What do you think?
Rate this book
Dangerous Behavior
After fifteen years in solitary confinement, Victor Thomas Janko—the notorious Baby Carriage Killer—has become eligible for parole. And it is up to Dr. David Rothberg, the new prison psychiatrist, to determine whether Janko should be released.
As David finds himself drawn into the psychological quicksand of a disturbed inmate, his manipulative girlfriend, and a brutal guard, David needs to confront his own demons as he decides if Janko deserves a second chance. This high-voltage thriller will keep you at the edge of your seat and guessing until the very last page.
As David finds himself drawn into the psychological quicksand of a disturbed inmate, his manipulative girlfriend, and a brutal guard, David needs to confront his own demons as he decides if Janko deserves a second chance. This high-voltage thriller will keep you at the edge of your seat and guessing until the very last page.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2002
625 people are currently reading
996 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 24, 2008
A young prison psychiatrist must decide if Victor Janko, the notorious Baby Carriage Killer, should be eligible for parole after spending 15 years in solitary confinement.
A suspenseful and compelling read. Film rights sold. Just when you think you know what's going on, the story shifts 180 degrees. Highly recommend.
A suspenseful and compelling read. Film rights sold. Just when you think you know what's going on, the story shifts 180 degrees. Highly recommend.
August 28, 2017
This was a disjointed read for me. It was going along so well then the author just kinda finished it, WHAT? That's not what happened...surely. So I really enjoyed the characters up until it was just stupid.
November 16, 2017
Great book. I could feel the danger. Sick and twisted in parts. I was impressed how he had taken an old book and updated it to more current times. I had an empathy for the characters. I am looking to read some of his other works.
January 28, 2022
The hazardous, psychological quicksand of a seriously disturbed prison inmate has prison psychiatrist. David Rothberg, losing his perspective when he believes the inmate was falsely imprisoned. To which character does the "dangerous behavior" belong? This is a fast moving story and while some believe the inmate of being the devil incarnate, others led credibility to the belief of his innocence.
February 24, 2026
Funny how this book and my thoughts about it echo back to my experience with Madman's Tale by John Katzenbach. Both are early-mid 2000s books approaching crime and mental illness in a pleasantly nuanced way. Although this book doesn't reach the same quality and manages to have an epilogue that wound me up with frustration right before I was supposed to be going to bed. But I do have positive thoughts to share about what the book is trying to do.
CW: general dehumanization regarding mentally ill people and criminals (especially when they overlap), common use of ableist and homophobic slurs, a case of prolonged sexual abuse that isn't explicitly shown but is alluded to and is plot relevant; this book gets very horny at points that borders on explicit that is consensual but involves two mentally unwell women and a psychologist being tempted to take advantage of their overtures, though neither case results in sex.
Some general thoughts that will get a little spoilery:
- the book addresses just how messy it can be when cases involve awful criminal acts with mentally disturbed perpetrators. Is this person high-strung and paranoid because of a mental illness that needs further treatment, or is it because the prison environment understandably makes them feel unsafe (especially if they face abusive guards)? How well can a therapist actually predict risk of dangerous behavior once the patient is in an outside environment with unknowable variables? They have a program that measures that risk by considering age, education and class background, but that means a middle class man with a college education has better odds than a working class high school dropout despite committing the same crime. It also acknowledges that regardless of what the advising psychologist says, the parole board can make a decision influenced by media pressure and racial bias.
- I will say that while the book acknowledges the way racial background can affect police investigations/prison sentencing and there are multiple people of color in the supporting cast, it doesn't really get further explored because both David and Victor are white and it isn't a big impact on them (David is Jewish but doesn't seem to face antisemitism).
- I really like the scenes where David is talking with Victor, the way he tries to connect with him and treat him as a person, which is more than most of the staff does (especially Stevie Karp, who we will get to). He does struggle with boundaries, reflected in both dynamics with former patient and is desperation to prove Victor's innocence. His heart is in the right place and he has valid criticisms of the prison/mental hospital regulations but he very much wants to 'save' Victor to make up for failing his last patient.
- The Karp thing: Victor is left in solitary and, because he isn't known as a problem-causer or requires medication, is very rarely visited by the lead psychologist or other staff. But you know what that means? A trusted and experienced prison guard is able to visit him, emotionally and sexually abuse him for potentially years on end, and none of the staff are looking closely enough to notice.
David comes to suspect the abuse but has no concrete evidence and doubts Victor will reach for help if he thinks it will only make the abuse worse. This culminates in a fabricated mental breakdown that is enough for the lead psychologist to cancel the parole consideration, exactly like Karp wanted (obviously he doesn't want Victor to be able to leave or reveal the abuse). And then when David does try to complain to the warden, it doesn't go anywhere because the warden is friends with Karp! Heartbreaking as it is, I like what it does for the narrative and how it demonstrates that Victor has been consistently failed by the people around him and reflects real-life prison abuse.
So about that epilogue... SPOILERS
David discovers an old coworker of Victor's that had seen the actual killer following the victim with a kitchen knife in hand, could provide an alibi for Victor and a reason for him visiting the victim's apartment soon after, never approached the police because he was worried the actual killer would come after him, and then said nothing for 15 years. David gets all this on tape which he hopes will be enough for a retrial and get Victor out of prison. The story could have ended there on an ambiguous but hopeful note. But then we get the epilogue-
For the first time, we switch to Victor's perspective. Karp visits him with obvious intentions, Victor manages to distract him, then stabs him with the sharpened end of a paint brush and manages to sneak out of the prison unseen. First read, that was so frustrating that I wanted to throw the book at the wall. A significant point of the narrative is that Victor isn't a killer and everyone doubts he's capable of it; then he calmly murders someone (though it's very justified and I'd argue self-defense). Throughout the entire chapter, he is calm and methodical in a way that jars with his prior characterization. He's disgusted by Karp but he isn't desperate and afraid. He doesn't read as the neurotic and weak-willed man from earlier; this version could be read with sociopathic traits.
This ending could have worked if Victor assumed David had failed him and panicked lashing out was the only way to stop the abuse. But that's not what the epilogue does and book 2's description seems to suggest that Victor kills more people after his escape. That's a radically different story than the majority of part 1 and I don't think it's one I'm interested in reading.
CW: general dehumanization regarding mentally ill people and criminals (especially when they overlap), common use of ableist and homophobic slurs, a case of prolonged sexual abuse that isn't explicitly shown but is alluded to and is plot relevant; this book gets very horny at points that borders on explicit that is consensual but involves two mentally unwell women and a psychologist being tempted to take advantage of their overtures, though neither case results in sex.
Some general thoughts that will get a little spoilery:
- the book addresses just how messy it can be when cases involve awful criminal acts with mentally disturbed perpetrators. Is this person high-strung and paranoid because of a mental illness that needs further treatment, or is it because the prison environment understandably makes them feel unsafe (especially if they face abusive guards)? How well can a therapist actually predict risk of dangerous behavior once the patient is in an outside environment with unknowable variables? They have a program that measures that risk by considering age, education and class background, but that means a middle class man with a college education has better odds than a working class high school dropout despite committing the same crime. It also acknowledges that regardless of what the advising psychologist says, the parole board can make a decision influenced by media pressure and racial bias.
- I will say that while the book acknowledges the way racial background can affect police investigations/prison sentencing and there are multiple people of color in the supporting cast, it doesn't really get further explored because both David and Victor are white and it isn't a big impact on them (David is Jewish but doesn't seem to face antisemitism).
- I really like the scenes where David is talking with Victor, the way he tries to connect with him and treat him as a person, which is more than most of the staff does (especially Stevie Karp, who we will get to). He does struggle with boundaries, reflected in both dynamics with former patient and is desperation to prove Victor's innocence. His heart is in the right place and he has valid criticisms of the prison/mental hospital regulations but he very much wants to 'save' Victor to make up for failing his last patient.
- The Karp thing: Victor is left in solitary and, because he isn't known as a problem-causer or requires medication, is very rarely visited by the lead psychologist or other staff. But you know what that means? A trusted and experienced prison guard is able to visit him, emotionally and sexually abuse him for potentially years on end, and none of the staff are looking closely enough to notice.
David comes to suspect the abuse but has no concrete evidence and doubts Victor will reach for help if he thinks it will only make the abuse worse. This culminates in a fabricated mental breakdown that is enough for the lead psychologist to cancel the parole consideration, exactly like Karp wanted (obviously he doesn't want Victor to be able to leave or reveal the abuse). And then when David does try to complain to the warden, it doesn't go anywhere because the warden is friends with Karp! Heartbreaking as it is, I like what it does for the narrative and how it demonstrates that Victor has been consistently failed by the people around him and reflects real-life prison abuse.
So about that epilogue... SPOILERS
David discovers an old coworker of Victor's that had seen the actual killer following the victim with a kitchen knife in hand, could provide an alibi for Victor and a reason for him visiting the victim's apartment soon after, never approached the police because he was worried the actual killer would come after him, and then said nothing for 15 years. David gets all this on tape which he hopes will be enough for a retrial and get Victor out of prison. The story could have ended there on an ambiguous but hopeful note. But then we get the epilogue-
For the first time, we switch to Victor's perspective. Karp visits him with obvious intentions, Victor manages to distract him, then stabs him with the sharpened end of a paint brush and manages to sneak out of the prison unseen. First read, that was so frustrating that I wanted to throw the book at the wall. A significant point of the narrative is that Victor isn't a killer and everyone doubts he's capable of it; then he calmly murders someone (though it's very justified and I'd argue self-defense). Throughout the entire chapter, he is calm and methodical in a way that jars with his prior characterization. He's disgusted by Karp but he isn't desperate and afraid. He doesn't read as the neurotic and weak-willed man from earlier; this version could be read with sociopathic traits.
This ending could have worked if Victor assumed David had failed him and panicked lashing out was the only way to stop the abuse. But that's not what the epilogue does and book 2's description seems to suggest that Victor kills more people after his escape. That's a radically different story than the majority of part 1 and I don't think it's one I'm interested in reading.
December 15, 2014
Is he guilty, no he's not...
You'll be asking yourself these questions over and over. Interesting subject, prisons and physiology. Well developed characters, even a ninja. Short, good book.
You'll be asking yourself these questions over and over. Interesting subject, prisons and physiology. Well developed characters, even a ninja. Short, good book.
December 31, 2014
A suspense story told by the doctor while he solves the murder that the patient/convict was put in prison for.
Great premise but not a great story.
Great premise but not a great story.
February 8, 2024
Very interesting in the beginning!
After fifteen years in prison, the Baby Carriage Killer gets a new shink, Dr. David Rothberg.
I liked this story for maybe 60%, then it moved out of prison, then back in, and it picked up my interest again...then the ending happened. I wouldn't say I liked the ending.
What I liked:
-All the scenes in the prison.
-The interaction of Dr. Rothberg and Janko, the prisoner, and the other characters.
-This was a unique and exciting book until the trip to NY. It still held my interest.
What I didn't like:
-Dr. Rothberg's obsession with big breasts in his inner thoughts.
-The ending. Up in the air.
I wasn't sure why:
-The little turtle Dr. Rotherberg took care of for a sick child. It didn't seem to add to the story for me. But it was a cute addition.
-His associate, an older lady, was carrying a Desert Eagle...a monster of a weapon for an older lady to carry around as a concealed weapon.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but if you hate a cliff hanger ending, maybe not.
After fifteen years in prison, the Baby Carriage Killer gets a new shink, Dr. David Rothberg.
I liked this story for maybe 60%, then it moved out of prison, then back in, and it picked up my interest again...then the ending happened. I wouldn't say I liked the ending.
What I liked:
-All the scenes in the prison.
-The interaction of Dr. Rothberg and Janko, the prisoner, and the other characters.
-This was a unique and exciting book until the trip to NY. It still held my interest.
What I didn't like:
-Dr. Rothberg's obsession with big breasts in his inner thoughts.
-The ending. Up in the air.
I wasn't sure why:
-The little turtle Dr. Rotherberg took care of for a sick child. It didn't seem to add to the story for me. But it was a cute addition.
-His associate, an older lady, was carrying a Desert Eagle...a monster of a weapon for an older lady to carry around as a concealed weapon.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but if you hate a cliff hanger ending, maybe not.
August 10, 2017
Dangerous Behavior has a fun plot that keeps you guessing to the end. The main character has an interesting perspective and helps you become fully immersed in his world. His world of psychiatry and NY prisons was presented in an interesting way. For me, there was some annoying distractions, like the mc/author's seeming obsession with women's breasts which seemed to be the only part of the women that was interesting to the men, and that perspective got a bit tedious. It also seemed a bit sophomoric and unfortunately cheapens what would otherwise be very good writing. If one can overlook that, the plot keeps you engaged and the pages keep turning as you are driven to discover 'who done it?'.
January 12, 2022
This is a good book, but......
This was a good book but was slow in spots. That said, I will read the next one and others by this author. It was gritty realism. The prison scene were very believable. The fight scene at the sex club was not very believable. And the ending was not what I expected. But the biggest problem was not finding out if the prisoner was really guilty or not. I tend to think not. The ending did give me satisfaction. It was fitting. Not for under 18 years old readers, but that's my opinion. Recommend for readers who don't mind a little rough talk and blood and guts or sexual references.
This was a good book but was slow in spots. That said, I will read the next one and others by this author. It was gritty realism. The prison scene were very believable. The fight scene at the sex club was not very believable. And the ending was not what I expected. But the biggest problem was not finding out if the prisoner was really guilty or not. I tend to think not. The ending did give me satisfaction. It was fitting. Not for under 18 years old readers, but that's my opinion. Recommend for readers who don't mind a little rough talk and blood and guts or sexual references.
August 19, 2017
"...every psychiatrist is a detective because every patient is a mystery." Dr. Rothberg was hired by the county corrections to work with inmates and determine whether or not they're eligible for parole. Victor Junko was one of them. Accused of brutally murdering a woman in her own apartment, in front of her toddler, and walking away only to be picked up by the police with the weapon in hand. Was he guilty or psychotic or both?
~ as the protagonist was drawn in, so was I. The clever banter between characters kept the story light and enjoyable.
~ as the protagonist was drawn in, so was I. The clever banter between characters kept the story light and enjoyable.
September 27, 2017
Didn't do it for me, I'm afraid. I've read a number of books about lunatics in psychiatric wards and prisons and the action's always fast-paced and vicious. This book ambles along at it's own little pace telling us about the doctor's migraines and his motel room and I kept thinking, "Get on with the story! Where's all the action?"
I read 29% and I'm aware there are those who say you shouldn't review without reading the whole book, but how much of a bad steak do you need to eat before realising you're not enjoying it?
I read 29% and I'm aware there are those who say you shouldn't review without reading the whole book, but how much of a bad steak do you need to eat before realising you're not enjoying it?
February 3, 2018
MURDER MYSTERY - MAYBE
"DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR" is a psychological mystery + the 1st book I've read by Walter Marks.
Victor Thomas Janko known as the Baby Carriage Killer, has been in solitary confinement in a NY prison for 15 yrs + is up for parole.
Dr David Rothman is his new prison psychiatrist + its up to him if Janko gets out.
This story has it all, from the insane criminal, Daisy, his girlfriend, Karp, the prison guard, other interesting characters + Ninja, the turtle ...
It's a quick read, that will keep you guessing, is he guilty ?
"DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR" is a psychological mystery + the 1st book I've read by Walter Marks.
Victor Thomas Janko known as the Baby Carriage Killer, has been in solitary confinement in a NY prison for 15 yrs + is up for parole.
Dr David Rothman is his new prison psychiatrist + its up to him if Janko gets out.
