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The Dissolution Protocol
“A psychologically incisive novel that compellingly asks whether evil can be eliminated by destroying the very essence of what makes us human.” — IndieReader ★★★★
Dr Caroline Aldridge doesn't believe in rehabilitation. She believes in dissolution.
In her boutique Sydney practice, violent men arrive court-ordered and smug—surgeons, executives, repeat offenders who know how to perform remorse. Caroline listens. Diagnoses. Documents.
Then a man in mandated treatment dies in a high-speed crash with no skid marks. Then another disappears. Then another.
Homicide detective Maria Radik sees what everyone else prefers to a pattern of missing men nobody mourns, all flagged in therapeutic databases, all with one name buried in their referral Dr Caroline Aldridge. The deeper Maria digs, the more disturbing the picture becomes—Caroline’s influence isn’t confined to her own client list. A quiet web of clinicians routes cases into her orbit—through consults and referrals.
Someone is weaponising treatment across an entire system—choosing targets and delivering justice with clinical control.
But Maria has her own history. And part of her understands the logic.
As the investigation tightens and Caroline's methods escalate from coercion to something far darker, two women move toward collision—one who's decided the system is broken, and one who's starting to agree.
THE DISSOLUTION PROTOCOL is a dark psychological thriller about power, punishment, and the seductive certainty of playing God.
For fans of Sharp Objects (Gillian Flynn), The Witch Elm (Tana French), and My Sister, the Serial Killer (Oyinkan Braithwaite).
“Dermot excels at ethical worldbuilding, forcing readers to wrestle with whether what’s happening is evil—or disturbingly necessary.” — IndieReader
Dr Caroline Aldridge doesn't believe in rehabilitation. She believes in dissolution.
In her boutique Sydney practice, violent men arrive court-ordered and smug—surgeons, executives, repeat offenders who know how to perform remorse. Caroline listens. Diagnoses. Documents.
Then a man in mandated treatment dies in a high-speed crash with no skid marks. Then another disappears. Then another.
Homicide detective Maria Radik sees what everyone else prefers to a pattern of missing men nobody mourns, all flagged in therapeutic databases, all with one name buried in their referral Dr Caroline Aldridge. The deeper Maria digs, the more disturbing the picture becomes—Caroline’s influence isn’t confined to her own client list. A quiet web of clinicians routes cases into her orbit—through consults and referrals.
Someone is weaponising treatment across an entire system—choosing targets and delivering justice with clinical control.
But Maria has her own history. And part of her understands the logic.
As the investigation tightens and Caroline's methods escalate from coercion to something far darker, two women move toward collision—one who's decided the system is broken, and one who's starting to agree.
THE DISSOLUTION PROTOCOL is a dark psychological thriller about power, punishment, and the seductive certainty of playing God.
For fans of Sharp Objects (Gillian Flynn), The Witch Elm (Tana French), and My Sister, the Serial Killer (Oyinkan Braithwaite).
“Dermot excels at ethical worldbuilding, forcing readers to wrestle with whether what’s happening is evil—or disturbingly necessary.” — IndieReader
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 25, 2026
The Dissolution Protocol made me question my ethical beliefs. This dark psychological thriller shows how power and intellect in the wrong hands might be a recipe for disaster. Dr. Caroline Aldridge delivers justice through surgical practice by killing the ego. Maria, though fighting her own battles, is keen on investigating the missing men.
Leon Dermot is thorough in his writing, providing a devastatingly and ethically questionable narrative. Reading this book requires an awareness of the mind, as the psychological warfare is unrelenting for the characters. A couple of times I questioned myself as well. This is a symbol of how Dermot’s work is well researched. I highly recommend it for thriller lovers.
Leon Dermot is thorough in his writing, providing a devastatingly and ethically questionable narrative. Reading this book requires an awareness of the mind, as the psychological warfare is unrelenting for the characters. A couple of times I questioned myself as well. This is a symbol of how Dermot’s work is well researched. I highly recommend it for thriller lovers.
