How BookGo helped a neurosurgeon turn one chilling question into his first thriller.
The Author and His Story
H. Robert John is a board-certified neurosurgeon who has performed thousands of operations, published peer-reviewed research and taken part in FDA surgical device studies. After retiring, he wanted a new challenge. As he puts it, he "needed a non-physical hobby."
He brought a scientist's mind to it. How could a passenger pass every airport screening and still bring down a plane in flight? His answer became Squawk 7700: the story of NTSB fire investigator Dave Doyle, nicknamed "Burn Boy," and the young doctor who helps him stop planes from falling out of the sky.
What BookGo Did
Dr. John brought the idea and the medical science. Michael McKinley, author of more than 20 books including five thrillers, developed and co-wrote the novel with him, and editor Nancy Merritt Bell joined as the third writer. BookGo then designed and published the book in hardcover in September 2025, launched it at the Harvard Club of New York, and ran a campaign of reader reviews, social media and podcast interviews.
The Result
Readers have given Squawk 7700 five-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Thriller writer Will Cooper, author of A Quiet Life, called it "as inventive as it is shocking." And Dr. John is already at work on his next book.
“Working with Michael and Nancy, a great idea became a great book… I am back with them for a second book, which has me very enthused. And even a third! This writing life is great!”
Your Story Next
Your first half-hour consultation is free. Email info@bookgo.pub to start telling your story.
