Through a crisis of medical malpractice, evidence emerges of how the medical profession itself is being harmfully transformed by the intrusion of powerful business interests. Not least is the growing prevalence of "Concierge Medicine" where public-service doctors will take on private patients for a fee.

In this thrilling story, which again features Dr Laurie Montgomery and Dr Jack Stapleton (whose long-term professional relationship here takes on a new twist), Robin Cook continues to enthral us with his deep personal insight into contemporary medicine, but also provides readers with the biggest surprise ending found in any of his many bestselling novels.