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Abe Glitsky #3
Damage
The Curtlees are a powerful force in San Francisco, unscrupulous billionaires who’ve lined every important pocket in the Bay Area in pursuit of their own ascent. So when the family’s heir, Ro Curtlee, was convicted of rape and murder a decade ago, the fallout for those who helped to bring him to justice was swift and uncompromising. The jury foreman was fired from his job and blacklisted in his industry. The lead prosecutor was pushed off the fast track, her dreams of becoming DA dashed. And head homicide detective Abe Glitsky was reassigned to the police department’s payroll office. Eventually, all three were able to rebuild their lives.
And then Ro Curtlee’s lawyers won him a retrial, and he was released from jail.
Within 24 hours, a fire destroys the home of the original trial’s star witness, her abused remains discovered in the ruins. When a second fire claims a participant in the case, Abe is convinced: Ro is out for revenge. But with no hard evidence and an on-the-take media eager to vilify anyone who challenges Ro, can Abe stop the violence before he finds himself in its crosshairs? How much more can he sacrifice to put Ro back behind bars?
And then Ro Curtlee’s lawyers won him a retrial, and he was released from jail.
Within 24 hours, a fire destroys the home of the original trial’s star witness, her abused remains discovered in the ruins. When a second fire claims a participant in the case, Abe is convinced: Ro is out for revenge. But with no hard evidence and an on-the-take media eager to vilify anyone who challenges Ro, can Abe stop the violence before he finds himself in its crosshairs? How much more can he sacrifice to put Ro back behind bars?
394 pages, Hardcover
First published January 4, 2011
691 people are currently reading
2120 people want to read
About the author
John Lescroart
142 books1,299 followersJohn Lescroart (born January 14, 1948) is an American author best known for two series of legal and crime thriller novels featuring the characters Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky.
Lescroart was born in Houston, Texas, and graduated from Junípero Serra High School, San Mateo, California (Class of 1966). He then went on to earn a B.A. in English with Honors at UC Berkeley in 1970. In addition to his novels, Lescroart has written several screenplays.
Lescroart was born in Houston, Texas, and graduated from Junípero Serra High School, San Mateo, California (Class of 1966). He then went on to earn a B.A. in English with Honors at UC Berkeley in 1970. In addition to his novels, Lescroart has written several screenplays.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
April 4, 2025
Lescroart has nailed down the art of making the minutiae of legal procedure gripping!
The legal system is filled with byzantine twists and turns. It is one of those glitches that frees a violent, convicted serial rapist, puts him back in the community on bail and mandates that he be re-tried at some undetermined future date. Shortly following that release, three people associated with the former trial are brutally murdered and it seems obvious that the rapist is bent on exacting the ultimate revenge for the first conviction. But under the strict letter of the law, there is insufficient grounds for re-arresting him, revoking bail and putting him back behind bars where he belongs. Moreover, as time goes on, while the original convictions for rape and murder seem to stand solidly on firm ground, doubts about who’s behind the second murder spree start to raise themselves. And what’s even worse, the disappearance of critical witnesses makes the success of the second trial a good deal less than a slam dunk!
DAMAGE is a great read and it’s obvious that Lescroart’s protagonists, Abe Glitsky and Dismas Hardy, have still got plenty of legs and lots of stories to be told. Lescroart’s explanations of the myriad tiny details of different types of arrests, the grounds for each of them, the obtaining of appropriate warrants, and when bail may or may not be granted or revoked are compelling and make for fascinating, informative reading. As one might expect, the politics of law enforcement and the perceived privilege of wealth and political placement are also an important part of DAMAGE’s fast moving plot. No real surprises, red herrings or deus ex machina plot twists are involved – just accomplished, gritty, linear story-telling with lots of bite and interest!
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
The legal system is filled with byzantine twists and turns. It is one of those glitches that frees a violent, convicted serial rapist, puts him back in the community on bail and mandates that he be re-tried at some undetermined future date. Shortly following that release, three people associated with the former trial are brutally murdered and it seems obvious that the rapist is bent on exacting the ultimate revenge for the first conviction. But under the strict letter of the law, there is insufficient grounds for re-arresting him, revoking bail and putting him back behind bars where he belongs. Moreover, as time goes on, while the original convictions for rape and murder seem to stand solidly on firm ground, doubts about who’s behind the second murder spree start to raise themselves. And what’s even worse, the disappearance of critical witnesses makes the success of the second trial a good deal less than a slam dunk!
DAMAGE is a great read and it’s obvious that Lescroart’s protagonists, Abe Glitsky and Dismas Hardy, have still got plenty of legs and lots of stories to be told. Lescroart’s explanations of the myriad tiny details of different types of arrests, the grounds for each of them, the obtaining of appropriate warrants, and when bail may or may not be granted or revoked are compelling and make for fascinating, informative reading. As one might expect, the politics of law enforcement and the perceived privilege of wealth and political placement are also an important part of DAMAGE’s fast moving plot. No real surprises, red herrings or deus ex machina plot twists are involved – just accomplished, gritty, linear story-telling with lots of bite and interest!
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
June 16, 2012
This is another entry in John Lescroart's long-running series featuring San Franciso attorney Dismas Hardy and the head of the city PD's homicide squad, Abe Glitsky, although in this book, Hardy makes only a couple of token appearances.
The book focuses instead on Glitsky and on Wes Farrell, another member of the cast who has been a partner in Hardy's law practice. Farrell has just been elected District Attorney with the backing of the super-wealthy Curtlee family, owners and publishers of one of the city's major newspapers. Ten years earlier, the Curtlee's son, Ro, was convicted and sentenced to prison for rape and homicide. Now his conviction has been overturned on appeal and he must stand trial again.
The Curtlees appeal to Farrell, asking that he not oppose bail which would allow Ro to be released until he is tried a second time. Farrell, who is still feeling his way into the job, makes no promises. He personally believes that Ro should remain in prison and knows that he could make a back-channel contact with the judge that would assure this. But he believes, perhaps naively, that this is the judge's prerogative and that he will do the right thing.
The judge, though, sets bail at $10,000,000 and the Curtlees post it. But no sooner is Ro back on the streets than one of the principal witnesses against him is brutally murdered. It soon becomes apparent that Ro is a menace to society and that he should never have been allowed the opportunity to make bail.
Farrell and Glitsky very badly want him back in prison where he belongs, but there is no hard evidence to support their suspicions against him. Complicating matters is the fact that Ro's parents use the very large megaphone of their newspaper to defend their son and to portray any police interest in him as brutality.
This is a gripping book that poses the question of how far the police and the D.A. can stretch the boundaries of the law to apprehend someone they are certain poses a threat to society when they have no solid evidence to back up their suppositions. As is the case with a lot of Lescroart's books, you don't want to start it on an evening when you think you're going to want to get to bed early.
The book focuses instead on Glitsky and on Wes Farrell, another member of the cast who has been a partner in Hardy's law practice. Farrell has just been elected District Attorney with the backing of the super-wealthy Curtlee family, owners and publishers of one of the city's major newspapers. Ten years earlier, the Curtlee's son, Ro, was convicted and sentenced to prison for rape and homicide. Now his conviction has been overturned on appeal and he must stand trial again.
The Curtlees appeal to Farrell, asking that he not oppose bail which would allow Ro to be released until he is tried a second time. Farrell, who is still feeling his way into the job, makes no promises. He personally believes that Ro should remain in prison and knows that he could make a back-channel contact with the judge that would assure this. But he believes, perhaps naively, that this is the judge's prerogative and that he will do the right thing.
The judge, though, sets bail at $10,000,000 and the Curtlees post it. But no sooner is Ro back on the streets than one of the principal witnesses against him is brutally murdered. It soon becomes apparent that Ro is a menace to society and that he should never have been allowed the opportunity to make bail.
Farrell and Glitsky very badly want him back in prison where he belongs, but there is no hard evidence to support their suspicions against him. Complicating matters is the fact that Ro's parents use the very large megaphone of their newspaper to defend their son and to portray any police interest in him as brutality.
This is a gripping book that poses the question of how far the police and the D.A. can stretch the boundaries of the law to apprehend someone they are certain poses a threat to society when they have no solid evidence to back up their suppositions. As is the case with a lot of Lescroart's books, you don't want to start it on an evening when you think you're going to want to get to bed early.
June 1, 2018
Damage (Audio CD) by John Lescroart.
Ro Curtlee is not just another brat that's been spoiled rotten by his billionaire family. Ro is a diabolical murderer. A murderer of vulnerable women. Ro has been brought up to believe he's entitled...exactly how far that entitlement goes remains to be seen. Ro's family sense of decency has never existed and therefore an excuse for Ro's unspeakable behavior is at the ready.
Abe Glitsky (homicide detective) is assigned the case after the D.A. has been dealt with unscrupulously by the Curlee family and their cohorts. Glitsky is ready to take on the billionaire's heir, but all his ducks must be in place to make it to trial and go all the way.
I found that although the perpetrator and family were stereotypical, the author's step by step unraveling of this story kept me focused and reading/listening. A good read.
Ro Curtlee is not just another brat that's been spoiled rotten by his billionaire family. Ro is a diabolical murderer. A murderer of vulnerable women. Ro has been brought up to believe he's entitled...exactly how far that entitlement goes remains to be seen. Ro's family sense of decency has never existed and therefore an excuse for Ro's unspeakable behavior is at the ready.
Abe Glitsky (homicide detective) is assigned the case after the D.A. has been dealt with unscrupulously by the Curlee family and their cohorts. Glitsky is ready to take on the billionaire's heir, but all his ducks must be in place to make it to trial and go all the way.
I found that although the perpetrator and family were stereotypical, the author's step by step unraveling of this story kept me focused and reading/listening. A good read.
