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A suspenseful story driven by emotion, angst, and the ultimate revenge, Altered brings readers down a twisted path of uncertainty and mind games, leaving them questioning what could possibly come next.
When Frank Devlin walks into Justin Wright's office, the renowned New York City clinical psychiatrist makes the decision to take on one of the most challenging cases of his career. Justin is determined to help Frank, a young man with multiple personalities (“alters”), live a happier, more fulfilling life. Little does he know that Frank and his alters are secretly weaving themselves into Justin’s life in ways that will affect the Wright family forever.
When Frank Devlin walks into Justin Wright's office, the renowned New York City clinical psychiatrist makes the decision to take on one of the most challenging cases of his career. Justin is determined to help Frank, a young man with multiple personalities (“alters”), live a happier, more fulfilling life. Little does he know that Frank and his alters are secretly weaving themselves into Justin’s life in ways that will affect the Wright family forever.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2022
About the author
Rob Kaufman
18 books409 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 166 reviews
April 27, 2023
Another 5 Stars!
What do you know about people with multiple personalities? You will read firsthand about this and more. This book is shocking, surprising and you probably won’t guess the ending. My second book in a row by this author and I will be starting another one by him tomorrow. It’s 5:am - I had to finish this. It’s that good!
What do you know about people with multiple personalities? You will read firsthand about this and more. This book is shocking, surprising and you probably won’t guess the ending. My second book in a row by this author and I will be starting another one by him tomorrow. It’s 5:am - I had to finish this. It’s that good!
November 7, 2022
I was drawn to this book by the title and the great cover. Not because I'm 'fascinated' by stories about people with multiple personalities. Maybe because I read non-fiction books about this condition, maybe because I met some people with this condition. And although the author described how Frank, the first alter that seeks the help of psychiatrist Justin Wright, really suffers from it, it was a tad too much for me how he described the other alters and what happened with them and Justins family. I would have liked it all a bit more drawn out, with more background and not so much coincidences. The writing was fine, though, so I finished this short book in a day and I'm actually curious about the next book because there is a good cliffhanger. Maybe I will like that one better.
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.
January 29, 2023
“Altered” is intelligently written and suspenseful from the beginning to the unexpected last sentence, I LOVED IT!!!
I am always looking for new authors to read and I have just found one in, Rob Kaufman.
It was even better the second time:)
I am always looking for new authors to read and I have just found one in, Rob Kaufman.
It was even better the second time:)
January 11, 2023
Four ‘for the price’ of one.
I like the cool cover for Altered by Rob Kaufman, and when I read the blurb, I had to have it. I mean, a guy with four personalities, or alters, who, when threatened will defend themselves…or at least one of them will step up.
Justin Wright, a clinical psychiatrist, has no clue how Frank Devlin, a man with multiple identities, alters, will change his life. Frank had a dad who didn’t care about him and was now dead, a drunken mother who gave him to his uncle…for a few months…who, when he entered his room, Frank would go to his safe place. I figured he had to have an awful childhood if he has multiple identities. He has to have some way to escape the horror. The only good thing was a window, where he could look out on the street and watch the kids and dogs play.
As Justin and Mary share their mystery, her words bring tears to my eyes, a very well written scene. The guilt people carry for the death of a loved one is not always rational, unless they pointed a gun at the person and killed them.
A mystery solved. Love and loss shared. Happiness and anguish shared.
I love psychological thrillers, delving into a damaged mind. Whenever I deal with a mystery, a thriller, I am many times more in love with the villain than the victim. I don’t care so much about how they did what they did, but I want to dig into the whys of their actions. All too often that is never known, so let’s see how Rob Kaufman deals with Frank Devlin’s actions…and the other three identities. I will be sticking around for Book II.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Altered by Rob Kaufman.
I like the cool cover for Altered by Rob Kaufman, and when I read the blurb, I had to have it. I mean, a guy with four personalities, or alters, who, when threatened will defend themselves…or at least one of them will step up.
Justin Wright, a clinical psychiatrist, has no clue how Frank Devlin, a man with multiple identities, alters, will change his life. Frank had a dad who didn’t care about him and was now dead, a drunken mother who gave him to his uncle…for a few months…who, when he entered his room, Frank would go to his safe place. I figured he had to have an awful childhood if he has multiple identities. He has to have some way to escape the horror. The only good thing was a window, where he could look out on the street and watch the kids and dogs play.
