This book is about an important topic- our military veterans, and some of the issues they deal with. The attention to medical detail by the authors is wonderful. It is informative enough without being too heavy on the medical jargon. The characters in this book navigate through some of life’s difficulties with the help of therapy and supportive relationships. Some secrets are kept, and others are revealed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2024-04-17 16:11:222024-05-14 14:14:17Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Alison Risher
Another wonderful thriller, with some romance, and an investigation. Did all of these veterans really commit suicide or was it really murder? Drs. Finnerty and Liccione are determined to find out what is really going on in the VA hospital. What they find is shocking, and they are determined to put a stop to it. A great story with wonderful returning characters. I look forward to reading more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kimberlyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKimberly2024-04-16 17:33:032024-05-14 14:15:22Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Kimberly Filer
A hard to put down thriller, with some romance, a touch of politics and some unpredictability rolled into one. An ER physician Dr. Louise Finnerty is one of the main characters in this story. Right at the end of her 12 hour shift a patient is admitted to the critical care floor. This patient is no other than her friend Dr. Gennifer “Gen” Drake. This story takes place in Galveston, TX and the storyline is fantastic. Dr. Marnie Liccione is introduced into the story as another friend that both Dr’s new from medical school. It is here that Dr’s Finnerty and Liccione are determined to find out what happened to their friend. A can’t put down story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kimberlyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKimberly2024-04-16 17:26:262024-05-14 14:15:15Break Bone Fever (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Kimberly Filer
I highly enjoyed Break Bone Fever! I accidentally read Breaking Apart (the second book) first and it may have ruined a few parts of the story. The story starts with the death of Dr. Gennifer Drake, a friend of Marnie and Louise. They refuse for Gen’s death to be the end of her research and progress. At first when I was reading the beginning with the narrative of the guilty parties, I thought it was too much of an open and shut case. With the discovery of the reasons behind Gen’s murder and the high implications it led to the ending of the book still being a fresh surprise. I enjoyed all the characters and setting since it felt like I was there in the thick of mystery. It made me want to check out the town of Galveston, Texas. It sounds breathtaking!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Callie Lunahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCallie Luna2024-04-16 12:33:462024-05-14 14:12:34Break Bone Fever (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Mary Rae, MD and Wanda Venters, MD – Review by Callie Luna
I highly enjoyed Breaking Apart and cannot say enough good things about it! I accidentally read this book before the first book in the series, Break Bone Fever, but I was able to follow the story with no problem. The pacing and suspense were perfect. The characters are all fleshed out with backstories and felt real. I like that day-to-day occurrences were added to the narratives such as baseball games, hiking, running, and the 4th of July. The multiple points of view kept me guessing until the end what really happened with Josh’s death. It also touched on multiple difficult topics such as PTSD, suicide, and drug addiction. At the end of the book, I felt sad and hopeful yet that is life. I cannot wait to pick up the next book in the series since there is a nice little cliff hanger at the end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Callie Lunahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCallie Luna2024-04-16 12:28:592024-05-14 14:12:28Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Callie Luna
Breaking Apart is the second book by Rae and Venters in the Finnerty and Liccione series, which I read pretty quickly following Break Bone, the first. The benefit in doing so was having the characters fresh in my mind, however, truth be told, this could very easily be read independently without having to have read in order. There is mention of the first book and the character trauma/PTSD that overlaps because of the incidents in Break Bone, however ultimately Breaking Apart does not rely on those developments to carry the story forward. Breaking Apart touches on many themes of medical mismanagement, Veterans and medications, and is well written to the point of plausibility. It was easy to connect to the different characters and their personal struggles throughout the story, and while I found myself considering whodunit, there were still a few surprises along the way. An entertaining read for sure!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sharonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSharon2024-04-15 20:07:442024-05-14 14:09:54Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Sharon Funkhouser
This is the first book I’ve read by Rae and Venters, and, as a member of the medical profession, I thoroughly enjoyed the medical mystery thrilled components of the story. The characters were fairly well developed (I did stop a few times and go, am I missing a previous book? because of mentions of character history that were established, but in general that didn’t affect the quality of the story) and I enjoyed the tight knit friendship that the main characters had. There was some romantic overtures as well, which were an added bonus, but certainly not the focus of the story. They did a good job of creating room for future storylines (no shortage of medical mystery opportunities!) and character development, having introduced multiple ancillary characters that could take on some adventuring roles as well. I love a good fiction rooted in reality, and this one delivers!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sharonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSharon2024-04-15 20:03:102024-05-14 14:09:47Break Bone Fever (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Sharon Funkhouser
The first book in this series was incredible, but this second installment left me absolutely reeling! It was an emotional rollercoaster and threw in unexpected twists and turns. This one is also fast paced which left me forgetting about sleep completely because I needed to know what happened next. It does not start off slow by any means, and by the first few pages you will be absolutely enthralled. I truly appreciate that it highlights PTSD as I don’t feel like it is talked about enough, and these authors captured the heartbreaking points that some experience. There are some steamy romance scenes woven in as well, and the entire story flows flawlessly. Both of these authors are definitely on the top of my list of books to pick up, so I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2024-04-15 19:07:202024-05-14 14:07:08Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Shannen Kern
This is the second book of the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series. However it is the first one I have read. There are parts of the story that I’m confused with because I haven’t read the first book. Overall the book was amazing. There is some trigging moments especially for those who have harmed themselves in the past. I do not recommend reading this book if you have ever felt that way. It was very eye opening for me how others view the world when they are in a vulnerable place. While it a fiction book the knowledge is real. I did enjoy reading the story and I’m glad that figured out the incident and helped someone who was struggling with a loss.
This is the second book of the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series. However it is the first one I have read. There are parts of the story that I’m confused with because I haven’t read the first book. Overall the book was amazing. There is some trigging moments especially for those who have harmed themselves in the past. I do not recommend reading this book if you have ever felt that way. It was very eye opening for me how others view the world when they are in a vulnerable place. While it a fiction book the knowledge is real. I did enjoy reading the story and I’m glad that figured out the incident and helped someone who was struggling with a loss.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kirsten Berkebilehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKirsten Berkebile2024-04-15 19:01:322024-05-14 14:07:02Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Kirsten Berkebile
I hadn’t read anything by either of these two authors before, but the cover drew me in immediately. Once I started this book, I was completely captivated! I read this all-in-one sitting because it had me hooked with the twists and turns that I never saw coming. I truly enjoy mysteries but hadn’t ventured too far into medical mysteries yet. That has absolutely changed now. The fact that this one was based in Galveston, TX was super cool as we visit quite often. The plotlines are incredible, and the characters are not only well-developed but felt entirely relatable. The cataclysmal health crisis these authors painted a picture that is so familiar with the recent epidemics which made it all the more believable. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller that you won’t be able to put down, this should be your next pick hands down. I can’t wait to see the next book in the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2024-04-15 18:43:512024-05-14 14:06:56Break Bone Fever (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Shannen Kern
4.5 stars Breaking Apart is the second engaging book of the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series which I discovered when I was halfway through so I will have to go back and read the first book in the series. What a formidable writing team this duo is. This expertly crafted medical thriller had me on the edge of my seat as I navigated the emotions, the ups and downs the frustrations, the struggles, the pain, the lives of military men and women centred around a VA medical centre. Having PTSD myself it was easy to relate to. The characters are complex, real and raw and well written. The plot is a complex weave of threads making the mystery as interesting as it is intriguing with some action thrown in as well as we race against time to solve a murder. Or is it? I was unable to put it down and it stayed with me long after I had finished it. I absolutely look forward to reading more from this talented duo.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2024-04-15 16:07:082024-05-14 14:05:37Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Jenni Bishop
BOOKBUB – Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD
The violent death of Josh Baker, a young veteran and patient at the Front Range VA Behavioral Health Clinic, thrusts Marnie Liccione, M.D. and Louise Finnerty, M.D. into a fast-paced murder mystery set within America’s largest health care system. Is Josh another victim of the suicide epidemic or something more sinister?
Questions from Josh’s widow, who feels that her world is breaking apart after his death, convince Marnie and Louise there’s more to the story. In their search for answers, they uncover a prescription drug diversion scheme masterminded by those who may be also involved in the illegal sale of krokodil, a deadly and disfiguring opiate.
As they move closer to the truth of the circumstances surrounding Josh’s death, sinister forces will threaten their lives. Will they find the answers they need to give his widow solace?
A native of Oklahoma City, Wanda Venters, M.D. attended Yale for her undergraduate studies and returned to Oklahoma City for her medical degree. She completed her pediatric residency in San Antonio with the US Army. Retiring from her pediatric practice after three decades, she began her second career as a writer in 2019.
She lives in Colorado with her husband, two labradoodles and a Siamese cat. She has three grown children and three grandchildren. She is an avid gardener, golfs with more enthusiasm than skill and enjoys a craft beer.
The Denver Post has published several of Wanda’s articles, but she is proudest that the Post ran a feature on her garden. She has self-published a series of children’s books, The Unicorns.
In 2021, she and her co-author, Mary Rae, published their first mystery novel, Break Bone Fever, with the small publisher, Written Dreams Publishing. This novel was a finalist in the 2022 Colorado Book Awards, mystery division.
Mary Rae grew up in the New York city suburbs. She graduated from Colgate University before attending the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. After residency, she moved to Texas where she practiced Emergency Medicine for twenty years. She then changed course to practice Primary Care until her retirement in 2020. Soon after her retirement from medicine, she and her husband moved to Oakland, California.
During her time in Texas, she and her husband raised two children. While living in Houston, she enjoyed exploring the Gulf Coast. Her fascination with the area led to the idea of writing a murder mystery set in Galveston in collaboration with her friend, Wanda Venters. Break Bone Fever, published in 2021, was the result.
Retirement has allowed Mary to spend time with her two grandchildren, to continue her lifelong quest for proficiency in Spanish and French, and, of course, to write.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Breaking-ApartBF-and-stickerjpeg.jpg1200718itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2024-04-15 00:02:412024-04-29 21:08:44Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD
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