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He works in the heart of a hectic ER, but his greatest fear is losing his family. Can an intrepid doctor protect his own from a twisted mind?

Dr. Zack Winston’s self-confidence is on shaky ground. Slated to see his young-adult daughters over Christmas for the first time in five years, the skilled emergency physician worries his relationship issues will rear their ugly heads and prevent them from bonding. His determination to focus on his personal life sinks deep when he questions a pediatrician colleague’s alleged suicide attempt by drowning.

Searching for the truth behind a disturbing spate of obstetrical deaths, Zack teams with the beguiling lawyer whose life he saved the previous year. As they follow a suspicious trail from the hospital morgue to the icy Potomac, he fears any misstep will plunge them into a lethal wintry doom…

Will his refusal to stand down cost Zack everything he holds dear?

“5 Stars. This story unfolds like a movie! Catches the reader’s attention from the short prologue to the last page. A mystery, detective, and love story that escalates into murder.” — Bernadette Longue for Readers’ Favorite.

“A thriller that has it all—compelling twists, medical drama, a chilling crime at its center, and most importantly, heart. Krentz has mastered the tight, page-turning thrill ride, and his nuanced characters will keep you riveted.” — Kelly Sokol, author of Breach and The Unprotected

Mike Krentz recently spent some time with The Big Thrill discussing her latest thriller, WARM AND DEAD.

Which took shape first: plot, character, or setting?
Characters. This story follows Dead Already, the first novel in the series. Dr. Zack Winston and defense attorney Bridget Larsen follow the trail of unusual obstetrical deaths to a mysterious “Dr. Good.” The story also introduces new POV characters: Zack’s estranged young adult daughters, whom he hasn’t seen in five years; and a young nurse, Emily Morgan, at once a partner and victim in Dr. Good’s sinister enterprise.

What attracts you to this book’s genre?
My early career as an emergency physician. I wanted to dive deeper than TV portrayals, to write about the human side of emergency medicine practice and how the constant exposure to tragedy, human suffering, or the worried well can affect one’s attitudes toward life and love.

No spoilers, but what can you tell us about your book that we won’t find in the jacket copy or the PR material?
Not everyone in the story is who or what they seem.

*****

Mike Krentz writes medical suspense, psychological thrillers, and military women’s fiction based on his experiences as an emergency physician and US Navy medical officer. Born and raised in Arizona, Mike earned a classical degree in English from the University of San Francisco, a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and a Master of Public Health Degree from Johns Hopkins University.

Following a civilian career in emergency medicine, Mike rededicated his professional life to serve America’s Navy and Marine Corps heroes and their families. His last assignment was as Seventh Fleet Surgeon on board the USS BLUE RIDGE based in Yokosuka, Japan. After retiring from the US Navy, Mike served as a consultant to the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, Health Analysis Department. Upon completion of that mission, he returned to his earliest life passion as a full-time writer.

Dr. Krentz sits on the board of directors of The Muse Writers Center, where he also teaches fiction writing and leads an advanced fiction studio. Mike’s fiction works include the Dr. Zack Winston series of medical conspiracy thrillers, the Mahoney & Squire series of military fiction, and a standalone psychological thriller, Angels Falling.

To learn more about the author and his work, please visit his website.

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