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A Broken Reality and One Last Lie - BOGO
These 2 thriller-suspense novels by Rob Kaufman will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. The set includes two of his 5-star books for the price of one. "A Broken Reality" and "One Last Lie" are Rob's latest and greatest psychological suspense thrillers and get 5-stars on Amazon, Goodreads and other major Internet bookselling sites. See for yourself why suspense-thriller fans can't put these books down until they're done with the very last page!
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2018
1426 people are currently reading
2316 people want to read
About the author
Rob Kaufman
24 books390 followersRob Kaufman is a celebrated psychological thriller author, known for crafting emotionally intense stories that delve into the human psyche. With a degree in Psychology, he weaves his deep understanding of human behavior into gripping narratives filled with relatable characters and compelling twists.
Fascinated by what drives people toward darkness while seeking love and acceptance, Rob explores the fine line between good and evil. His novels aren’t just suspenseful—they unravel everyday events that spiral into extraordinary psychological dramas.
Readers become deeply invested in his characters, experiencing a range of emotions from laughter to heartbreak. His books have earned national and international acclaim for their unique, thought-provoking storylines and masterful plotting.
Beyond writing, Rob actively engages with readers, sharing insights into his creative process and the psychological depths of his characters. His commitment to authenticity and emotional resonance continues to captivate audiences, cementing his place as a compelling voice in psychological thrillers.
Fascinated by what drives people toward darkness while seeking love and acceptance, Rob explores the fine line between good and evil. His novels aren’t just suspenseful—they unravel everyday events that spiral into extraordinary psychological dramas.
Readers become deeply invested in his characters, experiencing a range of emotions from laughter to heartbreak. His books have earned national and international acclaim for their unique, thought-provoking storylines and masterful plotting.
Beyond writing, Rob actively engages with readers, sharing insights into his creative process and the psychological depths of his characters. His commitment to authenticity and emotional resonance continues to captivate audiences, cementing his place as a compelling voice in psychological thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
July 31, 2018
Ten year old Danny is missing and his godfather, Jesse, will do anything to find Danny safe and unharmed. As Jesse is driving through an ice storm, looking for Danny, he sees him in his headlights...something bad happens but Jesse can't remember anything when he wakes up in a ditch, with emergency personnel pulling him from a car. Jesse is left with missing pieces of his memory of what happened right before the crash.
As the search for Danny continues, we meet Jesse's wife, Danny's heartbroken parents, Danny's kidnapper, and the law enforcement personnel involved in looking for what happened to Danny. Jesse feels an uxexplainable guilt concerning Danny's fate and over the next few months his mental and emotional health deteriorates. This is such a heartbreaking book, that kept me reading, even as I hoped for a happy ending that I knew could not come.
Thank you to Rob Kaufman and NetGalley for this ARC.
As the search for Danny continues, we meet Jesse's wife, Danny's heartbroken parents, Danny's kidnapper, and the law enforcement personnel involved in looking for what happened to Danny. Jesse feels an uxexplainable guilt concerning Danny's fate and over the next few months his mental and emotional health deteriorates. This is such a heartbreaking book, that kept me reading, even as I hoped for a happy ending that I knew could not come.
Thank you to Rob Kaufman and NetGalley for this ARC.
February 22, 2019
My Opinion:
I totally enjoyed reading this one. It was a bit scary and heartbreaking to lose Danny and in such a way that made me angry as hell. But, it made me want to read this to see how everything wound up.
What really made me angry was how Charles felt he had no part in this at all and only wanted Danny to be his friend. Ughh, this broke my heart. I also didn't like how Jesse didn't remember and that made me want to read more. But, this all worked out and I really did like the cat and mouse of this tale. Just when you think you know what is going to happen and think you have it figured out something takes a turn. Charles had plans to make Jesse pay for doing this to Danny and showing him what he has done. The way that Charles torments Jesse is unreal and I get it. Cause in the end he killed him but ughh makes me mad all the same.
