Review of Contrived

Erin Dydek · Post by **Erin Dydek** » 30 Sep 2022, 19:59

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Contrived" by E.W. Johnson M.D..]

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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Eze Michael · Post by **Eze Michael** » 02 Oct 2022, 03:35

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.

Umesh Bhatt · Post by **Umesh Bhatt** » 02 Oct 2022, 05:20

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.

Opara Jerry · Post by **Opara Jerry** » 02 Oct 2022, 21:49

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.

Post by **ThankGod Onyishi** » 03 Oct 2022, 06:43

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.

Rowan The-First · Post by **Rowan The-First** » 08 Oct 2022, 00:50

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.

Dayna Frank · Post by **Dayna Frank** » 24 Oct 2022, 13:47

This review has left me wanting to know more! Very well-written and easily captured my attention! Nice job!

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 11 Nov 2022, 15:28

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.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 10 Dec 2022, 17:29

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!

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 18 Mar 2023, 05:51

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

Ana-Maria MT · Post by **Ana-Maria MT** » 18 Mar 2023, 05:53

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.

Nemanja Jankovic · Post by **Nemanja Jankovic** » 18 Mar 2023, 05:55

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.

Rocky Ellery James Tumbelaka · 18 Mar 2023, 06:29

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.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 18 Mar 2023, 06:44

"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.

John Kingsley Ken · Post by **John Kingsley Ken** » 18 Mar 2023, 07:04

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.