February 17, 2012
Up to this point, I had never picked up a John Lescroart novel, and after reading Damage, will not be rushing to pick up another. It's not that I picked up a book featuring characters from other books that I couldn't pick up on, as Lescroart does a fine job in making this book feel like the first in a series. It was more the plot line itself and the characters written. Damage starts fast enough with the brutal murder of a woman who is killed in a fire by her rapist recently released from jail. The lead characters (Wes Farrell, the county DA and Abe Glitsky, the SF police homicide lieutenant) pick up the trail and begin what is in my opinion, the most sloppy pursuit of the purported villain. Taking cues from "How Not to Arrest a Suspect" or "Blatantly disregard protocol" they blunder through 250 pages of pursuit. On the flip side, Ro Curtlee, a rich, spoiled and out of control, former rapist, out of jail on bail couldn't be any more stupid. His parents are seemingly unaware of his tendencies (impossible to ignore) and almost encourage his behavior. Just released on bail for a rape 10 years ago, why not commit arson, shoot a private investigator tied to the Assistant DA, assault police officers, and indignantly stick his nose in the face of those accusing him. I kept waiting for the plot to thicken (as they typically do), but never felt the edge of the seat suspense I enjoy with this type of novel. There was a few twists at the end, but they frankly didn't deliver for me...more of a "ho-hum" type of response. It was a quick read, but as stated earlier, I will probably stay away from Lescroart unless in a future pinch.
June 5, 2011
This book was awful...I try to finish everything I start and I got about 100 pages in and thought 'why am I wasting my time trying to find something enjoyable here?' This was my first attempt at reading this author, and I found his style to be pedantic. I could not muster up energy to care about any of the characters.
September 10, 2020
Not sure why I strayed away from Lescroart and his characters other than I've discovered other good authors and series. On the second read, this book gave as much pleasure as its first reading: A likable, hard-working protagonist and an arrogant suspect who for his entire life his family's fortunes have gotten him out of most scrapes, legal and otherwise.
June 17, 2017
Since I am also a big fan of Michael Connelly, this is the easiest reference I can make; reading this book was like reading the negative of Lincoln Lawyer, a reverse case, so to speak.
In Damage, it's a brand new playboy, comedian, DA, who won by 90 votes because the other guy died before the election. Wes Ferrel is not the truly serious guy a DA office needs, and when, on his first day of his term, the owners of a tabloid newspaper show up in his office reminding him that they shoveled piles of money into his campaign and one back scratches the other; Wes, in his lack of knowledge does not see fit to argue against bail for the Curtlee son, Ro who has spent 9 years in jail for murder and rape before having his trial overturned by the courts. Once Ro is out of jail, terrible things begin to happen.
First, a woman set to testify again at his re-trial is found naked, except for her shoes, murdered and burnt beyond recognition in her gutted apartment. Then, the wife of the jury foreman who convicted Ro is found in a similar manner. Following this, the boyfriend and DA investigator of Wes' top aid is murdered while trailing Ro. But, are all of these things connected?
Can Detective Abe Glitzsky figure everything out before it's too late? What will happen when Wes is treatened and the carnage starts close to home?
An exciting read!
In Damage, it's a brand new playboy, comedian, DA, who won by 90 votes because the other guy died before the election. Wes Ferrel is not the truly serious guy a DA office needs, and when, on his first day of his term, the owners of a tabloid newspaper show up in his office reminding him that they shoveled piles of money into his campaign and one back scratches the other; Wes, in his lack of knowledge does not see fit to argue against bail for the Curtlee son, Ro who has spent 9 years in jail for murder and rape before having his trial overturned by the courts. Once Ro is out of jail, terrible things begin to happen.
First, a woman set to testify again at his re-trial is found naked, except for her shoes, murdered and burnt beyond recognition in her gutted apartment. Then, the wife of the jury foreman who convicted Ro is found in a similar manner. Following this, the boyfriend and DA investigator of Wes' top aid is murdered while trailing Ro. But, are all of these things connected?
Can Detective Abe Glitzsky figure everything out before it's too late? What will happen when Wes is treatened and the carnage starts close to home?
An exciting read!
June 26, 2013
After several other Lescroart books, this one was a real disappointment. The underlying story, itself, delivers nicely. But getting there was tedious. The new DA and the SF cops, including our well known hero, Abe Glitsky, were portrayed as nothing better than keystone kops who didn't know the law nor respect the law. Rather than securing evidence and basing their actions on fact, they go off in myriad directions which are in conflict with the law! They encounter 3 judges who give them the same decision, but yet they do their best to circumvent the law.
I had the feeling that I was reading about 5th grade boys figuring out how they could take down the school bully on the playground while the teacher wasn't looking.
The story is somewhat engaging even though the characters are not - at all.
I'm also wondering about the other reviews I read on GoodReads - reviews talking about the Big Surprise at the end. Huh? There was nothing revealed that couldn't be surmised a mile away. And so far as wrapping everything up neatly (another compliment), well, I guess so - on the surface. But when you think about the copycat murders, that just really doesn't fly.
So, bottom line is that there are too many good books out there to waste your time on this one.
I had the feeling that I was reading about 5th grade boys figuring out how they could take down the school bully on the playground while the teacher wasn't looking.
The story is somewhat engaging even though the characters are not - at all.
I'm also wondering about the other reviews I read on GoodReads - reviews talking about the Big Surprise at the end. Huh? There was nothing revealed that couldn't be surmised a mile away. And so far as wrapping everything up neatly (another compliment), well, I guess so - on the surface. But when you think about the copycat murders, that just really doesn't fly.
