EDITOR’S CHOICE
A bold, gripping medical thriller—Wilder masterfully blends courtroom drama, ethical dilemmas, and unforgettable characters into a thought-provoking, unforgettable story.
Lin Wilder’s Plausible Liars, the fifth instalment in the Dr. Lindsey McCall Medical Mystery series, is a daring and provocative novel that merges medical intrigue with pressing cultural debates. At its heart is Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Kate Townsend, whose investigation into the controversial subject of childhood medical interventions sets off a firestorm. Simultaneously, Dr. Lindsey McCall finds herself once again ensnared in legal peril, accused of unintentional murder and facing the daunting machinery of the Department of Justice.
Wilder excels at weaving together complex medical research with high-stakes courtroom drama. The result is a story that not only grips the reader but also forces uncomfortable questions about science, ethics, and personal responsibility. Her prose is sharp and deliberate, carrying both intellectual weight and emotional depth. The courtroom scenes are particularly compelling, crafted with enough tension to keep one turning the pages late into the night.
What distinguishes Wilder from many of her peers is her insistence on authenticity. Characters are never cardboard figures; they are fully realised, shaped by trauma, conviction, and moral conflict. Dr. T, introduced here, exemplifies this depth of characterisation—his presence a haunting reminder of how personal histories shape present choices.
While Plausible Liars does not shy away from controversial territory, it never resorts to sensationalism. Instead, Wilder presents a nuanced exploration that respects her readers’ intelligence, inviting them to wrestle with difficult truths.
Bold, unsettling, and deeply engaging, this novel reinforces Wilder’s reputation as a writer unafraid to push boundaries. For fans of medical thrillers with a thought-provoking edge, Plausible Liars is not to be missed.
