Beat the Reaper

Josh Bazell’s Beat the Reaper tells the story of Dr. Peter Brown, aka Pietro “Bearclaw” Brnwa, who used to be a mob hitman and enforcer. Currently in witness protection, he knows that he can be recognized and ratted out while working at Manhattan Catholic, so he it’s only a matter of time before he has to “beat the reaper”.

Dr. Peter Brown is a cynical, dark, and deeply flawed protagonist, which is what makes Beat the Reaper such an exciting read. The book’s action takes place over the course of one day, though it recounts many events from Peter’s (Pietro’s) sordid past. A mobster recognizes him and makes a deal: keep him alive through his harrowing surgery and recovery, and he will never breathe a word about Dr. Brown’s real identity. Should he die at the hospital, Dr. Brown’s identity will be made known to all the wrong people. What happens after this is a messy, gory line of events that is even comical at times. For example, a clandestine meeting at the Russian Baths:

“I thought the idea was to keep Adam out of the mafia,” I said.

At the word “mafia,” Locano looked around.

“Don’t be a Chatty Cathy,” he said. “Even in here.”

“Mafia mafia mafia,” I said.

Dr. Brown’s narcissistic attitude (in addition to popping pills like candy) occasionally reminded me of the infamous Dr. House from House, M.D.

Overall, it was an action packed read, though not always believable— Dr. Brown’s ability to get out of every tight situation is mythically MacGyver-esque.

Note: You will eventually learn the difference between femur and tibia. Beat the Reaper is a fast paced game of Operation, and it will make you jump.

There is also word that Leonardo DiCaprio will be playing Dr. Brown in the cinematic remake. I’m wondering how the shark tank will go over.