Published: 2024
Author: Gary Gerlacher
Series: Doc & Banshee
Genres: Adult Mystery, Medical Thriller, Crime Fiction
Audience: Grades 10–12, Adult
Number of Stars: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Goodreads Link: Faulty Bloodline
Content Warnings: Murder, serial killer themes, substance use (drinking/drugs), sexual content, and graphic medical emergencies.
Publisher’s Summary
AJ Docker (Doc) and his tactical guard dog, Banshee, move to a small mountain town seeking a slower pace of life. Doc finds an idyllic setting with a rewarding medical job and a new romantic interest. However, the peace is shattered as he uncovers the town’s dark underbelly: a serial killer is hunting in the woods, and corrupt money flows through the local economy.
As Doc and Banshee hunt for the truth, they find themselves in the crosshairs of powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. Doc must fight not just for justice, but for his very life. This fast-paced sequel to Last Patient of the Night combines medical intrigue with high-stakes suspense.
Full Review
I love this series! Banshee, the dog, truly is badass!!! I love reading about how he can deescalate bad situations, take down the bad guys by sneaking around unseen and unheard with the communication microphone in his doggie ear. It’s cool. I also enjoy the hospital, medical aspect of this series. I enjoy reading about injuries or medical conditions that are mysterious and need to be solved and fixed. It forces my brain to think and figure things out.
The lawyer in this book was also a character I came to like. At first, I wasn’t so sure given his attitude and drinking. But, the more his personality was revealed, the more I liked him and trusted him. I was saddened to see how he dies in this book—not what I saw coming, but it did make some sense in the story line. Overall, a really good read.
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
- Health Science (Medical Terminology): Use the mystery medical cases in the book to spark interest in anatomy and physiology.
- Activity Idea: Research one of the medical conditions mentioned in the book. Create a “Patient Chart” that lists the symptoms (clues) and the final diagnosis (solution).
- ELA (Character Archetypes): Analyze the “Reluctant Hero” and the “Sidekick.”
- Activity Idea: Compare Banshee to other famous literary animals (like Buck from Call of the Wild or Argus from The Odyssey). How does giving the animal “tactical gear” change the way the reader perceives their agency?
- Criminal Justice (The Anatomy of a Thriller): Discuss the trope of the “Small Town with a Dark Secret.”
- Activity Idea: Map out the “Economy of Corruption” in the book. How does the “dirty money” mentioned in the summary connect the different characters together?
- Sociology (Substance Use and Character): Discuss the lawyer’s character arc.
- Activity Idea: Analyze why the reviewer initially mistrusted the lawyer. How does the author use the character’s struggle with drinking to make him feel more “human” or “flawed” rather than just a plot device?
