A Lethal Question

by Mark Rubinstein

With one patient’ s question, a therapist’ s life careens off the rails

Manhattan psychiatrist Bill Madrian takes pride in the level of trust he establishes with his patients. For a patient to open up, they must truly believe that everything said in a therapy session remains confidential. But Bill has never realized the complications this confidentiality could present— until he treats Alex Bronzi.

One day, in a session with Alex, the young man asks, “ Hey Doc, ya wanna know who clipped Boris Levenko?” Bill can hardly believe his ears. Boris Levenko was a major crime boss who had been executed a few days prior. The question, so loaded with portent, gives Bill information he desperately did not want to hear.

With this knowledge, Bill’ s life is upended, and he begins a fight for survival that takes him and his loved ones on a nightmarish journey far beyond the realm of anything he could have ever imagined. Bill has to untangle himself from a web of deceit and corruption or risk losing his career, his family, and his life.

Perfect for fans of Joseph Finder and Dennis Lehane

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2024

About the author

Mark Rubinstein graduated from NYU with a degree in business. He then served in the army as a field medic tending to paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division. After discharge, he re-entered NYU as a premed student.

As a medical student at the State University of New York, he developed an interest in psychiatry, discovering in that specialty the same thing he realized in reading fiction: every patient has a compelling story to tell. He became a board-certified psychiatrist.

In addition to his private practice he became a forensic psychiatrist because of the drama and conflict in the courtroom. He also taught psychiatric residents, interns, psychologists, and social workers at New York Presbyterian Hospital, and became a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University’s medical school.

He is a contributor to Psychology Today and The Huffington Post.

Before turning to fiction, Rubinstein coauthored five medical self-help books: The First Encounter: The Beginnings in Psychotherapy (Jason Aronson); The Complete Book of Cosmetic Facial Surgery (Simon and Schuster); New Choices: the Latest Options in Treating Breast Cancer (Dodd Mead); Heartplan: A Complete Program for Total Fitness of Heart & Mind (McGraw-Hill), and The Growing Years: A Guide to Your Child’s Emotional Development from Birth to Adolescence (Atheneum).

Rubinstein's high-octane thriller Mad Dog House was a finalist for the 2012 ForeWord Book Of The Year Award for suspense/thrillers. His 2nd thriller, Love Gone Mad, was published in September 2013 and his novella, The Foot Soldier (November 2013) won the Silver award in the 2014 Benjamin Franklin Awards competition, in the Popular Fiction category. His novel Mad Dog Justice (September 2014), tagged as a "pulse-pounding tale of post-modern paranoia," is a finalist for the 2014 ForeWord Book of the Year Award. His novella, Return to Sandara, won the Gold Medal for suspense/thrillers in the 2015 IPPY Awards. The Lovers' Tango, is a medical and legal thriller about which Michael Connelly said, "The tension on these pages never lets you go. Rubinstein is a born storyteller." The Lovers' Tango has won the Gold Award in Popular Fiction for this year's 2016 IPPA Benjamin Franklin Award.

Bedlam's Door: True Tales of Madness and Hope, was published in September 2016. Beyond Bedlam's Door: True Tales from the Couch and Courtroom was published on May 15, 2017.

Rubinstein's book MAD DOG VENGEANCE, the 3rd in the Mad Dog Series, was published on October 15, 2017.

Rubinstein has since written Assassin's Lullaby and A Lethal Question.

Reviews

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3 stars ✰

“Alone, disconnected, uprooted, knowing no one. Completely alone.

Face it, the life you’ve known could very well be over.”

Don't you just hate it when a book starts off so promisingly like A Lethal Question did, only for it to fall off the trails as quickly as possible? Cuz, uff, I can't even express how cheated felt that from such an explosive start and an intriguing beginning, it could suddenly derail into a moment of absurdity and unfortunate misses. 🤦🏻‍♀️

“He’s being driven by fear and suspicion. Is he becoming paranoid? 

No, it’s just that he wants to live.”

