Reviews
“… briskly entertaining. Essay knows her way around this material and has clearly done her research on aspects of the opioid epidemic. Also, Claire and Alec make a good team, and readers will likely want to see them take on more cases.”
– Kirkus Reviews
"Based on true events, Side Effects are Minimal goes deep into the opioid crisis in America, examining broad societal implications while also taking an unflinching look at the toll these drugs have exacted on individuals and their loved ones. Claire Hewitt is a brave and determined main character who puts a human face on the pain of drug-related loss. Laura Essay's debut will draw readers in from page one with its engrossing prose and immediate sense of urgency. Full of legal drama, simmering suspense, and heartfelt emotion, this novel will suck you in and keep you racing to the finish. A vitally important story that you won't want to miss!"
– Jacqueline Friedland, USA Today bestselling author of He Gets That From Me
“In this page-turning courtroom drama, Essay provides an informative and sober look at Big Pharma, and the deadly consequences of the opioid crisis facing America today.”
– Suzanne Simonetti, USA Today best-selling author of The Sound of Wings
"Compellingly readable and brutally insightful…Side Effects Are Minimal dives into the layers of greed and deceit surrounding the opioid crisis in America. A riveting fictional tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”
– Larry Widman, MD, author of Max Out Mindset
“If you want to understand the overdose crisis and all its multifaceted angles, this is the book for you. Essay uses this captivating and engrossing narrative to explain what few policymakers can articulate. A heartbreaking and illuminating story.”
– Dr. Jay K. Joshi, author of Burden of Pain
"In this timely and thought-provoking read, an ambitious young attorney hiding her own painful opioid-related loss takes on a pharmaceutical company with deep pockets and dark secrets. Essay provides a window into labs, corner offices, and courtrooms while raising questions that will keep readers turning the pages—how far might someone go to prosecute the tragic loss of a loved one and how far might drug company executives go to hide the truth?"
– Anastasia Zadeik, author of Blurred Fates and The Other Side of Nothing
“Laura Essay’s debut novel transports you inside the opioid crisis while exposing the pharma giants in a thrilling courtroom drama. With a memorable cast of characters, crisp writing, and page-turning suspense, this novel is a time-worthy and important read!”
– Angela Pisel, author of With Love From the Inside
"Author Laura Essay’s research into this area is extensive, enlightening and the courtroom scenes will keep you turning pages until the verdict is handed down.”
— Just Reviews
"An ambitious Philadelphia attorney, haunted by her sister’s opioid-related death, represents a prominent family bent on revenge in a lawsuit over the opioid overdose death of their daughter. Her quest for justice gets complicated when powerful people who will stop at nothing to conceal the truth sabotage her at every turn.”
—Crime Fiction Critic Review
“Side Effects Are Minimal” is a compelling novel that reminds us of the power of the court system and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of medical challenges. It is recommended for readers interested in learning more about the opioid epidemic and enjoy medical thrillers by Robin Cook, legal thrillers by Mike Papantonio and John Grisham, and strong female characters.”
— SA Examiner