So, bottom line is that there are too many good books out there to waste your time on this one.
June 21, 2018
Nach diesem Fall verlor der Heyne-Verlag wohl die Geduld mit dem Erfolgsautor der 90er.
Die anderen Abenteuer der Glitsky-Farell-Reihe gehörten auch schon zu den Tiefpunkten im Schaffen von Lescroart, der mit seinen Gerichtsthrillern um Dismas Hardy ein paar bessere Bücher des Genres ablieferte, aber immer häufiger und tapsiger in dieselben Fallen tappte. Lescroart kann einfach nicht anders als an seinen Bösewichtern kein gutes Haar zu lassen. Gestrauchelte Ehrenmänner, die sich durch einen Fehler in ein immer dichteres Netz von Widersprüchen verwickeln und zur nächsten verzweifelteren Untat getrieben werden, sind nicht so sein Ding.
In den Romanen der 90er bröckelte die Fassade so nach und nach, ehe nackte Gier oder Mordlust zum Vorschein kam, in Der Angeklagte wird von vorn herein ein Monster mit mächtiger Familie und maximaler publizistischer Macht im Hintergrund auf freien Fuß gesetzt.
Robert Curtlee ist von Seite eins an ein Monster, das vor der Wiederaufnahme seines Mord- und Vergewaltigungsprozesses sämtliche Belastungszeuginnen ausschalten will und einer in vielerlei Hinsicht gebremsten Staatsanwaltschaft und Polizei immer einen Schritt voraus ist. Diesen Umstand macht sich auch ein Trittbrettfahrer zunutze, ein vermeintlicher Ehrenmann, dessen Fassade später, aber in Rekordzeit bröckelt. Im Fall des ebenso uneinholbaren wie uneinsichtigen Robert zündet Lescroart nach 80% einen echten Knalleffekt am häuslichen Kamin, der den Übeltäter und sein ganzes Umfeld zur Strecke bringt. Der Rest des Romans gilt dem Trittbrettfahrermord für den Ro von Seiten seines letzten Opfers ein Alibi hat. In diesem Fall zieht Lescroart noch mal schnell seine Fassadennummer durch.
Für die Bösewichter in diesem Roman kann man nicht ein Hauch von Mitgefühl empfinden, leider geht es einem mit dem restlichen Personal kaum besser, denn in den Adern der Helden fließt kein Blut sondern eine politisch korrekte Essenz, einzig der alte Haudegen Glitsky und sein für ein paar lichte Momente erscheinende Dismas Hardy und dessen Frau Fran haben ein wenig menschliches Format.
Die anderen Abenteuer der Glitsky-Farell-Reihe gehörten auch schon zu den Tiefpunkten im Schaffen von Lescroart, der mit seinen Gerichtsthrillern um Dismas Hardy ein paar bessere Bücher des Genres ablieferte, aber immer häufiger und tapsiger in dieselben Fallen tappte. Lescroart kann einfach nicht anders als an seinen Bösewichtern kein gutes Haar zu lassen. Gestrauchelte Ehrenmänner, die sich durch einen Fehler in ein immer dichteres Netz von Widersprüchen verwickeln und zur nächsten verzweifelteren Untat getrieben werden, sind nicht so sein Ding.
In den Romanen der 90er bröckelte die Fassade so nach und nach, ehe nackte Gier oder Mordlust zum Vorschein kam, in Der Angeklagte wird von vorn herein ein Monster mit mächtiger Familie und maximaler publizistischer Macht im Hintergrund auf freien Fuß gesetzt.
Robert Curtlee ist von Seite eins an ein Monster, das vor der Wiederaufnahme seines Mord- und Vergewaltigungsprozesses sämtliche Belastungszeuginnen ausschalten will und einer in vielerlei Hinsicht gebremsten Staatsanwaltschaft und Polizei immer einen Schritt voraus ist. Diesen Umstand macht sich auch ein Trittbrettfahrer zunutze, ein vermeintlicher Ehrenmann, dessen Fassade später, aber in Rekordzeit bröckelt. Im Fall des ebenso uneinholbaren wie uneinsichtigen Robert zündet Lescroart nach 80% einen echten Knalleffekt am häuslichen Kamin, der den Übeltäter und sein ganzes Umfeld zur Strecke bringt. Der Rest des Romans gilt dem Trittbrettfahrermord für den Ro von Seiten seines letzten Opfers ein Alibi hat. In diesem Fall zieht Lescroart noch mal schnell seine Fassadennummer durch.
Für die Bösewichter in diesem Roman kann man nicht ein Hauch von Mitgefühl empfinden, leider geht es einem mit dem restlichen Personal kaum besser, denn in den Adern der Helden fließt kein Blut sondern eine politisch korrekte Essenz, einzig der alte Haudegen Glitsky und sein für ein paar lichte Momente erscheinende Dismas Hardy und dessen Frau Fran haben ein wenig menschliches Format.
