The Altruism Effect

Mastermind Murderers #1

by Kristin Helling

A kidnapped psychologist. A sadistic warden. A prison built on secrets.

Dr. Raine Walsh understands how dangerous the human mind can be. She never expected her own to become the experiment.

Drugged, framed, and imprisoned inside a brutal compound, Raine cannot remember the crime that put her there. The inmates insist they are innocent. The guards offer no answers. And the calculating warden seems determined to discover how far his prisoners can be pushed before they break.

As paranoia spreads through the compound, Raine must decide whom she can trust, including an unexpected ally who may be part of the trap.

To escape, she must outthink the man controlling the experiment before he destroys everyone trapped inside it.

The Altruism Effect is the first book in the completed Mastermind Murderers series, a twisting psychological thriller series inspired by real behavioral experiments.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2017

About the author

Kristin Helling writes stories that invite readers into small-town secrets and edge-of-your-seat suspense. She is the author of the Roastwood Hollow Cozy Mystery series, where charming coffee shops, quirky neighbors, and autumn festivals are never too far from a chilling murder. Kristin also writes thrillers and suspense novels, blending heart-pounding twists with deeply human characters who face danger, deception, and dark truths.

A lifelong booklover, Kristin grew up with a passion for storytelling and the idea that even the coziest places can hold the deepest mysteries. When she’s not writing, she owns a coffeehouse/roastery/bakery, co-owns her publishing company Wordwraith Books, is married to a photographer, and is Mama of two.

Her writing reflects her love of community, mystery, and the delicate balance of warmth and danger. Whether you prefer a comforting whodunit by the fire or a thriller that keeps you up all night, Kristin has a story to share.

📚 Series: Roastwood Hollow Cozy Mystery (In Roast Mortem, In Cold Brewed, Roastly Apparitions, with more to come!)

🔎 Genres: Cozy mystery, thrillers, suspense

☕ For fans of: Gilmore Girls, Agatha Christie, and stories that blend charm with chills

Reviews

[Tam]

I absolutely loved the premise of this book. I can't say that I have read anything quite like it, before, and I do a LOT of reading. This was a unique and fresh twist on the familiar "formula" of a psychological thriller. The characters were so complex and engaging. I was sucked right into their "state of being". I felt their confusion, terror and sense of hopelessness. Helling made it easy to care for certain characters and absolutely despise others. The story was simply captivating and moved at a very quick pace. There were twists and turns around every corner. I read this from start to finish in one sitting. I was drawn into the story from the very first page and held, spellbound, for the entire length of the book.

Helling very easily makes it onto my favorite author list, and I am SO ready for the next book in the Dr. Raine Walsh series.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Teresa Collins]

Even though the premise of this story is based upon an actual psychological experiment, it was not one I was familiar with and so it was a totally new experience for me. The description of the way the "prisoners" were treated and their reactions to their surroundings was so vivid and detailed, I felt like I was experiencing it with them. An excellent story that is well-written, full of action and emotion, and one that grabs you (much like Raine was) and doesn't let go. I was torn between wanting it to end so I could find out what was going to happen and not wanting to be finished with the people I had come to know between the pages of this book. A surefire winner. I received a free copy from the author at my request and voluntarily decided to review it. This is my honest review.

[Jmbergs]

Picked this up at a local book fair and buzzed through it in an afternoon. A nice palate cleanser of a thriller - not heavy on procedure or multiple complex plot lines weaving together, etc. Nice and easy, clean. The writing is good and the experiment referenced in the story is something I’ve actually thought a lot about since my intro to psych class a longggg time ago haha. On to the next entry in the series!

[TE]

Wow! The Altruism Effect is crazy intense. I think it just might give me nightmares. Good, edge of your seat psychological thriller.

For those who want to know: There is a good bit of violence and maybe a handful of cuss words but no sex.

[Tiffany Johnson]

This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! So many twists and turns throughout, some way more unexpected than others. It was so well written and really messed with my mind, right up to the end. If you like second guessing everything, this is the book for you!

[Beth Lechman]

Not at all what I expected from the blurb. This one jumps around to much for me.

[Sheri]

3.5 stars, rounded up. The premise of the book is very interesting.

[Steph]

Could not put it down!!! Absolutely loved this book and ready to jump into The Bystander Effect.

[Trisha Otis]

I LOVED this book! I have always had a weirdo obsession with the effed up experiments and she absolutely delivered. I love that she immediately threw us into a disorienting situation with the FMC and we got to figure out what was happening with her. I loved all the character dynamics and it was such a good read.

[A.J.]

This is a very disturbing novel. I somehow received an autographed paperback copy, & couldn't stop reading it, even though I frequently wanted to get those images out of my head. The author created suspense, tension & drama, and characters I cared about ... just wish the subject matter wasn't so edgy. I prefer more optimistic reading, but if horror / psychological thriller is your favorite, you should enjoy this book.