Walter Marks delivers a gripping
psychological thriller with his latest novel, Demonic Behavior: A Dr. David
Rothberg Novel. The complex nature of the human mind collides with the grim
reality of violent crime in this engaging narrative that explores themes of
abuse, trauma, and the fragility of sanity. The story follows Maddie Lindstrom,
a young woman accused of brutally murdering her parents, whose blood-soaked
discovery raises immediate red flags for the law. As the psychiatric evaluator,
Dr. David Rothberg finds himself drawn into not only a legal battle for Maddie’s
fate but also a deep exploration of her psychological state —she insists a
demonic possession influences her. As Rothberg navigates through Maddie’s
convoluted claims, he faces his fears of making a wrong diagnosis due to his
past mistakes in the field—a tension that augments the sense of urgency to the
plot. Meanwhile, David’s close friend, Detective Perryman, hunts the killer of
a transgender woman in a men’s room. What is the connection between the two
cases?
Marks excels at crafting a multifaceted protagonist in Dr.
Rothberg, who is portrayed as empathetic yet flawed. His internal turmoil over
the nature of madness and the ethical responsibilities of a psychiatrist
enriches the narrative, allowing readers to witness the quiet struggle between
professional duty and personal values. This emotional depth is mirrored in
Maddie’s character, who transforms from a silent, seemingly chaotic figure into
a glaring representation of trauma, voicing both her fear and her unorthodox
responses to abuse. The novel’s atmosphere is brilliantly constructed,
contrasting the chaotic nature of Maddie’s experiences with the structured
environment of the psychiatric unit. Marks’ prose is sharp and insightful,
blending tense dialogue and reflective inner monologues, successfully immersing
readers in the unfolding mystery of Maddie's psyche. The inclusion of Esperanto
as a language of alleged possession gives the narrative an intriguing layer, as
it raises questions about identity, belief, and the very fabric of reality—what
does it mean to be genuinely ‘possessed’? Demonic Behavior: A Dr. David
Rothberg Novel is a psychologically disturbing and emotionally rich thriller
that satisfies at multiple levels. Walter Marks creates a twisty plot,
characters that are rich and fully drawn, and a psychological conflict that is
unique and that moves the narrative steadily forward.
 Mommys_Boy_6x9.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