May 22, 2017
Master story teller John Lescroart's, "Damage" (Glitsky #3), is another exceptional read featuring his iconic characters. Mixed in with a good deal of suspense this yarn, it's jealousy, infidelity, greed, and a sense of duty dominate this plot. Newly elected D.A. Wes Farrell is jolted with his first crisis and bombshell just as his term is beginning. Roland "Ro" Curtlee has been released from his 25 year sentence for rape as he is granted a new trial. Ro Curtlee was a serial raper and all around really bad guy before prison. Ro would take from women when and where he felt like as a child of privilege. Ro's father Cliff Curtlee, is a big time mover and shaker in San Francisco pushes Wes for a reasonable bail. The Curtlee's were big contributors to Farrell's campaign so Wes allows Ro to get bail. Head of SFPD homicide Abe Glitsky and his team are furious. Curtlee loose in the community is a very dangerous thing. When the bodies start popping up it's looking like Ro was getting payback for his nine years locked up. All of the victims had something to do with putting Ro away in some form or another. Glitsky makes Wes realize what a terrible thing has happened allowing Ro to get bail. Wes and his top prosecutor work like crazy to get Ro back into custody. Meanwhile Glitsky who is under intense pressure from the press and mayor to keep his head and work the homicides. As with all of author John Lescroart's novels the suspense builds as the plot unfolds piece by piece. At times it was tough to not just read one more chapter then one more. Running just over 440 pages this one does run a bit too long. The unexpected conclusion was beautifully camouflaged as the murder investigations are being solved. Main characters Wes Farrell and Abe Glintsky are strong enough to carry this read with help from supporting characters. Colorful and and down to earth without being pretentious Lescroart's characters themselves are one of the best reasons for reading his novels. Four stars out of a possible five stars for, "Damage". Any read from author John Lescroart is destined to be enjoyable and this one doesn't disappoints either. Glad to see Diz makes a cameo too.
May 9, 2017
The story was very flowing itself but there is those explanations parenthesis on almost every line/sentence.
About that plot of white rich boy,doing everything just because he is spoiled, didn't satisfy me at all.
Is Ro really responsible for the Nunez murder or any other crimes he's been sentenced for (except for the rape)can't be sure because all they did was blame him for everything without considering any fact through the whole book.
About that plot of white rich boy,doing everything just because he is spoiled, didn't satisfy me at all.
Is Ro really responsible for the Nunez murder or any other crimes he's been sentenced for (except for the rape)can't be sure because all they did was blame him for everything without considering any fact through the whole book.
July 14, 2012
Eschewing the typical template of a main character navigating the maze of a mystery, Lescroart has written a surprisingly interesting story combining elements of a legal procedural and an inspection of moral consequences on the characters involved. This was a pleasant surprise, distancing the book from the superficiality of a “Law and Order” scenario by the focus on multiple characters.
Wes Farrell is the newby DA, boyish in his excitement at winning the election, but clueless about the politics of the position. One of the best scenes in the book is when he finally looses his temper and berates his top assistant, Amanda Jenkins and Abe Glitsky, head of the homicide division when he is called on the carpet by the mayor. Amanda is savvy and aggressive – the legal profession's embodiment of the line associated with Vince Lombardi: “Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing.” Of course from her perspective, circumstantial evidence is like a huge neon sign flashing a signal of guilt.
The situation Lescroart sets up is straight-forward. Convicted and undeniably guilty rapist/murderer Ro Curtlee successfully petitions for a retrial, after having served 10 years of his sentence. His parents own a major newspaper, and were heavy contributors to Farrell's campaign. Curtlee is now trying to get his freedom on bail until the retrial, which may not occur until far into the future. Vexing questions ensue. Will the DA intervene to keep Curtlee, a vicious sociopath, in prison? When one of the two witnesses at his previous trial dies in a brutal arson, how aggressively can Glitsky pursue Curtlee as his prime suspect without physical evidence to back him up? How does Curtlee's bid for freedom affect Mike Durbin, the foreman of the jury that convicted Curtlee? Durbin's once promising career as an artist was destroyed by the sensationalized publicity stirred up by the Curtlee-owned newspaper.
Lescroart deserves extra points for the restraint that he exercises in writing about the actual murders. Typically, he sets up the tension of an impending crime, and then, like in Greek drama, lets the actual act occur off-stage, rather than luxuriating in specifics of the crime. Instead he focuses on the aftermath – the effect on the other characters. Unfortunately, he does not always capitalize on the development of his characters, except when a situation will aid the progress of the plot. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read, particularly apt for summertime enjoyment.
Other reviewers have mentioned that this book is part of a long series. This is my first Lescroart book, and I would be interested in the earlier books which feature Farrell's law partner, the eccentric Dismas Hardy. One further comment: I read this on “Kindle.” The device has the annoying habit of not taking the reader to the actual beginning of a book. In this case, there is an important “Prologue” chapter, not identified in the table of contents, but which is actually the start of the story. Be sure to start at the cover and page forward, so as not to miss it.
Wes Farrell is the newby DA, boyish in his excitement at winning the election, but clueless about the politics of the position. One of the best scenes in the book is when he finally looses his temper and berates his top assistant, Amanda Jenkins and Abe Glitsky, head of the homicide division when he is called on the carpet by the mayor. Amanda is savvy and aggressive – the legal profession's embodiment of the line associated with Vince Lombardi: “Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing.” Of course from her perspective, circumstantial evidence is like a huge neon sign flashing a signal of guilt.
The situation Lescroart sets up is straight-forward. Convicted and undeniably guilty rapist/murderer Ro Curtlee successfully petitions for a retrial, after having served 10 years of his sentence. His parents own a major newspaper, and were heavy contributors to Farrell's campaign. Curtlee is now trying to get his freedom on bail until the retrial, which may not occur until far into the future. Vexing questions ensue. Will the DA intervene to keep Curtlee, a vicious sociopath, in prison? When one of the two witnesses at his previous trial dies in a brutal arson, how aggressively can Glitsky pursue Curtlee as his prime suspect without physical evidence to back him up? How does Curtlee's bid for freedom affect Mike Durbin, the foreman of the jury that convicted Curtlee? Durbin's once promising career as an artist was destroyed by the sensationalized publicity stirred up by the Curtlee-owned newspaper.
Lescroart deserves extra points for the restraint that he exercises in writing about the actual murders. Typically, he sets up the tension of an impending crime, and then, like in Greek drama, lets the actual act occur off-stage, rather than luxuriating in specifics of the crime. Instead he focuses on the aftermath – the effect on the other characters. Unfortunately, he does not always capitalize on the development of his characters, except when a situation will aid the progress of the plot. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read, particularly apt for summertime enjoyment.
Other reviewers have mentioned that this book is part of a long series. This is my first Lescroart book, and I would be interested in the earlier books which feature Farrell's law partner, the eccentric Dismas Hardy. One further comment: I read this on “Kindle.” The device has the annoying habit of not taking the reader to the actual beginning of a book. In this case, there is an important “Prologue” chapter, not identified in the table of contents, but which is actually the start of the story. Be sure to start at the cover and page forward, so as not to miss it.
February 19, 2011
Ten years ago, Roland Curtlee was convicted of rape/murder. But now the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has granted him a new trial because the victim's family wore buttons during the trial bearing a picture of the victim's smiling face which clearly unfairly prejudiced the jury against the defendant.
Because the judge has certain politic connections, he grants bail in a case that would otherwise have no chance of bail. Curtlee's family makes the $10 million bail because they own the San Francisco Courier, one of the major newspapers in the Bay area.
As soon as Curtlee makes his bail, though, witnesses associated with his trial start dying. And their murders have the same eerie M.O. as the murders of Curtlee's earlier victims - raped with their shoes on, then killed.
But there's a new District Attorney in office, who won by only 90 votes. And he was endorsed by the Courier (read: the Curtlees). But and Lieutenant Abe Glitsky are both aware that Curtlee needs to be put away before more lives are taken. But as Curtlee presents alibi after alibi, charges of police harassment, and the Courier starts getting public opinion on his side, the law enforcement agents finds that they may be fighting an unwinnable battle.
As with most of Lescroart's books, this book was a page turner. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. His characters are completely realistic. As the plot unfolded, the intrigue really drew me in, and made me wonder about what was going on. And although Lescroart doesn't have a legal background, it's clear that he's done his research. Although, unlike certain other authors, he doesn't feel the need to show off and go on and on and on, boring his readers to prove that he's done the research. Every detail is necessary to forward the action.
He also tempers the action of the plot with the relationships of the characters. As always, it's nice to see the relationship between Glitsky and his wife Treya, which gets tested like never before in this book. Because their relationship has always been so solid and romantic, it was actually a little scary to see them have trouble like this. To me, this is a mark of a someone who can write a good relationship.
A solid read.
Because the judge has certain politic connections, he grants bail in a case that would otherwise have no chance of bail. Curtlee's family makes the $10 million bail because they own the San Francisco Courier, one of the major newspapers in the Bay area.
As soon as Curtlee makes his bail, though, witnesses associated with his trial start dying. And their murders have the same eerie M.O. as the murders of Curtlee's earlier victims - raped with their shoes on, then killed.
But there's a new District Attorney in office, who won by only 90 votes. And he was endorsed by the Courier (read: the Curtlees). But and Lieutenant Abe Glitsky are both aware that Curtlee needs to be put away before more lives are taken. But as Curtlee presents alibi after alibi, charges of police harassment, and the Courier starts getting public opinion on his side, the law enforcement agents finds that they may be fighting an unwinnable battle.
As with most of Lescroart's books, this book was a page turner. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. His characters are completely realistic. As the plot unfolded, the intrigue really drew me in, and made me wonder about what was going on. And although Lescroart doesn't have a legal background, it's clear that he's done his research. Although, unlike certain other authors, he doesn't feel the need to show off and go on and on and on, boring his readers to prove that he's done the research. Every detail is necessary to forward the action.
He also tempers the action of the plot with the relationships of the characters. As always, it's nice to see the relationship between Glitsky and his wife Treya, which gets tested like never before in this book. Because their relationship has always been so solid and romantic, it was actually a little scary to see them have trouble like this. To me, this is a mark of a someone who can write a good relationship.
A solid read.