Jesse is a likable character and so is Melissa his wife. She was just trying to help and find out what was happening and going on with Jesse. Becky and Don were not major players in the book even being Danny's parents but that was ok with me. I can't even imagine what Becky was going through but thought the author did a great job of trying to relay her torment over Danny. I enjoyed the Doctor "Roger" that helped Jesse. I could understand all this going on with him and knew the why of it. I also understood all of the heartbreak that went along with the loss for both of these couples. It was just a shame and tragic thing to have happened. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. Although it broke your heart all the way, it was still very enjoyable!
I give this book 4 of 5 stars!
I totally enjoyed reading this one. It was a bit scary and heartbreaking to lose Danny and in such a way that made me angry as hell. But, it made me want to read this to see how everything wound up.
What really made me angry was how Charles felt he had no part in this at all and only wanted Danny to be his friend. Ughh, this broke my heart. I also didn't like how Jesse didn't remember and that made me want to read more. But, this all worked out and I really did like the cat and mouse of this tale. Just when you think you know what is going to happen and think you have it figured out something takes a turn. Charles had plans to make Jesse pay for doing this to Danny and showing him what he has done. The way that Charles torments Jesse is unreal and I get it. Cause in the end he killed him but ughh makes me mad all the same.
Jesse is a likable character and so is Melissa his wife. She was just trying to help and find out what was happening and going on with Jesse. Becky and Don were not major players in the book even being Danny's parents but that was ok with me. I can't even imagine what Becky was going through but thought the author did a great job of trying to relay her torment over Danny. I enjoyed the Doctor "Roger" that helped Jesse. I could understand all this going on with him and knew the why of it. I also understood all of the heartbreak that went along with the loss for both of these couples. It was just a shame and tragic thing to have happened. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. Although it broke your heart all the way, it was still very enjoyable!
I give this book 4 of 5 stars!
June 6, 2021
So full disclosure. Rob Kaufman is my friend. He asked me to read his book and I was pretty sure I would NOT be reviewing it. I try my best to keep my reviews honest and avoid conflict-of-interest.
But cross my heart and hope to die, this book is GREAT. I started reading it yesterday morning and I didn't come up for air. I spent the whole evening reading it, staying up two hours past my bedtime because I was so absolutely hooked.
Imagine this: your closest friend's young son has been kidnapped. He's your godson and you're crazy about the kid. So you go out looking on an icy evening. Your car swerves on the ice. When you awaken from the accident, your memory of what happened is gone. But what remains are excruciating headaches, a tremendous feeling of guilt, and oh yes, a psychopath (the kidnapper) who has witnessed the accident and is determined to play mind games with you.
This tightly-woven plot offers up characters that are very authentic. There are no one-dimensional stereotypical characters here. I learned a thing or two about how investigations work. And the psychological underpinnings are delicious. A therapist brings clarity to some of what's going on and adds pathos and interest to the drama. Its theme -- the nature of guilt, how it preys on you, and how it destroys you -- is expertly handled. And oh, by the way, it packs a wallop of an ending.
It is quite well-written -- not literary, but definitely several notches above what passes for "good mystery writing" these days from NYT best-sellers. There's heart here, and tension, and emotion, and -- well, the last time I couldn't put down a book of this genre, it was the book YOU. This book deserves to be reviewed and picked up by a top-rate publisher. I'm rating it 5 stars in comparison to others of its kind.
But cross my heart and hope to die, this book is GREAT. I started reading it yesterday morning and I didn't come up for air. I spent the whole evening reading it, staying up two hours past my bedtime because I was so absolutely hooked.
Imagine this: your closest friend's young son has been kidnapped. He's your godson and you're crazy about the kid. So you go out looking on an icy evening. Your car swerves on the ice. When you awaken from the accident, your memory of what happened is gone. But what remains are excruciating headaches, a tremendous feeling of guilt, and oh yes, a psychopath (the kidnapper) who has witnessed the accident and is determined to play mind games with you.
This tightly-woven plot offers up characters that are very authentic. There are no one-dimensional stereotypical characters here. I learned a thing or two about how investigations work. And the psychological underpinnings are delicious. A therapist brings clarity to some of what's going on and adds pathos and interest to the drama. Its theme -- the nature of guilt, how it preys on you, and how it destroys you -- is expertly handled. And oh, by the way, it packs a wallop of an ending.
It is quite well-written -- not literary, but definitely several notches above what passes for "good mystery writing" these days from NYT best-sellers. There's heart here, and tension, and emotion, and -- well, the last time I couldn't put down a book of this genre, it was the book YOU. This book deserves to be reviewed and picked up by a top-rate publisher. I'm rating it 5 stars in comparison to others of its kind.
November 20, 2018
I find these types of reviews hard to write because although I didn't really enjoy the book very much, I'm sure there are others out there who will love it. For me, I had a hard time with the writing and character development. The writing uses a 3rd person perspective, which made me feel disconnected from the plot - particularly because it lacked any sort of descriptive prose that could have brought the reader into the folds of the story. I actually prefer a narrative based plot, but this story swung too far on the narrative side and could have benefitted from richer descriptions of both environment and characters. The characters lacked any depth and made the story feel one dimensional. I'm definitely an emotional reader and need to FEEL something towards the characters. Sadly I felt nothing but apathy. I think the plot had promise but the execution fell flat for me. As I mentioned before, could just be me and others may enjoy the story more than I did. Thank you to publisher and author for an ARC provided by Netgalley.
September 3, 2021
Danny Masden was abducted and has been missing for 4 days. Jesse Carlton is a friend of the family, Danny's godfather, and he's been out every night looking for the boy.
Receiving a call from a woman who says she saw the boy running down the road, Jesse heads there immediately looking for the boy. It's raining hard, wipers aren't keeping up, and the roads are slick. Then the unexpected happens ... Jesse hits black ice at the same time as Danny appears in his headlights.
Severely injured, Jesse has no memory of the accident ..or what caused it.
From that moment, life - and reality - are forever changed for two loving families.
Intense Suspense starts on the very first page and escalates from there. This is a heart-pounding emotional roller coaster of a read. Action is non-stop and characters are solidly defined. The ending was explosive, and unexpected.
Many thanks to the author/ Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Receiving a call from a woman who says she saw the boy running down the road, Jesse heads there immediately looking for the boy. It's raining hard, wipers aren't keeping up, and the roads are slick. Then the unexpected happens ... Jesse hits black ice at the same time as Danny appears in his headlights.
Severely injured, Jesse has no memory of the accident ..or what caused it.
From that moment, life - and reality - are forever changed for two loving families.
Intense Suspense starts on the very first page and escalates from there. This is a heart-pounding emotional roller coaster of a read. Action is non-stop and characters are solidly defined. The ending was explosive, and unexpected.
Many thanks to the author/ Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 9, 2018
This was a fast read and predictable, but was still very good. When Don and Becky’s son Danny disappears, godparents Melissa and Jesse are devastated. When they are taken in for questioning, FBI agent Tony Rivera helps them. I got this e galley from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
September 10, 2018
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book
DNF: This is my first book by author, Rob Kaufman. As hard as I tried, I failed to become engaged in the story and writing style of this author. The metaphorical language felt forced and the story did not grabbed me from the beginning as a many novels do. I did put the book down and went on to others, only to come back to feel the same. I was unable to finish entire novel.
DNF: This is my first book by author, Rob Kaufman. As hard as I tried, I failed to become engaged in the story and writing style of this author. The metaphorical language felt forced and the story did not grabbed me from the beginning as a many novels do. I did put the book down and went on to others, only to come back to feel the same. I was unable to finish entire novel.
June 11, 2021
This book had potential but I think it was 'ruined' by having the reader know exactly what happened to Danny so early in the story; there was no intrigue or mystery/suspense after that. I did think the characters were well drawn, except for Rivera whom I found it difficult to believe was an FBI agent. The end of the story, Jesse's memory resurfacing, and the final final paragraph super super obvious and cheesy.
January 31, 2025
A definitely unique read… but enjoyable
October 5, 2023
Wowza! What a storyline!! Very unique & one I have not come across yet. A missing child is the main storyline but is just the beginning. Great writing with interesting relatable characters made this story even better.
This was my first Rob Kaufman read and it will not be the last. I opted for the audiobook which was wonderfully narrated. Highly recommended!!!
This was my first Rob Kaufman read and it will not be the last. I opted for the audiobook which was wonderfully narrated. Highly recommended!!!
August 30, 2018
Unique plot and climactic events which built good scaffolding for this psychological thriller. This read had great characters and good plot twists.
I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of this book from the author/publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Synopsis from Publisher/NetGalley
Ten-year-old, Danny Madsen, has been missing for four days when Jesse Carlton begins his own search for his godson on a frigid, snowy night. Driving along a deserted rural road, Jesse hits a stretch of black ice at the same time Danny appears from the thicket. Unable to control the car, Jesse slams into the boy and watches helplessly as Danny’s body flies back into the dark brush.
When Jesse regains consciousness, he has no recollection of how he and his car wound up in a ditch. However, there’s a witness: Charles Hastings, the sociopathic kidnapper who chased Danny through the brush and into the path of Jesse’s car.
Hastings takes this chance to set up Jesse so he’ll take the fall for both Danny’s disappearance and death. And so the mind games begin—an onslaught of psychological manipulation that devastates Jesse, his wife, Danny’s parents and the cops’ investigation. Inexplicably, the torment continues even after Hastings is killed, leaving everyone involved on what seems to be a never-ending rollercoaster of emotions and heartbreak
I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of this book from the author/publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Synopsis from Publisher/NetGalley
Ten-year-old, Danny Madsen, has been missing for four days when Jesse Carlton begins his own search for his godson on a frigid, snowy night. Driving along a deserted rural road, Jesse hits a stretch of black ice at the same time Danny appears from the thicket. Unable to control the car, Jesse slams into the boy and watches helplessly as Danny’s body flies back into the dark brush.
When Jesse regains consciousness, he has no recollection of how he and his car wound up in a ditch. However, there’s a witness: Charles Hastings, the sociopathic kidnapper who chased Danny through the brush and into the path of Jesse’s car.
Hastings takes this chance to set up Jesse so he’ll take the fall for both Danny’s disappearance and death. And so the mind games begin—an onslaught of psychological manipulation that devastates Jesse, his wife, Danny’s parents and the cops’ investigation. Inexplicably, the torment continues even after Hastings is killed, leaving everyone involved on what seems to be a never-ending rollercoaster of emotions and heartbreak
November 28, 2018
Good Book, really wasn't what I expected. Danny goes missing, and ends up in another home,. The entire town is looking for Danny, including his Godparents. Jess who seems to have more guilt than many, has no choice but to get his-self together and face the facts abut Danny and how he really isn't coming home the way he should...
April 19, 2022
Another Continuous Read!
I was always committed to reading mainly James Patterson. I believe Rob Kaufman’s writing to be even par. This is the second book of this author that I have read and am now starting s third one. Great story, characters, plot twists and surprise endings. I could not stop reading!
I was always committed to reading mainly James Patterson. I believe Rob Kaufman’s writing to be even par. This is the second book of this author that I have read and am now starting s third one. Great story, characters, plot twists and surprise endings. I could not stop reading!
May 11, 2025
This had me on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to figure it out…and BAM not till the very last paragraph of the book did u find out- and was a def shocker! Def must read!!!
