Wrongful Acts by Tony Sclama
What's It About?
A scientist uncovers a conspiracy to defraud the government but finds out that bringing the perpetrators to justice has deadly consequences.There’s something inherently chilling about a medical thriller. And in the case of Tony Sclama’s debut, Wrongful Acts, a trifecta of chill factors is at play here.
Of course, the idea of being betrayed by a professional sworn to do no harm brings its own fair share of trauma-inducing fear, but Sclama is also a retired physician and his experience in the medical field lends an authenticity to his writing that effectively ramps up the terror. Not to mention this particular story taps into a topical and highly controversial issue — gene therapy.
Though skillfully told through multiple points of view, Wrongful Acts follows former researcher and now celebrated FDA commissioner Dr. Allisyn McLoren, who is asked to circumvent protocol and expedite the approval of a sketchy bio-tech procedure with unproven results. Succumbing to the pressure of greenlighting the project against her better judgment would put the FDA’s reputation and credibility at risk — both of which Allisyn has worked hard to restore. But her resistance to acquiesce some higher-ups and her former colleague, along with her subsequent inquiry into the biotech company’s motive, could cost her more than her career. It may mean losing her life.
Sclama follows the thriller script to a tee, introducing readers to a company’s nefarious involvement in genetics while weaving in the kinds of twists and turns that demonstrate he’s not only studied the craft of his top medical thriller writing peers such as Robin Cook and Gary Braver, but has put readers on notice — he’s an author to watch.
RATCHETS UP THE SUSPENSE
The story unfolds at a dizzying pace, and it would be easy to get lost in the action — of which there is plenty — but Sclama slows things down a bit by infusing a behind-the-scenes look into the operations of government agencies and demonstrating how easily they can be coerced into partnering in conspiracy. In fact, Sclama paints an all-too-real scenario that will leave you guessing as to who is guilty and who isn’t. Minor spoiler alert: you’re probably wrong.
Murder, intrigue and even a smidge of romance thanks to a certain homicide detective — Wrongful Acts certainly skews commercial and is a welcome addition to the medical thriller canon. But there’s nothing formulaic about the plot, and nothing generic about the characters. Allisyn, in particular, shines as she presents as competent, intelligent, and morally sound, both relatable and someone to look up to. She also proves to be a formidable force on the rocky path to truth and justice.
As a bonus for readers familiar with the Washington, D.C. area, Sclama has referenced a number of landmark locations such as Georgetown and Capitol Hill that further authenticate the story.
Given the author’s extensive knowledge and understanding of the medical field, it would be easy for him to bog readers down in confusing terminology, but Sclama wisely keeps a tight rein on the science, which keeps the story accessible and ratchets up the suspense. There’s a whole lot of “wrong” going on in Wrongful Acts, but Sclama is doing everything right when it comes to telling a bold and timely story guaranteed to give you the chills.
