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Ruined

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After living one way for a while, you tend to take certain facts for granted: the earth is round, the sun rises in the east, and the girl you’ve raised as your daughter is truly yours.

Everything changes for Michael Crusher after a car accident leaves his wife and his daughter, Raven, at death’s door. When a routine blood test reveals that Michael can’t be Raven’s biological father, he begins to question everything.

Devastated, Michael investigates his wife’s past with the help of her sister, Zoey. As they hunt down the truth of Raven’s parentage, they find the truth to be more difficult to bear than ignorance. Zoey isn’t completely forthcoming with what she knows, and Michael doesn’t know whom to trust.

Filled with searing emotions and heart-pounding suspense, "Ruined" is a thrilling mystery about skeletons in the closet and complex family dynamics. Each reveal adds a startling layer to the story that will leave readers yearning for more. Michael’s journey is arduous and very nearly consumes him, and this book maintains its emotional intensity all the way to the final page.

416 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2017

37 people are currently reading
181 people want to read

About the author

D.E. Eliot

3 books48 followers
D.E. Eliot has published several short stories online, including “Betrayed,” “Serial,” and “What Life Did…” He is from Cincinnati, Ohio, but spent a lot of his teenage years in Oakland, California, where he discovered his love for writing. He majored in English at Miami University, Oxford, and every story he writes takes place in his hometown of Cincy.

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5 stars
48 (60%)
4 stars
22 (27%)
3 stars
8 (10%)
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1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Jo Lisa.
93 reviews92 followers
March 30, 2018
I want to first say that 5 stars is NOT enough for this book! From the very beginning it pulled me in and never let go! The story is all about the lives of people who are connected through one great tragedy. However, as the story unfolds, the depths of the characters, the plot, the details... they are all so perfectly interwoven!
Michael Crusher is a man who lives with his queen, their Princess, and a great life. Then, everything changes when his wife and daughter are involved in a car crash that leaves them both near death. The journey he takes to learn of the secrets his family kept from him take him to his personal edge! He is a man driven by love, passion, hatred, guilt; every conceivable emotion belongs to Michael Crusher in this amazing novel!
Michael's family and their lives are not the only ones to be impacted by this accident. We meet the people from the other vehicle, the people on the sidewalk, etc... No man is an island. This accident pulls so many lives apart.....
This book is a must read! I spent all month reading mysteries, and this was a true mystery, but so much more! This story forces a reader to look at the lives of someone else and see that we are all driven by the same things; love, passion, hate, and guilt. It's what we make of these that defines us and our life! I have never loved characters more than the ones in this novel! D.E. Eliot has written a masterpiece of modern, REAL life! I couldn't put this down!!
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,665 reviews32 followers
February 19, 2018
4.5 Stars

This book kept me up until the wee hours of the morning to finish it. This well crafted story of secrets and lies and revenge had me on the edge of my seat. I was thoroughly immersed in the story of Michael and Zendaya (Daya) Crusher, so much so that I didn't care about the other characters involved in the fatal accident. Nor their lives before or after the tragedy because it distracted from the story, rather than added anything vital (IMO) to the story. I strictly wanted to know why Michael's wife passed off her daughter Raven as his child.

Michael is shocked and devastated when he inadvertently finds out that Raven is not his daughter. Mostly, he feels hurt, angry and betrayed AND the NCIS officer in him wants answers and Zendaya will never be able to give them to him. Who was Zendaya Crusher? Michael vacillates between love and hate for his wife trying to understand "why" she would keep such a life-altering secret. He's so caught up in his emotions that he begins to question his love for Raven. The child, his daughter, his princess that he has raised from birth. As he comes to grip with his new reality he has to decide just how important DNA is in the grand scheme of things. What truly makes a man a father?

When Michael finds and begins to read Daya's diary he further spirals into the abyss of darkness and pain. Who was Zendaya Crusher? Well, I'll let you find out for yourself by ending my review at this point. Lastly, the epilogue -- it was poignant and beautiful -- bar none, the most touching epilogue I've ever read.

Read this book!
Profile Image for Tia.
829 reviews294 followers
July 25, 2018
Writing- 4.5
Characters- 4
Language- 3.75
Plot- 4

My overall rating for 'Ruined' is 4.5. I saw this book on Instagram and Twitter being lauded as the next big read. I recently noticed it was listed on Kindle Unlimited and signed up just to give 'Ruined' a go. I'm behind in reading and reviewing and couldn't find a way to fit in this over 400 page book. My Kindle Unlimited trial will expire in 2 days. I knew I had to squeeze this book in, but never in my wildest expectations did I think I would read it in one day in a matter of hours. I was gripped from the first pages and could not look away.

I must admit that I'm impressed. It's difficult for me to be so engrossed in a story, invested in the characters and plot that I forgo all to finish a book in hours. The accolades and the love for this story is not hype (in my opinion). The characters are fleshed out. The story is cohesively woven and I thought I knew the outcomes to all three of the storylines and didn't. That says a lot. Have I mentioned that I really enjoyed the individual storylines that intertwine?

I'm not one to rehash synopsis. I discuss if I liked the book and why or why not. Some books you should know little going in and this I feel is one. I'm gushing and writing this right after I've finished, but if I have more to say I will revise.

Go and get your hands on this book and come back and discuss with me your feelings.
Profile Image for Barbara Williams.
Author 47 books104 followers
November 30, 2017
This is bravo for a debut novel. At first, I wasn't sure if it was going to interest me, but Michael's dilemma quickly pulled me in. The other characters were also well-developed and kept the story line interesting. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something else was disclosed. It's a top-rated thriller/mystery filled with family drama and enough emotional intensity to keep you on the edge of your seat and turning pages. If you're a mystery fan, this is definitely a new author to explore because I'm sure that he's coming back with more.

Also, I don't normally read books this long but I read this one in two days. That's all I'm going to say.

Barbara Joe Williams, author of "Forgive Us This Day"
Profile Image for Alretha Thomas.
Author 18 books223 followers
July 14, 2018
I was desperately looking for a page-turner to read when I discovered D.E. Eliot's "Ruined." As par for the course, I read the sample, and this one grabbed me in a choke hold. As my gaze flickered over the author’s words, I knew I was going to be hard-pressed to wrench myself from the story that he had so cleverly woven.

The novel, told in third person, opens with the lives of three families literally colliding head-on when the bigoted Dale Patrick plows his dilapidated pickup truck into another car and a pedestrian, resulting in Dale’s death, a mother and her daughter being seriously injured, and a young boy being killed. The mother is Zendaya Crusher and the daughter is Raven Crusher, wife and daughter of Michael Crusher. The young boy is Jimmy Collins. Dale is survived by his wife Kathleen and Jimmy is survived by his grieving mother Denise.

The accident doesn’t just leave a trail of destruction in it’s wake, but it leads to dark secrets being unveiled, secrets that send Michael close to the brink of madness as he grapples with what he discovers about his wife Zendaya and his daughter Raven. Kathleen, like Michael, has to deal with her own nightmare when she’s confronted with the possibility that her husband didn't just have an accident, but that he was poisoned and that they caused him to crash. Denise has to deal with her rage. that if not put in check, could lead her to catching a case.

D.E. Eliot is a masterful writer and storyteller. He structures the story so that we’re able to experience it through the eyes of each surviving family member. While Zendaya and Raven lie in the hospital fighting for their lives, we go on a rollercoaster ride with Michael while he tries to unravel the secrets and lies revolving around his life with Zendaya while her mother, father and sister keep vigil at her beside. Zendaya’s mother, who detests Michael, fights him at every turn, questioning his love for her daughter, not realizing he’s trying to get to the bottom of who his wife really is. Was she the love of his life or a low down lying tramp? We watch Kathleen deal with her feelings about her abusive bigoted husband and gay son. Was it an accident or did someone do something to Dale that caused him to crash his truck into Zendaya, Raven and Jimmy?

D.E. Eliot, is a consummate wordsmith. His words dance and sing on the page. His use of imagery and metaphors will keep you swiping the screen/turning the pages, trying to unravel the numerous mysteries. Ruined is part mystery, part love story, part family saga. I love his use of Zendaya’s diary to help tell the story. His characters come to life on the page and you’ll experience every emotion imaginable while you read this fabulous story.
Profile Image for --karen Green-berry.
558 reviews14 followers
September 26, 2018
Engrossing!!!!!

This story has touched every emotion there is. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. It is definitely a must read
Profile Image for Natasha.
468 reviews
May 10, 2018
Tangled web of love and pain
****I received this book in exchange for an honest review****

This book had me guessing right, then wrong and right and wrong again. I like a story that's not fully predictable. Even though there were tough parts that I didn't want to accept, as if I had any say, I knew they were necessary. The author definitely has a watt with words, very descriptive in his storytelling. He came off a little too wordy at times but not too much that I lost interest. The story was relatable in that everybody has flaws and not one person had a perfect persona. I liked the various relationship dynamics, child to respective parent, husband and wife, sisters, lifelong friends, strangers and blended families. I would say my favorite character was Zendaya and her diary and least favorite was Carlos without a doubt.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys love stories with twists and turns, secrets and pain, revelations and growth.
Profile Image for Bennita.
1,042 reviews31 followers
May 21, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I went in not knowing a thing about this author and I’m glad I did. This book started off grabbing my attention with the car accident that changed everyone’s lives. Every characters’ motivations were clear and heartbreaking. None of the characters’ stories overshadowed any of the others. Each story played a vital role in stringing all of their lives together in such a dramatic way. It was interesting to see how people make decisions under duress that they wouldn’t under normal circumstances and how far people will go to right wrongs done to them. I also liked how this book showed how death effects husbands, wives, mothers, fathers and even children. The author did a really good job keeping the story suspenseful and carefully creating twists. Awesome story.
Profile Image for Karee.
97 reviews25 followers
July 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I read it with my book club. It was fast paced, gut wrenching at times and unpredictable. This is a great summer read. Job well done D.E. Eliot!
Profile Image for E Jovetta Reads .
80 reviews40 followers
July 10, 2018
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed the ending and how it was a mix of romance and suspense/mystery in a contemporary setting. I also loved that it was set in Ohio. Eliot is a great story teller and I did enjoy the layers, and the back story of the characters. At times I felt that this story could have been summed up in about 300 pages, but I'm no expert.

I'm giving this a 3.5⭐️ and I would definitely recommend it if you enjoy this kind of fiction.
Profile Image for Gina.
134 reviews12 followers
March 19, 2018
HOMERUN!

WHO ARE YOU!!! WHAT' YOUR NAME I SEE YOU LIKE TO PLAY GAMES
YOUR first book was a hit and it was out of the PARK!!!

Profile Image for Never Without a Book.
469 reviews92 followers
April 27, 2018
Michael Crusher life is shattered when a car accident leaves his wife Zendaya and daughter Raven, at death’s door. When a routine blood test reveals that Michael isn’t Raven’s biological father, his life is flipped upside down. Deep in hurt Michael and his sister-in-law Zoey go on a painful journey to find Raven’s biological father and save the child he knows as his own. My mind was blown away from this novel. every other word out of my mouth was, No way! WTF! OMG! GTFOH! Really?! ...this is a must read mystery/family drama.
Profile Image for lekeisha c lee.
69 reviews
May 22, 2018
Ruined..WOW,the title fits the story from beginning to the end. Zendaya carried a heavy burden on her for a long time. Her husband throughout the story was strong the whole time. I was in the edge to see when he was going to just breakdown but he steadfast and went to work about his wife. I can say he literally abide by his vows after finding out about Raven. Mostly I was glad Mrs Zella out her pride to aside and accept Michael. The end had me in tears. Kudos to D.E Eliot. IT'S A MUST
2 reviews
January 10, 2018
A page turner you'd DARE NOT MISS!

I WAS HOOKED AFTER THE FIRST 3 PAGES. Ruined is a dramatic mystery that captures the lives of 3 families while exploring and telling the story of 1, which is Michael and Zendaya Crusher along with their daughter Raven. It all beings with an accident that places Michael in a state of question, confusion, betrayal, and revelation. Needless to say he is on a mission to unlock a secret kept by his wife. Just when you've thought you've uncovered the who & why, the next page will prove you wrong! Ruined will have you feeling every emotion from sympathy to rage, sadness to laughter, revenge to forgiveness. The supporting characters are highly relatable and their stories mesh will with Michael newly found discoveries.
D.E. Eliot definitely did not write this book as a first time author. His ability to give enough detail without it being too much was great. His play on words will have you reminiscing on your own family experiences while sharing a small chuckle. There's sooo much more I could say, but then you wouldn't read it for yourself. Congratulations,Sir, on your first novel!! I anxiously await for your next piece.
Profile Image for LoVetta.
Author 3 books9 followers
May 4, 2018
Loved this book! I jumped into the lives of Michael and Zendaya Crusher and by the end of "Ruined", I was an emotional mess! Lawd this book is good! I thought I saw the ending coming but I was NOT prepared for the twist and turns! All I can say is, this book was worth every waking minute that I neglected the world around me and escaped into the lives of others!
Profile Image for Alisha.
186 reviews26 followers
September 4, 2018
OMG!!!! I absolutely loved this book. From the very first chapter this book had me hooked! Finished it in one day. D.E. Eliot did a fantastic job of connecting all the characters. I was definitely on a emotional rollercoaster. This is a must read!
Profile Image for Diane Haeger.
Author 20 books332 followers
December 28, 2017
Edgy, fast-paced and well-written, Ruined kept me turning those pages until the very end. I loved the book!
Profile Image for Micaiah.
Author 4 books19 followers
January 6, 2018
More than I imagined

Let me just say I'm a true reader. I read anywhere from 2-5 books per week, this book was everything I never expected. Being privy to bits and pieces of poetry and other written work's via facebook, I knew D.E. Eliot could write. However, this book proved just how well he writes and had me experience every emotion imaginable throughout the span of the story. It's hard to tell a story from multiple aspects without leaving the reader feeling cheated on someone's end, Mr. Eliot delivers a full and complete story. Ruined is an experience that everyone needs to discover. Write on Mr. Eliot well done.
Profile Image for Amber HW.
8 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! I came into it with high expectations, after reading some of the reviews and hearing from some of my friends. I can say that it did not disappoint. I always take notice of an author’s use of literary techniques, while I’m reading. The author’s use of foreshadowing and flashbacks kept the plot moving! The characters were all developed so well. They all had very human flaws, which also helped to pull me in. Awesome debut novel!
Profile Image for La Kata E.K..
Author 14 books38 followers
December 24, 2017
For this to have been a first time novel for the author, I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Each section had me wanting to rush through the pages to find out what happened next to the characters.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the book was how the story kind of unfolded in reverse, if you will. It actually reminded me of the season premieres of How To Get Away With Murder.
Profile Image for Cheree.
39 reviews3 followers
May 22, 2018
Defiantly a Must Read !!!

This book has a roll coaster Journey!! It shows how some of the horrid stuff life bring us and how we all deal with it. I was smiling laughing and crying throughout this book. This book was emotional but also showed this is life after death when we think we can’t go on. Great job!!!!
Profile Image for ShayBooks.
806 reviews17 followers
February 17, 2018
Great Suspenseful Read!

I enjoyed this book, it was suspenseful, mysterious, tear jerking. Nothing about this story was predictable. It did get a little wordy at times but I was surprised by all the twists and turns. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Tosin King.
84 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2018
Thank you for loving me.

This story made me literally laugh out loud during some parts and it made me sad in some. I would not classify it as a romance but more of a suspense novel. I had to finish it one day it was so impossible to put down.
Profile Image for Lisa D..
87 reviews11 followers
February 23, 2018
I love suspense novels and this one is one of the most suspense filled novels I've ever read. Ruined grabbed and kept my attention from beginning to the end. I appreciate D.E. Eliot's ability to weave the stories of the characters without confusion. The opening chapter with the start of the day in various angles was like looking at an anatomy of scenes from a movie. The Crushers - perfect name because of all of the crap Michael and Zendaya go through -were that seemingly American dream family that comes apart because of a tragedy. The families center around them go through hell and revelations. Not once was I tempted to toss my Kindle aside and give up on this story.
Masterfully written.
Profile Image for Thea Marquetta.
219 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2018
A page turner for sure

It took me forever to finish this book beva2 life kept getting in the way, but it really was a page turner from the moment I picked it up. I initially purchased the hardcopy but had to also purchase the kindle edition so that i could have it with me at all times so i could read on my unexpected down time. The suspense keeps you wondering what will happen next. A classic "who done it"

I loved it. The only problem I had was the timeline thru the chapters was sometimes unclear. Other than that it was fabulous.
1,635 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2018
Excellent

I loved the writing style - so illustrative and poetic. This book was so engaging and suspenseful. Imagine getting that call that your loved ones have been in a serious accident. You'll do anything to save them but then you discover you were cheated on. And you loved with everything you had but now you're distracted by deceit. What do you do? You gotta read this to find out what Michael did. And you'll cry when you discover what really happened. Hopefully there's some rejoicing at the end. LOVED this book. Looking for more from this author.
1 review
December 22, 2017
I loved the book. It took me away from reality and it was a great break from work. So many twists and turns. I couldn’t put it down. You felt so many emotions through out. There were historical and social references embedded through out. I’d read it again and again. Such an incredible book!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
1 review
December 8, 2017
This book was a real page turner. I could not put it down! Great plot. The love story was amazing I felt like crying at times. This is a must read!!!
8 reviews
December 28, 2017
This book is excellently writin! All the turns and twists will keep you on edge! D.E.Elliot i am very proud of you! Excellent writing skills! I can’t wait for the next book by this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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