Title: Through the Gates of Hell

Author:  Scott B. Blanke

Genre: Jewish Fiction/Mystery

Pages: 259 

Publisher: Black Rose Publishing

Reviewer: Jennifer Rupp

Scott B Blanke's medical mystery/serial killer thriller Through the Gates of Hell has hit the sweet spot with gallows humor, a hapless hero, and a high body count. Blanke’s protagonist, Dr. Saul Berman is a plastic surgeon by day and a Dungeons and Dragons master by night. Somewhere in between these two activities, he finds time to work on his Great American Novel. He’s also a huge Cubbies fan, a woefully lapsed Jew (with the requisite domineering mother and disapproving father), and a neophyte when it comes to dating. He’s trying hard to grow his practice, but in his profession, malpractice suits are lurking around every corner. Recently, an alarming number of patients from his clinic have been murdered in gruesome fashion. Initially, Berman is questioned by police, but as the victims begin to pile up, the killer’s motive becomes apparent and Berman’s status changes from prime suspect to prime target. One can’t help liking Dr. Saul Berman. He tries hard to be a good surgeon. He cares about his patients, owns up to his mistakes, and does pro-bono work for the uninsured. What he is not good at is women. Until recently, they have simply been a collection of breasts, noses, and eyebrows in need of a lift. Lucky for him, Detective Karen Jahnman has taken pity on the poor fellow. With a little work, he might become enlightened. No spoilers but plan on a sequel!

Reviewer Bio: Jennifer Trethewey is the pen name of Jennifer Rupp. She writes sexy, sweeping Highland romance combining on site research, wonderfully flawed characters, and a liberal dose of humor. Her first four historical romances from the Highlanders of Balforss series released by Entangled Publishing, have achieved critical success. She has placed in numerous regional writing contests and is a member of Chicago North Romance Writers of America, Wisconsin Writers Association, Red Oak Studios, Off Campus Writers Workshop, Regency Fiction Writers, and Chicago Writers Association. She is also Co-Founder and former Co-Artistic Director of Milwaukee’s Renaissance Theaterworks.