Shawn Grady's Tomorrow We Die ~ Reviewed

Tomorrow We Die
Shawn Grady
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (July 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 076420596X

Book Description:

Chase the Angel of Death and You Might Catch Him

Jonathan Trestle is a paramedic who's spent the week a few steps behind the angel of death. When he responds to a call about a man sprawled on a downtown sidewalk, Trestle isn't about to lose another victim. CPR revives the man long enough for him to hand Trestle a crumpled piece of paper and say, "Give this to Martin," before being taken to the hospital.

The note is a series of dashes and haphazard scribbles. Trestle tries to follow up with the patient later, but at the ICU he learns the man awoke, pulled out his IVs, and vanished, leaving only a single key behind. With the simple decision to honor a dying man's last wish, Jonathan tracks the key to a nearby motel where he finds the man again--this time not just dead but murdered. Unwilling to just let it drop, Jonathan is plunged into a mystery that soon threatens not only his dreams for the future but maybe even his life. He must race for the truth before the Angel of Death comes calling for him.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Tomorrow We Die, go to HERE.

Review:

Shawn Grady's sophomore release shows great talent. I did not read his first book so I can't compare the two, but I plan to go back and pick it up based on what I read in Tomorrow We Die. I work in the medical field and am fascinated with the human body and its workings and Grady's EMT training has given him lots of details to provide. Tomorrow We Die is a fast read weighing in at around 200 pages (not sure of final count as I read an Advanced Reader Copy provided by the publisher). Plenty of action and emotional tension join with the medical jargon making the novel a page turner.

Readers who like twists and turns, medical fiction and first person narratives told well should enjoy examining Grady's novels. The end resolved quickly and there were a few predictable moments for me, but Grady's writing is strong overall and his characters are compelling enough to overcome a few minor irritations. Some details may give chickens the willies so be forewarned.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

BONUS REVIEW:

Shawn Grady’s second novel Tomorrow We Die, is just as gripping, eye opening, and realistic as the Through the Fire. Shawn takes the reader into an EMT’s world the way no one else can. He’s been a firefighter and EMT in the Reno area for years. I’m thankful I received a review copy of this suspenseful, action packed story that made me realize how hard EMT’s work and how much they sacrifice, day-in and day-out.

Jonathan works as an EMT as he awaits news of a scholarship. He dreams of being a Doctor. EMT’s have demanding, dangerous jobs but Jonathan knows this is the first step to becoming a Doctor. He also realizes he can’t save everyone. That was the rub.

Jonathan tries to save Simon Letell’s, life. He asks for a favor. Puts a piece of paper in his hand and says, “Give this to Martin.” Then passes out, what did that mean? Who’s Martin? Simon is rushed to ER. Jonathon checks on Simon later to learn more about the crazy note. It didn’t make sense. How would he find Martin? The mystery gets more complicated when Jonathan discovers Simon’s gone AWOL. He was near death’s doors just this morning he couldn’t have gone far. How to find Simon and Martin? Aha, the million dollar question.

I was spell bound as I read this gripping, suspenseful mystery. I grew to like Jonathan and was intrigued by the challenges he faced. I hadn’t realized how hard EMT’s work and how they have to think on their feet just like Firefighters. What worked in the classroom doesn’t always mean it will work in the field with its less than perfect circumstances and drama. A split second decision in the field can mean life or death to a patient and to themselves.

I’ve started to look at Firefighters and EMTS in a whole new light thanks to Shawn Grady’s realistic, complex characters and the insider details he gives these stories nobody likes to talk about. I can’t wait to see where Shawn takes us next.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network