This morning, I have a psychological thriller to share!Check out Altered, read an excerpt from the novel and my thoughts on the book, learn about author Rob Kaufman!
Justin Wright, New York City’s premier psychiatrist, is determined to help Frank Devlin, 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…
Title: Altered
Author: Rob Kaufman
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 276
Genre: Psychological Suspense Thriller
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When Frank Devlin walks into Justin Wright’s office, the renowned New York City clinical psychiatrist decides to take on one of the most challenging cases of his career.
After their first session, it’s obvious Frank has multiple personalities (“alters”) and each one couldn’t be more different than the other. Justin must get to know each individual alter in order to discover the best route to take so that Frank can live a full and happy life. He must also delve into Frank’s past, one filled with mystery, darkness and trauma — the true causes behind his personality split.
As Justin deals with Frank’s issues, he’s also confronted with his own demons: the kidnapping of Michael, his youngest son, seven years earlier… a wife he adores, Mandy, who refuses to accept her son is gone… a constant struggle with his oldest son, Dylan, who was watching over Michael the day the boy was taken. And his problems get worse as, unbeknownst to Justin, Frank and his alters are secretly weaving themselves into his life in ways that will affect the Wright family forever.
A suspense-filled story driven by
emotion, angst and the ultimate revenge, “Altered” brings readers down a
twisted path of uncertainty and mind games — leaving them shocked,
heartbroken and questioning what could possibly come next…
“Crazy-good plot lines and shocking information that had me gasping for breath at every turn!” – Anne F., Amazon Vine Reviewer
“It was an amazing ride with tension building throughout until the final twist ending.” – Patricia G., NetGalley Reviewer
Release Date: November 15, 2022
Soft Cover: ISBN:979-8358757523; 329 pages; $13.99; Kindle $7.99; FREE on Kindle Unlimited
read an excerpt
The frigid breeze whipped across his face. He ran up the city blocks, wiping melted snowflakes from his eyelids so he could see where he was going. By the time he reached 49th Street, he was out of breath and had to stop. He leaned against the steel pole that held both the street signs and traffic lights. After a few deep breaths, he wiped the liquified flurries off his cheeks and walked as quickly as he could until he reached 50th.He made a right off Park and because the office was so close to the corner, he could see a glow of light coming from the window. Breathing a sigh of relief, he went through the building’s glass front door and made a quick left. He didn’t stop long enough to ring the bell to let anyone know he was about to enter. Trying to catch his breath, he opened the office door.
The first thing he saw was a man holding a gun up to his own temple.
He yelled, and before he could say a coherent word, he watched the man turn toward him and heard a loud bang. And then another.
His legs wobbled, then his head banged on the wooden floor. He brought his hand up to his throat and felt warm liquid oozing from a hole in his neck. He was surprised at the lack of pain and how rapidly numbness was spreading throughout his body. His throat felt like it was swelling up, closing his airway. He fought out a gasp and heard a soft gurgle. Did he just make that noise? Was blood filling his throat?
He tried to take another breath and heard the same sloshing liquid. His mind went void of thought, his body, frozen.
Suddenly there was muffled yelling, unintelligible screams. Something that felt like a hand cupped the back of his head and soft skin brushed his cheek. As time passed, seconds… minutes... hours… he couldn’t be sure, everything faded except a weightlessness enshrouding him, a gentle sense of calm. He closed his eyes and listened to the blood pump, with each heartbeat, through the opening in his neck.
From some obscure corner of his mind, reality edged its way back in and he struggled to open his eyes one last time.
Through the haze of his dissolving vision, he saw a familiar face hovering over him. Anguish twisted it, and as if from a long distance away, he heard the cries and moans falling from the man's mouth.
He wanted to cry, grieve for them both, but once again his heavy eyelids fell down. The weeping and mumbling became a fading hum and then ultimately silence.
His final thought was not about this man who sobbed above him, his killer or the “why” behind what just happened. It was the hope that he’d see the loved one he’d lost — a hope that made him smile inside as a comforting warmth enveloped his body like the most snug of blankets warmed by the sun itself.
my review
Altered Gives Psychological Thriller Fans A Lot to Love. This novel is the first book I have read by Rob Kaufman, but it will not be the last. While the story seems a little predictable at times, there are twists and turns and deep, realistic feeling emotional/psychological elements at play that keep readers doubting, guessing, and engaged in the plot and the characters to the end and beyond.
Kaufman Creates a Wonderful Cast of Characters and a Psychological Plot. The author does a beautiful job creating an exciting cast of well-developed, realistically flawed, interconnected characters. The psychological elements are vital--but never feel clinical or forced. Although the plot and characters are complex, the storyline and dialogue and never confusing or overly complicated.
Would I Recommend Altered by Rob Kaufman? Altered is a well-written, well-developed thriller with realistic feeling characters that interest and keep readers engaged well past the book's final pages. I didn't love the ending of this novel--but I am certainly invested enough in the characters and their futures to gladly pick up the second book of the series as soon as it's released. If you enjoy a solid psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing (and second-guessing)--Altered (and its anticipated sequel) should be on your reading list.
watch the trailer
Rob Kaufman novels are known for having characters with whom people can relate, while at the same time, bringing them on a journey from which most people would crumble.
His degree in Psychology was the first step toward getting beneath the surface of the people in his life. What followed was a lifelong search for what makes people tick – what forces them to become evil when deep down they are yearning for love. Rob’s characters walk this search with him, deep into the human psyche, creating psychological thrillers from everyday events.
Rob’s books are perfect for those who enjoy thrillers but also need strong emotion to keep them deeply involved with the characters.
“All my books hit home for me,” says Rob. “There are always parts that make me laugh out loud as I write them… and many, too many, that make me cry. And the great thing is, I’m finding that many readers of my books experience the same emotions.”
Rob’s books receive both national and international praise with most reviews noting that his storylines are extremely “unique” and “sobering” and the twists and turns are “masterful”.
connect with the author
Website or Blog: Twitter: Facebook: Goodreads
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