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Daniel Rinaldi #6
Panic Attack
A shooter takes deadly aim, and throws a city into panic
Psychologist Daniel Rinaldi is no stranger to trauma. A survivor of not one, but two attempts on his life by a deranged killer, the therapist also counsels trauma patients in his private practice, and contracts with the Pittsburgh Police to help victims of violent crime cope with their experience. When a sports mascot is gunned down mid-field by a sniper at a college football game he attends, Rinaldi becomes an accidental yet integral part of the investigation. To begin with, the victim in the costume is not the person who was supposed to be wearing it.
When the actual Teasdale Tiger hears the news, he suffers a crippling panic attack and calls on Rinaldi to talk him through it. From there, Rinaldi seems to be in all the wrong places at all the wrong times, as the sniper continues his killing spree. Meeting with resistance from members of the Pittsburgh Police force and taking dangerous risks in pursuit of the killer, Rinaldi puts his career and his life in harm's way as he races to find a connection between the victims before the shooter strikes again.
Psychologist Daniel Rinaldi is no stranger to trauma. A survivor of not one, but two attempts on his life by a deranged killer, the therapist also counsels trauma patients in his private practice, and contracts with the Pittsburgh Police to help victims of violent crime cope with their experience. When a sports mascot is gunned down mid-field by a sniper at a college football game he attends, Rinaldi becomes an accidental yet integral part of the investigation. To begin with, the victim in the costume is not the person who was supposed to be wearing it.
When the actual Teasdale Tiger hears the news, he suffers a crippling panic attack and calls on Rinaldi to talk him through it. From there, Rinaldi seems to be in all the wrong places at all the wrong times, as the sniper continues his killing spree. Meeting with resistance from members of the Pittsburgh Police force and taking dangerous risks in pursuit of the killer, Rinaldi puts his career and his life in harm's way as he races to find a connection between the victims before the shooter strikes again.
- GenresMystery
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2021
9 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Palumbo
33 books40 followersFormerly a Hollywood screenwriter (My Favorite Year, Welcome Back, Kotter, etc.), Dennis Palumbo is now a licensed psychotherapist and author
His mystery fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, The Strand, and elsewhere, and is collected in From Crime to Crime.
His acclaimed series of crime novels (Mirror Image, Fever Dream, Night Terrors, Phantom Limb, and Head Wounds) feature psychologist Daniel Rinaldi, a trauma expert who consults with the Pittsburgh Police. All are from Poisoned Pen Press. For more info, visit www.dennispalumbo.com.
His mystery fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, The Strand, and elsewhere, and is collected in From Crime to Crime.
His acclaimed series of crime novels (Mirror Image, Fever Dream, Night Terrors, Phantom Limb, and Head Wounds) feature psychologist Daniel Rinaldi, a trauma expert who consults with the Pittsburgh Police. All are from Poisoned Pen Press. For more info, visit www.dennispalumbo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 24, 2021
Panic Attack by Dennis Palumbo is the sixth entry in the Daniel Rinaldi series. I found the frequent references to the previous novels in the series to be unnecessary as they did not enhance this story. The Pittsburgh mystery opens with the shooting death of a team mascot on the playing field in front of many in attendance. Daniel Rinaldi, a psychologist specializing in the treatment of trauma, is in the audience. Because he is also a consultant for the Pittsburgh police department, he becomes involved in the case, which soon escalates. Before long, he turns up at other crime scenes, making him unpopular with the police. The action moves at an adequate pace. The characters are diverse but sometimes one-dimensional: the FBI, the police, the victims, the families of the victims, the criminals and, of course, the psychologist, who shows up in odd places. I enjoyed Panic Attack because the story touches on subjects that are very pertinent and relevant in today’s world. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2021
“Panic Attack” is book six in the “Daniel Rinaldi” Series, but new readers will be able to easily follow along. There are references to past books both professional and personal, but any information critical to current events is included as part of the narrative. Dr. Daniel Rinaldi is a clinical psychologist; he keeps secrets for a living. He has a contract with the Pittsburgh Police Department to provide necessary services to traumatized crime victims, but as a “civilian,” procedural protocols and strict rules of evidence gathering do not apply to him. He also drives a fully restored green ’65 Mustang.
The story is told in Rinaldi’s detailed and comprehensive first-person narrative. He documents his day, almost minute by minute: his patients, his calls, his food and drink, the intense, the casual, and the ordinary. It is a daily diary of what people say, what he says, and what he thinks about everything that is going on. Sometimes the tone is casual and friendly, but at other times, in some situations, it is clinical and specialized.
Events evolve quickly into something much more complex than first indicated. Fear and paranoia develop in the small western Pennsylvania town; in essence, the community is having a panic attack. Old secrets do not stay secret, and Rinaldi begins to wonder if he is fated to be followed by sudden, violent death for the rest of his days. He shares this ever-increasingly complex case with Pittsburgh Police Sergeant Harry Polk whom he describes as brash, abrupt, and capable with a strong sense of professional duty.
“Panic Attack” is concisely written with a compelling and increasingly complex plot. I received a review copy of “Panic Attack” from Dennis Palumbo, Poisoned Pen Press, and Sourcebooks. It is sensational, well organized, and full of surprises.
