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Collateral Damage
Andy Lomax’s homelife has been turned into a living nightmare by one son’s comorbid bipolar disorder. That son’s increasingly violent behavior threatens his life, and that of his wife and other son, with no respite in sight.
Unable to reach an accommodation with his wife to place their mentally deranged son in a care facility, Andy exits his home and married life.
Stymied by the legal system to render a decision that might restore harmony to his once happy home, he seeks out his wife, who has fled with their two children to avoid a court ruling.
With no other recourse, Andy plots a diabolical plan to bring an end to his dysfunctional state, and breathe new life into his erstwhile homelife, unable to predict or control the spiraling consequences.
Unable to reach an accommodation with his wife to place their mentally deranged son in a care facility, Andy exits his home and married life.
Stymied by the legal system to render a decision that might restore harmony to his once happy home, he seeks out his wife, who has fled with their two children to avoid a court ruling.
With no other recourse, Andy plots a diabolical plan to bring an end to his dysfunctional state, and breathe new life into his erstwhile homelife, unable to predict or control the spiraling consequences.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2025
4 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 25, 2025
Collateral Damage: A Crime Thriller by Eddie Russell is a relentless, emotionally charged rollercoaster that grips you from page one and refuses to let go. At the center of the storm is Andy Lomax, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a man on the edge of losing everything he holds dear.
When Andy’s son is diagnosed with a severe form of bipolar disorder, he finds himself torn between love and responsibility. After a heated disagreement with his wife over placing their son in a mental health facility, Andy files for divorce, only to discover that she has fled the country with their children to avoid a court ruling. What follows is a raw and riveting journey of one man’s quest to reclaim his family, his sanity, and his purpose.
Russell paints Andy Lomax with heartbreaking authenticity; he's no superhero, but a deeply human figure whose determination drives the narrative forward like a freight train. The emotional weight of parenting a child with mental illness is explored with honesty and compassion, making this thriller as thoughtful as it is thrilling.
The plot unfolds with expertly timed twists, ethical dilemmas, and heart-pounding suspense. Russell masterfully blends family drama with crime fiction, crafting a story that is both intimate and explosive. Collateral Damage isn’t just a thriller, it’s a story of love, betrayal, and how far a father will go to protect what’s his.
This is Eddie Russell at his finest. Five stars,undeniably powerful and unforgettable.
When Andy’s son is diagnosed with a severe form of bipolar disorder, he finds himself torn between love and responsibility. After a heated disagreement with his wife over placing their son in a mental health facility, Andy files for divorce, only to discover that she has fled the country with their children to avoid a court ruling. What follows is a raw and riveting journey of one man’s quest to reclaim his family, his sanity, and his purpose.
Russell paints Andy Lomax with heartbreaking authenticity; he's no superhero, but a deeply human figure whose determination drives the narrative forward like a freight train. The emotional weight of parenting a child with mental illness is explored with honesty and compassion, making this thriller as thoughtful as it is thrilling.
The plot unfolds with expertly timed twists, ethical dilemmas, and heart-pounding suspense. Russell masterfully blends family drama with crime fiction, crafting a story that is both intimate and explosive. Collateral Damage isn’t just a thriller, it’s a story of love, betrayal, and how far a father will go to protect what’s his.
This is Eddie Russell at his finest. Five stars,undeniably powerful and unforgettable.
June 30, 2025
What a ride! Andy Lomax is a devoted parent who has to deal with the most difficult of situations and answer an impossible question: What happens when our child is diagnosed with a disorder that can make them dangerous? What happens to a family torn apart by mental illness? Any parent who reads his story will put themselves in his shoes, and the story being told from his perspective just adds to that connection.
This book is a psychological thriller, yes. But it also brings in ideas that are often hard to face - religious conviction, mental illness, dysfunctional relationships, and most of all, the simple idea of trust. The prose is approachable/accessible, and the pace of the story keeps you reading throughout. An engrossing read with multiple twists and characters you just might continue to think about even after you have turned the last page of the book.
This book is a psychological thriller, yes. But it also brings in ideas that are often hard to face - religious conviction, mental illness, dysfunctional relationships, and most of all, the simple idea of trust. The prose is approachable/accessible, and the pace of the story keeps you reading throughout. An engrossing read with multiple twists and characters you just might continue to think about even after you have turned the last page of the book.
July 7, 2025
Oh wow. This book was something else. It's a heart-wrenching, pulse-pounding crime thriller with raw, emotional depth and unpredictable twists. The story follows Andy Lomax, a father unraveling under the strain of his son's severe bipolar disorder. He's a protagonist who feels achingly real. His son's violent outbursts threaten the safety of him, his wife, and their other son, turning their once-happy Australian home into a battleground. When Andy's wife, clinging to rigid beliefs, refuses to consider a care facility and flees with their children to evade a court ruling, Andy's desperation drives him to a dangerous plan with catastrophic consequences. The first-person narrative immerses readers in Andy's turmoil, blending gritty realism with dark humor that underscores the human cost of mental illness. The story's strength lies in its refusal to shy away from tough questions about love, duty, and moral limits, portraying Andy not as a hero but as a flawed man pushed beyond endurance. I liked the Australian setting too, as it added a unique texture, while the plot's relentless pacing and shocking turns keep you guessing until the final page. Unlike typical thrillers, this novel avoids clichés, offering a fresh, psychologically rich exploration of family and sacrifice. It's a gut-punch of a read that lingers long after, perfect for those who crave stories that are as thought-provoking as they are thrilling. I talked with a friend of mine, who has a son that was similar to Andy's own kid with similar levels of bipolar disorder. Telling him about the plot points, there's definitely an authenticity that was captured with this story. There's a lot to think about with this one, and I would definitely recommend it!
June 20, 2025
Author Eddie Russell absolutely BRINGS IT in this intense, thrilling, evocative novel where one man's bid to save his home life blows up his entire existence (see the picture on the cover...there's your hint that you're in for a wild, deadly ride). Andy Lomax as a main character is a complex and relatable hero, battling fierce internal and external stakes as he tries to get help for his mentally unwell son amid extreme safety concerns and conflicting interests. You can feel the time ticking on his plight as well as the resistance he is up against with family and the legal system. As the pressure cooker of conflict comes to its boiling point, no one is safe from the inevitable perilous consequences. I dare you to guess how this book ends. You just simply can't imagine it, and what fun is that? To have a writer so good at his craft that you NEED to get to the last page to finish the journey. And even then, you might not believe what you've just been through. I mean, what the hero has been through. See? I was so invested in Andy, I don't know where he ends and I begin anymore.
And I want to applaud that point a little more. The fact that this story is told in first person is such a smart decision on Russell's part. It creates an immediacy to every tension, twist, and turn this story takes, making for a crime thriller that should go down in the books (pun intended) as one of the best in its genre.
Included, too, is a dark humor and a human grit element that very much match the overall themes and tone of this read. COLLATERAL DAMAGE escapes any trite or over-used ideas when tearing up the pages with its epic plot. Truly original and boldly daring, burn up the rest of your afternoon by reading this one.
And I want to applaud that point a little more. The fact that this story is told in first person is such a smart decision on Russell's part. It creates an immediacy to every tension, twist, and turn this story takes, making for a crime thriller that should go down in the books (pun intended) as one of the best in its genre.
Included, too, is a dark humor and a human grit element that very much match the overall themes and tone of this read. COLLATERAL DAMAGE escapes any trite or over-used ideas when tearing up the pages with its epic plot. Truly original and boldly daring, burn up the rest of your afternoon by reading this one.
June 23, 2025
Desperate Measures
“I was in hell already. The only part missing was the eternal flames.” With that searing line, Eddie Russell’s Collateral Damage sets the tone for a raw, unflinching exploration of one man’s descent into desperation—and the cost of loving someone who can no longer love you back.
Andy Lomax isn’t your typical protagonist. He’s not trying to be a hero—he’s simply trying to survive. Caught between a dangerously unstable son with comorbid bipolar disorder, a devout wife unwilling to accept reality, and a legal system that offers no relief, Andy’s voice crackles with wit, weariness, and shocking honesty. “My name is Andy Lomax. I am thirty-four years old and every year of my married life is etched in virtual scars and welts on my being.”
Russell doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of parenting a child with severe mental illness, nor the emotional wreckage it leaves behind. There are no saints here, only flawed humans pushed past their breaking points. Through moments both harrowing and heartbreakingly tender—like Andy watching his sedated son sleep, resisting the pull of pity—this novel dares to ask: what happens when love is no longer enough?
The writing is visceral, darkly funny, and at times, disturbingly relatable. It's not just a domestic thriller—it’s a psychological excavation. A portrait of a man unspooling at the seams, trying to reclaim something—anything—before it's too late.
Collateral Damage is not for the faint-hearted. But for readers willing to sit with discomfort, it offers something rare: brutal truth, haunting insight, and a story you won’t forget anytime soon.
“I was in hell already. The only part missing was the eternal flames.” With that searing line, Eddie Russell’s Collateral Damage sets the tone for a raw, unflinching exploration of one man’s descent into desperation—and the cost of loving someone who can no longer love you back.
Andy Lomax isn’t your typical protagonist. He’s not trying to be a hero—he’s simply trying to survive. Caught between a dangerously unstable son with comorbid bipolar disorder, a devout wife unwilling to accept reality, and a legal system that offers no relief, Andy’s voice crackles with wit, weariness, and shocking honesty. “My name is Andy Lomax. I am thirty-four years old and every year of my married life is etched in virtual scars and welts on my being.”
Russell doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of parenting a child with severe mental illness, nor the emotional wreckage it leaves behind. There are no saints here, only flawed humans pushed past their breaking points. Through moments both harrowing and heartbreakingly tender—like Andy watching his sedated son sleep, resisting the pull of pity—this novel dares to ask: what happens when love is no longer enough?
The writing is visceral, darkly funny, and at times, disturbingly relatable. It's not just a domestic thriller—it’s a psychological excavation. A portrait of a man unspooling at the seams, trying to reclaim something—anything—before it's too late.
Collateral Damage is not for the faint-hearted. But for readers willing to sit with discomfort, it offers something rare: brutal truth, haunting insight, and a story you won’t forget anytime soon.
July 10, 2025
First person fiction novels are always at the top of my list to read because they offer an insight that I feel no other perspective can. This especially rings true with a novel like Collateral Damage. Russell’s writing style is a breath of fresh air in a sea of character-driven novels. Too often are they written while going too much into minute details, riddled with paragraphs that essentially taking me out of the story. Told in the father’s perspective, it illuminates the emotional struggles that a person would be met with in this sort of circumstance. This novel allowed me to really feel how Andy felt and immerse myself into the story, putting myself in his shoes. Because of this, and being a parent myself, I couldn’t imagine having to deal with this. I could relate to his wife as well, because if it came between my family and a court ruling like theirs, I can’t say that I would stick around either. This novel held onto me with every word, every page riddled with suspense. I have known people in my life with bipolar disorder, so I was glad to read more along the lines of reality and not a dramatized version as I so often see in novels and movies showcasing the depiction of bipolar disorder. This book has everything a suspense reader would enjoy. Plenty of plot twists, family drama, and a tale really rooted in the “hero’s journey”. If you’re wanting a suspense thriller that is deeply rooted in reality, one that will captivate you until the very end, put this one at the top of your list.
June 28, 2025
The author crafts an emotionally intense narrative that delves deep into the complexities of a family's struggle through mental illness and legal turmoil. The book intricately portrays Andy Lomax's heart-wrenching journey as he grapples with the challenges posed by his son's bipolar disorder and the resulting strain on familial relationships.
The plot vividly captures Andy's frustration and desperation as he faces the intransigence of both familial bonds and the legal system. His quest for resolution drives him to make harrowing decisions, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll on a father pushed to his limits. The story skillfully explores themes of mental health, family dynamics, and the lengths one might go to reclaim a semblance of normalcy in a fractured home.
This gripping tale, while dark, offers readers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the chaos that mental illness can wreak not only on the individual suffering but on the entire family unit. With complex characters and a storyline filled with tension and unpredictability, the book keeps readers on edge, questioning morality and the nature of desperation. It's a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between love and despair, and the unintended consequences of actions born from desperation.
Overall, he delivers a thought-provoking and haunting story that challenges readers to ponder the depths of familial love and the difficult choices it sometimes engenders.
The plot vividly captures Andy's frustration and desperation as he faces the intransigence of both familial bonds and the legal system. His quest for resolution drives him to make harrowing decisions, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll on a father pushed to his limits. The story skillfully explores themes of mental health, family dynamics, and the lengths one might go to reclaim a semblance of normalcy in a fractured home.
This gripping tale, while dark, offers readers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the chaos that mental illness can wreak not only on the individual suffering but on the entire family unit. With complex characters and a storyline filled with tension and unpredictability, the book keeps readers on edge, questioning morality and the nature of desperation. It's a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between love and despair, and the unintended consequences of actions born from desperation.
Overall, he delivers a thought-provoking and haunting story that challenges readers to ponder the depths of familial love and the difficult choices it sometimes engenders.
July 15, 2025
"Collateral Damage: A Crime Thriller" by Eddie Russell has truly captivated me, pulling me into a high-stakes world where the lines between justice and personal vendetta blur. Detective Miles Corbin, haunted by a past case, finds himself entangled in a series of meticulously planned crimes that seem to target individuals connected to a powerful, shadowy organization. What begins as a routine investigation quickly escalates into a desperate race against time, as Corbin realizes the true cost of his pursuit extends far beyond the criminals themselves.I absolutely loved the relentless pacing and intricate plot, which kept me on the edge of my seat with unexpected twists and turns. The characters are well-developed, particularly Corbin, whose internal struggles added significant depth to the action. While the sheer scale of the conspiracy could sometimes feel overwhelming, the author skillfully managed to tie all the threads together in a gripping climax. My only real wish was for a different ending. I found myself hoping for a resolution that felt a bit more satisfying for the characters I'd grown to root for. Despite that, "Collateral Damage" is a compelling and intense read, perfect for fans of gritty crime thrillers who appreciate complex narratives and morally ambiguous heroes. It's a testament to how far one man will go to uncover the truth, even when the consequences are devastating.
July 2, 2025
Eddie Russell's "Collateral Damage" is not merely a novel; it's a visceral, heart-pounding journey that will leave you breathless and deeply moved. From the very first page, Russell masterfully crafts a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. The plot, intricate and meticulously woven, unfolds with a relentless pace, pulling you deeper into a world where every decision has profound consequences. It had me in my head.
What truly sets "Collateral Damage" apart, though, is Russell's extraordinary ability to create characters that leap off the page. They are flawed, authentic, and utterly human, their struggles and triumphs becoming your own. You'll find yourself rooting for them, despairing with them, and celebrating their smallest victories. The prose is sharp, evocative, and precise, building an atmosphere of palpable tension that never lets up.
This book is a gripping thriller that transcends its genre, offering profound insights into the hidden costs of conflict and the enduring power of resilience. "Collateral Damage" is an absolute must-read for anyone who craves a novel that is both thrilling and deeply meaningful. Prepare to be captivated.
What truly sets "Collateral Damage" apart, though, is Russell's extraordinary ability to create characters that leap off the page. They are flawed, authentic, and utterly human, their struggles and triumphs becoming your own. You'll find yourself rooting for them, despairing with them, and celebrating their smallest victories. The prose is sharp, evocative, and precise, building an atmosphere of palpable tension that never lets up.
This book is a gripping thriller that transcends its genre, offering profound insights into the hidden costs of conflict and the enduring power of resilience. "Collateral Damage" is an absolute must-read for anyone who craves a novel that is both thrilling and deeply meaningful. Prepare to be captivated.
June 24, 2025
As someone who’s read a lifetime of crime fiction, I can say without hesitation that "Collateral Damage" by Eddie Russell is a standout. Because it does not play into the usual tropes, it dares and succeeds in going deeper. This isn’t your typical whodunit or cat-and-mouse chase. It’s a raw, emotional, and disturbingly plausible psychological thriller rooted in the chaos of real life. Russell takes us inside a family torn apart by mental illness - and doesn’t flinch from showing the brutal toll it takes. Andy Lomax, a father pushed to his breaking point, finds himself caught between love, fear, and helplessness. What unfolds is a slow-burning descent into desperation, a plot seething with tension and dread, and heartbreakingly real characters. This is not a comfortable read, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. Russell refuses to sugarcoat the emotional wreckage or the moral gray zones. You feel every ounce of Andy’s confusion, frustration, and grief as events spiral beyond his control. "Collateral Damage" isn’t just a psychological thriller - it’s a haunting, human story of choices made when there seem to be no good ones left. Gutsy, unsettling, and unforgettable.
June 19, 2025
Collateral Damage: A Crime Thriller by Eddie Russell offers a gritty, fast-paced dive into a revenge-driven plot that spans moral boundaries. Centered on a disgraced ex-cop enacting violent retribution, the story pulses with action and menace. Russell effectively creates a dark, layered world filled with corruption, personal vendettas, and modern crime elements like hacking and surveillance.
However, the novel’s ambition occasionally works against it. With a full cast and multiple subplots, character development took a slight backseat to plot mechanics. Many secondary figures felt slightly interchangeable, and the emotional stakes are diluted by constant shifts in perspective. While the twists are numerous, some feel more like narrative detours that could have been done without.
That said, personal opinions aside, the book maintains a great energy and will appeal to fans of crime thrillers that prioritize pace and complexity.
However, the novel’s ambition occasionally works against it. With a full cast and multiple subplots, character development took a slight backseat to plot mechanics. Many secondary figures felt slightly interchangeable, and the emotional stakes are diluted by constant shifts in perspective. While the twists are numerous, some feel more like narrative detours that could have been done without.
That said, personal opinions aside, the book maintains a great energy and will appeal to fans of crime thrillers that prioritize pace and complexity.
June 25, 2025
What a ride!! Eddie Russell pulled out the big guns for this thriller filled with unexpected twists. Russell weaves a tale that ends in a way I didn’t expect and you won’t either. Family is tough, but I couldn’t imagine living Andy’s life in real life. Life is a roller coaster and I applaud this author for taking his readers on a ride with unexpected dips and turns!
This story opened with the main character in distress and faced with some serious challenges and difficulty considerations. As a parent, I couldn’t imagine being faced with the life circumstances that Andy wadded through. As a Christian, I hated to see how religion and faulty religious beliefs tainted the lives of this family.
I appreciated how the story didn’t jump characters but was told strictly from Andy’s perspective. It made getting to the last page more appealing. I wanted to see how things would turn out for the Lomax family.
This story opened with the main character in distress and faced with some serious challenges and difficulty considerations. As a parent, I couldn’t imagine being faced with the life circumstances that Andy wadded through. As a Christian, I hated to see how religion and faulty religious beliefs tainted the lives of this family.
I appreciated how the story didn’t jump characters but was told strictly from Andy’s perspective. It made getting to the last page more appealing. I wanted to see how things would turn out for the Lomax family.
June 23, 2025
This is the story of Andy, who found himself suffocating in his failing marriage and was looking for some fresh air away from his daily manic life. Andy and his wife had a sick child, and because of his sickness, this caused a drift between the parents. The mom was more inclined to look for spiritual healing, while Andy just wanted to get professional help for Justin. He felt like their son's condition was being exploited by the spiritual healer, but him trying to discuss other options with the wife wasn't even an option.The wife always blamed him for everything going wrong; when she asked him to leave their home, he was happy to because it meant taking a break from all the accusations he faced.I find this story so captivating; these are the books that you start reading and never put aside till you finish. I really enjoyed this book.
July 8, 2025
Collateral Damage drew me in right away with how real Andy Lomax felt. He’s not just a father trying to hold his family together; he’s a man slowly coming apart at the seams, and Eddie Russell writes him with such raw honesty that I couldn’t help but feel for him, even when his choices turned dark. The characters are flawed but deeply human, and their pain and love feel authentic. I really appreciated Russell’s writing style, too: fast‑paced without feeling rushed, and full of sharp, emotional dialogue that reveals so much about who these people are without overexplaining. The tension builds naturally, and I found myself staying up late just to see what Andy would do next. If you enjoy character‑driven thrillers that explore the gray areas of morality and family, I highly recommend Collateral Damage. It’s gripping, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.
March 11, 2025
Oh my God! Andy Lomax is one of the most unfeeling, inhumane creatures on the planet! I guess we know where the mental illness genes that afflicted Justin came from since his father is a complete sociopath.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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