Malcharist Reviews on Amazon
Don’t Miss This Brilliant and Breathtaking First Novel by The Gifted Paul John Scott.
Dr. T.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 August 2020
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This immensely powerful novel is a truly spellbinding thriller. Surely Literature Prize Nominations must follow?
Very highly recommended indeed.
The Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction
kevinpmiller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2020
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As one who has had the fortune/misfortune of reporting on the “science” behind prescription psychiatric drugs for 20+ years, I was thrilled to find MALCHARIST, the new novel by Paul John Scott. Mr. Scott’s writing is engrossing (I read this book in 24 hours), irritating (his facts are spot-on and often enraging), and irresistibly evocative (I admit to calling out “Yes!!!” several times in the first few chapters alone).
Granted, it shouldn’t take a “fictionalized” tale about Big Pharma’s sins to direct international attention to the heretical, commercialized science behind pharmaceuticals and Psychotropic drugs like methylphenidate, SSRI antidepressants and antipsychotics. But Mr. Scott weaves his story together so seamlessly that one will almost believe that this is a DOCUMENTARY—not a work of fiction.
Yet, as proven in the 2005 thriller, “The Constant Gardener,” Big Pharma’s big lies sometimes merit the drama of a Hollywood-like storyline. Paul John Scott has delivered this—in a deeply personal, impeccably researched novel — and he has done so in a way that millions will identify with.
While we’re all lost in the Covid-madness, let’s all honor the courageousness of Emergency healthcare workers who unconditionally put their lives on the line for strangers. These men and women are, of course, motivated by goodness. But make no mistake: while these heroes step into danger every day, Pharma truly only cares about profit. They get fined billions of dollars – pay the fine in cash – and move on to the next atrocity. This comes through loud and clear in this powerful book.
I’ve read thousands of studies and observations about “modern healthcare” over the years, but little of what I’ve read made the impact that Mr. Scott’s MALCHARIST did.
I tip my hat to him – and pray others read this truthful and shocking “novel.” I’m hoping for a Hollywood blockbuster too!
FIVE STARS.👍
This novel will swallow you whole
Patrick D Hahn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2020
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What Paddy Chayefsky’s Network was to the Twentieth Century, John Paul Scott’s Malcharist is to the Twenty-First.
This is a novel that takes the reader deep inside the Pharmaceutical Empire which invents diseases, creates “patient advocacy organizations” to sell these diseases to the public, manufactures and controls the evidence base purporting to show their nostrums are safe and effective remedies for these diseases, relentlessly gaslights those unfortunate victims harmed by their patent medicines, and smears all who question any of this as “Luddites, anti-vaxxers, tin-foil hatters, and Scientologists.”
Scott interleaves the stories of the chief protagonists – a hack journalist who has inadvertently stumbles onto the biggest story of his career, a brilliant but disillusioned ghost writer for the drugmakers, a sociopathic talk-show psychiatrist, along with several others, to paint a vivid portrait of a world probably few of us even suspect exists – a world of fantastic opulence kings would envy, along with gutter-level cynicism that would gag a goat.
This novel will swallow you whole. Beginning with the first few pages, a feeling of dread begins to take hold, a sensation that only intensifies as the author takes us through one plot twist after another until the distinction between the good guys and the bad guys becomes hopelessly blurred, while the author’s meticulous attention to detail creates a sensation as close to virtual reality as the printed page will ever get.
To paraphrase Aristotle, you may not be interested in the drug companies, but that won’t stop the drug companies from taking an interest in you. This is a novel everybody needs to read.
Fascinating and fun. Worth the time and money.
Jeff
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2020
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This engaging book pulls the reader into the shadowy world of big pharma for a unique thriller. It spotlights many real, questionable techniques used to create, ‘brand’ and sell the next big drug and the Herculean challenges faced by journalists trying to go beyond the press releases to report on the full story behind a new drug. Occasionally, I wished the action would slow a bit to allow me better absorb the nuances of the plot and there were characters that I would have liked to have known better as the story rolled to its satisfying conclusion. The obscure title doesn’t do the intriguing book any favors, in my opinion. However, it’s a fascinating summer read by a talented first-time novelist that’s worth your time and money. I look forward to what he’ll write next. Full disclosure: The author is a co-worker.
A Wild Ride into the Seamy Side of Big Pharma
J. Bryan
4.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2020
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Really enjoyed this medical thriller- I learned allot about the seamy side of big pharma, while dropping into some of my favorite locals, Minneapolis, London, NYC, Chicago, and swank resorts in Bermuda and Hawaii with some interesting characters and clever dialogue.
Very reminiscent of Chris Pavone (The Expats) in style and pace.
I couldn’t put it down and look forward to a sequel with Griffin in a new underdog, investigative journalist adventure!
You Won’t Be Able To Put This Book Down
Hemingway
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2020
I knew Paul John Scott was an excellent reporter and writer. He’s won a National Magazine Award. But with “Malcharist,” his debut novel, Scott has outdone even himself. His research into the inner workings of Big Pharma is thorough and impeccable, with amazing details at many turns. But it’s the plot–boy meets girl with a twist–that kept me reading. I wanted to find out what happens when a freelance journalist ventures beyond his pay grade, led on by a brilliant temptress wanting to spill her secrets. Along the way, we meet a cast of terrific supporting characters, from the pleasure-to-despise antihero Dr. Jeremy Elton to a dog named Lee Majors. There’s a generous serving of humor throughout, satisfying in itself. And, of course, true to form, Scott’s writing sparkles. It’s reminiscent of Jonathan Franzen at his best with doorways into the hidden chambers of his characters’ minds and Karen Russell with the absorbing scenes. I enjoyed reading this novel so much I can’t wait for Scott’s next one.
I didn’t want it to end
Jim Gottstein
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2020
Malcharist by Paul John Scott came highly recommended, but I was skeptical a novel about drug company misdeeds would be that good. However, I found Malcharist completely engrossing and I ended up not wanting it to end. It describes the fraudulent nature of drug company research and marketing. It gives a sense of the essentially unlimited amount of money drug companies have to spend on misrepresenting the benefits and covering up the harms of so many of their drugs. And salve the consciences of their foot soldiers. I have lived in that world some so I know the essence of Malcharist is sadly all too true. Scott brings this to life with heroes and villains, romance and mystery. I recommend this book without reservation.
Buy Malcharist on Amazon
Malcharist
A novel by Paul John Scott
Available in Print or Kindle
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