The story is told in Rinaldi’s detailed and comprehensive first-person narrative. He documents his day, almost minute by minute: his patients, his calls, his food and drink, the intense, the casual, and the ordinary. It is a daily diary of what people say, what he says, and what he thinks about everything that is going on. Sometimes the tone is casual and friendly, but at other times, in some situations, it is clinical and specialized.
Events evolve quickly into something much more complex than first indicated. Fear and paranoia develop in the small western Pennsylvania town; in essence, the community is having a panic attack. Old secrets do not stay secret, and Rinaldi begins to wonder if he is fated to be followed by sudden, violent death for the rest of his days. He shares this ever-increasingly complex case with Pittsburgh Police Sergeant Harry Polk whom he describes as brash, abrupt, and capable with a strong sense of professional duty.
“Panic Attack” is concisely written with a compelling and increasingly complex plot. I received a review copy of “Panic Attack” from Dennis Palumbo, Poisoned Pen Press, and Sourcebooks. It is sensational, well organized, and full of surprises.
June 18, 2021
3 chapters in and I just had to give up. Ugh.
1) A psychologist is NOT a first responder, I don't care if he does "work with police" on a 9-5 basis. If you're at a football game, on your leisure time, and someone starts shooting, you do not run out onto the field. You do not ask a gawker to "help" you shield the body from the view of other gawkers.
2) Your college dean colleague does not tell all the spectators at that football game to go back up into the stands and take a seat. No. Firstly, there is no way in hell anyone is going to follow those instructions. Are you really telling them that the football game will just be delayed for a few minutes??. In no way is that believable..
3) Mostly, you do not mess with the body of the murder victim. You do not take his shirt off, his mask off, his freaking skull cap off. Revealing his brain and your idiocy. You just don't. Even the cops don't do that. They have to wait for the coroners office. They cant even pry a piece of paper out of a dead victim's hand without a go ahead from the ME.
Do some homework, Mr Palumbo.
1) A psychologist is NOT a first responder, I don't care if he does "work with police" on a 9-5 basis. If you're at a football game, on your leisure time, and someone starts shooting, you do not run out onto the field. You do not ask a gawker to "help" you shield the body from the view of other gawkers.
2) Your college dean colleague does not tell all the spectators at that football game to go back up into the stands and take a seat. No. Firstly, there is no way in hell anyone is going to follow those instructions. Are you really telling them that the football game will just be delayed for a few minutes??. In no way is that believable..
3) Mostly, you do not mess with the body of the murder victim. You do not take his shirt off, his mask off, his freaking skull cap off. Revealing his brain and your idiocy. You just don't. Even the cops don't do that. They have to wait for the coroners office. They cant even pry a piece of paper out of a dead victim's hand without a go ahead from the ME.
Do some homework, Mr Palumbo.
April 20, 2022
Recovering from the events of HEAD WOUNDS, the previous book in the series, Dr. Daniel Rinaldi has stepped back from the spotlight his career as a psychologist has brought upon him.
But having given a commencement address at a small college the day before, his attendance at a football game leaves him at ground zero when the team mascot is killed by a sniper right on the field. Thrust into the case because of his proximity, Rinaldi and the local law enforcement are even more shocked by the event when the victim turns out to be someone other than who was supposed to be in the costume. The man who appears to have been the intended victim is soon found but is in a full-blown meltdown and Rinaldi is called upon to calm him down.
Bad enough, right? But soon other bodies are dropping all over Pittsburgh. And the panic sets in amongst the citizenry. The Feds are brought in but no one in law enforcement can find any connection between the victims.
Rinaldi isn't well liked by the Pittsburgh PD but he has his backers and thus he's kept in the loop on the case. But his status as a witness means he's on the outs for the most part. But when the original intended victim is shot, Rinaldi ends up in a confrontation with the shooter.
Some friends think he has a death wish while others say it is a hero complex. But whatever the reason, Rinaldi is soon under suspension and no one is talking. But as he digs deeper (with the help of a friendly FBI agent he's "dating" and others), a connection between the victims is discovered.
But that connection reveals an even darker agenda and soon Rinaldi is dodging bullets and beatdowns trying to stop a madman with a disturbing plan that could kill far more people than anyone could possibly imagine. In a race against time and a determined killer, Rinaldi has to use every tool at hand to stop a deadly plan and bring those involved to justice.
I loved the HEAD WOUNDS book so I was really looking forward to PANIC ATTACK. And I wasn't disappointed in the least. Author Dennis Palumbo does a great job setting the stage for the plot and then ratcheting up the tension with each passing chapter. With each new reveal, the book gets a bit darker.
Between the main plot and the various subplots, there's not a lot of down time in the book for any of the characters. But that's okay because each story thread fuels the overall chase to bring down those plotting against the very fabric of modern day society. I loved the way Palumbo sets up certain plot points only to throw things in blender at just the perfect time that you won't see coming. And the barely contained disdain that comes through from Rinaldi and those in the PD that hate him actually sparkles in the dialogue, some rare humor that might seem out of place in such a tale but gives the brief respite from the relentless grim pursuit of the killer.
