First Do No Harm – A Lethal Secret Beneath the White Coat: Joe Kenda’s Gripping Pursuit of Justice

1. About the Author: Joe Kenda

Joe Kenda is a renowned former detective from the Colorado Springs Police Department who solved over 90% of the homicide cases he investigated—an extraordinary rate in criminal justice. After retiring, he became a television personality, known for the hit crime documentary series Homicide Hunter on Investigation Discovery. Kenda later transitioned into writing, bringing his real-life experience into gripping crime fiction. First Do No Harm is among his standout novels, blending firsthand law enforcement insight with a sharp, dry wit. His storytelling style is direct, grounded, and unapologetically realistic—traits that captivate readers and critics alike.

2. About the Narrator: Bradford Hastings

Bradford Hastings is a professional audiobook narrator praised for his rich, steady voice and ability to convey emotion with nuance. In First Do No Harm, he delivers an outstanding performance—bringing each character to life with distinct tones and emotional depth. He successfully captures Kenda’s trademark sarcasm and the underlying tension of criminal investigations. The audiobook is further enhanced by Joe Kenda himself, who introduces and concludes the story, adding a powerful layer of authenticity for listeners.

3. Book Overview: First Do No Harm

First Do No Harm is the second installment in the Detectives Kenda & Wilson series, set in late-1970s Colorado Springs. The story follows a series of mysterious fentanyl overdoses—a drug virtually unknown at the time. Detectives Joe Kenda and Lee Wilson are tasked with the investigation, eventually uncovering a sinister link between an anesthesiologist and a Mexican drug cartel.

The book belongs to the crime-thriller genre, combining fictional storytelling with the gritty realism of law enforcement procedures. It stands out for its fast pace, dark humor, and procedural accuracy. On Goodreads, First Do No Harm holds an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from thousands of readers. While no official awards or sales figures are currently cited, the book has garnered widespread praise and strong word-of-mouth among crime fiction fans.

4. Book Review: First Do No Harm

First Do No Harm offers a masterfully constructed crime narrative with fast-paced plotting, clever dialogue, and emotionally resonant themes. The story starts with a gripping mystery and escalates into a complex case involving the medical community and organized crime. Joe Kenda’s protagonist is relatable, sharp, and laced with dry humor that mirrors the author’s real-life personality. The prose is clean, direct, and devoid of unnecessary frills—perfectly matching the tone of a crime procedural.

Some readers have noted that secondary characters could benefit from deeper development, and the 1970s setting could be more immersive. Nevertheless, these are minor critiques in an otherwise tightly written and captivating story. Whether you’re a fan of classic whodunits or gritty cop dramas, First Do No Harm is a worthy addition to your bookshelf.

Keywords for SEO in this section: Review, Book Review, Audiobook, Joe Kenda, First Do No Harm

5. Audiobook Review: First Do No Harm

The audiobook adaptation of First Do No Harm is exceptional. Bradford Hastings’ performance is highly praised for its versatility and emotional clarity. He handles tense interrogation scenes, introspective monologues, and fast-paced action sequences with equal finesse. Listeners particularly appreciate how he captures the moodiness and dry wit of Kenda’s narrative voice.

Adding to the experience is Joe Kenda’s own voice at the start and end of the audiobook, making it feel like you’re being personally walked through the case by the detective himself. Audiobook review blogs such as Waves of Fiction have rated the performance 4.8/5, emphasizing its immersive quality and narrative grip.

6. Who Should Read or Listen to This Book?

First Do No Harm is ideal for:

• Fans of true crime, detective fiction, or medical thrillers.

• Readers interested in the opioid crisis and the dark intersections of medicine and crime.

• Long-time followers of Joe Kenda or viewers of Homicide Hunter.

• Busy professionals or commuters who enjoy consuming stories through the audiobook format.

If you enjoyed titles like Mindhunter or The Lincoln Lawyer, this book will be right up your alley.

7. Conclusion

First Do No Harm delivers a compelling mix of real-life police work and fictional suspense. With its razor-sharp storytelling and realistic character portrayals, Joe Kenda proves himself not only as a seasoned investigator but also as a compelling author. Bradford Hastings’ audiobook narration further elevates the experience, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in crime fiction or true crime.

Whether you’re looking for your next road-trip audiobook or a gripping night-time listen, First Do No Harm is a superb choice.

8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook

You can find First Do No Harm on several leading audiobook platforms:

• Audiobooks.com

• Audible

Many of these platforms offer free trials or first-month membership discounts. Signing up allows you to enjoy First Do No Harm and thousands of other titles anytime, anywhere.