The Mask of Sanity

How often have we seen the headlines – serial killer, monster, murderer arrested for the most heinous acts, and all the neighbors can say is “But he seemed so nice”? Dr Jeremy Balint is considered more than a nice guy, he’s one of the most respected doctors around, the youngest head of his department in the hospital and a kind and loving husband and father. And as long as you stay on Jeremy’s good side, that’s exactly what you will get, but cross him and you will see evil that’s difficult to even comprehend. Appel paints a terrifying picture of a high functioning sociopath that has me looking carefully at everyone I know. I’m almost sure a number of our national leaders fit into the same category as Balint

What a rollicking and fun ride with sociopath, Dr. Jeremy Balint! Initially we see the cardiologist as a competent doctor, loving husband and father, the ultimate professional...until he is crossed or offended. Then his mask appears and he becomes the plotting, devious cold-blooded killer with the desire for revenge. We know from HAMLET that one can "smile and smile and be a villain," and Balint is a two-faced villain at his best! As the plot escalates, we are drawn deeper and deeper into his web of deceit until a fitting and most unexpected conclusion! This one kept me up in the wee hours of the night!

I really enjoyed this book and practically read it in one sitting. The author has a way of really putting you inside the head of this callous, calculated, cold-blooded killer. My only complaint is that I wanted more!!!

Dr. Jeremy Balint seems to have everything going for him; he's young, a successful heart cardiologist, he has a nice home, a wife and two beautiful daughters. Yet Balint is a high functioning sociopath and a pivotal event changes all. He begins a killing spree, convinced that he is clever enough to evade being caught.

I really enjoyed this book, in part because the author's credentials made me feel that I was reading something authentic; however implausible it seemed. The writing is sparse and neither the sex nor violence seemed overtly graphic for a book of this genre. The style of writing also complimented the personality of the main character.

There were a couple of sections where I found the language a little jarring (has anyone been described as 'frisky' in the past thirty years?) but these were minor distractions and didn't prevent me enjoying the novel as a whole.

I'd certainly recommend The Mask of Sanity and would happily read something else by this author.

Interesting, unique premise, well-written. A good read.

The Mask of Sanity by Jacob M. Appel. Didn't quite understand the appeal of the book but couldn't stop reading it. The story was disturbing but totally engrossing. The author deftly guides the reader into the mind of a sociopath. The cover art is perfect.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

The novel The Mask of Sanity written by Jacob M. Appel is an intriguing account written from a sociopath's point of view. The main character, Balint, is a chief cardiologist who seems like a typical middle-aged, doctor, husband, and father, however, the inner-workings of his mind and overly inflated ego are dark and compelling as he secretly plots the demise of his enemy. Appel builds suspense with tantalizing glimpses of menace and obsession and has cleverly crafted a twisted tale of planned and justified murders. I read the book in an entire sitting and couldn't put it down. There were no lulls in the surreal plot and it consistently held my attention from beginning to end. You will not be disappointed. 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this ebook free from Jacob M. Appel at NetGalley with no strings attached. This book was fantastic, I couldn't NOT write a review. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this novel.
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Fabulous read! Looking forward to reading more by this author. Highly recommend!!

This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel about a high-functioning psychopath which grips the psychological side of this curious disorder.

The ever increasing numbers of the popular articles about psychopathy and the dark triad shows that even people who are not in one of the many fields that connect to this pathology are interested in this dark, dark topic. And finally, there is a novel which makes it easier to imagine how people like that think.

So Dr. Balint is a successful cardiologist, at the peak of his carreer, living in an expensive neighbourhood with his two children and wife. People see him as kind hearted and ethical, a guy who would never hurt anyone. Then one day something happens and he goes on a killing spree. Exciting right?

People who expect a lot of gory details and heavy crime actions will be disappointed in this book. They should go and check out American Psycho. But ones who bend more towards character development and scrutinizing a sick mind will find plenty of pleasure in this book.

The style is easy flowing and we, readers are never left bored. To break a constant tension there are even some funny, witty parts, showing off the superficial charm of a psychopath along with the easygoing demeanor that makes them so very attractive to many people.

The only problem I had - hence the 4.5 stars - that sometimes it felt like Dr. Balint had too many genuine feelings - sometimes even anxiety which is highly unlikely for psychopaths. He also seemed to care for his children sincerely which also seems to be a slight exaggeration. But then that's just a personal musing, and it doesn't take anything away from the perks of this book. Mr. Appel must have seen far more psychopaths than I have anyway.

I'd like to thank Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Dr. Jeremy Balint is a respected cardiologist, organization-rising division chief, devoted father, steady husband, good son and ordinary neighbor. Except for one thing. Jeremy is a sociopath, a frightening sociopath. Upon a chance discovery, the doctor methodically, calmly, confidently sets a plan in motion to execute one goal to rectify the jarring change in his ordered life. He is devoid of compassion for any creature, but his devotion to his daughters is that crack where the light gets in – maybe, until the reason for his attachment to his daughters is revealed, a stunning moment. Once events occur and relationships are altered, it is evident how the sociopathic mind of Dr. Balint adapts to circumstances that will then suit his plans. No remorse, no wavering, few second thoughts (and only for planning purposes) and certainly no guilt. The doctor is fascinating, even as he apes a character's discourse as an actor on the stage does. In a bizarre discussion with his rabbi, Dr. Balint castigates sociopaths while contemplating the wrongs done him.

Because some of the most startling parts of the book are the doctor’s thoughts, little of those are revealed in this review. It gives away too much – depriving the reader, although I long to sit in a discussion group and explore this novel. Those gasp-worthy moments are there, just waiting – well placed and horrifying. Not cheap, ironic literary tricks, these moments expand the discomfort, understanding, and horror of Dr. Balint’s steady, determined mind. As the term “sociopath” is bandied about freely in the media and arts (even comically as in the BBC’s SHERLOCK’s proud rebuttal that he is not a psychopath but a high-functioning sociopath), a clear presentation in the “Author’s Foreword” of what a sociopath truly means sets aspects for what is to come, then expertly developed in the story. After finishing THE MASK OF SANITY, I turned to the non-fiction THE SOCIOPATH NEXT DOOR (Martha Stout, PHD, 2005), read more about sociopaths amongst us, and stopped before finishing. Too much.

Jacob M. Appel, M.D., attorney, writer, academic has once again written a tight, well-written, and engrossing book (that I couldn’t put down). Not a blood-splattered story although crimes are committed with calibrated precision, this is about the steely mind of this terrifying sociopath, and early on we are allowed an uncomfortable, addictive, front row seat. He inserts the appropriate level of humor so well interwoven in many of his short stories and here tuned to finer, lower, customized levels for such a story. The writer is an accomplished, superb short story writer; and in this book he again proves his talents are not limited to any one genre (his PHONING HOME essays are exceptional). The chance to read another work by this writer is one I relish.

I appreciated receiving this fine book from NetGalley and the author and the opportunity to read it without any conditions.

THE MASK OF SANITY is a book I won’t forget. Nor will the realization of the prevalence of sociopathic people from the highest levels to our own private lives be easily erased or made more comforting. I highly recommend this book.

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

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.

thanks you.
enjoyed it.
will get copies for family and friends.

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 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!

<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>

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.

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.

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.

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!

This chilling tale kept me interested throughout the book. It tells of a successful doctor who finds out that his wife is having an affair. He decides that the best way to hold on to all that’s dear to him is to kill the man his wife is having the affair with. The author really gives a glimpse of the mind of a sociopath when we see the doctor plan to become a serial killer in order to cover up his first murder. I would recommend this book to any thriller lover.

What a nail biter! I was absolutely chilled to the bone by this sociopathic, husband turned serial killer. His methodical approach was the perfect combination of madness and brilliance- almost foolproof as the twist on the last page proves! What a ride!

The Mask of Sanity by Jacob M. Appel

I am a fan of Jacob M. Appel's writing and when I saw that he was coming out with a new book, I couldn't wait to read it. I knew Mr. Appel was a doctor, lawyer, ethicist, but had not known he was a psychiatrist. His psychiatry experience certainly gives him an understanding of Sociopath's. I am surprised that he uses the word Sociopath instead of Psychopath for his main character. I had just read in another book that psychopath's are more highly organized and Brilliant than sociopath's. So that being said, the two diagnoses now leave me a little confused after reading this book. The distinction between the two has only recently been made by psychiatrists.

The Mask of Sanity is the perfect title for the main character Jerry Balint. Jerry Balint is a 46 year old cardiac surgeon who has been married to Amanda for nine years. They have two beautiful daughters together. When Jerry catches Amanda cheating with a colleague he has known for years, he decides that he has to murder his colleague to keep everything he has safe. It is chilling to read the thoughts and rationalities that Jerry Balint thinks about going about his day to day living.

Jerry thinks ahead, plans ahead that if there is a serial killer leaving his calling card a green ribbon, that when he kills the colleague it will get linked to a serial killer, leaving no chance of the real target getting tied to him.

Jacob M. Appel writes a chilling inside view of the mind of a sociopath. As readers we witness all of the sick thinking as Jerry goes about his business from day to day. A character that has no conscious and actually feels a sense of calm and satisfaction after committing a double murder. Yet on the outside to everybody around him he has everything one could ever want.

Jacob M Appel does an excellent job writing this novel and giving us readers an armchair view into the sociopathic mind. His character's are well developed. The writing flows seamlessly and keeps the pages turning. He is talented to be able to switch genres from his short stories to so convincingly paint a picture of a tremendously dark character. I did like the ending very much.

Thank you to Net Galley, Jacob M. Appel and the Publisher for providing me with my digital copy for a fair and honest review.

I imagine that most of us have an idea in our heads of what defines a sociopath, but living inside the head of one for the time it takes to read this book will prove to be very disturbing indeed. I must admit that I started this book expecting a twisty, turning plot like many of the psychological thrillers in the wake of "Gone Girl, and was a bit disappointed by the methodical mind of Dr Balent. Then I realized that this was a character study rather than a wild ride. This man/monster has a plan from the very first pages and seeing how ruthlessly he pursues it is gripping. He is a dutiful son, loving father, admirable colleague, but also a sociopath. A very calculating sociopath.

My goodness, this book made me feel as if I was on the edge of sanity! A very unsetting, yet powerful trip. Jacob M. Appel's The Mask of Sanity hits all the nerves so be prepared for a ride unlike any other. This is how I like my suspense novels. I still can't get it out of my mind.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book!

I confess I have read about three other books by this author and he is a favorite of mine. But this book…WOW….blew it out of the water! The book drew me in quick and didn’t let go, this book’s character is amazingly interesting and completely callous in the way he doesn’t care for his neighbors, coworkers and strangers….at all…..I was completely enthralled on this ride and was wondering how the ending was going to play out. My thoughts during the book were “You’re going to get caught” to “Wonder what secrets the people in my life have?”
Again a great read by Mr. Appel I would recommend this book and his other works!

I was very pleased to receive a hard copy of this book (thank you, thank you!) for my enjoyment. Having read several of Appel’s books, I was anxious to start this newest one, and disappointed I definitely was not. This very fast-paced medical thriller was exactly what I love, as a retired nurse practitioner. Dr. Jeremy Balint seemed on the outside like a very dedicated physician, well-liked by his colleagues and friends. The story starts with the background of Jeremy’s current situation in his marriage and career, but soon takes a huge turn when he discovers his wife in the arms of a fellow-physician. His mind then goes in an ugly direction, working endlessly to end this peer’s life. It is all very easy for him, practicing as he moves towards his goal, on other lives. The book has an ending that leaves room for wonder, so I would love to see a follow-up in the future. Thanks, Dr. Appel - another book well-done.

An amazingly dark and sinister tale. What a twisted fellow the good doctor is! An illustration of just how warped a persons mind can be and the terrifying acts that are carried out by such people who think they are justified in their actions. A fantastic read that was greedily devoured within a day.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the very beginning. Dr. Balint is a Cardiologist with a wife and two daughters. Upon learning that his wife is having an affair with a colleague he despises, Dr. Balint decides the only way he can save his marriage is to have her lover killed so he decides to kill other people first so by the time he kills his colleague it will look like the work of a serial killer. This was a very easy book to get into, I especially liked the ending. Highly recommend!