Quick Take

Katie LeClair has finally settled down as the new doctor in Baxter, MI. After years of moving, schooling, and training, she wants nothing more than to find a place she can call home, and a small town outside of Ann Arbor seemed perfect. Katie quickly gets to work in building a life for herself in Baxter, and beyond reviving her love life, she also finds a pair of business partners in a team of father and son family practitioners. But that idyllic dream is immediately shattered when one of her patients is found dead. That wouldn't be the worst thing, except the death is ruled a suicide, and as evidence has it, the suicide was a result of the medication Katie had prescribed. But she doesn't remember writing it. When a closer investigation reveals it was murder, Katie is catapulted into an off-the-books investigation that leads her down a dark path of past secrets. But someone is willing to kill to keep part of the town's history in the shadows, and Katie must race to find out who before it's too late in nationally bestselling author Dawn Eastman's riveting series debut Unnatural Causes.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Unnatural Causes (Dr. Katie LeClair, #1)

Introduction

"Unnatural Causes" by Dawn Eastman is the first book in the Dr. Katie LeClair mystery series. It introduces readers to Katie, a new doctor who settles down in the small town of Baxter, MI, seeking a fresh start after finishing her residency. However, her peaceful life is disrupted when one of her patients is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As the investigation unfolds, Katie finds herself drawn into an off-the-books investigation that leads her down a dark path of past secrets. With a mix of medical detail and suspenseful plot twists, "Unnatural Causes" promises to keep readers engaged from start to finish.

About Dawn Eastman

Dawn Eastman is a Michigan-based author known for her cozy mystery series featuring animal communication and quirky characters. With her new series, "Unnatural Causes," she delves into the world of medical thrillers, exploring the life and work of a physician while incorporating elements of suspense and intrigue. Eastman's writing style is praised for its lighthearted tone and engaging characters, making her a popular choice among mystery lovers.

Analysis of Views

Engaging and Lighthearted: Readers praise "Unnatural Causes" for its engaging narrative and lighthearted tone. The story is described as a solid mystery with a balance between suspense and humor, making it an enjoyable read for fans of cozy mysteries.
Promising New Character: Dr. Katie LeClair is introduced as a relatable and promising new character in the series. Readers appreciate her reluctance to get involved in the investigation, which adds depth to her character and makes her more believable as a protagonist.
Small Town Setting: The small town of Baxter, MI, serves as a captivating backdrop for the story. Readers enjoy visiting the town and exploring its quirks and secrets, which contribute to the overall atmosphere of the novel.
Medical Detail and Suspense: The book successfully combines medical detail with suspenseful plot twists, making it appealing to readers who appreciate both elements in their mysteries. The medical professionals among the readers find the book particularly relatable and accurate in its portrayal of medical practices.
Engaging Plot and Redirections: The plot keeps readers engaged with its unexpected twists and turns, keeping them guessing until the end. The redirections and unexpected revelations add to the suspense factor, making "Unnatural Causes" a page-turner for many readers.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Narrative: The storyline is engaging and keeps readers invested in Katie's journey as she uncovers the truth behind her patient's death. The lighthearted tone and well-paced narrative make it an enjoyable read for mystery enthusiasts.
Promising New Character: Dr. Katie LeClair's character is relatable and well-developed, making her an appealing protagonist for readers who appreciate strong female leads in their mysteries. Her reluctance to get involved adds depth to her character and makes her more believable as a protagonist.
Small Town Setting: The small town setting adds charm and intrigue to the story, allowing readers to explore the quirks and secrets of Baxter, MI. The close-knit community and gossip mill create an atmosphere that enhances the overall reading experience.
Medical Detail and Suspense: The combination of medical detail and suspenseful plot elements appeals to readers who enjoy both aspects in their mysteries. The accurate portrayal of medical practices adds credibility to the story while keeping readers engaged with the medical aspects.
Engaging Plot and Redirections: The plot keeps readers engaged with its unexpected twists and turns, making it a page-turner for many readers. The redirections and revelations keep the suspense level high, ensuring that readers are invested in the outcome until the very end.

Conclusion

"Unnatural Causes" by Dawn Eastman introduces readers to Dr. Katie LeClair, a new doctor seeking a fresh start in the small town of Baxter, MI. When one of her patients is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Katie finds herself drawn into an off-the-books investigation that uncovers past secrets. With its engaging narrative, promising new character, small town setting, medical detail, and suspenseful plot twists, "Unnatural Causes" promises to be an enjoyable read for mystery enthusiasts. Readers recommend this book for its lighthearted tone, relatable protagonist, captivating setting, accurate medical portrayal, and page-turning plot that keeps them guessing until the end. Overall, "Unnatural Causes" is a solid addition to the mystery genre that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Dr. Katie LeClair series.