John Hagen, a retired laparoscopic surgeon hailing from Toronto, has traded the operating room for the intricate world of storytelling, and his debut novel, “The Mission,” is a compelling testament to his multifaceted experiences. Having dedicated years to healing within the walls of a community teaching hospital, serving as both chief of surgery and chief of staff, Hagen’s life took a turn towards adventure when he embraced the sailor’s life, spending winters in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and summers navigating the waters of Lake Ontario. It’s this blend of meticulous medical expertise and a taste for the unknown that fuels his gripping novel.

“The Mission” plunges readers into the heart of Guatemala during its tumultuous civil war, a period stretching from the early 1960s to the mid-1990s. Hagen paints a vivid picture of the country’s remote mountainous regions, where Indigenous Maya people desperately seek life-saving medical care at rudimentary clinics. This lifeline is made possible by the unwavering dedication of international volunteers, including medical students, who bravely navigate a landscape fraught with danger — a battleground for drug traffickers, rebel soldiers, and corrupt government officials.

Hagen doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of this era. “The Mission” is a deeply layered narrative that unflinchingly explores the pervasive kidnappings for ransom, the desperate lack of medical access for the poorest citizens, and the horrifying reality of hundreds of thousands being “disappeared” or massacred. Yet, amidst this darkness, Hagen shines a light on the resilience of the human spirit, depicting the powerful bonds forged between Guatemalans from all walks of life and the courageous medical teams on the ground.

The narrative cleverly leaps forward several decades, introducing a new generation of medical professionals who continue this vital work. Among them are a Canadian couple, surgeon Jeremy and psychotherapist Iona, both with prior connections to Guatemala. However, their latest mission takes a perilous turn as they become entangled in a sinister conspiracy. Hagen masterfully creates an atmosphere of suspicion, leaving the reader questioning who can be trusted — the government, the enigmatic Mossad agents with their long-standing ties to Guatemala, or even their own medical colleagues and local acquaintances.

What sets “The Mission” apart is Hagen’s unique perspective. Drawing upon his own experiences traveling to Guatemala on medical missions remarkably similar to those depicted in the novel, he imbues the story with an authenticity that is both captivating and chilling. His surgical background allows him to craft scenes with precise detail, bringing the medical aspects of the narrative to life with insider knowledge.

But Hagen’s ambition extends beyond the medical and historical. He seamlessly weaves in contemporary themes like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, creating an intelligent and fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The complex yet tightly woven storylines blur the lines between fiction and reality, leaving the reader pondering the true extent of the events depicted.

“The Mission” is more than just an action-adventure novel; it’s a powerful exploration of human resilience, the complexities of international aid, and the enduring impact of political conflict. John Hagen, with his unique blend of medical expertise and real-world experience, has crafted a debut that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, leaving readers eager to see what mission he embarks on next in his writing career.