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Steven Piskula
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The First Harm: A Medical Thriller Kindle Edition

by Steven Piskula (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 1,259 ratings

WINNER - BEST MEDICAL THRILLER - Independent Press Award 2023
★★★★★ - A Reedsy Discovery "Must Read"
★★★★★ - Readers' Favorite 5-Star Seal

A first-year medical student determined to do everything right . . . discovers something very wrong. Now somebody wants her dead.

Tanna Christensen spent countless hours planning for her first gross anatomy dissection, but nothing could have prepared her for what she’s found. Beneath her scalpel lies a cadaver riddled with disturbing genetic abnormalities—evidence pointing to an unthinkable crime.

Tanna believes her discovery is the tip of a terrifying secret that goes far deeper than a single corpse. But when her investigation leads to a brutal murder, a lethal cover-up threatens to destroy the future she once dreamed of.

And now she’s the next target.

Afraid and on the run, Tanna must expose the truth before more lives are lost—including her own. Or is it already too late?

The First Harm is a fast-paced thrill ride with surprising twists that will captivate fans of A.G. Riddle, Robin Cook, CJ Lyons, Dan Alatorre, and Michael Crichton. Scroll up and grab your copy now!

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  1. Print length
    328 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    September 12, 2022
  5. File size
    2.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

A partial close-up of a face with a building and DNA strands in the background.
A human figure running and a partial close-up of a face with a building and DNA strands.
A human figure running and a partial close-up of a face with a building, DNA, and book cover.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is an exhilarating read, rife with character and scenery descriptions that bring the novel to life, that drew me in and kept me turning pages to see what was next. It is twisted, riveting ride that left me wondering how something similar to the fictional plot could actually happen." - RavenousReaderReviews

"A dark and chilling tale of medical malpractice featuring a corrupt corporation, a relentless assassin and a gutsy medical student. . . . a nerve-shreddingly exciting read and lovers of medical thrillers will certainly enjoy it." - Originally published by Jennifer Hill on Reedsy Discovery (Labeled a Must Read)

"The First Harm is a breakneck-paced thriller that grabs you from the opening and takes you on a twist-filled ride until the shocking conclusion. It will send chills down your spine to see what horrors arise when people shed morals and start playing God." - J. Jason Hicks, author of Ruinwaster's Bane

"THE FIRST HARM is an excellent first outing by author Steven Piskula. . . . His ability to create the sci-fi medicine of Modern Genetics is amazing and thought provoking, . . . There were twists along the way that held my interest and I could not predict how the book would end. . . . It was a wonderful read." - Kyle Wendy Skultety at gimmethatbook.com

"This is not something I have come across before and it was a relief to have a plotline that is new. . . . I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a fast-paced thriller, with a great storyline, and loveable characters." - C L Evans, true-crime author of Womb Raiders

About the Author

Steven Piskula is an award-winning screenwriter, former journalist, and passionate thriller author. His love of words led him to study English and journalism before earning a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting. A native of Wisconsin, Steven now enjoys living in Southern California with his family. They frequently travel to Spain, where he has found his second home while visiting his wife's family. When he's not writing or reading, Steven is busy attempting to learn Spanish, perfecting his paella recipe, and trying to keep up with his young son.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BCXCF88X
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Word First LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 12, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 328 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8985883206
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 1,259 ratings

About the author

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Steven Piskula

Steven Piskula

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Steven Piskula is an award-winning screenwriter, former journalist, and passionate thriller author. His interest in storytelling was sparked in his early teens when he discovered the page-turning paperbacks of Stephen King, and he’s been hooked ever since. His love of words led him to study English and journalism before earning a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting. But he has never forgotten the gripping stories and exhilarating action in the books that started it all.

A native of Wisconsin, Steven now enjoys living in Southern California with his wife and child. They frequently travel to Spain, where he has found his second home while visiting his wife’s family. When he’s not writing, Steven is busy attempting to learn Spanish, perfecting his paella recipe, and trying to keep up with his young son.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
1,259 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the medical thriller's roller coaster plot with its surprise ending and fast-paced action. The book is well-written with a complex and determined main character, and one customer describes it as a definite page turner.

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29 customers mention "Plot"23 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, which is filled with suspenseful twists and turns, lots of action, and an exciting surprise ending.

"...It was a great roller coaster of a story. I really enjoyed reading this and I don't doubt that the premise is correct...." Read more

"...This story has several subs stories and lots of action...." Read more

"The main character was complex and determined. This really drove the story further and made you root for her...." Read more

"Fast paced with lots of action. Some things a little unrealistic but then it’s fiction. Enjoyed the book . Would recommend." Read more

20 customers mention "Readability"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very well written, with one describing it as a definite page turner.

"...It was a great roller coaster of a story. I really enjoyed reading this and I don't doubt that the premise is correct...." Read more

"...Thanks for the good read." Read more

"...Otherwise it was an ok read." Read more

"...Some things a little unrealistic but then it’s fiction. Enjoyed the book . Would recommend." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the main character is complex and determined, with one customer mentioning that the author took time to build the characters.

"The main character was complex and determined. This really drove the story further and made you root for her...." Read more

"...I love the life choices of the characters and how naivety turned to grit and actually created something rare but beautifully real life that I found..." Read more

"Interesting medical mystery. Good plot tension and likeable characters, with a small twist I didn't anticipate...." Read more

"The title has it right - it is a thriller. Realistic characters, tightly woven story and lots of edge of the seat excitement...." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with its fast-paced action and non-stop excitement.

"...wasn’t sure if I could get behind Tanna, but in no time, the pace shot up like a rocket...." Read more

"Fast paced with lots of action. Some things a little unrealistic but then it’s fiction. Enjoyed the book . Would recommend." Read more

"Drew me in quick and then never stopped. Full of action that kept me turning pages after my bedtime!!..." Read more

"...I loved the fast paced action and look forward to his next novel." Read more

Amazing new author!
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing new author!
Move over Adrian McKinty and Harry Dolan, there is a new author in the suspense game! The First Harm, the first book - of hopefully many - for Steven Piskula is nothing short of fantastic. From the opening pages, I was drawn in and couldn't put the book down. Tanna and Jason were characters you could believe - almost as if they were friends of yours. You rooted for them and their development throughout the book was fantastic. Sol and Dr. Emmerson were great and Roman was someone you never want to meet! There were plot twists throughout the book that kept you guessing up until the last page. I am an avid reader in the genre and love authors like Winslow, Child, and Greaney. I think Piskula's first book is right up there with all the greats! Can't wait for the next one!!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I really wasn't on the mood for a medical thriller but I thought I'd try it. It was a great roller coaster of a story. I really enjoyed reading this and I don't doubt that the premise is correct. It brings 2 people that won't have even ever meet before, together and it was perfect. Choose the motorcycle guy pushed up the excitement. Great choice
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  • K. Wanner
    4.0 out of 5 stars really good
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I’m not one to read medical thrillers. I am so glad I read this one. I couldn’t put it down.
    Whatever I’ve open can’t be put back in. I guess I’ll just have to find my next triller, be it medical or otherwise. Thanks for the good read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Traveler
    3.0 out of 5 stars Premised on a Medical Issue but Not Medical Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoy medical mysteries where determining the type of medical problem, how to treat a new illness, stopping the spread of a mysterious sickness, taming an epidemic, looking at forensics to source the contaminant or virus, etc., are the basis of the story. However, this plot started right away with the discovery of a physical oddity demonstrating some kind of manmade interference but that was for the most part the end of the medical side. Then the book moved quickly into a cat and mouse thriller which could be based on anything, like searching for a computer hacker, a secret computer code, identifying a criminal, etc. Therefore, I was disappointed to not follow symptomology, treatment trials or other medical matters. Otherwise it was an ok read.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wild ride
    Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Tanna, A medical student, becomes involved in A race against time when her roommate is killed and she tarts her own investigation. After meeting with a doctor Canal she seeks more information about an underground group of scientists who are using live people for their experiments and then disposing of them.
    She runs into a tattooed motocross champion who helps with her sleuthing. They have instant personal chemistry by focus on finding out more as the bodies pile up.
    Help comes from odd places, the police aren't helping and she has one other person who wants the answers as .Such as she does. Meanwhile, she has been infected with a man made virus that could kill her.
    Her final goal is to steal hard drives from the lab that can prove her innocence in what has happened to people she meets who then die.
    This story has several subs stories and lots of action. Anyone one with even a small science background will be fascinated by the research and possibilities in the medicine in this book. I highly recommend it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nichole Ho
    4.0 out of 5 stars Strong female lead and the surprise ending was exciting!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The main character was complex and determined. This really drove the story further and made you root for her. The ending was a little bit of a shock but in a good way.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Dawn Greenfield Ireland
    5.0 out of 5 stars You’d better make sure your heart can take this book
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The first bite was soft. I wasn’t sure if I could get behind Tanna, but in no time, the pace shot up like a rocket. I questioned her thought processing when she joined forces with Jason. But they surprised me. Roman was the scariest psychopath bad guy I’ve read in a long time. I finished the book in a day and a half. The ending threw me into a tailspin. Never in all my wildest thoughts did I expect THAT ending! Good job, Steven. Better let me know when the sequel comes out!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • dlg
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good story
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Fast paced with lots of action. Some things a little unrealistic but then it’s fiction.
    Enjoyed the book . Would recommend.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sara K.Gurley
    2.0 out of 5 stars Printing issues
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Ordered this book as a gift and recipient pointed out the printing issues interrupting the story. Replacement is being sent at no additional cost, but hopefully without printing issues.
    Customer image
    Sara K.Gurley
    2.0 out of 5 stars
    Printing issues

    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2024
    Ordered this book as a gift and recipient pointed out the printing issues interrupting the story. Replacement is being sent at no additional cost, but hopefully without printing issues.
    Images in this review
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    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • AlphaDelta1968
    5.0 out of 5 stars Scary realistic
    Reviewed in Canada on March 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great pace of action,easy to grasp medical concepts, likable characters and eerily believable for a very near future. Read in one sitting.
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  • Suek52
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent storyline
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book. The storyline is excellent, the characters are believable and it carries you forward at a quick pace. I couldn’t put it down.
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  • audrey
    2.0 out of 5 stars oh dear
    Reviewed in Australia on April 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I did not expect to dive head first into a "medical autopsy.
    Pretty goring and not for me.
    Mind you I may well be a good story for those who are into blood and gore.
    Sorry about that.
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  • joyces
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved "The First Harm
    Reviewed in Canada on December 14, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Loved the whole story. I became addicted to it. Highly recommend! Do yourself a favor. Read it. You'll be glad you did.
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