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bagejew's review against another edition
5.0
Jeremy Balint is a family man and a respected cardiologist. According to his colleagues at the hospital, he is one of the most ethical people they know. But, unbeknownst to those around him, Balint is also a serial killer. Can he possibly commit a series of carefully planned murders, all designed for a single purpose, and get away with it? The Mask of Sanity is intriguing and compelling. Once started, I had a hard time putting it down.
crimsonking19's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly a bit boring? Not a thriller but was kinda interesting.
krytygr's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Hated this book. Well I should say.. I hated the concept. This is a perfect example of white, male privilege.
carolpk's review against another edition
With sincere appreciation to Netgalley, Permament Press and Author, Jacob M. Appel for the opportunity to read this e-galley due to be published March 31, 2017. It intrigued me to read a book about a sociopath written by a New York psychiatrist.
The Line - ”People trusted doctors.”
The Sinker - Sociopath or psychopath, it doesn’t matter. All you need to know is Dr. Jeremy Balint is one sick mother-you know what. Author Jacob M. Appel, a practicing psychiatrist takes his shot at creating a fictional depiction of what he has seen in his career, that there are those around us who are incapable of empathy or compassion and who exhibit violent behavior without remorse.
When Balint unexpectedly learns his wife is cheating on him with a colleague, Dr. Warren Sugarman, his outrage manifests in a devious plan to eliminate his rival. Worried that just killing Sugarman would seem a targeted murder, Balint plots a series of random killings by strangulation, leaving a green ribbon tied to the victim’s neck. When the police and media realize they have a serial killer on their hands, they dub him The Emerald Choker, quite appropriate. Balint considers the murder of these strangers collateral damage, just a means to an end.
Appel’s insider look into sociopath behavior seems realistic. I’m reluctant to admit I was mesmerized by Balint’s almost gleeful killing spree. Chilling, but somehow fascinating just the same. Good, though not perfect, this psychological read is certain to churn up some discussion.
The Line - ”People trusted doctors.”
The Sinker - Sociopath or psychopath, it doesn’t matter. All you need to know is Dr. Jeremy Balint is one sick mother-you know what. Author Jacob M. Appel, a practicing psychiatrist takes his shot at creating a fictional depiction of what he has seen in his career, that there are those around us who are incapable of empathy or compassion and who exhibit violent behavior without remorse.
When Balint unexpectedly learns his wife is cheating on him with a colleague, Dr. Warren Sugarman, his outrage manifests in a devious plan to eliminate his rival. Worried that just killing Sugarman would seem a targeted murder, Balint plots a series of random killings by strangulation, leaving a green ribbon tied to the victim’s neck. When the police and media realize they have a serial killer on their hands, they dub him The Emerald Choker, quite appropriate. Balint considers the murder of these strangers collateral damage, just a means to an end.
Appel’s insider look into sociopath behavior seems realistic. I’m reluctant to admit I was mesmerized by Balint’s almost gleeful killing spree. Chilling, but somehow fascinating just the same. Good, though not perfect, this psychological read is certain to churn up some discussion.
jireh's review against another edition
3.0
This was kind of interesting but not what I expected at all going into this. Jeremy Balint is supposed to be a sociopath but the motive that triggered his crimes was terribly pedestrian. A short and entertaining read but nothing groundbreaking. It's just a story about another awful man.
(Also, as a doctor, I can honestly say a not insignificant number of doctors are bad people. There's really no way to screen for this.)
(Also, as a doctor, I can honestly say a not insignificant number of doctors are bad people. There's really no way to screen for this.)
biteintobooks's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the crime/thriller genre, we usually have a POV from the police or victim. It's usually the side of the good guys. This book gives you the perspective of the bad guy. That was so refreshing to read. I remember reading a book like that this summer, and I enjoyed that a lot. I think it's a lot harder too, to write from the POV of the bad guy.
A longer review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
Definitely worth the read if you're into Thrillers and a bit of Crime. It's refreshing to read a book from a totally different POV. I also felt like the book wasn't romanticized, like it was very real. Could use a book like this every now and then! It's fun to root for evil instead of good guys!
In the crime/thriller genre, we usually have a POV from the police or victim. It's usually the side of the good guys. This book gives you the perspective of the bad guy. That was so refreshing to read. I remember reading a book like that this summer, and I enjoyed that a lot. I think it's a lot harder too, to write from the POV of the bad guy.
A longer review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
Definitely worth the read if you're into Thrillers and a bit of Crime. It's refreshing to read a book from a totally different POV. I also felt like the book wasn't romanticized, like it was very real. Could use a book like this every now and then! It's fun to root for evil instead of good guys!
theseasonedreader's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, this was an interesting and somewhat entertaining read but I found it to be a bit boring during several parts. None of the characters were likable (and I know, it's a book about a serial killer, not. much to like!), with Amanda being the most likable and it just seemed like there was a lot of information in the book that didn't make a difference to the story. He really was insane though so that was good writing I suppose.
Another thing to mention is that because I was so far behind in reading this, I had gotten the audiobook and I think had I read it instead of listened, it might have been better. Balint sounded more like a bad guy in a black and white movie talking about the "coppers". It was hugely distracting and did absolutely no good thing for the story itself.
Another thing to mention is that because I was so far behind in reading this, I had gotten the audiobook and I think had I read it instead of listened, it might have been better. Balint sounded more like a bad guy in a black and white movie talking about the "coppers". It was hugely distracting and did absolutely no good thing for the story itself.
celestialviolence's review against another edition
5.0
When you think of a sociopath, usually that has highly negative connotations. But the strange and almost absurd thing about the main character of this story is that while he is certainly a sociopath, he is also incredibly relatable. That being said, I'm not going to set out to commit murder, but the motivation behind the act and the exposure of the character's thoughts are reminiscent of a "The Making of a Murderer" documentary. It's somewhat a step-by-step detailed guide behind Balint's descent into madness. But while the plot sounds like something out of a horror movie directed by Hitchcock, the story is told in an almost whimsical and light-hearted manner, with quite a bit of dry and dark humor thrown in. So even if you're not a horror lover, don't be put off by the title and the description of the plot. Think of it more like the movie Everything Must Go - Darkly entertaining and while the events are a trainwreck waiting to happen, it's almost laughable when they happen as opposed to heart-wrenching or overly dramatic.
As always, Appel never fails to tell a darned good story.
As always, Appel never fails to tell a darned good story.
jmeyers888's review against another edition
5.0
As an inpatient Clinical Forensic Mental Health Specialist who has done extensive research regarding psychopathy, I found this book to be a very good fictional novel with an accurate portrayal of the thinking patterns of a “white collar psychopath” it’s refreshing to see an accurate depiction of this disorder.