Stress Test by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left his last shift in the ER have no such plans—they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt's only thought is escape. He does so, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he's being charged with murder.
Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors. But when Matt calls, she knows she can't walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.
Matt's career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he's a murderer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth—and the faith to keep going—will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured.

Stress Test by Richard L. Mabry, M.D. was a suspenseful and intriguing novel that left me tied to the pages throughout the entire story. The plot was very interesting and included many plot twists, dangerous situations, and medical emergencies. I enjoyed getting an inside look into the interworking of a emergency room from the perspective of a doctor -Matt Newman. Because he had a medical student shadowing him, many of the questions I had about working in a emergency answered in the interactions between Matt and the student, Randy. I also liked the honesty and transparency Matt had with others and the reader concerning his lax faith in God and in sharing and acting on his beliefs. However, as Matt faces new struggles and attempts on his life, his faith and his ability to talk with others about God grows and he even begins to attend church again near the end of the novel. I also enjoyed seeing how Matt's friendship with Rick took on new depth as Rick helped Matt out in his time of need and as Matt began to help Rick understand more about God. The other main character, Sandra, has a personality and is persistent in her beliefs.  She also is not afraid to share her beliefs with others, nor she is willing to compromise her beliefs while dating or at the request of her past employers. She becomes a great friend to Matt during his trials, and it is very enjoyable to see how their relationship strengthens and grows. Overall, I highly enjoyed Stress Test, and I found it to be a very refreshing mystery that combined suspense, faith, and honesty in an interesting and enjoyable way. I would highly recommend this novel, and I look forward to reading the next two novels, Heart Failure and Critical Condition.

I received this novel for free from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.