Butterflies

About the Book

Admitted to the hospital's medical unit for overnight observation after experiencing minor cardiac irregularities, the patient suddenly and unexpectedly dies. The autopsy cannot determine the cause of death. During the hospital's death conference, the Director of the Department of Cardiology notes that blood taken at the autopsy showed an unexplained marked elevation in one of the blood electrolytes. This begins a search for the method, reason, and political considerations that lead to the patients murder.

The plot weaves its way from the hospital wards, boardroom and executive offices, and hideaway and sex lair of the guilty parties, up to the Washington, D.C. office of the US Senator for New Jersey.

About the Author

Dr. Cannaliato graduated from the New Jersey Medical School in 1963. After completing his residency training in Philadelphia and New York City, he practiced primary care pediatrics in Paramus, New Jersey for thirty-eight years until retiring from active practice in 2003. During sixteen years of his medical career, he held the position of Associate Director and then Director of the Department of Pediatrics at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the New Jersey Medical School serving as a preceptor for medical students during their clinical training.

Fourteen years ago, he began writing short essays, which were published in his hospital?s Physician Bulletin and in the New Jersey Medical School?s alumni quarterly magazine. He subsequently began writing short stories; this is his first novel.