Stephen King loved this thriller written by first-time published author, Caitlin Wahrer, and who am I to argue with Stephen King? Really though, I’m a good chunk of the way in, and I find the plot compelling and tightly written and the characters tragic and sympathetic. It is a case about sexual assault but, as far as triggers go, the victim remembers nothing, so the reader knows nothing, about the sexual assault aside from the emotional aftermath and a vague description of the physical damage (so far, at least, not sure if it’ll stay that way).
I can’t wait to see how it ends. There is suppose to be a delightful twist. My favorite kind of ending ❤️. I also showed below three different versions of the cover. I am always so fascinated by how publishers create different covers for different countries.
The Damage by Caitlin Wahrer
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Print Length: 398 pgs
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books / Doubleday / Penguin Random House
Publication Date: June 15, 2021
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.
UK Cover (left) – Canada Cover (middle) – US Cover (right)
This is a very fast-paced story. I figured out the ending early, but I think I was one of very few. It sounds like, from what I’ve seen, most people were shocked by the very last reveal. I don’t think figuring it out early impacted my enjoyment while reading it though, after all I could’ve been wrong.
The Happy Family by Jackie Kabler
Genre:Psychological Thriller
Print Length: 306 pgs
Publisher: Harper Collins / One More Chapter
Publication Date: June 4, 2021
A mother who disappeared…
When Beth was 10 years old, her beautiful, wild mother Alice disappeared. Beth’s life since hasn’t always been easy, but now she’s settled, with a successful career, a loving family and a beautiful home.
An unexpected visitor…
Then one day there’s a knock at the door. Alice has returned. Desperate to rebuild their relationship, Beth invites her mother to move in.
A life that comes crashing down…
At first, everything is wonderful. But then Beth’s friends start to drift away, strange things happen at home, and rumours about Beth begin to circle. Someone is out to destroy Beth’s newfound happiness. But who? And how far will they go?
I’ve been looking forward to reading this for months. It has so many compelling aspects. Secret societies, Greek mythology, a murder mystery, and written by Alex Michaelides – count me in! ❤️ TBH, they had me at Greek mythology and secret societies. ❤️
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Print Length: 352 pgs
Publisher: Celadon Books
Publication Date: June 15, 2021
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient comes a spellbinding tale of psychological suspense, weaving together Greek mythology, murder, and obsession, that further cements “Michaelides as a major player in the field” (Publishers Weekly).
Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A handsome and charismatic Greek tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike—particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens.
Mariana Andros is a brilliant but troubled group therapist who becomes fixated on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge.
Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, quickly suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld?
When another body is found, Mariana’s obsession with proving Fosca’s guilt spirals out of control, threatening to destroy her credibility as well as her closest relationships. But Mariana is determined to stop this killer, even if it costs her everything—including her own life.
What are you reading this week? Anything that you’re particularly excited about?
I’m reading The Secret at Sunset Hill, a book about a Katie Porter investigating her first mystery. I’m enjoying this story of a young woman reporter. I’ve read many Kathy Reich books. The TV series Bones was based on this series. I
The Damage does sound really good. I do trust Stephen King because every book I’ve seen him praise, I’ve loved. He enjoyed Chevy Stevens’ new thriller Dark Roads, and so did I. I love the cover for The Damage too—all of them really! Hope it turns out to be a winner.
I’ll wait till later, Tessa, to read through your reviews properly. Right now, I’m nearly finished (again) The Bonfire of the Vanities. Next up is Exit West by Mohsin Hamid. But really, I’m a thriller lover so am looking forward to reading your post.
I just read three crime/suspense novels, and all were wonderful (Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar, Small Bones by Kerry Buchanan, and Cold Dark Night by Joan Hall).
I’m so excited about all three. Jackie Kabler, my just finished read, is an author I have read before and I thoroughly enjoy. The one I’m reading now is a new author and her book so far is phenomenal. Then, Michaelides wrote Silent Patient, which was very well received so hopefully this new one is good also ❤️
The Maidens sounds really good, I’m tempted by this one. Also it was interesting to see three different covers for The Damage – I think the US cover appeals to me the most and now I’m intrigued to read the book! Happy reading for the week ahead 🙂
The Damage is very good so far. And I’m excited to start the Maidens too. I purged some books off of my review list (I actually use the “will not review”option on NetGalley every once in a while) to just the ones that excited me. ❤️
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24 responses to “WWW Wednesday | It’s All About the Thrillers This Week – June 2, 2021”
I’m reading The Secret at Sunset Hill, a book about a Katie Porter investigating her first mystery. I’m enjoying this story of a young woman reporter. I’ve read many Kathy Reich books. The TV series Bones was based on this series. I
I’ve got an ARC of the Kathy Reichs book coming out this summer. I loved the TV show Bones! ❤️
I’m binge watching on Disney at the moment. Got to series 10.
The Damage does sound really good. I do trust Stephen King because every book I’ve seen him praise, I’ve loved. He enjoyed Chevy Stevens’ new thriller Dark Roads, and so did I. I love the cover for The Damage too—all of them really! Hope it turns out to be a winner.
So far, so good. It is so well written, it’s just amazing that the author is new ❤️❤️❤️
The Happy Family is one I’ve been eyeing up for my TBR. Can’t say that the other two appeal to me but that one definitely does.
Right now I’m reading Joan Hall’s newest release, Cold Dark Night, a mystery/suspense novel.
The Happy Family is a good entertaining read ❤️. Perfect for poolside!
I tried to hold off on The Last House on Needless Street, but I can’t wait any longer. Another Stephen King loved it book!
That’s very cool! He must be a good gauge for thrillers.
I’ll wait till later, Tessa, to read through your reviews properly. Right now, I’m nearly finished (again) The Bonfire of the Vanities. Next up is Exit West by Mohsin Hamid. But really, I’m a thriller lover so am looking forward to reading your post.
Bonfire of the Vanities is a very good book. Enjoy!
I love thriller week. These all sound amazing.
I just read three crime/suspense novels, and all were wonderful (Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar, Small Bones by Kerry Buchanan, and Cold Dark Night by Joan Hall).
I’m so excited about all three. Jackie Kabler, my just finished read, is an author I have read before and I thoroughly enjoy. The one I’m reading now is a new author and her book so far is phenomenal. Then, Michaelides wrote Silent Patient, which was very well received so hopefully this new one is good also ❤️
I’ve been eyeing up The Maidens, but have heard mixed things so think I’ll wait to hear your thoughts on it first😉. Happy Reading!! ❤❤
I’ve heard mixed things too but I am still very hopeful. It sounds like my kind of book.
Fingers crossed it turns out to be a great read!! 🤞❤
The Maidens sounds really good, I’m tempted by this one. Also it was interesting to see three different covers for The Damage – I think the US cover appeals to me the most and now I’m intrigued to read the book! Happy reading for the week ahead 🙂
The Damage is very good so far. And I’m excited to start the Maidens too. I purged some books off of my review list (I actually use the “will not review”option on NetGalley every once in a while) to just the ones that excited me. ❤️
Some great looking books here, I hope you enjoy them all!
My WWW: http://forbookssake.home.blog/2021/06/02/www-wednesday-2nd-june-2021/
I’m very happy with them so far ❤️. I’ll need a bit of fantasy soon, though 😊
I agree about Greek mythology and secret societies. That would totally grab my attention.
Right? The reviews are mixed but maybe the people who didn’t enjoy it as much aren’t as enamored with secret societies and greek mythology 🧐
Those three covers for The Damage are all completely different. I’d love to know the psychology behind which cover will attract readers in each country. My WWW post is here: http://wordywitterings.com/2021/06/02/www-wednesday-wednesday-2nd-june-2021/
Me too! It’s so fascinating. ❤️