A review by sfbookgirl
Damage by Caitlin Wahrer

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Recommended by several book friends, I knew I had to get my hands on The Damage. Caitlin Wahrer’s debut novel is a solid small-town mystery with a twisty plot. Tony’s life is turned upside down when his younger brother Nick ends up in the hospital after being sexually assaulted. When Tony’s wife Julia, also Nick’s sister-in-law, finds out about what happened to Nick, she uses her professional connections as a lawyer to help Nick and Tony uncover the culprit.

The number of character’s initially thrown at me may explain why it took me until the halfway point to really get into the story. That said, The Damage takes on the often passed-by topic of male sexual assault and brings forward the emotional impact experienced by the main character and his family. The incredibly flawed characters allowed for a captivating story that is filled with tension, suspense, and uncertainty. Overall, a fantastic debut novel and perfect for fans of thrillers.
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