Dr. John Hagen is no ordinary novelist. Before putting pen to paper, he spent decades as a highly respected laparoscopic surgeon in Toronto, serving as chief of surgery and later chief of staff at a major community teaching hospital. His medical career was marked by precision, leadership, and dedication—qualities that now translate into his writing.
When not in the operating room, Hagen indulged his passion for sailing, spending winters exploring the Bahamas and the Caribbean and summers cruising Lake Ontario from his home port of Port Credit. This adventurous spirit and firsthand experience in high-stakes environments lend authenticity to his debut novel, The Mission—a gripping tale inspired by real-life medical missions in Guatemala.
Set against the backdrop of Guatemala’s brutal civil war (1960s–1990s), The Mission plunges readers into a world where danger lurks behind every decision. In remote mountain villages, Indigenous Maya people line up at makeshift clinics, desperate for life-saving medical care. The only hope they have comes from foreign volunteers—doctors, medical students, and humanitarian workers—who risk their lives to provide treatment in a country torn apart by drug cartels, rebel forces, and government corruption.
The novel weaves together two timelines. In the past, medical teams navigate kidnappings, disappearances, and massacres while forming deep bonds with local Guatemalans. Decades later, a new generation of volunteers arrives, including Canadian surgeon Jeremy and his psychotherapist wife, Iona, both of whom have prior ties to the country. What begins as a humanitarian mission soon spirals into a deadly conspiracy, forcing them to question who they can trust—government officials, shadowy Mossad agents, or even their own colleagues.
Hagen’s real-life experience in medical missions lends The Mission an unsettling realism. His surgical expertise brings vivid detail to the medical scenes, while his deep understanding of Guatemala’s history—including the genocide of Indigenous communities—adds layers of historical weight. But this isn’t just a medical drama or political thriller; Hagen also weaves in cutting-edge themes like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, creating a smart, fast-paced narrative that keeps readers guessing until the final page.
Why You Should Read The Mission
Final Thoughts
The Mission is more than just a novel—it’s a testament to the courage of medical volunteers and the resilience of Guatemala’s people. Hagen’s writing is both thrilling and thought-provoking, leaving readers questioning where fiction ends and reality begins. Whether you’re a fan of medical dramas, historical fiction, or high-stakes thrillers, this book delivers on every level.
For those who crave a story that combines heart-pounding action with deep human compassion, The Mission is a must-read.
Discover the captivating works of John Hagen, where his love for the sea and his extensive life experiences converge to create tales that resonate long after the final chapter.
