One boy. One lawyer. One chance for justice.Ten-year-old Patrick O’Brien is a natural target at school. Shy, dyslexic, and small for his age, he tries to hide his first-grade reading level from everyone: from his classmates, from the grandfather who cares for him, and from the teachers who are supposed to help him. But the real trouble begins when Patrick is accused of attacking a school aide. … a school aide. The aide promptly quits and sues the boy, his family, and the school district. Patrick’s grandfather turns to the law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio for help and Mary DiNunzio is on the case. Soon Mary becomes Patrick’s true champion and his only hope for security and justice. But there is more to the story than meets the eye and Patrick might be more troubled than he seems. With twists at every turn and secrets about the family coming to light, Mary DiNunzio might have found the case that can make her a true protector, or break her heart…
With Lisa Scottoline’s trademark emotional depth and fast-paced action, Damaged will have readers riveted to the last page as they root for the beloved characters and their fight for justice.
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I thought the book was excellent. The characters, the story line and the ending was well worth the read.
I always enjoy Scottoline’s novels and this was no exception but it was a more discouraging and tragic circumstance as it concerned children.
She did it again! Lisa S held us captive following the challenges of a boy who was a victim of the system. He was finally rescued and redeemed. Great Read
The main character Mary was so warm and understanding. You fell in love with Patrick. I never thought the story would end they way it did.
Lisa Scottoline is a terrific write.
Lots of twists and turns that you aren’t expecting.
You don’t want to put it down.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Patrick and his grandfather. I appreciated the advocacy that occurred to get Patrick placed in just the right school to help him with his dyslexia (although in “real life” placement never happens as quickly as it did in this book!). The care and compassion for Patrick was heart warming. Another winner for Lisa Scottoline.
Edge of my seat reading and I was surprised by the ending.
So far this is the only book of Lisa’s that didn’t like, I had to give up reading it.
I’ve been “a Follower” of this author for years. ANOTHER great, suspenseful novel!
I love novels by Lisa Scotoline. This one definitely measures up!
Good character development and timely scenarios.
Love her books
Enjoyed this foray into the legal thriller genre. Lisa Scottoline never fails to capture my imagination and her characters jump off the page. She is a wonderful storyteller and spins a great yarn.
Excellent and compelling read. I recommend.
Mary Denunzio is practicing special education law in this book so it resonated with an interest of mine.
As a former special educator, I think the author was totally accurate with her portrayal of the difficulty many school districts face in having the resources to meet the educational needs of students. Students like Patrick can easily fall through the cracks, and the outcome for them can be devastating, like they would have been for Patrick had it not been for Mary’s goodness and determination to help him.
I would have liked more character development between father and son.
I immediately looked for another book by Lisa I have not read. Love her characters in this series
Love her writing style
Her books are always a delightful fast read.