This story has it all, from the insane criminal, Daisy, his girlfriend, Karp, the prison guard, other interesting characters + Ninja, the turtle ...
It's a quick read, that will keep you guessing, is he guilty ?
May 19, 2021
A psychological thriller
A man is imprisoned for life for the brutal stabbing murder of a woman in front of her 2 1/2 year old daughter. A new psychiatrist has just started working there and begins to believe the man did not commit the murder. He begins to investigate and to establish a connection with the prisoner. Going further into it would lead to too many spoilers, however it is well plotted and well written with a colorful cast of characters. The ending is not predictable. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
A man is imprisoned for life for the brutal stabbing murder of a woman in front of her 2 1/2 year old daughter. A new psychiatrist has just started working there and begins to believe the man did not commit the murder. He begins to investigate and to establish a connection with the prisoner. Going further into it would lead to too many spoilers, however it is well plotted and well written with a colorful cast of characters. The ending is not predictable. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
May 21, 2022
What I liked most about Dangerous Behavior by Walter Marks is that he actually managed to surprise me with not one but two things I didn't see coming. It would spoil the book if I commented on what those surprises were but it's rare these days for me to read a mystery to not see where the author is going with the story. I do however agree with one reviewer who mentioned the ending was quite abrupt. It left me wanting to know what happened to the main characters after the events in the last chapter.
May 12, 2025
You Won't Know What Hit You
This is my first Walter Marks book, and I will be reading another one right away! Amazing range of emotion, full of extremely descriptive words you don't ever hear (I love learning new words!). The story is multifaceted which adds to the dimension and intrigue. Although I am unfamiliar with the various New York locations, it was easy to follow Marks' descriptions and imagine the story. The ending was a sucker-punch, never to be forgotten. I didn't know what hit me and you won't either. Bravo! Fantastic job!
This is my first Walter Marks book, and I will be reading another one right away! Amazing range of emotion, full of extremely descriptive words you don't ever hear (I love learning new words!). The story is multifaceted which adds to the dimension and intrigue. Although I am unfamiliar with the various New York locations, it was easy to follow Marks' descriptions and imagine the story. The ending was a sucker-punch, never to be forgotten. I didn't know what hit me and you won't either. Bravo! Fantastic job!
January 22, 2026
Prison can be for psychiatrists too
I was elated that Victor got out of prison. Unfortunately, he was not able to wait for justice to correct it's error of convicting him of murder.
Eventually, years of solitary and mistreatment by guards, the priest, the entire system becomes too much and he breaks out.
The new psychiatrist risks his life so many times in an effort to find Victor innocent and to put the correct man behind bars. The innocence project type programs involvement was a great addition to the story.
I was elated that Victor got out of prison. Unfortunately, he was not able to wait for justice to correct it's error of convicting him of murder.
Eventually, years of solitary and mistreatment by guards, the priest, the entire system becomes too much and he breaks out.
The new psychiatrist risks his life so many times in an effort to find Victor innocent and to put the correct man behind bars. The innocence project type programs involvement was a great addition to the story.
July 2, 2017
I thought the plot was an interesting one, but the main character was so far removed from how a real therapist would behave, it was just ludicrous. He talked about his client with the guy's girlfriend, and then nearly had sex with her! This story could have been good, but was so far from reality that it just lost its ability to captivate an intelligent reader. The turtle was the most believable part.
July 23, 2017
I found this book highly entertaining and educational as well. It is set in a prison. A new shrink is going to save the criminally insane. He is given one prisoner to focus on. This criminal has committed a heinous crime but manifests as a gentle soul. The shrink explores his history. The book winds up with an unexpected end. Why educational? There are lots of medical terms and drugs mentioned in the book. Following them up on Wikipedia has enlightened me.
February 19, 2019
Twist to die for
I really enjoyed this book, really gave my imagination a good run.
To be honest I'm still doubting Janko's plea of not murdering anyone. But for someone who was brought up like Janko, it kind of makes sense for him to be guilty.
I really didn't expect the ending but in a way so glad Karp got his comeuppance.
So glad I read it, will be one I definitely recommend.
I really enjoyed this book, really gave my imagination a good run.
To be honest I'm still doubting Janko's plea of not murdering anyone. But for someone who was brought up like Janko, it kind of makes sense for him to be guilty.
I really didn't expect the ending but in a way so glad Karp got his comeuppance.
So glad I read it, will be one I definitely recommend.
December 7, 2017
I wanted to like this book. However, I’m not sure what kind of prison this is. Correctional Officers aren’t armed. Prison psychiatrists don’t run around and solve mysteries and almost sleep with an inmate’s girlfriend. They don’t chase down who they think did it and try to get their DNA.
Ugh.
Ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2018
Happy Endings
I confess - I love happy endings. No matter what trials and tribulations the characters go through, I want it all to work out well in the end.
Does this book qualify? You'll have to read it to see - it's guaranteed that you'll find several surprises along the way.
I finished this book in one afternoon - found it very engrossing and enjoyable
I confess - I love happy endings. No matter what trials and tribulations the characters go through, I want it all to work out well in the end.
Does this book qualify? You'll have to read it to see - it's guaranteed that you'll find several surprises along the way.
I finished this book in one afternoon - found it very engrossing and enjoyable
September 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of psychological intrigue. I loved the plot and how it had so many twists and turns in it. I was always on edge wondering what could happen next. I love how the author writes which keeps your emotions high. I love the characters. I want to read more from this author!
January 8, 2022
Wow!
Doctor decides to apply for a position at a prison.He gets it. One of his patients, is a man accused of killing a woman, with a child. The doctor, thinks he is innocent, and does various things to help prove that. There is also a Priest, and a sadistic prison guard, who mess with Victor (the supposed killer).The ending was so good!
Doctor decides to apply for a position at a prison.He gets it. One of his patients, is a man accused of killing a woman, with a child. The doctor, thinks he is innocent, and does various things to help prove that. There is also a Priest, and a sadistic prison guard, who mess with Victor (the supposed killer).The ending was so good!
July 31, 2022
Loved Dr. Rothberg
This was an exciting interesting story. I listen to books as I do chores and found myself engrossed in the story. I really appreciated that Dr. Rothberg was well aware of his own problems but was still able to help others. Great ending really looking forward to book 2.
This was an exciting interesting story. I listen to books as I do chores and found myself engrossed in the story. I really appreciated that Dr. Rothberg was well aware of his own problems but was still able to help others. Great ending really looking forward to book 2.
October 30, 2023
Edge of your seat read
This book was exactly what I needed. It pulled me in and kept me interested the whole way through. When the twist happened, my mouth fell open. I was completely shocked. The ending had me just as shocked. The only issue I had with the book is the grammer, and it could use some proof reading again.
This book was exactly what I needed. It pulled me in and kept me interested the whole way through. When the twist happened, my mouth fell open. I was completely shocked. The ending had me just as shocked. The only issue I had with the book is the grammer, and it could use some proof reading again.
June 30, 2017
Dangerous Behavior.
The author plays with your emotions,strings you along and finally the unexpected ending leaves you begging for more! Guaranteed to help you run the gamut of emotions from fear,love,hope and despair.
The author plays with your emotions,strings you along and finally the unexpected ending leaves you begging for more! Guaranteed to help you run the gamut of emotions from fear,love,hope and despair.
March 24, 2018
This was an interesting book. A criminal is up for parole. He was found guilty of murder. A new Dr. at the hospital believes he may be innocent of the crime. There are several twists and some humor on this journey. Can Dr David find the evidence he needs?
April 5, 2018
Okay. But the ending. Just don't buy it. Actually ruined a mostly decent book. I did't find the main character all that enjoyable. Sounded like he needed a shrink himself. Along with most everyone else in the book.
September 24, 2019
Suspenseful and I liked the main characters. If the author has focused less on the good doctor's lustful thoughts it would have read even better. I enjoy psychological thrillers and this one truly had some twists that kept me guessing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews