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linnaboobooks's review against another edition
4.0
Content warnings for bullying, assault, sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor,
thebookhaze's review against another edition
1.0
I got as far as page 25 and I couldn't go on anymore.
I love legal thrillers, and when I found this book and saw the reviews, I had really high hopes for it. Perhaps this could be a new favorite author, even? I started reading the first couple of pages, and immediately felt like there were a lot of problems with the writing.
The description of the characters, irrelevant events that had nothing to do with the scenes, the introduction of our main protag and inconsistencies of her characterization, the dialogue between her and her client, and the leading into the actual reason for consultation was really awkward, clumsy, and really unbelievable.
After the first chapter, I came back to double-check the reviews, because I couldn't believe the good ratings. I wondered if I was missing something, so I continued reading. By page 25 I just couldn't continue anymore. Page 25 is not very far in, readers, especially with the good ratings prompting me to give it another try. I honestly don't understand how this book could have gotten the ratings it did.
I usually try not to be so harsh with my reviews if I don't like a book, but I feel like I need to be with this book, because of the over-generosity of the other ratings. I am disappointed because I really wanted to like this book and I was really hopeful for a new author in the legal thriller genre. Oh well.
I love legal thrillers, and when I found this book and saw the reviews, I had really high hopes for it. Perhaps this could be a new favorite author, even? I started reading the first couple of pages, and immediately felt like there were a lot of problems with the writing.
The description of the characters, irrelevant events that had nothing to do with the scenes, the introduction of our main protag and inconsistencies of her characterization, the dialogue between her and her client, and the leading into the actual reason for consultation was really awkward, clumsy, and really unbelievable.
After the first chapter, I came back to double-check the reviews, because I couldn't believe the good ratings. I wondered if I was missing something, so I continued reading. By page 25 I just couldn't continue anymore. Page 25 is not very far in, readers, especially with the good ratings prompting me to give it another try. I honestly don't understand how this book could have gotten the ratings it did.
I usually try not to be so harsh with my reviews if I don't like a book, but I feel like I need to be with this book, because of the over-generosity of the other ratings. I am disappointed because I really wanted to like this book and I was really hopeful for a new author in the legal thriller genre. Oh well.
mg_in_md_'s review
3.0
Hooray! I received my FirstReads copy today (24 May)!
I was thrilled to receive an Early Readers' Edition of the latest Rosato & DiNunzio novel, which was a fast, enjoyable read. I've read another in this series, which focused on one of the associates at the law firm, and several from the earlier iteration of the series (Rosato and Associates). I liked the characters and relationships, as well as the mysteries, so I was happy to have a chance to preview this one, which is to be released in August. Attorney Mary DiNunzio is the featured protagonist in this offering. Despite the fact that she is just weeks away from her wedding, Mary agrees to take on a new case when Edward O'Brien approaches the law firm for help. Edward's 10-year-old grandson, Patrick, is accused of attacking a school aide who quits and sues the boy, his family, and the school district. Mary is drawn to the shy, dyslexic Patrick, and throws herself into helping him and his grandfather, especially after she learns that a creepy lawyer named Machiavelli has agreed to represent the former school aide. As events rapidly unfold, Mary soon becomes Patrick's only hope for justice and security. However, there is more to the story and Patrick may be more troubled than he seems. The reader is kept guessing until the end whether Patrick is the sweet kid who desperately needs a champion like Mary, or a manipulative and dangerous bad seed who may not only have attacked the aide but also carried out a more sinister act. The story incorporates details about dyslexia, the foster care system, and related laws in a way that enhances the plot in an easily digestible way. Mary's relationships with her clients, coworkers, and family add another dimension to the story and give this legal thriller extra heart. Thanks to the Goodreads FirstReads program for the early preview of the latest in the Rosato and DiNunzio series!
I was thrilled to receive an Early Readers' Edition of the latest Rosato & DiNunzio novel, which was a fast, enjoyable read. I've read another in this series, which focused on one of the associates at the law firm, and several from the earlier iteration of the series (Rosato and Associates). I liked the characters and relationships, as well as the mysteries, so I was happy to have a chance to preview this one, which is to be released in August. Attorney Mary DiNunzio is the featured protagonist in this offering. Despite the fact that she is just weeks away from her wedding, Mary agrees to take on a new case when Edward O'Brien approaches the law firm for help. Edward's 10-year-old grandson, Patrick, is accused of attacking a school aide who quits and sues the boy, his family, and the school district. Mary is drawn to the shy, dyslexic Patrick, and throws herself into helping him and his grandfather, especially after she learns that a creepy lawyer named Machiavelli has agreed to represent the former school aide. As events rapidly unfold, Mary soon becomes Patrick's only hope for justice and security. However, there is more to the story and Patrick may be more troubled than he seems. The reader is kept guessing until the end whether Patrick is the sweet kid who desperately needs a champion like Mary, or a manipulative and dangerous bad seed who may not only have attacked the aide but also carried out a more sinister act. The story incorporates details about dyslexia, the foster care system, and related laws in a way that enhances the plot in an easily digestible way. Mary's relationships with her clients, coworkers, and family add another dimension to the story and give this legal thriller extra heart. Thanks to the Goodreads FirstReads program for the early preview of the latest in the Rosato and DiNunzio series!
rmarcin's review
4.0
Another solid Mary DiNunzio novel by Lisa Scottoline. In this novel, Mary is preparing for her upcoming marriage to Anthony. Meanwhile, she is hired by Edward, grandfather to Patrick, who is being bullied at school. Patrick is dyslexic, and therefore has some special needs. Throughout the course of the book, many things happen to Patrick and Edward, and Mary is there to fight for them. Mary is up against a very tough competitor, Nick Machiavelli, a ruthless adversary who is representing Patrick's opponent.
beastreader's review
2.0
Mary is kind. That is kind of the problem. I wanted Mary to have some more backbone and be a bulldog, where people were fearful of her but also respected her. It was like that is why people don't recognize your name as a partner in the firm. Yet, Mary was great with Patrick. She advocated for him. He was such a sweet boy that it was hard to imagine that there would be any malice but there was that time with the gun that did have you wonder, if Patrick was guilty; maybe not intentionally.
Additionally, this story felt like it could have been shorted up about a hundred pages. There was this added suspense part to the story that kind of felt like a bit of a throw away like the story could not sustain just the case so this extra layer had to be added to the story. I would not be complaining if the intensity had been stronger. It barely registered a three on my radar. Overall, not impressed. Yet, I know this author can write, so hoping the next book is better.
Additionally, this story felt like it could have been shorted up about a hundred pages. There was this added suspense part to the story that kind of felt like a bit of a throw away like the story could not sustain just the case so this extra layer had to be added to the story. I would not be complaining if the intensity had been stronger. It barely registered a three on my radar. Overall, not impressed. Yet, I know this author can write, so hoping the next book is better.
judithdcollins's review
4.0
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lisa Scottoline returns following Most Wanted (2016) with DAMAGED (Rosato & DiNunzio, #4) featuring attorney, Mary DiNuzio—(law partner) about to be married to Anthony, and becomes involved in a complex legal, and highly charged emotional case which threatens her personal and business life.
Mary DiNunzio, a partner in the Philadelphia law firm Rosato & DiNunzio, takes on a heartbreaking case involving a dyslexic fifth grader, Patrick O’Brien, who’s bullied at school and is getting no support for his language disability.
Patrick, is being raised by his paternal grandfather, and allegedly attacked a school aid with scissors, and the aid is suing both Patrick and the school board for damages.
Edward O’Brien, grandfather--in his seventies and comes the law firm for help. His grandson is special needs (dyslexic) and needs representation. On top of his learning disabilities, he is being bullied at school, plus turns out suffering from much more.
Robertson is represented by Nick Machiavelli, known for his dirty practices. Mary is caught in the middle and falls in love with Patrick and quickly comes to his defense. She even wants to adopt him, after winning her heart. Her parent’s also rally around her as well as the other gals at the law firm.
However, things get complicated when she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation, after Edward’s death. Mary has many difficult choices to make involving her own relationship with college professor Anthony-, torn between her love and dedication to Patrick, when scrutinized by everyone, including Machiavelli.
I enjoyed learning the author’s inspiration behind the novel –a best friend, a fellow lawyer, who works on special-education cases. What is the best thing to do for a special needs child, when lines are blurred between ethical, moral, professional and personal lives.
Gripping! An intense fight for justice, a mixture of legal suspense thriller and riveting domestic suspense. From education, sexual abuse, learning disabilities, bullying, and parenting. A nice balance with loads of Scottoline’s signature winning style. An avid legal and Scottoline fan, as always love catching up with Judy, Bennie, and family.
I also purchased the audiobook book while traveling, narrated by Rebecca Lowman for an engaging performance.
On a personal note: Having raised three stepsons with dyslexia, am very familiar with the learning disability and the many ongoing challenges, when compared to my own two sons. Their educational needs, from tutoring, untimed SATs, to daily social interactions required special monitoring and attention.
From behavior, health, development, personality, writing, reading, motor skills, and even time management inconsistencies, are some of the many traits and behaviors. The characteristics can vary from day to minute, and each child is different in many ways. Many times they are highly creative with high IQs; however, their learning disabilities may become quite challenging for children, teens, college students and even into adulthood--without the proper guidance, research, compassion, education and support.
JDCMustReadBooks
Lisa Scottoline returns following Most Wanted (2016) with DAMAGED (Rosato & DiNunzio, #4) featuring attorney, Mary DiNuzio—(law partner) about to be married to Anthony, and becomes involved in a complex legal, and highly charged emotional case which threatens her personal and business life.
Mary DiNunzio, a partner in the Philadelphia law firm Rosato & DiNunzio, takes on a heartbreaking case involving a dyslexic fifth grader, Patrick O’Brien, who’s bullied at school and is getting no support for his language disability.
Patrick, is being raised by his paternal grandfather, and allegedly attacked a school aid with scissors, and the aid is suing both Patrick and the school board for damages.
Edward O’Brien, grandfather--in his seventies and comes the law firm for help. His grandson is special needs (dyslexic) and needs representation. On top of his learning disabilities, he is being bullied at school, plus turns out suffering from much more.
Robertson is represented by Nick Machiavelli, known for his dirty practices. Mary is caught in the middle and falls in love with Patrick and quickly comes to his defense. She even wants to adopt him, after winning her heart. Her parent’s also rally around her as well as the other gals at the law firm.
However, things get complicated when she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation, after Edward’s death. Mary has many difficult choices to make involving her own relationship with college professor Anthony-, torn between her love and dedication to Patrick, when scrutinized by everyone, including Machiavelli.
I enjoyed learning the author’s inspiration behind the novel –a best friend, a fellow lawyer, who works on special-education cases. What is the best thing to do for a special needs child, when lines are blurred between ethical, moral, professional and personal lives.
Gripping! An intense fight for justice, a mixture of legal suspense thriller and riveting domestic suspense. From education, sexual abuse, learning disabilities, bullying, and parenting. A nice balance with loads of Scottoline’s signature winning style. An avid legal and Scottoline fan, as always love catching up with Judy, Bennie, and family.
I also purchased the audiobook book while traveling, narrated by Rebecca Lowman for an engaging performance.
On a personal note: Having raised three stepsons with dyslexia, am very familiar with the learning disability and the many ongoing challenges, when compared to my own two sons. Their educational needs, from tutoring, untimed SATs, to daily social interactions required special monitoring and attention.
From behavior, health, development, personality, writing, reading, motor skills, and even time management inconsistencies, are some of the many traits and behaviors. The characteristics can vary from day to minute, and each child is different in many ways. Many times they are highly creative with high IQs; however, their learning disabilities may become quite challenging for children, teens, college students and even into adulthood--without the proper guidance, research, compassion, education and support.
JDCMustReadBooks
mmc6661's review
4.0
Lisa Scottoline is always a sure bet for a good fast paced read. In Damaged she brings back Mary DiNunzio, partner at the all-female law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio. Mary, soon to be married, finds herself involved in the case of a young boy who is accused of assault on a teacher. The deeper involved she gets in the young boy's life the farther her personal life and fiancee seem to be. As the tables turn for the worse in her case she will have to decide where her loyalties lie. With everyone believing that the boy is just bad Mary has decided to stand with him no matter what.
Suspense at it's best with a lot of heart and wonderful characters. I highly recommend any of Scottoline's books.
Suspense at it's best with a lot of heart and wonderful characters. I highly recommend any of Scottoline's books.
kdurham2's review
4.0
Still reviewing the series here that centers around a female driving law firm and their investigations that are spurred on by the cases that are brought their way.
This fourth book in the series returns the attention back to the new partner, Mary DiNunzio. She is weeks away from her wedding and a case that is in and out of her wheel house lands on her doorstep. Part of the case that takes place in this book is about special education and the school system and the other part deals with child abuse. This book was hard to read at spots. There were a few moments where I had to close the book and take a step back because as the reader I wanted to reach in and help Mary fight for the good of this kid.
I have said this earlier about this series, but I love how the cases are all self contained within each book, but there is a lot of character development that helps, so you don't want to skip around in this series. I felt as though with this book in particular this case really affected Mary's personal life and I just enjoyed seeing her take her work home with her like us normal people do!
This fourth book in the series returns the attention back to the new partner, Mary DiNunzio. She is weeks away from her wedding and a case that is in and out of her wheel house lands on her doorstep. Part of the case that takes place in this book is about special education and the school system and the other part deals with child abuse. This book was hard to read at spots. There were a few moments where I had to close the book and take a step back because as the reader I wanted to reach in and help Mary fight for the good of this kid.
I have said this earlier about this series, but I love how the cases are all self contained within each book, but there is a lot of character development that helps, so you don't want to skip around in this series. I felt as though with this book in particular this case really affected Mary's personal life and I just enjoyed seeing her take her work home with her like us normal people do!
ekreher7's review against another edition
4.0
First book by Lisa Scottoline and I was not disappointed! Great legal thriller and had me questioning a couple characters throughout. Will definitely be reading more of her books.