By: Seraphina Quinn

The psychological thriller genre has long captivated readers, offering a glimpse into the darker aspects of human nature. Thomas Maschhoff’s The Cutter does just that and more, drawing on years of experience as a mental health professional. 

With a master’s degree in psychology and extensive work treating adolescents, Maschhoff channels his profound understanding of the human mind into this gripping novel. This first article takes a closer look at the making of The Cutter, exploring the inspirations, themes, and personal journey that helped shape the book into a must-read psychological thriller.

A Unique Inspiration: From Adolescents to Serial Killers

When asked what inspired him to write The Cutter, Maschhoff pointed to his experience counseling adolescents with antisocial disorders. Many of these young people exhibited behavioral traits such as a lack of empathy and discipline problems—traits that would later form the backbone of his research into serial killers. 

According to Maschhoff, these common characteristics are often rooted in early childhood trauma, and this exploration into the psychological development of serial killers became a major focus for the book.

Maschhoff’s deep dive into the backgrounds of these troubled individuals led him to an unsettling realization: serial killers are not born but made. The psychological scars inflicted during formative years often go unnoticed, allowing these individuals to walk among society undetected until it is too late. 

This theme plays a central role in The Cutter, where the protagonist, A.J. Garrison, evolves from a victim of childhood abuse into a disturbed and dangerous serial killer. Maschhoff’s ability to present this transformation in a compelling and realistic manner is what sets the book apart.

Drawing From Personal Experience

As a retired mental health professional, Maschhoff has a wealth of personal experiences that influence his writing. His professional background allowed him to observe the complex ways in which mental health issues can shape a person’s actions. 

In particular, his patients and their struggles provided significant inspiration for the characters in The Cutter. This is evident in how he portrays A.J. Garrison’s internal battles—his traumatic childhood, his descent into violence, and the psychological justifications he constructs to rationalize his actions.

Moreover, Maschhoff’s own personal journey added an emotional layer to the writing process. The author began writing The Cutter during the COVID-19 pandemic, and after the tragic passing of his wife, he took a year-long break from the project. 

This period of grief and reflection allowed him to return to the novel with a renewed sense of purpose, pouring his emotions into the work. This emotional depth permeates the story, particularly in moments when A.J.’s own sorrow and rage come to the fore.

The Psychological Themes of The Cutter

At its core, The Cutter explores how trauma can influence a person’s future. Maschhoff’s novel examines the notion that serial killers are shaped by their environments and childhood experiences rather than being inherently evil. The protagonist, A.J. Garrison, illustrates this idea, as his difficult upbringing, marked by violence and neglect, impacts him in significant ways as an adult.

The novel goes beyond a simple narrative of good versus evil. It blurs the lines, suggesting that under the right (or wrong) circumstances, anyone could potentially walk down a dark path. Maschhoff portrays A.J.’s actions with chilling realism, showing the audience how easily a damaged individual can spiral into violence and delusion. This emphasis on the psychological aspect of crime elevates The Cutter from a typical thriller into something far more thought-provoking.

Another key theme Maschhoff explores is the use of tattoos as a symbol of control and identity. A.J. Garrison’s obsession with tattoos—specifically, his disturbing practice of removing tattoos from his victims as trophies—adds a macabre twist to the story. This concept of body modification as a symbol of deeper psychological wounds is a fresh angle that adds complexity to A.J.’s character and his view of his victims.

Challenges and Triumphs: The Writing Process

Writing The Cutter was no small feat for Maschhoff, especially considering the personal challenges he faced during its creation. After losing his wife while three-quarters of the way through the book, Maschhoff took a much-needed break to grieve. Yet, rather than abandoning the project, he returned to it, driven by a desire to complete what he had started. This act of resilience mirrors the themes of survival and endurance present within the novel itself.

Like any writer, Maschhoff faced obstacles in blending research with creative fiction. Although the book is based on real psychological principles, Maschhoff also took creative liberties, particularly with the character of “Cutter”, A.J.’s second personality.

While such a phenomenon is rare among actual serial killers, it serves as a compelling narrative device that allows readers to explore the protagonist’s fractured mental state. This blend of fact and fiction adds an extra layer of intrigue to the novel.

Why The Cutter Stands Out in the Genre

In a saturated market of psychological thrillers, The Cutter stands out for its unique exploration of the mind. Maschhoff’s professional experience provides an authenticity that many thrillers lack. His portrayal of A.J. Garrison feels grounded in reality, making the character’s actions all the more chilling.

Additionally, the book’s exploration of body modification, specifically tattoos as a means of control, gives it a fresh edge. Most thrillers dealing with serial killers focus on the violence and the chase, but The Cutter ventures into the psychological motivations behind the killer’s actions, providing readers with a more complex and unsettling story.

Maschhoff’s influences, including authors like Stephen King and Jennifer Hillier, are clear in the way he builds tension and suspense. Yet his approach is distinctly his own, blending real-world psychological insights with dark, thrilling fiction.

A Potential Start to a New Series

The Cutter is just the first volume in what aims to be a larger series. Maschhoff has already begun work on volumes two and three, aiming to continue exploring the psychological depths of his characters. Readers can expect more mind-bending twists, emotional complexities, and thrilling narratives in the books to come.

Ultimately, The Cutter is more than just a psychological thriller. It is a deep, often unsettling, exploration of trauma, mental health, and the darker side of human nature. Thomas Maschhoff’s background, personal experiences, and expert research all come together to create a novel that is both gripping and thought-provoking. 

If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, The Cutter is a must-read.

You can follow Thomas Maschhoff on Facebook, Instagram and X. You can learn more about his work on his website. 

Published by: Holy Minoza