Review: 'Spasm' by Robin Cook

Disclosure: I received a free review copy from the publisher. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. [*]

Here’s a mystery to unravel: although I have a profound aversion to medical dramas across all forms of media, be it films, television, streaming, or books, I've harbored a surprising affection for Robin Cook's fictitious medical thrillers since childhood. It’s curious, isn’t it? Perhaps the haunting covers from the '80s and '90s, which were a staple of my formative years, drew me into his world. Or maybe it's simply Cook's talent as a writer that keeps me coming back for more. As I prepared to pen this review, I discovered he's turning eighty-five this year, a fact that astonished me. Many literary giants, such as Stephen King, R.L. Stine, and Dean Koontz, are gracefully aging, and with each read, I find myself appreciating their works even more deeply.

Now, on to the main event—my review of Robin Cook's latest thriller, Spasm ^[*], which hit the shelves courtesy of G.P. Putnam's Sons in December 2025. This thrilling tale marks the fifteenth installment in the Jack Stapleton & Laurie Montgomery series, which began its intriguing journey with Blindsight ^[*] in 1992.

The narrative of Spasm ^[*] unfolds with as Laurie Montgomery stepping steps back from her role as Chief Medical Examiner, leading allowing her and Jack to enjoy a rare moment of freedom for a couple of weeks. They receive a distressing call from Jack's old medical school pal, Robert Neilson, the lone family physician in Essex Falls, a picturesque town nestled in New York State’s serene Adirondack Mountains. While also serving as the coroner for Hamilton County, Dr. Neilson finds himself in the deep end, grappling with the inexplicable death of a young, vibrant pest control worker and an alarming surge of Alzheimer's-like cases. He reaches out, pleading for Jack and Laurie’s expertise, and unable to resist both a tantalizing mystery and a much-needed getaway, they agree to help and head upstate.

Essex Falls is as charming as the brochures promised, with accommodations that exceed their expectations. However, they soon uncover that this seemingly idyllic town has been rocked by profound economic and social turmoil, leaving its residents shaken. Just before an autopsy, the body of the pest control worker vanishes without a trace, throwing Jack into twisted investigation—a forensic puzzle that challenges him like never before.

In a time when the notion of a deadly bioweapon plot might have seemed far-fetched, it now echoes an unsettling reality, rendering the tale eerily plausible. This unnerving backdrop enhances the story, making it all the more thrilling than Cook may have originally intended. True to his style, I found myself fully immersed in the chaos that is Jack and Laurie’s world; the descriptions were vivid and engaging, the character portrayals rich with depth, and the dialogue crackled with life. The pacing was relentless, fast, and captivating, propelling me forward with a desperate need to uncover what awaited around each corner. The plot, whilst steeped in fiction, felt hauntingly believable, adding another layer of grip that kept me glued to the pages. And let’s not forget the suspense—Cook serves it up in ample portions.

Overall, Robin Book's Spasm ^[*] was a gripping page-turner that I highly recommend. Whether you buy it or check it out from the library, this book is well worth your time. Until we meet again, happy reading!  ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess