The Altruism Effect

Mastermind Murderers #1

by Kristin Helling

A kidnapped psychologist. A murderous warden. There’s more to this prison than meets the eye…

Dr. Raine Walsh has a right to be paranoid. The expert psychologist has spent far too much time in the minds of the criminally disturbed, but that’s no reason for her to be drugged and thrown into prison. Raine can’t remember the crime that got her locked up, and she wonders if her growing paranoia has destroyed her sanity…

Raine is determined to solve the mystery of her twisted incarceration, but finding allies is a dangerous game. Some of her fellow prisoners are far from innocent, and a guard confides that he’s also been kidnapped and forced to play a role. The problem is that the warden controls the compound with an iron grip. Her only chance of escape could put her and the other inmates in grave danger…

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Beth Lechman · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Trisha Otis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.