It is amazing how one's life can so drastically be affected when one random act takes place when you least expect it - one that brings about life-altering consequences that will change your life forever. Such is the case for Manhattan psychiatrist Bill Madrian, when one day, his client asks the innocuous question 'Hey, Doc . . . ya wanna know who clipped Boris Levenko?' A loaded question that feels perfectly harmless, but as swiftly as it was it said, it throws him into the fray of Mafia crime bosses, dangerous clan wars, and the resilient pursuit of his life - with peril lurking at every corner of his life. 😥

The most enjoyable part about this story was the start - well-panned out, well-thought out and delivered well. A life on the run - thrown into disarray - losing everything that he was ever connected to - realistically portrayed and it kept my interest. 👍🏻👍🏻 The pacing was crisp and tight - keeping me on the toes with Bill as he tried to navigate his once simple life into what it now was. 'How fragile and perilous our existence is. You can be gone in an instant.' Bill's sudden loss of his life was palpable and I liked being in his mind as he tried to make some rational sense of how he was supposed to proceed in this situation - what next step would cater to his survival? 😟

And the writing really helped heighten how disconnected Bill had become from his life - ripped away from his peers, his family, the technology that rooted him to his existence - fearing for his life at every twist and turn - 'This is a matter of survival. Don’t take any chances.' I felt his despair and I felt sorry for him - I DID! 🥺 'For the love of god . . . I fell asleep in one world and woke up in another' - who would want that! The suspense was built upon at a strong pacing - elevating the tension and keeping intrigue as to how he was going to find his way out of this unfortunate mess.

But, it's when he meets his 'love interest' - that I found my interest waning. Like, she came out of nowhere, and she was annoying - I'm sorry, she was. She took the meat out of the entire situation and even when he's warned not to be sidetracked - he still is! 😩

“You’re strong . . . stronger than I am,” he says. “We’ll get  through this.”

“There’s something weird about all this,” she whispers. “I can’t  put my finger on it.”

No, sorry, you were the only weird thing about this story - an unnecessary addition that was unlikable and I didn't quite enjoy having you along for the ride. 🙎🏻‍♀️ I didn't like that the chapters were even dedicated to her perspective, because she wasn't even the voice of reason, she was just being silly and unwelcome. Her inclusion even served as a downside to the writing style even and just became something of a cliché thriller, rather than something that could have been different and more appealing. 🙍🏻‍♀️

“Yes, I trust every man in this room. But I long ago learned  that two people can only keep a secret if one of them is dead.”

As this is an ARC, there were several typos and spelling inconsistencies, but as the reader was warned beforehand, I didn't take it too much to offense. It's just that the sudden extremity of derailment to the storyline - the abrupt shift in perspectives and it just became ridiculously absurd that I wholeheartedly agreed with this sentiment 'Bill waits, marveling at his newly discovered capacity for bullshit.' Yes, my thoughts exactly! 😐 And another thing that ticked me off was some strange word choices - '...in the morning, they luxuriate in bed...'??? Okay... Like, this has to be the first I've ever read the morning after described like that. Oh well, there's a first for everything. 🙅🏻‍♀️

I did like how the different Mafia families were incorporated into the narrative - almost with a Sopranos-esque feel to it, and how their code of loyalty had been violated and how extreme they would go to ensure 'this headshrinker, William Madrian, must die before the problem spirals out of control. The longer he lives, the greater the danger he’ll talk to someone.' Yet, even so, some of the Mafia interactions were delivered in a very cheesy way. I get that they are representing foreign parties, but it just sounded a little too stilted for me to imagine someone delivering threats against each other. 🤷🏻‍♀️

To keep this as evasive as possible, there is one titular character that has a very prominent role - who remains in the shadows, but is vital to the whole story. I felt at times that this was actually serving as an introduction to his character, like a sort of first case storyline for him. I may be wrong, but the way it came out certainly led to that feeling. In any event, Mark Rubinstein presented an interesting idea with a compelling start, but quickly devolved into such unbelievable notions and unrelated characters that made me angry that it could not have been something more worthwhile. 😔

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Oceanview Publishing and Mark Rubinstein for granting me a copy of this book.

3⭐ - overall an ok read, a little predictable at times. if you like a fast paced thriller with hints of romance and don't mind a predictable plot - this one is great for you.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story from the moment I opened the first page “A Lethal Question” is exciting and very intense, it moves at breakneck speed, oh yes, I kept flipping the pages with turbo fingers eager for the next move.

Imagine yourself a psychologist. On a session a patient pops a loaded question at you “Ya wanna know who clipped Boris Levenko?” What would you do?

This is the same question Russian and Albanian mobsters want answered. Bill is an assuming professional but when a mob faction discovers that one of their own blabbed to Bill...he is marked for assassination. Bill is force to go on the run......and the fun commences...enjoy....

This is a well-built story, each chapter highlights a sequence in tracking and dogging as Bill and Elena are on the run. Bill met Elena while hiding at a friend’s place and unavoidably she also became a target. Living in constant fear Bill’s nightmare begins in the digital age where a hacker’s expertise anyone can be easily located...In the narration you can feel the fear, the apprehension and most of all the paranoia that set in. Every suspicious figure seemed like a potential mafia henchman. As the struggle to evade capture goes on the suspense is at its highest. Definitely this story is a version of Sopranos on steroids.

This is tale that blends the best elements of a psychological thriller and an action thriller all in one and gives us a page- turner to be entertained for hours.

I received a copy of this book from Oceanview Publishing for my thoughts: this is the way I see it

[Ganesh Subramanian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple story very well narrated. It is all about a random remark by one of the patients to a psychiatrist that upends the psychiatrist's life. He is forced to flee as his life is threatened by this remark by the son of a mobster who chooses to have consultations with him. The story takes us through the agony of the protagonist who is forced to plan his own disappearance to save his life. This has been crafted beautifully by the author elucidating all thoughts and panic attacks that the person goes through imagining losing one’s identity for a chance to stay alive. At the same time, we come to understand that the Italians are the mobsters of yore, no longer to be feared like the Godfather, portrayed by Marlon Brando as they have moved on to white-collar crimes leaving the space to be taken over by Albanian and Russian mafia - Fact or fiction? As the end quote says “ Fiction is the lie that tells the truth” On the whole, it is an enjoyable read.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting how what seems like a.simply normal work day can go so wrong.

[T Olsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book that's readable but frustrating. The plot is not very original, the main character is incredibly stupid and can't follow simple instructions, and the main crook makes a huge problem out of a small one. And a funny detail: Glocks are well known for having no standard manual safety, but the one in this book does!

[Cora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea this was based on and this was a fairly easy fast paced read but it was a little far fetched for me.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

[Habiba Khalid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 1st book by this author, and i really love the writing style the story line is very well written. Too busy to write a detained review but recommend to thriller readers u r going to love it. ❤️

[Bookreporter.com Mystery & Thriller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following 2023’s DOWNFALL, Mark Rubinstein presents Dr. Bill Madrian, a Manhattan psychiatrist. His new patient wants to pay cash for sessions, which is a red flag given the city’s digital society.

At age 30, Alex Bronzi is single and resides in his parents’ home. His “issues” are that his mom expects him to take care of his laundry, and his “father’s a ball-buster,” though he works for the family business: a shipping company fronting for the Albanian mob. At the third psych session, Alex brings a check issued by the company. Perhaps to impress, he asks if the doc wants to know who assassinated Boris Levenko, a rival mob boss.

Bill emphatically says no. But the check is a paper trail leading to him, which is payment for psychiatric sessions that the ball-buster dad will learn is where his braggart son may have spilled the family beans. Is the mob assassination linked to Alex’s family? Bill consults with a fellow physician and his brother-in-law attorney, Roger. Both advise him to go off the grid.

Their advice presents a quandary: How does one exist without using credit cards, electronic devices that can be traced, or accessing bank accounts? Bill can’t stay in his flat, rent a hotel room or book a flight to another city without Big Brother tracking each digital transaction that can be obtained by the mob. Roger puts Bill in touch with secretive Rami, who helps him hide in plain sight: “Bill suddenly realizes life as he’s known it, is over. How do you reinvent yourself, your childhood, your parents, your education, everything?”

Fortunately, Bill has a financial advisor acquaintance, Greg Jeffries, whom he’d only contacted when playing four-wall squash (or racquetball). Purchasing burner phones, Bill sends some to family members and calls his racquetball buddy. He learns that Greg and his wife are in the Caribbean for two weeks, and their posh townhome is available for him to use.

Feeling safe in the luxurious abode, Bill becomes overconfident and meets Elena Lauria, a librarian who rents the converted servants’ cottage attached to the house. It’s only a minor breach of Rami’s strict dictate not to be seen in public, as Bill walks down the front steps to Elena’s apartment. What could possibly go wrong?

A mobster shows up claiming to deliver flowers. He bursts inside and stabs Bill. Trained in self-defense techniques, Elena “lands a vicious punch to the back of the guy’s neck.” He crumples from the impact to his spine. Rami hasn’t contacted him. Is Rami feeding information to the mob?

Bill and Elena wing it and flee into the night: “This is off-the-charts weird.” They don’t know whom to trust and now must fend for themselves. They’re snared in a web of paranoia, suspicion and the threat of pending death.

A LETHAL QUESTION suggests Robert Redford’s character, Joe Turner, from the 1975 film Three Days of the Condor. Those who seek high-paced action will find it here.

Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather than re-hash the plot which you can do elsewhere, I would rather share how I felt about the book. I am not usually a suspense/crime reader. I found that I was compelled by the situation to read on and on, because I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. I thought that the story line was believable. The main character, a psychiatrist, is asked a question by a patient that leaves him no escape from "consequences". He is no slick action hero and bumbles around a bit as the situation intensifies. Just a normal guy. Like you. Like me (if I were a guy) I liked the main character even though he continually messed up.
It is a fast paced story, and you will have to read it yourself to find out how the story ends.

[Howard Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never having read a novel by this author, I didn’t know what to expect. What I did get was a surprisingly interesting story about a psychiatrist whose life is turned upside down by a seemingly harmless question asked by a patient he is treating. Unfortunately, this particular patient has mob connections that is the cause of the plethora of problems facing the doctor. The action is nonstop and I was constantly reading to reach a satisfying conclusion.
It is easy to recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre and I thank NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

[Pattyh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to preview The Lethal Question. mark Rubeinsten weaves a fast paced novel that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Bill is a psychotherapist with a small practice. He is single and very sad. His fiancé passed away suddenly and he is still grieving.
His life changes suddenly by a simple comment made by a patient’. And the comment was an allegation of a current murder case. And the people who know Bill is aware of possible suspects Bills life is in jeopardy.
Bill is now on the run and he has some serious people who want him dead.
Bill turns to his brother in law who is an attorney and he introduces him to Rami. And .
Rami says that Bill has got to go on the run and and cannot speak to anyone he knows because the people after Bill are killers.
Bill is scared and as he runs for his life the killers are on his tail.
Bill may not make it another day and he is all alone!
This book is excellent. I loved Downfall by this author and this one is just as good. Fast paced and scary good!
5 stars.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is at its heart a chase novel. Bill, a mild mannered psychotherapist, finds himself in a real pickle when one of his patients divulges information about a crime- a crime the bad guys don't want discussed. He goes on the run, they search for him, this gets a little over the top. That said, if you're looking for a fast read with good guys, bad guys, a little romantic interest, and weapons, this might be for you. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Over to others.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

“A Lethal Question” by Mark Rubenstein is fast-paced novel involving a Psychologist, the mob, and a cast of supporting characters. I liked the basis of the story of a random situation having major ramifications on lives.

I gave this 3 stars as I think the book would benefit from another edit. There are some redundancies and typos (Bruno vs Bruni, random “ mark.

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little information in the wrong hands can be dangerous as our protagonist finds out in this fast-paced thriller. Once he learns a secret, and others know he knows, he’s no longer safe, so he goes on the run. I recommend an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Sarena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Rubinstein's "A Lethal Question" is a gripping, brutal saga of gangland conflicts ensnaring the innocent. This narrative, resembling "The Sopranos" on steroids, unfolds a confession leading to murder and chaos. With a relentless pace and tension, it's a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers, delivering a relentless, suspenseful ride.

[DAB-E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great crime thriller. There are mobs of several countries and their interactions are facinating. Rami is a mysterious character and you never really know everything about him, even at the end. Elena has wonderful skills and is a great asset to Bill and their relationship is intense in many ways.

Thanks goodreads for this book.

[Patricia Gussin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a patient talks about a murder, what's a psychologist to do?
And if the patient is the kid of a mob king? An ordinary life plunges off the rail. The pulse-pounding suspense in A LETHAL QUESTION doesn't let up as this "every man" plots step after frantic step to stay alive. A great read for psychological thriller fans of all genders and ages!

[David Mc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I liked the premise of the novel (I.e., a therapy session goes into dangerous territory), the story was a little too predictable at times. For that matter, while I appreciated the book moving along at a fast pace, the quick romance and the role of the mysterious helper, Rami, both seemed contrived and unrealistic. All in all, it was an “OK” read, but not spectacular.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of the book was a little hard for me to follow and a little confusing. Once I got beyond the character introductions, I couldn't put the book down. I had to keep reading to find out what the main character's next stupid move was going to be.

[Anandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

good