Very different from Jacob Appel's other books of quirky humor and loco characters. This one describes how sociopaths seamlessly fit into everyday society without any of us the wiser. Knowing that Jacob, aka Dr. Appel, a certified psychologist, has done the research and knows the topic well, explains the technical or clinical feel of this story.
We've never seen or felt this before in any of his previous books. While the story is well developed, and evolves to a creepy finish, I must admit I more a fan of quirky Jacob.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy and Jacob M. Appel for all your wonderful stories and books. Bravo!

A really good book. A story told from the view of the psychopath that is the main character. He is normally a doctor and a family man, but he has a rather dark side that comes out. It was a very interesting story and I really enjoyed it. I did not expect the ending, although it keeps you hanging, but that is not a bad thing. The story can continue.

When Jeremy Balint discovers that his wife is having an affair with a coworker of his whom he has known for a long time, he rationalizes the best way to deal with it while also protecting his status quo (after all, he needs to protect his children) is to eliminate his wife's lover. Acting strategically and without any empathy, Jeremy, a successful and respected cardiologist with presumed ethical principles, a loyal son, and a devoted father of two young daughters switches persona and effortlessly takes on the role of a cold and calculating serial killer from behind a mask of sanity. He uses random victims as collateral damage in order to conceal his main target and direct any potential police attention away from him.
Rather than the third person narrative the author used, I think I would have preferred Jeremy's first-person perspective, which I believe could have been even more powerful. However, the sparse writing style nicely complemented the protagonist's character. I felt as detached about the killings as the protagonist did. I assume that was the intention, therefore, well done. There was one scene involving a face-off between Jeremy and his wife where I started to question Jeremy's reaction and behavior. There was no gory violence. Instead, it was quite humorous in parts. Reading a lot of psychological thrillers, I think I've become too conditioned to the inevitable twist that these books tend to have lately. I saw the potential for (what I thought) would have been a really good one here, but the author didn't go down that route. The ending left readers hanging a bit and encouraged you to come up with your own interpretation.
Overall, this was a compelling character portrayal of a high-functioning sociopath, which effectively showed the thought processes of a very intriguing and fascinating mind, and which was darkly entertaining.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.

Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.

The masks we wear in our everyday lives are fascinating. The nicety of making small talk to mask the gnashing of teeth, smiling and nodding in an effort to squelch the screaming inside, feigning interest when there is nothing but contempt seething just below the surface.

We are more apt to notice the ones whose masks have slipped, the loners, the creepers, the ones with crazy eyes, or the furtive ones who won't make eye contact at all.

In <b>The Mask of Sanity</b>, Dr. Jeremy Balint's mask is firmly in place. <i>I'm Dr. Jeremy Balint and saving lives is my job.</i> Well, yes and no. Ironically, this noted cardiologist has no heart at all.

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32313828-the-mask-of-sanity" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Mask of Sanity" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475162503m/32313828.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32313828-the-mask-of-sanity">The Mask of Sanity</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6884139.Jacob_M_Appel">Jacob M. Appel</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1895928711">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Wow, this was quite a disturbing view of a sociopath, to see just how normal and successful they can be, hence the title, "mask of sanity".<br /><br />Dr. Jeremy Balint is a very successful cardiologist, a good father, husband, and son, until he finds out his wife is having an affair with a fellow doctor at the same hospital he works at... then, the crazy starts to happen!<br /><br />This was so disturbing, to see how his mind worked, to see him function normally, but to see this chilling other side and lack of remorse. It had quite a few humorous moments also. The ending was left for the reader to determine, and I don't really care for that, but I really enjoyed this book.<br /><br />Thank you to NetGalley, Permanent Press, and Author, Jacob M. Appel for the opportunity to read this ARC.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/12851291-karen">View all my reviews</a>

A chilling tale of a rich, successful doctor and family man, who upon discovering that his wife is cheating on him, embarks upon a practical journey to do what he rationalizes is the best solution to protect himself and to continue to keep his family and much-loved daughters together. We get a glimpse into a very crisp and clear mind who takes logical steps along the way to ensure what he perceives is best for his family - no matter what needs to be done - or who needs to die.

The simple, matter of fact writing portrays him as a likeable, competent doctor who loves his family, which only makes his complete lack of guilt and empathy all the more worrying. It is the very normality of Dr. Balint's existence that gave me chills as I read this book. As we gain more insight into sociopathy in society, it's scary to think how accurate this book could be and could be anyone we know. The side characters are also well written, and the dialogue realistic and fast flowing. I did think in the start that a third person "inside the mind of" story was perhaps not going to be as gripping as one told in the first person, but the story is deftly told with an intimate glimpse into his mind and the third person worked out very well.

Overall it was perhaps a little bit predictable, with little excitement in the way of action, but an excellent and compelling character portrayal of a successful high functioning sociopath and an authentic glimpse into "the mask of sanity."

Will there be a follow up? I'm very intrigued!

Sociopath or psychopath, it doesn’t matter. All you need to know is Dr. Jeremy Balint is one sick mother-you know what. Author Jacob M. Appel, a practicing psychiatrist takes his shot at creating a fictional depiction of what he has seen in his career, that there are those around us who are incapable of empathy or compassion and who exhibit violent behavior without remorse.

When Balint unexpectedly learns his wife is cheating on him with a colleague, Dr. Warren Sugarman, his outrage manifests in a devious plan to eliminate his rival. Worried that just killing Sugarman would seem a targeted murder, Balint plots a series of random killings by strangulation, leaving a green ribbon tied to the victim’s neck. When the police and media realize they have a serial killer on their hands, they dub him The Emerald Choker, quite appropriate. Balint considers the murder of these strangers collateral damage, just a means to an end.

Appel’s insider look into sociopath behavior seems realistic. I’m reluctant to admit I was mesmerized by Balint’s almost gleeful killing spree. Chilling, but somehow fascinating just the same. An entertaining, psychological read that is certain to churn up some discussion.

A dark thriller, "The Mask of Sanity" starts you off knowing who the killer is - and makes you wonder just what lies in the hearts of those who surround us on a daily basis. How well do you know your spouse, your friends, your lover? You'll find yourself wondering if Dr Jeremy Balint is really the villain you expect him to be. An amazingly well written book that will have you questioning things you never thought you would.

An interesting read. I am glad I picked it up from Read Now category. Thoroughly enjoyable.