RIP Michael Palmer
Michael Palmer, a physician and a great author of medical thrillers passed away of stroke and heart attack complications just a few days ago, on October 30, 2013, at the age of 71. The news came as a shock to many readers and lovers of his current 19 novels who used to await every new book with anticipation.
I have read pretty much all his books, which started with his first novels during a period when the medical mystery genre was my favorite of all mystery subgenres. I remember reading Michael Palmer’s first novel, The Sisterhood, back in the 1990s, when I first discovered the medical mystery genre and started to read books by popular authors including Peter Clement, Tess Gerritsen and Robin Cook. Michael Palmer fit right in and after reading his first book, he became one of my favorite book writers of this genre. I’ve been following the release of his new books ever since.
His 4th novel, Extreme Measures, was adapted into a film in 1996 with Hugh Grant and Gene Hackman. His last novel, Resistant, will be published next May.
Here is my hardcover copy of The Fifth Vial, his 12th book published in 2007.
As a medical practitioner Michael Palmer enjoyed helping other doctors with various physical and mental problems get their lives in order.
“It’s tremendously rewarding work and offers great balance to the isolation of writing”, said Michael Palmer when discussing his passion for helping others.
While his writing career and his medical profession are well known by anyone who knows his writing as a popular book author, there was also another side to this wonderful person: he not only loved to write, but also loved to teach and mentor new writers.
He would never say no to anyone who contacted him at book signing events or writer gatherings when asking for help or wanting to learn a few new tips on writing a first novel. On his website there is a section called Writing Tips, which includes helpful pointers and tips that can help anyone who is interested in become a writer as well.
RIP Michael Palmer. Your passing away is a great tragedy to all of us. You will be deeply missed.
I was saddened to hear of Michael Palmer’s passing. He will be greatly missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family, and all that loved his work.