Murder Under the Microscope

Murder Under the Microscope by Jane Bennett Munro, MD

Here we have a fantastic crime novel.  The writer puts all of her years of experience and expertise into play for the completion of her first novel…and it’s a doozy.  The story is about a pathologist who works at a hospital.  Dr. Antoinette Day is known as Toni.  Toni runs into a hard wall of ethics when another doctor, Dr. Sally Shore comes on board the staff as a temporary surgeon while the regular surgeon recovers from a quadruple bypass.  
 
From the moment Dr. Shore arrives, Toni experiences problems with her.  Dr. Sally Shore is a real piece of work.  She thinks she’s the best the medical profession has to offer yet her capabilities and training seem to be from closer to the stone age of medicine. She is way behind on the use of up-to-date practices.  She is absolutely and inexplicably condescending and rude to anyone and everyone she comes into contact with.  She causes the dismissal of the hysto-tech in the lab, leaving Toni shorthanded.  After many disagreements and heated discussions, Toni goes to the medical staffing board and puts her foot down.  They are going to have to choose between Dr. Evil Witch and Toni.  Meanwhile, a “too good to be true” replacement hysto-tech shows up.  And there are some strange things about this gal. Toni starts uncovering secrets that had long since been buried.
 
That’s when things take a very dramatic and deadly turn for the worse.  Dr. Day finds Sally Shore dead in Day’s office.  This comes in the wake of an attack on the original hysto-tech, putting her in the hospital.  Once Shore turns up dead in Toni’s office, given all the trouble they’ve had with each other, Toni is immediately the prime suspect.  Now, she must race the police in a search for the truth to uncover the deadly deeds of a masterful criminal adversary.
 
THE END 
 
Because I have long had a passion for forensic science, I found this novel exceptionally interesting. The author perfectly constructs a dynamic mystery, thrilling and captivating the reader with every turn of the page. The medical terms and situations are as accurate as a professional of thirty-three years can relate them.  Therefore, the story has a very authentic feel.  But, make no mistake, the book is not full of technical medical jargon that makes no sense.  Although real terms and diagnoses are used, they are either briefly explained or used in a context where you can figure it out.  
 
The story is also smoothly written and flows with magnificent ease.  It was easy to get through this book once I finally got the chance to pick it up.  I was shocked that this was Bennett’s first novel as it seemed to just pour out of her so effortlessly.  With seamless transitions from chapter to chapter and gripping components, everything about this novel comes together like a perfect meal, from the mouthwatering starters to the decadent dessert.
 
I tore through this novel and found it a fantastic murder/crime thriller.  I’ve been getting more used to reading fiction but this one was particularly fascinating and entertaining. I think those who love forensic science will be drawn to this novel.  I also think those of you that like crime stories or murder mysteries will really dig this too.  It’s sure to be a fast read for anyone who picks it up.
 
RATINGS
 5/5 Stars