The Forged Directive — A Novel Inspired by True Events

A medical-legal thriller inspired by true events, where authority goes unquestioned, paperwork carries the weight of finality, and the truth surfaces only after irreversible decisions have been made.

Novel Legal Thriller Medical Ethics Inspired by True Events

About the Author

Charles M. Reskin, D.O., is a retired family physician who practiced more than 45 years in the Kansas City area. A graduate of the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, he served on a hospital ethics committee and brings real-world medical insight to this novel set in a quiet Midwestern lake community.

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You have a talent. Easy to read, descriptive, and authentic. I would describe your style as Michener–Grisham–Cook–esque.
— Robert Fortney, D.V.M.

Simply brilliant! This medical thriller masterfully weaves real events with gripping fiction, creating a story that feels both authentic and deeply human. The tension is relentless, the medical details sharply realistic, and the moral depth unforgettable. The author’s respect for truth and compassion shines through every page. More than entertainment, this is a powerful reflection on ethics, science and courage.
— Loraine Übele, FACHE

By the end of the first act, the story becomes genuinely engaging and raises compelling questions about what is known, what is inferred, and what remains uncertain.
— Paul Safford

A refreshing and unique revival of unsolved murders. Actual facts and fiction, along with colorful characters interact to explore the crimes. The author educates the reader on medical, legal, forensic and ethical issues throughout the book. I loved it.
— C Marie