don't. Imagine he tells you that the chemo/radiation side effects can be : weight loss, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and an overwhelming sense of fatigue.. And the treatment only extends your life by 6 months. 6 months ,which at your current pace , should be mostly comfortable..
Then suppose he tells you you can get 18% of the cost of treatment, (which is $200,000. or more) in cash to use as you please And still have conservative treatment ...such as painkillers and the like.

That is the premise of this novel and it is a good look at a touchy subject....there are unintended consequences which are explored briefly, but then the book goes to an abrupt turn and reads like a novel which the author just tacked an ending on...
Too bad, it started pretty well

Have you ever considered how the healthcare system conundrum could be solved? That’s exactly what Dr. Theodore Parker feels he has done when he approaches billionaire tech mogul James Grady with his unique plan, nicknamed 18, to fix the inefficient and inequitable healthcare system. What happens when the plan is implemented is a study in unanticipated consequences and an opportunity for exploitation on a grand scale.

I bet you’re thinking that a healthcare-centric novel could be a total snooze, but I assure you, this thriller is quite an unusual ride. The story is a fascinating study of human behavior and makes you ponder the complexity of the healthcare issue from a different perspective. I loved the range of characters and the ways that their interconnected lives illustrated the domino effects of the 18 plan. It’s never just the patient that is affected by 18, and the fallout can be devastating to all involved.

This outstanding debut novel is a well written page-turner with captivating characters. I was engrossed trying to anticipate the next moves that Dr. Parker and Mr. Grady would make as their personal connections changed their perspectives on 18’s application and intent. If you enjoy a good thriller with a twist, this read’s for you.

I thought this was a new, unique genre: medical thriller. There definitely are not enough that do not involve some sort of detective. Anyways, the premise and cover made me request this. The story? Good characterization and some you care about. Money or medicine is the choice offered as a healthcare plan created by a psychiatrist and billionaire that happen to meet. The people under this plan opt-out of the whatever medical treatment and receive 18% of what the treatment would have been. What would you choose? Which person in this collaboration is holding the bigger secret? Can they be stopped?

A highly recommended read and I am getting this on kindle after publication day.

Thanks to Netgalley, Megdad Zaatreh and the self publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Already available: 10/18/21

Thank you Netgalley and the author for the arc of this book. The premise in the blurb for this book was intriguing. The story started out promising, then kind of fell apart. The "Mistress Ruby" story line was distasteful. The story veering off to the brain stuff was crazy and completely lost the original intriguing premise. The writing itself was not very good and the dialogue didn't reflect how people really speak.
If the book had kept to and expanded on the original premise, I think it would have been so much better, especially if it had explored more about the ethical issues.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A novel based on a system that offers patients money to forgo health care. Desperate people make desperate decisions. Interesting novel. Very dark.

the cover was amazing, the plot was really well done with a unique premise. The characters were great and I had a lot of fun reading this book.