Review by bauer_ve -- McDowell by William H. Coles

[bauer_ve]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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In McDowell by William H. Coles, the main character is a world-renowned surgeon and philanthropist who finds himself in the middle of great controversy, false charges and murder. Hiram McDowell is well on his way to reaching the pinnacle of his success; he leads the International College of Surgeons, started a medical foundation in Nepal and was being nominated to become the U.S. Secretary of Health. He is arrogant, self-centered and ambitious to a fault; he doesn’t care about using others to get what he wants, whether friend or colleague. He doesn’t have any more respect for the women in his life either, indulging as he pleases although he is married. He treats these women like a hobby, much like his love of climbing mountains and playing music. The only thing he seems to care about as much as his own success is his children, although even here he shows his affection in his own unique way.

Hiram’s success doesn’t last long as things seem to come crashing down around him. Many of his accomplishments are being questioned, he is charged with scientific misconduct, and a horrific tragedy involving his grandson lands him in prison. Throughout all of this, he continues to put the blame on everyone but himself. He manages to break out of prison, evading authorities for years. On the run throughout the United States under a false identity, Hiram meets people who help him to realize the mistakes he made in his life. He finds himself and becomes what people call a good man. He can’t stay on the run forever though as his past eventually catches up to him.

I really enjoyed reading this book! Initially I thought it would be hard to follow because of the switching between characters’ viewpoints, but that added so much depth to the storyline. It was not difficult to follow along at all. It allowed me to feel more immersed in the story, like I was right there with the characters. The author did an excellent job building up the complexity of the characters and making each one relatable in his or her own way. I greatly disliked Hiram at first! The way he hurt his wife Carole and reacted to her pain infuriated me. He was so callous and had no regard to her feelings whatsoever. By the end of the story though I do believe he completely redeemed himself. The relationship between Billie and Tasha was also very odd. Even though they are not related by blood, it still seems wrong of them to begin a relationship that is anything more than stepbrother and sister.

The audience that I believe would enjoy reading this book is those who enjoy a mystery thriller that has more to the storyline than just action or violence. The personal development of the characters, especially Hiram, makes this book so much more than just a typical thriller. It is about redemption and realizing one’s own faults.

I gave McDowell 4 out of 4 stars. There were only one or two grammatical errors, so I know it was professionally edited. The storyline captured my attention and held onto it from beginning to end. I couldn’t put the book down! I would highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more books by the author and hope that they are just as captivating!

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McDowell
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[Nicky Rita]

The story deals with difficult and uncomfortable subject matter in a sensitive and thoughtful way.