March 3, 2026
The Dissolution Protocol doesn’t arrive quietly. It unsettles, provokes, and lingers — the kind of read that follows you long after the final page.
At its core, the book explores what happens when lines blur and vigilante justice becomes something murkier than righteous or wrong. It constructs a framework for questioning ethics and morality in ways that feel genuinely uncomfortable — and that’s entirely the point. Subconsciously and consciously, we’re left asking ourselves: Is this right? Is this wrong? What would I have done? The fact that there are no clean answers is what makes it so compelling.
What elevates this beyond a standard thriller is its emotional rawness. The story grounds itself in struggles we recognize — grief, DV, mental health, failing health, the weight of circumstances beyond our control — and uses them not as backdrop, but as the engine that drives everything forward. These deeply human elements allow the world and its characters to breathe and feel fully realized in a remarkably short span of pages.
The tension and buildup are near immaculate. Every character here is flawed — the heroes and the villains alike — and it’s that moral ambiguity that leaves us conflicted in the best possible way. There are no easy allegiances here. The “good” and the “bad” occupy the same grey space, and the psychological weight of that sits with you.
The philosophical quotes and musings woven throughout add a genuinely distinctive layer to the writing. They feel earned rather than performative, elevating the prose without tipping into pretension.
The Dissolution Protocol is twisted, powerful, and thoroughly entertaining — but it’s also more than that. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel things you weren’t prepared for and question truths you thought you’d settled. Far more than a thriller. Far more than a fast read. This one leaves a mark.
At its core, the book explores what happens when lines blur and vigilante justice becomes something murkier than righteous or wrong. It constructs a framework for questioning ethics and morality in ways that feel genuinely uncomfortable — and that’s entirely the point. Subconsciously and consciously, we’re left asking ourselves: Is this right? Is this wrong? What would I have done? The fact that there are no clean answers is what makes it so compelling.
What elevates this beyond a standard thriller is its emotional rawness. The story grounds itself in struggles we recognize — grief, DV, mental health, failing health, the weight of circumstances beyond our control — and uses them not as backdrop, but as the engine that drives everything forward. These deeply human elements allow the world and its characters to breathe and feel fully realized in a remarkably short span of pages.
The tension and buildup are near immaculate. Every character here is flawed — the heroes and the villains alike — and it’s that moral ambiguity that leaves us conflicted in the best possible way. There are no easy allegiances here. The “good” and the “bad” occupy the same grey space, and the psychological weight of that sits with you.
The philosophical quotes and musings woven throughout add a genuinely distinctive layer to the writing. They feel earned rather than performative, elevating the prose without tipping into pretension.
The Dissolution Protocol is twisted, powerful, and thoroughly entertaining — but it’s also more than that. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel things you weren’t prepared for and question truths you thought you’d settled. Far more than a thriller. Far more than a fast read. This one leaves a mark.
March 26, 2026
This book by Leon Dermot follows a psychiatrist whose violent offenders stop reoffending by disappearing, drawing the attention of a detective who senses a hidden pattern. As the investigation unfolds, the story explores justice, control, and the cost of playing god.
Leon Dermot builds a story that feels like a tense cat-and-mouse game shaped by trauma and blurred medical ethics. The title works on multiple levels, pointing to both the clinical breakdown of a patient’s ego and the quiet collapse of the systems meant to protect people. There is a clear echo of the dark psychological tone found in Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects, and the “vigilante professional” angle feels fresh while still believable within the Sydney setting.
The world-building feels grounded and easy to picture. The clean, high-end feel of Caroline’s practice stands in sharp contrast to the worn-down reality of Maria’s police work. The heavy use of psychotherapy jargon and meditative theory can occasionally feel a bit like a textbook, which might take some readers out of the suspense, even though the pacing is generally tight and the alternating chapters keep the momentum high. Additionally, Caroline's strong presence occasionally overshadows Maria's character arc, leaving a wish for a little more development on the detective's end.
The book's exploration of the "God complex" and its allegory of the garden, with Caroline treating humans as if they were weeds to be pruned, is a brilliantly executed concept. It's an essential read for fans of clinical thrillers who relish questioning their own moral compass. This novel deserves four solid stars with its intellectual depth and chillingly realistic portrayal of a "broken system."
Leon Dermot builds a story that feels like a tense cat-and-mouse game shaped by trauma and blurred medical ethics. The title works on multiple levels, pointing to both the clinical breakdown of a patient’s ego and the quiet collapse of the systems meant to protect people. There is a clear echo of the dark psychological tone found in Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects, and the “vigilante professional” angle feels fresh while still believable within the Sydney setting.
The world-building feels grounded and easy to picture. The clean, high-end feel of Caroline’s practice stands in sharp contrast to the worn-down reality of Maria’s police work. The heavy use of psychotherapy jargon and meditative theory can occasionally feel a bit like a textbook, which might take some readers out of the suspense, even though the pacing is generally tight and the alternating chapters keep the momentum high. Additionally, Caroline's strong presence occasionally overshadows Maria's character arc, leaving a wish for a little more development on the detective's end.
The book's exploration of the "God complex" and its allegory of the garden, with Caroline treating humans as if they were weeds to be pruned, is a brilliantly executed concept. It's an essential read for fans of clinical thrillers who relish questioning their own moral compass. This novel deserves four solid stars with its intellectual depth and chillingly realistic portrayal of a "broken system."
March 9, 2026
A police thriller (2.5*) with an unconventional serial killer. Maria, a DSC, is struggling after losing her daughter and is now under investigation for allegedly using excessive force on a suspect. She and her partner are trying to find missing men accused of domestic violence, but they are not making much progress. Caroline, a psychiatrist, enjoys her work and wants to help people reach a higher state of being. She strongly believes in meditation and uses it with some of her patients, carefully recording her observations and nourishing her thriving garden. She thinks about taking a break from her research, but may have to wait until the police stop snooping around. Will she be able to get the police to leave before they find out what she does with some of her therapy patients, or is her journey toward a transformative outcome for others over?
This was my first time reading this author. I liked the story, but I found it confusing at times because of all the spiritual themes and police or medical terms that weren’t explained. A glossary of abbreviations and terms would have helped, though I’m not sure it would have solved all the issues. Sometimes, the book read more like a textbook on meditation or psychotherapy than a novel for general readers. The way different characters coped with loss felt believable, and the police culture seemed accurate. In the end, while some readers might connect with this book, it didn’t stand out for me.
This was my first time reading this author. I liked the story, but I found it confusing at times because of all the spiritual themes and police or medical terms that weren’t explained. A glossary of abbreviations and terms would have helped, though I’m not sure it would have solved all the issues. Sometimes, the book read more like a textbook on meditation or psychotherapy than a novel for general readers. The way different characters coped with loss felt believable, and the police culture seemed accurate. In the end, while some readers might connect with this book, it didn’t stand out for me.
March 21, 2026
The Dissolution Protocol by Leon Dermot is a gripping psychological thriller that pulls you into a world where justice is no longer defined by the law alone. The story centers on Dr Caroline Aldridge, a psychiatrist who treats violent offenders but approaches her work with a philosophy that feels both radical and unsettling. When her patients begin to die or disappear under suspicious circumstances, the narrative quickly shifts into a tense investigation led by Detective Maria Radik.
What makes this novel stand out is its moral complexity. It does not simply present a mystery to solve, but instead forces the reader to question what justice really means. Caroline is not an easy character to judge. Her methods are disturbing, yet her reasoning carries a strange sense of logic that lingers in your mind. Maria, on the other hand, brings a grounded perspective, though even she begins to wrestle with uncomfortable truths.
The tension builds steadily, supported by sharp writing and a strong psychological core. The story explores themes of control, punishment, and human nature in a way that feels both unsettling and thought provoking. It is a bold and memorable read that stays with you long after it ends.
Thank you,
Happy Reading
What makes this novel stand out is its moral complexity. It does not simply present a mystery to solve, but instead forces the reader to question what justice really means. Caroline is not an easy character to judge. Her methods are disturbing, yet her reasoning carries a strange sense of logic that lingers in your mind. Maria, on the other hand, brings a grounded perspective, though even she begins to wrestle with uncomfortable truths.
The tension builds steadily, supported by sharp writing and a strong psychological core. The story explores themes of control, punishment, and human nature in a way that feels both unsettling and thought provoking. It is a bold and memorable read that stays with you long after it ends.
Thank you,
Happy Reading
March 22, 2026
Pretty engrossing read! Leon Dermot crafted a page-turning thriller here that questions people's responses to grief, loss, and more. He challenges people's beliefs in dealing with their pain.. their wants for some solace, some retribution, or just some outlet and/or some peace.
The premise is an interesting one in itself and then is taken to a higher level by the psychological and medical 'treatments' being enacted. Dermot's characters are each interesting-- esp in their varying ways that they all approach their struggles. Traumas abound! and people muddle through life reacting to them. Besides the chase and the investigative framework, what makes this work so well is the unfiltered emotions and raw actions and reactions that everyone has.
Dermot's ability to keep the pains underpinning the diverse reactions believable sets readers up for a back-and-forth tug on their own emotions. Really great how he relayed the happenings.. and even greater how well his cast of damaged people each got pulled along through their lives.
The premise is an interesting one in itself and then is taken to a higher level by the psychological and medical 'treatments' being enacted. Dermot's characters are each interesting-- esp in their varying ways that they all approach their struggles. Traumas abound! and people muddle through life reacting to them. Besides the chase and the investigative framework, what makes this work so well is the unfiltered emotions and raw actions and reactions that everyone has.
Dermot's ability to keep the pains underpinning the diverse reactions believable sets readers up for a back-and-forth tug on their own emotions. Really great how he relayed the happenings.. and even greater how well his cast of damaged people each got pulled along through their lives.
February 27, 2026
'The Dissolution Protocol' was a thought-provoking read set on questioning your expectations of self. Through medical advancements and extreme conditioning, Caroline was able to separate the ego from some of the most savory men, with lasting results. But the book forced you to analyze the ethics of it, which made for an interesting and unique journey.
There were several characters that I wished could have been more developed but Dermot did a good job building up the persona in the shorter time. Even Maria, one of the main characters who experiences Caroline and her methods first hand, needed some more time to fully grow and adapt after her ordeals. There was also a lot of random jargon that could go over your head and distract you from the core plot but given the subject material, some of it was warranted.
There were several characters that I wished could have been more developed but Dermot did a good job building up the persona in the shorter time. Even Maria, one of the main characters who experiences Caroline and her methods first hand, needed some more time to fully grow and adapt after her ordeals. There was also a lot of random jargon that could go over your head and distract you from the core plot but given the subject material, some of it was warranted.
March 24, 2026
The Dissolution Protocol started out fast and furious and never let up. If you like intelligent revenge stories with brilliant women, this is at the top of the list. Dr. Caroline Aldridge receives male patients who have been mandated by the Australian courts for anger issues. Dr. Aldridge's practice is definitely one of a kind; she holds these men captive and slowly tortures them until she deems they have had an epiphany about their character. Then she "disappears" them. Enter Homicide Detective Maria Radik who becomes increasingly convinced that these men have been murdered rather than the general department consensus that they took off to avoid prosecution.
At just over 200 pages this is a quick yet compelling story. Both women are brilliant and the chase is worthy of 5 stars, with an ending that is revengefully sweet.
At just over 200 pages this is a quick yet compelling story. Both women are brilliant and the chase is worthy of 5 stars, with an ending that is revengefully sweet.
