In this new fast-paced medical mystery-thriller from The New York Times bestselling author Robin Cook, fan favorites Jack and Laurie must determine the Manner of Death after a pathology resident's suspicious suicide. Reeling from a devastating encounter that nearly ended his life, Jack Stapleton is still in recovery leaving his wife Laurie Montgomery, New York's chief medical examiner, to manage a difficult situation at home and an even tougher one at work. When a young man appears on the medical examiner's table, an apparent death by suicide, Laurie is compelled to try and understand what happened. The autopsy reveals the disturbing possibility that foul play was involved, and provides many more questions than answers. Ignoring her own professional rules, Laurie personally investigates who might want Ryan dead and why. So begins a descent into a dangerous world filled with ruthless individuals who will do anything to protect their business interests, and that might just cost Laurie her life .