PANS, Medical Kidnap Files #8

Families torn apart by suspicion. Teens who refuse to be silenced.

Michael Young was once funny and carefree, but now at thirteen, he’s thirty pounds underweight and terrified of choking on mashed potatoes. His mind races uncontrollably, his body betrays him, and a seizure in English class lands him in the hospital—just the start of his troubles.

The authorities think they know what’s wrong: his mother. Michael is removed from home, placed in foster care, while Bryn battles a system that’s made up its mind. Doctors misdiagnose him, and the caseworker targets the wrong person. Meanwhile, two teens living off-grid watch closely, debating if this is the moment to intervene.

Michael was unwell long before anyone noticed. Time is slipping away for someone to discover why.

A story about the failures of our brains, bodies, families, and trusted systems—and those who relentlessly fight for justice.

Time is running out

A gripping YA medical thriller about misdiagnosis, wrongful accusation, and a system that fails the people it’s meant to protect.

For readers of:
✔ Medical suspense
✔ Issue-driven YA drama
✔ Families in crisis
✔ Thought-provoking medical mystery

If you have ever been the kid nobody believed, the parent nobody listened to, or the outsider who saw what everyone else missed — this book was written for you.

Don’t miss this gripping tale filled with twists that keep you guessing until the end! Perfect for fans of suspenseful stories featuring diverse characters who dare to challenge an unjust system!

Thirteen Steps

“Michael counted the stairs as he went down. Three steps, turn, eight steps, turn, two steps. Thirteen. He wished that he didn’t live in a house with thirteen steps. Hadn’t the builders stopped to think about that? About thirteen being odd, prime, and unlucky?”

Michael’s rituals are just the first symptoms of a mind under siege—and the system isn’t looking for a cure; it’s looking for a culprit.

His Mind Is Burning

• Cursive Clue: the sudden deterioration of Michael’s handwriting
• Bugged by Bugs: paralyzing obsession with superbugs
• Hidden Rituals: Behind the oversized hoodies and long sleeves lie more secrets that Michael cannot share

Hunted By The System

Who will love it?

• Readers drawn to the wrongful accusation narrative and the battle against systemic overreach.
• Those who crave high-stakes tension, complex “unsolved” symptoms, and a race against the clock.
• Anyone interested in struggles with invisible disability and the terrifying reality of medical kidnapping.

Fight For The Truth

1. A raw, unfiltered look at a child whose brain has become his own worst enemy.
2. Follow the underground railroad for medical refugees as they risk everything to protect children.
3. A mother’s intuition stands between her child and a lifetime of misdiagnosis.

Praise for the Series

“P.D. Workman has penned another incredibly intense and absolutely heartbreaking story about a teen caught up in the very system developed to protect children from those who would do them harm. —Kim, Goodreads Reviewer”

“One of P D Workman’s great strengths is her ability to create believable, likeable and often unusual characters – you feel you really get to know the protagonists in her novels. —John C, Goodreads Reviewer”

FAQs

What is PANS about? 

PANS is a medical-suspense novel in the Medical Kidnap Files universe that follows teens, caregivers, and advocates as they fight an unjust system that mistakes illness for neglect.

Is this book based on real events? 

The story is fictional, but it is inspired by real-world cases, clinical literature, and families’ experiences.

Do I need to read the other Medical Kidnap Files books first? 

Each title in the series centers on a different case. PANS stands alone, though returning readers will notice recurring themes and familiar advocates.

Who will enjoy this book? 

Readers who like medical suspense, issue-driven YA fiction, trauma-informed plots, and stories about advocacy, medical ethics, and family resilience.

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YA Books in Santa’s Sack

P.D. Workman Authorpreneur

P.D. Workman is a USA Today Bestselling author and multi-award winner, renowned for her prolific output of over 100 published works that span various genres. With a knack for crafting page-turners, Workman captivates readers with everything from cozy mysteries like the Auntie Clem's Bakery series to gripping young adult and suspense novels. Her stories resonate deeply as she masterfully weaves sensitive themes—such as childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction—into compelling narratives that evoke a powerful emotional response. Readers are drawn to her unique voice and empathetic portrayal of complex issues. With each new release, fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling blend of thought-provoking storytelling and relatable characters that define P.D. Workman’s brand as an author of unforgettable page-turners—gripping tales that leave a lasting impact long after the last page is turned.

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Mystery and suspense fiction Young adult crime thrillers Character-driven storytelling Cozy Mysteries Mental health and trauma in fiction Resilience and personal growth themes Indie publishing Writing craft and novel development Obsidian for writers and authors Forensic and medical thriller research Social issues in contemporary fiction Psychological thrillers Traditional mysteries Police procedural mysteries Characters with disabilities