Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Pg. 99: C.J. Lyons' "Lifelines"

The current feature at the Page 99 Test: C.J. Lyons' Lifelines.

About the book, from the publisher:
A gripping behind-the-scenes drama of four women who face life and death every day

On her first day at Pittsburgh's Angels of Mercy Medical Center, L.A.-transplant Lydia Fiore, the new ER attending physician, loses a patient: the Chief of Surgery's son. Now, to save her career, Lydia must discover the truth behind her patient's death, even as it leads her into unfamiliar-and risky-territory.

At least she's not alone. There's med student Amanda, a sweet Southern belle with problems of her own; Gina, a resident with a chip on her shoulder; and Nora, the no-nonsense charge nurse with a cool head but a fiery temper. Not to mention the paramedic who'd like to try out his bedside manner on Lydia.
Among the early acclaim for Lifelines:
"A spot-on debut....Lyons delivers a breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller."
--Publishers Weekly

"Pittsburgh's Angel of Mercy Hospital comes brilliantly alive in Lyons' debut novel. This enthralling medical mystery offers an intimate view of the personal and professional lives of its characters. It's a winner." Top Pick, 4 1/2 Stars
--Romantic Times Book Reviews

"If you're looking for tense, whip-smart medical scenes, look no further. Lifelines takes you into the E.R. for a gripping view of doctors at work, and doctors in crisis. CJ Lyons knows her medicine -- and she knows how to bring it to vivid life on the page."
--Tess Gerritsen, NYT-bestselling author of The Bone Garden

"A pulse-pounding adrenaline rush! Loved the pacing, loved the characters, loved the whirlwind action scenes and top notch medical details. Reminds me of ER back in the days of George Clooney and Julianna Margulies."
--Lisa Gardner, New York Times bestselling author of Hide

"Prepare to be swept away on a pulse-pounding adventure. My favorite kind of medical thriller -- harrowing, emotional, action-packed and brilliantly realized. CJ Lyons writes with the authority only a trained physician can bring to a story, blending suspense, passion and friendship into an irresistible read."
--New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs

"Packed with adrenalin. I can't recall a hospital novel that so thrilled me."
--David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author of First Blood and Creepers

"CJ Lyons' debut medical thriller is a fantastic and wild journey through the fast-paced world of a big-city ER. With rich, fascinating and complex characters and a thoroughly compelling mystery, Lifelines is an adrenalin rush and an all-around great read."
--New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan

"Readers who prefer their medical thrillers to have characters with beating hearts and three dimensions are well advised to pick up this series debut by Lyons, a veteran of trauma centers and pediatric emergency medicine... Lyons captures the frenetic setting of the ER with a smooth style that demands the reader move forward to keep up with the piece, but she also creates winning portraits of the supporting players set to anchor the series."
--Sarah Weinman
Read an excerpt from Lifelines, and learn more about the author and her work at C.J. Lyons' website and her blog, Vital Signs.

C.J. Lyons is a physician trained in Pediatric Emergency Medicine. Lifelines is her first novel.

Read C.J. Lyons' story of how she went from doctor to novelist, in January Magazine.

The Page 99 Test: Lifelines.

--Marshal Zeringue