2022 Edgar Award for Best First Novel (nominee)
When a small-town family is pushed to the brink, how far will they go to protect one of their own? An edgy, propulsive read about what we will do in the name of love and blood
Tony has always looked out for his younger brother, Nick. So when he's called to a hospital bed where Nick is lying battered and bruised after a violent sexual assault, his protective instincts flare, and a white-hot rage begins to build.
As a small-town New England lawyer, Tony's wife, Julia, has cases involving kids all the time. When Detective Rice gets assigned to this one, Julia feels they're in good hands. Especially because she senses that Rice, too, understands how things can quickly get complicated. Very complicated.
After all, one moment Nick was having a drink with a handsome stranger; the next, he was at the center of an investigation threatening to tear not only him, but his entire family, apart. And now his attacker, out on bail, is disputing Nick's version of what happened.
As Julia tries to help her brother-in-law, she sees Tony's desire for revenge, to fix things for Nick, getting out of control. Tony is starting to scare her. And before long, she finds herself asking: does she really know what her husband is capable of? Or of what she herself is?
Exploring elements of doubt, tragedy, suspense, and justice, The Damage is an all-consuming read that marks the explosive debut of an extraordinary new writer.
Genre: Mystery
Tony has always looked out for his younger brother, Nick. So when he's called to a hospital bed where Nick is lying battered and bruised after a violent sexual assault, his protective instincts flare, and a white-hot rage begins to build.
As a small-town New England lawyer, Tony's wife, Julia, has cases involving kids all the time. When Detective Rice gets assigned to this one, Julia feels they're in good hands. Especially because she senses that Rice, too, understands how things can quickly get complicated. Very complicated.
After all, one moment Nick was having a drink with a handsome stranger; the next, he was at the center of an investigation threatening to tear not only him, but his entire family, apart. And now his attacker, out on bail, is disputing Nick's version of what happened.
As Julia tries to help her brother-in-law, she sees Tony's desire for revenge, to fix things for Nick, getting out of control. Tony is starting to scare her. And before long, she finds herself asking: does she really know what her husband is capable of? Or of what she herself is?
Exploring elements of doubt, tragedy, suspense, and justice, The Damage is an all-consuming read that marks the explosive debut of an extraordinary new writer.
Genre: Mystery
Praise for this book
"Damage sets the standard for psychological suspense! With a consummate authorial hand, Wahrer weaves a brilliantly layered story of a horrific crime and how it forces each member of a loving family to confront the harrowing question of what kind of person they truly are. The style of this novel is as elegant as the characters are breathtakingly real and the plot undeniably compelling." - Jeffery Deaver
"A magnificent debut to rival the very best of Dennis Lehane, The Damage scores knockout thriller punches chapter after chapter. It's dense and exciting, as though Michael Connelly and Tana French had joined forces. A spectacularly plotted and powerful family drama." - A J Finn
"A blisteringly smart and evocative novel, with a compelling premise, richly developed characters, and enough suspense to keep you up all night. A powerful debut." - Bruce Holsinger
"The Damage pulled me in from the first page with smart narration, characters I cared about, a hold-your-breath plot, and a terrific final twist. Put this one high on your summer list." - Stephen King
"A complex, suspenseful story about the shocking and unexpected consequences of a sexual assault... a brilliant debut. One of the best books you'll read this year." - Shari Lapena
"A brilliantly-observed novel. . . a damning and humane exploration of family, brotherhood and upbringing. To say I loved it is a wild understatement." - Gillian McAllister
"Smart, suspenseful and timely, this accomplished debut takes us on a journey through the emotional fall-out from one ugly night in a small town." - Gilly MacMillan
"A magnificent debut to rival the very best of Dennis Lehane, The Damage scores knockout thriller punches chapter after chapter. It's dense and exciting, as though Michael Connelly and Tana French had joined forces. A spectacularly plotted and powerful family drama." - A J Finn
"A blisteringly smart and evocative novel, with a compelling premise, richly developed characters, and enough suspense to keep you up all night. A powerful debut." - Bruce Holsinger
"The Damage pulled me in from the first page with smart narration, characters I cared about, a hold-your-breath plot, and a terrific final twist. Put this one high on your summer list." - Stephen King
"A complex, suspenseful story about the shocking and unexpected consequences of a sexual assault... a brilliant debut. One of the best books you'll read this year." - Shari Lapena
"A brilliantly-observed novel. . . a damning and humane exploration of family, brotherhood and upbringing. To say I loved it is a wild understatement." - Gillian McAllister
"Smart, suspenseful and timely, this accomplished debut takes us on a journey through the emotional fall-out from one ugly night in a small town." - Gilly MacMillan
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Used availability for Caitlin Wahrer's The Damage