Prussian Blue

John A. Davis
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440156182
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/09)


“Prussian Blue” is a novel which includes international crisis, political intrigue, action adventure, military tactics, mystery, facetious humor, satire, and suspense. The story takes place in October of the year 2010 and centers around Dr. Rex Bent, emergency room physician and his wife Sharon, an emergency room nurse, both on the staff at the Carencrow Regional Hospital in Louisiana.

In the aftermath of an attack on the US fleet in the Persian Gulf and as long-range missiles have become a major threat from across the Pacific, several blue, bloated and hideously-disfigured Asian sailors are washed ashore.  They escape attention in the midst of the escalating crisis. These diversions make it possible for a North Korean cargo ship to enter Whiskey Bay, Louisiana to unload weapons of mass destruction without being seen.

More Asian sailors are stricken with the deathly illness after weeks at sea in close proximately to their deadly cargo. The critically-ill Asians are discreetly dropped off to be treated at the Carencrow Regional Hospital emergency room. Emergency room physician Rex Bent becomes suspicious and notifies the authorities. The Islamic extremists, working with the North Koreans, realize their ominous threat to the security of the United States is in jeopardy of failing. They quickly plot a plan of action to eliminate Dr. Bent and his wife Sharon.

The intrigue and suspense of the story picks up as Rex and Sharon are labeled traitors and are pursued by the North Koreans, FBI and the National Security Counsel, the National Guard, and local police. In desperation Dr. Bent and his wife determine to unravel the mystery of “Prussian Blue,” to clear their name, and save their lives in time to thwart this breach of national security.

Davis has developed colorful characters and caustic dialog to carefully move a complex plot. The pandemonium of the emergency department is reminiscent of the triage scripts in the MASH series with fast-moving action, diagnostic terminology, hospital procedure and cutting dialog among a cast of dysfunctional medical staff. However, these staff members are efficient, self-reliant, and highly-skilled in emergency technique, treatment plans, and patient care.

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