-By Soul Sword-
Book Name: Nokomis Hospital
Author: Jay.B.Greene
Genre – Investigative Journalism, thriller
Rating: 4/5
What if the hospital meant to save you is the very thing putting you at risk?
Jack Kendall, a healthcare journalist, takes his pregnant wife to Nokomis Hospital for an emergency C-section. Once there, he notices dirty laundry and a lack of basic supplies, leading to inefficiency. He decides to investigate. What begins as concern quickly turns into an investigation that unravels something far more disturbing.
The book is set in 1984. The narrative reveals the behind-the-scenes of ethical journalism. At its core, it is the interplay between chasing the truth and preserving privacy, while shaping a powerful front-page piece.
The author Jay.B. Greene has 40 years of experience in healthcare journalism and it shows in the book. I enjoyed reading Jack’s newspaper articles. With every draft, the article evolves into a better version of itself. The tone and underlying purpose change with every rewrite. The book highlights the crucial role of whistleblowers and the power of the right connections in bringing an exposé to light.
Terry, the accountant, was my favourite character in the book. The scenes featuring him were thrilling and impressively written. As the story progresses, it feels like Jack is passive when compared to the whistleblowers. But Jack delivers as the protagonist in the latter part of the story.
The antagonists anchor the story. Their greed and ruthlessness make the stakes feel real.
That said, the writing can feel repetitive at times, which slows the pacing. The large cast of characters also makes certain sections harder to follow.
Though a work of fiction, it echoes experiences from the author’s time in the field. The afterword stands out as it highlights unsettling truths about fraud in the healthcare system and its impact on both employees and patients.
Nokomis Hospital celebrates the collective effort of a few brave souls who risk everything for ethical practices. It is perfect for fans of investigative stories, realistic fiction, and journalism-driven narratives.
-By Soul Sword-
The Writers Room 