Demonic Behavior: A Dr. David Rothberg Novel

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.