The First Family is a gripping medical-political thriller co-written by Michael Palmer and his son Daniel Palmer. Published posthumously after Michael's death, the novel showcases the duo's talent for crafting suspenseful thrillers that blend cutting-edge medicine with high-stakes political drama.
The story centres around Dr Frederick Gleason, a White House physician who becomes embroiled in a dark conspiracy involving the President of the United States and his family. When the president’s son, Cam Hilliard, 16, begins experiencing violent seizures and unpredictable behaviour, Dr Lee Blackwood is brought in to diagnose the illness. But what starts as a routine medical evaluation quickly unravels into something far more sinister, involving Cam, the family’s doctor Gleason and the Secret Service agent assigned to the First Family, Karen Ray, who is Lee's ex.
Lee soon suspects that Cam’s condition may not be natural and could be the result of a deliberate act by someone with a motive. As Lee digs deeper, he finds himself in a race against time to uncover the truth. Along the way, Lee confronts secret government programs, powerful pharmaceutical interests, and deadly cover-ups — all while navigating his own past and the high-pressure world of presidential politics.
One of the novel’s strongest features is its fast-paced plotting. The father-and-son team maintains a relentless momentum, with short chapters and constant twists that keep the reader hooked. The medical and technological details are presented with enough accuracy and depth to be believable, without overwhelming the lay reader. Michael Palmer’s background as a physician clearly shines through, adding authenticity to the scenes involving diagnosis, treatment, and ethical dilemmas.
Dr Lee Blackwood is a well-crafted protagonist. He’s intelligent, driven, and compassionate, yet haunted by personal losses. His character adds emotional depth to the story, and his moral compass contrasts sharply with the more manipulative forces surrounding the White House. The dynamic between him and the First Family, particularly the president and his wife, creates an engaging web of trust and betrayal.
However, the novel does fall into some of the tropes common in thrillers of this kind. Some supporting characters, such as government agents or pharmaceutical executives, can bel a bit stereotypical. The plot occasionally leans heavily on coincidence, and readers familiar with political thrillers might find some of the revelations predictable.
Still, what sets The First Family apart is its intersection of medicine and power. The authors explore the ethical implications of medical experimentation, the vulnerability of even the most powerful individuals to disease, and the frightening possibilities when politics and science collide. It’s a thought-provoking premise made more compelling by the book’s real-world plausibility.
In conclusion, The First Family is a solid, engaging thriller that delivers both tension and heart. Though it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it’s a satisfying and timely story that highlights the dangers of unchecked power in both medicine and politics.