With an uncanny ability, he harnesses the immense influence of wealth and power, corrupting even the most principled individuals in the medical and military realms. Poignantly, he captures the heart-wrenching moment when truth-tellers, functioning within an inflexible bureaucracy, find themselves betrayed by their own organization, much like the immune system attacking a deadly pathogen.
Throughout the narrative, it becomes evident that the author holds a deep affection for his characters. He genuinely cares about their fates, and as readers, we become equally invested in their journeys. However, at times, the author’s portrayal of these characters feels somewhat confined, falling into predictable and clichéd archetypes. “In the Blood” encompasses various storylines, including that of a whistleblower, a transformative idea that shapes the world, a chance for redemption, and the classic American dream of rising from poverty to success.
Repetitively, it revolves around the theme of camaraderie, presenting soldiers who despise pompous higher-ups but hold deep loyalty for their fellow comrades-in-arms. These battle-hardened warriors communicate with one another using resolute voices, exemplifying their shared experiences. The fictional short-tempered Marine Corps medic, Tommy Eagles, tells the equally spirited Navy commander, Timothy Coakley, “Son, I can sense the residue of combat on you, having been through it myself. You have my prayers.”
Yet, as the story concludes, Barber’s fondness for certain characters becomes evident, leading him to withhold critical analysis. He merely reports that Hursey and Gullong profit from the sale of Z-Medica, the company behind their revolutionary product, QuikClot, to a private equity firm. Gullong indulges in extravagant purchases like a beachfront property, a luxurious Florida condo, and a million-dollar yacht, while Hursey invests his earnings in a university building that bears his name.
Interestingly, in 2020, the private equity firm eventually sold Z-Medica to a significant medical device company, a company that, although not mentioned in the book, has faced legal troubles of its own.
Tom Mueller’s upcoming release, “How to Make a Killing: Blood, Death and Dollars in American Medicine,” is set to be published in August.
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