Harmful Intent

by Baine Kerr

Disillusioned malpractice lawyer Peter Moss takes on the case of a lifetime as he fights the politically powerful Dr. Wallace Bondurant on negligence charges when he fails to diagnose a young woman's breast cancer.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 15, 1999

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started and stopped this book a couple times over the last month or so because I kept losing track of the story when reading before bed, and somehow the parts I 'remembered' from previous attempts must have been my mind continuing the story after I fell asleep because they weren't actually part of the plot. The premise of the story is that lawyer Pete Moss has stopped taking medical malpractice cases following a painful loss and sabbatical that led to some soul-searching. However, when Terry Winter comes to him convinced that her family doctor missed an obvious cancerous tumor in her breast until it was too late, and that doctor happens to be the same one against whom he lost that big case, something about Mrs. Winter convinces him that he should take her case and that a victory might also somehow avenge the patient for whom he couldn't get a victory.
Moss as a character was OK, if a bit dry, but it took a while for Winter to grow on me. She seemed very flighty and like Moss, I couldn't pinpoint exactly what her motivation was for seeking a lawsuit against the doctor, especially as she was very non-convincing in her interviews with Moss and the opposing lawyer. As the story unwound though, that answer still eluded me, but more layers were revealed that made me like her. I also ended up relating a lot to her daughter Emmy, who was far younger than I was when I saw my mother battle cancer, but she proves to be wise beyond her few years.
I chose this book for the medical angle moreso than the legal angle, but Kerr is a lawyer, so the legal angle was his strength. Therefore, some of the terminology and basis for objections was unfamiliar to me, as were the depth that the lawyers were allowed to probe Winter's history to build their case, and the tangents they went on during the actual trial.
Overall, it was a fine book, definitely better read on a summer afternoon/evening than over the course of a few nights before bed.

[Lianda Ludwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a LONG time ago- can't exactly remember when. It was a great book- It had the flavor of the great movie "The Verdict" from 1982, based on Barry Reed's book.
If you like medical/legal mysteries.... read this book!
I've actually written to the author and asked him to write more! (and he answered!).

[Dariosk · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is so good i'm always amazed
most people never heard about it.
if you like legal, medical thrillers
this one is a classic.
it's engaging, smart, emotional and
deals with a touching subject.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story line. Dated, a bit, since the plot happens in 1994-ish. So, it feels John Grisham-ish. But, that still makes a good book. The characters are real, have depth. I like that they are not "perfect" and each and every one of them can be jerks and sweethearts.

[Gretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know why but this book didn't hold my attention consistently. The end of the trial is quite exciting, but prior to that the mystery just doesn't have a sense of urgency and the office politics didn't interest Metz

[Calvin Doty · Rating 4 out of 5]

not bad

[Harriett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wish I could remember who told me to read this!

[Booknblues · Rating 4 out of 5]

A legal medical drama which features malpractice with a twist. The client is an interesting woman who has her own agenda.
She has terminal cancer but wants what life she has to be on her own terms.

[Cynthia Sinsap · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good start to my reading holiday-- getting the4 thrillers out of my system. This was a fast enjoyable read.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of legal/medical mumbo jumbo. Not worth reading!!

[Donna Halloran · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story wasn't too bad, but it centered around a med malpractice story which is not my cup of tea. In addition, his writing was a little fluffy for me - not bad, just not my style

[Twistedtexas · Rating 3 out of 5]

+1 for Edward Abby references and the obvious influence. Enjoyed this as a better-than-average legal thriller.