Picture a Minnesota storyteller who swapped a stethoscope for a pen, weaving heart-pounding medical thrillers—meet Tom Combs! A former ER doctor with over 25 years in the chaos of level-one trauma centers, Combs crafts suspense novels that pulse with authenticity, plunging readers into the gritty world of healthcare, crime, and intrigue. His Dr. Drake Cody Suspense series has captivated fans with its flawed heroes and high-stakes drama.
From the adrenaline of saving lives to exposing the dark underbelly of big pharma, Combs’s stories are as real as they are thrilling. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the man behind the page-turners.
The Making of Tom Combs
Born and raised in Minnesota, Tom Combs’s journey to authorship was anything but ordinary. A biochemistry major at the University of Minnesota, he worked gritty jobs—wielding jackhammers and chainsaws—to fund his education. Initially set on a business degree, he pivoted to medicine, drawn to the intensity of emergency care. His 25-year career as an ER physician in bustling trauma centers shaped his storytelling, infusing it with raw emotion and insider knowledge. A lifelong reader, inspired by a third-grade teacher, Combs honed his craft at the Loft Literary Center, turning his medical expertise into gripping fiction.
Tom Combs’s Unforgettable Stories
Combs’s Dr. Drake Cody Suspense series is a masterclass in medical thrillers, blending pulse-pounding action with intricate plots. His debut, Nerve Damage (2014), introduces Dr. Drake Cody, an ER doctor and researcher whose experimental drug sparks a deadly pharmaceutical conspiracy. Fans love its authentic medical scenes and shocking twists. Hard to Breathe (2016) ramps up the stakes as Drake battles corruption and a vengeful tycoon, exposing healthcare’s dark side.
Wrongful Deaths (2018) tackles the opioid epidemic, with Drake racing to stop mysterious hospital deaths amid a citywide drug crisis. Praised for its “best surprise ending ever” by TopShelf Magazine, it’s a fan favorite. Insurrection (2021) sees Drake facing a terrorist takeover of his ER, delivering relentless suspense. Combs’s style—gritty, emotional, and packed with real-world issues—draws comparisons to John Grisham, but for medicine.
His characters, flawed yet heroic, resonate deeply. Drake, haunted by a troubled past, fights for justice while protecting his family. Combs’s insider perspective on healthcare, law, and crime creates stories that feel ripped from tomorrow’s headlines, earning him Amazon Bestseller status in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Why Tom Combs Matters
Tom Combs has carved a niche in the thriller genre, shining a spotlight on the high-stakes world of medicine. His novels don’t just entertain—they expose real issues like the opioid crisis and pharmaceutical greed, making readers think while keeping them on edge. A 2022 Minnesota Book Award finalist, Combs has earned praise from authors like Laura Childs for his authentic, gripping narratives. His work resonates with thriller fans and anyone intrigued by the intersection of medicine and morality.
Living with his artist wife on a Minnesota lake, Combs continues to write, promising more adventures for Dr. Drake Cody. His ability to turn ER chaos into compelling stories ensures his place as a must-read author in suspense fiction.
- Born: Minnesota, USA
- Key Works: Nerve Damage, Hard to Breathe, Wrongful Deaths, Insurrection
- Awards: Amazon Bestseller (2018–2020), Minnesota Book Award Finalist (2022)
- Fun Fact: Combs once worked as a helicopter rescue flight physician!
Snag Nerve Damage and dive into Tom Combs’s thrilling world of medical suspense—you won’t put it down!