‘Every Fifteen Minutes’ by Lisa Scottoline
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Every Fifteen Minutes by Lisa Scottoline is a psychological thriller. It dives deep into the dark corners of the human mind and the devastating effects of manipulation.
This story follows Dr. Eric Parrish, a respected chief of psychiatry at a Philadelphia hospital. On the surface, Eric seems to have it all—an esteemed career, a good reputation, and a deep dedication to his patients. But beneath that polished exterior, his life suddenly begins to unravel.
Eric becomes especially concerned about a teenage boy under his care who struggles with obsessive thoughts and violent impulses. The boy’s fixation on a girl and his inability to control his compulsions put him at high risk. And Eric feels a strong responsibility to protect him.
But when a murder occurs, suspicion points toward Eric. And suddenly, his once-stable world begins collapsing around him.
Eric realizes he may be entangled in a dangerous game orchestrated by someone intent on destroying him.
How Sociopaths Operate:
The title, Every Fifteen Minutes, refers to the way sociopaths operate: without conscience, without empathy, and always calculating their next move. The novel explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the terrifying reality of sociopathy. Specifically, how a sociopath operates.
Sociopaths manipulate others while hiding in plain sight. The book’s title reflects how easily someone in crisis can spiral into danger, and symbolizes the constant tension Eric feels as his life unravels piece by piece.
It reflects part of the story’s psychological framework. Eric explains that obsessive thoughts can come in repetitive cycles. And for this particular patient, anxiety and disturbing urges resurface roughly every fifteen minutes. That ticking mental clock becomes a structural tension in the novel as events accelerate.
Below is an excerpt from the beginning of this book. It is chilling to say the least:
A Book Excerpt:
I’m a sociopath. I look normal, but I’m not. I’m smarter, better, and freer because I’m not bound by rules, law, emotion, or regard for you.
I can read you almost immediately, get your number right away, and push your buttons to make you do whatever I want. I don’t really like you, but I’m so good at acting as if I do that it’s basically the same thing. To you.
I fool you.
I fool everybody.
I’ve read that one out of twenty-four people is a sociopath, and if you ask me, the other twenty-three of you should be worried. One out of twenty-four people is 4 percent of the population, and that’s a lot of sociopaths.
Anorexics are 3 percent, and everybody talks about them. Schizophrenics are only 1 percent, but they get all the press. No one’s paying any attention to sociopaths, or they think we’re all killers, which is a misconception.
It’s not being paranoid to worry about us. You should be more paranoid than you are. Your typical suburban mom worries all the time, but she worries about the wrong things.
Because she doesn’t worry about me.
People think evil exists in the form of terrorists, murderers, and ruthless dictators, but not in “normal” people like me. They don’t realize that evil lives on their street. Works in the cubicle next to them. Chats with them in the checkout line at CVS. Reads a paperback on the train next to them. Runs on a treadmill at their gym.
Or marries their daughter.
We’re here, and we prey on you.
We target you.
We groom you.
I took a sociopath test, not officially, of course. Only trained professionals can administer the real test, called the Hare test, but I found a version of it online. The first two questions went like this:
1. I am superior to others. Circle one: Doesn’t apply to me. Partially applies to me. Fully applies to me.
And:
2. I would not feel sorry if someone were blamed for something I did. Circle one: Doesn’t apply to me. Partially applies to me. Fully applies to me.
There were twenty questions, and forty was the top score. I scored a thirty-eight, which means I would be graduating with honors if I majored in being a sociopath.
I didn’t need the test to tell me who I was, anyway.
I already knew.
I have always known.
I don’t have any feelings, neither love nor hate, no like or dislike, not even a thumbs-up or thumbs-down like on Facebook.
I do have a Facebook account, however, and I have a respectable number of friends.
Ask me if I care.
Actually, I think it’s funny they’re my friends, because they have no idea who I am. My face is a mask. I hide my thoughts. My words are calculated to please, charm, or undermine. I can sound smarter or dumber, depending on what you expect to hear. My actions further my self-interest.
I’m neither your friend nor your frenemy, unless you have what I want.
In that case, I’m not only your enemy, I’m your nightmare.
I get bored easily.
I hate to wait for anything.
Waiting makes me so restless, and I’ve been in this room for hours, even this video game is boring. God knows what idiots are playing online right now, forming their pimple-faced teams, exploring dungeons, going on quests, killing dragons, hookers, and Nazis, all of them playing a role.
I wonder if whoever invented World of Warcraft realizes it’s practice for sociopaths.
The gamers I play online name themselves KillerCobra, SwordofDeath, and Slice&Dice, but I bet they’re in middle school.
Or law school.
If one out of twenty-four people is a sociopath, I’m not the only gamer who tried to burn the house down.
My character name is ‘Worthy Adversary.‘
I role-play every day in real life, so I’m very good at gaming.
I’m always a step ahead, maybe two.
I plan everything. I set everyone in motion, and when the moment comes, I strike.
I always win, in the end.
They never see me coming.
Know why?
Because I’m already there.
My Thoughts:
The book is about the various characters, who never really come out and name the sociopath. You’re trying to figure out which character is truly evil as you turn the pages.
Because they look just like everyone else, we are not alarmed by their path straight into our lives.
If this book scares you, that’s actually a good sign because you should have some defense against these ruthless yet charming characters.
I’ve written about sociopaths before, how they creep into our lives without us ever noticing. Yes, they are all around you. But you don’t know who they are.
About Lisa Scottoline:
Lisa Scottoline is an American author of legal thrillers.
Lisa’s novels are known for their emotional depth and warm, down-to-earth characters, which resonate with readers and reviewers long after readers finish the books.
Lisa believes in writing what you know, and she puts so much of herself into her books. What you may or may not learn from her books about Lisa is that she is incredibly generous. She’s an engaging and entertaining speaker, a die-hard Eagles fan, a good cook, and a vegetarian.
She loves the color pink, has an incredible design sense, and has recently taken up gardening and golf. Her musical taste includes everything from U2 to Sinatra to 50 Cent. She is proud to be an American, and nothing makes her happier than spending time with her daughter.
Lisa’s Animal Brood:
Not to be outshone by their canine counterparts, Lisa’s two cats, Vivi and Mimi, are the princesses of the house. They have no problem keeping the rest of the brood in line. Vivi is a grey-and-white beauty and is more aloof than her cuddly black-and-white partner, Mimi.
When Lisa’s friend and neighbor passed, Lisa adopted his beloved cat, Spunky, a content and beautiful ball of fur, who lived to a ripe old age.
Lisa loves the coziness of her farmhouse, and no farm is complete without chickens. She has a chicken coop she has stocked with chicks of different breeds, and she is overjoyed by every colorful egg they lay.
Watching over Lisa’s flock are her horses, which gladly welcome the chickens and all the excitement they bring.
Lisa also sends out a weekly Chick Wit newsletter featuring her latest Chick Wit essay.
Yup, I’m scared! I think I’ve definitely worked with a few sociopaths, for sure. I wish I’d have realized it at the time.
As I get older/ I just stay home, leaving only when I have to….been hurt to much by so call friends and really, I am my own best friend… continued prayers for your healing…
Home is where I’m happiest. Lots of angry people out there. Sometimes you don’t have to say a thing before they start in on you. Have had that happen when wearing a mask.
No thanks to scary movies or books! I’ve had enough scary stuff happen to me and my loved ones!!!!!
I use to be real trusting not anymore! Now I watch, listen and learn! Way too many creeps in this world!!!
Well, I like scary things that aren’t true, like movies and books. But yes, there are lots of creeps out there!
No, no, no, scary books are not for me, although I do like a good mystery. But this idea of sociopaths being all around us seems a little extreme to me. Does this book you are reading give us some tips about how to recognize them in spite of their ability to be convincing? What clues should someone look for? I know people who are manipulative and self-centered, seemingly incapable of having any compassion for others, but I don’t know if I would call them sociopathic. Wonder how the dictionary defines that word. Hmmmn. Something to think about.
Yesterday I ordered a book by someone who studies sociopaths and has written several books. Actually she wrote “The Sociopath Next Door.” The one I ordered is her new book. I’ll pass on the info when I get it.
I personally don’t know anyone who fits the description of a sociopath ~ which is a good thing!
I don’t like scary books or movies, but I’m considering giving Stephen King’s newest book, Fairy Tale a try. I heard it’s not scary; more like a suspenseful fairy tale.
Stephen King is an excellent writer, no matter what he’s writing about.
I’m curious. Do you ever read anything about normal people or historical fiction, or !!!!! something funny.
I have to admit that I don’t like the sort of books you do. What I like best is books about everyday people coping well with their problems. Or nonfiction. Just wondering.
Yes, I read a lot of women’s fiction. And I do like some historical novels. I have read books that are funny. The only books I don’t read I suppose are romances and science fiction.
I heartily agree about romance novels. But I do like some science fiction.
That book sounds very good, but too scary for this wimp!
Brenda, I’m still believing your surgery is going to be a good success. Love to Ivy.
Ivy sure likes getting love!
Brenda I’m not a fan of “scary” books, movies or tv shows, I do enjoy a good suspense / mystery story though….different strokes for different folks. I know you are unhappy about how long it is taking to recover from the surgery but keep telling yourself that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Remember the wisdom in Aesop’s Fable “The Tortoise and The Hare” plus don’t forget tortoises can live way much longer than hares.
I get down for a while, then I get over it. You’re so right. Different strokes for different folks.
I know a bit firsthand about sociopaths. And they literally are all around us, just looking and acting like “normal” folks. It’s not a bad idea to at least have some awareness of them and to know some of the red flags – because they are expert at what they do. Your ankle has its own timeline. Keep the faith and keep moving forward one step at a time. When I want things to happen faster than they are I try to think of a military special ops phrase: “slow is smooth, smooth is fast”.
People don’t like to think about it, but I think the scientists who study this are pretty accurate. Many sociopaths are CEOs or high up in government. How do people think these people are so ruthless in getting what they want? They sometimes succeed because of that trait.
I’m with you Brenda I love scary books and movies. I will certainly order The Sociopath Next Door. My sister thinks I’m weird and cannot understand it at all. I have always been the same. I can’t explain why.
I think you are making progress Brenda with your ankle; it perhaps doesn’t seem like it at times because you want it to go faster which is only natural.
I know what you mean. People think I’m weird too. I used to write about all kinds of horrific crimes when I was writing long features for local newspapers. So reading fiction is easy after that!
Eventually, after a few years of watching the (cable) ID Channel ,,,,,, all real murder stories ,,,, decided to stop viewing them. ALL of the shows that run 24-7. Obviously repeats also. I do miss Paula Zahn’s ,,,,, “Oh The Case” ,,,,, she is so good at narrating the various events.
Paula is excellent Also at interviewing families, etc.
Can very often be strange who the actual perpetrator is.
Thankfully I gave this channel up more than 1-1/2 years ago.
Much less nightmares.
So ,,,,, no more scary anything. Films also.
I try and keep things light.in this old age. 👵
ON The Case
with Paula Zahn.
ID Channel ,,,,, 271
Actually, I don’t read or watch the true crime stuff. If there’s an article, I might read that. But I got enough of true crime when I was writing articles in my twenties.
I stopped reading scary books in my early 20s. The world is scary enough as it is, and getting worse by the hour.
It is getting worse by the hour. For some reason, I’ve always been drawn, however, to scary books and movies. There’s just something about curling up in a blanket and watching a scary movie that appeals to me.
Definitely agree Jan.
😔
Wow…that book…must have been written about my daughter’s ex…they are more clever and believable than anyone normal can imagine. Problem is, after you have been their victim, trusting others is no easy trip. The worst thing for my daughter is he was able to alienate every single one of her friends except for 2…there were other old friends that he had not met in the decade they were married, so those friendships yet endure…but the huge grief at not only having to divorce, but also loosing most of your friendships…plus learning some later that not only is he a sociopath, but a pedophile…even worse!! And so clever that the justice system lets him have the kids often, as if all was normal. We pray so much for those grandkids, especially on their visits to him. It absolutely breaks our hearts!!
What a tragedy for your family. I’m so sorry.
Yes. I cannot imagine going through this day after day.
Wow. 😟
That book sounds terrifying! And a little intriguing. Rather than read it myself, I think I’d rather just hear you tell me about it. How much different is a sociopath then someone who is controlling and manipulative? This reminds me of a movie about a suburban mom who was a killer. I don’t remember what it was called. Scary stuff! I’m sorry about your lack of progress. Actually, you ARE making progress, just not as fast as you’d like. You should make a list of all your blessings so far, and concentrate on those. Be sure to add supportive friends to your list! Since writing can be very therapeutic, you should write a pros and cons list for a blog post. Then burn your cons list, and display your pros/blessings list where you can read it everyday.
I’ll get around to doing that. Great advice.
I hear your frustration in your struggle to be free of encumbrances and walk again. It doesn’t seem like our body would take so long to heal with our ankles but it is truly amazing. My daughter broke up a dog fight over two years ago and still has so much trouble with her ankle and leg. One good day then two bad days.
That book does
kind like an interesting read. Did you get it from Amazon Prime or the Book Club?
I found it at the below link. And today it is only $10.20 for the hardback version. but only 1 is left in stock.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/125001011X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
One day at a time, Brenda! Unfortunately, the surgery has taken a toll on everything that is you.
Enjoy today, finish that very scary book (eek) and think about your next book.
I guess I like scary books just as I like scary movies.