Misfire
Tammy Euliano
Genre
Thriller
Publication Date
03/01/2023
Series Name
The Kate Downey Medical Mystery Series
Book Number
2
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About the Book
A device that can save a life is also one that can end it
Kadence, a new type of implanted defibrillator, misfires in a patient visiting University Hospital for a routine medical procedure—causing the heart rhythm problem it’s meant to correct. Dr. Kate Downey, an experienced anesthesiologist, resuscitates the patient, but she grows concerned for a loved one who recently received the same device—her beloved Great-Aunt Irm.
When a second device misfires, Kate turns to Nikki Yarborough, her friend and Aunt Irm’s cardiologist. Though Nikki helps protect Kate’s aunt, she is prevented from alerting other patients by the corporate greed of her department chairman. As the inventor of the device and part owner of MDI, the company he formed to commercialize it, he claims that the device misfires are due to a soon-to-be-corrected software bug. Kate learns his claim is false.
The misfires continue as Christian O’Donnell, a friend and lawyer, comes to town to facilitate the sale of MDI. Kate and Nikki are drawn into a race to find the source of the malfunctions, but threats to Nikki and a mysterious murder complicate their progress. Are the seemingly random shocks misfires, or are they attacks?
A jaw-dropping twist causes her to rethink everything she once thought she knew, but Kate will stop at nothing to protect her aunt and the other patients whose life-saving devices could turn on them at any moment.
Interview
On writing:
How did you do research for your book?
I’m fortunate to be a professor at an academic medical center and therefore have access to the medical professionals to ask questions and gain ideas. Also, I co-developed some medical devices over the years and have been through the patenting and licensure process so it was fun to include some first-hand knowledge, and to pick the brains of other scientists with whom we’ve crossed paths.
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
My inspiration comes from life experiences—working in academic medicine, talking with people in technology and healthcare industries, and reading both fiction and non-fiction, and of course the news (preferably science news, not all the other stuff).
What advice would you give budding writers?
Find a supportive group of other early career writers, read, take classes that provide professional feedback, attend a writers’ conference if at all possible, develop thick skin, write what you love, consider writing some short fiction for an earlier win.
Your book is set in north central Florida. Have you ever been there?
It’s where I’ve lived since undergrad. Though not Gainesville by name, and certainly not the University of Florida, the book is set in the area, including Paynes Prairie where we’ve gone on long walks, and Jacksonville, which we visit on occasion. It’s a great place to live and raise a family, with springs and beaches nearby and (often) excellent collegiate sports to cheer for.
Do you have another profession besides writing?
I’m a physician, an academic anesthesiologist specializing in obstetrics. For 20+ years I’ve taught, performed research, and cared for patients at the University of Florida’s hospital system. I’ve now backed down to 60% so I can focus on writing…it’s never enough!
What is your next project?
Besides finishing up the third in the Kate Downey series, I’m working on a stand-alone that links the Salem Witch Trials to a modern medical mystery. It’s based on a short story I published a few years ago and I’m having fun plotting it out.
What genre do you write and why?
I write mysteries and thrillers, mostly because it’s what I like to read. I enjoy trying to make the plot complex and yet clear in the end. I also enjoy adding morally complex questions to make readers think, like end-of-life and medical technology.
What is the last great book you’ve read?
In non-fiction, 4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. In fiction, Desert Star by Michael Connelly. I’m currently reading A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny, my favorite series!
How are you similar to or different from your lead character?
We started out quite alike as far as careers go, but she lacks my idyllic backstory with a charmed childhood and parents and husband very much alive. She’s also way cooler than I am!
In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like?
For the first in the series it was long, full of rejections, self-doubt, learning, and more rejections, and finally extremely rewarding! Misfire was the second in a two-book deal, so far more straight-forward.
Which authors inspired you to write?
Harlan Coben, Louise Penny
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About the Author
Tammy Euliano
Tammy Euliano writes medical thrillers. She’s inspired by her day job as a physician, researcher and medical educator. She is a tenured professor at the University of Florida, where she’s been honored with numerous teaching awards, nearly 100,000 views of her YouTube teaching videos, and was featured in a calendar of women inventors (copies available wherever you buy your out-of-date calendars).
When she’s not writing or at the hospital, she enjoys traveling with her family, playing sports, cheering on the Gators, and entertaining her two wonderful dogs.
My Review
I love to read a good medical with added suspense. I found this a fast-paced novel with plenty of twists and turns.
This is the first book I have read by Tammy, but I will be keeping my eye out for more from her.
If you like good suspense then I definitely recommend it.
