Review by Bertha Jackson -- McDowell by William H. Coles

[Bertha Jackson]

[Following is a volunteer review of "McDowell" by William H. Coles.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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McDowell by William H. Coles is about Dr. Hiram McDowell, who gets what he wants regardless of how it affects other people. He wanted to be elected President of the Board of Regents of the International College of Surgeons, so he promises another doctor, Michael O’Leary, an executive directorship if he swings seven decisive votes to him. After he becomes President, he gives the directorship to another doctor. His son Billie gets his stepdaughter, Tasha, pregnant and he tells his wife to get her an abortion. His wife, Carole divorces him instead. He starts a foundation hospital to help the poor in Nepal but uses some of the charity funds to finance his mountain climbing in the Himalayas. While climbing, one of his friends get hurt, and he takes his oxygen tank and leaves him to die. These are just a few of the examples of what Hiram does in the book showing no regard for other people. He made many people angry by making them feel inferior when they weren’t. Hiram never thinks anything is his fault because he does so much charity work he deserves the rewards he gets. He never understands how hurtful and belittling his actions are toward his family and colleagues. This is a story about what happens when it all falls apart.

This is an action-packed book that is full of mystery and intrigue involving homosexuality, marital relationships, a mass killing at a school, investigative reporting, assisted suicide, and a prison escape. As Hiram rises and falls in his personal and professional lives, he learns a lot of lessons about his morals and begins to wonder if he was partially responsible for what he had to endure.

I really liked this book because of the morals involved. It made me stop and wonder about some actions that I may have taken in my personal and professional life that may have been harmful to others. Sometimes something that can be insignificant to you can be harmful to others. Definitely, something I am going to start taking note of. There was not anything I disliked about the book because it flowed smoothly and kept my attention the entire time I was reading.

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves a good mystery with a lot of action. The book is easy to understand and has no erotic content and very little profanity. The characters are varied and include the elite, poor, and homeless.

This is a well-written and error-free book. I did not find any grammatical nor typographical errors so believe it to have been professionally edited. I give it 4 out of 4 stars.

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McDowell
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[onyii_review]

Wonder what later be the aftermath of Hiram's action though. Nice review.

[Triciat50]

I know that you are not supposed to give away any spoilers in your reviews, but this doctor seems like a despicable character with no redeeming qualities at all. I guess I'll have to read the book to find out if he ever improves.

[Kibet Hillary]

The famous phrase and book title, 'When Things Fall Apart', came to my mind when I read about Hiram's downfall in the novel. It is true that a transformation begins when things start to fall apart in his life. Every reader will definitely love reading this book. Hiram McDowell's justification for his vile actions might provoke one's thoughts as well, whether he was justified to think so.