Acceptable Risk Paperback – 23 Aug. 1996

This book is written by a doctor so it is obviously medically accurate. However some of the terms could possibly be confusing to the layman for this reason. Fortunately I work in a medical environment so I thought the book was great to read. Makes you NOT want to visit the hospital though....

I have some mixed feelings about this Robin Cook book, as in some ways it was most refreshing to read one of his novels and find that the story wasn't purely centred around hospitals and medial procedure and that this time he had tried to broaden the book's range by introducing some historical background to it; namely the Salem Witch trials of the 17th century.On the negative side though, in many respects this book was quite disappointing in the almost comic-like characteristics of the people in it. Because the plot demanded that the characters changed personalities during the story, the dialogue and actions that Mr Cook has the characters perform to demonstrate the changes are extremely blatant and about as subtle as a kick in the teeth.I also disliked the method he employed to move the story about the research Kim is doing into her ultimate grandmother along. Basically everytime the plot requires this element to proceed; Kim magically discovers another letter or document amongst the thousands of tons of paperwork in the attic or cellar. This factor just became boring and tedious and smelt more than a little of lazy writing.That all said, I did basically enjoy the book, and rattled through it in a weekend as it is a read where you find you must discover what is going to happen next, and it should cause the dedicated reader more than a couple of late nights.Not the best I've read by Robin Cook by a long way, but a nice change from his normal formula.

This is a fabulous book, with a twist I was not expecting at all. The Salam Witch Trials in the first chapter to the present day shortly after. I am a big fan of these books and this was certainly not a disappointment. If you're a Robin Cook fan make sure you don't miss this one. Even if you're not - give it a try.

If you find medical books with risk elements read this, Occult and witchcraft interested - You'd enjoy this! To have a read that compeltely crosses both interests is delightfully delectable and actively intoxicating. Simply put this is a must read!

I am gradually working my way through all of Robin Cooks books and in no particular order I hasten to add. Most of the ones I've read so far have been along a similar theme - medical doctor / coroner etc finds some hidden danger which can affect the world and bang! a bit of a twist and then all comes good. (a theme that always has me hooked).This time though! The Salem Witch Trials link in provides a side to Robin Cooks writing that I hadn't seen before. Linked in really well with a true story and didn't get to much into the nitty gritty of medicine (I understood it all for once).Excellent story, brilliant...

This had a great storyline but was written in Cooks usual laboured style - his conversations are excrutiating to say the least. Its like a badly written menu at times - 'The garlic soup is served with a soupcon of dinkified mushrooms...'etc but very interesting concerning the salem witch trials - though a PS about the real Salem story would have been good.

An absolutely fantastic book and very well researched. The Salem Witch Trials theme gave the book and interesting historical approach, although I thought the ending was rather rushed. Dispite this still a top read!