February 22, 2026
A touching story based on mental health and investigations, the book took me through different people's emotional journeys and how they prefer to deal with them. Therapy sessions try to get professional help and make themselves better while others get lost in their problems.The story is very realistic in the things people deal with daily. From taking care of parents with dementia or people who have anger issues, I just found this book raw and completely worth reading.I would definitely recommend it; I enjoyed it.
March 16, 2026
Thrilling
THE DISSOLUTION PROTOCOL is a psychological thriller where the main characters deal with loss in very different ways.
The novel initially starts as two separate stories that alternate chapters before intersecting. The time periods fluctuate, but the author does a good job of making the sequence of events clear.
The book brings up the topic of vigilante justice, the thin line between right and wrong, and psychological survival. This is a great book for those who like detective novels and psychological deviance.
THE DISSOLUTION PROTOCOL is a psychological thriller where the main characters deal with loss in very different ways.
The novel initially starts as two separate stories that alternate chapters before intersecting. The time periods fluctuate, but the author does a good job of making the sequence of events clear.
The book brings up the topic of vigilante justice, the thin line between right and wrong, and psychological survival. This is a great book for those who like detective novels and psychological deviance.
March 2, 2026
This is a dark but fascinating story. It lost me in some places, such as the clinical notes at the end. I was impressed by the uniqueness of this.
March 5, 2026
I know I’m in the minority here—but I found both of the main characters—Maria and Catherine—absolutely insufferable. So much so that I could not finish this
February 26, 2026
New twist on psychological thrillers
Another wild ride from Leon Dermot. Great characters wrapped up in fast paced story telling. Excellent read! Highly recommend! Can’t wait for the next one!
Another wild ride from Leon Dermot. Great characters wrapped up in fast paced story telling. Excellent read! Highly recommend! Can’t wait for the next one!
March 29, 2026
The Dissolution Protocol is a dark psychological thriller that dives into the blurred line between justice and morality. The story follows Dr. Caroline Aldridge, a psychiatrist who treats violent offenders the justice system has failed to rehabilitate. Her patients rarely reoffend, but they also seem to vanish, raising unsettling questions about what really happens during her treatment.
When several men connected to court-mandated therapy either disappear or die under strange circumstances, homicide detective Maria Radik begins to notice a troubling pattern. As Maria investigates, she uncovers a quiet network of clinicians tied to Caroline and her controversial methods. What begins as a routine investigation quickly evolves into something far more disturbing, forcing Maria, and the reader, to question whether Caroline’s actions are monstrous or disturbingly justified.
Leon Dermot crafts a story that challenges readers to think deeply about ethics, punishment, and the idea of taking justice into one’s own hands. The psychological tension between Caroline and Maria drives the narrative and keeps the story engaging. While some characters could have benefited from more development and the medical terminology can occasionally feel dense, the novel’s moral complexity and suspenseful premise make it a compelling read.
Overall, The Dissolution Protocol offers a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of justice, power, and the dangerous temptation of playing judge and executioner.
When several men connected to court-mandated therapy either disappear or die under strange circumstances, homicide detective Maria Radik begins to notice a troubling pattern. As Maria investigates, she uncovers a quiet network of clinicians tied to Caroline and her controversial methods. What begins as a routine investigation quickly evolves into something far more disturbing, forcing Maria, and the reader, to question whether Caroline’s actions are monstrous or disturbingly justified.
Leon Dermot crafts a story that challenges readers to think deeply about ethics, punishment, and the idea of taking justice into one’s own hands. The psychological tension between Caroline and Maria drives the narrative and keeps the story engaging. While some characters could have benefited from more development and the medical terminology can occasionally feel dense, the novel’s moral complexity and suspenseful premise make it a compelling read.
Overall, The Dissolution Protocol offers a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of justice, power, and the dangerous temptation of playing judge and executioner.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews