What do you think?
Rate this book
Lucas Page #3
Do No Harm
In Robert Pobi's thriller Do No Harm , a series of suicides and accidental deaths in the medical community are actually well-disguised murders and only Lucas Page can see the pattern and discern the truth that no one else believes.
Lucas Page is a polymath, astrophysicist, professor, husband, father of five adopted children, bestselling author, and ex-FBI agent―emphasis on "ex." Severely wounded after being caught in an explosion, Page left the FBI behind and put his focus on the rebuilding the rest of his life. But Page is uniquely gifted in being able to recognize patterns that elude others, a skill that brings the F.B.I. knocking at his door again and again.
Lucas Page's wife Erin loses a friend, a gifted plastic surgeon, to suicide and Lucas begins to realize how many people Erin knew that have died in the past year, in freak accidents and now suicide. Intrigued despite himself, Page begins digging through obituaries and realizes that there's a pattern―a bad one. These deaths don't make sense unless the doctors are being murdered, the target of a particularly clever killer. This time, the FBI wants as little to do with Lucas as he does with them so he's left with only one option―ignore it and go back to his normal life. But then, the pattern reveals that the next victim is likely to be...Erin herself.
Lucas Page is a polymath, astrophysicist, professor, husband, father of five adopted children, bestselling author, and ex-FBI agent―emphasis on "ex." Severely wounded after being caught in an explosion, Page left the FBI behind and put his focus on the rebuilding the rest of his life. But Page is uniquely gifted in being able to recognize patterns that elude others, a skill that brings the F.B.I. knocking at his door again and again.
Lucas Page's wife Erin loses a friend, a gifted plastic surgeon, to suicide and Lucas begins to realize how many people Erin knew that have died in the past year, in freak accidents and now suicide. Intrigued despite himself, Page begins digging through obituaries and realizes that there's a pattern―a bad one. These deaths don't make sense unless the doctors are being murdered, the target of a particularly clever killer. This time, the FBI wants as little to do with Lucas as he does with them so he's left with only one option―ignore it and go back to his normal life. But then, the pattern reveals that the next victim is likely to be...Erin herself.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published August 9, 2022
74 people are currently reading
5543 people want to read
About the author
Robert Pobi
14 books365 followersROBERT POBI has fished for great whites off Montauk, chased coyotes with a dune buggy in the Mojave, and spelunked caves in the former Yugoslavia. He is a renowned expert in English period furniture and makes a mean coq au vin. He spends most of his time in Montreal, Canada.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
August 9, 2022
*4.5 stars*
Dr Lucas Page, astrophysicist, university professor and former FBI agent is supposed to be taking things easy these days. He wants a quiet life helping to raise his kids while supporting his wife Erin, a renowned surgeon.
However, while attending a medical gala with Erin, he’s shocked by a video in memory of all the doctors who have died in the last year, and (Page being Page) recognises patterns that no one else does (he’s something of a phenomenon when it comes to numbers and patterns). He believes the doctors were murdered, meaning Erin is also in danger!
Ok, so he’s supposed to be taking it easy, but Page can’t do that after what he’s just seen, so he contacts his buddies at the FBI and he soon discovers that the patterns he saw were correct - which means they’re looking for a serial killer. He’s joined in this particular endeavour by Detective Johnny Russo and Special Agent Alice Whitaker.
Those of you already familiar with the depth of Page’s investigative work won’t be disappointed, it’s just unbelievably clever (well done Mr Pobi). The storyline is exciting, well plotted, full of tension, with some great twists and turns, and I love how Lucas’s bad temper and cantankerous personality is offset by Whitaker’s humour. Just genius!
*I was invited to read Do No Harm by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Dr Lucas Page, astrophysicist, university professor and former FBI agent is supposed to be taking things easy these days. He wants a quiet life helping to raise his kids while supporting his wife Erin, a renowned surgeon.
However, while attending a medical gala with Erin, he’s shocked by a video in memory of all the doctors who have died in the last year, and (Page being Page) recognises patterns that no one else does (he’s something of a phenomenon when it comes to numbers and patterns). He believes the doctors were murdered, meaning Erin is also in danger!
Ok, so he’s supposed to be taking it easy, but Page can’t do that after what he’s just seen, so he contacts his buddies at the FBI and he soon discovers that the patterns he saw were correct - which means they’re looking for a serial killer. He’s joined in this particular endeavour by Detective Johnny Russo and Special Agent Alice Whitaker.
Those of you already familiar with the depth of Page’s investigative work won’t be disappointed, it’s just unbelievably clever (well done Mr Pobi). The storyline is exciting, well plotted, full of tension, with some great twists and turns, and I love how Lucas’s bad temper and cantankerous personality is offset by Whitaker’s humour. Just genius!
*I was invited to read Do No Harm by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
August 2, 2022
This is the latest stunning high octane fuelled, action packed, and fast paced thriller in Robert Pobi's series featuring Dr Lucas Page, polymath, astrophysicist, university professor and former FBI agent, and father to 5 adopted children, with his state of the art prosthetics. Still recovering from his last set of injuries, he is planning on settling into life away from the heat of the action. He hopes the days of putting his extraordinary gifts in pattern recognition, put to use hunting New York City's deadliest killers are behind him. Now, he is looking forward to a quiet life raising his children and supporting his wife Erin's work as a surgeon. There is going to be no chance of this, attending a medical charity bash with Erin, Page is surprised by the annual memorial video documenting the high number of doctors who have died in apparent accidents or by suicide. Something is very wrong, it just isn't possible statistically that these could be random deaths.
Doctors are being murdered, including a close friend of Erin's, plastic surgeon Dr Dove Knox, this is going to be a tough, challenging bare knuckle investigation that Page has no choice but to work flat out on, for the killer has his eyes on his wife, Erin, as a target. He has to call on the FBI, drawing on its vast resources, led by Special Agent in Charge, Brett Kehoe and his team for assistance, they and every other law enforcement agency had missed these murders entirely. It soon emerges that Page has unearthed a widespread and well organised deadly operation to wipe out members of the medical profession. He is aided by his old partner, Special Agent Alice Whitaker, still recovering from her injuries and using a cane, and they are joined by ex-military NYPD Detective Johnny 'Jackets' Russo, who takes an immediate shine to Page, unfazed by Page's trademark cantankerousness and rudeness.
It goes almost without saying that Page and Whitaker are going to collect a new set of injuries as they race against time to find those behind the murders, particularly with the rising number of dead and the increasing danger that threatens them and Lucas's family. Highlights for me include the dry and witty banter between Lucas and Alice, and the insights into Lucas's children and household, adding a greater depth to his otherwise rock hard anti-social personality. This is a dark, engaging, a thrill a minute read with numerous twists and turns, and the non-stop tension and suspense kept me turning the pages as fast as I possibly could, entertained as practically every new FBI SUV that is issued to Page and Whitaker is wrecked almost immediately. This is a great series that will appeal to those readers who love well written and well plotted superior thrillers with great, complex characters. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Doctors are being murdered, including a close friend of Erin's, plastic surgeon Dr Dove Knox, this is going to be a tough, challenging bare knuckle investigation that Page has no choice but to work flat out on, for the killer has his eyes on his wife, Erin, as a target. He has to call on the FBI, drawing on its vast resources, led by Special Agent in Charge, Brett Kehoe and his team for assistance, they and every other law enforcement agency had missed these murders entirely. It soon emerges that Page has unearthed a widespread and well organised deadly operation to wipe out members of the medical profession. He is aided by his old partner, Special Agent Alice Whitaker, still recovering from her injuries and using a cane, and they are joined by ex-military NYPD Detective Johnny 'Jackets' Russo, who takes an immediate shine to Page, unfazed by Page's trademark cantankerousness and rudeness.
