This novel revolves around Nick, a student who goes out one evening to meet a friend, and who ends up being the victim of a brutal sexual assault. He can't remember what happened to him, only that he wakes up physically battered and bleeding, as well as with a head injury, after meeting a man called Josh and leaving the bar with him.

The plot revolves around the repercussions to Nick and his family, mainly his brother Tony and Tony's wife Julia. Tony is very protective of his brother and acts more like a father to him, whilst Julia, a lawyer, is worried about what Tony might do to protect Nick.

The novel begins with Julia arriving to meet up with the dying Detective Rice, who was assigned to Nick's case four years previously. There is something that the detective wants to resolve before he dies, and Julia is clearly the person who he thinks might have the answers.

The story slowly reveals itself as the narrative plays out in the present and the past, told by a narrator who observes the characters from an objective point of view. This works well, as the subject matter is highly emotive, and shocking, and helps the reader to remain objective in light of the 'two sides of the story' scenario. Social media is employed to good effect throughout, highlighting how easy it is for people to form opinions and take sides without knowing any of the facts, as well as becoming emotionally involved.

I enjoyed watching the story play out, even though the subject matter was difficult and upsetting. The author builds up the suspense, as each character deals with the fallout of the assault in their own way. I had a suspicion of what would happen at the conclusion, and I was right, but I enjoyed the process of arriving at that point. It was also very emotional, and realistic to assume how anyone would act when having to deal with the horror of assault.

A good read, highly reccommended.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc in return for an honest review.

There is some incredible writing in this book! I was gripped, a very interesting and true feeling story. I feel it was longer than it needed to be, that's my only criticism

Although there is quite an age gap between brothers Nick and Tony, and they have seperate mother's, Tony is extremely protective of his younger brother.

Nick is a student going through university. On an evening out, the guy he was due to meet fails to turn up. However his attention is caught by the friendly man sat next to him at the bar. After a few drinks the pair go back to the strangers motel room.

When Tony next sees Nick, Nick is lying in a hospital bed, badly beaten and been the subject to sexual assault. Tony vows for revenge for his brother at all costs and the hunt begins for his attacker.

Tony makes no secret to his wife Julia, a former lawyer, as to what he will do once he finds the person responsible.

This story is narrated from several viewpoints over the last 4 year's to the present time. At twist at the end shows how family loyalties and values can be pushed to the very edge.

An excellent debut from this author. Highly recommend and look forward to more in the future.

I really enjoyed this book. Though it's about a serious crime it's much more than just a crime novel. I liked the authors style of writing and look forward to seeing what she writes next. Loved the final twist, didn't see that coming!
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

Trigger warning: male sexual assault.
A great thought out novel telling the consequences and effects of assault. A lot of novels tell the story of female assault but not many tackle the topic of male assault.
A great read.

Another enjoyable book from Netgalley. Nick Hall who is a student at University goes into a bar to wait for Chris who does not come to meet him on time. While at the bar he is approached by a guy called Josh. They get on very well and Josh invites Nick to his hotel room and that is where the trouble begins. Nick is sexually assaulted very severely and had to be taken to the hospital. His brother, Tony, was informed and he went to the hospital to be with his brother. The police, Detective Rise, visited and took a statement. Nick eventually comes out of hospital and goes to stay with his brother Tony and his family. The story moves backwards and forwards between 2015 when the assault takes place and 2019. Tony finds it very difficult to deal with as he has been Nick’s father having brought him up as the parents were alcoholics. Tony has always felt as Nick as a son rather than a brother and has tried to look after him regardless of the dramas. Tony and Julia try very hard to make things easier for Nick to deal with the assault and Tony himself takes it very badly as he feels he should have saved him the trauma. Eventually the story leaks out about the situation and Nick cannot cope with the stares etc and waiting for the trial. He gets very depressed and Tony gets more and more frustrated that his brother is so bad and the man who caused the damage walks free that he feels he should take matters into his own hands. He changes at home and Julia becomes very worried Detective Rice is on the ball but he cannot help any more than he has. Eventually Raymond Walker (Josh) disappeared before the trial and Detective Rice becomes involved as he wonders if Tony has something to do with the disappearance. As the book evolves with Detective Rice becoming ill, he asks Julia to meet with him to find out how and why Walker disappeared. Very interesting twist. A great read

A excellent read from start to finish.Not read anything from this author before.Would recommend to anyone who likes mystery novels.Well written and a unique way to keep you on edge.Will keep my eye out for more from this writer.

Damage was a brilliant, if occasionally difficult (due to the subject) book to read. It gave a realistic account of rape and the subsequent fallout, especially with the victim being male. I was gripped till the end.

I was sent a copy of this book for an honest review. It was an interesting idea, and I read the book right through. I didn't fully enjoy the style of writing, but I did relate to the characters. Not sure it was totally my cup of tea but thank you.

#Damage #Netgalley

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Caitlin Wahrer for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I find it really refreshing to see a male being a victim of sexual assault in a novel, unfortunately it is very unreported in the news and media. Men are victims of sexual assault too.

This is an outstanding book. I can’t recommend it enough. Caitlin Wahrer is certainly an author to watch. I’ll be recommending this book to all my friends once it’s released.

Damage is a tense and highly emotional psychological drama, about a horrific attack that changes one family dynamic forever

Caitlin Wahrer manages her plot with great sensitivity whilst also making it extraordinarily compelling, her characters are as real as you or I and each facet of the story is nuanced whilst also addictive.

It's a delicate line to walk in fiction and is pitch perfect here, many sides shown from the investigation to the aftermath, there are natural twists and turns that play into the wider theme and overall this was a most excellent if disturbing read that I highly recommend

I was gripped by this novel until it got to 2/3 of the way in and then I felt that it started to ramble on a bit. It has a great beginning. A young man, lacking confidence, is charmed by a good looking older man in a bar and goes to a motel with him. The violent attack and rape of the younger man is the central event of the story but much of the book is more about the relationships within his family, Tony, his older brother, Julia, Tony's wife and his abusive childhood.
It's a good plot and the characters are believable but the final reveal is just a bit too long winded.
3.5 stars for a good debut novel.

Such a gripping drama. The words were flowing and it was quick to read but definitely not easy
I have never read a book with male rape as subject. It was interesting and captivating, suspenseful and smartly written

I wasn’t too sure what to expect from this book, especially as the start is a bit dragged out. There was some mystery to it with the first chapter happening years after the event and alluding to things that had happened previously. It stalled a bit then for a while but I thought that the writer does a great job with addressing the subject of male sexual assault, it’s not something that seems to be written about very often and I liked how there was focus on different characters feelings towards it and some of the attitudes and stereotypes that people can have towards it.

Readable and thoughtful, with lots to think about. I love multilayered books like this where the crime in a crime novel, isn't necessarily the center of the story.

Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read this.

A really different book focused more on the ripple effect from rape on the victim's entourage. This book also deals with male on male rape and touches on an underdiscussed issue in our society which is still associated with shame and silence. The writing is empathic without becoming heavy and the story is quite riveting letting you become involved with each of the characters on a different level. I did not expect this book to be what it is, nor did I expect to like it that much. A slow burner which definitely delivers the right amount of drama and tension.

A great debut novel dealing with the subject of male rape, something I never came across in a book so far. It discusses both the effects on Nick and his family, making it a very compelling and emotional read. I'd definitely recommend it and looking forward to reading more by Caitlin.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for this arc copy of Damage

Set in Maine, America, Caitlin Wahrers gripping debut novel deals with the rarely written about subject of male rape. It focuses not only on the brutal act itself upon Nick, a young college student, who meets his attacker one night in a bar and later consensually visits his hotel room, but also explores the aftermath of this violence on members of Nick's family; his older brother Tony and Tony's wife Julia. The story interweaves, using flashbacks from the present day (2019), to 2015 when the rape occurs, these three different points of view alongside that of the lead detective in the case, John Rice.

I was hooked into this story from the outset. Not only by the issues within this book, which although tough to read, are dealt with sensitively rather than for gratuitous effect, but also by the four main characters, that are fully and genuinely drawn by Wahrer. The multi-handed narrative enables the reader to get to know these characters in depth, and whilst the build up of tension is a 'slow burn', in this way, it connects the reader to how it must feel as a victim, waiting for the ever slow turning wheels of justice.

'Damage' also shines a critical light on the way social media can be used, and misused, to manipulate the way court cases and those involved with them, are portrayed to the wider community. We live in a time where through social media, defendants (and in this book, their family also) can publically promote their version of events and publically discredit their accusers, regardless of any court proceedings. All of this attention adds to the ongoing distress of Nick and his family. I 'felt all the feels' reading this book and it left me reflecting on 'How far would I go to protect MY brother?'

I really enjoy novels that get me thinking and 'Damage' both engages and educates the reader. Its intelligent twists drive the plot forward and I didn't foresee how the final scenes would play out!

I really enjoyed this debut novel and would highly recommend it!

Thanks to #NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for this arc copy of #Damage

I was drawn into this story right from the start. It is about a horrific crime which does make difficult reading but it is well told. The story is told in two timelines so early on the reader is aware that all is not quite as it seems but the story keeps you guessing all the way through. The characters are strong and believable and their interaction is excellent. The pressure that the crime has on all the family, what they feel and how they react. The story kept me gripped and guessing right to the end.

When first reading I wondered where it was going . The story unravels and shows a deep visceral relationship between the three main characters Julia, Tony and Nick. Family means everything . Full of suspense and excitement , questioning along the way .Did the attack happen as Nick remembered or was there more too it. Kept me guessing until the end .