The Terrifying Story Of A Doctor Who Got Away With Murder

"Blind Eye" haunted me for quite awhile after I read it. The book portrays a classic example of evil being assisted by bureaucratic ineptitude. Stewart makes his case that Dr. Michael Swango may be the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history. His case is a compelling page turner that reads like fiction. Even scarier is that Swango is due to be released THIS YEAR. One caution, do not read this book if you are planning to be in the hospital any time soon. You will not find it comforting.

I read everything by Stewart and find him almost without peer in his ability to tell a story in a compelling fashion. This book about Dr. Swango is no exception. It is a frightening story and I read it almost straight through. Highly recommended.
My only complaint (if you can call it a complaint) is that I disagree with Stewart's attempt to indict the medical establishment because several doctors failed to catch one of the most deceitful sociopaths ever. While I certainly agree with the premise that doctors often cover up for their colleagues incompetence, I'm not sure that this book really proves that point.
Indeed while several doctors' incompetence permitted Swango to continue killing, others caught on to him right away.
I think the story stands on its own, simply as a remarkable story of one of the scariest people ever. I sense that Stewart felt, given the broader scope of his other books, that he had to do more than simply tell this amazing story, but to try and offer some broader commentary about the medical establishment. For me, this effort simply reinforced that this book's scope is narrow -- but the story is absolutely worthy of Stewarts time and skill, and worth reading.

Author James Stewart spent two years researching Dr. Michael Swango and his exploits from Quincy, IL to Zimbabwe. Stewart's attention to detail is compelling, to say the least. This Pulitzer prize winner leaves no stone unturned. While Swango has, thus far, avoided an actual murder charge in connection with many patient deaths Stewart makes a case for many of them, albeit circumstantial. One gets the feeling of the great need for protection from people like Swango. Stewart has some particularly good ideas in this regard as well. Highly recommended.

With "Blind Eye", James B. Stewart exposes what must be known, that doctors cover for each other's misconduct, and can even (incredibly easily) get away with murder. The subject of this book, Michael Swango, MD, may have gotten away with dozens of murders. Why? Because his supervising doctors at the med centers where Swango worked conducted sham internal investigations, didn't do background checks on him, and eventually covered up for the alarming number of unexplained deaths of patients in his care.
Why would the hospital administrations whitewash the investigations into one of their doctors who appeared to be reponsible for many patient deaths? Because they feared being sued - by the patients' survivors - and, by Swango. The most drastic action his employers would take was to dismiss him, but in so doing, would still write him recommendations for future positions and licensing.
"Blind Eye" reads like a mystery novel, you won't want to close it. EVERYONE HAS GOT TO READ THIS - but be warned - it will turn your blood to steam.

Mr Stewart writes a thriller and keeps you guessing when the psychopathic doctor will be caught. For the first 200 plus pages he rants against all doctors and states that this crime will become more frequent, but when he gets to specifics he does not name one doctor who has followed Swango's path. He names Bundy and Gracy and some technicians, but no physician. He seems to not understand why hospitals and physicians are so careful to avoid malpractice suits, but then he probably has not had to face a jury that levels multi-million dollar awards at the drop of a hat and a suit crazy populace,as many physicians have in the past 20 years! Malpractice originally was defined as dereliction of professionl duty but it has come to mean,in the eyes of a jury,that perfect results were not obtained.

I was given "Blind Eye" when I first began working at a physician monitoring program as a clinician. At the time, I was under the impression that because physicians have so much responsibility to "do no harm," they would automatically report themselves or fellow physicians if they believed they were impaired mentally, physically or emotionally. How wrong I was!

"Blind Eye" represents the epitome of how our medical system supports physicians, even when they are dangerous to themselves and others. Through a painstaking and exhaustive review of the life and career of Dr. Michael Swango, James B. Stewart illustrates how easy it was for a medical doctor to manipulate nurses, colleagues, administrators, patients, and even his own family into believing that he was a competent physician. Stewart further demonstrates how the "good old boy" system is alive and well in America, in which doctors look the other way when something seems wrong, even when evidence to the contrary is right in front of them.

If I had not read this book, knowing it is a true story, I probably would not have believed that a physician could truly get away with murder; now I am truly convinced that this is, unfortunatly, the case. "Blind Eye" should be required reading for every person who works with or sees a personal physician.

"Blind Eye" is a very interesting and disturbing book. There were several times throughout the book that made me think that if this guy was a doctor, and nobody suspected him, then what says that no other doctors are doing what he did. A book like "Blind Eye" makes you have second thoughts about doctors, and you shouldn't have to feel that way. A hospital is a place to save lives; not take them, and Michael Swango has probably made a lot of people feel a little queasy about that statement. Also I don't feel comfortable about Swango being released to out society. This is a man who upon his release from prison would most likely have no problem poisoning other individuals that he just doesn't like. Or even poison individuals he doesn't know, just because he can. Overall though, Stewart did an excellent job writing this book, and I would recommend this book to anybody that likes to read mystery, suspense, small thrillers, non-fiction, or true crimes. It keeps you on your toes wondering what is going to happen around the corner, and it always leaves you in a deep cliffhanger. It won't take long to read at all if you get into it, and don't have any distractions to keep you from reading.

