December 24, 2025
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Book Reviews Thriller

Heroic Measures a Forensic Technothriller that you don’t want to miss

Author: Joel Shulkin, MD

Genre: Forensic Technothriller / Thriller

Year Published: 2024

Nerdection Rating:

“Nerdection Must Read”

If you love a good thriller, Heroic Measures is a must-read. This jaw-dropping novel follows the story of Armed Forces medical examiner Stephen Englehart, who tries to uncover several mysterious happenings around his base. This includes the sudden and suspicious disappearance of his very own sister, a green beret.

However, Stephen also notices something incredibly strange happening to the military’s elite and, as the medical examiner, realizes that he might be the only one who can get to the bottom of it. With the entire military machine seemingly against him finding his sister and discovering the truth about what is going on at camp, it is an uphill battle that he must win.

With plot twists around every corner, this novel will have you hooked from the very first page, making it a great choice for just about any reader. 

Spoiler-Free Summary

As a medical examiner, Stephen Englehart’s job is to speak for the dead by uncovering the truth about their demise. He’s the best in the business, solving hundreds of crimes and providing families around the world with answers to the death of their loved ones. 

However, even with his ability to spot clues often overlooked by others, he is completely stumped when the body of a US marine is brought into his office. The body had supposedly been burnt beyond recognition in an explosion… but it lies perfectly intact on his gurney. Englehart can immediately tell that something strange is going on. 

His suspicions are confirmed when he discovers that the marine is actually alive. Englehart’s gut is telling him that something dangerous is going on at the base, and he is determined to figure it out. 

However, with his sister going missing, the military makes it perfectly clear that they don’t want him digging for any more information. In fact, the entire military machine seems designed to prevent Englehart from uncovering the truth about the mysterious marine and his sister. 

Stephen realizes that he must stand against an entire army on his own. He never believed that he could be the hero, which is why he chose to become a medical examiner over a soldier himself, but for his sister’s sake, he didn’t have much choice. 


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My Takeaway on Heroic Measures

Heroic Measures is a forensic thriller that features unbelievable twists, drawing the reader back in for more with every page. The military and superhero theme of the book is also very appealing, making it a great choice for anyone who enjoys action.

You can tell that the author has thoroughly thought through every detail of this novel, including the development of the characters and storyline. Stephen, in particular, is a very likable main character.

It is also worth noting that Heroic Measures should have a very high ratings amongst readers. The ending of the novel brings with it a major plot twist that you will not see coming. The story will stay with you for a while after you finish reading it, which is the sign of a good book. 

However, certain chapters and sections of the book feel longer than they need to be. In some cases, it feels as though you are reading unnecessary information that makes no real difference to the story. 

Overall, Heroic Measures is a fantastic novel that fills the reader with intrigue. If you enjoy a good action, thriller, or mystery, I would highly recommend this book.


About The Author Of Heroic Measures

Joel Shulkin, MD is the author of Adverse Effects and Toxic Effects, the first two novels in the award-winning Memory Thieves series, and he has penned award-winning short stories and poetry. A developmental-behavioral pediatrician and United States Air Force veteran with a master’s in public health, Joel lives in Florida with his wife, two daughters, and two puppies.

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