Reviews on A Particularly Nasty Case (1)

Sad, Sometimes Funny, a Well-Written Train Smash of a Story

This was a surprisingly serious book with occasional amusing moments. The protagonist is an NHS doctor, recently returned to work under close supervision after a meltdown caused by the death of a patient, his sister’s untimely death, cocaine abuse, and the end of a long-term relationship. He is homosexual and has diagnosed bipolar disorder. Soon after his return to work, his boss dies after discovering him in a compromising situation. He becomes suspicious that the death wasn’t natural, and ends up engaging in a series of shenanigans that cast doubt on his sanity. Even the reader begins to think, “Oh no! Don’t do that!” Then, the next doctor dies, under similar circumstances, and our anti-hero is driven to yet greater heights (or depths). I struggled a little in places but followed the story to its climactic denouement, which includes several surprises, such as discovering who his friends really are and, of course, the killer's identity and motivations. Well-written but sadder than funny, this book was not what I expected. Nevertheless, it proved a worthwhile read.