Damaged: Life. Death. Memory. Uncertainty.

by Michael Geczi

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2026

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of eBook

FBI Special Agent Shay Landon, returning to work after a nine-month leave, wants to focus on tangible objects and make this return following the on-duty death of his partner, Donna Clafton, functional. He wants to contribute value.

Welcomed back by Special Agent in Charge Jacoby Overton, he settles into his new [smaller] office and, at times, finds himself counting ceiling tiles. But he’s soon involved in a strange case, one he will work with detectives in St. Paul and Minneapolis as well as with fellow agent Jasmine Stahre.

But the strange case, seemingly involving taunting of the investigators, soon becomes even more problematic with similar events in Champaign and Urbana. Shay makes every effort to concentrate on the bizarre case, despite his nostalgic thoughts involving Agent Clafton. He’s still having some difficulties dealing with the trauma that caused Clafton’s death . . . memories that somehow differ from the official record.

What is right . . . and will it be possible for Shay to re-integrate with the agency and resume his work?

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Despite the ongoing stress, Shay is determined to make the most of his return to work after nine months away. Counseling, medication, and time away have not completely eliminated his neurological symptoms and his distracting thoughts [some of which are quite disturbing]. As his story unfolds, readers will find themselves involved in uncertainties: what really happened nine months ago? and what is happening now?

The unfolding story is complicated; readers are left guessing as to the truth. But it is also compelling, intriguing, and totally absorbing. Readers will root for Shay to recover . . . but his world has tilted and it may not be possible.

Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, mysteries, and intriguing characters will find much to appreciate here

Highly recommended.

I received a free advance review copy of this book from the author through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the strangest book, but not in a bad way. It was different than what I was expecting. In other words, typical of Michael Geczi. His characters are always interesting and complicated, and that's especially true here. The story starts as a slightly complicated FBI procedural, but it evolves into so much more. (I can't say much more without giving away too much and creating spoilers.) Suffice it to say, the story evolves slowly, but steadily, and I was never completely sure what was real and what wasn't. I'm still not. It is one of those books that has you thinking about it long after you've turned the last page. I highly recommend this book, but also recommend you take your time and try to avoid as many distractions as possible while you're reading it, or you're going to miss something important. I received a review copy from the author via BookSIrens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Christian Domenicci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. From the very first page, Damage by Michael Geczi pulls you into a psychological maze where the suspense never lets up.
Following Shay Landon as he returns to a life that has "tilted" is a gripping experience. The tension of having a memory that contradicts the official record—while being surrounded by mirrors of your own trauma—is masterfully done. This was my first time reading Geczi, and the gritty, atmospheric pace kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
If you crave a thriller that is as smart as it is suspenseful, this is a must-read.