As Justin and Mary share their mystery, her words bring tears to my eyes, a very well written scene. The guilt people carry for the death of a loved one is not always rational, unless they pointed a gun at the person and killed them.
A mystery solved. Love and loss shared. Happiness and anguish shared.
I love psychological thrillers, delving into a damaged mind. Whenever I deal with a mystery, a thriller, I am many times more in love with the villain than the victim. I don’t care so much about how they did what they did, but I want to dig into the whys of their actions. All too often that is never known, so let’s see how Rob Kaufman deals with Frank Devlin’s actions…and the other three identities. I will be sticking around for Book II.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Altered by Rob Kaufman.
April 21, 2025
Another book where my Star-rating is being bumped higher because of the Epilogue. I audibly gasped and then silently cried a little. It was a very interesting story and the only reason it’s not a 5 Star is because I don’t give those out very easily. It’s a solid 4.5/5 though! :)
March 23, 2025
I just finished reading Altered for the second time.
The first time I read it, I loved it. Although parts of it were painful to read and hit too closely.
The second time I read it, I loved it even more! Although parts of it hit entirely too close to home! But even through the realistic and agonizing parts, author Rob Kaufman wove together a believable, fantastic tale of a seriously disturbed man and the trauma a family suffers.
I cannot wait to read Jaded and am starting it right now!
Absolutely a 5 Star!
The first time I read it, I loved it. Although parts of it were painful to read and hit too closely.
The second time I read it, I loved it even more! Although parts of it hit entirely too close to home! But even through the realistic and agonizing parts, author Rob Kaufman wove together a believable, fantastic tale of a seriously disturbed man and the trauma a family suffers.
I cannot wait to read Jaded and am starting it right now!
Absolutely a 5 Star!
November 3, 2022
I absolutely loved Altered, and wanted to stop sleeping so I could finish the book in one day. Justin, a Psychiatrist begins working with a client, Frank who presents with multiple personalities. The amazing plotline of this kind of disorder was intriguing, and I found the Psychiatrist, Justin to be in a huge predicament when it came to the safety of his family (his wife, Mandy and son, Dylan) and his client's broken boundaries. I liked the diversity of characters and the authenticity of the story. What I realised is that making particular choices can have devastating consequences, and in this story, I questioned whether the choices made by Kyle, Dylan, and Justin could have changed the outcome of the story. The author wrote with such knowledge of Dissociative Identity Disorder, and gave a deep overview of client sessions. Rob also provided a range of point of views to get into the heads of each character, which created depth in the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, which focuses on Justin's missing son, Michael. I highly recommend this book, and would give it more than five stars if I could. Great work!
November 2, 2022
This is a book about DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) or Multiple Personalities, a subject I have always found fascinating. The author shows a good understanding of the subject matter. The psychologist explains it to us and his patient in some detail and suggests ways it can be treated. Justin, the psychologist, and Mandy had 2 sons, one of whom disappeared seven years ago. This backstory permeates the book with an aura of sadness. Frank, the patient, has 4 personalities or alters, 3 of whom Justin meets during treatment. The characters in this book are well developed and very real, imperfectly perfect for this story. It has a couple of twists at the end, that the reader may have a hint of but Justin certainly doesn’t see coming. The other was a total shock. Thanks to the author for giving me a copy of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next one.
October 29, 2022
A fabulous book dealing with an individual who has 4 alters. The topic fascinates me and this book is so good. All of this Author’s books are amazing. If you haven’t read him, what are you waiting for? I highly recommend this book and all his others. The Author provided me an ecopy of this book. The opinion expressed herein is my own.
February 19, 2023
Excellent!!
As an avid reader, I have a true appreciation for books that hold your interest the entire time it takes to read them. This is, most definitely, one of those books! I would have to add it to my short list of books that I devoured. It really is that good!!
As an avid reader, I have a true appreciation for books that hold your interest the entire time it takes to read them. This is, most definitely, one of those books! I would have to add it to my short list of books that I devoured. It really is that good!!
January 24, 2023
A short psychological thriller filled with twists and tension and featuring more psychology than thrill and mystery.
Altered features a psychiatrist protagonist named Justin Wright, who gets a new patient experiencing paranoia and blackouts amongst other things. It is quickly discovered that this patient has Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID. I don't really know much about DID, but my ignoramus self thought that the author seemed to have done his research on psychology and mental illness, especially DID, and was also able to incorporate this well into his characters. After finishing the book, I checked his Goodreads profile and found out that he has a degree in psychology, so all I can say is, Seems legit!
