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Review of Contrived

Posted: 30 Sep 2022, 19:59
by Erin Dydek
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Contrived" by E.W. Johnson M.D..]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Dr. Sean Nolan likes only one thing more than a good cup of coffee: solving a mystery for the greater good. Dr. Nolan becomes suspicious when the body of one of his patients fails to surface from an unexpected tragedy that left the remains of the car in the frigid Kalama River. The police reports claim it was an accident caused by wintery conditions and driver error, but Dr. Nolan has doubts. As his investigation proceeds, Sean can’t help but get into deeper trouble as he tiptoes around the law in pursuit of a few unsettling leads. Fortunately, he has a trusted set of colleagues to watch his back as the situation becomes more perilous. Will Dr. Nolan learn the truth in time? Discover the answer in Contrived: A Dr. Sean Nolan Mystery by E. W. Johnson M. D.

I loved how the author opened this book with a suspenseful scene that leaves the reader wondering what sort of trouble Dr. Nolan has encountered. While there are several other books in this series, this was my first time navigating a mystery with Dr. Sean at the helm, and it was an exciting ride! As the author introduced familiar characters, I got a strong sense of camaraderie and respect between Sean and his friends. I loved how they interreacted and the light-hearted humor that kept this book entertaining. Each person was connected to Dr. Nolan from previous mysteries solved and had a particular skill set vital to collecting the clues. Jed was critical to the late-night surveillance and evidence gathering, ABCDE was a reporter with connections to a computer expert, Eileen conducted essential research, and a few other characters added to the espionage portion of the clue gathering. I especially appreciated Sheriff Dent, who kept Sean on the right side of the law. I also enjoyed how Sean’s daughters, nursing staff, and girlfriend kept him grounded in reality; it was nice to rally behind an everyday hero rather than a high-intensity vigilante.

Another thing that I appreciated about the book was the medical information incorporated throughout the pages. The author’s medical background created an authenticity in the descriptions, and I loved how easy it was to understand the procedures he described. I also found it noteworthy that the author brought up current events like COVID and race issues that served a subtle but essential role in how the mystery played out. It felt realistic to witness the characters responding to the same issues we’ve dealt with in the past few years and to see how things have since developed.

There was nothing that I disliked about the novel. I found it frustrating to figure out the order of the rest of the titles in this series, but that was not something for which I would reduce the rating. Other than a few missing periods, this book was well edited. Therefore, I give Contrived four out of four stars.

I recommend this exciting book to mature readers who enjoy well-paced mysteries with many characters. Amongst the humor and suspense, there was non-borderline swearing and a few innuendoes, but no erotic content. The book had a satisfying ending and could be read as a standalone, but I think it would be better appreciated after reading a few other mysteries in the series.

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Contrived
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Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 02 Oct 2022, 03:35
by Eze Michael
Dr. Nolan is an interesting character who loves to solve mystery, and when he encounters a human that mysteriously died, he must do everything to find the cause. I'd love to read this book. Thanks for your honest review.

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 02 Oct 2022, 05:20
by Umesh Bhatt
The review has generated a lot of curiosity in my mind and I would go through this book. The knowledge about medical things reminds me of Agatha Christie plots.

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 02 Oct 2022, 21:49
by Opara Jerry
I commend the author for the effort they put into writing the review. The book also seems promising and interesting. I should add it to my reading list because I wouldn’t want to miss a good investigation book. Especially if it has thrills and chills to go with it.

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 03 Oct 2022, 06:43
by ThankGod Onyishi
This review will only leave you with longing to read the book. I look forward to actually reading this fantastic piece of literature. Thank you for the review.

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 08 Oct 2022, 00:50
by Rowan The-First
An investigative doctor seems intriguing and I really want to know more about him. Your review has been enough to make me want to read the book.

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 24 Oct 2022, 13:47
by Dayna Frank
This review has left me wanting to know more! Very well-written and easily captured my attention! Nice job!

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 11 Nov 2022, 15:28
by Amy Luman
I can’t start a new series, right now and I don’t want to pick a book out of the middle. This is a really good review, though, and whe I’m ready for a new series, this will be where I go.

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 10 Dec 2022, 17:29
by NetMassimo
Reading the review of another novel of this series I had a good impression that was confirmed by this review of a well-constructed thriller with interesting characters. I'll look into this series. Thank you for your great review!

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 18 Mar 2023, 05:51
by María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda
I have mixed feelings about the Dr. Nolan series. I love the characters and they usually get stellar reviews like yours. But the author often focuses on Covid and other topics that I find super distressing. Though, as you mentioned, they might be essential to the plot.
Thank you 😊

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 18 Mar 2023, 05:53
by Ana-Maria MT
Sounds so exciting!! I am very curious about this character, Dr. Nolan, and how he will solve the crime and develop over the course of the book.

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 18 Mar 2023, 05:55
by Nemanja Jankovic
In the middle of "Contrived" by E.W. Johnson M.D. there is Dr. Sean Nolan and his love for solving mysteries. The book begins very effectively with a suspenseful scene that leaves the reader in suspense. The book is professionally edited.

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 18 Mar 2023, 06:29
by Rocky Ellery James Tumbelaka
Mystery novel with a medical background. This is just the kind of book I like to read. Good thing this book work as a stand-alone because you can enjoy each book perfectly. Thanks for the review.

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 18 Mar 2023, 06:44
by Sushan Ekanayake
🔍 "Contrived: A Dr. Sean Nolan Mystery" by E. W. Johnson M.D. is a thrilling ride! With suspenseful scenes, engaging characters, and an author's medical background adding authenticity to the story, it's a perfect read for mature mystery lovers! 👏 Congratulations on being BOTD.

Re: Review of Contrived

Posted: 18 Mar 2023, 07:04
by John Kingsley Ken
Discovering the mystery is one of the attributes of a book that increases the interest and widens the imagination of the readers. And am so anxious to dive into the river of the mystery of the "CONTRIVED''. Thanks for your review.