A Garden of Magic

Rating:
Summary: Ethics or Money
Review: Double thumbs up. Action packed with interesting characters and a great plot. The writer's expertise shows through in the way he handles the medical jargon, physician/patient interaction, and conflicts of issues related to research/development of medical treatments. However, he does not let his professional knowledge bog us down in educantese. The necessary information fits into the story line with nary a snag in the story flow. You become interested in the characters and what happens to them. And the book raises the question internally: How would you react if you had the opportunity to get rich while helping humanity? Would you remain true to your ethics or become willing to overlook seemingly minor ethical issues when so much is riding on the outcome of your work? James gets you out of the gate quickly and keeps you nailed to your chair to see what's up next. A great read.

Rating:
Summary: Financial Incentive in Medical Research
Review: One wonders how to separate fiction from fantasy. With the vast amount of money used to influence decisions related to medical care, it is impossible to determine if what occurs in A Garden of Magic is not happening right now under our noses. Once independent organizations are now accepting cash for endorsements. How can the general population know where these organization's true motives lie? From syphilis experiments in Alabama to AIDS research in Africa--now cures for cancer--G. Roger James has written a novel that will leave you enlightened, yet entertained. The next time you read of a cure for cancer in the paper, you'll wonder what really transpired behind the scene.

Rating:
Summary: Great Medical Thriller
Review: What a relief, to read a book where the author isn't afraid to throw around some real medical jargon and have it be relevant to the plot. This novel is fast paced with lively characters if its a medical/ crime thriller you're after. Afterward, you can still think about the possibility of what would happen if there really was an instant cure for cancer. Who's interests would really be served?