Sin City by Gary Gerlacher

The third book in the A. J. Docker And Banshee thriller series is an action-packed medical thriller set in Las Vegas. With well-researched details, it delivers a realistic and entertaining story about a bomb threat in one of the biggest tourist areas in the U. S. Great descriptions of the Strip, downtown Vegas, and its casinos and hotels add to the appeal of the book.

Along with the dark topic and exacting descriptions of the fallout resulting from this criminal activity, the book offers readers a touch of humor and heart-warming interactions between characters. Alternating back and forth are hospital scenes with banter amongst the medical personnel, gruesome bomb explosions, the domestic life of Doc and his reporter girlfriend Lana, the killer’s actions, a Prince’s privileged lifestyle, and the police investigation. Suspense builds with each chapter as the connections between events and people are revealed.

Author Gerlacher keeps things interesting with various points of view and likeable characters. Partnerships in the medical field, law enforcement, and personal friendships were well developed.  I appreciated the lighter tone depicted in scenes with Rick and Mac working alongside Doc, as well as the loving relationship between Doc and Lana as they work together to stop the bomber. Rick is a warm, caring counterpart to the psychopath with a selfish agenda.  Lana is a strong woman, stopping at nothing to find a ruthless killer. Doc puts others ahead of himself both with his medical training and his foiling of the bomber’s plans. And of course, Banshee is the real hero of the story! 

The accuracy of medical details and credible bomb threats mixed with genuine characters guarantees an unputdownable read. Buckle in and get ready for a fast-paced ride!