I'm a latecomer to the series but in these last two books, I've become a big fan. This book demonstrates exactly why that is. PANIC ATTACK is a darkly chilling tale that will leave you shocked and enraged while simultaneously being entertained by the utterly engaging story.
But having given a commencement address at a small college the day before, his attendance at a football game leaves him at ground zero when the team mascot is killed by a sniper right on the field. Thrust into the case because of his proximity, Rinaldi and the local law enforcement are even more shocked by the event when the victim turns out to be someone other than who was supposed to be in the costume. The man who appears to have been the intended victim is soon found but is in a full-blown meltdown and Rinaldi is called upon to calm him down.
Bad enough, right? But soon other bodies are dropping all over Pittsburgh. And the panic sets in amongst the citizenry. The Feds are brought in but no one in law enforcement can find any connection between the victims.
Rinaldi isn't well liked by the Pittsburgh PD but he has his backers and thus he's kept in the loop on the case. But his status as a witness means he's on the outs for the most part. But when the original intended victim is shot, Rinaldi ends up in a confrontation with the shooter.
Some friends think he has a death wish while others say it is a hero complex. But whatever the reason, Rinaldi is soon under suspension and no one is talking. But as he digs deeper (with the help of a friendly FBI agent he's "dating" and others), a connection between the victims is discovered.
But that connection reveals an even darker agenda and soon Rinaldi is dodging bullets and beatdowns trying to stop a madman with a disturbing plan that could kill far more people than anyone could possibly imagine. In a race against time and a determined killer, Rinaldi has to use every tool at hand to stop a deadly plan and bring those involved to justice.
I loved the HEAD WOUNDS book so I was really looking forward to PANIC ATTACK. And I wasn't disappointed in the least. Author Dennis Palumbo does a great job setting the stage for the plot and then ratcheting up the tension with each passing chapter. With each new reveal, the book gets a bit darker.
Between the main plot and the various subplots, there's not a lot of down time in the book for any of the characters. But that's okay because each story thread fuels the overall chase to bring down those plotting against the very fabric of modern day society. I loved the way Palumbo sets up certain plot points only to throw things in blender at just the perfect time that you won't see coming. And the barely contained disdain that comes through from Rinaldi and those in the PD that hate him actually sparkles in the dialogue, some rare humor that might seem out of place in such a tale but gives the brief respite from the relentless grim pursuit of the killer.
I'm a latecomer to the series but in these last two books, I've become a big fan. This book demonstrates exactly why that is. PANIC ATTACK is a darkly chilling tale that will leave you shocked and enraged while simultaneously being entertained by the utterly engaging story.
August 18, 2021
The Daniel Rinaldi Thriller series is one I had always wanted to read, so I was excited to get #7, Panic Attack.
Because I hadn't read previous books in the series, there were lots of references to prior cases and people that made no sense to me, so I focused on the current case in this book. I wouldn't recommend as a standalone.
Dr. Daniel Rinaldi is a psychologist and there were descriptive clinical terms, but it wasn't overly complicated. Along with his private practice, he consults with the Pittsburgh Police Department, set in a small farming community called Lockhart.
A sniper is randomly targeting victims. The first shot kills a small private college mascot (detailed vividly). Then more victims, with seemingly no connection to each other. Panic follows.
A multitude of politicians, the DA, police detectives, FBI special agents, a Sheriff, police commissioner and mayor all get involved. Lots of interdepartment & interagency bickering, resentment & politics ensue. The news media is in a frenzy. The citizens are scared to leave their homes. More Panic.
Dr. Rinaldi was a witness, as he attended the college game, and he becomes involved with the investigation to catch the shooter. His tenuous relationship with the police is escalated. He takes liberties that tend to land him in harms way and doesn't follow rules much. Basically he goes rogue. I wondered how realistic his actions as a psychological consultant would be in a real life police case.
I felt his private practice suffered as he cancels three days of his patients appointments (by my count) throughout the week. His priorities were scattered. There were references to his private patient treatment sessions woven inbetween the sniper attacks, but he became obsessed with the sniper case. I'm ready to panic by now.
I enjoyed many of the supporting characters, good development and believable. I especially liked Special Agent Gloria Reese, his sometimes lover, and Sergeant Harry Polk. While there are a few scattered derogatory words, they were used in context.
The latter part of the book was the best, the action really took off as the pieces come together. There were lots of possibilities for who I thought the sniper was, but I could not have predicted the plot, motives or killer the author revealed. Full of surprise, unexpected twists, and a very unique concept. My panic has finally subsided.
Thanks to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and
Dennis Palumbo for the advance digital copy. These opinions and the thoughts expressed are mine alone given voluntarily.
Because I hadn't read previous books in the series, there were lots of references to prior cases and people that made no sense to me, so I focused on the current case in this book. I wouldn't recommend as a standalone.
Dr. Daniel Rinaldi is a psychologist and there were descriptive clinical terms, but it wasn't overly complicated. Along with his private practice, he consults with the Pittsburgh Police Department, set in a small farming community called Lockhart.
A sniper is randomly targeting victims. The first shot kills a small private college mascot (detailed vividly). Then more victims, with seemingly no connection to each other. Panic follows.
A multitude of politicians, the DA, police detectives, FBI special agents, a Sheriff, police commissioner and mayor all get involved. Lots of interdepartment & interagency bickering, resentment & politics ensue. The news media is in a frenzy. The citizens are scared to leave their homes. More Panic.
Dr. Rinaldi was a witness, as he attended the college game, and he becomes involved with the investigation to catch the shooter. His tenuous relationship with the police is escalated. He takes liberties that tend to land him in harms way and doesn't follow rules much. Basically he goes rogue. I wondered how realistic his actions as a psychological consultant would be in a real life police case.
I felt his private practice suffered as he cancels three days of his patients appointments (by my count) throughout the week. His priorities were scattered. There were references to his private patient treatment sessions woven inbetween the sniper attacks, but he became obsessed with the sniper case. I'm ready to panic by now.
I enjoyed many of the supporting characters, good development and believable. I especially liked Special Agent Gloria Reese, his sometimes lover, and Sergeant Harry Polk. While there are a few scattered derogatory words, they were used in context.
The latter part of the book was the best, the action really took off as the pieces come together. There were lots of possibilities for who I thought the sniper was, but I could not have predicted the plot, motives or killer the author revealed. Full of surprise, unexpected twists, and a very unique concept. My panic has finally subsided.
Thanks to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and
Dennis Palumbo for the advance digital copy. These opinions and the thoughts expressed are mine alone given voluntarily.
September 1, 2021
I love thrillers and the better written and circuitously plotted, the faster I consume the story. Suspending disbelief, sometimes I don't even attempt to solve the mystery. I'm just along for the ride and what a ride this book is! I actually tossed aside a literary novel that I've been reading for weeks and finished "Panic Attack" in a couple of days. At 1 o'clock in the morning.
FIRST SENTENCE: "On a bitterly cold afternoon in late October, I was one of twenty thousand witnesses to a murder."
THE STORY: In front of a football stadium filled with students and parents, the college mascot, dancing on the field, is struck down by a sniper. Pandemonium breaks out. While the authorities scramble to calm the public and find the shooter over the next few days, more deaths occur. Although the victims seem randomly chosen, Dr. Rinaldi suspects there is something that links them all together. Can he find the key to stop these dreadful attacks before it's too late?
WHAT I THOUGHT: This is the sixth entry in the Dr. Daniel Rinaldi series and I have read and reviewed them all. Author Dennis Palumbo hooked me by setting the stories in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I lived for many years. His narrator, a psychologist who consults with the Police on difficult cases, is surrounded by interesting characters, who don't always behave normally, Dr. Rinaldi ends up in all kinds of trouble.With great dialogue, well-drawn characters, and sense of place, you won't have any trouble seeing this as a television series or movie.
For an earlier entry in the series I wrote that although there is the requisite violence and sex, Palumbo knows when to back off and let the reader's imagination take over. I'll have to change that to say violence and sex has been ratcheted up a bit. As a matter of fact the body count in "Panic Attack" is pretty high.
Luckily there are five other Dr. Rinaldi titles and, although you can read them as stand alones, reading them in order is much more fun. In order "Mirror Image"; "Fever Dream"; "Night Terrors"; "Phantom Limb"; "Head Wounds"; and "Panic Attack". Find them. Read them.
BOTTOM LINE: A solid entry in the series. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
DISCLAIMER: Thank you to NetGalley / Poison Pen Press for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
FIRST SENTENCE: "On a bitterly cold afternoon in late October, I was one of twenty thousand witnesses to a murder."
THE STORY: In front of a football stadium filled with students and parents, the college mascot, dancing on the field, is struck down by a sniper. Pandemonium breaks out. While the authorities scramble to calm the public and find the shooter over the next few days, more deaths occur. Although the victims seem randomly chosen, Dr. Rinaldi suspects there is something that links them all together. Can he find the key to stop these dreadful attacks before it's too late?
WHAT I THOUGHT: This is the sixth entry in the Dr. Daniel Rinaldi series and I have read and reviewed them all. Author Dennis Palumbo hooked me by setting the stories in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I lived for many years. His narrator, a psychologist who consults with the Police on difficult cases, is surrounded by interesting characters, who don't always behave normally, Dr. Rinaldi ends up in all kinds of trouble.With great dialogue, well-drawn characters, and sense of place, you won't have any trouble seeing this as a television series or movie.
For an earlier entry in the series I wrote that although there is the requisite violence and sex, Palumbo knows when to back off and let the reader's imagination take over. I'll have to change that to say violence and sex has been ratcheted up a bit. As a matter of fact the body count in "Panic Attack" is pretty high.
Luckily there are five other Dr. Rinaldi titles and, although you can read them as stand alones, reading them in order is much more fun. In order "Mirror Image"; "Fever Dream"; "Night Terrors"; "Phantom Limb"; "Head Wounds"; and "Panic Attack". Find them. Read them.
BOTTOM LINE: A solid entry in the series. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
DISCLAIMER: Thank you to NetGalley / Poison Pen Press for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2021
Daniel Rinaldi, a clinical psychologist in Philadelphia, is a master of emotional distancing and coolly assessing heated emotions-especially his own. In Panic Attack, the sixth in the Rinaldi series, he must rely on both his head and his heart–-his expertise and his profound empathy––to deconstruct a series of shocking sniper murders and a horrifying conspiracy. The murderous action is clever, twisty and intense. But besides the ambitious, serious, layered and satisfying plot, the pleasures of the novel include Rinaldi's Pittsburgh, a city often cold and dark but populated by interesting people including a charming schizophrenic bar-owner, a soon-to-be-divorced and grieving police officer numbing his pain and loneliness with alcohol, and Rinaldi's smart, generous and lovely FBI agent-friend-with-benefits—or maybe more than a friend. This is the one thing Rinaldi--a man of quick action and reliable courage--seems afraid to find out. Palumbo’s gift is that besides delivering breathless, high-stakes action, he’s built a world that’s always complex and deeply human.
October 30, 2021
Cliché characters, cliché dialog, cliché confrontations between hero and killer at the end. People behaving irrationally in order to get the story where the author wanted.
The author wants to make a point and it’s a good one but bad guys are really over the top.
Two stars instead of one because I did decide to read the whole thing.
The author wants to make a point and it’s a good one but bad guys are really over the top.
Two stars instead of one because I did decide to read the whole thing.
October 14, 2021
Dennis Palumbo's “Panic Attack” is well organized with many twists and turns. The characters, their relationships, and affiliations from college professors and students, to law enforcement officers and the coroner, are dead on. It is concisely written with a gripping and increasingly intricate plot. I continually wondered who was behind murders, while picking up on only some of the clues, until the grand finally ending that brought it all together. A terrific read.
May 22, 2021
At first, I would like to thank @Netgalley and @poisonedpenpress for allowing me to review this book. Keep in mind that my review, however, is my true opinion on this book.
“Panic attack” is a new thriller by Dennis Palumbo. A psychological thriller, if you will. And Dennis Palumbo is a master of this genre.
The main character, Daniel Rinaldi, is a psychologist, and he has been through a lot of things in life. And a lot of traumatic things in life. With his job as a psychologist, he has been a victim of harassment and violence. And he has nearly been killed several times. But that is not the only attempt of murder, that is displayed in the book. There are more shootings to come, where the victims may not be as lucky as Daniel Rinaldi.
“A shooter takes deadly aim, and throws a city into panic”. This line says it all. Get ready for a panic attack!
The plot is unique and catches your attention, and I love the element of the main character being a psychologist. Daniel Rinaldi is indeed a very interesting character. I really liked him as a character. He has a lot of life experience, and he has a lot of power without realizing it.
Get ready for a panic attack! The characters in the story are not the only ones having a panic attack, when you open up this book - or possibly not a panic attack, but surely huge surprises!
“Panic attack” is a new thriller by Dennis Palumbo. A psychological thriller, if you will. And Dennis Palumbo is a master of this genre.
The main character, Daniel Rinaldi, is a psychologist, and he has been through a lot of things in life. And a lot of traumatic things in life. With his job as a psychologist, he has been a victim of harassment and violence. And he has nearly been killed several times. But that is not the only attempt of murder, that is displayed in the book. There are more shootings to come, where the victims may not be as lucky as Daniel Rinaldi.
“A shooter takes deadly aim, and throws a city into panic”. This line says it all. Get ready for a panic attack!
The plot is unique and catches your attention, and I love the element of the main character being a psychologist. Daniel Rinaldi is indeed a very interesting character. I really liked him as a character. He has a lot of life experience, and he has a lot of power without realizing it.
Get ready for a panic attack! The characters in the story are not the only ones having a panic attack, when you open up this book - or possibly not a panic attack, but surely huge surprises!
July 20, 2021
Another excellent Rinaldi book. Dennis Palumbo does an excellent job portraying this therapist who is a detective too. He writes him with a human heart and soul, something some writers fail to do.
A shooter takes deadly aim, and throws a city into panic
Psychologist Daniel Rinaldi is no stranger to trauma. A survivor of not one, but two attempts on his life by a deranged killer, the therapist also counsels trauma patients in his private practice, and contracts with the Pittsburgh Police to help victims of violent crime cope with their experience. When a sports mascot is gunned down mid-field by a sniper at a college football game he attends, Rinaldi becomes an accidental yet integral part of the investigation. To begin with, the victim in the costume is not the person who was supposed to be wearing it.
When the actual Teasdale Tiger hears the news, he suffers a crippling panic attack and calls on Rinaldi to talk him through it. From there, Rinaldi seems to be in all the wrong places at all the wrong times, as the sniper continues his killing spree. Meeting with resistance from members of the Pittsburgh Police force and taking dangerous risks in pursuit of the killer, Rinaldi puts his career and his life in harm's way as he races to find a connection between the victims before the shooter strikes again
A shooter takes deadly aim, and throws a city into panic
Psychologist Daniel Rinaldi is no stranger to trauma. A survivor of not one, but two attempts on his life by a deranged killer, the therapist also counsels trauma patients in his private practice, and contracts with the Pittsburgh Police to help victims of violent crime cope with their experience. When a sports mascot is gunned down mid-field by a sniper at a college football game he attends, Rinaldi becomes an accidental yet integral part of the investigation. To begin with, the victim in the costume is not the person who was supposed to be wearing it.
When the actual Teasdale Tiger hears the news, he suffers a crippling panic attack and calls on Rinaldi to talk him through it. From there, Rinaldi seems to be in all the wrong places at all the wrong times, as the sniper continues his killing spree. Meeting with resistance from members of the Pittsburgh Police force and taking dangerous risks in pursuit of the killer, Rinaldi puts his career and his life in harm's way as he races to find a connection between the victims before the shooter strikes again
October 6, 2021
Dennis Palumbo has done it again. “Panic Attack,” his latest release, is everything I want in a thriller. Great plot. Well-developed characters. Non-stop action. Dr. Daniel Rinaldi is everything I want in a protagonist. He’s smart. He’s intuitive. He’s human. The sixth book in the Daniel Rinaldi series, “Panic Attack” is unputdownable and will keep the reader guessing until the very end. A great read by anyone’s definition. Looking forward to book seven!
June 5, 2021
Psychologist, Dr Rinaldi is now in the middle of a sniper attack at a local college football game. But the victim is not who the think it is.
From there the sniper continues his/her rampage taking out people with no apparent relationship or ties to each other.
There are many twists and underlying themes you won't want to miss.
This will take you to the end with no idea who the sniper is and then you'll be shocked.
From there the sniper continues his/her rampage taking out people with no apparent relationship or ties to each other.
There are many twists and underlying themes you won't want to miss.
This will take you to the end with no idea who the sniper is and then you'll be shocked.
August 28, 2021
Panic Attack stars psychologist Daniel Rinaldi solving a series of sniper shootings. I enjoyed his insights into both the killer and the victims, and the plot was twisty. I didn't see the end coming. The author is a therapist in real life, which is no doubt one reason why the character felt authentic. This is the second book in the series that I've read, and I enjoyed them both.
February 13, 2022
Six books in and Mr. Palumbo is still making easily correctable errors about the city/area he has chosen for the setting of his series :(
At this point, I just find it insulting. Granted, I only started this series AFTER this 2021 book was published, but I have to say I'm simply shocked that Palumbo would not have an appropriate person proofread his manuscript for obvious errors before publication. As one born in Pittsburgh, endured the Pittsburgh Public School System from K-12, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and even worked as a state trooper ON the PA Turnpike in Western PA for several years (Mr. Palumbo, almost nobody would refer to heading East on 76 like you mention in this book... they'd almost all mention heading East on the PA Turnpike (which is 76 until New Stanton and then becomes 70/76), some of the things Mr. Palumbo writes are like nails being dragged across a chalkboard...
Furthermore, the PA State Police are solely responsible for police duties on the PA Turnpike, NO PART OF WHICH is located in the city of Pittsburgh, so there's no way Pittsburgh PD would have jurisdiction on any part of that roadway. Besides, if anything did happen on the PA Turnpike there is ZERO chance that the PA State Police would not handle an investigation for a crime that occurred there. Of course, the FBI could play a part.... but Pittsburgh? No way, no how.
I'm not even going to bother pointing out other errors, although I can't imagine WHY Palumbo decided to go back to mentioning using the Ft Pitt Bridge to travel to/from downtown and Mt Washington when he actually finally made the correction in Book 4 and referred to the Liberty Bridge instead! Baffling.
Well, I have offered my services free of charge for any future book, and I did receive a response, so if Book 7 comes and has the same kinds of errors, I have to assume they are intentional for some reason I cannot comprehend.
I generally don't care about things like this, as they don't really affect the overall story being told. However, people from Pittsburgh don't have a lot of options when it comes to entertainment franchises that are based there, so when someone decides to create one, I think we'd like the person to get things generally correct, ESPECIALLY on their 6th attempt!
At this point, I just find it insulting. Granted, I only started this series AFTER this 2021 book was published, but I have to say I'm simply shocked that Palumbo would not have an appropriate person proofread his manuscript for obvious errors before publication. As one born in Pittsburgh, endured the Pittsburgh Public School System from K-12, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and even worked as a state trooper ON the PA Turnpike in Western PA for several years (Mr. Palumbo, almost nobody would refer to heading East on 76 like you mention in this book... they'd almost all mention heading East on the PA Turnpike (which is 76 until New Stanton and then becomes 70/76), some of the things Mr. Palumbo writes are like nails being dragged across a chalkboard...
Furthermore, the PA State Police are solely responsible for police duties on the PA Turnpike, NO PART OF WHICH is located in the city of Pittsburgh, so there's no way Pittsburgh PD would have jurisdiction on any part of that roadway. Besides, if anything did happen on the PA Turnpike there is ZERO chance that the PA State Police would not handle an investigation for a crime that occurred there. Of course, the FBI could play a part.... but Pittsburgh? No way, no how.
I'm not even going to bother pointing out other errors, although I can't imagine WHY Palumbo decided to go back to mentioning using the Ft Pitt Bridge to travel to/from downtown and Mt Washington when he actually finally made the correction in Book 4 and referred to the Liberty Bridge instead! Baffling.
Well, I have offered my services free of charge for any future book, and I did receive a response, so if Book 7 comes and has the same kinds of errors, I have to assume they are intentional for some reason I cannot comprehend.
