Bellevue

By: Robin Cook

Narrated by: John Pirhalla

From the bestselling author and "master of the medical thriller" (The New York Times), Robin Cook, comes a new tale of suspense-horror about a first-year resident whose life-shattering visions reveal the truth behind some of the greatest medical advances in the history of medicine.

Twenty-three-year-old Michael “Mitt” Fuller starts his surgical residency with great anticipation at the nearly three-hundred-year-old, iconic Bellevue Hospital, following in the footsteps of four previous, celebrated Fuller generations. The pressure is on for this newly minted doctor, and to his advantage he’s always had a secret sixth sense, a sensitivity to the nonphysical. But quickly one patient after another assigned to his care begin to die from mysterious causes. As he tries to juggle these inexplicable deaths with the demands of being a first-year resident, things rapidly spiral out of control.

Visions begin to plague Mitt—visions of a little girl in a bloodstained dress, bloodcurdling screams in the distance, and worse. As bodies mount and Mitt’s stress level rises, he finds himself drawn to the monumental, abandoned Bellevue Psychopathic Hospital building, which to his astonishment has somehow defied the wrecking-ball and still stands a few doors north of the modern Bellevue Hospital high-rise. Forcing an unauthorized entry into this storied but foreboding structure, Mitt discovers he’s more closely tied to the sins of the past than he ever thought possible.

©2024 Robin Cook (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"[Bellevue] is more Gothic than Cook’s usual fare, more horror-adjacent than most of his books... Cook’s loyal fans will surely enjoy it." —Booklist

"Robin Cook is at the top of his game. Bellevue is a nonstop thrill ride from the first page until the last. A must read for anyone who loves a gripping medical thriller with a supernatural twist. The ending left me shook, and I'm still haunted days later!" —#1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden

Chilling

Accurate descriptions of the tension experienced by first year surgical residents and the possibly deserved arrogance of many surgeons. Thank goodness there are more well meaning caring surgeons and or staff in our world of medicine.

intricate storyline

liked the generational storyline. well written and keeps you wanting more. Sad how the sick were once treated.

Historic Medical Mystery

For the average non-medically trained reader, most of the book may be a challenge to wade through. The author does attempt to explain and describe various medical events. Although the hospital involved is real, this specific story is more paranormal and mystery conceived. Before reading or listening to it, you may want to check Google for the term lobotomy.

Very informative

Kept me reading! Good narrative and story! Love Robin Cook books! Easy reads! Highly recommended!

Not his best work

Nice Shayamalan ending (although underdeveloped). The premise was a stretch in terms of believability and the plot was frankly boring. I mean, at least give the main character a little side piece or something before he does himself in!

Fascinating and Spooky

This was a fascinating book for those of us who enjoy history. the reason I did not give it five stars is because some of the surgical parts dragged on a bit as well as other details.

Implausible story.

Tense, creepy but implausible ending. This is just a ghost story. With editing the story could have been read at camp over the bonfire.

Slow to get to rushed end

The story was too detailed that led to a rushed incomplete ending. Hard to get through.

My Least Favorite Robin Cook Read

This was much different than ost books written by Dr.Cook. I'm not a fan of paranormal and thus this was my least favorite read by Dr Cook. I've read them all.

Not your typical Robin Cook

This is certainly a new direction for Robin Cook. I liked it, but I think it was best to appreciate it outside of the expectations you have if you're a fan of his work. The medical detail and precision is all still there, but yes, it is a ghost story. Authors should be allowed to stretch themselves and go in new directions, so I applaud him for being willing to break the mold.