After reading Joel Shulkin’s Heroic Measures, I knew he had a talent for blending medical authenticity with pulse-pounding suspense—but Spontaneous Remission takes it to another level. This isn’t just a thriller; it’s a smart, morally complex exploration of what happens when science crosses into miracle territory. This just isn’t far enough off into the future to be called a sci-fi, medical thriller. I personally think there is a lot more truth to this than the regular person will ever know. Especially when we consider that technology and the push forward in medicine has given us more problems to deal with.
The story follows a woman who’s been given what looks like a divine second chance—but as the layers peel back, it’s clear there’s something far more dangerous behind her recovery. The introduction of a prototype drug, Pan-C-8, capable of curing any disease, raises profound ethical questions. The ensuing race between those seeking to harness its power for good and others with more nefarious intentions adds a layer of urgency and moral complexity. Shulkin, a physician himself, brings the kind of realism that makes every medical detail ring true. But what kept me turning the pages weren’t just the facts—it was the way he forces readers to wrestle with big questions: What would we do if we found a cure for everything? And at what cost?
With unforgettable characters, ethical dilemmas, and a biotech conspiracy that feels scarily plausible, Spontaneous Remission is a must-read for fans of intelligent thrillers with heart. Be ready to question what you know and what you think is possible. Joel Shulkin proves once again that he’s not just writing thrillers—he’s pushing the genre forward.
Follow Teresa on Twitter or Instagram or contact her via the site.
Purchase Spontaneous Remission
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)
Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen