David Shactman

AUTHOR

Interview on the Book Lover's Companion Podcast: Exploring the Dark World of Medical Mysteries with David Shactman

In this episode of Book Lover‘s Companion, host Edith interviews healthcare expert and fiction author David Shactman about his book ‘Mortal Choice: A Medical Mystery.’ The conversation delves into the harrowing realities of the illegal kidney trade, the ethical dilemmas faced by parents with critically ill children, and the real-life inspiration drawn from David’s experience researching medical tourism. 

David Shactman during a reading of his new novel, Mortal Choice, at Hummingbird Books June 11, 2025

They also discuss the development of the book’s protagonists – an FBI agent and a Boston detective – and the challenges David faced in writing fiction, particularly from diverse perspectives. The episode also touches on broader healthcare issues, the complexities of organ donation laws, and the socio-political landscape affecting these issues today.