A lot was packed into this book, which I find amazing. It does not only explore the patient's DID, but also the major characters' psyche. We also find out about the major characters' pasts which clearly still affect them, giving the book this layer of sadness underneath the plotline. He does this by switching the POVs quite a few times though, which you may or may not mind much. They are all such imperfect and realistic characters, each with their own flaws and issues to deal with, but they get by through help and support.
As for the suspense thriller aspect, the prologue really gripped me and increased my anticipation for what's to come. It was definitely a great start to a novel. I went into this completely blind, so I think I set my expectations too high at the start because I felt somewhat underwhelmed by the end of the novel, to be perfectly honest. I like the novel for what it is, don't get me wrong. And the way we find that all the major characters end up being connected to one another in some way, as well as where the events of the prologue come into play, is all pretty cool. It's a solid plot with a shocking ending that I did not expect and paves way for the next book in the series, but it did not "keep me guessing until the very end" as the Goodreads title stated, and I just find it to be too passive on the part of the main character for my taste.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of the book!
Altered features a psychiatrist protagonist named Justin Wright, who gets a new patient experiencing paranoia and blackouts amongst other things. It is quickly discovered that this patient has Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID. I don't really know much about DID, but my ignoramus self thought that the author seemed to have done his research on psychology and mental illness, especially DID, and was also able to incorporate this well into his characters. After finishing the book, I checked his Goodreads profile and found out that he has a degree in psychology, so all I can say is, Seems legit!
A lot was packed into this book, which I find amazing. It does not only explore the patient's DID, but also the major characters' psyche. We also find out about the major characters' pasts which clearly still affect them, giving the book this layer of sadness underneath the plotline. He does this by switching the POVs quite a few times though, which you may or may not mind much. They are all such imperfect and realistic characters, each with their own flaws and issues to deal with, but they get by through help and support.
As for the suspense thriller aspect, the prologue really gripped me and increased my anticipation for what's to come. It was definitely a great start to a novel. I went into this completely blind, so I think I set my expectations too high at the start because I felt somewhat underwhelmed by the end of the novel, to be perfectly honest. I like the novel for what it is, don't get me wrong. And the way we find that all the major characters end up being connected to one another in some way, as well as where the events of the prologue come into play, is all pretty cool. It's a solid plot with a shocking ending that I did not expect and paves way for the next book in the series, but it did not "keep me guessing until the very end" as the Goodreads title stated, and I just find it to be too passive on the part of the main character for my taste.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of the book!
January 28, 2025
“Altered” by Rob Kaufman sucked me in right away. Following a psychiatrist and his patient with alternate personalities, the story quickly becomes a whirlwind of suspense and emotional depth. The tension builds constantly, and just when I thought I had a grip on what was going on, a crazy twist completely flipped everything on its head. It’s an intense, edge-of-your-seat thriller that doesn’t let up, blending psychological depth with pure, gripping suspense. I couldn't put it down—definitely a wild ride!
January 4, 2023
One of the best book I read so far. The plots and the twists are amazing. With Rob you really feel the characters. You feel like you’re a part of the book.
February 9, 2023
A favorite
I'm ready for the next book. I should have read slower. Excellent book! When will Jaded be released? Thank you.
I'm ready for the next book. I should have read slower. Excellent book! When will Jaded be released? Thank you.
September 26, 2026
Psychological thrillers have always been my favourite genre. So, I'm naturally drawn to books that can mess with my head a little.
Frank Devlin is a young man living with multiple personalities. He walks into the office of renowned New York City psychiatrist Justin Wright. Justin takes on Frank’s case hoping to help him build a happier, more fulfilling life. But he doesn’t realise that Frank and his alters are about to become much more involved in his life than he could have imagined.
The premise created a constant sense of uncertainty and intrigue. I kept wondering what is really happening, who can be trusted, and how much Justin actually understands about the situation he has stepped into. Angst, personal relationships and revenge all become part of the larger picture. This turned out to be a nail-biting thriller i was craving for since days.
For someone like me who absolutely enjoys psychological thrillers, this one managed to stand out. Because of its central premise and the way the suspense is tied so closely to the characters’ minds and relationships. Altered is definitely one to check out. Also, 10 points for that cover.
Frank Devlin is a young man living with multiple personalities. He walks into the office of renowned New York City psychiatrist Justin Wright. Justin takes on Frank’s case hoping to help him build a happier, more fulfilling life. But he doesn’t realise that Frank and his alters are about to become much more involved in his life than he could have imagined.
The premise created a constant sense of uncertainty and intrigue. I kept wondering what is really happening, who can be trusted, and how much Justin actually understands about the situation he has stepped into. Angst, personal relationships and revenge all become part of the larger picture. This turned out to be a nail-biting thriller i was craving for since days.
For someone like me who absolutely enjoys psychological thrillers, this one managed to stand out. Because of its central premise and the way the suspense is tied so closely to the characters’ minds and relationships. Altered is definitely one to check out. Also, 10 points for that cover.
February 22, 2025
I mean, it had a potential promising premise, but that's about it.
I honestly hated this. The dialogue was childish. There was an absurd amount of exclamation marks where it made it seem like characters were yelling at the most random times. For example, the husband and wife would be flirting, and they'd just yell "enough!" - it was just weird. Also, not to mention the flirting and the dynamic between them was so cringey it gave me second hand embarrassment.
Kyle was... Something. He felt like a whiney teenager who was about to yell "get out of my room mom" at any given moment. The fact that he was willing to trust whatever his name was, I already forget, just like that with all the red flags is wild. For being in psychology learning departments, Kyle and Dylan sure have a long way to go, not being able to read their roommate.
Nothing got me like this, though: "how did you know I was gay?" "Alex knew it from the first moment he saw your eyes, all red and bloodshot. And I knew it from the moment I opened the door and you offered me a bottle of wine and not a six pack." So basically, if you show some emotion and you like wine, you're gay.
I honestly hated this. The dialogue was childish. There was an absurd amount of exclamation marks where it made it seem like characters were yelling at the most random times. For example, the husband and wife would be flirting, and they'd just yell "enough!" - it was just weird. Also, not to mention the flirting and the dynamic between them was so cringey it gave me second hand embarrassment.
Kyle was... Something. He felt like a whiney teenager who was about to yell "get out of my room mom" at any given moment. The fact that he was willing to trust whatever his name was, I already forget, just like that with all the red flags is wild. For being in psychology learning departments, Kyle and Dylan sure have a long way to go, not being able to read their roommate.
Nothing got me like this, though: "how did you know I was gay?" "Alex knew it from the first moment he saw your eyes, all red and bloodshot. And I knew it from the moment I opened the door and you offered me a bottle of wine and not a six pack." So basically, if you show some emotion and you like wine, you're gay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2026
Altered was an absolute page-turner. The dynamic between the therapist and his patient, especially with the layers of multiple personalities, kept me completely hooked from start to finish. I was literally screaming at the book, begging the characters to put the pieces together because the tension was just that good.
At first, I wasn’t sure how the younger son’s storyline was going to fit into the bigger picture, and it left me feeling slightly uneasy in the best way. But by the end, everything came together so seamlessly that it made the payoff incredibly satisfying.
The suspense, emotional depth, and clever connections kept me guessing the entire time. I closed the book feeling both shocked and impressed, and already eager to dive into the next one. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here!
At first, I wasn’t sure how the younger son’s storyline was going to fit into the bigger picture, and it left me feeling slightly uneasy in the best way. But by the end, everything came together so seamlessly that it made the payoff incredibly satisfying.
The suspense, emotional depth, and clever connections kept me guessing the entire time. I closed the book feeling both shocked and impressed, and already eager to dive into the next one. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here!
June 15, 2023
Great read
I loved it. Opens with a bang and leaves us with a cliff hanger.The author has given us a bit of hope hopefully the other son is alive. Frank is a very interesting character with a very dark alter Nathan. Loved all the charcters. The book was never a dull moment. This is a very emotional read with sexual abuse don't bread if this bothers you.I hope Justin and his family are going to be ok. Poor kyle..don't like spoilers so just read it. Its a very good thriller..Rob if u read this I'm Theresa Dunn on your FB woohoo
I loved it. Opens with a bang and leaves us with a cliff hanger.The author has given us a bit of hope hopefully the other son is alive. Frank is a very interesting character with a very dark alter Nathan. Loved all the charcters. The book was never a dull moment. This is a very emotional read with sexual abuse don't bread if this bothers you.I hope Justin and his family are going to be ok. Poor kyle..don't like spoilers so just read it. Its a very good thriller..Rob if u read this I'm Theresa Dunn on your FB woohoo
April 21, 2025
Renowned psychiatrist Dr Justin Wright takes on much more than he bargained for with a new patient, Frank Devlin. Frank's mind is complicated, and it opens the door to let in a darkness that extends beyond the walls of Justin's office, with life-changing consequences.
This story is a fly-on-the-wall sneak preview into the complexities of a psychiatrist's professional and personal challenges when balancing client confidentiality with their safety. What happens if they miss something vital?
It's an interesting and suspenseful tale that will also tug at your heartstrings.
This story is a fly-on-the-wall sneak preview into the complexities of a psychiatrist's professional and personal challenges when balancing client confidentiality with their safety. What happens if they miss something vital?
It's an interesting and suspenseful tale that will also tug at your heartstrings.
September 29, 2026
This is book ONE in a series of six.
Now that I have read the first book, I can’t wait to dive in and read the rest of the series!
There is grief. There is trauma. There is love. There is confusion and isolation.
Then there is hope, fear. resilience, forgiveness.
The book is filled with sadness, anguish, tension, and hopefulness.
The book is perfect for those who love psychological thrillers, who love books that touch mental health, who love emotional depth in their books, and who love emotional journeys.
Now that I have read the first book, I can’t wait to dive in and read the rest of the series!
There is grief. There is trauma. There is love. There is confusion and isolation.
Then there is hope, fear. resilience, forgiveness.
The book is filled with sadness, anguish, tension, and hopefulness.
The book is perfect for those who love psychological thrillers, who love books that touch mental health, who love emotional depth in their books, and who love emotional journeys.
May 10, 2025
Altered by Rob Kaufman is a gripping psychological thriller that pulls you in from the start and never lets go. The story of Frank and his alters is both haunting and emotional, and watching them infiltrate Dr. Wright’s life kept me guessing at every turn. Full of suspense, mind games, and shocking revelations, this is a must-read for fans of intense, emotionally charged thrillers!
October 31, 2022
Altered by Rob Kaufman A psychological, suspenseful and unpredictable story. Interesting information incorporated into the story about multiple personalities and the different treatment methods available. Mr Kaufman notches up the tension in each chapter and with each new character introduced. Seemed like two storylines at first; however, they were skillfully woven together in the last chapters. To be frank, I highly recommend reading this story. Write fast, Mr Kaufman, am curious as to what is going to happen in the next book in the series.
Thank you to the Rob Kaufman, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the Rob Kaufman, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
December 2, 2024
This book was amazing......it was definitely a cliffhanger at the end. I wanted more. I definitely will be reading more of Rob Kaufman's work....I love the Justin Wright series. This was series #1. Will be reading the second one soon
May 27, 2025
An exceptional mind blowing book for someone who knows nothing about personality disorders! It kept my interest all the way through!
The Mandy and Justin relationship was loving in this book despite the difficulties in their lives. I’m looking forward to the next book by this author!
The Mandy and Justin relationship was loving in this book despite the difficulties in their lives. I’m looking forward to the next book by this author!
January 20, 2026
I could reading it! It’s 6/45 am I been reading since about 20;30 last night! I started and couldn’t stop! It story is really tragic! The characters felt very real! Plot was believable and real! All very emotional. Some it was hard to except! 💕📖💕
September 8, 2026
I enjoyed this psychological thriller. I really liked Justin, Mandy, Dylan and Kyle. I liked getting to know more about multiple personalities. I enjoyed all of the twists and turns. I enjoyed getting to know Frank’s many personalities. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.
May 26, 2025
Fantastic book
Great book. I loved everything about it. Now I am reading book 2 it's just as great as the first. Can't wait to read all the books in the series.
Great book. I loved everything about it. Now I am reading book 2 it's just as great as the first. Can't wait to read all the books in the series.
April 21, 2025
Kept my attention beginning to end. Now I have to get the other books!
April 18, 2025
Oh my heart!!!
Altered immediately captured my interest just because of the cover. The beauty behind it, incredibly captivating, and thought provoking. I added it to my TBR long ago, so glad I finally read it. I look forward to the next book in the series. However, I need a few minutes. Rob broke my heart.
Altered immediately captured my interest just because of the cover. The beauty behind it, incredibly captivating, and thought provoking. I added it to my TBR long ago, so glad I finally read it. I look forward to the next book in the series. However, I need a few minutes. Rob broke my heart.
April 20, 2025
psychological thriller
A page turner about a man with multiple personalities. Trigger warning due to disturbing content. It was interesting how he brought each personality to life.
A page turner about a man with multiple personalities. Trigger warning due to disturbing content. It was interesting how he brought each personality to life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews