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1st out of 4 books
—
5 voters
Mad Dog House
by
Mark Rubinstein (Goodreads Author)
Roddy Dolan, a successful suburban surgeon, long ago left behind his past--one that nearly landed him in jail at 17. When he's approached by an old friend about becoming a silent partner in a Manhattan steakhouse, he's understandably wary. So he consults with his lifelong blood brother, Danny Burns. Danny's convinced this "vanity project" is the perfect trophy to illustrat...more
Paperback, First, 328 pages
Published
October 23rd 2012
by Thunder Lake Press
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Won this! Thank God I did! This story has heart.
Mad Dog House is a true man's man thriller. Roddy and Danny have been best friends since childhood. They've each grown into mature, responsible, successful and happy men. They've been through a lot and have always remained close. So when it comes to making heavy decisions not only do they consult their wives, they discuss it with each other. Sound familiar? Do you have a best friend? Maybe your husband, boyfriend, or brother has this best friend?...more
Mad Dog House is a true man's man thriller. Roddy and Danny have been best friends since childhood. They've each grown into mature, responsible, successful and happy men. They've been through a lot and have always remained close. So when it comes to making heavy decisions not only do they consult their wives, they discuss it with each other. Sound familiar? Do you have a best friend? Maybe your husband, boyfriend, or brother has this best friend?...more
Mad Dog House: Mark Rubenstein
Life has a way of taking on many different turns and throwing you past into your present. When three men decide to go into business they find out the true meaning of friendship, deceit, loyalty and deception when one guy named Mad Dog, and one named Danny plus Snake Eyes ( Kenny) venture into the restaurant business and steak is not the only thing ordered up. Roddy Dolan was a tough street kid nicknamed “Mad Dog.” His temper, fists and tough attitude precede him whe...more
Life has a way of taking on many different turns and throwing you past into your present. When three men decide to go into business they find out the true meaning of friendship, deceit, loyalty and deception when one guy named Mad Dog, and one named Danny plus Snake Eyes ( Kenny) venture into the restaurant business and steak is not the only thing ordered up. Roddy Dolan was a tough street kid nicknamed “Mad Dog.” His temper, fists and tough attitude precede him whe...more
In Mad Dog House, Mark Rubinstein has created an intriguing dark journey filled with suspense. From the beginning and throughout the entire book we are riveted by an intense foreboding, as Roddy Dolan, a successful surgeon, is visited by a seemingly stranger during the last appointment slot of his work schedule. As the conversation evolves we find out this stranger is not unknown to Roddy, but is an acquaintance from his past. This in itself creates a level of subliminal caution and tension for...more
It was great fun to read this book. Mark Rubinstein does a terrific job of peaking your interest from the first page...and keeping it until the last. Part of the reason that you will find yourself unable to turn the pages fast enough is the authors ability to hook you into the characters. He does this less through description and analysis and more through the in-your-face, rapid fire dialog that jumps from every page. There is also a vividly sketched sense of place that comes through. Think Pete...more
Oct 25, 2012
Niki Ketchman
marked it as to-read
This review is from: Mad Dog House (Paperback)
While reading Mad Dog House the reader experiences the anxiety and anticipation of the slow up hill climb of a roller coaster only to be thrust into the adrenalin rush with the events that follow. Although the reader may feel a sense of dread at what might come next he cannot leave the ride because he becomes too emotionally involved with the main characters, Roddy and Danny. Part of the mystery of the book is to find out if Roddy and Danny can esca...more
While reading Mad Dog House the reader experiences the anxiety and anticipation of the slow up hill climb of a roller coaster only to be thrust into the adrenalin rush with the events that follow. Although the reader may feel a sense of dread at what might come next he cannot leave the ride because he becomes too emotionally involved with the main characters, Roddy and Danny. Part of the mystery of the book is to find out if Roddy and Danny can esca...more
Well, that was entertaining. Not something usually associated with a suspense murder mystery, but still, there it is. The story starts with Mad Dog Dolan as a boy with a slow but devastating temper who deals with a horrible home life, gets caught in a felony, and is given a choice between jail and the Army. Being a smart boy, he chooses the Army. We later discover that Mad Dog becomes Roddy, a successful surgeon with obligatory wife and two kids. He’s put his ugly childhood behind him, except fo...more
Roddy Dolan and his best friend Danny Burns are asked to become silent partners in a restaurant that with a friend from the old neighborhood, Kenny McGuirk; someone he hasn’t seen in over thirty years. Suspicious at first, but Roddy decides to invest because Danny is excited about it; then after six months things begin to go sour and Roddy has to become the person he once was when he lived in Brooklyn and get them out of danger.
The story grabs you from the beginning pages and lures you into a st...more
The story grabs you from the beginning pages and lures you into a st...more
This novel is a wonderful look at childhood loyalties come back to haunt, set in a vividly detailed world of street-level Bronx grit which reminded me more than once of the movie Goodfellas. The action never slows, while the dialogue zips and pops. I don't want to give away too much of the plot other than what is already mentioned in the book summary - but suffice it to say, these well-drawn characters earn their resolutions.
I also found the author's personal history interesting; according to hi...more
I also found the author's personal history interesting; according to hi...more
*I received my copy of this book via Goodreads giveaways - Thank you!*
I had a really difficult time getting into this book. I had a couple of false starts before I finally ripped through it, so it definitely falls into the "have to be in the mood" category for me, which is of absolutely no help to anyone else, I know.
Though the characters are interesting, I think that the author may have tried a little *too* hard to develop them. Long passages in the main characters mind about how this or that...more
I had a really difficult time getting into this book. I had a couple of false starts before I finally ripped through it, so it definitely falls into the "have to be in the mood" category for me, which is of absolutely no help to anyone else, I know.
Though the characters are interesting, I think that the author may have tried a little *too* hard to develop them. Long passages in the main characters mind about how this or that...more
Can anyone escape their past, or will it haunt them forever? That is the central theme of this taut, well-crafted thriller. Roddy Dolan and Danny Burns, old friends from their rough and tumble school days in Brooklyn have gone on to become successful-- Roddy a surgeon and Danny an account. When another old pal, Kenny Egan, shows up with a deal to open a restaurant that's almost too good to be true, the men jump at the chance. But, as we know if something seems too good to be true, it usually is....more
28 years ago Roddy "Mad Dog" Dolan almost landed in prison for a felony. Instead he went into the Army, then medical school and became a successful suburban surgeon. His best friend Danny Burns becomes a successful CPA and Financial planner. When someone from their past shows up with a business deal Roddy is leary and with good reason.
This book pulls you in from the very beginning and by the time you get to the end you are exhausted. The roller coaster of emotions that it brings and the last fe...more
This book pulls you in from the very beginning and by the time you get to the end you are exhausted. The roller coaster of emotions that it brings and the last fe...more
WOW!....what a powerful first novel! A truly thought-provoking must read!
If I could award Mad Dog House SIX stars I would! This fast-paced tale is enhanced by taut, crisp dialogue and is an utterly compelling read. The intensity and gritty reality of this psychological thriller are such that I felt personally involved in the dire circumstances facing Roddy and Danny and their families. There was no way to stop reading until the mind-blowing climax and now the plight of these very real characters...more
If I could award Mad Dog House SIX stars I would! This fast-paced tale is enhanced by taut, crisp dialogue and is an utterly compelling read. The intensity and gritty reality of this psychological thriller are such that I felt personally involved in the dire circumstances facing Roddy and Danny and their families. There was no way to stop reading until the mind-blowing climax and now the plight of these very real characters...more
Joyce Fama -
In "Mad Dog House" Mark Rubinstein reaches out, grabs you and doesn't let go until you've read the last page. You are a witness to a fulfilled life that with one decision becomes a decent into a gritty world of greed, drugs and fear.
This is a book with skillfully developed characters who not only demand and get your attention but also create a strong visceral response. You'll find yourself so committed to this intense and fascinating story that I advise before starting this novel p...more
May 04, 2013
Donna
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Donna by:
http://markrubinstein-author.com/our-apologies/
I was completely hooked on this story from the beginning. The story had so many twists and surprises that you were always anxious to get to the next page to find out what was going to happen next.
The author kept you experiencing the emotions of all the characters and I ended up crying, laughing and just plain emotional along with all the feelings being written in such a way that I felt I was included in the story.
Thank You Mark Rubinstein, for such a great book.
The author kept you experiencing the emotions of all the characters and I ended up crying, laughing and just plain emotional along with all the feelings being written in such a way that I felt I was included in the story.
Thank You Mark Rubinstein, for such a great book.
The story has a good pace and the characters are well described. This is no wonder, considering the background of the author as professor of psychiatry at Cornell University. Most of the scenes are vivid, the dialogs fit. If you are not be put off by the sometimes slightly rude language of the protagonists,
this is certainly a solid thriller, even if no major surprises occur. The end is somewhat left open, so a second part would be possible, which would be welcome by me.
this is certainly a solid thriller, even if no major surprises occur. The end is somewhat left open, so a second part would be possible, which would be welcome by me.
How much influence should your friends be able to have in your life? Where do you draw the line?
Mad Dog House by Mark Rubinstein will hold your attention until the end when you finally get to find out what happens. Read it if you like mysteries and suspense. Like some of the mobsters in it, there are harsh sections of the book (such as with language) but they fit the pattern. I hope you like it too.
Mad Dog House by Mark Rubinstein will hold your attention until the end when you finally get to find out what happens. Read it if you like mysteries and suspense. Like some of the mobsters in it, there are harsh sections of the book (such as with language) but they fit the pattern. I hope you like it too.
The title didn't inspire me, I expecteda lot of blood and gore, but you can't judge a book by its cover they say. I was pleasently surprised as it was a more structured and well written story than I was expecting. In fairness it did tend to run out of steam a little towards the end but I enjoyed it never the less, and would have no qualms about recommending it.
A well written, compelling story, Mad Dog House was a great weekend read. The plot trucks along at a nice clip until about half way through, where it slows considerably. You know where it is going and you just want to get there. Despite this, the book is good enough to see it to it's interesting end.
I won this book in a contest, and thought it sounded interesting - since I love a good mystery - it was definitely a page turner, and kept my interest. However, I have to say that it was not very well written and at times was a bit repetitive. However, I read it very quickly, and if you like something to read on vacation, this would be perfect.
MAD DOG HOUSE is a taut and entertaining thriller. It sets it's stall out slowly, you're about 30% through before the pieces of the narrative fall into place but it works. There are genuine moments of dread, excitement and suspense. At times it's a little overwritten with details of what and how the protagonist is feeling and how it all links to back to such and such which can derail the tension a little and have real thrilling moments land a little flat.
Aug 11, 2012
Kristen
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Kristen by:
http://markrubinstein-author.com/
On the surface, Mad Dog House is a debut thriller about a suburban doctor who gets in over his head on a business venture and must fight to protect his wife and children from intimidation and danger.
In reality, though, the best and most nuanced parts of this novel happen in the last third, when it takes a close look at what taking action against a bully can do to the victim emotionally and internally. Rubinstein's deft handling of the tortures a person will put himself through has echoes of Haml...more
In reality, though, the best and most nuanced parts of this novel happen in the last third, when it takes a close look at what taking action against a bully can do to the victim emotionally and internally. Rubinstein's deft handling of the tortures a person will put himself through has echoes of Haml...more
This is a story of two friends who were once local toughs but now are respectable: a surgeon and an accountant. Approached by someone from their past they join him as silent partners in a restaurant business. Seduced by the glamour, and reassured the figures, the lifelong pals decide to take a calculated risk. It does well until the mafia shows up and the true nature of their partner is revealed. The extreme measures taken by the two friends to extricate themselves and save their families from a...more
very readable, but bogged down in too much dwelling on the details of how an individual will respond at moments of stress - made the story feel a bit dragged out to me.
Three childhood friends reconnect thirty years later to partner in a restaurant investment. All seems great at first....
I won this book and it was the most exciting book I have ever read. The adventure Mad Dog takes you on makes you want to keep reading and reading and reading. I definitely recommend that any book lover get this book and read away, I am sure you will love it as much as I did!!! Thank you so much Mark!
A gripping psychological thriller that raises unsettling questions about whether it's really possible to change your basic nature--or escape the demons of your past. The ending was a shocker!
Looking forward to reading this one soon. Updated review will follow as soon as I finish reading :)
I am extremely grateful and happy to have won this book for free through Goodreads First Reads! What a gritty, pulse-pounding story about old friendships, old reputations, and the struggle to overcome the past for a better future. Roddy now has it all; a great family, wonderful kids, and a best friend that would go through hell with him. Well, that's a good thing because when the past comes knocking on Roddy's door, it will take everything he and Dan (his best friend) have to survive.
Fast read.... middle was boring.
Jul 07, 2012
Mark Rubinstein
rated it
5 of 5 stars
· (Review from the author)
Shelves:
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Mark Rubinstein was born in Brooklyn, New York. His love of sports led him to read sports fiction, and he became a voracious reader, developing an enduring love for all kinds of novels.
He graduated from New York University with a degree in business administration. He then served in the army and ended up as a field medic tending to paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division. After discharge, he re-...more
More about Mark Rubinstein...
He graduated from New York University with a degree in business administration. He then served in the army and ended up as a field medic tending to paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division. After discharge, he re-...more
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“Standing in the corner, leaning aginst the wall, is a fifth man.
If Grange is a Hummer, this guy's an 18-wheel Mack truck, thinks Roddy. Parked, with its engine idling. He reminds Roddy of Ivan Drago from that Rocky movie. The guy must stand six five and tip the scales at 270. Pure, rock-hard muscle. His crew-cut blond hair is slickly gelled; his face--especially those cheekbones and that lantern jaw--could be carved from granite. He, no doubt, spends counteless hours at some muscle emporium. Pure muscle, but probably clumsy; he would go down fast if Roddy drove a flurry of punches into his gut and face. A gold earring pierces the guy's left earlobe. The drape of the jacket on his Schwarzenegger shoulders shows a bulge on the left side. The guy's packing some serious hardware. Mack Truck stares blankly and stands rock-still, hands clasped in front of his gargantuan body.”
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If Grange is a Hummer, this guy's an 18-wheel Mack truck, thinks Roddy. Parked, with its engine idling. He reminds Roddy of Ivan Drago from that Rocky movie. The guy must stand six five and tip the scales at 270. Pure, rock-hard muscle. His crew-cut blond hair is slickly gelled; his face--especially those cheekbones and that lantern jaw--could be carved from granite. He, no doubt, spends counteless hours at some muscle emporium. Pure muscle, but probably clumsy; he would go down fast if Roddy drove a flurry of punches into his gut and face. A gold earring pierces the guy's left earlobe. The drape of the jacket on his Schwarzenegger shoulders shows a bulge on the left side. The guy's packing some serious hardware. Mack Truck stares blankly and stands rock-still, hands clasped in front of his gargantuan body.”
Apr 06, 2013 10:09am