If you've been waiting for me to provide updates about what I've been up to, I apologize for the delay. I've been so busy that I didn't even get a chance to wish everyone a Happy New Year from my website or this newsletter. However, you'll be happy to know about what I've been busy with: finalizing my third medical thriller novel, including the manuscript, cover, and audiobook version.
And now, I am ready to announce it!
Coming March 2026: Poison Pill
My newest novel, the third in the Dr. Mark Lin Medical Thrillers series, is titled Poison Pill. It will be released on March 8, 2026, in paperback, ebook, and audiobook. You can check out its cover, blurb, excerpt, Author's Commentary, and presale links via the following URL: https://www.anthonyleebooks.com/books/poisonpill.htm
Basically, this is a novel about herbaceuticals and pharmaceuticals, in which Dr. Mark Lin wonders if an herbal supplement for weight loss and a pharmaceutical drug for weight loss have hidden dangerous side effects, given a few mysterious cases that come his way. The book features themes related to the regulatory aspects of two industries, obesity, and family connections.
I could go on and on about Poison Pill, but I don't want to reveal too much. Besides, my website's section on the novel should be enough to whet your appetite for this month.
Launching Into the Fourth Novel
At this point, I will take a break before I resume my work related to writing novels. Believe it or not, I already drafted an outline for the fourth Mark Lin medical thriller, so I'm all set for diving into writing the first draft when I'm ready. I have decided that I will begin not long after Super Bowl Sunday in a few weeks.
I don't want to reveal what the fourth novel is about, but I can tell you that it will feature another original premise setting the story apart from other medical thrillers in the genre. And yes, it will continue to have the familiar elements of the Dr. Mark Lin Medical Thrillers series, such as the cynical protagonist, realism of the modern world, and fusion of medical and social commentary. As for the title, I don't want to reveal that yet because I always like to wait until the day I unveil the cover. But it is another intriguing one. Believe me. I think you'll like it.
"Medical Noir"
The one thing that definitely makes my medical thrillers stand out is the dark tone. You might say it has a hardboiled noir quality to it, harkening back to novelists like Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. But I wouldn't consider myself the first. You see, there is another medical thriller author whose books have a noir quality to it: Joshua Spanogle, who wrote the medical thrillers Isolation Ward (2005) and Flawless (2007). This author essentially dressed his medical thrillers in the emotionally detached narration of Chandler and Hammett and he did a great job with that. I remember being so thrilled by these novels the first time I read them.
For me, my writing style was not designed to be an emulation of classic authors. Rather, the inspiration of the writing style in my novels is me. Specifically, the part of me that gets sad or angry about people's bad behavior, especially some of the worst behaviors imaginable. This is why the first-person narration in my medical thriller novels is emotionally raw and visceral.
All this being said, I wonder if there should be a term for a subgenre or style of medical thrillers that involves hardboiled narration. Maybe "medical noir"? It does have a nice ring to it. Only time will tell if it actually catches on.
A Quick Note on Criticisms of Mark Lin
When I look back on reviews of my medical thriller novels, there may be criticisms of Mark Lin's character and behavior. Usually, they fall into one of three categories:
1. Mark is so angry.
2. Mark foolishly puts himself in danger.
3. Mark doesn't really contact law enforcement.
Because I am busy and tired, I will not dive deeper into these criticisms right now. Instead, I will do that in portions of the next few newsletters over the next few months. Stay tuned.
Fun Stuff: Road to the Super Bowl
I'm not just watching Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. I will actually be there. Yes, after saving up some money and careful advanced planning, I have purchased a ticket to attend this year's Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium. This is great for me as a Northern California resident. Getting there is only a matter of driving to the stadium from home, without any need for a flight, rental car, and hotel like out-of-state football fans attending the big game. I'm also looking forward to NFL Experience at Moscone Center in San Francisco. It's gonna be a lot of fun, no matter which two teams will be playing for the championship title. (Yes, even if my San Francisco 49ers don't make it.)
That's all for now. If you'll excuse me, my break from writing begins now. See you next month.
Anthony Lee
anthonyleebooks.com |