Critical Conditions — Stephen White

When Dr. Alan Gregory is called to ICU on an emergency, he finds himself in the heart of a medical tragedy. Fifteen-year-old Merritt Strait lies clinging to life after a suicide attempt. She is the stepsister of Chaney Strait, a little girl with a fatal heart condition who's making headlines because her managed-care provider has turned down the experimental treatment that could save her life.

The case takes a deadly turn as a wealthy executive of the family's HMO is found dead - and Alan discovers shocking evidence linking Merritt to his death. But while Alan searches for answers, Merritt refuses to speak - and time is running out for Chaney. With searing authenticity and a plot right out of today's headlines, Critical Conditions is a stunning portrait of how far people will go in the name of love. It is Stephen White at his mesmerizing best.