I picked up Code Blues, the first book in the Hope Sze series, at a local book event (Prose in the Park in Ottawa) from the author, Melissa Yi.

The series centres on Hope, a first year medical resident in Code Blues, who has just moved to Montreal. During her first rotation, in the emergency room, Hope finds a popular doctor dead under (of course) mysterious circumstances.

While getting to know the other residents (many of whom already know each other from med school) — some more closely than others, Hope begins to investigate the death. Of course, there is danger and drama along the way, but she eventually discovers the murderer.

I really enjoyed this book. Hope is an engaging, realistic character. The setting — both the hospital in particular and Montreal in general — is nicely developed and adds to the story. The mystery itself was solid, with a satisfying conclusion.

Hope is, at times, naive, but she is also a competent person, so there is none of the frustration that can come with an amateur detective doing the stupidly wrong thing. If there was one fault with the book, it was that the latter-middle section felt like it was more about Hope working out her personal issues than the mystery — although this is something that is often the case in mysteries, especially those with an amateur detective. And the story did quickly get back on track with an exciting finish.

The wrap-up after the climax was deftly handled. Hope’s personal struggles came across as relatable and reasonable. Her uncertainty with regards to others was also very normal-feeling. (You can tell I like this aspect, can’t you?)

All in all, it was a very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading the second in the series, Notorious D.O.C.