By: Griffiths, John, Charalambus, Shelly
ISBN: 0-88839-369-5
Binding: Trade Paper
Size: 8.5" X 5.5"
Pages: 352
Photos: 27
Illustrations: 2
Publication Date: 1995

PR Highlights: A True Story of Unchecked Lust, Betrayal & Murder.
PHOTO Highlights: 16 page b/w photo section.

Description: The compelling account of one of the most unusual crimes in recent North American history. Seduced at fifteen by her family doctor, Shelley Charalambous is battered and cut off from friends and family as her physician husband ruthlessly pursues his addictions to sex and gambling, while plotting the murder of a beautiful teenage patient. Incredibly, the College of Physicians and Surgeons fails to stop Dr. Josephakis Charalambous, the enigmatic black belt karate expert, in his quest for power and money, while his vulnerable young wife is left to decide whether she dare stand up to a manipulative and dangerous one-man cult. Superbly written and researched by former Vancouver Province reporter John Griffiths, Fatal Prescription is the compelling account of one of the most unusual crimes in recent North American history. Its pages will shock and surprise everyone, including the medical, legal and government establishments wherever this book is sold.

By Douglas Setteron April 7, 2009

A creepy read about a sadistic doctor and karate instructed who molested patients and abused prostitutes for over 15 years. It is revolting to think how much Dr. Joseph Charalambus got away with, how apathetic the College of Physicians were. While the book is pain-stakingly detailed, it is also pain-stakingly detailed. It reads more like a long newspaper item than a story. If the book was about half the size, it might make for a more entertaining read.