Toxic Effects is more than just a medical thriller. As you would expect there is a heavy focus on what is going on in Cristina Silva’s cranium, but in the second book in the series more attention is paid to Detective Wilson as he tries to solve a series of murders. With complex and intertwining plotlines, there is more than enough intrigue to keep readers guessing until the very end.
The follow up to Adverse Effects explores the aftermath of the conclusion of that book. Neuropsychiatrist Cristina Silva struggles to come to terms with the voice in her head, which just happens to be her former identity. As her mental state deteriorated she forced Detective Gary Wilson out of her life, but not out of her heart.
The Detective finds himself in a similar romantic state as he tries to bury himself in work, unraveling the mysterious deaths of a string of high school students. The only things connecting the death were the boys displaying heightened mental capabilities and erratic behavior immediately before their deaths, as well as mention of a hooded figure that has them scared for their lives.
Trying to start fresh, Cristina begins her new job at the Longwood Memory Center, unfortunately she cannot escape her past. Her contact at the FBI informs her that an assassin is eliminating anyone previously connected with ReMind, the pharmaceutical company she previously worked for. All signs point to the shadowy criminal enterprise Zero Dark is back. The only question is, is she next on the kill list?
Similar to the first book in the series, there is a lot going on in this story and readers will need to pay attention to keep the names and voices/personalities straight. Having read the first book in the series, I was able to slide right back with no problem, but if it’s your first book then it might take a few chapters. Overall, I enjoyed the story and was continually impressed by the author's ability to combine complex medical information without slowing down the pacing.
With multiple personalities, memory gaps, stolen identities, and killers running amok, this is not your typical medical thriller and a nice change up to the typical detective stories.
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Barrington Books
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Once Upon A Crime
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