A Duty to Betray Paperback – September 7, 2014

As a mom of two little ones (and a therapist), I often enjoy books that open up a different world I can distract myself with and escape to, momentarily. Dr. Moreno's book did just that. Well written, with characters that are complex, easy to envision and feel for, the book drew me in quickly and was difficult to put down. The plot and respective story lines for each character, are interesting, imaginable and yet just dramatic enough to make one a bit more appreciative of the mundane in life. Dr. Moreno paints dark descriptions of human vulnerability at its worst and yet just as the reader wonders whether to turn away, a connection is made, leaving the reader riveted. Dr. Moreno's career as a Psychologist clearly lends itself to the book's gift for description, impartial observation and analysis which ultimately give the reader a sense of deeper connection with our world and all its twisted characters. I will definitely buy this book for those in my life who are mature enough to challenge their perceptions and judgements and need a book they can't put down! Dr. Moreno's first novel makes focused distraction easy and so gratifying.

I especially appreciated the characters' textured depth, enabling them to be personally "known" and i echo other reviewers' remarks about the disturbing-fascinating insights into the nuances of the field. Perhaps it's my imagination, but I'm also left with a delightful personal sense of Moreno's loves, and rich inner world. All aspects that make a great read for me.

A mental hospital unravels during its final days before closing. An overwhelmed psychologist intern attempts to provide the best service possible as his external and internal resources dwindle while a former patient seeks to avenge him for a perceived breach of confidentiality. While that patient's plan might is unbeknownst to the intern, it is certainly known to the reader, the story is written as if the reader were this patient. Kelly Moreno sets up a riveting tale about flawed if not evil characters seeking their own personal takes on justice, and happiness, often at the expense of those around them. This book is dark, "my" character certainly sees the world in ways I do not, but the plot was so compelling that I could not help reading to the end to see who "I" might end up hurting. Mental health therapists are taught that healing cannot take place without the assurance of confidentiality, yet therapists are mandated by state and federal laws to breach that confidentiality when there are particular threats of harm. Kelly Moreno does a great job of exploring this challenging dilemma from the perspective of the therapist, and the patient.

I enjoyed reading Dr. Moreno's novel. I found it very engaging, creative, & as a student of psychology...kept me asking myself often "what would "I" do".I'll be looking forward to your next novel Kelly!Thank you.

A riveting suspense thriller as well a meditation on psychotherapeutic ethics and moral responsibilities, Kelly Moreno's first book packs a strong punch... and, at times, an unexpectedly tender one.Just-about-to-be-licensed psychologist Rick Ruiz is helping oversee the final weeks of a state mental hospital's operations when a former patient is admitted for treatment, a patient who has spent no small amount of time planning this second encounter with Dr. Ruiz. Thus begins a cat-and-mouse game, the twists and turns of which won't be spoiled here. Suffice it to say, though, the surprising conclusion feels hard-earned and character-driven rather than convenient or gimmicky.The book will probably appeal most to psychologists and psychotherapists, but anyone who enjoys a well-crafted thriller will enjoy it as well.

Book was a bit out of my realm of reads. Not into psycho "thrillers." Made it through it as a book group read because "the carrot" was getting to meet the author at our book meeting. Meeting him, Kelly Moreno, was a delight. His quips about the book made it more real and understandable. I did like the references to familiar Santa Barbara area locations in the book.

Dr. Moreno hits the nail on the head with his first novel. I found myself both intrigued by the story as well as admiring the way in which he interwove clinical and therapeutic theory and education. He really seemed to find a unique and riveting way to capture and convey the difficulties of mental health challenges from a number of different perspectives without getting too caught up in clinical jargon. The dialogue was a superb and meaningful way of exploring the depth of the characters through their own personality and mental health challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and did not want to put it down. Looking forward to the next one!

Dr. Moreno writes a tale of intrigue in an unconventional setting. He carries us along with a knack of weaving the senses together to create a well rounded image. The tune of Hotel California constantly hums away in your brain as you are transported through this alien world. As a person not familiar with the world of psychology I was fascinated to learn a little about the legal and emotional pitfalls associated with the field while at the same time getting lost in the characters and settings so well portrayed. I am looking forward to his next book.