What do you think?
Rate this book
Rage Therapy
A compelling psychological thriller that probes the darkest compulsions of the human mind.
Dr. Stanley Kolberg was not just murdered. His lifeless body was battered and broken almost beyond recognition, as though his unknown killer had been driven by a ferocious rage that had exploded madly out of control.
As far as the Seattle police are concerned, there is no shortage of suspects. A distinguished psychiatrist, Kolberg specialized in anger management and often treated violent offenders with severe psychiatric disorders. His client list is a virtual lineup of sociopaths, psychotics, and convicted murderers, any one of whom might have unleashed their homicidal fury on the doctor.
For Dr. Joel Ashman, who consults as a profiler for Seattle Homicide, the shocking crime strikes particularly close to home. Not only was the victim a fellow psychiatrist, but Kolberg was also his former partner and mentor--he was practically a second father to Joel, who soon finds himself the target of a faceless stalker as well.
Who killed Stanley Kolberg and why? The answers lie hidden in a lurid underworld of depraved sex and violence--and in the tortured past of one disturbed young woman.
Dr. Stanley Kolberg was not just murdered. His lifeless body was battered and broken almost beyond recognition, as though his unknown killer had been driven by a ferocious rage that had exploded madly out of control.
As far as the Seattle police are concerned, there is no shortage of suspects. A distinguished psychiatrist, Kolberg specialized in anger management and often treated violent offenders with severe psychiatric disorders. His client list is a virtual lineup of sociopaths, psychotics, and convicted murderers, any one of whom might have unleashed their homicidal fury on the doctor.
For Dr. Joel Ashman, who consults as a profiler for Seattle Homicide, the shocking crime strikes particularly close to home. Not only was the victim a fellow psychiatrist, but Kolberg was also his former partner and mentor--he was practically a second father to Joel, who soon finds himself the target of a faceless stalker as well.
Who killed Stanley Kolberg and why? The answers lie hidden in a lurid underworld of depraved sex and violence--and in the tortured past of one disturbed young woman.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
12 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Kalla
19 books568 followersBorn, raised, and still residing in Vancouver, Daniel has worked as an ER Physician for the past twenty years. He is also the author of fifteen published novels, which have been translated into thirteen languages.
In his latest novel, THE DEEPEST FAKE, a tech CEO and AI pioneer’s carefully curated life is unraveling—his wife is cheating, someone is defrauding his company, and he’s just been handed a fatal diagnosis. He’d end it all, if only he could trust his own reality. As deepfakes and deception blur the lines between truth and illusion, the novel explores the challenges and pitfalls of safeguarding reality in an age when it can be fabricated.
Daniel received his B.Sc. and MD from the University of British Columbia, where he is now a clinical associate professor. He is the proud father of two girls and a poorly behaved but lovable mutt, Milo.
In his latest novel, THE DEEPEST FAKE, a tech CEO and AI pioneer’s carefully curated life is unraveling—his wife is cheating, someone is defrauding his company, and he’s just been handed a fatal diagnosis. He’d end it all, if only he could trust his own reality. As deepfakes and deception blur the lines between truth and illusion, the novel explores the challenges and pitfalls of safeguarding reality in an age when it can be fabricated.
Daniel received his B.Sc. and MD from the University of British Columbia, where he is now a clinical associate professor. He is the proud father of two girls and a poorly behaved but lovable mutt, Milo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 15, 2015
Kalla is a pretty good writer and his story moves along at a good clip. I'm not sure why psychologists/psychiatrists are such popular characters for mysteries; perhaps because they are privy to more secrets and scandals than the average person. In any case, this book is not exactly flattering to the psychiatric profession, but does use it effectively as a springboard for a mystery. The plot is convoluted enough to keep the reader guessing and at the end you'll likely find yourself thinking you should have seen it coming. There are clues from the beginning, but they only make sense in retrospect, which says something for Kalla's ability to plot. There are some pretty gruesome scenes (but nothing so gory as Kellerman, for example), so beware if that bothers you and the plot has to do with S&M which may be a deterrent for some readers. This is a quick read, just a few hours, and never boring. The characters are fairly stock. The protagonist is ok, nothing special--you wouldn't invite him over for dinner if you were looking for an interesting conversation. You won't be greatly enriched by reading this thriller, but you'll be entertained.
November 16, 2020
An interesting, but somewhat unsatisfying, read about violent psychiatric patients and the batshit crazy psychiatrists who treat them. Abuse and murder follow for some of the women and, not surprisingly, the good doctors are able to operate under the radar for years. When patients won’t fulfill their needs they turn to sociopathic underworld creeps to feed their perverted, violent cravings by procuring more or less willing sex workers for them. Things, as expected, get quite out of hand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2018
Sensed the twist near the end coming from about halfway through the book, but still an enjoyable, quick read.
January 29, 2016
I have mixed feelings towards the book. back when I read it first, 6 years ago, it was the first one to read of this genre and I thought it was brilliant. Over the next 6 years I read my head off of similarly structured books and, of course, I forgot about this one. When I started reading it, I had completely forgotten all about the book. The only thing that I vaguely remembered, was the opening scene, but from then on it was all as if I was reading it for the first time. Mid-way through the book I figured out that it makes sense that Ashman had killed Kolberg. From then on, I was hoping to be wrong. ( I should also mention that whilst reading it, none of it came out as a reminder... i wasn't ever like: 'ohh, I remember that!" No. it was still as unfamiliar...) So I was rather disappointed, because when I read it, back in 8th grade, I thought that it was the most genius book ever created in the Universe... Such a downer... I still can't figure where the problem is. Is it really a genius book, but I have just read so many alike (since reading it and forgotten about) and now I can't appreciate its awesomeness? Or is it the fact that it was just the first book of this genre that I read and blew my mind due to the fact that I had nothing to compare it with?
Also, Claire- I couldn't stand her. She was such an annoying character. Yes, yes, i know, she saved Joel's life, but still... Also Angela- didn't like her..but I guess that is normal since her character wasn't exactly the most lovable.
Also, Claire- I couldn't stand her. She was such an annoying character. Yes, yes, i know, she saved Joel's life, but still... Also Angela- didn't like her..but I guess that is normal since her character wasn't exactly the most lovable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2012
This was a pretty good book, except that the opening scene unintentionally gives away who the murderer is. It took away the suprise for me, and turned the detective chase into a boring thing for me because I knew every lead wasn't going anywhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2018
I really enjoyed the book. Its similar to my work as a Clinician so I have to admit it was accurately written, interesting, and insightful.
May 10, 2020
When psychiatrist, Stanley Kolberg is found murdered in this office the list of suspects is substantial. After all, his clients have a problem with anger. Someone not only shot him but then beat his dead body with a heavy object, breaking his arm and insulting that injury. Soon his secret life, his abuse of his female patients and the sick sexual abuses he enjoys comes to ight. Who wanted him dead? Who shot him and how is Joel his former partner and almost adopted son going to get to the bottom of it all. well plotted, well written and twisty enough.
February 7, 2020
26 Rage Therapy by Daniel Kalla
Shrink versus shrink in Seattle,by a Vancouver author. When a noted psychiatrist, Stanley Kollberg, who specialised in anger management is found brutally murdered in his office, there are lots of suspects. Dr. Joel Ashman, a homicide profiler who used to work with Kollberg, knows a few secrets about his former colleague and some of his patients. Twisty, dark and makes you wonder how much you can trust that guy you see once a week who knows your secrets.
Shrink versus shrink in Seattle,by a Vancouver author. When a noted psychiatrist, Stanley Kollberg, who specialised in anger management is found brutally murdered in his office, there are lots of suspects. Dr. Joel Ashman, a homicide profiler who used to work with Kollberg, knows a few secrets about his former colleague and some of his patients. Twisty, dark and makes you wonder how much you can trust that guy you see once a week who knows your secrets.
December 7, 2025
It got me hooked. I sort of knew who is the killer quite early on but the author threw enough distractions to keep one confused enough to continue.
And abusive men getting beaten in revenge is something I needed to read about at this moment in my life.
Also the romantic plot was in the realm of plausibles and 10 points for introducing the female characters in non-creepy way, and making them tridimensional.
And abusive men getting beaten in revenge is something I needed to read about at this moment in my life.
Also the romantic plot was in the realm of plausibles and 10 points for introducing the female characters in non-creepy way, and making them tridimensional.
April 28, 2018
Not as interesting as some of the author's previous works - no contagious diseases here.Instead you have a psychiatrist who takes his own personal kink and tries to pass it off to his patients as a new type role-playing rage therapy. So who takes their role a little too far and kills the pain loving junkie?
May 10, 2019
Interesting, plenty doses of suspense, at the same time quite disturbing. Graphic descriptions of sexual perversions associated with fragile mentally ill persons and their so called therapeutic health care professionals (Psychiatrists) is a stretch to view as realistic scenarios, in my opinion.
Nonetheless despite slow sections, I did manage to çomplete the book.
Nonetheless despite slow sections, I did manage to çomplete the book.
October 29, 2017
Different from previous book I read (which I found more fascinating. This one, I knew who did it but was still surprised at the ending. Will read more of him.
December 7, 2018
Deliciously dark deviant & creepy!
A fairly fast paced novel filled with pages of surprises & gasps on a topic most find taboo. Well written & interesting!
A fairly fast paced novel filled with pages of surprises & gasps on a topic most find taboo. Well written & interesting!
May 18, 2019
I didn’t see the ending coming! I am so happy the good guy was such a strong character in the book
June 9, 2020
My theory for the ending has been proven wrong. I am not expecting that twist! And, why do I feel a need for book two?
July 7, 2020
My favorite book of his so far!
August 26, 2020
Completely enthralling, beginning to end. Couldn’t put this one down.
February 20, 2021
What a gripping story and certainly kept you on your toes, wondering “ who actually did it”?
January 1, 2024
fast paced. pulls you in. lots of twists. great read
June 3, 2024
Easy read, fast moving.
June 9, 2024
Поредна страхотна книга от Даниел Кала. Не е за хора със слаба психика.
October 27, 2024
First book I've read in a while that I couldn't put down.
November 17, 2020
Different story line than Daniel's typical trope of deasease gone wild and herione Dr saves the world. Like it would give 4.5 if we had choice of 1/2 stars.
September 23, 2014
I spent most of this book thinking I read it before, until the twist at the end, which I didn't see coming and thus know this is the first time I read this book. The plot seemed familiar, a well-respected psychiatrist is found brutally murdered in his office, and the narrator, Dr. Ashman, his former colleague, is called to the murder scene to try to give police a profile of the type of person who could and would inflict the sort of wounds seen on the victim. The victim, Dr. Kolberg, made a career of treating very disturbed and violent patients, hence the book's title. At Kolberg's autopsy, Ashman learns a secret his friend had kept hidden, though apparently not from their other partner, Dr. Nichols.
The secret reminds Ashman of the only patient the two doctors shared, and the reason Ashman left the private practice, a young woman who made accusations against Kolberg and eventually became Ashman's patient. Ashman isn't sure who to believe, his well-respected colleague, or this patient, whose stories seem to be wild and rather exaggerated. Before Ashman could work his way through the mess, the woman committed suicide, an event that reminded Ashman of a childhood friend who also committed suicide after a traumatic event. Together, the loss of these two women, and the sudden death of his wife a couple years ago, continued to weigh heavily on Ashman and forced him to question who he was and what he believed in.
As mentioned, everything seemed familiar that I was certain I knew who murdered Kolberg, to the point I almost wanted to read the ending to see if I was right and thus skip reading the rest, knowing I'd read it before. It became clear about midway through the book that my suspect wasn't guilty, so I was glad I didn't spoil the ending. It was a decent book, and I do wish there was a sequel, as I feel that the character of Ashman has many more angles, and I'd be curious to see his continued processing of losing so many people who played important roles in his life. That said, it wasn't an amazing, unforgettable read, and the familiarity of it led to my average rating.
The secret reminds Ashman of the only patient the two doctors shared, and the reason Ashman left the private practice, a young woman who made accusations against Kolberg and eventually became Ashman's patient. Ashman isn't sure who to believe, his well-respected colleague, or this patient, whose stories seem to be wild and rather exaggerated. Before Ashman could work his way through the mess, the woman committed suicide, an event that reminded Ashman of a childhood friend who also committed suicide after a traumatic event. Together, the loss of these two women, and the sudden death of his wife a couple years ago, continued to weigh heavily on Ashman and forced him to question who he was and what he believed in.
As mentioned, everything seemed familiar that I was certain I knew who murdered Kolberg, to the point I almost wanted to read the ending to see if I was right and thus skip reading the rest, knowing I'd read it before. It became clear about midway through the book that my suspect wasn't guilty, so I was glad I didn't spoil the ending. It was a decent book, and I do wish there was a sequel, as I feel that the character of Ashman has many more angles, and I'd be curious to see his continued processing of losing so many people who played important roles in his life. That said, it wasn't an amazing, unforgettable read, and the familiarity of it led to my average rating.
February 12, 2009
Who could have killed Stanley Kolberg and why? As far as the Seattle police are concerned there is no shortage of suspects when the lifeless battered body of the Dr, an anger management psychiatrist is found in his office. Called to assist the Seattle PD is Dr Joel Ashman a profiler regularly consulted to study murder scenes and create profiles. This time, things are personal for Ashman the victim is a former partner and was also a mentor.
Joined by fellow law enforcement agents Ethan Devonshire and Claire Shepherd, they dig into the doctor's past and after performing numerous interviews, it becomes clear that Dr Kolberg has a hidden past; for one thing he seems to have had a thing for S&M and routinely included his patients against their will. This tidy little case becomes a tangled mess as the investigation progresses and clues are revealed... it is discovered that some of his past patients have died of apparent suicide... adding a whole different twist to the story....
This book is very suspenseful, full of twist and turns, great character development, the writer's clues are subtle. The protagonist Ashman's good-guy facade shifts and his transformation keeps us in suspense, the author throws us a curve ball hard to figure till the last few pages, I found it to be a very clever ending not one I would have expected
The story will pull you into a world of sexual deviancy, murder and mind games. I love the way this author weaves science and medicine to provide a nail biting thriller. Well done.
Joined by fellow law enforcement agents Ethan Devonshire and Claire Shepherd, they dig into the doctor's past and after performing numerous interviews, it becomes clear that Dr Kolberg has a hidden past; for one thing he seems to have had a thing for S&M and routinely included his patients against their will. This tidy little case becomes a tangled mess as the investigation progresses and clues are revealed... it is discovered that some of his past patients have died of apparent suicide... adding a whole different twist to the story....
This book is very suspenseful, full of twist and turns, great character development, the writer's clues are subtle. The protagonist Ashman's good-guy facade shifts and his transformation keeps us in suspense, the author throws us a curve ball hard to figure till the last few pages, I found it to be a very clever ending not one I would have expected
The story will pull you into a world of sexual deviancy, murder and mind games. I love the way this author weaves science and medicine to provide a nail biting thriller. Well done.
August 23, 2015
It has been eons since I read a crime/thriller novel. This was a good one to start afresh with. The reason I stopped with this genre was because the endings were either too predictable or ended up with a random new character introduced 10 pages before the end that hastily became suspect and guilty. This novel had an ending that didn't fall into either of the above popular categories and I applaud Daniel Kalla for creating an interesting plot that wraps up splendidly in the finally.
The novel had a lot of psychology and therapy elements that I generally enjoy in books. There were also dark and raw elements in the novel of abuse as well as the lingering pain of 'loss'. The characters were a little more than caricatures and had just enough depth to make them relate-able. And for those who enjoy the 50Shades of Grey series, there are some dark and twisted S&M elements to the plot.
The novel had a lot of psychology and therapy elements that I generally enjoy in books. There were also dark and raw elements in the novel of abuse as well as the lingering pain of 'loss'. The characters were a little more than caricatures and had just enough depth to make them relate-able. And for those who enjoy the 50Shades of Grey series, there are some dark and twisted S&M elements to the plot.
January 11, 2013
A twisted psychiatrist murder book.
Joel finds out about a deranged relationship between his former partners, Stanley and Cal, and their psychiatric patients. When one after the other is found dead, Joel teams up with the police department as a psychological profiler to find out who did it and in the meantime we find out a lot about his former patient, Angela, who is a bigger piece of the puzzle than previously thought. They look into her death and read her diaries to learn more about the sick relationship she had with Stanley, Cal, and their "hobby". The end of the book left me thinking there might be a book two, but as far as I know there isn't.
Joel finds out about a deranged relationship between his former partners, Stanley and Cal, and their psychiatric patients. When one after the other is found dead, Joel teams up with the police department as a psychological profiler to find out who did it and in the meantime we find out a lot about his former patient, Angela, who is a bigger piece of the puzzle than previously thought. They look into her death and read her diaries to learn more about the sick relationship she had with Stanley, Cal, and their "hobby". The end of the book left me thinking there might be a book two, but as far as I know there isn't.
September 4, 2008
I enjoyed this book, although I found it to be a bit predictable. But this isn't a genre I read for a challenge -- this is my guilty pleasure/comfort food type of read. The descriptions were, at times, gratuitously grisly and/or sexually graphic. This didn't really bother me, but might be a turn-off for some readers. Still, I enjoyed getting to know the characters. Is this part of a series? The sub-plots seemed to suggest it, but the ending (without giving too much away) didn't seem to leave much room for a sequel.
October 1, 2010
This was a fairly entertaining book that really disses the psychotherapy field in a major way. The plot is a bit overblown, most of the characters are sketchily drawn, but the author writes quite well. The story takes place in Seattle and, as a former Seattleite, I think the author took considerable editorial license with local geography and how to arrive at point B from point A. Bellevue is a neighborhood! The book's outcome was a bit of a surprise and left me flat. Nevertheless if you enjoy books by Jonathan Kellerman you might find Rage Therapy of interest.
December 23, 2014
To sum up the plot: psychiatrists behaving badly (gone wild?). This was the perfect book to get engrossed in while I was sick and didn't have the energy to do anything else. In other circumstances it might not have been as entertaining as I was sure I knew the whodunnit from early on. It read like it was one in a series with these same characters as I felt they had knowledge and back story that I was unaware of. It is a stand alone book though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews