Title: The Mystery of Breathing Author: Perri Klass type of book: Psychological Suspense call number: Fic

This book is strong in character, story and setting.

Summary:
Dr. Maggie Claymore is a neonatologist at a major hospital, on the fast track for promotion. Though satisfied with her "orderly" marriage and friendships, she is most self-satisfied with her career achievements, where her work literally means the difference between life and death to "her" newborns. And she does not take for granted that mystery of the first breath.

Then anonymous letters start coming to Maggie, accusing her of the murder of a patient, research fraud, making up her credentials, drug use, and more. Soon the same letters come to hospital administration, and posters appear in halls and elevators. Although completely untrue, they have a disastrous effect on not just Maggie's career but her emotional stability.

I would recommend this book!

Why?
Excellent characterization. It's not really a mystery, because the reader knows long before the end who is committing these acts, and why. But until the very end you won't know whether they get away with it, or whether Maggie keeps her job - or her sanity. Great story.

Other suggested reading:
Perri Klass is a practicing pediatrician and you can tell she knows hospital procedures - and politics. Some of her nonfiction titles include A Not Entirely Benign Operation about her experiences in medical school, and Baby Doctor.

Employee Initials: Review Date: July 2005

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