I attend Quincy University, formerly Quincy College, where Swango got his first degree. It's chilling to think that their can be a serial killer in your own community. I think Stewart did a wonderful job with this book-- the horror increases with each hospital Swango arrives at, and the death count rises. I thought it dragged a bit in the middle, but that was only because Stewart had to document how much this guy was able to get away with, and it began to get repetitive. Like Stewart himself said when he visited our campus to discuss this book, it's a shame that Swango doesn't have to face all the people whose lives he's destroyed, and listen to their stories, and see their tears the way the author did. We can only hope that the law and medical establishment will wake up and keep this guy out of our hospitals.

As a Medical Staff Coordinator for a large hosptial I first heard of this book through an annual conference. I ordered the book and found the accounts of Michael Swango completely disturbing. I work in a profession that is responsible for researching physicians and making sure that they never enter our medical establishment.
I have shared this book with my hospital administrators and Chief of Staff, it has become a required reading text for all incomming medical staff leadership.
Thanks to James Stewart for bringing this issue to the American Public, with this kind of publicity, Michael Swango will never practice medicine again.

What is wrong with me? I was disturbed, frustrated, and appalled by the contents of this book but I could not put it down. There were times when I wanted to shout, "Somebody, please put the pieces together and stop this animal!" I have read Stewart's Den of Thieves and knew that he would do a great job with this story. I wasn't disappointed at all. This is a telling and frightening book with an immense amount that can be learned and put to use in the medical profession today. It is a fast read because you cannot put it down. Be sure to check the internet for the most recent update on Swango.

A disturbing and well researched story that demonstrates why doctor's can't be trusted to police themselves. The story is about a psychopath who, at times, goes by the name Michael Swango ( he uses several alaises ). They wrote a book about him because he is a medical doctor who murdered sixy some-odd patients by poisoning them to death and because his crimes were intentionally covered up by a host of medical and political hoi polloi. The cover-up could be considered by some to be more heinous and far more reaching than the brutal extinction of Swango's helpless victims. The author gives his readers a description of Swango's childhood supposedly to help us understand what makes Swango 'tick'. His childhood wasn't perfect. You know what? Neither was mine. The man is clearly one of the most troubled psychopaths in American history, someone who should, and I believe eventually will, spend the rest of his life in jail. The good news, he's currently in jail on a fraud charge. The bad news? He's scheduled to be released in January 2000 and if history repeats itself ( and I bet it will ) he will again be free to poison people. I'm convinced we'll hear of him again somewhere soon. Swango in and of himself is dangerous because he is a conniving, immoral cold-hearted liar. What makes him more dangerous is that he is a member of a so-called Elite group in the US, the American Medical Association, an organization that appears to be above the law. Their protection of him can only be described as shameful - not to mention criminal. What needs to be understood is why such an august body would subject itself to such a potentially damaging scrutiny while trying to protect one bad apple. One answer that might be offered is that the AMA does not want to be the subject of a law suit. But why would they fear litagation if it could be proved that the errant AMA member actually did commit what he is accused of? Because once the AMA opens the door to outside scrutiny, it will only invite further intrusions into their inner sanctum. It will eventually weaken their heirarchy. They fear that they will loose the protection from outside intrusion that they enjoy, a protection that everyday citizens do not enjoy. We need to rally around the nurses and medical personnel on the front line who can bring allegations such as these to the forefront without fear of retribution from the doctors on staff. I hope Mr. Stewarts book raises our awareness of these situations. At the risk of sounding hysterical, I don't think it's an absurd idea to suggest that Swango's picture and description of his past should be posted on as many webpages as possible. Remember, this guy can't help himself. When he's found out, he moves to another city or State. He even went to Africa to avoid investigations and poisoned scores of helpless poor pateints there! When he was found out there, he reappeared on Long Island in New York and poisoned otherwise healthy patients to death! It can happen to you and me. I think the actions of the medical profession in this situaion are unconscionable, and I implore you to educate yourself and your families about the particulars before it's too late.

This is a well-written investigation of what has to be one of the more bizarre chapters in U.S. medical regulation. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I don't think the finger can be pointed at any one group. A lot of people gave the benefit of the doubt to Swango when faced with circumstantial evidence. Then, unfortunately, a couple of residency pickers did what had worked for years and went with their gut instead of reviewing the files before selecting Swango. Hopefully, there aren't any other Swangos out there. According to the book, he was set to be released to a halfway house in January 2000 and free July 2000. Does anyone know where he is? This is the most scary thing of all, especially when you are not that far away from his stomping grounds.

This is a well-written investigation of what has to be one of the more bizarre chapters in U.S. medical regulation. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I don't think the finger can be pointed at any one group. A lot of people gave the benefit of the doubt to Swango when faced with circumstantial evidence. Then, unfortunately, a couple of residency pickers did what had worked for years and went with their gut instead of reviewing the files before selecting Swango. Hopefully, there aren't any other Swangos out there. According to the book, he was set to be released to a halfway house in January 2000 and free July 2000. Does anyone know where he is? This is the most scary thing of all, especially when you are not that far away from his stomping grounds.

James Stewart has done an incredible job researching Dr. Swango, especially with so many cover-ups along his death path. If you like true crime, this is a must read. It's very well written and the attention to detail is amazing.

Hi, I am hoping either Stewart or someone in authority sees this. I know that sounds melodramatic and I assume someone else has already looked into this. It occurred to me while reading Blind Eye (which was great, by the way) that Swango could have done the Chicago Tylenol murders in 1982. I assume the authorities have already looked into this.

Priced at affordable rate, quick delivery time. I lost my personal copy and needed another as reference for a presentation and writing a paper in my healthcare management class. I searched several stores for the book, but to no avail. Finally, I resorted to the web and came across this seller. I was able to get an extra copy for one of my professors to read so that she may fully understand what I was talking about. I was very pleased with this purchase and would order from the seller again.

After having seen a segment about this person on TV, I ran out and got the book. I bought it the day after Thanksgiving and finished it the next night! I stayed up till all hours both nights. I just couldn't put it down. It was well written, no typos in it (great job!) and kept me interested from start to finish. I plan on reading more from this author and hope they are just as good. I am an avid reader of true crime and this is one more author to add to my list. Please come out with more like this one! Thank you for a great book and great entertainment!
Pat McCamy

Unfortuately, this is a true story - in its own way even scarier than the best of Stephen King - of how the medical profession failed to protect the public from one of its own who was deliberately killing patients!

James B. Stewart's courageous book on the dangerous career of Michael Swango should give us all chills. The power that the medical profession uses to protect its own has spilled over to shield a serial killer who could have worked in anyone's hospital. It it time to do something about professions regulating their own. I could not put this book down; Mr. Stewart is an excellent writer. I have long been a Stewart fan, but the remarkable coincidence that tied him to this story makes it all the more interesting. It is an important read.

Although I find the book very painful to read, James Stewart has chronicled a massive amount of astounding material and has put it in very readable form. He has also given me alot of answers to my questions of these past six years. The question? What happened to my daughter Kristin? We are still looking for someone out there to come forward with any pertinent information about Swango that will be of value to legal authorities to help keep Swango in prison for at least life. Sincerely, Kristin's mother--- Sharon

While the story is interesting and important, I was not impressed with the book. I was fascinated with the story after reading about it in the New Yorker article Stewart wrote in 1997. The book seems like it may have been done in a rush. I expect more from someone who has won a Pulitzer Prize. I would be interested in reading a more thoughtful, better organized, and better written treatment of this incredible and disturbing story.

Once again James Stewart has taken another harrowing true story and masterfully presented it. While this is no "Den of Thieves", Stewart surely succeeds in telling this very bizarre and unsettling tale of murder and deceit. This book reads as if it were a brilliant novel; the most unsettling fact though, is that it is true and some of the most trustest members of our society--our "care-givers"--are the worst of the perpetrators.
This is one compelling and disturbing read.

It's simple...We all think hospitals, like day-care centers, and police stations, are havens from injury, abuse and an over-all seed of comfort and compassion. Stewart's account of Dr. Swango will scratch one last place off that "safe" list. What is more appalling, are all the cover-ups and "its not fault" backlash, that permits murderers to continue their path. A great read, and truly an eye opener.

This guy could be released in a few months. Wherever he winds up, there will be tragedy. The administrators at Ohio State who could have put this thing to an end are now in positions where they can do even worse damage. Although there have been some checks and balances placed into effect, the main problem still exists. The arrogance of medical practitioners. This book should be on the list of required reading at all medical schools and police academies.

Heard James Stewart on Book-Tv and ordered book from Amzn. Could hardly put it down. Every page is startling. Having been on a county medical society impaired physician committee, I could believe every word. Every person who has anything to do with the Health Care industry should read this book. One bad apple can ruin the basket.

While this book is an interesting take on the history of the Swango case, the author (and many of my fellow reviewers) jump to too many conclusions about the poor state of checks and balances in America's hospitals and medical schools. Surely mistakes were made with Swango -- but one should not indict the entire medical community! Many many lives are saved each and every day by tireless medical professionals -- let's give them some respect and thanks.

Once again James Stewart has taken another harrowing true story and masterfully presented it. While this is no "Den of Thieves", Stewart surely succeeds in telling this very bizarre and unsettling tale of murder and deceit. This book reads as if it were a brilliant novel; the most unsettling fact though, is that it is true and some of the most trustest members of our society--our "care-givers"--are the worst of the perpetrators.
This is one compelling and disturbing read.

This guy could be released in a few months. Wherever he winds up, there will be tragedy. The administrators at Ohio State who could have put this thing to an end are now in positions where they can do even worse damage. Although there have been some checks and balances placed into effect, the main problem still exists. The arrogance of medical practitioners. This book should be on the list of required reading at all medical schools and police academies.

Interesting and disillussioning story. The people who attempt to regulate the way we expect them to are hobbled by the legal system, and lawyers' professional ethics, especially those working for the government designed to protect us.
Please read it. But you are not going to enjoy reading it.