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The Mask of Sanity
On the outside, Dr. Jeremy Balint is a pillar of the the youngest division chief at his hospital, a model son to his elderly parents, fiercely devoted to his wife and two young daughters. On the inside, Dr. Jeremy Balint is a high-functioning sociopath—a man who truly believes himself to stand above the ethical norms of society. As long as life treats him well, Balint has no cause to harm others.When life treats him poorly, he reveals the depths of his cold-blooded depravity.At a cultural moment when the media bombards us with images of so-called “sociopaths” who strive for good and criminals redeemed by repentance, TheMask of Sanity offers an antidote to implausible tales of “evil gone right.” In contrast to fictional predecessors like Dostoyevsky’s Raskolnikov and Camus’s Mersault, Dr. Balint is a man who already “has it all”—and will do everything in his power, no matter how immoral, to keepwhat he has.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2017
30 people are currently reading
2043 people want to read
About the author
Jacob M. Appel
36 books1,592 followers**Please note: A limited number of complimentary electronic copies of several of my books are available for review. Please email me directly if you are interested**
Jacob M. Appel's first novel, The Man Who Wouldn't Stand Up, won the Dundee International Book Award in 2012. His short story collection, Scouting for the Reaper, won the 2012 Hudson Prize. He has published short fiction in more than two hundred literary journals including Agni, Conjunctions, Gettysburg Review, Southwest Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, and West Branch. His work has been short listed for the O. Henry Award (2001), Best American Short Stories (2007, 2008), Best American Essays (2011, 2012), and received "special mention" for the Pushcart Prize in 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2013.
Jacob holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Brown University, an M.A. and an M.Phil. from Columbia University, an M.S. in bioethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute of Albany Medical College, an M.D. from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, an M.F.A. in creative writing from New York University, an M.F.A. in playwriting from Queens College, an M.P.H. from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He currently practices psychiatry in New York City.
Jacob M. Appel's first novel, The Man Who Wouldn't Stand Up, won the Dundee International Book Award in 2012. His short story collection, Scouting for the Reaper, won the 2012 Hudson Prize. He has published short fiction in more than two hundred literary journals including Agni, Conjunctions, Gettysburg Review, Southwest Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, and West Branch. His work has been short listed for the O. Henry Award (2001), Best American Short Stories (2007, 2008), Best American Essays (2011, 2012), and received "special mention" for the Pushcart Prize in 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2013.
Jacob holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Brown University, an M.A. and an M.Phil. from Columbia University, an M.S. in bioethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute of Albany Medical College, an M.D. from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, an M.F.A. in creative writing from New York University, an M.F.A. in playwriting from Queens College, an M.P.H. from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He currently practices psychiatry in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
April 2, 2019
i've read jacob appel's short story collections before, but never one of his full-length novels. i wasn't sure this book would deliver, since the plot sounded so much darker than his stories, and it's not always a truism that people who are great at writing stories can also write novels, and vice versa. (also, i gotta cop to my own superficiality here: i do not like the cover. at all.)
but, man - i needn't have worried; apparently he's good at both long and short and dark and … well, not light, but playful? i'm not sure how to categorize his short stories. they're just good is all you need to know.
this is a highly immersive psychological character study, even though it is written in third-person, which typically distances the reader from the text. but here, there's no cushion between the reader and the innerworkings of the character's mind, and we are privy to every calculation and decision he makes as he embarks on a killing spree designed to save his marriage.
jeremy balint is a young and successful cardiologist, married with two daughters, whose response to discovering his wife's long-standing affair with a mutual friend is to kill that man. but balint's no dummy who's gonna fly off the handle and murder someone in a blind rage - he knows that revenge is not only best served cold, but that deferring his murderous act and masking his true target in a rash of other murders will direct the attention away from himself. to this end, he rationally approaches the situation and begins to research the do's and don'ts of serial killing, constructing a persona and a methodology before cold-bloodedly murdering a bunch of folks, leaving a green ribbon at each scene as his calling card.
the obvious comparison title is American Psycho, which is one of the most divisive books ever, but this is a very different treatment of the theme. i am personally on the loving side of the American Psycho divide, but even without my extensive readers' advisory training, it's easy to see why people dislike it. not only is it super-graphic, but the mind of patrick bateman is a very claustrophobic and off-putting place. this book, while it certainly doesn't shy away from killing innocents, is not as detailed or horrific in the details of the murders, so if that was your objection to American Psycho, you should be okay to read this one without squirming.
it's fascinating, occasionally funny, and it's a good example of a character-driven psychological suspense thriller that seems, chillingly, realistic.
the ending is a bit of an open-ended one, but in a good way. what could it meeeean for jeremy balint? will there be a follow-up? if so, i'd read it.
come to my blog!
but, man - i needn't have worried; apparently he's good at both long and short and dark and … well, not light, but playful? i'm not sure how to categorize his short stories. they're just good is all you need to know.
this is a highly immersive psychological character study, even though it is written in third-person, which typically distances the reader from the text. but here, there's no cushion between the reader and the innerworkings of the character's mind, and we are privy to every calculation and decision he makes as he embarks on a killing spree designed to save his marriage.
jeremy balint is a young and successful cardiologist, married with two daughters, whose response to discovering his wife's long-standing affair with a mutual friend is to kill that man. but balint's no dummy who's gonna fly off the handle and murder someone in a blind rage - he knows that revenge is not only best served cold, but that deferring his murderous act and masking his true target in a rash of other murders will direct the attention away from himself. to this end, he rationally approaches the situation and begins to research the do's and don'ts of serial killing, constructing a persona and a methodology before cold-bloodedly murdering a bunch of folks, leaving a green ribbon at each scene as his calling card.
the obvious comparison title is American Psycho, which is one of the most divisive books ever, but this is a very different treatment of the theme. i am personally on the loving side of the American Psycho divide, but even without my extensive readers' advisory training, it's easy to see why people dislike it. not only is it super-graphic, but the mind of patrick bateman is a very claustrophobic and off-putting place. this book, while it certainly doesn't shy away from killing innocents, is not as detailed or horrific in the details of the murders, so if that was your objection to American Psycho, you should be okay to read this one without squirming.
it's fascinating, occasionally funny, and it's a good example of a character-driven psychological suspense thriller that seems, chillingly, realistic.
the ending is a bit of an open-ended one, but in a good way. what could it meeeean for jeremy balint? will there be a follow-up? if so, i'd read it.
come to my blog!
March 1, 2017
Wow, this was quite a disturbing view of a sociopath, to see just how normal and successful they can be, hence the title, "mask of sanity".
Dr. Jeremy Balint is a very successful cardiologist, a good father, husband, and son, until he finds out his wife is having an affair with a fellow doctor at the same hospital he works at... then, the crazy starts to happen!
This was so disturbing, to see how his mind worked, to see him function normally, but to see this chilling other side and lack of remorse. It had quite a few humorous moments also. The ending was left for the reader to determine, and I don't really care for that, but I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Permanent Press, and Author, Jacob M. Appel for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Dr. Jeremy Balint is a very successful cardiologist, a good father, husband, and son, until he finds out his wife is having an affair with a fellow doctor at the same hospital he works at... then, the crazy starts to happen!
This was so disturbing, to see how his mind worked, to see him function normally, but to see this chilling other side and lack of remorse. It had quite a few humorous moments also. The ending was left for the reader to determine, and I don't really care for that, but I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Permanent Press, and Author, Jacob M. Appel for the opportunity to read this ARC.
February 11, 2017
Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.
The masks we wear in our everyday lives are fascinating. The nicety of making small talk to mask the gnashing of teeth, smiling and nodding in an effort to squelch the screaming inside, feigning interest when there is nothing but contempt seething just below the surface.
We are more apt to notice the ones whose masks have slipped, the loners, the creepers, the ones with crazy eyes, or the furtive ones who won't make eye contact at all.
In The Mask of Sanity, Dr. Jeremy Balint's mask is firmly in place. I'm Dr. Jeremy Balint and saving lives is my job. Well, yes and no. Ironically, this noted cardiologist has no heart at all.
The masks we wear in our everyday lives are fascinating. The nicety of making small talk to mask the gnashing of teeth, smiling and nodding in an effort to squelch the screaming inside, feigning interest when there is nothing but contempt seething just below the surface.
We are more apt to notice the ones whose masks have slipped, the loners, the creepers, the ones with crazy eyes, or the furtive ones who won't make eye contact at all.
In The Mask of Sanity, Dr. Jeremy Balint's mask is firmly in place. I'm Dr. Jeremy Balint and saving lives is my job. Well, yes and no. Ironically, this noted cardiologist has no heart at all.
Read
February 4, 2017With sincere appreciation to Netgalley, Permament Press and Author, Jacob M. Appel for the opportunity to read this e-galley due to be published March 31, 2017. It intrigued me to read a book about a sociopath written by a New York psychiatrist.
The Line - ”People trusted doctors.”
The Sinker - Sociopath or psychopath, it doesn’t matter. All you need to know is Dr. Jeremy Balint is one sick mother-you know what. Author Jacob M. Appel, a practicing psychiatrist takes his shot at creating a fictional depiction of what he has seen in his career, that there are those around us who are incapable of empathy or compassion and who exhibit violent behavior without remorse.
When Balint unexpectedly learns his wife is cheating on him with a colleague, Dr. Warren Sugarman, his outrage manifests in a devious plan to eliminate his rival. Worried that just killing Sugarman would seem a targeted murder, Balint plots a series of random killings by strangulation, leaving a green ribbon tied to the victim’s neck. When the police and media realize they have a serial killer on their hands, they dub him The Emerald Choker, quite appropriate. Balint considers the murder of these strangers collateral damage, just a means to an end.
Appel’s insider look into sociopath behavior seems realistic. I’m reluctant to admit I was mesmerized by Balint’s almost gleeful killing spree. Chilling, but somehow fascinating just the same. Good, though not perfect, this psychological read is certain to churn up some discussion.
The Line - ”People trusted doctors.”
The Sinker - Sociopath or psychopath, it doesn’t matter. All you need to know is Dr. Jeremy Balint is one sick mother-you know what. Author Jacob M. Appel, a practicing psychiatrist takes his shot at creating a fictional depiction of what he has seen in his career, that there are those around us who are incapable of empathy or compassion and who exhibit violent behavior without remorse.
When Balint unexpectedly learns his wife is cheating on him with a colleague, Dr. Warren Sugarman, his outrage manifests in a devious plan to eliminate his rival. Worried that just killing Sugarman would seem a targeted murder, Balint plots a series of random killings by strangulation, leaving a green ribbon tied to the victim’s neck. When the police and media realize they have a serial killer on their hands, they dub him The Emerald Choker, quite appropriate. Balint considers the murder of these strangers collateral damage, just a means to an end.
Appel’s insider look into sociopath behavior seems realistic. I’m reluctant to admit I was mesmerized by Balint’s almost gleeful killing spree. Chilling, but somehow fascinating just the same. Good, though not perfect, this psychological read is certain to churn up some discussion.
March 1, 2017
4.5 Stars.
Ha! What a sneaky... lying... slithering... protagonist!
When a driving mishap turns into a shocking discovery, Dr. Jeremy Balint, the 34 year old Chief of Cardiology and devoted family man becomes an aspiring killer with one particular "extermination" in mind, BUT.....in order to accomplish his goal, his sick sociopath mind leads him down a deadly path with no conscience, remorse or heart.
THE MASK OF SANITY has an ambiguous ending, but OMGOSH I loved it......hehehe. (must read more Jacob Appel!)
Many thanks to NetGalley, author and The Permanent Press for the ARC!
November 17, 2017
3.5
Where oh where is the oomph? It’s the perfect setup for oomph--a guy who’s a doctor AND a serial killer, a guy who saves lives but prefers to take lives. This was a decent read, better than a flat 3 stars for sure. My pogo stick didn’t take me to 4-star land even though I was trying to guide it in that direction. Other reviewers say they felt the tension, but for me it was pretty much stoic city.
I’m one of those weirdos who love books about psychopaths. (I’m only a psychopath groupie as far as books go; I would never ever want to meet one!) But I’m picky. I like my psychopaths to be funny, brilliant, and complex, like the el creepo star of The Dinner. The psycho here is pretty one-dimensional. He acts exactly like you would expect a serial killer to act. He’s creepy but not creepy enough and that might just be because he is sort of an automaton; he doesn’t have much personality. He does his doctor work and he does his killer work, all a little ho hum. No doubt this is the point the author is trying to make—that serial killers are single-minded and have no guilt about killing. “Here is my plan to kill and here is how I will execute it and yes everyone thinks I’m an ethical man but look at what I am doing ha ha.”
I’m all twisted up about this book because I wanted to love this book like I loved Appel’s short-story collection, Einstein's Beach House. I wanted to be able to say only gushy things. Part of the problem in trying to compare the two books is that this novel is a thriller whereas Einstein’s Beach House is quirky. If quirk works, it’s unadulterated fun and I’m firm about my rating. Apparently I’m more critical with thrillers, and this one is just not meaty enough. I think Appel does better with quirk than with thrills.
Damn, there I go again, sounding like it’s not a good book when it is a perfectly fine read. First, what a great book title! It fits perfectly—he looks sane but oh if they only knew! And the story is well written. It’s told from the point of view of the killer, which is fun. No jazz, but that’s okay. It has straightforward language, and there are no fillers, no lulls, no fluff, no detours. It was a fast and enjoyable read. The killer’s signature is really clever and for that the author gets big creativity points. Oh, and Appel came up with an incredibly imaginative idea—dementia cookies! It’s just a teensy aside, but I can’t stop laughing about it. You’ll have to read the book to find out what’s in them.
One really funny thing is that I found myself rooting for the killer! I looked forward to his next kill. He had a goal and I couldn’t wait for him to get there. What’s THAT about?? I became as casual about his killing as he was. Very strange! Maybe that was one of Appel’s intents. Or maybe it’s because the killings were random and I didn’t get to know or care about any of the victims. Or maybe even it’s because I was a little bored and wanted the book to be over with.
I’m torn about the ending. On one hand, it was incredibly clever. On the other hand, I wanted it to be more conclusive. Maybe Appel is writing a sequel. If he is, I want to read it. I’m in awe of this writer because he has a medical license as well as a law degree. The fact that he finds time to also be a brilliant writer just blows my mind.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
Where oh where is the oomph? It’s the perfect setup for oomph--a guy who’s a doctor AND a serial killer, a guy who saves lives but prefers to take lives. This was a decent read, better than a flat 3 stars for sure. My pogo stick didn’t take me to 4-star land even though I was trying to guide it in that direction. Other reviewers say they felt the tension, but for me it was pretty much stoic city.
I’m one of those weirdos who love books about psychopaths. (I’m only a psychopath groupie as far as books go; I would never ever want to meet one!) But I’m picky. I like my psychopaths to be funny, brilliant, and complex, like the el creepo star of The Dinner. The psycho here is pretty one-dimensional. He acts exactly like you would expect a serial killer to act. He’s creepy but not creepy enough and that might just be because he is sort of an automaton; he doesn’t have much personality. He does his doctor work and he does his killer work, all a little ho hum. No doubt this is the point the author is trying to make—that serial killers are single-minded and have no guilt about killing. “Here is my plan to kill and here is how I will execute it and yes everyone thinks I’m an ethical man but look at what I am doing ha ha.”
I’m all twisted up about this book because I wanted to love this book like I loved Appel’s short-story collection, Einstein's Beach House. I wanted to be able to say only gushy things. Part of the problem in trying to compare the two books is that this novel is a thriller whereas Einstein’s Beach House is quirky. If quirk works, it’s unadulterated fun and I’m firm about my rating. Apparently I’m more critical with thrillers, and this one is just not meaty enough. I think Appel does better with quirk than with thrills.
Damn, there I go again, sounding like it’s not a good book when it is a perfectly fine read. First, what a great book title! It fits perfectly—he looks sane but oh if they only knew! And the story is well written. It’s told from the point of view of the killer, which is fun. No jazz, but that’s okay. It has straightforward language, and there are no fillers, no lulls, no fluff, no detours. It was a fast and enjoyable read. The killer’s signature is really clever and for that the author gets big creativity points. Oh, and Appel came up with an incredibly imaginative idea—dementia cookies! It’s just a teensy aside, but I can’t stop laughing about it. You’ll have to read the book to find out what’s in them.
One really funny thing is that I found myself rooting for the killer! I looked forward to his next kill. He had a goal and I couldn’t wait for him to get there. What’s THAT about?? I became as casual about his killing as he was. Very strange! Maybe that was one of Appel’s intents. Or maybe it’s because the killings were random and I didn’t get to know or care about any of the victims. Or maybe even it’s because I was a little bored and wanted the book to be over with.
I’m torn about the ending. On one hand, it was incredibly clever. On the other hand, I wanted it to be more conclusive. Maybe Appel is writing a sequel. If he is, I want to read it. I’m in awe of this writer because he has a medical license as well as a law degree. The fact that he finds time to also be a brilliant writer just blows my mind.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
May 31, 2017
How many times have you discovered something about someone that you never suspected? That person who has always seemed beyond reproach has turned out to be an alcoholic, a serial adulterer, a child molester, a shoplifter, an abuser or a chronic gambler. Some people are very good at presenting themselves as the person you want them to be. People get away with things because they don't fit the stereotype.
People, by and large, trust doctors.
People have strong beliefs regarding serial killers. They are assumed to be loners, children who grew up torturing animals. They are never leading cardiologists, the husband of a librarian, the father of cute little girls.
And yet this is exactly what Jacob M Appel has presented us with in his latest offering, The Mask of Sanity.
A riveting read with an unexpected but utterly perfect ending, just what I have come to expect from this author.
Thank you to author Jacob M Appel for providing me with a copy of The Mask of Sanity for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
People, by and large, trust doctors.
People have strong beliefs regarding serial killers. They are assumed to be loners, children who grew up torturing animals. They are never leading cardiologists, the husband of a librarian, the father of cute little girls.
And yet this is exactly what Jacob M Appel has presented us with in his latest offering, The Mask of Sanity.
A riveting read with an unexpected but utterly perfect ending, just what I have come to expect from this author.
Thank you to author Jacob M Appel for providing me with a copy of The Mask of Sanity for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2017
My favorite short story author, Jacob M. Appel, presents a new novel, and this one offers a rather twisted glimpse into the mind of an unusual serial killer.
Dr. Jeremy Balint wants to off the scumbag who's been banging his wife. But, since the man is a coworker, and supposedly a friend, Balint could possibly be seen as a suspect. Balint's warped plan? Make it look like his rival is the victim of a terrifying serial killer. Of course, that involves becoming a terrifying serial killer . . . but Balint proves himself up to the task.
How plausible is it that a man would kill several innocents to mask one particular homicide? I really don't know, but the concept does make for one gripping, compelling read. Be warned - there are NO likable characters in this book, so if that will bother you - stay away. The murders, when they occur, are shocking, and violent, but not particularly gory.
And, oh, that ending! It leaves me hoping there'll be a sequel. There are oh, so many people left for Jeremy Balint to kill . . .
Gift from the author and publisher
Dr. Jeremy Balint wants to off the scumbag who's been banging his wife. But, since the man is a coworker, and supposedly a friend, Balint could possibly be seen as a suspect. Balint's warped plan? Make it look like his rival is the victim of a terrifying serial killer. Of course, that involves becoming a terrifying serial killer . . . but Balint proves himself up to the task.
How plausible is it that a man would kill several innocents to mask one particular homicide? I really don't know, but the concept does make for one gripping, compelling read. Be warned - there are NO likable characters in this book, so if that will bother you - stay away. The murders, when they occur, are shocking, and violent, but not particularly gory.
And, oh, that ending! It leaves me hoping there'll be a sequel. There are oh, so many people left for Jeremy Balint to kill . . .
Gift from the author and publisher
February 17, 2017
When Jeremy Balint discovers that his wife is having an affair with a coworker of his whom he has known for a long time, he rationalizes the best way to deal with it while also protecting his status quo (after all, he needs to protect his children) is to eliminate his wife's lover. Acting strategically and without any empathy, Jeremy, a successful and respected cardiologist with presumed ethical principles, a loyal son, and a devoted father of two young daughters switches persona and effortlessly takes on the role of a cold and calculating serial killer from behind a mask of sanity. He uses random victims as collateral damage in order to conceal his main target and direct any potential police attention away from him.
Rather than the third person narrative the author used, I think I would have preferred Jeremy's first-person perspective, which I believe could have been even more powerful. However, the sparse writing style nicely complemented the protagonist's character. I felt as detached about the killings as the protagonist did. I assume that was the intention, therefore, well done. There was one scene involving a face-off between Jeremy and his wife where I started to question Jeremy's reaction and behavior. There was no gory violence. Instead, it was quite humorous in parts. Reading a lot of psychological thrillers, I think I've become too conditioned to the inevitable twist that these books tend to have lately. I saw the potential for (what I thought) would have been a really good one here, but the author didn't go down that route. The ending left readers hanging a bit and encouraged you to come up with your own interpretation.
Overall, this was a compelling character portrayal of a high-functioning sociopath, which effectively showed the thought processes of a very intriguing and fascinating mind, and which was darkly entertaining.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.
Rather than the third person narrative the author used, I think I would have preferred Jeremy's first-person perspective, which I believe could have been even more powerful. However, the sparse writing style nicely complemented the protagonist's character. I felt as detached about the killings as the protagonist did. I assume that was the intention, therefore, well done. There was one scene involving a face-off between Jeremy and his wife where I started to question Jeremy's reaction and behavior. There was no gory violence. Instead, it was quite humorous in parts. Reading a lot of psychological thrillers, I think I've become too conditioned to the inevitable twist that these books tend to have lately. I saw the potential for (what I thought) would have been a really good one here, but the author didn't go down that route. The ending left readers hanging a bit and encouraged you to come up with your own interpretation.
Overall, this was a compelling character portrayal of a high-functioning sociopath, which effectively showed the thought processes of a very intriguing and fascinating mind, and which was darkly entertaining.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.
April 24, 2017
(Note: I received a review copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to author, publisher, and LibraryThing.)
4.5 stars
When you find out, after years of marriage, your wife is cheating on you, what you will do? Normal sane person will argue with wife or file divorce? Well, here the person is psychopath. Dr. Balint, successful cardiologist, a good son, and father of two daughters. He is nice person and content in life. When finds out his wife is having an affair with his colleague, he plans to murder his wife’s lover to save his marriage. And to cover it series of murders and turns to serial killer wearing ‘the mask of sanity’.
This book solely focus on the thought process of a psychopath. That was the best thing of the book. No nonsense details of affairs and no gross details of murders. To the point story about two face life of Balint- a heartless, remorseless killer masked by ethical cardiologist - and his point of views and justifications for murders. I loved writing and story of the book, it’s brilliant. I liked witty lines in the book which were great relief during the constant tension of the book. No single character is likable, they were interesting but not likable. Story is steady paced and thrilling.
There could be so many twist in book. At some point I started thinking that Balint is wrong about his wife or Sugarman. But there is no mystery or twist and still this book made me curious at every point- When he is going to kill his victim and how, what is going to happen in the end, whether he will end up in jail or not, will he ever stop killing!
End of the book was suspenseful. Is author writing a sequel of the book? If so, I really want to read it.
If you are interested in psychology thriller and want a change from typical looking psychopath, this book is for you.
4.5 stars
When you find out, after years of marriage, your wife is cheating on you, what you will do? Normal sane person will argue with wife or file divorce? Well, here the person is psychopath. Dr. Balint, successful cardiologist, a good son, and father of two daughters. He is nice person and content in life. When finds out his wife is having an affair with his colleague, he plans to murder his wife’s lover to save his marriage. And to cover it series of murders and turns to serial killer wearing ‘the mask of sanity’.
This book solely focus on the thought process of a psychopath. That was the best thing of the book. No nonsense details of affairs and no gross details of murders. To the point story about two face life of Balint- a heartless, remorseless killer masked by ethical cardiologist - and his point of views and justifications for murders. I loved writing and story of the book, it’s brilliant. I liked witty lines in the book which were great relief during the constant tension of the book. No single character is likable, they were interesting but not likable. Story is steady paced and thrilling.
There could be so many twist in book. At some point I started thinking that Balint is wrong about his wife or Sugarman. But there is no mystery or twist and still this book made me curious at every point- When he is going to kill his victim and how, what is going to happen in the end, whether he will end up in jail or not, will he ever stop killing!
End of the book was suspenseful. Is author writing a sequel of the book? If so, I really want to read it.
If you are interested in psychology thriller and want a change from typical looking psychopath, this book is for you.
April 1, 2017
The Mask of Sanity by Jacob M. Appel
I am a fan of Jacob M. Appel's writing and when I saw that he was coming out with a new book, I couldn't wait to read it. I knew Mr. Appel was a doctor, lawyer, ethicist, but had not known he was a psychiatrist. His psychiatry experience certainly gives him an understanding of Sociopath's. I am surprised that he uses the word Sociopath instead of Psychopath for his main character. I had just read in another book that psychopath's are more highly organized and Brilliant than sociopath's. So that being said, the two diagnoses now leave me a little confused after reading this book. The distinction between the two has only recently been made by psychiatrists.
The Mask of Sanity is the perfect title for the main character Jerry Balint. Jerry Balint is a 46 year old cardiac surgeon who has been married to Amanda for nine years. They have two beautiful daughters together. When Jerry catches Amanda cheating with a colleague he has known for years, he decides that he has to murder his colleague to keep everything he has safe. It is chilling to read the thoughts and rationalities that Jerry Balint thinks about going about his day to day living.
Jerry thinks ahead, plans ahead that if there is a serial killer leaving his calling card a green ribbon, that when he kills the colleague it will get linked to a serial killer, leaving no chance of the real target getting tied to him.
Jacob M. Appel writes a chilling inside view of the mind of a sociopath. As readers we witness all of the sick thinking as Jerry goes about his business from day to day. A character that has no conscious and actually feels a sense of calm and satisfaction after committing a double murder. Yet on the outside to everybody around him he has everything one could ever want.
Jacob M Appel does an excellent job writing this novel and giving us readers an armchair view into the sociopathic mind. His character's are well developed. The writing flows seamlessly and keeps the pages turning. He is talented to be able to switch genres from his short stories to so convincingly paint a picture of a tremendously dark character. I did like the ending very much.
Thank you to Net Galley, Jacob M. Appel and the Publisher for providing me with my digital copy for a fair and honest review.
I am a fan of Jacob M. Appel's writing and when I saw that he was coming out with a new book, I couldn't wait to read it. I knew Mr. Appel was a doctor, lawyer, ethicist, but had not known he was a psychiatrist. His psychiatry experience certainly gives him an understanding of Sociopath's. I am surprised that he uses the word Sociopath instead of Psychopath for his main character. I had just read in another book that psychopath's are more highly organized and Brilliant than sociopath's. So that being said, the two diagnoses now leave me a little confused after reading this book. The distinction between the two has only recently been made by psychiatrists.
The Mask of Sanity is the perfect title for the main character Jerry Balint. Jerry Balint is a 46 year old cardiac surgeon who has been married to Amanda for nine years. They have two beautiful daughters together. When Jerry catches Amanda cheating with a colleague he has known for years, he decides that he has to murder his colleague to keep everything he has safe. It is chilling to read the thoughts and rationalities that Jerry Balint thinks about going about his day to day living.
Jerry thinks ahead, plans ahead that if there is a serial killer leaving his calling card a green ribbon, that when he kills the colleague it will get linked to a serial killer, leaving no chance of the real target getting tied to him.
Jacob M. Appel writes a chilling inside view of the mind of a sociopath. As readers we witness all of the sick thinking as Jerry goes about his business from day to day. A character that has no conscious and actually feels a sense of calm and satisfaction after committing a double murder. Yet on the outside to everybody around him he has everything one could ever want.
Jacob M Appel does an excellent job writing this novel and giving us readers an armchair view into the sociopathic mind. His character's are well developed. The writing flows seamlessly and keeps the pages turning. He is talented to be able to switch genres from his short stories to so convincingly paint a picture of a tremendously dark character. I did like the ending very much.
Thank you to Net Galley, Jacob M. Appel and the Publisher for providing me with my digital copy for a fair and honest review.
July 2, 2017
In many detective series or big city noir type fare you get a ton of the police procedural (and in most of the European placements you get more than a ton)- but in this Appel novel you get the murderer's procedural instead. And nearly nothing at all from authority's view, just some tidbits from the news sources on the police "eyes" for the crimes reported.
No verbosity in the language here, and little deep seated introspection for any character other than our dear Dr. Jeremy. But is it deep? All others are revealed in their dialogue or actions/reactions observed by our medical man/ heart specialist. The core of this novel is very dark and murderous, but the tone of the novel's prose is not. The dichotomy becomes one which made this a one day read; it picked my interest immediately and I was taken into Amanda's world and "eyes" completely. She's the doctor's wife.
He's good at pulling the tension- Jacob Appel. And his geographical and logistics details are top notch. He also knows hospital hierarchy and workplace politics better than most writers,
This was meant to be a filler between difficult and deep fare in my present all over the counter TBR book pile- and that it was in the sense of reading effort needed to grasp it. But it was also more enthralling for me to read than I presupposed, and far more entertaining. Despite the violence (which is only 3 sentence described and is not truly the highlight or pivot to Jeremy's story- the preparations hold far more word count)- it is more about his mindset, his world view, his equivocations and evaluations. It's not loquacious, nor lyrical, nor precious- it's just HIS connotation and emotion and most of all his reactions to perceived injury. And THEN what HE thinks matters that is the crux of the tale. It should be very much appreciated by those who have psychology education or related fields as their careers- Jeremy is a high achieving case study for sure. Or maybe even for those who hold some interest in why "others" outcomes don't matter as significant.
The way it ended was a surprise and I very much liked Appel's choice. Hoping that he will do a sequence. I'm very interested in how Delilah will progress with the truth telling promise. And I have an inkling that that next book may be better through her "eyes"- and that she may be a bigger surprise than Jeremy. I could be wrong- but I have a feeling that our dear Doctor is not going to be living stress free despite the high status job and widespread community praise. And Amanda and the Rabbi could be a real tale to tell, as well.
Perfect little summer read which sure makes you think about walking all alone out in the country or living solo.
No verbosity in the language here, and little deep seated introspection for any character other than our dear Dr. Jeremy. But is it deep? All others are revealed in their dialogue or actions/reactions observed by our medical man/ heart specialist. The core of this novel is very dark and murderous, but the tone of the novel's prose is not. The dichotomy becomes one which made this a one day read; it picked my interest immediately and I was taken into Amanda's world and "eyes" completely. She's the doctor's wife.
He's good at pulling the tension- Jacob Appel. And his geographical and logistics details are top notch. He also knows hospital hierarchy and workplace politics better than most writers,
This was meant to be a filler between difficult and deep fare in my present all over the counter TBR book pile- and that it was in the sense of reading effort needed to grasp it. But it was also more enthralling for me to read than I presupposed, and far more entertaining. Despite the violence (which is only 3 sentence described and is not truly the highlight or pivot to Jeremy's story- the preparations hold far more word count)- it is more about his mindset, his world view, his equivocations and evaluations. It's not loquacious, nor lyrical, nor precious- it's just HIS connotation and emotion and most of all his reactions to perceived injury. And THEN what HE thinks matters that is the crux of the tale. It should be very much appreciated by those who have psychology education or related fields as their careers- Jeremy is a high achieving case study for sure. Or maybe even for those who hold some interest in why "others" outcomes don't matter as significant.
The way it ended was a surprise and I very much liked Appel's choice. Hoping that he will do a sequence. I'm very interested in how Delilah will progress with the truth telling promise. And I have an inkling that that next book may be better through her "eyes"- and that she may be a bigger surprise than Jeremy. I could be wrong- but I have a feeling that our dear Doctor is not going to be living stress free despite the high status job and widespread community praise. And Amanda and the Rabbi could be a real tale to tell, as well.
Perfect little summer read which sure makes you think about walking all alone out in the country or living solo.
April 1, 2017
Very different from Jacob Appel's other books of quirky humor and loco characters. This one describes how sociopaths seamlessly fit into everyday society without any of us the wiser. Knowing that Jacob, aka Dr. Appel, a certified psychiatrist, has done the research and knows the topic well, explains the technical or clinical feel of this story. Dr. Balint, our clever sociopath, wants whatever someone else has, that he doesn't have. Especially when he finds out the Chief of Cardiolgy, his main rival, is having an affair with his wife. Let the games begin! Careful and almost suave manipulation begins with a patients daughter, as he sets his plans in motion.
We've never seen or felt this before in any of his previous books. While the story is well developed, and evolves to a creepy finish, I must admit I'm more a fan of quirky Jacob. Highly recommend.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy and Jacob M. Appel for all your wonderful stories and books. Bravo!
We've never seen or felt this before in any of his previous books. While the story is well developed, and evolves to a creepy finish, I must admit I'm more a fan of quirky Jacob. Highly recommend.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy and Jacob M. Appel for all your wonderful stories and books. Bravo!
January 29, 2017
Review of The Mask of Sanity
Author – Jacob Appel
Overall Score – 4.5
Overall, I give this novel a 4.5. The story drew me in quickly and the first 2/3 went very fast. For the last 1/3, I began to wonder where the story was going and how it would get resolved. I actually had an idea of what could happen, but was off.
The characters were interesting, especially Balint. My only real disappointment (and what kept me from giving a 5) was the ending which left me hanging. I’m the type that likes things wrapped up in a bow … or ribbon (pun intended), though I’m sure there are others who will enjoy debating the last tidbit.
Book Cover – 5
I really like the gray with a spark of color in the male’s eye and a green ribbon running vertically down the front, which ties to the plot line.
Plot – 3.5
I looked forward to how the author, a psychiatrist, would tell a story about a psychopath and he did not disappoint, from how meticulously Dr. Balint planned his murders to how his love for his daughters was really an extension of his own ego. Appel did a very good job showing the reader “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” - how he thinks, how he behaves, how he rationalizes his actions. I did question how quickly Balint acquiesced on the very thing that fueled his motive – you’ll understand my point when you read the book. The medical references were interesting - having worked in cardiology myself, I enjoyed being taking into that world again.
Character Development – 4 ***SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT***
Jeremy Balint – I didn’t really root for this character but was definitely intrigued by him and did appreciate his cleverness. The author wrote in 3rd person. 1st person might have been even more powerful to draw me into Balint’s mind.
Amanda Balint – A no nonsense, pragmatic wife. Without giving too much away, I thought that Balint might have been wrong about her which would have been a crazy twist.
Warren Sugarman – A fitting “rival” - I pictured him looking a bit like a young Hemingway which may have been more of my imagination than anything that was described.
Delilah Navare – The feminine contrast to Amanda. For a good portion of the book, I felt she was far too naive, especially with google, social media, etc., but learned more about that closer to the ending.
Pace – 5
I read the book in a few days (and I’m a slow reader). It held my interest and I was eager to find out what was going to happen next.
Basics (Grammar, Punctuation, Format) - 5
I didn’t find a single error. A major bonus for me was learning some new vocabulary. Kudos to Mr. Appel for including words like hirsute, unctuous, invective that had me pulling out a dictionary. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a book educate me to that level.
Price - 5
The hard cover book is $28 on Amazon, but if you write to Jacob Appel , he might give you a complimentary copy.
Any other criteria that you think I should add to my "Lazarus Rating System"?
Author – Jacob Appel
Overall Score – 4.5
Overall, I give this novel a 4.5. The story drew me in quickly and the first 2/3 went very fast. For the last 1/3, I began to wonder where the story was going and how it would get resolved. I actually had an idea of what could happen, but was off.
The characters were interesting, especially Balint. My only real disappointment (and what kept me from giving a 5) was the ending which left me hanging. I’m the type that likes things wrapped up in a bow … or ribbon (pun intended), though I’m sure there are others who will enjoy debating the last tidbit.
Book Cover – 5
I really like the gray with a spark of color in the male’s eye and a green ribbon running vertically down the front, which ties to the plot line.
Plot – 3.5
I looked forward to how the author, a psychiatrist, would tell a story about a psychopath and he did not disappoint, from how meticulously Dr. Balint planned his murders to how his love for his daughters was really an extension of his own ego. Appel did a very good job showing the reader “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” - how he thinks, how he behaves, how he rationalizes his actions. I did question how quickly Balint acquiesced on the very thing that fueled his motive – you’ll understand my point when you read the book. The medical references were interesting - having worked in cardiology myself, I enjoyed being taking into that world again.
Character Development – 4 ***SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT***
Jeremy Balint – I didn’t really root for this character but was definitely intrigued by him and did appreciate his cleverness. The author wrote in 3rd person. 1st person might have been even more powerful to draw me into Balint’s mind.
Amanda Balint – A no nonsense, pragmatic wife. Without giving too much away, I thought that Balint might have been wrong about her which would have been a crazy twist.
Warren Sugarman – A fitting “rival” - I pictured him looking a bit like a young Hemingway which may have been more of my imagination than anything that was described.
Delilah Navare – The feminine contrast to Amanda. For a good portion of the book, I felt she was far too naive, especially with google, social media, etc., but learned more about that closer to the ending.
Pace – 5
I read the book in a few days (and I’m a slow reader). It held my interest and I was eager to find out what was going to happen next.
Basics (Grammar, Punctuation, Format) - 5
I didn’t find a single error. A major bonus for me was learning some new vocabulary. Kudos to Mr. Appel for including words like hirsute, unctuous, invective that had me pulling out a dictionary. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a book educate me to that level.
Price - 5
The hard cover book is $28 on Amazon, but if you write to Jacob Appel , he might give you a complimentary copy.
Any other criteria that you think I should add to my "Lazarus Rating System"?
December 20, 2016
This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel about a high-functioning psychopath which grips the psychological side of this curious disorder.
The ever increasing numbers of the popular articles about psychopathy and the dark triad shows that even people who are not in one of the many fields that connect to this pathology are interested in this dark, dark topic. And finally, there is a novel which makes it easier to imagine how people like that think.
So Dr. Balint is a successful cardiologist, at the peak of his carreer, living in an expensive neighbourhood with his two children and wife. People see him as kind hearted and ethical, a guy who would never hurt anyone. Then one day something happens and he goes on a killing spree. Exciting right?
People who expect a lot of gory details and heavy crime actions will be disappointed in this book. They should go and check out American Psycho. But ones who bend more towards character development and scrutinizing a sick mind will find plenty of pleasure in this book.
The style is easy flowing and we, readers are never left bored. To break a constant tension there are even some funny, witty parts, showing off the superficial charm of a psychopath along with the easygoing demeanor that makes them so very attractive to many people.
The only problem I had - hence the 4.5 stars - that sometimes it felt like Dr. Balint had too many genuine feelings - sometimes even anxiety which is highly unlikely for psychopaths. He also seemed to care for his children sincerely which also seems to be a slight exaggeration. But then that's just a personal musing, and it doesn't take anything away from the perks of this book. Mr. Appel must have seen far more psychopaths than I have anyway.
I'd like to thank Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
The ever increasing numbers of the popular articles about psychopathy and the dark triad shows that even people who are not in one of the many fields that connect to this pathology are interested in this dark, dark topic. And finally, there is a novel which makes it easier to imagine how people like that think.
So Dr. Balint is a successful cardiologist, at the peak of his carreer, living in an expensive neighbourhood with his two children and wife. People see him as kind hearted and ethical, a guy who would never hurt anyone. Then one day something happens and he goes on a killing spree. Exciting right?
People who expect a lot of gory details and heavy crime actions will be disappointed in this book. They should go and check out American Psycho. But ones who bend more towards character development and scrutinizing a sick mind will find plenty of pleasure in this book.
The style is easy flowing and we, readers are never left bored. To break a constant tension there are even some funny, witty parts, showing off the superficial charm of a psychopath along with the easygoing demeanor that makes them so very attractive to many people.
The only problem I had - hence the 4.5 stars - that sometimes it felt like Dr. Balint had too many genuine feelings - sometimes even anxiety which is highly unlikely for psychopaths. He also seemed to care for his children sincerely which also seems to be a slight exaggeration. But then that's just a personal musing, and it doesn't take anything away from the perks of this book. Mr. Appel must have seen far more psychopaths than I have anyway.
I'd like to thank Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
July 19, 2017
Jeremy Blaint is a well-known, well-liked Cardiologist - the youngest division chief at the hospital. His parents love him. He adores his beautiful wife and two young daughters. Dr, Jeremy Blaint is a sociopath.
He's a happy man until he discovers his wife is having an affair with another doctor. And that's where the trouble starts.
Jeremy has dark thoughts .. of killing the man who is sleeping with his wife. But he has to be smart about it. He can't possibly get caught and ruin his reputation and his daughters' lives.
He has a plan ... and he's willing to do whatever it takes to keep his family.
This is a dark, disturbing story of a sociopath who thinks he is normal. He kills without regret, without empathy, and goes on about his life. It's a compelling read.
The only thing I did not like .. the ending is abrupt and doesn't tell the reader anything. It made no sense to me. I've looked high and low and find no continuing story. It's like the author wasn't sure where to go and just stopped.
Many thanks to the author / The Permanent Press / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 18, 2017
GAB I received a free hardback copy of this novel from Jacob M. Appel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for sharing your hard work with me!
I'm not sure anyone but Jacob Appel could bring you to the point of accepting that a serial killer should go undetected. This is a fast read, a book you will find it hard to put down. You will reach the perfect ending much too soon.
I'm not sure anyone but Jacob Appel could bring you to the point of accepting that a serial killer should go undetected. This is a fast read, a book you will find it hard to put down. You will reach the perfect ending much too soon.
April 3, 2017
Even though it took me a while to finish it, every time i picked it up i was still intrigued, fascinated, and urgently waiting for something to happen suddenly... what a good (fast if you have more time than me) read.
January 18, 2020
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the crime/thriller genre, we usually have a POV from the police or victim. It's usually the side of the good guys. This book gives you the perspective of the bad guy. That was so refreshing to read. I remember reading a book like that this summer, and I enjoyed that a lot. I think it's a lot harder too, to write from the POV of the bad guy.
A longer review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
Definitely worth the read if you're into Thrillers and a bit of Crime. It's refreshing to read a book from a totally different POV. I also felt like the book wasn't romanticized, like it was very real. Could use a book like this every now and then! It's fun to root for evil instead of good guys!
In the crime/thriller genre, we usually have a POV from the police or victim. It's usually the side of the good guys. This book gives you the perspective of the bad guy. That was so refreshing to read. I remember reading a book like that this summer, and I enjoyed that a lot. I think it's a lot harder too, to write from the POV of the bad guy.
A longer review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
Definitely worth the read if you're into Thrillers and a bit of Crime. It's refreshing to read a book from a totally different POV. I also felt like the book wasn't romanticized, like it was very real. Could use a book like this every now and then! It's fun to root for evil instead of good guys!
May 19, 2017
Having worked as a San Francisco probation officer, I have met my share of sociopaths. And I must say that Jacob Appel got it right. What is most unsettling about this type of individual is not his lack of conscience, but his ability to slip seamlessly into the mainstream of society. Like Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, and John Wayne Gacy, many are ultra conformists who commit their crimes in utter secrecy and perfect their craft through repetition. When they are caught, it is often due less to the efficiency of the police than their narcissistic compulsion to leave clues. Such is the character of Dr. Jeremy Banit, the protagonist of this novel—a respected cardiologist who murders remorselessly and adorns the bodies of his victims with green ribbons. I particularly liked the ending of this book. By leaving the story hanging, Jacob Appel skirts cliché (justice wins out in the end) and delivers the reader to twilight of ambiguity.
I was given a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to write a review.
I was given a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to write a review.
May 15, 2017
Youthful Dr. Jeremy Balint is a cardiologist on a rocket rising to a position of power as the youngest division chief at his hospital. His karma meter is definitely in the good zone as he has a wonderful wife and two beautiful daughters. His life could not be better. Unfortunately, on his way home one afternoon in a rain storm he runs over a dachshund and suddenly his world turns sideways. He carries the hapless dog to a nearby colleague and spots his wife through the window in a compromising position.
Balint sets out to devise a diabolical plan to seek revenge and the rest of the book follows his (rising rocket’s) nose dive into the dark world of a serial killer. He certainly can’t just off Warren Sugarman without a complicated strategy so he starts his chess game with God. Before the book is over Balint is leading a triple life: family man, serial killer and philander. The conventional cardiologist become the Emerald Choker.
His scheme is well thought out and planned; he’s a graduate from Columbia Medical School, for gosh sake but his early attempts don’t always go as planned. As the old adage says “fake it till you make it” and so he did. Author Jacob M. Appel has written an appealing crime procedural from the POV of the criminal. From the get-go in his book Appel ponders the terms of Sociopaths or Psychopaths. He asks “Rather than being victims of derangement who cannot tell the difference between right and wrong, they are self-interested and calculating creatures who recognize the difference, but simply do not care.”
I’ve enjoyed several of the short story compilation by this author in the past and have certainly relished this novel. Note: I received this copy of The Mask of Sanity from the author in exchange for an evaluation.
Balint sets out to devise a diabolical plan to seek revenge and the rest of the book follows his (rising rocket’s) nose dive into the dark world of a serial killer. He certainly can’t just off Warren Sugarman without a complicated strategy so he starts his chess game with God. Before the book is over Balint is leading a triple life: family man, serial killer and philander. The conventional cardiologist become the Emerald Choker.
His scheme is well thought out and planned; he’s a graduate from Columbia Medical School, for gosh sake but his early attempts don’t always go as planned. As the old adage says “fake it till you make it” and so he did. Author Jacob M. Appel has written an appealing crime procedural from the POV of the criminal. From the get-go in his book Appel ponders the terms of Sociopaths or Psychopaths. He asks “Rather than being victims of derangement who cannot tell the difference between right and wrong, they are self-interested and calculating creatures who recognize the difference, but simply do not care.”
I’ve enjoyed several of the short story compilation by this author in the past and have certainly relished this novel. Note: I received this copy of The Mask of Sanity from the author in exchange for an evaluation.
May 12, 2017
I struggled to get into this novel, so I finally gave up. My first attempt at reading this was back in February or March when I got an ARC from NetGalley. I couldn't get into it, so I put it on hold. I tried it again with the published version, but I stopped at page 76. I refuse to DNF this, because I put so much time and effort trying to get through those 76 pages.
I love novels with sociopaths or any severe mental illness. They’re fascinating case studies and one of my favorite types of novels. Sorry, but The Mask of Sanity did nothing for me.
I had several issues with this. I expected to be immediately reeled in, but the setup of the story was just too slow and tame for me. It lacks the intensity, character development, and emotional investment that I’m accustomed to in this genre. I feel like I needed more evidence of his illness or more internal dialogue to help me get into Balint’s head. I needed to feel the impact of his mental illness and I just didn’t. Part of the problem is that it’s written in third person. When a main character is a sociopath, I prefer the novel to be in first person. A great example of this is The Cleaner by Paul Cleave. If I’m not mistaken, Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris is in third person (and I could be wrong), but I had no problems getting inside Jack’s mind. In The Mask of Sanity, I just felt the narrator was too removed from the characters and the pacing felt off.
Overall, I'm disappointed. There was just no spark for me.
I love novels with sociopaths or any severe mental illness. They’re fascinating case studies and one of my favorite types of novels. Sorry, but The Mask of Sanity did nothing for me.
I had several issues with this. I expected to be immediately reeled in, but the setup of the story was just too slow and tame for me. It lacks the intensity, character development, and emotional investment that I’m accustomed to in this genre. I feel like I needed more evidence of his illness or more internal dialogue to help me get into Balint’s head. I needed to feel the impact of his mental illness and I just didn’t. Part of the problem is that it’s written in third person. When a main character is a sociopath, I prefer the novel to be in first person. A great example of this is The Cleaner by Paul Cleave. If I’m not mistaken, Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris is in third person (and I could be wrong), but I had no problems getting inside Jack’s mind. In The Mask of Sanity, I just felt the narrator was too removed from the characters and the pacing felt off.
Overall, I'm disappointed. There was just no spark for me.
December 3, 2016
I received a free copy of this ebook directly from the author.
Sociopathy is a subject I've read a lot about. I tend to avoid fiction books dealing with serial killers or sociopaths because they generally fit into the stereotypes of the genre. I knew I'd get something a little different from Jacob M. Appel, and I was not disappointed. This book is brilliant.
This is not an action packed mystery or slasher whodunit type book at all. Nor is it an account of a deranged monster. From the start you already know who did it. The story is the journey of one man's ascent (or descent if you prefer) to immorality. Our sociopath, Dr. Jeremy Balint, is not a monster, at least on the outside.
The beauty of this book is that Appel shows you how a sociopath thinks. His justifications for what he is doing. The actions can seem entirely justified when related from the sociopath's perspective. You are drawn into Balint's world and mind and on a superficial level you can understand his justifications and almost root for him. That's brilliant writing and character development. I've read numerous works from Appel and one thing he does incredibly well is writing character driven stories. This book continues that theme.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone that enjoys looks into the criminal mind. Also, if you have an interest into how a sociopath thinks, even though it's fiction, Appel knows his stuff. Those with any interest in criminal psychology will enjoy this story. Or, if you just like incredible writing and storytelling, you won't be disappointed.
Sociopathy is a subject I've read a lot about. I tend to avoid fiction books dealing with serial killers or sociopaths because they generally fit into the stereotypes of the genre. I knew I'd get something a little different from Jacob M. Appel, and I was not disappointed. This book is brilliant.
This is not an action packed mystery or slasher whodunit type book at all. Nor is it an account of a deranged monster. From the start you already know who did it. The story is the journey of one man's ascent (or descent if you prefer) to immorality. Our sociopath, Dr. Jeremy Balint, is not a monster, at least on the outside.
The beauty of this book is that Appel shows you how a sociopath thinks. His justifications for what he is doing. The actions can seem entirely justified when related from the sociopath's perspective. You are drawn into Balint's world and mind and on a superficial level you can understand his justifications and almost root for him. That's brilliant writing and character development. I've read numerous works from Appel and one thing he does incredibly well is writing character driven stories. This book continues that theme.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone that enjoys looks into the criminal mind. Also, if you have an interest into how a sociopath thinks, even though it's fiction, Appel knows his stuff. Those with any interest in criminal psychology will enjoy this story. Or, if you just like incredible writing and storytelling, you won't be disappointed.
May 27, 2017
I think that the scariest part of The Mask of Sanity, the latest offering from prolific jack-of-all-trades Jacob M. Appel (although he will likely have completed another book or two by the time I publish this review!), might possibly be the Author's Foreword.
Sometimes, when reading a thriller or a horror novel, it's difficult to totally suspend disbelief: spooky, creepy, or crazy characters either aren't spooky, creepy, or crazy enough, or they're just so completely over-the-top that they become self-parodying caricatures. Even when they strike just the right note – when they're unsettlingly, frighteningly realistic – we can still fall asleep (even if a bit shakily) after we've put our scary novel down for the night by reminding ourselves that such horrible creatures are works of fiction, supernatural inventions of a writer who makes things up for a living. I'm not sure what Jacob Appel considers his primary career focus, but chew on this: in addition to writing, DOCTOR Appel is also a practicing psychiatrist. And in the aforementioned Author's Foreword, he assures us that not only is a high-functioning, prominent-member-of-society psychopath like this novel's villain protagonist Dr. Jeremy Balint possible, but that there are, in fact, uncountable numbers of them out there in all echelons of society. "They are all around us, smiling and perpetrating evil." Great! Having been duly creeped out by this and henceforth looking askance at your own friends, neighbors, doctors, and possibly spouses, you might as well jump in to the abyss that is The Mask of Sanity with both feet!
Our initial encounter with Dr. Balint in the very first sentence of the book has him already embracing his identity as a multiple murderer. Having witnessed his wife in a compromising position with his co-worker and supposed best friend, transplant surgeon Warren Sugarman, some internal switch in Balint seems to flip, and, inside of just two days, he mutates from an assumedly erstwhile sane and sober person, his latent neuroses transformed into something darker and, let's face it, more insane. But then the entire novel, written from Balint's point of view, takes us through his increasingly horrifying actions, coldly logical thoughts, and disturbingly relatable emotions with the same neutral narrative treatment one might expect to be given any other fictional character, even a heroic figure.
And this is the novel's sneaky brilliance: Appel paints Balint so casual and nonchalant on the surface, his sociopathy mixed in with just enough "normal" feelings, that we not only believe that there are indeed people like him walking around seething with murderous, actionable rage just under their impeccable outer veneer, but that if we got to know them, we might even actually like them, be their friend, suspect nothing.
The author never truly addresses the question of whether psychopaths are born as opposed to "made" (i.e. nature vs nurture), but that just adds to the frisson and general creepiness: we simply do not know under what convincing façades monsters lurk. We can't know.
I did not award the final star due to the ending, which I want to make clear is not "bad", but was simply the result of a stylistic choice Appel made that isn't to my particular taste. It in no way negated my enjoyment of reading the book, it's just that this type of literary ending is not my cup of tea. Some folks will love it, some will not, and others won't care either way – it's just a matter of personal preference. (N.B. The above spoiler tag doesn't give away the actual ending itself – it's only a few words about the type of ending I'm referring to. I put it behind spoiler tags out of an abundance of caution.)
My own preferences about the tenors of endings notwithstanding, The Mask of Sanity is a thrilling psychological drama that doesn't depend, like so many modern suspense novels do, on wild plot twists and out-of-left-field developments to keep the reader's interest and adrenaline levels up. The plot's natural evolution – unnatural in spades as it is – is like watching a train wreck in slow motion: we see the events unfurl moment by moment and realize that when it's all over there will be an epic field of flaming wreckage, but we only ever see events through the twisted vantage point of the mastermind of the destruction before us.
I received an advance electronic copy of this book directly from the author, in exchange for my honest review, which this is.
