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Shared Madness
Zack Tripler, a psychiatrist, admits to the hospital Youssef al Saud, an agitated young Saudi American, in the midst of what appears to be a psychotic break. Youssef has been hearing voices and was found hiding with his laptop in the woods from unidentified assailants whom he believes are trying to kill him. He’s found coded messages on the laptop that he suspects portend a terrorist plot.When Youssef is found dead, either by suicide or murder, Zack develops symptoms similar to Youssef’s, hearing voices and catching glimpses of his dead patient, whom he believes is trying to kill him, then witnesses the murder of another of his patients. He becomes entangled with Youssef’s widow Jamilah in her efforts to solve the mystery of her husband’s death and the coded message on his computer, but nothing in Zack’s world is as it appears as he swings between concern for her safety and suspicion that she is responsible for Youssef’s death and part of the terrorist plot that he suspected.Zack narrates his own story, his descent into madness, and the terror he endures as he struggles to hang onto the last remnants of his sanity.
175 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2020
81 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Rick Moskovitz
10 books16 followersRick Moskovitz is a Harvard educated psychiatrist who taught psychotherapy and spent nearly four decades listening to his patients tell their stories. After leaving practice, he in turn became a storyteller, writing science fiction that explores the psychological consequences of living in a world of expanding possibilities.
His Brink of Life Trilogy begins with the quest for immortality in the mid-21st century and concludes with a search for the origin of human life. In Shared Madness, he returned to his roots as a psychiatrist to write a first person tale of a psychiatrist who, while treating a psychotic patient, descends into madness and finds himself at the nexus of a deadly mystery.
Carousel Music explores his fascination with the subjective and malleable nature of memory and how our memories create the narrative of our identities.
His Brink of Life Trilogy begins with the quest for immortality in the mid-21st century and concludes with a search for the origin of human life. In Shared Madness, he returned to his roots as a psychiatrist to write a first person tale of a psychiatrist who, while treating a psychotic patient, descends into madness and finds himself at the nexus of a deadly mystery.
Carousel Music explores his fascination with the subjective and malleable nature of memory and how our memories create the narrative of our identities.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 5, 2020
“Nothing is as it appears.” This sentence two-thirds of the way through Rick Moskovitz’s new book Shared Madness pretty much says it all.
A Boston psychiatrist admits a new patient to the hospital. The patient has been brought in from the woods where he had been hiding for several days with his laptop. He is terrified, clutching the laptop tightly to his chest and is hallucinating, delusional, and convinced his life is in danger. Thus, begins the book Shared Madness. As the story develops the psychiatrist also begins to hallucinate and is delusional, much like his patient. Eventually MI6 and Mossad are involved. But nothing is as it appears. Characters are interesting and the plot is filled with twists and turns. I figured out what was going on several times only to learn that I was wrong. Nothing was as it appeared.
Although I am a psychiatrist and this book was particularly interesting to me, I know Shared Madness would be enjoyed by all readers. This is Rick Moskovitz’s best book yet!
A Boston psychiatrist admits a new patient to the hospital. The patient has been brought in from the woods where he had been hiding for several days with his laptop. He is terrified, clutching the laptop tightly to his chest and is hallucinating, delusional, and convinced his life is in danger. Thus, begins the book Shared Madness. As the story develops the psychiatrist also begins to hallucinate and is delusional, much like his patient. Eventually MI6 and Mossad are involved. But nothing is as it appears. Characters are interesting and the plot is filled with twists and turns. I figured out what was going on several times only to learn that I was wrong. Nothing was as it appeared.
Although I am a psychiatrist and this book was particularly interesting to me, I know Shared Madness would be enjoyed by all readers. This is Rick Moskovitz’s best book yet!
September 17, 2020
Loved it
Rick Moskovitz delivers a jewel of an adventure without the "clutter" of a lot of sex and dirty language. It's so refreshing to be able to read from an author who is literate enough to tell a gripping story without having to revert to garbage just to up his word count!
Rick Moskovitz delivers a jewel of an adventure without the "clutter" of a lot of sex and dirty language. It's so refreshing to be able to read from an author who is literate enough to tell a gripping story without having to revert to garbage just to up his word count!
November 28, 2020
After reading the blurb, I was left on the fence about whether or not I'd like this story, if it actually sounded interesting to me. I wanted something different so I asked for a code.
I liked it. I love psychology and anything surrounding that field so this was an interesting listen-to. Hearing how an author comes up with their book idea is a bonus.
The narrator did a great job! I'd listen to him again.
Questions/Comments:
Upon waking up, Zack hears voices and thinks they're coming from his cell phone. So he turns it off. He goes into the kitchen, then back to bed. There was no mention of him turning it back on. Yet his alarm on his phone goes off the next morning.
A while after getting out of the hospital, Zack is thinking back to what took place at the carnival place. He remembers hallucinating in the hospital and the doctor telling him it was probably related to his concussion or other. Yet, I don't remember him ever bringing up the hallucinations while in the hospital.
The whole infatuation Zack had for Joe's wife was questionable, in my opinion. I honestly couldn't figure out why Zack seemed obsessed with her.
I received a free audiobook code in exchange for an honest review.
I liked it. I love psychology and anything surrounding that field so this was an interesting listen-to. Hearing how an author comes up with their book idea is a bonus.
The narrator did a great job! I'd listen to him again.
Questions/Comments:
Upon waking up, Zack hears voices and thinks they're coming from his cell phone. So he turns it off. He goes into the kitchen, then back to bed. There was no mention of him turning it back on. Yet his alarm on his phone goes off the next morning.
A while after getting out of the hospital, Zack is thinking back to what took place at the carnival place. He remembers hallucinating in the hospital and the doctor telling him it was probably related to his concussion or other. Yet, I don't remember him ever bringing up the hallucinations while in the hospital.
The whole infatuation Zack had for Joe's wife was questionable, in my opinion. I honestly couldn't figure out why Zack seemed obsessed with her.
I received a free audiobook code in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2020
Quite compelling
I don't usually choose books with so few ratings, but the story sounded so intriguing, so I got it. I read it in a couple of hours this afternoon.
Zach is a psychiatrist. A patient comes into to the hospital with a psychotic episode. That starts the ball rolling. Terrorist activities and spies...
I don't usually choose books with so few ratings, but the story sounded so intriguing, so I got it. I read it in a couple of hours this afternoon.
Zach is a psychiatrist. A patient comes into to the hospital with a psychotic episode. That starts the ball rolling. Terrorist activities and spies...
July 6, 2020
This past weekend I immersed myself in Shared Madness and the unfolding story of Zack, Youssef and Jamilah. As I floated in my pool, then transferred to the couch I couldn’t put down my kindle! I was held captive following the story and trying, unsuccessfully, to predict the outcome. With several of my friends as psychotherapists, I found the ethical dilemma so relevant and realistic. I have always admired their work and now look at it through a whole different lens.
June 18, 2020
I loved reading this interesting novel from the perspective of a psychiatrist. The reader is kept guessing, following Zack through the many twists and turns. It was a quick read filled with suspense! I highly recommend it.
June 10, 2020
Shared Madness
Great read, completely enjoyed the suspense and action. The subject matter was very different than the typical read. Highly recommend it.
Great read, completely enjoyed the suspense and action. The subject matter was very different than the typical read. Highly recommend it.
February 6, 2025
In 'Shared Madness,' listeners are immersed in the gripping tale of Zack Tripler, a Boston psychiatrist, who admits a new patient to the hospital. The patient, Youssef al Saud, was brought in from the woods, where he had been hiding for several days with his laptop. Terrified, the man clutches the laptop tightly to his chest and is hallucinating, delusional, and convinced his life is in danger. Thus begins this psychological thriller.
Zack's mental state begins to unravel as he navigates the complexities of his patient’s psychotic episode. Zack’s character is superbly developed, as are the surrounding patients he treats. To treat his patients, Zach gradually finds himself facing his hallucinations and delusions, creating a riveting narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns. The realistic dialogue and interactions between characters are perfectly balanced.
The talented voice of Joe Smith enhances the experience remarkably. Smith’s impressive ability to bring each character to life through distinct voices and accents makes the story even more immersive. His nuanced performance captures the emotional depth of the characters and maintains a captivating pace that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. With phenomenal sound quality and engaging narration, 'Shared Madness' transforms into an unforgettable auditory adventure that beautifully complements its thrilling storyline.
The story masterfully intertwines paranoia, suspense, and psychological intrigue, drawing listeners into a world where nothing is quite what it seems. Overall, both the story and the narration combine to create a compelling psychological thriller you won't want to miss.
Zack's mental state begins to unravel as he navigates the complexities of his patient’s psychotic episode. Zack’s character is superbly developed, as are the surrounding patients he treats. To treat his patients, Zach gradually finds himself facing his hallucinations and delusions, creating a riveting narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns. The realistic dialogue and interactions between characters are perfectly balanced.
The talented voice of Joe Smith enhances the experience remarkably. Smith’s impressive ability to bring each character to life through distinct voices and accents makes the story even more immersive. His nuanced performance captures the emotional depth of the characters and maintains a captivating pace that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. With phenomenal sound quality and engaging narration, 'Shared Madness' transforms into an unforgettable auditory adventure that beautifully complements its thrilling storyline.
The story masterfully intertwines paranoia, suspense, and psychological intrigue, drawing listeners into a world where nothing is quite what it seems. Overall, both the story and the narration combine to create a compelling psychological thriller you won't want to miss.
November 20, 2024
I LOVED this book! It was entertaining, fast paced, and I was hooked from page 1. It shed wonderful light on the complex human psyche and the dilemmas that many of us encounter on a regular basis. The author did a fantastic job developing strong and deep characters - which is one of my favorite parts of any book. I encouraged my book club to read it and it was very well received. There was/is something for everyone in it and there was some very thoughtful discussion about the book...and just what it is like to be human. Great read!!
September 14, 2020
Interesting
This book is a riveting story of conspiracy, madness and the overcoming of terrorism. Though complex, it has a quality of realism.
This book is a riveting story of conspiracy, madness and the overcoming of terrorism. Though complex, it has a quality of realism.
June 23, 2021
Rick Moskovitz held me rapt from the beginning of this story. Shared Madness was a gripping, superbly crafted psychological thriller that kept me guessing until the end.
(Disclaimer: I reviewed the audiobook version of this work. I received a free audiobook copy of this work for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased. To read my full review, please visit this link: https://www.kaylacreviews.com/2021/04...)
(Disclaimer: I reviewed the audiobook version of this work. I received a free audiobook copy of this work for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased. To read my full review, please visit this link: https://www.kaylacreviews.com/2021/04...)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews