Gary Birken Books In Order
Book links take you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases.Publication Order of Madison Shaw and Jack Wyatt Books
| Malice By Design | (2023) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Error in Diagnosis | (2023) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Treachery by Design | (2024) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Sinister by Design | (2026) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| Final Diagnosis | (2001) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Plague | (2002) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Embolus | (2006) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Code 15 | (2009) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Prognosis Critical | (2022) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
About Gary Birken
Gary Birken is an American author known for writing mystery and medical thrillers. His books often feature strong protagonists who face high stakes situations. The characters he creates feel real, with clear motivations and relatable struggles. Readers enjoy how his stories balance tension with moments that feel authentic.
One of Birken’s strengths is his ability to craft engaging narratives that keep readers hooked. His plots move quickly but still take time to develop characters and settings. The medical and mystery elements in his books add excitement without feeling overdone. This makes his work entertaining for fans of fast paced yet well structured stories.
Birken has a talent for writing compelling tales that draw people in from the first page. His stories often blend suspense, drama, and smart twists in a way that feels fresh. The way he builds tension while keeping the narrative easy to follow is a key reason readers enjoy his books. His writing style ensures that each story remains interesting without becoming confusing or overly complicated.
His books have found fans across the globe, appealing to readers who enjoy smart, fast-paced thrillers. His stories stand out because they stay grounded in realism while delivering plenty of excitement. He doesn’t rely on exaggerated twists or unrealistic scenarios, which keeps his work fresh and believable. This balance makes his writing accessible to a wide audience.
Staying true to his own style, Birken writes stories that reflect his knowledge and interests. His background in medicine adds depth to his thrillers, giving them an authentic edge. Yet, he never lets technical details slow down the pacing or overwhelm the reader. This approach ensures his books remain engaging without sacrificing credibility.
Readers appreciate that his stories feel personal yet universally entertaining. His characters face high-pressure situations, but their emotions and decisions stay relatable. By blending sharp storytelling with genuine human moments, Birken creates books that resonate with people everywhere. His ability to entertain without compromising his voice keeps fans coming back for more.
Gary Birken continues to write, with new stories on the way for his readers. His upcoming works will likely deliver the same gripping plots and strong characters fans enjoy. There’s no doubt he’ll keep crafting smart, fast-paced thrillers that stay true to his style. Readers can look forward to more exciting books from him in the years ahead.
Early and Personal Life
Gary Birken grew up with a passion for both medicine and storytelling, which shaped his future as a doctor and author. His love for reading and writing developed early, blending well with his interest in science and human drama. These dual passions eventually led him to pursue a career where he could save lives by day and craft thrilling stories in his spare time.
As a pediatric surgeon, Birken draws inspiration from his medical experiences, adding realism to his gripping thrillers. Balancing his roles as a surgeon, hospital leader, and writer, he has honed his ability to create compelling narratives. His disciplined approach, both in medicine and writing, reflects his dedication to excellence in everything he does.
Outside of work, Birken stays active through basketball and martial arts, showcasing his energy and focus. His busy life as a father of four also keeps him grounded, adding depth to his characters and stories. With a successful career in medicine and writing, he continues to inspire readers and aspiring authors alike.
Writing Career
Gary Birken began his writing career with Final Diagnosis in 2001, establishing himself as a medical thriller author. Over the next decade, he released gripping novels like Plague, Embolus, and Code 15, each blending medical authenticity with suspenseful storytelling. His early works showcased his ability to craft fast-paced narratives rooted in real-world medical tension.
In 2015, Birken launched the Madison Shaw and Jack Wyatt Medical Mystery series with Error in Diagnosis, introducing readers to a compelling investigative duo. He expanded the series with Malice By Design (2023) and Treachery by Design (2024), further proving his skill for weaving intricate medical mysteries.
With additional standalone novels like Prognosis Critical (2022), Birken continued to deliver engaging thrillers, and has more stories still to come.
Code 15
Gary Birken’s medical thriller Code 15 was published in 2009 by Erupen Titles. The novel is part of his collection of suspenseful medical-themed fiction. This release added to his growing reputation as a compelling writer in the thriller genre.
Dr. Morgan Connolly, Chief of Emergency Medicine at Dade Presbyterian Hospital, deals with tragedy daily, including the sudden deaths of two brothers from aggressive meningitis. When her father is killed in an apparent random attack, she grows suspicious. Soon, preventable medical errors (Code 15s) surge in her hospital, and her superiors question her competence. Convinced a vengeful killer is targeting the hospital, and possibly her, Morgan races to uncover the truth before becoming the next victim.
This medical thriller delivers gripping suspense from start to finish, blending sharp medical realism with intense personal stakes. The protagonist’s determination makes her compelling as the mystery deepens with each page. Well-paced twists keep readers guessing while maintaining believability. Fans of hospital-based suspense will find this a satisfying, adrenaline-fueled read.
Prognosis Critical
Gary Birken’s medical thriller Prognosis Critical was published in 2022 by Erupen Titles. The book continues his tradition of crafting authentic, suspenseful medical fiction. This release further solidifies his reputation as a compelling voice in the thriller genre.
Dr. Jacey Flanigan achieves her goal of becoming a pediatric cardiologist and joins a prestigious Manhattan children’s hospital. Her first day introduces her to an arrogant heart surgeon and a culture of puzzling physician behavior and concealed surgical irregularities. As she uncovers potential malpractice, Jacey faces a moral dilemma; protect her career or investigate further despite the risks. The deeper she digs, the more dangerous the secrets become, forcing her to choose between silence and risking everything, including her safety.
As a medical thriller, this novel hooks readers with its authentic hospital setting and tense ethical dilemmas. The protagonist’s relatable struggle between integrity and survival creates compelling tension throughout. Sharp pacing and believable medical details make the suspense feel especially gripping. Fans of ethical dramas wrapped in thriller plots will find this story both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Book Series In Order » Authors »


Any issues with the book list you are seeing? Or is there an author or series we don’t have? Let me know!
My wife brought home 4 of the standalone books early this week. I just finished my 2nd of the 4. They are absolutely riveting stores! Strong protagonists and many trilling twists and turns!
Like the medical novels and explanation of medical terms. Thank you for your help!