I generally don't care about things like this, as they don't really affect the overall story being told. However, people from Pittsburgh don't have a lot of options when it comes to entertainment franchises that are based there, so when someone decides to create one, I think we'd like the person to get things generally correct, ESPECIALLY on their 6th attempt!
November 14, 2022
“Panic Attack” by Dennis Palumbo is book six in the “Daniel Rinaldi” Series. Dr. Daniel Rinaldi is a clinical psychologist and has a contract with the Pittsburgh Police Department to provide necessary services to traumatized crime victims. He works with the police to assist in solving psychological puzzles involving suspects and people on the fringe of homicides. His training equips him to interview both victims and suspects; having a close friend in the local FBI office also helps.
The story is told in Rinaldi’s detailed and comprehensive first-person narrative. We get an intimate look into his daily life; the frustrations, at times the excessive drinking, and his approach to putting the pieces together. A public assassination in a small town creates collective panic as additional victims are identified signifying a serial killer culminating in a surprise ending.
The plot is complex and several characters float in and out of the story. The writing is crisp and the story unfolds in a logical manner. I recommend this book with 4 stars.
The story is told in Rinaldi’s detailed and comprehensive first-person narrative. We get an intimate look into his daily life; the frustrations, at times the excessive drinking, and his approach to putting the pieces together. A public assassination in a small town creates collective panic as additional victims are identified signifying a serial killer culminating in a surprise ending.
The plot is complex and several characters float in and out of the story. The writing is crisp and the story unfolds in a logical manner. I recommend this book with 4 stars.
March 17, 2025
11/04/25
I love thrillers—they're my go-to genre. I randomly picked this up from the library, and now, 19 chapters in, I’d say it’s somewhere between okayish and good.
One thing I did love? The surprise death in Chapter 19. That caught me off guard in the best way. But on the flip side, the book has moments where basic ethics are completely ignored. Like, don’t touch the dead body—how hard is that to understand?! And Daniel… he's a civilian. Why is he shoving his nose into everything?
Then there’s Harry. Oh my god, Harry. He is such an ass. I have to give credit to Palumbo for writing such a frustratingly realistic character, but wow, he gets on my nerves so much.
Also, the constant accent-based spelling? It’s driving me up the wall 😭. Maybe it's just not my style, but it makes reading feel like a chore at times.
Overall, I'm intrigued enough to keep going, but I’m not sure if this one will make my favorites list.
12/03
"As my old aunt Ethel used to say,'Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke." chapter 22 HAHAH
14/03/2025 Omg done. I lost track of time reading the last 150 pages and ended up with 10 text messeges from my man. So yeah, the truth coming forward at the end made it reading all worth it.
I love thrillers—they're my go-to genre. I randomly picked this up from the library, and now, 19 chapters in, I’d say it’s somewhere between okayish and good.
One thing I did love? The surprise death in Chapter 19. That caught me off guard in the best way. But on the flip side, the book has moments where basic ethics are completely ignored. Like, don’t touch the dead body—how hard is that to understand?! And Daniel… he's a civilian. Why is he shoving his nose into everything?
Then there’s Harry. Oh my god, Harry. He is such an ass. I have to give credit to Palumbo for writing such a frustratingly realistic character, but wow, he gets on my nerves so much.
Also, the constant accent-based spelling? It’s driving me up the wall 😭. Maybe it's just not my style, but it makes reading feel like a chore at times.
Overall, I'm intrigued enough to keep going, but I’m not sure if this one will make my favorites list.
12/03
"As my old aunt Ethel used to say,'Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke." chapter 22 HAHAH
14/03/2025 Omg done. I lost track of time reading the last 150 pages and ended up with 10 text messeges from my man. So yeah, the truth coming forward at the end made it reading all worth it.
January 1, 2022
Supposed to be a “stand-alone” plot. It’s not.
I gather that ‘Panic Attack’ is the sixth in the Dr Rinaldi series. It is a stand-alone plot, but there were references from previous books, which were confusing if you haven’t read them.
The opening chapter grabbed my attention, leading to a shooting at an American football game. All the hype was suddenly shattered and panic set in. Who was the sniper and what was the motive?
After this episode there followed even more shootings. Dr Rinaldi, a psychologist involved himself in the investigations, and consulted with the Police, sometimes when he was not required.
I tried to persevere with the plot, but sadly I lost interest. It just didn’t hold my attention. I’m sure that many readers will enjoy ‘Panic Attack,’ but it didn’t work for me.
Galadriel.
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.
I gather that ‘Panic Attack’ is the sixth in the Dr Rinaldi series. It is a stand-alone plot, but there were references from previous books, which were confusing if you haven’t read them.
The opening chapter grabbed my attention, leading to a shooting at an American football game. All the hype was suddenly shattered and panic set in. Who was the sniper and what was the motive?
After this episode there followed even more shootings. Dr Rinaldi, a psychologist involved himself in the investigations, and consulted with the Police, sometimes when he was not required.
I tried to persevere with the plot, but sadly I lost interest. It just didn’t hold my attention. I’m sure that many readers will enjoy ‘Panic Attack,’ but it didn’t work for me.
Galadriel.
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.
December 4, 2025
At a recent mystery writers’ event, the speaker was Hollywood screenwriter-turned-psychologist, Dennis Palumbo. Notable for co-writing the Oscar nominated comedy “My Favorite Year,” and the iconic 1970s TV series, “Welcome Back, Kotter,” I was intrigued by Palumbo having come full circle to writing as thriller novelist. And I was not disappointed.
The title “Panic Attack” hooked me, the jarring first sentence set the tone, and the ensuing nail-biter had me reeling to the end. The story structure is elegant, and the psychological perspective, especially Palumbo’s first-hand detailed knowledge, adds authenticity to the mystery novel.
The series protagonist, Daniel Rinaldi, is not your average psychologist. Years working as a consultant to law enforcement has shaped his career, and his character, well beyond his fellow shrinks. Being the son of a cop, and former Golden Glove boxer, coupled with his own expertise in reading people, gives him a distinct advantage. He also instinctively surrounds himself with colleagues of the highest integrity, all of which helps him excel at solving crimes.
Not to add any spoilers, suffice it to say that the crimes in this sixth novel of the Daniel Rinaldi series, are of the most terrifying kind. It’s a fascinating character study that should be a favorite for fans of the thriller genre. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
The title “Panic Attack” hooked me, the jarring first sentence set the tone, and the ensuing nail-biter had me reeling to the end. The story structure is elegant, and the psychological perspective, especially Palumbo’s first-hand detailed knowledge, adds authenticity to the mystery novel.
The series protagonist, Daniel Rinaldi, is not your average psychologist. Years working as a consultant to law enforcement has shaped his career, and his character, well beyond his fellow shrinks. Being the son of a cop, and former Golden Glove boxer, coupled with his own expertise in reading people, gives him a distinct advantage. He also instinctively surrounds himself with colleagues of the highest integrity, all of which helps him excel at solving crimes.
Not to add any spoilers, suffice it to say that the crimes in this sixth novel of the Daniel Rinaldi series, are of the most terrifying kind. It’s a fascinating character study that should be a favorite for fans of the thriller genre. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
November 8, 2024
This was my first Daniel Rinaldi thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was not hooked from the first chapter or two, but eventually I read more as I needed to know what was going to happen! I did think that parts of the book were a bit predictable (hence the 4 stars). However, I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. I was a bit skeptical at first as I am not very interested in sports or reading about them, but to my surprise sports was not a large part of the storyline. Another example of: you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Anyway, I would be interested in reading some more Rinaldi thrillers in the future and I believe this was a good one to start with!
October 14, 2023
7/10. This book was fine. My friend Sam is FINE
January 27, 2024
I did read this book in a single day, because I couldn’t put it down. The amount of twist and turns in this book is impeccable and never in a million years can you expect what’s next.
September 23, 2021
I don't know who will play Daniel Rinaldi in the film, but I wish it were me! This series of books deserve a cinematic life - Heck, Pennsylvania is putting up some tremendous financial incentives to get film/TV shot in the state. This show is a perfect way to leverage Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. Dennis Palumbo's talent for painting pictures with words, will translate easily to the screen. His plots are compelling, characters interesting, and obvious love of his hometown endearing. Come on Hollywood. Get it done!
February 4, 2022
Another great Rinaldi read
Dennis Palumbo continues his “Daniel Rinaldi” series with another great read, this time with a white supremacy theme. Rinaldi manages to get himself in and out of dangerous spots in his attempt to seek out the truth and help Pittsburgh PD solve crimes…and at the same time, delving into criminal minds so the reader can figure out the “why” of the crime. Reading about Rinaldi’s is like visiting an old friend.
Dennis Palumbo continues his “Daniel Rinaldi” series with another great read, this time with a white supremacy theme. Rinaldi manages to get himself in and out of dangerous spots in his attempt to seek out the truth and help Pittsburgh PD solve crimes…and at the same time, delving into criminal minds so the reader can figure out the “why” of the crime. Reading about Rinaldi’s is like visiting an old friend.
October 26, 2021
Wow
Another reviewer said that this would make a great movie, and I have to agree. This is a great read with a fast paced interesting plot and well developed characters. Palumbo always delivers reading satisfaction and this latest book carries on the tradition. Thanks for the reading pleasure Dennis.
Another reviewer said that this would make a great movie, and I have to agree. This is a great read with a fast paced interesting plot and well developed characters. Palumbo always delivers reading satisfaction and this latest book carries on the tradition. Thanks for the reading pleasure Dennis.
January 10, 2022
Entertaining, Lots of Suspense, Pittsburgh
For anyone who has lived in Pittsburgh, the beautifully described settings will bring nostalgia. The protagonist Rinaldi grows on you. Panic Attack is a very well crafted who-dunnit, and much more. I couldn’t put it down. Great job Palumbo, best yet in the series. More please!
For anyone who has lived in Pittsburgh, the beautifully described settings will bring nostalgia. The protagonist Rinaldi grows on you. Panic Attack is a very well crafted who-dunnit, and much more. I couldn’t put it down. Great job Palumbo, best yet in the series. More please!
September 3, 2021
Just finished it! Loved the unexpected twists and turns! Found it disturbing and thought provoking though. Hoping that the premise is not as wide spread as it seemingly is. Very timely subject!
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