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The Vulnerable
She’s missing! He's ruined! Secrets sizzle. Wildfires rage!
"Gripping, timely, and unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths, this is a thriller that lingers well beyond its final page. Our get it!” —Kirkus Reviews
“A fascinating story of crime amid the complexity of human emotion. Packed with high octane tension, The Vulnerable is a must-read for thriller lovers.” — Lisa Towles, Amazon Bestselling author of Terror Bay.
“The vulnerable delivers both suspense and substance, with a plot that mirrors real-world issues. It's not just a thriller; it's a book that forces you to think.” — Literary Titan She’s missing! He's ruined! Secrets sizzle. Wildfires rage!
In a world teetering on the brink, where climate change fuels devastating wildfires and a pandemic erupts, The Vulnerable plunges into the heart of interconnected lives, revealing a tapestry of crime, secrets, and suspense.
Dan DeCosta's life implodes after he falls for Robin O'Rourke, the fiery redhead stalked by her violent ex, and thrusts Dan into a terrifying ordeal with the law, financial ruin, and fighting for his life. Dan's father, Dick DeCosta, a renowned climate activist targeted by extremist groups, had relocated to Florida to escape their wrath. But Dick is forced to return to Boston, embarking on a frantic race against time to rescue his son and find Robin. Meanwhile, Dick’s wife becomes ill, and his daughter flees wildfires. Long-held family secrets threaten to erupt, testing the limits of loyalty and love.
The Vulnerable explores themes of love, loss, and betrayal against a backdrop of escalating worldwide crisis. From the blizzards of Massachusetts and the burning California landscapes to the sun-drenched shores of Florida, a relentless pursuit of justice and survival unfolds.
Will these vulnerable souls find strength in each other and withstand the perils thrust upon them? The answers lie within the pages of this gripping, high-stakes, unforgettable thriller."With The Vulnerable , Ed DeJesus has executed a layered, complex, and highly entertaining debut thriller. Crime, domestic terror, family wounds, romance, the pandemic, climate change—it's all here. Moving fluidly (at times breathtakingly) between Massachusetts, Florida, and California wildfires, the story crackles with energy, sharply drawn characters, and an unflinching vision of a world in which we are all vulnerable." — David Daniel, prizewinning author of the Alex Rasmussen Lowell Detective Series and Beach Town.
Fans of Harlan Coben's thriller hooks and Wally Lamb's family dramas will love The Vulnerable.
“A fascinating story of crime amid the complexity of human emotion. Packed with high octane tension, The Vulnerable is a must-read for thriller lovers.” — Lisa Towles, Amazon Bestselling author of Terror Bay.
“The vulnerable delivers both suspense and substance, with a plot that mirrors real-world issues. It's not just a thriller; it's a book that forces you to think.” — Literary Titan She’s missing! He's ruined! Secrets sizzle. Wildfires rage!
In a world teetering on the brink, where climate change fuels devastating wildfires and a pandemic erupts, The Vulnerable plunges into the heart of interconnected lives, revealing a tapestry of crime, secrets, and suspense.
Dan DeCosta's life implodes after he falls for Robin O'Rourke, the fiery redhead stalked by her violent ex, and thrusts Dan into a terrifying ordeal with the law, financial ruin, and fighting for his life. Dan's father, Dick DeCosta, a renowned climate activist targeted by extremist groups, had relocated to Florida to escape their wrath. But Dick is forced to return to Boston, embarking on a frantic race against time to rescue his son and find Robin. Meanwhile, Dick’s wife becomes ill, and his daughter flees wildfires. Long-held family secrets threaten to erupt, testing the limits of loyalty and love.
The Vulnerable explores themes of love, loss, and betrayal against a backdrop of escalating worldwide crisis. From the blizzards of Massachusetts and the burning California landscapes to the sun-drenched shores of Florida, a relentless pursuit of justice and survival unfolds.
Will these vulnerable souls find strength in each other and withstand the perils thrust upon them? The answers lie within the pages of this gripping, high-stakes, unforgettable thriller."With The Vulnerable , Ed DeJesus has executed a layered, complex, and highly entertaining debut thriller. Crime, domestic terror, family wounds, romance, the pandemic, climate change—it's all here. Moving fluidly (at times breathtakingly) between Massachusetts, Florida, and California wildfires, the story crackles with energy, sharply drawn characters, and an unflinching vision of a world in which we are all vulnerable." — David Daniel, prizewinning author of the Alex Rasmussen Lowell Detective Series and Beach Town.
Fans of Harlan Coben's thriller hooks and Wally Lamb's family dramas will love The Vulnerable.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 4, 2026
POV: one bad day ruins your entire life AND the internet decides you’re guilty before you can even explain yourself. Welcome to The Vulnerable by Ed DeJesus.
This book follows Dan DeCosta, a regular guy whose life completely spirals after his girlfriend suddenly disappears overnight and police drag him out of his house covered in blood.
A video of the arrest goes viral overnight, social media turns him into a joke, and suddenly everyone thinks they know the truth. Meanwhile, it’s early 2020 and the world itself is starting to feel terrifyingly unstable.
What I loved is that this isn’t just a mystery thriller. It’s packed with family drama, emotional baggage, buried secrets, messy relationships, and that constant feeling that EVERYTHING is about to fall apart.
The story feels super grounded and realistic, which honestly makes it more stressful.
The DeCosta family had me INVESTED. Dan’s father especially gives major “I’ll burn the world down for my family” energy, and every character feels flawed in a way that actually feels human instead of overly dramatic.
Nobody has their life together here and that’s exactly why the story works.
Also the early COVID backdrop? SO effective. You can feel the anxiety slowly creeping into every scene while the characters are already dealing with personal chaos.
It adds this heavy tension to the whole book that never fully goes away.
If you like thrillers that focus more on emotional unraveling, family tension, and realistic chaos instead of nonstop action, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s messy, tense, emotional, and painfully believable.
This book follows Dan DeCosta, a regular guy whose life completely spirals after his girlfriend suddenly disappears overnight and police drag him out of his house covered in blood.
A video of the arrest goes viral overnight, social media turns him into a joke, and suddenly everyone thinks they know the truth. Meanwhile, it’s early 2020 and the world itself is starting to feel terrifyingly unstable.
What I loved is that this isn’t just a mystery thriller. It’s packed with family drama, emotional baggage, buried secrets, messy relationships, and that constant feeling that EVERYTHING is about to fall apart.
The story feels super grounded and realistic, which honestly makes it more stressful.
The DeCosta family had me INVESTED. Dan’s father especially gives major “I’ll burn the world down for my family” energy, and every character feels flawed in a way that actually feels human instead of overly dramatic.
Nobody has their life together here and that’s exactly why the story works.
Also the early COVID backdrop? SO effective. You can feel the anxiety slowly creeping into every scene while the characters are already dealing with personal chaos.
It adds this heavy tension to the whole book that never fully goes away.
If you like thrillers that focus more on emotional unraveling, family tension, and realistic chaos instead of nonstop action, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s messy, tense, emotional, and painfully believable.
October 7, 2025
I especially enjoyed this book because much of it is set in Fort Myers, Florida — my current hometown. Many of the locations mentioned are places I’ve personally visited, which made the story feel particularly real and immersive. Although I’m not from Boston, I’ve spent time there and recognized several of the Boston locations as well, adding another layer of familiarity.
That said, knowing these places isn’t necessary to enjoy the book. The author’s attention to detail and thorough research shine throughout, and the characters are well-developed and authentic. I found it intriguing to follow each one as they navigated vulnerable and often complex situations.
Bottom line: this is an engaging, thoughtful, and impressive read. Highly recommended.
That said, knowing these places isn’t necessary to enjoy the book. The author’s attention to detail and thorough research shine throughout, and the characters are well-developed and authentic. I found it intriguing to follow each one as they navigated vulnerable and often complex situations.
Bottom line: this is an engaging, thoughtful, and impressive read. Highly recommended.
February 5, 2026
Hard to put down, easy to pick up, well-paced. An enjoyable and thought-provoking read!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Vulnerable" for a multitude of reasons: the pacing, the twists, the characters, and the detailed descriptions of the locales. The plot incorporated many current events, from energy sources and wildfires to drug addiction and ghosting, which kept it moving and relatable, and I could relate to all of them. I finished the book in a couple of days; it was hard to put down and easy to pick up—definitely a thriller worth reading, with characters with complex emotions. I am looking forward to reading more from Ed DeJesus!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Vulnerable" for a multitude of reasons: the pacing, the twists, the characters, and the detailed descriptions of the locales. The plot incorporated many current events, from energy sources and wildfires to drug addiction and ghosting, which kept it moving and relatable, and I could relate to all of them. I finished the book in a couple of days; it was hard to put down and easy to pick up—definitely a thriller worth reading, with characters with complex emotions. I am looking forward to reading more from Ed DeJesus!
April 3, 2025
Ed DeJesus’ The Vulnerable is a suspense thriller that weaves together a tangled web of crime, family drama, and societal corruption. The story follows multiple characters, but at its heart, it centers around Dan DeCosta, an environmental engineer caught in the crosshairs of powerful enemies. His father, Dick DeCosta, a former solar energy entrepreneur and author, is entangled in the fallout of exposing corporate gaslighting on climate change. Meanwhile, a series of violent crimes, personal betrayals, and ominous threats ripple through the lives of various interconnected characters, from single mothers trying to escape their pasts to law enforcement officers struggling with moral dilemmas. The book balances high-stakes action with intimate emotional struggles, making for a gripping read.
DeJesus doesn’t just stick to one storyline, he juggles multiple perspectives, each one adding another layer to the mystery. While I appreciated the depth, there were moments when the frequent shifts between characters felt overwhelming. At times, I found myself flipping back to earlier pages to keep track of who was connected to whom. That said, this ambitious storytelling approach kept me on my toes. The author has a knack for weaving together different threads into an intricate plot. Take, for example, the storyline of Robin O’Rourke, a woman trying to escape her abusive ex, only to find herself tangled in something even more dangerous. Her arc is particularly gripping and one of the novel’s strongest elements.
The writing style is punchy and straightforward, making the book easy to devour despite its complexity. DeJesus leans into dialogue-heavy scenes, which makes the characters feel more real. However, sometimes the exposition gets a bit heavy-handed. There were moments when the characters would explain things in a way that felt more like a news report than natural conversation. That said, when DeJesus lets the action speak for itself, like the intense confrontation scenes or the eerie moments of foreboding text messages, the tension is palpable. One standout example is when Dan receives threats from extremists after his father’s book on climate change stirs up controversy. These moments hit hard and elevate the suspense.
What I loved most about The Vulnerable was its social commentary. It’s not just a thriller, it’s a book that forces you to think. The novel touches on issues like climate change, political extremism, opioid addiction, and even corporate corruption. DeJesus doesn’t shy away from tough topics, and he presents them in a way that feels deeply personal rather than preachy. One of the most haunting subplots involves Dan’s wrongful termination and the underhanded tactics used against him. The way his downfall is orchestrated feels chillingly plausible, making it one of the book’s most compelling aspects.
The Vulnerable is a strong debut that delivers both suspense and substance. It’s a great pick for readers who enjoy thrillers with multiple viewpoints, morally gray characters, and a plot that mirrors real-world issues. While the shifting narratives can be a bit dizzying at times, the payoff is worth it. If you like books that keep you guessing while also making you reflect on society’s biggest issues, this one’s for you.
DeJesus doesn’t just stick to one storyline, he juggles multiple perspectives, each one adding another layer to the mystery. While I appreciated the depth, there were moments when the frequent shifts between characters felt overwhelming. At times, I found myself flipping back to earlier pages to keep track of who was connected to whom. That said, this ambitious storytelling approach kept me on my toes. The author has a knack for weaving together different threads into an intricate plot. Take, for example, the storyline of Robin O’Rourke, a woman trying to escape her abusive ex, only to find herself tangled in something even more dangerous. Her arc is particularly gripping and one of the novel’s strongest elements.
The writing style is punchy and straightforward, making the book easy to devour despite its complexity. DeJesus leans into dialogue-heavy scenes, which makes the characters feel more real. However, sometimes the exposition gets a bit heavy-handed. There were moments when the characters would explain things in a way that felt more like a news report than natural conversation. That said, when DeJesus lets the action speak for itself, like the intense confrontation scenes or the eerie moments of foreboding text messages, the tension is palpable. One standout example is when Dan receives threats from extremists after his father’s book on climate change stirs up controversy. These moments hit hard and elevate the suspense.
What I loved most about The Vulnerable was its social commentary. It’s not just a thriller, it’s a book that forces you to think. The novel touches on issues like climate change, political extremism, opioid addiction, and even corporate corruption. DeJesus doesn’t shy away from tough topics, and he presents them in a way that feels deeply personal rather than preachy. One of the most haunting subplots involves Dan’s wrongful termination and the underhanded tactics used against him. The way his downfall is orchestrated feels chillingly plausible, making it one of the book’s most compelling aspects.
The Vulnerable is a strong debut that delivers both suspense and substance. It’s a great pick for readers who enjoy thrillers with multiple viewpoints, morally gray characters, and a plot that mirrors real-world issues. While the shifting narratives can be a bit dizzying at times, the payoff is worth it. If you like books that keep you guessing while also making you reflect on society’s biggest issues, this one’s for you.
June 11, 2026
The Vulnerable
By
Ed DeJesus
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉This book is a thriller that feels remarkably personal despite the enormous events unfolding around its characters. Ed DeJesus takes what begins as a missing-person mystery and gradually transforms it into a powerful story about family, survival, and the fragile nature of modern life. The novel immediately pulls readers into Dan DeCosta’s nightmare as his girlfriend vanishes and suspicion quickly turns toward him. What follows is a tense and emotionally layered journey that explores how quickly an ordinary life can unravel when circumstances spiral beyond anyone’s control.
👉What impressed me most was the way the author balances suspense with character development. While the mystery surrounding Robin’s disappearance drives the plot forward, the heart of the story lies within the DeCosta family. Each family member faces their own challenges, fears, and painful decisions, creating a narrative rich with emotional complexity. Dick DeCosta, in particular, stands out as a compelling character whose determination to protect his family adds depth and urgency to the story. The relationships feel authentic, filled with both love and tension, making every setback and revelation carry real emotional weight.
👉The novel also benefits from its realistic portrayal of crisis. Set during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and against the backdrop of devastating wildfires and political unrest, the story captures the anxiety and uncertainty that defined that period. Rather than using these events as simple background details, DeJesus weaves them directly into the lives of the characters. The result is a world that feels alive and unpredictable, where personal struggles are intensified by larger societal challenges. This realism makes the story feel even more immersive and emotionally impactful.
👉Another strength of the book is its exploration of vulnerability in all its forms. The characters are not larger-than-life heroes but flawed individuals trying to navigate impossible situations. They make mistakes, carry regrets, and wrestle with secrets that threaten to destroy the bonds they cherish.
Happy reading 😊
By
Ed DeJesus
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉This book is a thriller that feels remarkably personal despite the enormous events unfolding around its characters. Ed DeJesus takes what begins as a missing-person mystery and gradually transforms it into a powerful story about family, survival, and the fragile nature of modern life. The novel immediately pulls readers into Dan DeCosta’s nightmare as his girlfriend vanishes and suspicion quickly turns toward him. What follows is a tense and emotionally layered journey that explores how quickly an ordinary life can unravel when circumstances spiral beyond anyone’s control.
👉What impressed me most was the way the author balances suspense with character development. While the mystery surrounding Robin’s disappearance drives the plot forward, the heart of the story lies within the DeCosta family. Each family member faces their own challenges, fears, and painful decisions, creating a narrative rich with emotional complexity. Dick DeCosta, in particular, stands out as a compelling character whose determination to protect his family adds depth and urgency to the story. The relationships feel authentic, filled with both love and tension, making every setback and revelation carry real emotional weight.
👉The novel also benefits from its realistic portrayal of crisis. Set during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and against the backdrop of devastating wildfires and political unrest, the story captures the anxiety and uncertainty that defined that period. Rather than using these events as simple background details, DeJesus weaves them directly into the lives of the characters. The result is a world that feels alive and unpredictable, where personal struggles are intensified by larger societal challenges. This realism makes the story feel even more immersive and emotionally impactful.
👉Another strength of the book is its exploration of vulnerability in all its forms. The characters are not larger-than-life heroes but flawed individuals trying to navigate impossible situations. They make mistakes, carry regrets, and wrestle with secrets that threaten to destroy the bonds they cherish.
Happy reading 😊
April 2, 2025
In DeJesus’s high-stakes thriller, domestic terrorism collides with family wounds, and past choices turn deadly. Dan DeCosta’s world collapses when Robin O’Rourke, the fiery-haired woman he loves, disappears. Her violent ex lurks, the police close in, and Dan is left fighting for his life. Across the country, his sister Sam outruns California wildfires, while their father, Dick DeCosta, a climate activist with a target on his back, is forced out of hiding. With his wife critically ill and time running out, Dick races to Boston to clear Dan’s name. Meanwhile, Dr. Meghan McCormack, a reckless sleuth struggling with her demons, begins to look into the case and unearth a web of lies, betrayals, and stolen identities. As the world spirals into chaos, the DeCostas must battle forces both personal and global before time runs out.
DeJesus’s prose is crisp as he balances a crime procedural with raw emotional depth. Sizzling with tension, the narrative shifts between victims, perpetrators, and investigators. The settings, from Massachusetts blizzards to California’s burning landscapes and Florida’s hurricane-wracked shores, are vividly drawn. The characters—Dan, vulnerable yet determined; Dick, steadfast in his fight; Joanna, charismatic and strong-willed; Sam, resourceful and relentless; Meghan, rash and sharp-witted; and Rebecca, resilient through it all—feel strikingly real. The novel tackles urgent issues, including climate change, societal shifts caused by the pandemic, and opioid addiction, while staying firmly rooted in its thriller genre. Paced with precision and laced with brutal twists, this is a thriller that stays with you well beyond the final page.
DeJesus’s prose is crisp as he balances a crime procedural with raw emotional depth. Sizzling with tension, the narrative shifts between victims, perpetrators, and investigators. The settings, from Massachusetts blizzards to California’s burning landscapes and Florida’s hurricane-wracked shores, are vividly drawn. The characters—Dan, vulnerable yet determined; Dick, steadfast in his fight; Joanna, charismatic and strong-willed; Sam, resourceful and relentless; Meghan, rash and sharp-witted; and Rebecca, resilient through it all—feel strikingly real. The novel tackles urgent issues, including climate change, societal shifts caused by the pandemic, and opioid addiction, while staying firmly rooted in its thriller genre. Paced with precision and laced with brutal twists, this is a thriller that stays with you well beyond the final page.
June 13, 2026
The Vulnerable is much more than a traditional thriller. While the mystery surrounding Robin's disappearance immediately grabs attention, the story quickly expands into a complex exploration of family, loyalty, and survival during uncertain times. Ed DeJesus creates a narrative that feels both intensely personal and frighteningly realistic, using the backdrop of a pandemic and climate-related disasters to heighten the tension. The result is a story that feels relevant without sacrificing entertainment.
What impressed me most was the depth of the characters. Dan DeCosta is not a flawless hero but an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Watching his reputation crumble while desperately searching for answers made his journey incredibly compelling. The DeCosta family as a whole is wonderfully developed, with each member facing their own battles and emotional burdens. Their struggles and relationships add genuine heart to the story.
The pacing is excellent throughout, balancing suspenseful twists with quieter moments of reflection. The novel tackles serious themes such as extremism, misinformation, and environmental concerns while remaining firmly rooted in its thriller foundation. By the end, I was not only invested in the outcome of the mystery but also deeply connected to the characters. This is a thoughtful and gripping read that lingers long after the final page.
October 8, 2025
It takes more than just being a fast paced and dynamic thriller to make a good book read like you’re there. De Jesus’s The Vulnerable does it all! The characters are plentiful and complicated. I thought for certain I would get lost or confused, but the author expertly and subtly reminds the reader who is and has done what without insulting the reader’s intelligence and rehashing each character’s history.
I slid into the novel as an invisible character sitting shotgun traveling down streets familiar to me in both New England towns and Florida’s high rise condo scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of real-life situations and the characters own development from mundane to fantastic. What is it they say about the Six Degrees of Separation-the concept that any two people on Earth are connected through a chain of no more than five intermediaries, meaning a maximum of six social connections away from each other? It certainly plays out true with these folks. Fiction may not be stranger than fact! At each turn that I thought I knew, I was surprised and went looking for another angle or villain, losing my footing time and again.
An enjoyable read filled with emotion and heartfelt moments of the unexpected!
I slid into the novel as an invisible character sitting shotgun traveling down streets familiar to me in both New England towns and Florida’s high rise condo scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of real-life situations and the characters own development from mundane to fantastic. What is it they say about the Six Degrees of Separation-the concept that any two people on Earth are connected through a chain of no more than five intermediaries, meaning a maximum of six social connections away from each other? It certainly plays out true with these folks. Fiction may not be stranger than fact! At each turn that I thought I knew, I was surprised and went looking for another angle or villain, losing my footing time and again.
An enjoyable read filled with emotion and heartfelt moments of the unexpected!
June 13, 2026
The Vulnerable is a thriller that succeeds because it understands that the strongest suspense comes from caring about the people involved. The mystery at the center of the story is compelling, but it is the emotional journeys of the characters that truly drive the narrative forward. Every setback, revelation, and confrontation feels meaningful because the stakes are deeply personal.
Ed DeJesus does an excellent job weaving together multiple storylines without losing focus. The shifting perspectives provide a broader view of the unfolding events and reveal how interconnected the characters' lives truly are. I particularly enjoyed how the novel gradually uncovers hidden secrets and long-buried tensions, keeping me constantly curious about what would happen next.
The setting also plays a major role in creating atmosphere. Wildfires, blizzards, and the uncertainty of the early pandemic period create a world that feels fragile and unpredictable. These elements never overshadow the story but instead amplify the characters' struggles. It's a powerful and engaging thriller that combines emotional depth with plenty of suspense.
March 27, 2025
This book offers an immersive reading experience with character depth and descriptive prose. The author clearly has a gift for inner monologues and detailed settings, creating a world that feels fully realized. Readers who enjoy deep dives into a character’s thoughts and a leisurely unfolding of events will find much to appreciate here.
However, there is a lot going on in this story. From medical issues to mistaken identity, environmental concerns, genealogy mapping, COVID, and even suggested affairs. The sheer number of plot threads made it difficult to focus on any one aspect. Combined with an extensive cast and frequent introspective detours, it took several chapters just to get my bearings. Even after finishing, I’m not entirely sure what the central takeaway was meant to be.
That said, readers who enjoy stories that weave together multiple themes and perspectives may find this novel an intriguing challenge. Or, if you prefer a narrative that jumps into its characters’ thoughts and explores a wide range of topics, this also could be an engaging read for you.
However, there is a lot going on in this story. From medical issues to mistaken identity, environmental concerns, genealogy mapping, COVID, and even suggested affairs. The sheer number of plot threads made it difficult to focus on any one aspect. Combined with an extensive cast and frequent introspective detours, it took several chapters just to get my bearings. Even after finishing, I’m not entirely sure what the central takeaway was meant to be.
That said, readers who enjoy stories that weave together multiple themes and perspectives may find this novel an intriguing challenge. Or, if you prefer a narrative that jumps into its characters’ thoughts and explores a wide range of topics, this also could be an engaging read for you.
June 16, 2026
“The Vulnerable” by Ed DeJesus is more than just a fast paced thriller. It brings the suspense, mystery, and high-stakes drama you’d expect, but what stands out is how it threads real-world issues through the plot without killing momentum. Wildfires, climate pressures, family fractures, and buried secrets all feed into a sense of urgency that feels gripping and timely.
The characters are constantly pushed to their limits, and their arcs kept me hooked. As the story shifts between locations and perspectives, new layers of tension and emotion surface, making it tough to see what’s coming next. Mixing crime, family conflict, and personal vulnerability gives the book depth you don’t always get in the genre.
What I liked most is the balance of suspense and substance. The action moves fast, but the story also makes you think about the pressures facing people, families, and society at large. If you want thrillers that entertain and leave you with something to chew on, “The Vulnerable” is a compelling, memorable pick.
The characters are constantly pushed to their limits, and their arcs kept me hooked. As the story shifts between locations and perspectives, new layers of tension and emotion surface, making it tough to see what’s coming next. Mixing crime, family conflict, and personal vulnerability gives the book depth you don’t always get in the genre.
What I liked most is the balance of suspense and substance. The action moves fast, but the story also makes you think about the pressures facing people, families, and society at large. If you want thrillers that entertain and leave you with something to chew on, “The Vulnerable” is a compelling, memorable pick.
April 4, 2025
Billed as a "suspense thriller" Ed DeJesus' debut novel is all that and more. As used to be said of a Ferrari -- it had two speeds: fast and superfast -- "The Vulnerable" steps off with a pace that had me reaching for my seatbelt.
However, while the book has an undeniable narrative force, it's more than just a wild ride. The Vulnerable features a cast of thoughtfully-drawn characters with credible backstories and satisfying arcs. Moreover, the story makes use of a variety of settings--in this case the tropical warmth of coastal Florida, the wintery assault of New England, and the So Cal dreamland). And it's the kind of thriller that I find adds value by exposing me to realms of knowledge I don't possess (herein forensics, climate science, entrepreneurship, etc.).
Finally, the story satisfies on a thematic level, with intelligent consideration of local, national, and global issues that threaten not just the story's people but, in the end, us all. I recommend this one.
However, while the book has an undeniable narrative force, it's more than just a wild ride. The Vulnerable features a cast of thoughtfully-drawn characters with credible backstories and satisfying arcs. Moreover, the story makes use of a variety of settings--in this case the tropical warmth of coastal Florida, the wintery assault of New England, and the So Cal dreamland). And it's the kind of thriller that I find adds value by exposing me to realms of knowledge I don't possess (herein forensics, climate science, entrepreneurship, etc.).
Finally, the story satisfies on a thematic level, with intelligent consideration of local, national, and global issues that threaten not just the story's people but, in the end, us all. I recommend this one.
April 26, 2025
I thoroughly got hooked in the first chapter. Intrigue, mystery, romance around relationships with depth. The conundrum of events for one of the characters was wild, yet believable. The build-up to resolutions was well done and convincing. When you can create emotions from the reader, this results in a good story. Characters are interesting and well developed. Storylines of climate change, forest fires, DNA testing, and COVID all added to this story.
I save my 5 star ratings for a really great story- this is one of them.
I save my 5 star ratings for a really great story- this is one of them.
September 11, 2025
This family saga covers everything under the sun. From police and spousal abuse, credit card theft, missing persons, COVID, fires, cancer, death and finally to a hurricane. This family supports each other through it all as they confront possible disease and hospitalizations from Massachusetts to Florida. Of course, there are a few twists and turns along the way no one saw coming. It's the kind of book you need to find the time to read straight through and not in fits and starts in order for all the characters and their relationships to make sense.
April 4, 2026
Captivating story that combines mystery, suspense and family secrets, along with alarming information about the realities of climate change. The author cleverly mixes scientific facts and recent global events into the narratives of some very interesting characters. Descriptive scenes and references to northern MA and Ft. Myers indicate that the author knows these areas well. This book will keep you reading to the end.
June 5, 2025
Just in time for the US summer, this is a book which traverses the United States and with an underlying theme of runaway global climate change it also resonates in Australia. An intriguing web of family dynamics helps to keep the pages turning as you try to decide who to root for and who you want to survive to the end.
Read
June 15, 2025In the capable hands of author Ed DeJesus, “The Vulnerable” comes alive, page after page, unfolding a crime-filled story with characters the author has carefully fleshed out. This complicated but entertaining novel is a contemporary crime story that will stay with you. I highly recommend it. 5 Stars. R. J. Emery
September 18, 2025
Author Ed DeJesus merges all aspects of his life from where he grew up to his experiences as a tech engineer in creating The Vulnerable. Multiple challenges face the DeCosta family as they weave their way through the early days of COVID in hopes of keeping their close knit family together … despite the challenges and temptations of the outside world.
May 19, 2025
Fast paced story, a layered plot with fascinating characters that stay with you long after you finish. Highly recommended for fans of intelligent thrillers.
May 21, 2025
This book is definitely a page turner. I found it hard to put it down. Time would just fly by as I just kept reading to see what was going to happen next. The author did such a good job of creating the characters and making them feel real like you already knew them. They were all connected in some way throughout the story. He also mixed in a lot of issues in today's world within the story that made you stop and think about what was really going on in the story as well as around you in your own environment. He did an awesome job considering this is his first published book. Can't wait for #2.
April 23, 2025
The Vulnerable is a gripping, multi-layered tale that weaves family drama with broader societal issues. It follows the DeCosta family whose successful lives become entangled in a web of personal demons and intrigue. Triangulating from California wildfires, to Massachusetts blizzards, then to the hurricane prone shores of SW Florida, The Vulnerable is a suspenseful read with complex characters and real-world relevance -- definitely worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews