Books
The Sailor Book
The Clinic
Despite all her success as a young Toronto-based lawyer, 28-year-old Lucy Chambers feels like her life is out of control. Especially her weight, which increases to unhealthy levels as she battles the stresses of work, failed relationships, and her ongoing struggles with self-esteem. When all the starvation diets, gimmicks, and gym memberships fail to move the needle in her attaining a healthy weight, Lucy embarks on life-altering bariatric surgery. That’s when her life becomes entwined with unscrupulous surgeons, Mexican drug cartels, and more. Her longtime friend, Suzie, and her partner, Dr. John Hegland, chief of staff at a Toronto hospital, help Lucy navigate the shocking scenarios that later unfold. At the same time, Dr. Hegland tackles daily challenges in dealing with Canadian doctors’ egos in a changing profession where money is short, racism is rampant. The system is broken and Dr. Hegland’s loyalties to it start to waver.
The Clinic tackles the bureaucracy and sometimes ugly underbelly of the medical profession, both in Canada and abroad, that prevent people from getting the healthcare-emergency or elective-they need. Written by Dr. John Hagen, who has travelled globally on medical missions and also delivers seminars on the book’s subject-bariatric surgery-the novel touches on many controversial and uncomfortable topics. Like in his previous medical thrillers, Dr. Hagen’s expansive surgical expertise and lived experiences take the reader deep into the complicated lives of his characters as they battle their own demons and ethical dilemmas while just trying to live their lives to the fullest.
The HEIR
A Summiting Mount Everest is a feat few people can imagine. For Dr. John Hegland, a Toronto surgeon, the chance to visit base camp and then speak at a major medical conference in Kathmandu is enough of a thrill. But what started as a quick jaunt turns into a high-stakes adventure. While travelling with Suzie, his partner, John has a random run-in with someone from his past, Eduardo, who plans to climb the world’s highest peak. Despite having fallen out of touch, the two reconnect on their flight to Nepal. Fond memories rush back, but Eduardo, seemingly rudderless, also reveals his complicated past to John. One that continues to haunt him as heir apparent to his Italian family’s fortune. Eduardo is trying to fulfill his dreams and conquer his demons, but John quickly realizes his friend’s life is at stake, and not just from a storm approaching Everest.
Dr. John Hagen, a retired surgeon and novelist, has deftly brought together his medical expertise and passion for travel and adventure in his newest thriller, The Heir. He brings back recurring character Dr. John Hegland, a familiar figure in his previous novels. The slightly naïve and yet kind-hearted surgeon always sees the best in everyone, while his partner, Suzie, an expat-Colombian, uses her sixth sense to sniff out trouble. Together they try to puzzle out who’s after Eduardo, hoping they can save him before it’s too late.
The Complication
In a gripping tale, Dr. John Hagen, a highly principled chief of surgery in a Toronto hospital, finds himself entangled in a complex web of deception and danger following a complication after routine surgery. Fueled by a personal vendetta, Nigel, an ambitious and arrogant chief of staff, set his sights on destroying John’s career to further his own. As his sinister plots unfold, John becomes a target, facing attempts on his life. His daughter Ainslie uncovers a dark secret, leading to the exposure of a criminal network.
Throughout the tumultuous journey, John allies with his sailing friends to uncover corruption within the coroner’s office. A sailing holiday to a tropical Caribbean Island turns from paradise to a nightmare as the tentacles of corruption reach distant shores.
Amidst personal turmoil, John’s resilience shines as he navigates betrayal, loss, and attempts on his life. Suzie and Marco, steadfast allies, join forces to protect him.
The story concludes with a sense of closure as John, Suzie, and Marco find solace in each other’s company, marking the end of a harrowing chapter in their lives.
John Hagen Book
Prepare to embark on a captivating literary journey with “The Sailor” by acclaimed author John Hagen. Seamlessly blending the worlds of medicine and sailing, Hagen delivers a thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of responsibility, accountability, and the delicate balance between personal and professional lives.
At the heart of “The Sailor” is Dr. Jeremy Young, the esteemed chief of surgery at a prominent community hospital. Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, Dr. Young faces the daunting task of maintaining order and discipline among his surgical staff.
The Embryo
Jeremy, a seasoned sailor, uncovers a chilling plot involving his wife, lona, whose unique T cells make her the target of a covert research facility in the Dominican Republic led by the enigmatic Huang Dong. Racing against time, Jeremy navigates the treacherous storm Franklin, guided by the expertise of weather maven Casey Perkins.
As danger looms, Jeremy joins forces with Sophie, a mysterious hacker, unraveling a web of conspiracies that tie Huang Dong’s research to the Chinese military. With assistance from Michael, his empathetic lawyer, and spies from CSIS, their mission intensifies as customs officials scrutinize Jeremy’s boat and armed pursuers close in.
The Misison
In The Mission, John Hagen tells the gripping story of Iona, a dedicated medical student who travels to a remote mountain village in Guatemala to complete her final elective. Drawn to the rich history and vibrant culture of the country, Iona embraces the challenge of providing medical care in a place with no telephones, electricity, or modern medical facilities. Her only connection to the outside world is Roberto, her supervisor, whose frequent visits offer comfort and companionship amid the tumult of a civil war.
Iona’s resolve is tested when she finds herself caught between two worlds—providing aid to both the suffering villagers and a rebel wounded by the army. Her actions place her in grave danger as she becomes entangled in the brutal conflict tearing Guatemala apart. With the army closing in and her name added to a government blacklist, Iona must rely on her wits and the bravery of her friend Vicky to escape a country engulfed in violence.
Hagen masterfully weaves a narrative of courage, compassion, and the harsh realities of political unrest. The Mission is a powerful exploration of one woman’s unwavering commitment to humanity, set against the backdrop of a beautiful yet tumultuous land.