It goes almost without saying that Page and Whitaker are going to collect a new set of injuries as they race against time to find those behind the murders, particularly with the rising number of dead and the increasing danger that threatens them and Lucas's family. Highlights for me include the dry and witty banter between Lucas and Alice, and the insights into Lucas's children and household, adding a greater depth to his otherwise rock hard anti-social personality. This is a dark, engaging, a thrill a minute read with numerous twists and turns, and the non-stop tension and suspense kept me turning the pages as fast as I possibly could, entertained as practically every new FBI SUV that is issued to Page and Whitaker is wrecked almost immediately. This is a great series that will appeal to those readers who love well written and well plotted superior thrillers with great, complex characters. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
August 1, 2022
4.5 rounded up
Lucas Page #3
Lucas Page is a genius astrophysicist professor and ex-FBI who can see patterns most of us can’t, interpret them and discern truths. To say he is a bit physically damaged is an understatement, one prosthetic leg, one prosthetic arm, a glass eye and a bad haircut. There has been a series of apparent suicides of people linked to medicine and many targeted are friends of his surgeon wife Erin. Lucas will do what he has to in order to protect Erin as who knows if she could be the next victim. He is joined in this endeavour by Detective Russo who has a penchant for Gatorade and vodka (rather you than me mate) and SA Alice Whitaker. To describe her as a speed Demon is like saying Lewis Hamilton quite likes fast cars.
Wowza! This is like reading an action packed thriller movie with the pre-requisite car chases, guns, et cetera et cetera but with the addition of several laugh out loud moments. The opening scene sure grabs your attention and is certainly vivid utilising a famous NYC location and weather for the added bonus of atmosphere.
It’s a rollercoaster read, with a clever plot packed with suspects who raise your suspicion antenna and some excellent red herrings for good measure. There’s plenty of suspense, some OTT violence, correction, rather a lot of OTT violence some of which is outlandish, bizarre and utterly jawdropping. I lap it up! What can I say about the ending? Well, my spidey senses are having an off day and veer in the wrong direction.
I love the humour especially between Lucas and Whitaker, their dialogue is very smart and highly entertaining. Lucas is fascinating, so clever, yes he is blunt and rude, definitely not a people person but I couldn’t help but like him and his family. Some scenes between Lucas, Whitaker and those that cross their path are beyond tense, there’s often with the car involved and they are simply breathtaking. Creative use is made of New York which adds to the fantastic cinematic drama.
Overall, I love the way this is written with the tone being everything from outright funny to ironic to a thrill a minute exciting. It’s a cracking read, just off for a lie down to recover! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review
Lucas Page #3
Lucas Page is a genius astrophysicist professor and ex-FBI who can see patterns most of us can’t, interpret them and discern truths. To say he is a bit physically damaged is an understatement, one prosthetic leg, one prosthetic arm, a glass eye and a bad haircut. There has been a series of apparent suicides of people linked to medicine and many targeted are friends of his surgeon wife Erin. Lucas will do what he has to in order to protect Erin as who knows if she could be the next victim. He is joined in this endeavour by Detective Russo who has a penchant for Gatorade and vodka (rather you than me mate) and SA Alice Whitaker. To describe her as a speed Demon is like saying Lewis Hamilton quite likes fast cars.
Wowza! This is like reading an action packed thriller movie with the pre-requisite car chases, guns, et cetera et cetera but with the addition of several laugh out loud moments. The opening scene sure grabs your attention and is certainly vivid utilising a famous NYC location and weather for the added bonus of atmosphere.
It’s a rollercoaster read, with a clever plot packed with suspects who raise your suspicion antenna and some excellent red herrings for good measure. There’s plenty of suspense, some OTT violence, correction, rather a lot of OTT violence some of which is outlandish, bizarre and utterly jawdropping. I lap it up! What can I say about the ending? Well, my spidey senses are having an off day and veer in the wrong direction.
I love the humour especially between Lucas and Whitaker, their dialogue is very smart and highly entertaining. Lucas is fascinating, so clever, yes he is blunt and rude, definitely not a people person but I couldn’t help but like him and his family. Some scenes between Lucas, Whitaker and those that cross their path are beyond tense, there’s often with the car involved and they are simply breathtaking. Creative use is made of New York which adds to the fantastic cinematic drama.
Overall, I love the way this is written with the tone being everything from outright funny to ironic to a thrill a minute exciting. It’s a cracking read, just off for a lie down to recover! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review
August 15, 2022
Astrophysicist, maths genius and ex-FBI agent, Dr Lucas Page is back in another fast-paced thriller. He left the FBI after losing an arm, leg and eye in a terrible accident and after working for them again as a consultant is still recovering from the further injuries he received in that case, and has no intention of working with them again. However, reluctantly attending a medical charity fundraiser with his doctor wife Erin, he was idly watching the list of New York doctors who had died in the last year and noticed that a statistically impossible number died from accidents or suicide. Contacting the FBI, he asked them to take a closer look at those deaths and indeed at least thirty do indeed look suspiciously like murders. Soon he is back with Special Agent Alice Whitaker, still recovering from her own injuries in their last job together, as they try to find some link between the murdered doctors and identify their killers.
This is a complex case which Lucas finds frustratingly hard to crack as there doesn’t seem to be any links between the victims. When a friend of Erin’s is found dead in a staged suicide, he knows they have to find the killer/s to stop these deaths happening. Whitaker and Lucas are assisted by NYPD cop, Johnny Russo, who recently investigated the suicide of a female doctor in what now looks suspicious. Russo takes an especial shine to Lucas, even as he receives Lucas’ trademark rudeness back in return.
Before the team even starts to get a hint of who is behind the murders, there will be more killings, a lot of solid police work looking at every angle of all the cases again, not to mention Lucas’ applying his special skill in searching massive data sets. The novel also focuses on Lucas’ home life with Erin and their five adopted children, especially after Lucas becomes aware that his Erin might be in danger herself from whoever is killing off doctors.
As always, the banter between Whitaker and Lucas is often hilarious, as is the running joke through the novel regarding Whitaker’s cars, which keep being successively written off. The action is fast paced and the suspense never lets up as the plot twists and turns, culminating in a high-speed chase through the streets of New York. This is a terrific addition to the series and I hope there will be many more occasions when the FBI needs to call in Lucas to apply his special skills to an investigation.
With thanks to Hodder & Stoughton via Netgalley for a copy to read
This is a complex case which Lucas finds frustratingly hard to crack as there doesn’t seem to be any links between the victims. When a friend of Erin’s is found dead in a staged suicide, he knows they have to find the killer/s to stop these deaths happening. Whitaker and Lucas are assisted by NYPD cop, Johnny Russo, who recently investigated the suicide of a female doctor in what now looks suspicious. Russo takes an especial shine to Lucas, even as he receives Lucas’ trademark rudeness back in return.
Before the team even starts to get a hint of who is behind the murders, there will be more killings, a lot of solid police work looking at every angle of all the cases again, not to mention Lucas’ applying his special skill in searching massive data sets. The novel also focuses on Lucas’ home life with Erin and their five adopted children, especially after Lucas becomes aware that his Erin might be in danger herself from whoever is killing off doctors.
As always, the banter between Whitaker and Lucas is often hilarious, as is the running joke through the novel regarding Whitaker’s cars, which keep being successively written off. The action is fast paced and the suspense never lets up as the plot twists and turns, culminating in a high-speed chase through the streets of New York. This is a terrific addition to the series and I hope there will be many more occasions when the FBI needs to call in Lucas to apply his special skills to an investigation.
With thanks to Hodder & Stoughton via Netgalley for a copy to read
November 22, 2022
This is the 3rd in this series of Lucas page a genius astrophysicist & former professor who can see patterns of a murder scene most of us can’t . His wife Erin who is a orthopaedic paediatric surgeon was at a charity gala when something heinous happened at the Brooklyn Bridge in New York Detective Johnny (Jacki) Russo was called to a crime scene what he found was Dr Jennifer Delmonico had fallen of the bridge.
Was it suicide or murder?
Russo wasn’t immune to bad things happening to people, as he was in the military for 13 years, so this is nothing to him.
Unexplained deaths of doctors are starting to pile up & Lucas is brought in to help find the culprit but why is this happening & is it a serial killer?
Things get to a point when Lucase’s wife Erin’s life is put in danger is she the next victim!! Lucas will do anything to save her & get to the bottom of this case.
This is another cracker of a read I absolutely love this series, it moves at a frantic pace & the prose gets better with every instalment highly recommended.
Was it suicide or murder?
Russo wasn’t immune to bad things happening to people, as he was in the military for 13 years, so this is nothing to him.
Unexplained deaths of doctors are starting to pile up & Lucas is brought in to help find the culprit but why is this happening & is it a serial killer?
Things get to a point when Lucase’s wife Erin’s life is put in danger is she the next victim!! Lucas will do anything to save her & get to the bottom of this case.
This is another cracker of a read I absolutely love this series, it moves at a frantic pace & the prose gets better with every instalment highly recommended.
January 28, 2023
City of Windows was one of my favourite thrillers of 2019, a complex and inventive tale that intrigued me from the very start. Not only that, but it introduced Dr Lucas Page a former FBI agent who has a number of interesting ‘differences’. Firstly, he lacks an arm and a leg – these being replaced by state of the art prosthetics – but more importantly he is a master of numbers, with an ability to compute and analyse information that it would normally take a bank of computers to replicate. This is all used to the full and his extraordinary skills pretty much held this story together. In Under Pressure, the second book in the series, it seemed to me that Pobi struggled somewhat to overcome the lack of surprise that Windows had served up. The story was okay, but Page’s skills weren’t so well fitted to the challenge he faced and as a result it all felt somewhat leaden.
So what to do with book 3? Well, the author has made what I believe to be the right choice in deciding to expand the way in which readers engage with not only Page but also his family unit: wife Erin and a bunch of children of varying ages. There’s a lot more about Page the man here, he’s still got his taciturn ways and he’s rude beyond belief but this has somehow become increasingly engaging. Some other carry over characters are here too and suddenly I’m starting to feel about Page what I’ve long felt about some other fictional characters I follow (Harry Bosch, Dave Robicheaux, John Rebus and Guido Brunetti instantly spring to mind). That is to say, I want to know what’s happening to them and those around them.
The story here is a step up from Book 2 also, with Page becoming aware of the fact that an awful lot of doctors in the New York metropolitan area are seeming to meet an untimely death. His wife is a surgeon so this one feels close to home. How it plays out from here I’ll leave readers to discover for themselves, but what I would say is that it somehow recreates the excitement I originally experienced with this character with quite a bit less of the ‘superpower’ input. It’s clever it’s fast paced and it held me firmly in its grip throughout. Outstanding, I loved it.
My sincere thanks to publishers Hodder & Stoughton for providing an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So what to do with book 3? Well, the author has made what I believe to be the right choice in deciding to expand the way in which readers engage with not only Page but also his family unit: wife Erin and a bunch of children of varying ages. There’s a lot more about Page the man here, he’s still got his taciturn ways and he’s rude beyond belief but this has somehow become increasingly engaging. Some other carry over characters are here too and suddenly I’m starting to feel about Page what I’ve long felt about some other fictional characters I follow (Harry Bosch, Dave Robicheaux, John Rebus and Guido Brunetti instantly spring to mind). That is to say, I want to know what’s happening to them and those around them.
The story here is a step up from Book 2 also, with Page becoming aware of the fact that an awful lot of doctors in the New York metropolitan area are seeming to meet an untimely death. His wife is a surgeon so this one feels close to home. How it plays out from here I’ll leave readers to discover for themselves, but what I would say is that it somehow recreates the excitement I originally experienced with this character with quite a bit less of the ‘superpower’ input. It’s clever it’s fast paced and it held me firmly in its grip throughout. Outstanding, I loved it.
My sincere thanks to publishers Hodder & Stoughton for providing an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2022
The third book in this series featuring the amazing Dr Lucas Page. He may not be someone you would want to chat with at a party but he is a great character in a book. He certainly does not suffer fools gladly! Most interestingly he has amazing recall and incredible maths skills.
I also enjoyed the other characters in the book - Special Agent Whitaker, Erin, Dingo, all the kids and of course the two dogs. There were many, many murders, some very near misses, lots of action, edge of your seat drama and gritty crime scenes. Everything in fact to make it a really good read. I highly recommend it but read books one and two first to really understand why Lucas is the way he is.
I also enjoyed the other characters in the book - Special Agent Whitaker, Erin, Dingo, all the kids and of course the two dogs. There were many, many murders, some very near misses, lots of action, edge of your seat drama and gritty crime scenes. Everything in fact to make it a really good read. I highly recommend it but read books one and two first to really understand why Lucas is the way he is.
August 3, 2022
This book was exactly what I needed after a string of good but depressing stories. I had tried, unsuccessfully, to get my hands on a Robert Pobi book a few years ago so when this one was offered to me I jumped at it despite it being #3 in a series.
Dr Lucas Page is a brilliant astrophysicist who has an uncanny ability to see patterns in data that no one else does so he is often called upon by the FBI to interpret things. The fact that he has an artificial arm, an artificial leg and a false eye doesn’t slow him down at all. These injuries were not explained in this book except for some vague references to “the event”. I might have to read the earlier books to learn more. His wife Dr Erin Page is a surgeon and they have five children, some of which at least are adopted. Lucas himself was adopted and is paying it forward.
The doctors Page attend an annual medical fraternity dinner at which there is always a memorial mention of hospital doctors who have died in the last year. On this occasion the number seems unusually high and there is a significant number of strange accidents and suicides. Lucas ponders this and decides there’s something fishy going on. The very fact that everything about the deaths seems to be totally random proves to him that it is most definitely not random. He takes his concerns to the FBI and when they don’t bite he gives them an 8 page calculation proving it.
Long story short, the deaths are reevaluated and slowly but surely they are all shown to be suspicious. Who is killing doctors and why? He works with Detective Russo from the precinct of the latest death and is also partnered up with Special Agent Whittaker who is still recovering from the last case they worked together. I loved the Lucas character, he has no sense of humour but I found his outcome focussed approach quite amusing. Whittaker is very droll and has the dubious distinction of writing off every vehicle that she is assigned. Well it’s not her fault that bodies tend to fall on them from a great height although she does drive like the devil is at her heels!
Things get more serious when Erin is targeted and shot while returning from a shopping trip with the kids. This time Whittaker is solely responsible for a one woman demolition derby as she races to get Erin to the hospital before she bleeds out. Now the gloves are off and Lucas is solely focussed on solving this case. It was very cleverly written and a diabolical mystery. With twists aplenty and many red herrings and lots of pulse pounding action. Did I mention the action? And the jaw dropping twists? It may have gotten a little bonkers towards the end but I was fully invested in this memorable story that it mattered not. I loved every minute of it! Robert Pobi has a new fan! Many thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Dr Lucas Page is a brilliant astrophysicist who has an uncanny ability to see patterns in data that no one else does so he is often called upon by the FBI to interpret things. The fact that he has an artificial arm, an artificial leg and a false eye doesn’t slow him down at all. These injuries were not explained in this book except for some vague references to “the event”. I might have to read the earlier books to learn more. His wife Dr Erin Page is a surgeon and they have five children, some of which at least are adopted. Lucas himself was adopted and is paying it forward.
The doctors Page attend an annual medical fraternity dinner at which there is always a memorial mention of hospital doctors who have died in the last year. On this occasion the number seems unusually high and there is a significant number of strange accidents and suicides. Lucas ponders this and decides there’s something fishy going on. The very fact that everything about the deaths seems to be totally random proves to him that it is most definitely not random. He takes his concerns to the FBI and when they don’t bite he gives them an 8 page calculation proving it.
Long story short, the deaths are reevaluated and slowly but surely they are all shown to be suspicious. Who is killing doctors and why? He works with Detective Russo from the precinct of the latest death and is also partnered up with Special Agent Whittaker who is still recovering from the last case they worked together. I loved the Lucas character, he has no sense of humour but I found his outcome focussed approach quite amusing. Whittaker is very droll and has the dubious distinction of writing off every vehicle that she is assigned. Well it’s not her fault that bodies tend to fall on them from a great height although she does drive like the devil is at her heels!
Things get more serious when Erin is targeted and shot while returning from a shopping trip with the kids. This time Whittaker is solely responsible for a one woman demolition derby as she races to get Erin to the hospital before she bleeds out. Now the gloves are off and Lucas is solely focussed on solving this case. It was very cleverly written and a diabolical mystery. With twists aplenty and many red herrings and lots of pulse pounding action. Did I mention the action? And the jaw dropping twists? It may have gotten a little bonkers towards the end but I was fully invested in this memorable story that it mattered not. I loved every minute of it! Robert Pobi has a new fan! Many thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
August 7, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
A series of suicides and accidential deaths in the medical community are actually well-disguised murders and only Lucas Page can see the pattern and discern the truth that no one else believes, Lucas Page is a polymath, atroophysicist, professor, husband, father of five adopted children, best selling author and ex FBI agent - emphasis on"ex." Severely wounded after being caught in an explosion, Page left the FBI behind, Lucas Page's wife, Erin, looses a friend, a gifted plastic surgeon, to suicide and Lucas begins to realise how mant people Erin knew have died in the past year, in freak accidents, now suicide.
Dr Lucas Page solves what seem like impossible crimes with the FBI's New York Field Office. Lucas is looking into the deaths of over thirty physicians who had been categorised as suicide, accidential death or natural causes. Now his wife, Erin, is in danger. The story is told mainly from Lucas's point of view. I like the rapport between Lucas and Special Agent Alice Whitaker. The pace is fast from the first page and doesn't let up all the way through. This is a well written, action packed page turner. It tense, funny and the suspense builds throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #RobertPobi for my ARC of #DoNoHarm in exchange for an honest review.
A series of suicides and accidential deaths in the medical community are actually well-disguised murders and only Lucas Page can see the pattern and discern the truth that no one else believes, Lucas Page is a polymath, atroophysicist, professor, husband, father of five adopted children, best selling author and ex FBI agent - emphasis on"ex." Severely wounded after being caught in an explosion, Page left the FBI behind, Lucas Page's wife, Erin, looses a friend, a gifted plastic surgeon, to suicide and Lucas begins to realise how mant people Erin knew have died in the past year, in freak accidents, now suicide.
Dr Lucas Page solves what seem like impossible crimes with the FBI's New York Field Office. Lucas is looking into the deaths of over thirty physicians who had been categorised as suicide, accidential death or natural causes. Now his wife, Erin, is in danger. The story is told mainly from Lucas's point of view. I like the rapport between Lucas and Special Agent Alice Whitaker. The pace is fast from the first page and doesn't let up all the way through. This is a well written, action packed page turner. It tense, funny and the suspense builds throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #RobertPobi for my ARC of #DoNoHarm in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2022
Do No Harm (August 2020) is the third book in Pobi’s Lucas Page thriller featuring an astrophysicist by profession, missing a natural arm, eye, and leg, but possessing an analytical brain that Mr. Spock would drool over. Page sees things in patterns faster than a speeding bullet. Here, he connects a pattern of deaths that no one else has put together. Although unevenly paced, this thriller does pick up after the first scene at a boring fundraiser.
July 25, 2022
The title Do No Harm tells the reader what to expect: a book where medical doctors play a big role. But not as you might think, not because they’ve willingly caused harm. Unfortunately, their role is limited to being victims of very cleverly executed killings. Luca Page discovers something strange in a list of ‘colleagues who died recently’ that is shown at a fundraiser he attends together with Erin. It is statistically just not possible, all those doctors dying so soon after each other. Lucas discovers a pattern behind the pattern (luckily this is explained in detail in the book) but as the reader may expect, there is also something wrong with the pattern. Lucas wouldn’t be Lucas if he wasn’t very intrigued but as soon as he learns that one of his best friends is found dead, he really begins to think there is something not right. Not with the victims but also, we learn further in the story, not with the killers.
Words fail me to describe how this story made me feel. It is such an incredible clever plot, with great characters, lots of action, interesting things to think about and some red herrings thrown in. It left me breathless.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this review copy.
Words fail me to describe how this story made me feel. It is such an incredible clever plot, with great characters, lots of action, interesting things to think about and some red herrings thrown in. It left me breathless.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this review copy.
October 10, 2024
Holds interest throughout and contains good plots.
October 15, 2022
Do No Harm by Robert Pobi is a medical thriller that completely captured my interest. This is the third instalment in the Lucas Page series but it reads well as a stand-alone. However, you probably will want to read the first two novels after reading this one. I know I will be feasting on the two previous mysteries as soon as possible. What a treat. Lucas Page is ex-FBI and a multiple amputee. He is a polymath, a husband and a father of five children. Page becomes aware that more doctors have died recently than the norm. It is becoming obvious to Page that many could have died under suspicious circumstances. When his spouse, who is also an MD, has her life threatened, he avidly investigates and will not stop until there are answers. The characters are well-drawn and make this thriller stand out. The plot moves at breakneck speed and is a pure pleasure for the reader. If you like your books with intense suspense and with a great story, this one is for you. You will be hooked from page one. Robert Pobi has proven himself to be an exceptional author. Highly recommended. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2022
4.5★s
Do No Harm is the third book in the Lucas Page series by Canadian author, Robert Pobi. Only brilliant astrophysicist and numbers genius, Lucas Page could come home from a charity dinner convinced that thirty doctors have been murdered undetected by any law enforcement body. By the next morning, his grad student Bobby Nadeel has analysed the cases and produces the figures to prove it, but FBI Special Agent in Charge of Manhattan, Brett Kehoe isn’t wholly persuaded that this string of accidents, suicides and seemingly natural deaths are really murders.
When their friend, Dr Dove Knox has apparently suicided after the same dinner, Lucas’s wife, Erin asks him to look into her colleague’s death. Much to the irritation of the NYPD and the ME’s officers, Lucas immediately reads the scene as murder. By the time Dr Arna Solomon is shot in what is meant to look like a mugging in the car park opposite Weill Cornell, the FBI is convinced.
As first responder to several of the cases for which the FBI is requesting files, NYPD Detective Johnny Russo has quickly worked out that something is going on, and demands to be involved. The irritating alcoholic does seem to have some valid points, and seems able to withstand his rudeness like water off a duck’s back, so Lucas reluctantly lets him stay.
Thorough investigation and analysis lead them to conclude that the murders look random and, indeed, the victims seem to have nothing in common except that they are doctors; of the few cases where a perpetrator is identified, nothing seems to link these unlikeliest of killers to their victims. Their motivation to commit murder is a complete mystery.
Any inclination Lucas might have to leave the investigation to the FBI, though, is quashed when Erin is targeted by a gunman and three of their children narrowly escape incineration. The FBI goes into deep analysis of every scrap of data they can find, and gradually, Lucas forms a theory.
Despite the red herrings and distractions, the most astute reader may figure out what is going on early in the piece but discovering the who, the why and the how is guaranteed to keep the pages turning right up to the final jaw-dropping reveal. And whenever the tension builds up, Russo throws in his two cents worth, or there’s another vehicle mishap…
Special Agent Alice Whitaker, somewhat recovered from the injuries sustained in their last encounter, ends up needing her shiny black Navigator SUV replaced FOUR times as she drives Lucas around, courtesy a wild mercy run to hospital, a body falling from a great height, a motorcyclist through the rear screen, and a second body falling from a great height. And then a Ferrari SF90 Whitaker is driving is comprehensively destroyed in an exciting high-speed car chase.
This third instalment is cleverly plotted and Pobi includes plenty of action scenes, some of them quite grisly, characters from previous books engaging in entertaining dialogue, some chillingly nasty killers and a high body count. Disbelief may need to be suspended for some aspects, but the best advice is to hang on and enjoy the ride. Gripping, intriguing, and often blackly funny, this is another excellent crime thriller.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton.
Do No Harm is the third book in the Lucas Page series by Canadian author, Robert Pobi. Only brilliant astrophysicist and numbers genius, Lucas Page could come home from a charity dinner convinced that thirty doctors have been murdered undetected by any law enforcement body. By the next morning, his grad student Bobby Nadeel has analysed the cases and produces the figures to prove it, but FBI Special Agent in Charge of Manhattan, Brett Kehoe isn’t wholly persuaded that this string of accidents, suicides and seemingly natural deaths are really murders.
When their friend, Dr Dove Knox has apparently suicided after the same dinner, Lucas’s wife, Erin asks him to look into her colleague’s death. Much to the irritation of the NYPD and the ME’s officers, Lucas immediately reads the scene as murder. By the time Dr Arna Solomon is shot in what is meant to look like a mugging in the car park opposite Weill Cornell, the FBI is convinced.
As first responder to several of the cases for which the FBI is requesting files, NYPD Detective Johnny Russo has quickly worked out that something is going on, and demands to be involved. The irritating alcoholic does seem to have some valid points, and seems able to withstand his rudeness like water off a duck’s back, so Lucas reluctantly lets him stay.
Thorough investigation and analysis lead them to conclude that the murders look random and, indeed, the victims seem to have nothing in common except that they are doctors; of the few cases where a perpetrator is identified, nothing seems to link these unlikeliest of killers to their victims. Their motivation to commit murder is a complete mystery.
Any inclination Lucas might have to leave the investigation to the FBI, though, is quashed when Erin is targeted by a gunman and three of their children narrowly escape incineration. The FBI goes into deep analysis of every scrap of data they can find, and gradually, Lucas forms a theory.
Despite the red herrings and distractions, the most astute reader may figure out what is going on early in the piece but discovering the who, the why and the how is guaranteed to keep the pages turning right up to the final jaw-dropping reveal. And whenever the tension builds up, Russo throws in his two cents worth, or there’s another vehicle mishap…
Special Agent Alice Whitaker, somewhat recovered from the injuries sustained in their last encounter, ends up needing her shiny black Navigator SUV replaced FOUR times as she drives Lucas around, courtesy a wild mercy run to hospital, a body falling from a great height, a motorcyclist through the rear screen, and a second body falling from a great height. And then a Ferrari SF90 Whitaker is driving is comprehensively destroyed in an exciting high-speed car chase.
This third instalment is cleverly plotted and Pobi includes plenty of action scenes, some of them quite grisly, characters from previous books engaging in entertaining dialogue, some chillingly nasty killers and a high body count. Disbelief may need to be suspended for some aspects, but the best advice is to hang on and enjoy the ride. Gripping, intriguing, and often blackly funny, this is another excellent crime thriller.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton.
August 10, 2022
While recovering from his latest extensive set of injuries, Lucas Page is hopeful his days of assisting the FBI in tracking down serial killers is just about over. Lucas is an ex-FBI agent himself and plans on keeping it that way. However, his extraordinary gift in pattern recognition has proved useful in seeing what others miss. He's often called to crime scenes to detect what's eluded officers. Lucas, a polymath, astrophysicist and professor is looking forward to normal life with his five adopted kids and wife Erin who's a respected surgeon. Things are finally peaceful until the couple attends a medical charity bash, and Page begins watching the annual memorial video documenting the high number of doctors who have died in the past year . . . many in so called accidents or by suicide. How is it no one else has noticed that these "random" deaths are missing a key element? Where's the pattern? And just like that, Page is called back in by the FBI to assist in a race against time.
It soon becomes clear that someone is targeting members of the medical community which puts Page's wife Erin in the eye of the killer. Page doubles his efforts and once again is joined by his old partner, Special Agent Alice Whitaker who's also recovering from injuries. They quickly fall back into their pattern of life threatening escapades with dry banter mingled in, offering some comic relief to a fast-paced, drive the wheels off it investigation. Their team is rounded out by ex-military NYPD Detective Johnny Russo who turns a blind eye to Page's decidedly cold and ungiving personality. Together, they forge all speed ahead to catch a killer before anyone else is murdered.
Dark, twisted and complex, No Harm Done is a tense, action-packed ride from cover to cover. I enjoyed more insight into Page's family life with kid time which served to soften the edges of his stoic personality. And as always, I was fascinated by this character's study of patterns where there seemingly is none. Readers get to see the crime scenes through Page's eyes as one thing after another clicks into place emerging as a pattern. Expertly plotted and delivered, No Harm Done is a great addition to the Lucas Page series. This one stands alone, but readers will benefit from grabbing the first two books to get the full introduction to the man and his fellow characters. Highly recommended to fans of mysteries, police procedurals and suspense thrillers.
*Thanks to Minotaur Books for an arc of this title.
**Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews
It soon becomes clear that someone is targeting members of the medical community which puts Page's wife Erin in the eye of the killer. Page doubles his efforts and once again is joined by his old partner, Special Agent Alice Whitaker who's also recovering from injuries. They quickly fall back into their pattern of life threatening escapades with dry banter mingled in, offering some comic relief to a fast-paced, drive the wheels off it investigation. Their team is rounded out by ex-military NYPD Detective Johnny Russo who turns a blind eye to Page's decidedly cold and ungiving personality. Together, they forge all speed ahead to catch a killer before anyone else is murdered.
Dark, twisted and complex, No Harm Done is a tense, action-packed ride from cover to cover. I enjoyed more insight into Page's family life with kid time which served to soften the edges of his stoic personality. And as always, I was fascinated by this character's study of patterns where there seemingly is none. Readers get to see the crime scenes through Page's eyes as one thing after another clicks into place emerging as a pattern. Expertly plotted and delivered, No Harm Done is a great addition to the Lucas Page series. This one stands alone, but readers will benefit from grabbing the first two books to get the full introduction to the man and his fellow characters. Highly recommended to fans of mysteries, police procedurals and suspense thrillers.
*Thanks to Minotaur Books for an arc of this title.
**Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews
January 9, 2023
Lucas Page is a badly disabled FBI agent, having lost a leg, an arm, and an eye in what he refers to as ¨the incident.¨ He has a doctorate in astrophysics as well as the extraordinary ability to understand anything numeric, spatial or temporal. He lacks or chooses not to use any social skills and cares about nothing but his family and his work, as an FBI agent. Nonetheless, he has developed a good working relationship with FBI Special Agent Alice Whitaker - if they are all special, wouldn't it be the case that none of them are?
His pediatric surgeon wife and he attend a fundraiser to help meet local medical needs. While there, they and others discuss the recent death of a colleague. After the fundraiser, one of their friends also in attendance, apparently kills himself. Lucas looks into the ¨suicide¨ and doubts its authenticity. He believes it was murder! He recalls other physicians who apparently committed suicide or died accidentally and becomes convinced that all are murders.
He is able to convince his FBI boss (Very Special Agent something or other) that this spate of deaths are, in fact, murders. He and Alice begin looking into the deaths/murders/suicides/accidents and it soon becomes clear that 1. all are murders 2. the killers have no apparent motive and refuse to discuss the case with anyone, even if they are in prison 3. no one in the medical community is safe as there is an unsuccessful attempt to kill Page's wife.
Pobi's plot is very unique and, for me, extremely engaging. The characters range from normal to quite extreme, more of a range than one could conceivably encounter but that fact alone, makes the book interesting. Events move quickly or very quickly - no reader will become bored.
Something about Pobi's writing that I found annoying was his apparent need to convince the reader that he (Pobi) is exceptionally bright and has a huge vocabulary. These facts are obvious and it is to the writer's discredit that he seems so desperate to prove them. I will also say that the ending was very, very disappointing and completely beyond the bounds of credulity.
These two reactions are what drove my rating from a five to a three, although, in fact, I did very much enjoy the book. Nonetheless, mixed feelings aside, I cannot in good conscience (something I have never been accused of having) rate the book higher than three.
I do, however, recommend reading Do No Harm to those who love clever, fast-paced, mystery plots and do not mind the shortcomings that I have pointed out.
Fini
His pediatric surgeon wife and he attend a fundraiser to help meet local medical needs. While there, they and others discuss the recent death of a colleague. After the fundraiser, one of their friends also in attendance, apparently kills himself. Lucas looks into the ¨suicide¨ and doubts its authenticity. He believes it was murder! He recalls other physicians who apparently committed suicide or died accidentally and becomes convinced that all are murders.
He is able to convince his FBI boss (Very Special Agent something or other) that this spate of deaths are, in fact, murders. He and Alice begin looking into the deaths/murders/suicides/accidents and it soon becomes clear that 1. all are murders 2. the killers have no apparent motive and refuse to discuss the case with anyone, even if they are in prison 3. no one in the medical community is safe as there is an unsuccessful attempt to kill Page's wife.
Pobi's plot is very unique and, for me, extremely engaging. The characters range from normal to quite extreme, more of a range than one could conceivably encounter but that fact alone, makes the book interesting. Events move quickly or very quickly - no reader will become bored.
Something about Pobi's writing that I found annoying was his apparent need to convince the reader that he (Pobi) is exceptionally bright and has a huge vocabulary. These facts are obvious and it is to the writer's discredit that he seems so desperate to prove them. I will also say that the ending was very, very disappointing and completely beyond the bounds of credulity.
These two reactions are what drove my rating from a five to a three, although, in fact, I did very much enjoy the book. Nonetheless, mixed feelings aside, I cannot in good conscience (something I have never been accused of having) rate the book higher than three.
I do, however, recommend reading Do No Harm to those who love clever, fast-paced, mystery plots and do not mind the shortcomings that I have pointed out.
Fini
August 3, 2022
*4.5 stars, rounded up. Dr Lucas Page is described as 'a grumpy one-legged, one armed, one-eyed astrophysicist with bad hair.' As you can probably surmise from that quote, there is a lot of humor mixed in with the exciting action and gory murder scenes of this thriller.
Lucas has a phenomenal facility with numbers which has often led him to helping with official investigations. While attending a charity dinner with his wife, Erin, who is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Lucas watches an 'in memoriam' video honoring those NYC doctors who have died in the past year. His keen analytical mind makes the observation that more of them seemed to have died under strange circumstances than is statistically normal and now he's out to figure out why. When his own wife, becomes a target, it gets more personal.
Clever investigative work and exciting action really drive this thriller at a fast pace. Lucas is not well liked but he gets the job done. This is a great addition to the series.
I received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Lucas has a phenomenal facility with numbers which has often led him to helping with official investigations. While attending a charity dinner with his wife, Erin, who is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Lucas watches an 'in memoriam' video honoring those NYC doctors who have died in the past year. His keen analytical mind makes the observation that more of them seemed to have died under strange circumstances than is statistically normal and now he's out to figure out why. When his own wife, becomes a target, it gets more personal.
Clever investigative work and exciting action really drive this thriller at a fast pace. Lucas is not well liked but he gets the job done. This is a great addition to the series.
I received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
February 22, 2025
Page-turning, thrill ride. Oh wait, am I supposed to say that part later? Let me start again.
Lucas Page is an astrophysicist, professor and former FBI agent. He has a lot of injuries he has had to overcome and manage (artificial arm, artificial leg and only one eye), but he is quite good with mathematical statistics that help make sense of seemingly random events. This will come in helpful when several murders happen.
Needless to say, no one wants to believe that something odd is happening with all these deaths – nor that these deaths were anything other than “natural” or should be “linked” in anyway. But Lucas is determined to investigate despite the skepticism of the FBI, until finally everyone is investigating with him and on the same page. Which leads me to my first line…page-turning, thrill ride.
Incredible thriller with a very unique protagonist. 4.5 stars.
Lucas Page is an astrophysicist, professor and former FBI agent. He has a lot of injuries he has had to overcome and manage (artificial arm, artificial leg and only one eye), but he is quite good with mathematical statistics that help make sense of seemingly random events. This will come in helpful when several murders happen.
Needless to say, no one wants to believe that something odd is happening with all these deaths – nor that these deaths were anything other than “natural” or should be “linked” in anyway. But Lucas is determined to investigate despite the skepticism of the FBI, until finally everyone is investigating with him and on the same page. Which leads me to my first line…page-turning, thrill ride.
Incredible thriller with a very unique protagonist. 4.5 stars.
July 13, 2022
I have just read Do No Harm by Robert Pobi. This is the 3rd book in the Lucas Page Series.
In this book Lucas has discovered that there is a pattern with some recent deaths in the city. Many of the deaths appear to be doctors and members of the medical community.
A talented Doctor friend of Lucas’s wife Erin has committed suicide, and Lucas is discovering that many of these deaths are also friends of Erin.
I have read all three of the books in the series and did enjoy this one equally to the first two.
Thank you to NetGalley, Author Robert Pobi, and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for my advanced copy to read and review.
#NetGalley
In this book Lucas has discovered that there is a pattern with some recent deaths in the city. Many of the deaths appear to be doctors and members of the medical community.
A talented Doctor friend of Lucas’s wife Erin has committed suicide, and Lucas is discovering that many of these deaths are also friends of Erin.
I have read all three of the books in the series and did enjoy this one equally to the first two.
Thank you to NetGalley, Author Robert Pobi, and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for my advanced copy to read and review.
#NetGalley
September 11, 2022
I am already looking forward for the next book in the Lucas Page series.
5/5
5/5
August 14, 2022
Lucas Page, the star of this compelling novel, DO NO HARM (Lucas Page #3 of #). He is quite the intriguing and genius man—an astrophysicist, former FBI agent, university professor, and famous author.
He was seriously injured in a previous accident that left him without an eye and with a prosthetic arm and leg. He has devoted himself to his wife, Erin, a pediatric surgeon, and their five adopted children.
A series of suicides and accidental deaths in the medical community are well-disguised murders, and only Lucas Page can see the pattern and discern the truth that no one else believes.
Not that he is looking to solve any crimes, but when at a foundation's annual charity dinner to raise money for NYC's poorest hospitals leads him to a shocking realization he is back on track in crime-solving mode.
A slideshow shows images of doctors who died in the previous year. 30 deaths. This triggers a red flag of foul play. He is intrigued and starts digging.
Thirty pages.
Thirty dates.
Thirty people.
Thirty doctors.
Thirty cases of death.
Thirty homicides.
Was it murder, suicide, natural causes, or accidental deaths?
Page is convinced they were MURDERS.
His wife, Erin, .encourages him to investigate when a close friend of hers who was a the dinner hangs himself.
Once again, he becomes part of a complex murder investigation involving FBI Agent Whitaker, with whom Page has worked in the past, and the NYPD. When Page's wife Erin appears to be a murder target, the action heats up and starts to sizzle.
#1 City of Windows
#2 Under Pressure
#3 Do No Harm
I have not had the pleasure of reading the first two books in the series because I was drawn to this cover and the description. Now, I am looking forward to going back and reading about the most this fascinating and unique protagonist stepping into the crime novel.
I enjoy humor mixed with my dark thrillers, and the witty banter between Lucas and Special Agent Alice Whitaker was hilarious and razor-sharp!
I like the author's writing style with a mix of cop procedural, mystery, crime thriller, medical, and psychological suspense thriller mixed with humor, well-developed characters, and fast-paced action. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Lucas reminds me a bit of Michael Connley's Harry Bosch and a few of David Baldacci's leading men with his signature personality and unique skill set.
Thank you to #MinotaurBooks and #NetGalley for an ARC to read, review, and enjoy. #MinotaurInfluencers
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 9, 2022
My Rating: 4 Stars
Aug 2022 Must-Read Books
He was seriously injured in a previous accident that left him without an eye and with a prosthetic arm and leg. He has devoted himself to his wife, Erin, a pediatric surgeon, and their five adopted children.
A series of suicides and accidental deaths in the medical community are well-disguised murders, and only Lucas Page can see the pattern and discern the truth that no one else believes.
Not that he is looking to solve any crimes, but when at a foundation's annual charity dinner to raise money for NYC's poorest hospitals leads him to a shocking realization he is back on track in crime-solving mode.
A slideshow shows images of doctors who died in the previous year. 30 deaths. This triggers a red flag of foul play. He is intrigued and starts digging.
Thirty pages.
Thirty dates.
Thirty people.
Thirty doctors.
Thirty cases of death.
Thirty homicides.
Was it murder, suicide, natural causes, or accidental deaths?
Page is convinced they were MURDERS.
His wife, Erin, .encourages him to investigate when a close friend of hers who was a the dinner hangs himself.
Once again, he becomes part of a complex murder investigation involving FBI Agent Whitaker, with whom Page has worked in the past, and the NYPD. When Page's wife Erin appears to be a murder target, the action heats up and starts to sizzle.
#1 City of Windows
#2 Under Pressure
#3 Do No Harm
I have not had the pleasure of reading the first two books in the series because I was drawn to this cover and the description. Now, I am looking forward to going back and reading about the most this fascinating and unique protagonist stepping into the crime novel.
I enjoy humor mixed with my dark thrillers, and the witty banter between Lucas and Special Agent Alice Whitaker was hilarious and razor-sharp!
I like the author's writing style with a mix of cop procedural, mystery, crime thriller, medical, and psychological suspense thriller mixed with humor, well-developed characters, and fast-paced action. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Lucas reminds me a bit of Michael Connley's Harry Bosch and a few of David Baldacci's leading men with his signature personality and unique skill set.
Thank you to #MinotaurBooks and #NetGalley for an ARC to read, review, and enjoy. #MinotaurInfluencers
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 9, 2022
My Rating: 4 Stars
Aug 2022 Must-Read Books
March 12, 2023
4.2 / 5
Wow. This book is simply *chef’s kiss*. I found the third instalment of the Dr Lucas Page series by far the most captivating thrilling piece since the first book - city of windows. The second book I felt wasn’t the greatest due to how technical and advanced the book was. But this third book has everything, the plot is top notch, the writing is top notch, the well built of characters it had everything. BUT I had to drop it down a few because the twist was obvious. I was so sad to be proven right on my theory on who was responsible, but within the first 100 pages I kinda knew who it was - and that was a sucker punch.
The book plot is simple, but marinated with twists along with the interesting character and humour involved. This is definitely going to be a plot I remember! I was glued to my chair reading this, taking just under 12 hours to read. The writing is superb almost standard for Robert Pobi. Everything was balanced correctly and you’re in for a journey almost like a CSI movie plot going down.
The pacing, suspense build up had everything - but for Me it was too obvious!! If you ever read the Lucas Page series you’ll know the twists that are involved, which are completely out of the dark and leaves you completely shocked. Sadly that wasn’t the case, I was so bummed about it but I could tell from the start!! But it didn’t take away from the journey this book had me on. I really hope there’s a fourth instalment.
Wow. This book is simply *chef’s kiss*. I found the third instalment of the Dr Lucas Page series by far the most captivating thrilling piece since the first book - city of windows. The second book I felt wasn’t the greatest due to how technical and advanced the book was. But this third book has everything, the plot is top notch, the writing is top notch, the well built of characters it had everything. BUT I had to drop it down a few because the twist was obvious. I was so sad to be proven right on my theory on who was responsible, but within the first 100 pages I kinda knew who it was - and that was a sucker punch.
The book plot is simple, but marinated with twists along with the interesting character and humour involved. This is definitely going to be a plot I remember! I was glued to my chair reading this, taking just under 12 hours to read. The writing is superb almost standard for Robert Pobi. Everything was balanced correctly and you’re in for a journey almost like a CSI movie plot going down.
The pacing, suspense build up had everything - but for Me it was too obvious!! If you ever read the Lucas Page series you’ll know the twists that are involved, which are completely out of the dark and leaves you completely shocked. Sadly that wasn’t the case, I was so bummed about it but I could tell from the start!! But it didn’t take away from the journey this book had me on. I really hope there’s a fourth instalment.
January 18, 2023
Book Blog | Bookstagram
RTC.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5 stars
RTC.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5 stars
August 7, 2022
4/5 Very Good.
The 3rd book in the Lucas Page series, and 2nd I’ve read and this is an excellent addition to the series.
High octane thrills and spills are the name of the game here as this relentless thriller never lets off the Gas,
Lucas Page is a very distinctive protagonist for many reasons and he is as good as ever in this story about what appears to be the mass murder of health professionals.
It’s clever, intelligent, full of action and really is packed with booms and bangs, it’s very explosive stuff, has a great finale and it just screams Hollywood
Fine stuff indeed.
The 3rd book in the Lucas Page series, and 2nd I’ve read and this is an excellent addition to the series.
High octane thrills and spills are the name of the game here as this relentless thriller never lets off the Gas,
Lucas Page is a very distinctive protagonist for many reasons and he is as good as ever in this story about what appears to be the mass murder of health professionals.
It’s clever, intelligent, full of action and really is packed with booms and bangs, it’s very explosive stuff, has a great finale and it just screams Hollywood
Fine stuff indeed.
August 14, 2023
This is the third novel featuring Dr. Lucas Page, a paraplegic astrophysicist and former FBI agent with mathematical skills to rival Einstein and Hawking. He is accompanying his wife Erin, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, to a tedious medical gala and, when a memorial video plays at the end, he notices far too many doctors have died in the past year under unusual circumstances. Lucas can only deduce that many of them have been the targets of an ingenious murderer..
A few hours later, one of Lucas’s friends at the gala is also murdered, but neither the FBI nor NYPD can find a link between him and his killer. Once again, Lucas finds himself partnered with wisecracking FBI Special Agent Alice Whittaker who has a special gift for driving dangerously and wrecking expensive vehicles. Delving into previous murders which were initially written off as accidents or suicides, they still find no direct link between the killers and their victims but discover the existence of a murder swapping club, where one member is assigned to kill a doctor whom another member has a grievance against. Sort of like Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers On A Train ramped up to the nth degree.
This was another thrill-packed, intelligent and tightly plotted outing for Lucas Page. Every bit up to the standard of its two predecessors. I particularly liked the stark contrast between the furious action sequences and those of domestic bliss with Lucas, Erin, their five adopted kids and permanent lodger, former Australian war photographer Dingo.
A few hours later, one of Lucas’s friends at the gala is also murdered, but neither the FBI nor NYPD can find a link between him and his killer. Once again, Lucas finds himself partnered with wisecracking FBI Special Agent Alice Whittaker who has a special gift for driving dangerously and wrecking expensive vehicles. Delving into previous murders which were initially written off as accidents or suicides, they still find no direct link between the killers and their victims but discover the existence of a murder swapping club, where one member is assigned to kill a doctor whom another member has a grievance against. Sort of like Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers On A Train ramped up to the nth degree.
This was another thrill-packed, intelligent and tightly plotted outing for Lucas Page. Every bit up to the standard of its two predecessors. I particularly liked the stark contrast between the furious action sequences and those of domestic bliss with Lucas, Erin, their five adopted kids and permanent lodger, former Australian war photographer Dingo.
February 21, 2025
Lucas Page is an astrophysicist and ex FBI agent with a knack for detecting connections between events. In this case, the events are the deaths of a whole lot of doctors. The deaths are seemingly by accident, natural causes or suicide, but Page suspects murder. Page has to figure out who is behind the murders, and he also has to keep his wife from becoming one of the victims. The book is the third in the series, however each can be read as a standalone.
I guessed what was behind the murders because I had read the same plot device in at least 2 other books. I did not guess the mastermind or their motive . There is a high body count and a lot of cars are also destroyed in a running gag involving Page’s colleague. The book was OK, but 100 pages too long and the ending was sappy. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
I guessed what was behind the murders because I had read the same plot device in at least 2 other books. I did not guess the mastermind or their motive . There is a high body count and a lot of cars are also destroyed in a running gag involving Page’s colleague. The book was OK, but 100 pages too long and the ending was sappy. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
July 17, 2022
The third book in the series to feature the character Lucas Page who is not your usual type of crime fighter. He is an astrophysicist with a talent to see patterns and connections in events that others would miss. Lucas is often called upon by the FBI when they have a complicated and difficult case. In this book Do No Harm accidental deaths and suicides amongst the medical profession has raised a red flag and the FBI has asked Lucas for help.
What ensues is a wild ride and real page turner. Packed to the rafters with tension and suspense and non stop action. The banter between Lucas and Special Agent Alice Whitaker is priceless, full of hilarious one liners and some of the most razor sharp humour I have ever read. I had my list of suspects which had me constantly changing my mind and I still got it wrong. A thoroughly entertaining five star read and can't wait to read more.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
What ensues is a wild ride and real page turner. Packed to the rafters with tension and suspense and non stop action. The banter between Lucas and Special Agent Alice Whitaker is priceless, full of hilarious one liners and some of the most razor sharp humour I have ever read. I had my list of suspects which had me constantly changing my mind and I still got it wrong. A thoroughly entertaining five star read and can't wait to read more.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
July 31, 2022
I read a free digital galley provided by the publisher, via Netgalley.
The first thing a lot of people want to know with series books is whether you need to read the prior books. The answer with this series is no, you don’t absolutely have to. It helps to know that Lucas Page is a genius at seeing patterns and analyzing them, and that in a previous violent experience with the FBI, he lost an eye, an arm, and a leg. He’s got a major bad attitude, except when it comes to his pediatric surgeon wife Erin, their five (five!) adopted kids, their two dogs, and Page’s fellow amputee Dingo, who lives in the back of their place. And though he’d never admit it, there’s also Agent Whittaker of the FBI.
In the prior two books in the Lucas Page series (which I think you should read, even if you don’t have to), the FBI drags Page very reluctantly back into working on high-profile cases. But this time around, Page himself recognizes a pattern in the recent deaths among medicos that tells him that these are serial-killer murders—and it’s the FBI expressing reluctance.
I’m not going to tell you much of anything about the plot here. The fun of this series is how outlandish the books are, including bizarrely complicated and audacious serial killings, equally brain-cracking Page analytics, violence so outrageously extreme and cartoonish that you can’t help laughing, and characters who feel real no matter how incredible everything swirling around them seems.
I will say one thing about the plot here, which is that Pobi constructed it so that I figured out key elements just before they are revealed. It takes a talented writer to time his reveals like that. I’m so looking forward to the next thrill ride with Lucas Page et al.
The first thing a lot of people want to know with series books is whether you need to read the prior books. The answer with this series is no, you don’t absolutely have to. It helps to know that Lucas Page is a genius at seeing patterns and analyzing them, and that in a previous violent experience with the FBI, he lost an eye, an arm, and a leg. He’s got a major bad attitude, except when it comes to his pediatric surgeon wife Erin, their five (five!) adopted kids, their two dogs, and Page’s fellow amputee Dingo, who lives in the back of their place. And though he’d never admit it, there’s also Agent Whittaker of the FBI.
In the prior two books in the Lucas Page series (which I think you should read, even if you don’t have to), the FBI drags Page very reluctantly back into working on high-profile cases. But this time around, Page himself recognizes a pattern in the recent deaths among medicos that tells him that these are serial-killer murders—and it’s the FBI expressing reluctance.
I’m not going to tell you much of anything about the plot here. The fun of this series is how outlandish the books are, including bizarrely complicated and audacious serial killings, equally brain-cracking Page analytics, violence so outrageously extreme and cartoonish that you can’t help laughing, and characters who feel real no matter how incredible everything swirling around them seems.
I will say one thing about the plot here, which is that Pobi constructed it so that I figured out key elements just before they are revealed. It takes a talented writer to time his reveals like that. I’m so looking forward to the next thrill ride with Lucas Page et al.
August 14, 2022
City of windows was one of my favourite books of the year when it came out and I was looking forward to read Do no harm. You can understand my excitement when I get my hands on it.
Lucas is such a prolific character. From an ex-FBI agent to an astrophysicist, professor and a father that adopted 5 children, he is a man of various faces, but one with a big heart.
When some unexpected murders strike close to home, he cannot just stay put and do nothing, especially when his wife might be the next victim of a ruthless killer.
This is one of those books that includes psychological elements and police procedural at its best. And the building up suspenseful moments never cease throughout the pages.
I was so invested in this story that I felt like nothing around me existed anymore and I was there, along with the characters, to searching for clues and hidden secrets to find the killer. That’s how engrossing this story goes.
I can’t recommend this book enough to all thrillers lovers.
🆓📖Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
Lucas is such a prolific character. From an ex-FBI agent to an astrophysicist, professor and a father that adopted 5 children, he is a man of various faces, but one with a big heart.
When some unexpected murders strike close to home, he cannot just stay put and do nothing, especially when his wife might be the next victim of a ruthless killer.
This is one of those books that includes psychological elements and police procedural at its best. And the building up suspenseful moments never cease throughout the pages.
I was so invested in this story that I felt like nothing around me existed anymore and I was there, along with the characters, to searching for clues and hidden secrets to find the killer. That’s how engrossing this story goes.
I can’t recommend this book enough to all thrillers lovers.
🆓📖Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
August 9, 2022
Don't miss this clever, action-packed suspense thriller.
Lucas Page is unlike most modern day serial killer hunters. His expertise lies in his ability to assess and analyze patterns that has the FBI asking for his help time and again when they are faced with unique situations. He's married to Erin, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, and they've adopted 5 children and live in Manhattan where he also teaches, writes books, and tries to avoid people as much as he can. Lucas used to work for the FBI but left when he ended up with catastrophic injuries while working a case. He's outfitted with prosthetics and a fake eye that makes his appearance even more formidable than his personality. Because he's a complex package and his mind is always "on", he notices that quite a few colleagues of Erin's have died recently. A lot of them -- and in unusual circumstances that look like accidents and suicide. These coincidences appear random, but Lucas can't help but analyze what seems like murder to him. It takes a bit of convincing, but soon the NYPD and the FBI have joined Lucas in the hunt for a very elusive type of psychopath.
Although this is the 3rd in a series and I have not read the previous two (I will remedy that shortly), I had no difficulty jumping right in to the case. The author gives enough details in backstory to provide a frame of reference for the character that is Lucas Page. I was hooked in the first chapter and could not turn the pages fast enough as I read this in a single sitting last evening. The author dangles clues and red herrings that had me guessing with heart racing tension as it sped to the revelations and conclusion. I really liked all the characters in this book and can't wait to read more about them. It's so wonderful to discover an author who is new to you and to totally enjoy a favorite genre with such a unique and intelligent protagonist. I enjoyed the action and the writing style, all the while imagining this novel on the big screen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur/St. Martin's Press for this e-book ARC to read, review, and highly recommend.
Lucas Page is unlike most modern day serial killer hunters. His expertise lies in his ability to assess and analyze patterns that has the FBI asking for his help time and again when they are faced with unique situations. He's married to Erin, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, and they've adopted 5 children and live in Manhattan where he also teaches, writes books, and tries to avoid people as much as he can. Lucas used to work for the FBI but left when he ended up with catastrophic injuries while working a case. He's outfitted with prosthetics and a fake eye that makes his appearance even more formidable than his personality. Because he's a complex package and his mind is always "on", he notices that quite a few colleagues of Erin's have died recently. A lot of them -- and in unusual circumstances that look like accidents and suicide. These coincidences appear random, but Lucas can't help but analyze what seems like murder to him. It takes a bit of convincing, but soon the NYPD and the FBI have joined Lucas in the hunt for a very elusive type of psychopath.
Although this is the 3rd in a series and I have not read the previous two (I will remedy that shortly), I had no difficulty jumping right in to the case. The author gives enough details in backstory to provide a frame of reference for the character that is Lucas Page. I was hooked in the first chapter and could not turn the pages fast enough as I read this in a single sitting last evening. The author dangles clues and red herrings that had me guessing with heart racing tension as it sped to the revelations and conclusion. I really liked all the characters in this book and can't wait to read more about them. It's so wonderful to discover an author who is new to you and to totally enjoy a favorite genre with such a unique and intelligent protagonist. I enjoyed the action and the writing style, all the while imagining this novel on the big screen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur/St. Martin's Press for this e-book ARC to read, review, and highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews