Damaged Goods

by Paul Scheufele

The past collides with the present as Brendan O'Shay, a high-powered Wall Street trader, is forced to confront a haunting legacy. When his estranged sister Cassie dies unexpectedly, Brendan inherits a life-altering secret: he is now the custodian of her frozen eggs. This discovery thrusts him, his wife Laura, and their son Shannon into a whirlwind of emotional and ethical dilemmas.
Set against the backdrop of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, Brendan struggles with existential crises at work and home as he grapples with the possibility of bringing a part of Cassie back to life. His quest to find nurturing parents for the eggs evolves into a heartfelt exploration of love, forgiveness, and second chances.Damaged Goods is a captivating family saga that beautifully illustrates the complexities of human relationships, inviting readers to reflect on their legacies and the potential to rewrite their stories.
With the emotional depth of Jodi Picoult, the literary grace of Ann Patchett, and the moral complexity of Celeste Ng, Damaged Goods delivers a timely and profoundly moving story for fans of My Sister’s Keeper, Commonwealth, and Little Fires Everywhere. It’s an ideal choice for readers who enjoy book club fiction, literary family dramas, and stories about second chances.

Genres: Fiction

344 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2025

About the author

Paul Scheufele (pronounced Shife'-Lee) is the author of Damaged Goods, a compelling debut novel that blends literary storytelling with the emotional depth of upmarket fiction. Paul creates character-driven stories that explore ethical dilemmas, family secrets, and the quiet choices that can change everything. He holds degrees in American Studies from Middlebury College (BA) and Fairfield University (MA), and an MBA from Babson College. Before pursuing fiction full-time, he worked in finance, ultimately becoming a Managing Director at a global investment bank. Later, he taught upper school English at two private schools in Connecticut for nearly a decade. These experiences add depth and authenticity to his storytelling. A native of New England, Paul and his wife, Susan, raised three sons in Fairfield County, CT. Now, Paul and Susan live in Boston and Truro, MA. When he’s not writing, Paul enjoys reading literary fiction, golfing, gardening, hiking, and visiting his children and grandchildren.

Reviews

[Amanda Headlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not believe this is Scheufele's first novel. He writes like a seasoned pro. This was such a captivating story of loss, love, redemption, forgiveness, and so much more. It teaches us never to think we know someone's whole story and assume they are the people you have made them to be in your mind. Many things are never what they seem. It also teaches us to never try to write someone else's story for them. Everyone has the right to take whatever journey through life that they choose. Bravo Scheufele.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brendan has worked hard to make all the right choices and curate the perfect life. He's got an impressive job on Wall Street, a beautiful wife, and a bright and capable teenage son. But when his estranged sister Cassie suddenly reaches out to reconcile on Christmas day, Brendan can't choose to be civil. He's devastated when he learns of his sister's sudden passing, which is complicated by a memoir and an envelope she asked to be delivered at the time of her death. Brendan suddenly finds himself in charge of his late sister's frozen eggs, and the weight of the responsibility along with the guilt of the past weighs on him. The fertility clinic gives him a deadline to make a decision while he also juggles working during a financial crisis and supporting his family. Will Brendan be able to make the right choices for the people he loves?

Honestly, what a great debut. I loved the nonlinear storytelling, how the present, the past, and excerpts of Cassie's memoir wove together to tell the story. The pacing was consistent and engaging throughout the book. Each main character had their own problem to deal with, but it never felt muddled or superfluous. My only qualm is the dialogue frequently felt a little unnatural, but reading was still enjoyable. Ultimately, this is a great book for people who love stories about family relationships and the value of being true to yourself. I would recommend!

Thank you to Net Galley, Wolf House Publishing, and the author for giving me the opportunity to review the book. All opinions are my own.

[Sherry Steveson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book appeared on my radar a few months ago and I was so intrigued by the description. I found parts of the story to feel abrupt and could have used more details and other parts the story spent a lot of time and it grew a little tedious. So the balance wasn’t quite right. When Cassie kills herself I wish we would have heard her inner dialogue and why she didn’t seek an ambulance? I realize she felt her death was imminent but I think the story would have been enhanced here. I’m not sure if the author wanted us to like or despise Brendon. His character made some serious questionable choices. I think this author has a lot of potential and I would read more from him but this book meets me with some mixed feelings.

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviews

Personally, it’s not for me. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. People seem to love it, and I’m glad they do. I just couldn’t get behind the main character and how much of a horrible person he is. I loved everything else. The writing style is great! I loved the memoir flashbacks. I know this a debut novel, so I’m really sorry. But I wanted to give my honest thoughts.

I mean, this guy sucks. He cheats on his wife. His sister reaches out for help, and he treats her like shit. Which personally, I think heavily contributed to her suicide. He hit her with his car, causing permanent brain damage. Never owns up to it. Is super closed minded, especially about the minority communities. Doesn’t try to have a relationship with his son at all, until he does.

So the second half of the book was alright. I thought he grew a lot. Until the very end. When he decided he wouldn’t tell his wife about his daughter. Who’s also happened to be the surrogate for his sister’s eggs? That part made me feel weird. I just feel like he never takes responsibility for any of his actions. I do appreciate the realistic approach of family struggles. But these people aren’t great people. Cassie, asking Chester to give up his anniversary, when he and his wife are already struggling? Definitely doesn’t mean she deserved what happened to her. Also, her character was just so sad. All of the abuse she suffered. In the end, she never succeeded, and her brother didn’t change. She looked up to him, and he constantly let her down. Then was mad at her for “being an alcoholic.” Who made her that way? I apologize. I really do. The story just wasn’t for me.

[Barbara Rohde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel that centres on Brendan, a financial analyst, and his relationships with his wife, Laura, son, Shannon, and sister Cassie. It covers a myriad of issues that would make it an excellent book club read as there is plenty to think about and discuss. I don’t want to be too specific because I don’t want to include any spoilers but suffice to say that the writing is engrossing and the characterisation excellent particularly between Brendan and his son, and Brendan and his sister Cassie. Essentially the journey is Brendan’s as he navigates his life and its purpose. I did feel that the character of his wife could have been explored a bit more as I often wondered how, and why, she tolerated her husband! There was an issue towards the end of the book that I felt was resolved ineffectively but overall I found it a very satisfying read.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Aaron Constable · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his impressive debut novel, Damaged Goods, Paul Scheufele masterfully crafts a deeply personal and universally resonant story that proves to be a true page-turner. What truly sets this book apart is its remarkable ability to immerse the reader, creating a powerful sense of familiarity. As someone from the Northeast, I felt an immediate connection to the setting and its characters, as if getting a voyeuristic look into my neighbors' lives. This authenticity, a testament to Scheufele’s sharp observational skills, leaves you pondering your own life and whether you see a reflection of yourself in these characters.

The narrative's excellent pacing consistently leaves you hungry for more, as Scheufele builds a world that makes you desperate to understand what makes each character tick. The desire to uncover their secrets and witness their growth makes this a difficult book to put down.

Damaged Goods is a stellar debut that showcases a fresh voice in contemporary fiction, and I am genuinely excited to see what he creates next.

[Adarsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published at The Freudian Couch

At the beginning of Paul Scheufele's debut novel Damaged Goods, we meet a fleeting Indian character who introduces herself as Dr. Prana. Prana is the Sanskrit word for life-sustaining energy. Later on, we learn that another character is a Doula who helps women give birth. The metaphors with birth and life are hard to miss, and foreshadow the themes of the book. But then a character dies. Damaged Goods ponders questions of a fulfilling life, wasted potential, and legacy.

Brendon is a 50-ish-year-old Wall Street trader whose sister's passing forces him to reckon with the circumstances that made him successful while denying the same opportunities to his sister. Damaged Goods is set mostly in New England, with bitter cold winters helping isolate the characters. The timeline of the novel precedes the 2008 mortgage crisis, but we also travel back to the 1970s to learn about the characters' formative years. The narrative is generally from a third person point of view, interspersed with Cassie's first person narration of her youth.

The novel deals with some weighty themes. What is the role of chance in life? “How much did success depend on luck, and how much on preparation?”, reflects Brendon. Brendon and Cassie share an imperfect childhood. Their father is a daily wage earner working as a butcher, slowly devolving into alcoholism. Brendon is hyper-focused on the American dream, and works hard to leave the shadow of his family. Cassie would probably have loved to as well, but she is trapped in a vicious cycle that she cannot escape. 'Just when I thought my fortune had changed, Lady Luck said, “Hell no, Cassie. Hell no!”' The fact that she is a woman growing up in a lower-income Irish family is significant as well. Brendon's ambition – he is a football star and a sincere student – gets him what he wants. But does it really? He ends up as a controlling and absent father. While Brendon's father misses his first day at college so as to not lose one day's wages, he himself misses his son's first day because his bank might lose millions of dollars.

Damaged Goods is an engaging read. For a debut author, Paul Scheufele does well in terms of craft. However, there are flaws that creep in. The dialogues feel unnatural. When Brendon gets a phone call, it is described thus: “He reached in his pocket for his vibrating cell phone and glanced at the number. Oh no. His Irish twin sister, Cassie, born ten months before him, was calling.” I can't wait for the next time I get called by my brother to exclaim “oh no, my Indian brother!” The following phone conversation has some grating dialogues: “What about stopping by my place for an early meal, say one o'clock, then going back to your place in Vermont to meet your friends at night?”, followed by “You come to my place in New Hampshire then scoot across to Vermont in the late afternoon.” These lines are informing the readers, rather than taking us into the world of the characters. I don't think I would talk to my family this way. Not unless I am deliberately misdirecting eavesdroppers who are stalking me to physically stop my parenthetical asides.

Though Scheufele admirably refuses to take the easy way out on many occasions, for life is messy, the major plot points are tied up conveniently. Brendon is a flawed character. He unwittingly does some irreparable damage to his sister, and drives away his son by being inflexible. “A child is a do-better,” he said. “Parents want their kids to do better than they did. That's part of the American dream”. He redeems himself on some of these aspects, but not all. Towards the resolution, we get this trite line: “[d]esire good for all, and the universe will work with you”. No, it won't. I don't mind books that have sugary endings, but this does not seem earned.

And finally the narrative perspectives left me with questions. In Cassie's “memoir”, the description of events is as detailed as a diary entry. Is Cassie writing this as an older person recollecting events from decades ago, or were they penned as the events happened. Is Cassie the sort of person who would journal every day? The Dutch House by Ann Patchett is another novel on sibling relationships that shows masterful control of perspectives. Patchett treats memory as fallible and the narrative is firmly of a man reminiscing on his sister's life, while acknowledging gaps in his knowledge.

Damaged Goods has great ideas that vie with middling execution. It left me unsatisfied.

PS: Thank you NetGalley and Wolf House Publishing LLC for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced reader copy, this author deserves the five star review.
Some books can touch on some difficult topics and i feel that the author has done a really good job of discussing IVF and how freezing eggs can really help give future parents a child.
Brendan our main characer undertakes a real journey , we are part of his busy career busting life when he is thrown into making decisions that involve his sister Cassie. But Cassie isnt here here,Brendan is taken back to his childhood and deeply relfective over his relationship with his sister.

The book undertakes different chapters with Cassie and Brenden and their lifes , i enjoyed being immersed and seeing their lifes develop over time showing key differences in siblings. Cassie is a free roaming spirit compared with Brenden but i think the contrast we would find in any siblings.

The characters are not portrayed as picture perfect and it shows that they dont have an idyllic childhood if anything it shows that both Brenden and Cassie both deal with their parents way of a lifestyle and struggle in their own ways to come to terms with it. This is very real for the reader and its been done to be very realistic and i think most readers would understand how this can impact on a family. The author is clearly knowedgeable about how adverise childhood experiences can affect younger adults but shape their thinking for the future.
It tackles some tough subjects e.g having a family, having that choice that can be taken away, its different when people have a choice but what are their options when they dont ? I think the author is bold to discuss subjects and give people hope as sometimes thats what people need.
There is a deep emotion built into this book with family values, a reflection on where careers fit into a family and how do you make a decision about your sisters frozen eggs.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚Damaged Goods
✍🏻Paul Scheufele
Blurb:
The past collides with the present as Brendan O'Shay, a high-powered Wall Street trader, is forced to confront a haunting legacy. When his estranged sister Cassie dies unexpectedly, Brendan inherits a life-altering secret: he is now the custodian of her frozen eggs. This discovery thrusts him, his wife Laura, and their son Shannon into a whirlwind of emotional and ethical dilemmas.
Set against the backdrop of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, Brendan struggles with existential crises at work and home as he grapples with the possibility of bringing a part of Cassie back to life. His quest to find nurturing parents for the eggs evolves into a heartfelt exploration of love, forgiveness, and second chances.Damaged Goods is a captivating family saga that beautifully illustrates the complexities of human relationships, inviting readers to reflect on their legacies and the potential to rewrite their stories.
With the emotional depth of Jodi Picoult, the literary grace of Ann Patchett, and the moral complexity of Celeste Ng, Damaged Goods delivers a timely and profoundly moving story for fans of My Sister’s Keeper, Commonwealth, and Little Fires Everywhere. It’s an ideal choice for readers who enjoy book club fiction, literary family dramas, and stories about second chances.
My Thoughts:
Damaged Goods is a captivating story of contemporary themes that in many ways are timeless and relatable. Paul writes in a way that pulls you in from the first to the final paragraph, written with incredible emotional intelligence, leaving no stone unturned. He provided the opportunity to think of things I had never really considered. Highly recommend (also a great book group book)
Thanks NetGalley, Wolf House Publishing and Author Paul Scheufele for the advanced copy of "Damaged Goods" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#WolfHousePublishing
#PaulScheufele
#DamagedGoods
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Timothy Emmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader, those books that shatter and break you, and make you tear up a bit at the end, for me, are few and far between. This one, hit. I can say, it definitely hit different. There are so many feels here, and to sit and disect them all, would take a whole book in itself. I haven't read a book like this in a while. Maybe I need to read more. I wasn't expecting the journey this took me on. But, it did. This is a book with all the emotional feels of, family, middle-age, connection and rediscovery packed into one heck of a novel you won't expect coming. It's a big shift from normal reads for me, but something I may have to try to read more of. Paul Scheufele does a phenomenal job of making the characters come alive on the page in such a way, you're involved, emotionally, and so raw, that when you finish, you just stand back in awe. This was a well-done novel that I hope to see more of, and can't wait to see Paul write more of. This is an author to watch in 2026, he's gonna hit the bestseller list at the very top, and stick the landing. Thanks Paul for letting me read this as a galey from Net Galley. I am greatly honored and appreciate it. I won't forget it for sure.

[Craig R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Scheufele’s Damaged Goods pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go. It’s beautifully written and full of twists I never saw coming, which kept me eager to turn the next page.

What really makes it stand out are the themes it explores. Scheufele dives into the complicated world of family dynamics between partners, parents and kids, and siblings...in a way that feels both honest and deeply relatable. Along the way, the book touches on forgiveness, trust, the struggle to let go of control, and the difference between doing well for ourselves and doing good for others.

I came away from Damaged Goods not only entertained, but also reflecting on my own relationships and choices. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you finish it. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys stories that mix family drama with real heart and plenty of surprises.

[Amanda Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

THANK YOU Good Reads and Wolf House Publishing for the fantastic giveaway! Thank you Paul Scheufele for the autographed copy of your first book.

I really enjoyed this story and found it difficult to put the book down! The events of the plot kept me entertained and I appreciated reading from the back and forth narrations of various characters. I found the inclusion of the memoir to be creative. The concept of custodianship of the frozen eggs was interesting. I asked myself many of the same questions Brendan asked in the novel. I also love the underlying message about how people can make a great impact on the lives of others with a decision. The connections in the final chapter were brilliant and left me content with the conclusion.

Bravo for a tremendous story Mr. Scheufele! To other readers, I would highly recommend this book!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Scheufele’s debut novel, Damaged Goods, is fabulous. He pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go. Scheufele experience in finance paved the way for several of his characters in this character-driven novel. If you enjoy stories about ethical dilemmas, you will certainly like this. This book is about family, secrets, decisions and making peace with your choices. I enjoyed how the story was told through Cassie’s memoir of the past, Brendan’s past and the present.
This book is masterfully written; it’s full of twists, and it kept me eager to turn the next page. I eagerly wait for his next novel!

Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[whatzoreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a book that’s not afraid to tackle big questions. As a fan of Picout, Pachett and Ng I was drawn to this character-driven, literary family drama that focuses on relationships, regret, and forgiveness.
Set during the 2008 financial crisis, it follows Wall Street trader Brendan O’Shay after he inherits custody of his late sister’s frozen eggs, which immediately pushes the story into the complex moral emotional territory of family, legacy, and second chances.

I think this would make a brilliant book club pick as there is a lot to unpack here, and plenty to chew on. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for letting me read a copy of Damaged Goods in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Jodi Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is an unexpected exploration of family, place, and identity. At its core, the story captures the complexities of family dynamics, moments of love, tension, and unspoken understanding that felt both relatable and deeply authentic… and at times unforgiving.

One of the strengths of the book lies in its vivid sense of place. Whether it was the quiet landscapes of New Hampshire, the cold expanses of Canada, or breezy days on Cape Cod, all were woven seamlessly into the narrative.

It’s the kind of book that lingers, not for dramatic twists, but for the way it makes you reflect on your own family, your roots, and the landscapes that shape you.

[Andrew Nestler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down !!

This book grabs you on page 1 and gets even better from there.

I found it complex in its plots yet easy to follow.

The characters are developed in just the right depth to keep you informed and keep the story moving.

I found enough twists and turns to keep me on my toes and enough deeply meaningful sections to emit a tear or a chuckle.

I read before bed and after morning coffee. Finished poolside and was left wanting more. Looking forward to Scheufele’s next novel.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel caught my attention and didn’t let go. This book had many moral, ethical and religious issues that were expertly handled by the author. I love books that delve into issues and dissect them from multiple points of view. The book displayed good character growth that allowed you to fully understand their point of view while also moving forward with their lives and understanding others. Great storyline and characters makes this a book that I will be recommending.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eGalley of this book. #DamagedGoods #PaulScheufele #NetGalley

[Geoffrey R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Paul Scheufele's novel Damaged Goods which explores, among other themes, how family dynamics and life events can shape destiny and then lead to soul searching, difficult decisions, and resolution. For those of us with some disfunction in our family history, I found it to be a very relatable story with well-developed plot lines. I could not put it down! Read it in less than two days. A great first novel.

[neil druks]

Loved this book!!! Paul has successfully managed to combine intrigue, insightful and thought provoking details allowing the reader to travel through family love, struggles, heartbreak, compassion and redemption. This is a recipe for a book that holds the readers attention, and similar to a really well produced tv production, does not want it to end. Damaged Goods is a book with unique and unexpected intensity but leaves the reader with a lovely hope that the story continues....

[Heidi Sandiford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book about a Wall Street finance guy struggling at work with the 2008 financial crisis while also trying to balance his home and family life. When his sister unexpectedly dies, he's left to deal with some difficult choices.

The book was told from various POV and also included a memoir. I found it too slow and couldn't relate to most of the characters. I'm sure many people will enjoy the storyline, but this book wasn't for me.

[Chris Kopka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in 2008 where the world is on the brink of a global financial collapse, main character Brendan finds himself responsible for his deceased, but irresponsible, sister’s frozen eggs. We watch as he struggles with his job, what is the right thing to do – bring part of Cassie back to life or destroy what is left of her and an eventual realization that he may have not known his sister as well as he thought he did.

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book raises an intriguing moral dilemma - what do you do when you find out that your late sister has left you the custody of her frozen eggs? And could you even live with yourself if you did nothing?

This is a perceptive, subtle, sad but life reaffirming tale about the plot twists that life sends your way and what you choose to do with them. Worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[L'Homme Du Monde · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding novel. Scheufele brings together characters and scenes that incorporate a wide swath of geographies, backgrounds, careers and perspectives. The roles are well-developed; the plot unfolds in a thoughtful narrative about personal and familial relationships, alcohol and drugs, life and death, sexuality, high finance, professional travails and achievement, personal integrity and triumph. The book is a relatively quick read - could be done over a weekend at the beach or in front of the fire - and never fails to hold the reader's attention. I look forward to reading more from him.

[Elaine King · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started this book I didn’t love it, to be honest. It seemed predictable. But I stuck with it and was rewarded with a story with lots of twists and turns and intricacies I never expected in the beginning. I truly loved reading it, and I learned the lesson that it’s a good bet to give a book a few chapters before you decide one way or another about it.

[Nicholas P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaged Goods is a great debut by Paul Scheufele. It moves at a fast pace and immediately engages the reader in the plot with characters who find themselves in challenging but plausible circumstances. As a near exclusive reader of history and non-fiction, the author's inclusion of business and medical context and details strongly reinforced the story. I finished it in four days.

[PMC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story , and terrific debut for Mr. Scheufele. Well developed characters and intriguing story about family relationships, struggles with alcohol abuse. Kept my interest from page one. Highly recommend. Finished the book in one day!

[Will Temby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent debut novel. The author begins by building strong characters with very expressive and descriptive writing. There are many plot twists, and throughout the book he draws correlations to every human’s life experiences. It’s a page turner. Looking forward to future works from Paul Scheufele.

[Adam Kurzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading “Damaged Goods” in three sittings - I couldn’t put it down. Great story, very entertaining, quite readable, with a creative plot and structure. Kudos to Paul Scheufele on a very good first novel.

[Rosanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great debut that tackles modern day loss, family expectations, work/life balance and alcohol abuse. Mostly set in New England with varied characters and life lessons learned the hard way. Compelling read

[Craig Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving, beautifully written first novel by the author Paul Scheufele. It is a unputdownable story about family, friendships, fate, and life's challenges. Scheufele has hit a home run his first time at bat!