Sometimes, when reading a thriller or a horror novel, it's difficult to totally suspend disbelief: spooky, creepy, or crazy characters either aren't spooky, creepy, or crazy enough, or they're just so completely over-the-top that they become self-parodying caricatures. Even when they strike just the right note – when they're unsettlingly, frighteningly realistic – we can still fall asleep (even if a bit shakily) after we've put our scary novel down for the night by reminding ourselves that such horrible creatures are works of fiction, supernatural inventions of a writer who makes things up for a living. I'm not sure what Jacob Appel considers his primary career focus, but chew on this: in addition to writing, DOCTOR Appel is also a practicing psychiatrist. And in the aforementioned Author's Foreword, he assures us that not only is a high-functioning, prominent-member-of-society psychopath like this novel's villain protagonist Dr. Jeremy Balint possible, but that there are, in fact, uncountable numbers of them out there in all echelons of society. "They are all around us, smiling and perpetrating evil." Great! Having been duly creeped out by this and henceforth looking askance at your own friends, neighbors, doctors, and possibly spouses, you might as well jump in to the abyss that is The Mask of Sanity with both feet!
Our initial encounter with Dr. Balint in the very first sentence of the book has him already embracing his identity as a multiple murderer. Having witnessed his wife in a compromising position with his co-worker and supposed best friend, transplant surgeon Warren Sugarman, some internal switch in Balint seems to flip, and, inside of just two days, he mutates from an assumedly erstwhile sane and sober person, his latent neuroses transformed into something darker and, let's face it, more insane. But then the entire novel, written from Balint's point of view, takes us through his increasingly horrifying actions, coldly logical thoughts, and disturbingly relatable emotions with the same neutral narrative treatment one might expect to be given any other fictional character, even a heroic figure.
And this is the novel's sneaky brilliance: Appel paints Balint so casual and nonchalant on the surface, his sociopathy mixed in with just enough "normal" feelings, that we not only believe that there are indeed people like him walking around seething with murderous, actionable rage just under their impeccable outer veneer, but that if we got to know them, we might even actually like them, be their friend, suspect nothing.
The author never truly addresses the question of whether psychopaths are born as opposed to "made" (i.e. nature vs nurture), but that just adds to the frisson and general creepiness: we simply do not know under what convincing façades monsters lurk. We can't know.
I did not award the final star due to the ending, which I want to make clear is not "bad", but was simply the result of a stylistic choice Appel made that isn't to my particular taste. It in no way negated my enjoyment of reading the book, it's just that this type of literary ending is not my cup of tea. Some folks will love it, some will not, and others won't care either way – it's just a matter of personal preference. (N.B. The above spoiler tag doesn't give away the actual ending itself – it's only a few words about the type of ending I'm referring to. I put it behind spoiler tags out of an abundance of caution.)
My own preferences about the tenors of endings notwithstanding, The Mask of Sanity is a thrilling psychological drama that doesn't depend, like so many modern suspense novels do, on wild plot twists and out-of-left-field developments to keep the reader's interest and adrenaline levels up. The plot's natural evolution – unnatural in spades as it is – is like watching a train wreck in slow motion: we see the events unfurl moment by moment and realize that when it's all over there will be an epic field of flaming wreckage, but we only ever see events through the twisted vantage point of the mastermind of the destruction before us.
I received an advance electronic copy of this book directly from the author, in exchange for my honest review, which this is.
September 4, 2018
The Mask of Sanity
3.75 Stars
Mr. Appel delivers a fine thriller about vengeance, backlash from that vengeance and maintaining the appearance of morality while murdering people.
Sound intriguing? Trust me, it is. With this book, the author may finally be on his way to working his way to the top of the writing world.
The novel starts out innocently enough, the MC, Jeremy Balint, is driving home from visiting his parents in their retirement community. A brindle dachshund runs onto the rain slicked road in front his Mercedes. Balint exits the car to check on the dog, certain it would be dead. Is was not. He wraps the near-death canine in his sport jacket and takes the dog to the nearest doctor he knows, a colleague from the hospital, Warren Sugarman, a heart transplant doctor. As Balint reaches Sugarman's home, Balint notices a familiar car in his driveway. He parks and walks around his friends home to the back and sees through a window his own wife snuggling on the couch with Sugarman. At once both enraged at his wife's infidelity and betrayed by his friend of many years, he dumps the now expired canine dog into Sugarman's rose garden.
Thus begins Balint's quest for revenge. The book drags for a few chapters during the process of his planning how to "off" Sugarman without getting caught. In the end, he devises a plan to murder three unrelated people far away from his neighborhood and tie a green ribbon around their necks in the hopes that the murders will be linked together as the work of a serial killer. Balint even goes so far as to research how police and other specialists in crime profile a serial killer.
Things go fine on the first three murders, but on the fourth, Balint unknowingly kills the son of a U.S. Senator, which he does not know at the time of the killing, but he decides to tie 5 ribbons around the boy's neck to throw off the police by making them think there is a missing fourth victim they have not yet found.
As Balint continues to visit his parents, his wife, Amanda, continues to find reasons not to accompany him so she can see Sugarman. As Amanda is very involved with their synagogue, she insists that Balint volunteer with the opening of a free clinic in Camden, New Jersey. Balint reluctantly agrees with the pressure from Rabbi Steinhoff, who always seems to pop up at the hospital at the most inopportune moments.
Now enters Norman Navare and his lovely daughter, Delilah. Norman needs a new heart, but Sugarman, at the weekly meeting of the heads of different departments with patients requiring organ transplants, denies Balint's request for Mr. Navare. This is the final straw for Balint - he decides that he must eliminate Sugarman sooner rather than later.
While he plans Sugarman's murder, he starts a affair with Delilah. Amanda realizes this, just as she suspects Balint of knowing about her affair with Sugarman. After Balint kills another innocent victim and leaves six ribbons around her neck, he is ready to "eliminate" Sugarman. The first attempt fails because Sugarman's ex-wife is inside with the surgeon and they are being intimate.
A few days later, another occasion presents itself for Balint to murder Sugarman. This time he walks up to his colleague's door, rings the bell. Sugarman answers, invites Balint inside and offers him a drink, which Balint refuses. As Sugarman turns to pour himself a drink, Balint hits him on his temple with a marble ashtray. Sugarman is stunned, so Balint hits him again and his rival falls to the floor, where Balint chokes the remaining life out of him. He then drags the corpse to lay in front of the sofa where he first saw Sugarman and Amanda and places the missing fourth ribbon around the dead man's neck.
Time passes, and the police and other investigators arrest a suspect just as Balint was going to kill two more people to totally cover his tracks. During all this time, Delilah and Balint have moved into a home two houses down from Amanda, who threw Balint out after Sugarman's memorial. Now free to be with the woman he truly loves, Amanda and Balint divorce. Delilah and Balint celebrate with a dinner out, but when they arrive at home, someone has done something to their residence.
What was it that Balint saw that scared him so that for once he could not utter a single word? That left with a fear so real and consuming that he nearly stopped breathing? Read this wonderful book where the plot actually follows the book's title, "The Mask Of Sanity."
3.75 Stars
Mr. Appel delivers a fine thriller about vengeance, backlash from that vengeance and maintaining the appearance of morality while murdering people.
Sound intriguing? Trust me, it is. With this book, the author may finally be on his way to working his way to the top of the writing world.
The novel starts out innocently enough, the MC, Jeremy Balint, is driving home from visiting his parents in their retirement community. A brindle dachshund runs onto the rain slicked road in front his Mercedes. Balint exits the car to check on the dog, certain it would be dead. Is was not. He wraps the near-death canine in his sport jacket and takes the dog to the nearest doctor he knows, a colleague from the hospital, Warren Sugarman, a heart transplant doctor. As Balint reaches Sugarman's home, Balint notices a familiar car in his driveway. He parks and walks around his friends home to the back and sees through a window his own wife snuggling on the couch with Sugarman. At once both enraged at his wife's infidelity and betrayed by his friend of many years, he dumps the now expired canine dog into Sugarman's rose garden.
Thus begins Balint's quest for revenge. The book drags for a few chapters during the process of his planning how to "off" Sugarman without getting caught. In the end, he devises a plan to murder three unrelated people far away from his neighborhood and tie a green ribbon around their necks in the hopes that the murders will be linked together as the work of a serial killer. Balint even goes so far as to research how police and other specialists in crime profile a serial killer.
Things go fine on the first three murders, but on the fourth, Balint unknowingly kills the son of a U.S. Senator, which he does not know at the time of the killing, but he decides to tie 5 ribbons around the boy's neck to throw off the police by making them think there is a missing fourth victim they have not yet found.
As Balint continues to visit his parents, his wife, Amanda, continues to find reasons not to accompany him so she can see Sugarman. As Amanda is very involved with their synagogue, she insists that Balint volunteer with the opening of a free clinic in Camden, New Jersey. Balint reluctantly agrees with the pressure from Rabbi Steinhoff, who always seems to pop up at the hospital at the most inopportune moments.
Now enters Norman Navare and his lovely daughter, Delilah. Norman needs a new heart, but Sugarman, at the weekly meeting of the heads of different departments with patients requiring organ transplants, denies Balint's request for Mr. Navare. This is the final straw for Balint - he decides that he must eliminate Sugarman sooner rather than later.
While he plans Sugarman's murder, he starts a affair with Delilah. Amanda realizes this, just as she suspects Balint of knowing about her affair with Sugarman. After Balint kills another innocent victim and leaves six ribbons around her neck, he is ready to "eliminate" Sugarman. The first attempt fails because Sugarman's ex-wife is inside with the surgeon and they are being intimate.
A few days later, another occasion presents itself for Balint to murder Sugarman. This time he walks up to his colleague's door, rings the bell. Sugarman answers, invites Balint inside and offers him a drink, which Balint refuses. As Sugarman turns to pour himself a drink, Balint hits him on his temple with a marble ashtray. Sugarman is stunned, so Balint hits him again and his rival falls to the floor, where Balint chokes the remaining life out of him. He then drags the corpse to lay in front of the sofa where he first saw Sugarman and Amanda and places the missing fourth ribbon around the dead man's neck.
Time passes, and the police and other investigators arrest a suspect just as Balint was going to kill two more people to totally cover his tracks. During all this time, Delilah and Balint have moved into a home two houses down from Amanda, who threw Balint out after Sugarman's memorial. Now free to be with the woman he truly loves, Amanda and Balint divorce. Delilah and Balint celebrate with a dinner out, but when they arrive at home, someone has done something to their residence.
What was it that Balint saw that scared him so that for once he could not utter a single word? That left with a fear so real and consuming that he nearly stopped breathing? Read this wonderful book where the plot actually follows the book's title, "The Mask Of Sanity."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2017
The story of a successful doctor, with an average life, whom stubbles upon his wife’s affair unbeknownst to her and releases his inner sociopath. The author asks the question whether everyone is born with good and bad inside of them, waiting for a triggering event to set off their “bad” side, this is certainly the case in this novel.
This book was the thriller novel I didn’t even know I needed. Lately, I’d been reading a lot of deeply woven suspense books that keep you on your heels, twisting in and out of character perspectives as you untangle the mystery within…you’ve read many similar thrillers, right? Well, The Mask of Sanity was a refreshing read from your intricately woven thrillers. The character development is scary relatable, especially when it turns out the character is an immense sociopath. Dr. Jeremy Balint seems like your average doctor, but the internal narrative Jacob gives his characters uncovers disturbing, high functioning, immoral humans hiding in plain sight.
Jacob Appel keeps his writing “light,” engaging and detailed, but not distracting, while keeping the reader HOOKED. I especially loved how he ended his book, which you will have to read to find out!
https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordp...
This book was the thriller novel I didn’t even know I needed. Lately, I’d been reading a lot of deeply woven suspense books that keep you on your heels, twisting in and out of character perspectives as you untangle the mystery within…you’ve read many similar thrillers, right? Well, The Mask of Sanity was a refreshing read from your intricately woven thrillers. The character development is scary relatable, especially when it turns out the character is an immense sociopath. Dr. Jeremy Balint seems like your average doctor, but the internal narrative Jacob gives his characters uncovers disturbing, high functioning, immoral humans hiding in plain sight.
Jacob Appel keeps his writing “light,” engaging and detailed, but not distracting, while keeping the reader HOOKED. I especially loved how he ended his book, which you will have to read to find out!
https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordp...
February 12, 2017
Jeremy Balint has it all and really doesn’t want to lose it. What he lacks, though, is what drives his actions in Jacob Appel’s The Mask Of Sanity. In public the good doctor is kind and caring, sometimes even too kind, and nobody sees through the mask. Even when his private scorn invades his public conversation, nobody wants to see. And in private, this good doctor cares only for himself.
The Mask Of Sanity would be brutally dark if readers were truly trapped behind the mask. But instead the author keeps us wisely detached, letting us see and hear without ever quite getting involved, without needing to cry foul. We’re allowed to question the doctor’s version of truth, to wonder and to learn. We’re allowed to see his actions without sharing the pain they cause—because, of course, Jeremy Balint doesn’t feel that pain. And we’re allowed to travel the journey behind the mask while letting someone else wear it.
The Mask of Sanity is a truly absorbing tale of violence and horror, told smoothly with no unnecessary shocks, and offering just the right level of involvement and detachment. It’s a story of insanity that doesn’t try to drive the reader insane. It’s a novel of crime and punishment that reveals those tiny steps on the road to dismay, while always steering a course that’s smooth and sure. This journey is very scarily smooth and sure of course, and the reader may never look at a neighbor or a doctor in quite the same way. But how well do we really know anyone? Ourselves even as we justify our acts? And how can we see behind the mask?
Disclosure: I was given a preview edition and I offer my honest review.
The Mask Of Sanity would be brutally dark if readers were truly trapped behind the mask. But instead the author keeps us wisely detached, letting us see and hear without ever quite getting involved, without needing to cry foul. We’re allowed to question the doctor’s version of truth, to wonder and to learn. We’re allowed to see his actions without sharing the pain they cause—because, of course, Jeremy Balint doesn’t feel that pain. And we’re allowed to travel the journey behind the mask while letting someone else wear it.
The Mask of Sanity is a truly absorbing tale of violence and horror, told smoothly with no unnecessary shocks, and offering just the right level of involvement and detachment. It’s a story of insanity that doesn’t try to drive the reader insane. It’s a novel of crime and punishment that reveals those tiny steps on the road to dismay, while always steering a course that’s smooth and sure. This journey is very scarily smooth and sure of course, and the reader may never look at a neighbor or a doctor in quite the same way. But how well do we really know anyone? Ourselves even as we justify our acts? And how can we see behind the mask?
Disclosure: I was given a preview edition and I offer my honest review.
February 6, 2017
A chilling tale of a rich, successful doctor and family man, who upon discovering that his wife is cheating on him, embarks upon a practical journey to do what he rationalizes is the best solution to protect himself and to continue to keep his family and much-loved daughters together. We get a glimpse into a very crisp and clear mind who takes logical steps along the way to ensure what he perceives is best for his family - no matter what needs to be done - or who needs to die.
The simple, matter of fact writing portrays him as a likeable, competent doctor who loves his family, which only makes his complete lack of guilt and empathy all the more worrying. It is the very normality of Dr. Balint's existence that gave me chills as I read this book. As we gain more insight into sociopathy in society, it's scary to think how accurate this book could be and could be anyone we know. The side characters are also well written, and the dialogue realistic and fast flowing. I did think in the start that a third person "inside the mind of" story was perhaps not going to be as gripping as one told in the first person, but the story is deftly told with an intimate glimpse into his mind and the third person worked out very well.
Overall it was perhaps a little bit predictable, with little excitement in the way of action, but an excellent and compelling character portrayal of a successful high functioning sociopath and an authentic glimpse into "the mask of sanity."
Will there be a follow up? I'm very intrigued!
The simple, matter of fact writing portrays him as a likeable, competent doctor who loves his family, which only makes his complete lack of guilt and empathy all the more worrying. It is the very normality of Dr. Balint's existence that gave me chills as I read this book. As we gain more insight into sociopathy in society, it's scary to think how accurate this book could be and could be anyone we know. The side characters are also well written, and the dialogue realistic and fast flowing. I did think in the start that a third person "inside the mind of" story was perhaps not going to be as gripping as one told in the first person, but the story is deftly told with an intimate glimpse into his mind and the third person worked out very well.
Overall it was perhaps a little bit predictable, with little excitement in the way of action, but an excellent and compelling character portrayal of a successful high functioning sociopath and an authentic glimpse into "the mask of sanity."
Will there be a follow up? I'm very intrigued!
May 20, 2017
I was very pleased to receive a hard copy of this book (thank you, thank you!) for my enjoyment. Having read several of Appel’s books, I was anxious to start this newest one, and disappointed I definitely was not. This very fast-paced medical thriller was exactly what I love, as a retired nurse practitioner. Dr. Jeremy Balint seemed on the outside like a very dedicated physician, well-liked by his colleagues and friends. The story starts with the background of Jeremy’s current situation in his marriage and career, but soon takes a huge turn when he discovers his wife in the arms of a fellow-physician. His mind then goes in an ugly direction, working endlessly to end this peer’s life. It is all very easy for him, practicing as he moves towards his goal, on other lives. The book has an ending that leaves room for wonder, so I would love to see a follow-up in the future. Thanks, Dr. Appel - another book well-done.
April 19, 2017
4.5
The main character decides to kill someone, and hide the killing by killing others--a very meticulous, thoughtful, patient serial killer. I was reluctant at first to travel very far with this man, but Appel is so skilled in every aspect of this story that I became, in a very weird way, invested.. Not enough to make me fear for my ethical standards--and, by the way, the question of ethics vs perceived ethics is an incredibly interesting part of this story. I'm hesitant to give anything away, so I'll just say that there are twists that are very satisfying twists, observations that are smart and pertinent, and characters who are not in service of the plot--which is to say, they act for their own best interests. I grew increasingly involved in the story, and enthralled by the way people behaved. Highly recommend it.
The main character decides to kill someone, and hide the killing by killing others--a very meticulous, thoughtful, patient serial killer. I was reluctant at first to travel very far with this man, but Appel is so skilled in every aspect of this story that I became, in a very weird way, invested.. Not enough to make me fear for my ethical standards--and, by the way, the question of ethics vs perceived ethics is an incredibly interesting part of this story. I'm hesitant to give anything away, so I'll just say that there are twists that are very satisfying twists, observations that are smart and pertinent, and characters who are not in service of the plot--which is to say, they act for their own best interests. I grew increasingly involved in the story, and enthralled by the way people behaved. Highly recommend it.
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