cj_mo_2222's review
5.0
I have been a fan of Lisa Scottoline’s Rosato and DiNunzio novels for years and was thrilled when the author recently started writing new books in this wonderful series. The newer books have been even better because they show how much the main characters Bennie, Mary, and Judy have grown since some of the first books.
“Damaged” features Mary DiNunzio who is my favorite of all the characters in this series. She is intelligent, soft-hearted, and kind to everyone, but still a fierce opponent in the courtroom. Her wedding is right around the corner and she has many last minute details to see through, but work is getting in the way. Mary has become personally involved in her latest case in which she is helping a special needs boy named Patrick O’Brien get the services he needs to be able to succeed in school. Things become more and more complicated, and Mary has nothing but her client’s best interests at heart, but her good intentions could be putting her relationship with Anthony and even her life in danger.
There is a mystery element at the center of the book, but the story also gives and enlightening look at special education laws and those who fight to make sure special needs children are receiving the best possible education for their individual circumstances. There are many tense moments in the book as things begin to spiral out of control and the situation looks more and more bleak for Patrick. At times, I wasn’t sure what direction the story would take and I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what would happen next! Mary shows what it means to do what’s right and stand by your values, even in the face of doubt and opposition. I love seeing Mary’s friends and family support her in the important decision she makes. Mary’s friendship with Judy is a great part of this series, so it was a little disappointing that there weren’t more scenes with the two of them together. However, it was nice to see Mary form a special connection with John, a new associate at the firm and someone Mary had previously dismissed as self-centered and shallow. The book is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time and I recommend the book for fans of the series and to new readers looking for an intelligent and touching story.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of St. Martin’s Press. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
“Damaged” features Mary DiNunzio who is my favorite of all the characters in this series. She is intelligent, soft-hearted, and kind to everyone, but still a fierce opponent in the courtroom. Her wedding is right around the corner and she has many last minute details to see through, but work is getting in the way. Mary has become personally involved in her latest case in which she is helping a special needs boy named Patrick O’Brien get the services he needs to be able to succeed in school. Things become more and more complicated, and Mary has nothing but her client’s best interests at heart, but her good intentions could be putting her relationship with Anthony and even her life in danger.
There is a mystery element at the center of the book, but the story also gives and enlightening look at special education laws and those who fight to make sure special needs children are receiving the best possible education for their individual circumstances. There are many tense moments in the book as things begin to spiral out of control and the situation looks more and more bleak for Patrick. At times, I wasn’t sure what direction the story would take and I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what would happen next! Mary shows what it means to do what’s right and stand by your values, even in the face of doubt and opposition. I love seeing Mary’s friends and family support her in the important decision she makes. Mary’s friendship with Judy is a great part of this series, so it was a little disappointing that there weren’t more scenes with the two of them together. However, it was nice to see Mary form a special connection with John, a new associate at the firm and someone Mary had previously dismissed as self-centered and shallow. The book is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time and I recommend the book for fans of the series and to new readers looking for an intelligent and touching story.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of St. Martin’s Press. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
knit3314's review
5.0
My first time reading this author's work. I was pleasantly engaged in the plot from start to finish. The characters were well fleshed out and most were endearing, especially the protagonist, Patrick, the 10-year old boy at the heart of the story. Several plot twists that well very well timed/spaced with an ending everyone can live with. I also enjoyed the view into American Italian culture presented both as a core setting/content and backdrop to the story. I learned some things I wasn't at all aware of I this subculture. Great read. Highly recommend for those who like crime, mystery, and thriller genres. I'll definitely read more by this author in the future.
bheadley's review
4.0
I hate books with a premise of violence against children, but... I thought Lisa (our author) did a great job writing a story true to the Rosato and DiNunzio characters. (Side note: now that we know a tiny bit more about Bennie, I was surprised she’d be so heartless about Patrick)
One of the many things I love about this series is there is always a scary moment that makes sense. I love the characters and their personalities, Mary’s compassion that defines her, her loyalty, her friends, her family, all of it!
Mary is a lawyer, which to me doesn’t blend well with compassion, but she is great. She takes a case involving a special needs child, whose needs have been completely ignored. Then the drama just escalates to the boy being sued, the grandpa (sole family for the child) dead, and more!
I do enjoy these stories because their is a happy ending. Not one you would expect/want/prefer, but there is enough negative news that these books have the heart and soul for me!
One of the many things I love about this series is there is always a scary moment that makes sense. I love the characters and their personalities, Mary’s compassion that defines her, her loyalty, her friends, her family, all of it!
Mary is a lawyer, which to me doesn’t blend well with compassion, but she is great. She takes a case involving a special needs child, whose needs have been completely ignored. Then the drama just escalates to the boy being sued, the grandpa (sole family for the child) dead, and more!
I do enjoy these stories because their is a happy ending. Not one you would expect/want/prefer, but there is enough negative news that these books have the heart and soul for me!
bookworm84's review
4.0
As usual, Scottoline delivered an awesome book with a plot that kept you guessing. Definitely recommend.
how1710's review
5.0
Love this series! I have read them all in order and this was the best one yet! It kept me wanting more and I couldn't put the book down. I love the character Mary and her whole family. I especially enjoy her families personalities and who wouldn't want the three Tony's in their life too.
txbooklover's review
5.0
Another great book from this author. In this legal thriller, an attorney is hired to defend a dyslexic 10-year-old in a special education suit that turns into a much more involved case. There are interesting characters and some good plot twists that held my interest and made this a difficult book to put down. Just enough details about the legal system to make it interesting but not bog down the plot. Although this is part of a series, it easily stands alone. 4.5/5 stars.
lecrockett's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. It kept my attention and I liked learning about all the levels of law - but my god, this needed extreme editing.
jknee54's review
4.0
My first read by Scottline, but won’t be my last. It was a long book, but I enjoyed it very much.
robinlovesreading's review against another edition
5.0
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com.
4.5 Stars
In this fourth book in the Rosato & DiNunzio series, Mary DiNunzio's fiancé is away while she is rushing to prepare for their wedding, which is just two weeks away. Meanwhile, Mary takes on the case of ten-year-old Patrick O'Brien, a child with dyslexia. Due to this he has because the awful victim of bullies. He is then accused of attacking a teacher's aide. The teacher then quits and promptly sues Patrick, his grandfather, Edward, and the school district. The case goes much further as it is soon learned that Patrick was grossly abused by the teacher.
It takes only a second, but Mary falls hard for Patrick. She will go to any means necessary to protect him, even at the cost of her relationship with her fiancé. Patrick's problems go far deeper than his dyslexia, but this does not stop Mary when it comes to what she is striving to do for him. This puts lives in danger, including Mary's.
I have the sixth book in the series, Feared, for review for NetGalley. Since I always make the habit of reading entire series, I purchased the first five books, and have now read the previous three titles. By now, or almost right away, actually, I became drawn to Mary and her legal team. As in the first book of this series, Accused, it is one of Mary's cases that is highlighted. Mary is a strong favorite legal heroine to me. She is powerful, loving and dedicated to her clients. Never more so is this the case with her relationship with Patrick.
Damaged is a well-written, engaging read with a very interesting storyline as it deals with how a dyslexic child got lost in the system and this played a big role in tragically affecting his life. For more than one reason, Mary got very involved. I couldn't help but be drawn into this story. There are twists and turns throughout the book - some that left me angered, saddened and on the edge of my seat. The author, Lisa Scottoline is a lawyer. Along with her expertise in that field, it is quite apparent that she has done extensive research when dealing with the subject matter in this book. Also, as always with this series, favorite characters abound, making this a delightful read. I definitely look forward to continuing on in this series.
4.5 Stars
In this fourth book in the Rosato & DiNunzio series, Mary DiNunzio's fiancé is away while she is rushing to prepare for their wedding, which is just two weeks away. Meanwhile, Mary takes on the case of ten-year-old Patrick O'Brien, a child with dyslexia. Due to this he has because the awful victim of bullies. He is then accused of attacking a teacher's aide. The teacher then quits and promptly sues Patrick, his grandfather, Edward, and the school district. The case goes much further as it is soon learned that Patrick was grossly abused by the teacher.
It takes only a second, but Mary falls hard for Patrick. She will go to any means necessary to protect him, even at the cost of her relationship with her fiancé. Patrick's problems go far deeper than his dyslexia, but this does not stop Mary when it comes to what she is striving to do for him. This puts lives in danger, including Mary's.
I have the sixth book in the series, Feared, for review for NetGalley. Since I always make the habit of reading entire series, I purchased the first five books, and have now read the previous three titles. By now, or almost right away, actually, I became drawn to Mary and her legal team. As in the first book of this series, Accused, it is one of Mary's cases that is highlighted. Mary is a strong favorite legal heroine to me. She is powerful, loving and dedicated to her clients. Never more so is this the case with her relationship with Patrick.
Damaged is a well-written, engaging read with a very interesting storyline as it deals with how a dyslexic child got lost in the system and this played a big role in tragically affecting his life. For more than one reason, Mary got very involved. I couldn't help but be drawn into this story. There are twists and turns throughout the book - some that left me angered, saddened and on the edge of my seat. The author, Lisa Scottoline is a lawyer. Along with her expertise in that field, it is quite apparent that she has done extensive research when dealing with the subject matter in this book. Also, as always with this series, favorite characters abound, making this a delightful read. I definitely look forward to continuing on in this series.