September 6, 2023
Excellent
Very good! Nice suspence, well written. I would recccomend . Hope to find other books by this author , and soon! Want to keep reading today!
Very good! Nice suspence, well written. I would recccomend . Hope to find other books by this author , and soon! Want to keep reading today!
July 23, 2024
Another great read by Rob Kaufman. Quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!
August 2, 2018
Life was good. Becky and Don Madsen, and their son, Danny lived in a small town, Hingham, Massachusetts. Jesse and Melissa Carlton, who couldn't have children of their own, were Danny’s godparents. The two families loved being together so much that they actually lived on the same street. Jesse spent as much time as he could with Danny, even helping out with his baseball sports. Then the unthinkable happened! Becky and Don’s son, Danny is missing. He got off the bus close to his home, but did not make it home. Jesse is frantic and hasn’t slept in many many hours. He’s scouring the icy slick streets for Danny, but he’s nowhere to be seen. Then Jesse’s car slips and slides on the road and crashes. When he is rescued and finally comes to, he can’t remember anything after the accident. What had happened to lead up to the accident? What has happened to Danny? Who has taken him? Why was he taken? He has walked the short distance to his house many times without incident. Will they find the culprit? Will they find Danny? The FBI and local law enforcement are working overtime to find Danny, but the hours, days, and weeks go by without any leads. Everyone is exhausted and frustrated. They want to find Danny. All of a sudden vandals start breaking windows and causing property damage at Jesse and Melissa’s house. They leave messages like “MURDERER” on their property. No one can figure out why they are doing this, or who these individuals are. The plot was genius in this book. It certainly keeps the reader enthralled throughout the entire book. The suspense is riveting. The character development was definitely on point. The reader could relate to everything the characters were going through. The ending definitely is one that I didn’t seem coming, that’s for sure. I enjoyed this book as well as the author’s writing style. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
January 25, 2019
A Broken Reality
By Rob Kaufman
A Broken Reality by Robert Kaufman is a blend of crime,and psychological thriller . On a fateful night in the dead of winter, an unimaginable tragedy changes the lives of two families forever. This is such a well written heartbreaking emotional book. The characters were all well developed and so easy to relate to . I felt everything that the parents and God parents felt.You get to know the characters and you also get to know how sick Charles Hastings really is and what drove him to be The way he is. The book starts off with Danny Madsen ( a young boy missing ) so it catches your attention right off. There is plenty of action and gut-wrenching moments. Hastings sets up Jesse Danny's God parent so he'll take the fall for both Danny's disappearance and death. This is where some mind blowing mind games begin--an onslaught of psychological manipulation that devastates Jesse, his wife, Danny's parents and the cops. Things you will not see coming. And the ending omg what a twist !
By Rob Kaufman
A Broken Reality by Robert Kaufman is a blend of crime,and psychological thriller . On a fateful night in the dead of winter, an unimaginable tragedy changes the lives of two families forever. This is such a well written heartbreaking emotional book. The characters were all well developed and so easy to relate to . I felt everything that the parents and God parents felt.You get to know the characters and you also get to know how sick Charles Hastings really is and what drove him to be The way he is. The book starts off with Danny Madsen ( a young boy missing ) so it catches your attention right off. There is plenty of action and gut-wrenching moments. Hastings sets up Jesse Danny's God parent so he'll take the fall for both Danny's disappearance and death. This is where some mind blowing mind games begin--an onslaught of psychological manipulation that devastates Jesse, his wife, Danny's parents and the cops. Things you will not see coming. And the ending omg what a twist !
August 26, 2018
Let me start this by saying I finished this book in less than a day. So, for me to be that invested, it has to be pretty good.
This book has psychological thriller parts mixed with police procedural and a hint of basic psychology.
It follows the story of a missing 10 year old boy and the effects that has on his family, close family friends, and the abductor.
I liked how it explained the mindset of the abductor and his thought processes throughout as well giving things a slightly different perspective than normal. That, along with the effects of other incidents, explain how traumatic events can effect your perception and memory.
Very good book. Educational and insightful without the text book style, entertaining and engaging, emotional, and it sucks you in from the start. Wow. Just, wow.
This book has psychological thriller parts mixed with police procedural and a hint of basic psychology.
It follows the story of a missing 10 year old boy and the effects that has on his family, close family friends, and the abductor.
I liked how it explained the mindset of the abductor and his thought processes throughout as well giving things a slightly different perspective than normal. That, along with the effects of other incidents, explain how traumatic events can effect your perception and memory.
Very good book. Educational and insightful without the text book style, entertaining and engaging, emotional, and it sucks you in from the start. Wow. Just, wow.
June 5, 2019
This is my first time reading this author and this book is brilliant! Love the way the author writes and kept the fast pace throughout this book that is a definite page turner. The plot is amazing and kept me on the edge of my seat and I felt that I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. This author shall be on my radar from now on for more great books!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2022
Outstanding thriller. Even though I could predict the ending still it kept me on the edge!
June 19, 2022
Couldn't put it down! I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE!
I give this book 5 stars.I couldn't put it down.A great thriller..can't wait to read the rest of Rob's books!
I give this book 5 stars.I couldn't put it down.A great thriller..can't wait to read the rest of Rob's books!
October 2, 2022
Obvious ending
Starts out really good but about half way through it was pretty obvious how it would end. Not the best
Starts out really good but about half way through it was pretty obvious how it would end. Not the best
May 1, 2024
Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review. What a fantastic and superbly emotionally read. The abduction of Danny Madsen is only the torturous beginning that Danny's parents and friends are forced to endure. In a harrowing accident that Jesse Carlton is involved in further shatters the fragile sanity everyone is desperate to hold to as everyone whom loved Danny has to accept that her won't be coming home. Finding Charles Hastings, the man that took Danny is only one thread of justice for his family; the person that ended Danny's life is a shocking twist that the kidnapper relishes in using to hopefully drive Jesse Carlton to come forward about the accident that will destroy everything of the truth is revealed.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
April 10, 2022
Jessie is ten year Danny’s godfather. When Danny disappears after being kidnapped by a sociopath, Jessie is searching for him day and night. Jessie is driving on icy roads and has an accident with his car which leaves him with a blackout of how the accident happened. Jessie is being harassed and he is being setup as Danny’s murderer. This mystery keeps the reader involved and curious how this story will play out. It becomes intense at the end.
April 8, 2020
When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
Wow, I had to go back and re-read a section to make it all make sense in my head -- and it WAS there, she did notice something important but I didn't pay enough attention and missed it. Read this one carefullllllly!!!! Really good book!!!
I'll be looking for more of this author's work!
September 22, 2021
Really Good
I enjoyed this book almost as much as I enjoyed The Perfect Ending. The tragedy of a young boy gone missing, a serial pedophile and guilt felt by all the boy’s loved ones makes for a hard to put down, sad, story.
I enjoyed this book almost as much as I enjoyed The Perfect Ending. The tragedy of a young boy gone missing, a serial pedophile and guilt felt by all the boy’s loved ones makes for a hard to put down, sad, story.
January 13, 2022
Indescribable!!
I began reading this novel for a few minutes before I went to bed.
It's 3 hours later and I have just finished the book.
I couldn't put it down and I enjoyed it immensely.
I began reading this novel for a few minutes before I went to bed.
It's 3 hours later and I have just finished the book.
I couldn't put it down and I enjoyed it immensely.
July 8, 2019
Great book. Ending was a complete surprise!
February 4, 2022
Great Read
Wow. This book kept you on the edge of your seat. Wanted it to end differently though. Very good book.
Wow. This book kept you on the edge of your seat. Wanted it to end differently though. Very good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews