The Secret Partner

by Steve Martini

Part of Paul Madriani, book 15

First published 2019

Medical researcher Michael Givens faces murder charges after his colleague dies in an explosive device attack. The victim was a chemist and genetic specialist close to discovering a cancer cure that could generate vast wealth for patent holders. Prosecutors claim Givens killed out of professional jealousy, but defense attorney Paul Madriani believes his client is innocent. The crude bomb doesn't match Givens' profile. Madriani and partner Harry Hinds dig into the dead scientist's life and uncover ethical violations in drug testing programs. The victim apparently crossed moral lines in both professional and personal matters. Some worry that a successful cancer cure could cause population explosions leading to economic chaos and war. As the lawyers investigate, they discover a web of deceit surrounding the breakthrough drug. The trial becomes a conspiracy that threatens to destroy Madriani, Hinds, and their client as they fight to uncover the truth behind the murder.

Genres: medical, crime, mystery-thriller, legal-thriller

Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking

Tropes: conspiracy, murder-mystery, wrongly-accused

400 pages · Kindle Edition · William Morrow

Content warnings: medical-trauma

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