I have recently watched the TV drama Painkiller, so when Rachel offered me the chance to read A Painkiller to Die For it seemed too good to miss.

The Blurb

It was difficult for Will Jeavons to imagine just how his life could possibly get any better. Having overcome a traumatic childhood, he had gone on to study molecular pharmacology and win tenure as a lecturer at his beloved Cambridge University. But his life was soon to become better still, the CEO of a biotech company. Will’s unique research led to the discovery of a non-addictive drug for chronic pain. A remarkable solution for the opioid epidemic which had claimed the life of his mother.

Will’s flourishing company was subsequently acquired, and this was when he first met Celeste Simmonds. The beguiling Celeste would steer Will away from his earlier hedonistic, womanising lifestyle. However, the only way he could ensure the success of his drug was to bury key safety data which could have led to the clinical trials being terminated.

Clinical trials which resulted in the husband of Lydia Goldberg falling into a deep coma. It was Lydia’s scientific training which led her to discover Will’s fraudulent cover-up. She was determined to seek vengeance and concocted an elaborate honeytrap and a decision for Will to make. A career ending confession or being submitted to a life-threatening game of Russian roulette.

Thoughts

A Painkiller To Die For was an interesting medical thriller that asks some tricky questions about how far medical companies should push their research in order to protect the many rather than the few. There is also all the hallmarks of a classic thriller with secrets being hidden and revenge being sort as the characters all try and get the best outcome for themselves.

Author Dr Martyn Pritchard has spent 35 years in drug discovery research and that experience clearly shows in this story. I enjoyed the quite in-depth technical elements of the story as they are weaved throughout the plot, and it added an interesting element to the overall story.

If you are a fan of a medical thriller this is definitely worth a go.

Purchase Links