April 1, 2011
I am very grateful when the characters and action in a book get my attention, involve me and create a momentum that I must get back to. John Lescroarts Damage freed me from TV series and movies of this genre. That's one of the things good books do. At first the characters seemed young and 2 dimensional and chatty. And then BAM. Anger, rage and action from explosive personalities, "burnt to a crisp"' , better get home your house is on fire, WHAT. Affairs, Suspects. Copycat or seriel killer? A real updated who done it that kept my attention.It was the who done it that I found myself most involved in. Also Lescroarts sculpting of the criminal mind, with Ro Curtlee's way of thinking and acting, and the conditions that would awaken and rekindle the Butler-bodyguard. I found myself glad that somebody took the lead, Glitsky, San Francisco, homicide kept at it, on his own,in a moral regular guy way, under great threat and pressure, persuing thoughts, strategies and leads, and unraveling just who did what, so that the victims of these gruesome criminal acts would experience the relief of justice and of knowing. Why not 5 stars? The pressure brought to bear on the police department by a powerful prominent family who had the mayor, the newspapers, and a powerful lawyer, on their side, and the denial on the part of the parents of the "evil" they create by denying their sons actions and "neutralizing" witnesses was immediately palpable and understood. Yet I -might- have wanted to know more about the Daily dealings of the Curtlees, and although it may happen this way in real life, the solution that finally occurs appeared "Deus ex machina". Finally, though well done and very satisfying, every loose end was tied up perfectly.
January 16, 2014
Well this is a worthwhile read, it is clearly not one of the authors best works. The author has sought to expand his universe by focusing on characters that played a bit more minor role in earlier books.
Alas, fans of Dismas Hardy Will be soundly disappointed has their hero only has a few cameos. Gone is the clever legal maneuvering. Now there is just a discussion of police work making the novel just one step above your average police procedural.
This time around the son of an influential wealthy publisher is released from prison on appeal. Soon after people connected to the first case begin dying horrific deaths. The new district attorney, Wes Farrell, finds himself under fire as does a blitz key now heading homicide division. No matter what the legal eagles do I can't seem to keep this murdering scum bag off the streets. Obtaining the correct evidence is difficult.
Characterization remains somewhat strong with an interesting mixture of characters who have real-life foibles and struggle with ethics.
Most importantly, the author chooses to play fairly with the reader. Meaning all the clues to reader needs are there and black-and-white. The more obtuse reader may tend to miss them. Personally I put the clues together at the last minute shortly before the actual mystery was revealed. I figured out the solution to the mystery five pages before the author revealed it. And to be honest I should've figured it out a little bit earlier but somehow missed it as the author sprinkled the appropriate amount of red herrings into the plot.
Not as much fun as the earlier hardy novels but still this authors usually worth reading.
Alas, fans of Dismas Hardy Will be soundly disappointed has their hero only has a few cameos. Gone is the clever legal maneuvering. Now there is just a discussion of police work making the novel just one step above your average police procedural.
This time around the son of an influential wealthy publisher is released from prison on appeal. Soon after people connected to the first case begin dying horrific deaths. The new district attorney, Wes Farrell, finds himself under fire as does a blitz key now heading homicide division. No matter what the legal eagles do I can't seem to keep this murdering scum bag off the streets. Obtaining the correct evidence is difficult.
Characterization remains somewhat strong with an interesting mixture of characters who have real-life foibles and struggle with ethics.
Most importantly, the author chooses to play fairly with the reader. Meaning all the clues to reader needs are there and black-and-white. The more obtuse reader may tend to miss them. Personally I put the clues together at the last minute shortly before the actual mystery was revealed. I figured out the solution to the mystery five pages before the author revealed it. And to be honest I should've figured it out a little bit earlier but somehow missed it as the author sprinkled the appropriate amount of red herrings into the plot.
Not as much fun as the earlier hardy novels but still this authors usually worth reading.
June 10, 2017
A fun book, enjoyed Glitsky. Liked it that he finds his own flaws in pushing too much blame on Ro Curtlee. Kind of enjoyed Kurtlee and his family getting knocked off - a surprise because we are expecting the Kurtlee's to be involved until the end and we still have about a 1/4 of the book left to go when it happens. Didn't like how the nasty reporter is shocked into submitting to the former jury foreman she so badly bashed in her articles. I feel she would not have so easily submitted. Didn't like how it is left unresolved about what happens to the sister-in-law of the jury foreman - at the same time we can't expect a novel of this genre to resolve everything.
October 12, 2017
Damaged
Lescroart’s plots are usually sound, his main characters’ behavior consistent with their philosophies, and his well-written dialogue snappy. He misses by a wide mark in this book. Frequent suspension of disbelief is required to swallow plot devices or the behavior and conversations of the protagonists or the stereotyped, cardboard villains.
Lescroart’s plots are usually sound, his main characters’ behavior consistent with their philosophies, and his well-written dialogue snappy. He misses by a wide mark in this book. Frequent suspension of disbelief is required to swallow plot devices or the behavior and conversations of the protagonists or the stereotyped, cardboard villains.
July 11, 2023
"'That "of course not" sounded a little sarcastic.'
"'It's the acoustics in here'" (18). *Nice one, Treya.
"'It's the acoustics in here'" (18). *Nice one, Treya.
April 2, 2011
Wanted to try a quick-read thriller by any of those BIG NAME authors you always see on the Best Seller list -- this one, by JOHN LESCROART had just come out, featured a half-Jewish, half-black protagonist, Abe Glitsky, and was set in San Francisco. I figured, hey, maybe this will prove better than I think.
It kind of didn't.
The villains were a way corrupt wealthy family with a sociopath son who rapes and murders the (mostly) Guatemalan help. The heroes were the police -- Glitsky is the head of homocide -- the DA, etc. When the son gets of jail (on the ever-popular technicality) he gets revenge on anyone/everyone who put him there. Glitsky & co are on the case.
Yes, there's a quasi-interesting subplot; standard family stuff; and a twist that really comes out of left field--and not in a good way. No clues led up to it, just seemed tossed in as an efficient way to wrap things up. Maybe that was the author's thinking, I dunno.
So, 3 stars and probably won't read the rest of this author's ouevre.
It kind of didn't.
The villains were a way corrupt wealthy family with a sociopath son who rapes and murders the (mostly) Guatemalan help. The heroes were the police -- Glitsky is the head of homocide -- the DA, etc. When the son gets of jail (on the ever-popular technicality) he gets revenge on anyone/everyone who put him there. Glitsky & co are on the case.
Yes, there's a quasi-interesting subplot; standard family stuff; and a twist that really comes out of left field--and not in a good way. No clues led up to it, just seemed tossed in as an efficient way to wrap things up. Maybe that was the author's thinking, I dunno.
So, 3 stars and probably won't read the rest of this author's ouevre.
August 27, 2014
Overall, a worthwhile, entertaining read. Enough fast page-flipping action to more than adequately make up for the occasional lackluster storyline spots. Easy to become emotionally involved/hooked re the characters... plenty of bad guys to boo-hiss at, a few heroic figures to cheer on. For me personally, I found it hugely interesting that new DA Wes was seemingly spineless concerning the apprehension of a serial murderer... until a dog became a victim...then wham, he suddenly grew a set! One of my fav characters was a maid of the evil wealthy newspaper family; raped, she didn't wait on "justice"...she simply took care of business. YAY! A miscarriage of justice that she was booked instead of being given a medal. This book points out how money rules our legal system, and how frustrating it is for overworked cops to buck that big bucks-driven system. Was the ending anti-climatic? Depends upon the reader's point of view...if one wanted it to conclude with a big bang, then YES it was...however, if one wanted all the loose ends tied up, then NO. I appreciated the final wrap-up.
July 28, 2011
Another great Lescroart novel. I quite enjoy how he uses the same base chracter pool and simply places the focus on a different set, depending on the story's focus. We can see progression in all characters in every book, without having to place them into the spotlight in each book.
In this case, we focus on Abe Glitsky, the chief of homicide, as he tackles murders of a recently released prisoner who is out on appeal. A witness who testified, the wife of the jury foreman, and an investigator in the DA's office; all potentially tied to the prisoner, yet there is always something that stands in the way of the perfect conviction.
Glitsky uses his know-how and tries to crack the case, as his family is threatened, his friends offering advice at every turn.
Lescroart writes another stellar book... so when does the next one come out? We'll see!
In this case, we focus on Abe Glitsky, the chief of homicide, as he tackles murders of a recently released prisoner who is out on appeal. A witness who testified, the wife of the jury foreman, and an investigator in the DA's office; all potentially tied to the prisoner, yet there is always something that stands in the way of the perfect conviction.
Glitsky uses his know-how and tries to crack the case, as his family is threatened, his friends offering advice at every turn.
Lescroart writes another stellar book... so when does the next one come out? We'll see!
February 7, 2012
If I could I would give this book a four and a half star rating. The story started off a little slower than I would have like. To many character's were introduced to quickly and it made it difficult to kept track of. Throughout the story I was confused as to who the author was writing about, also found myself rereading pages to understand. Maybe it is just my simple mind.
I had to continually tell myself to kept going and finish the book to see what happens but it was difficult at times.
I am happy that I kept going. The ending as Johnny Depp says in "The Secret Window" is the most important part of the story. It couldn't be any more true in this story. What a twist that you never saw coming. Never would have guessed it would turn out like it did.
I am not in a huge hurry to dive into another one of Lescroat's books but I wouldn't be against it. Good story teller yet, like in some movies, if you miss a part you have no idea what the hell is going on.
I had to continually tell myself to kept going and finish the book to see what happens but it was difficult at times.
I am happy that I kept going. The ending as Johnny Depp says in "The Secret Window" is the most important part of the story. It couldn't be any more true in this story. What a twist that you never saw coming. Never would have guessed it would turn out like it did.
I am not in a huge hurry to dive into another one of Lescroat's books but I wouldn't be against it. Good story teller yet, like in some movies, if you miss a part you have no idea what the hell is going on.
October 21, 2015
Maybe the problem was that I "read" this as an audiobook. The choice of accents was bizarre. I'm not a "jump on the (Google) bus" yuppie dot commer, but these people just didn't sound like they came from San Francisco. And it wasn't until the end that I understood why the college professor sounded like an auto mechanic from Jersey.
Even as an abridged audio it felt bloated. Naming a few streets, locations and neighborhoods does not make for "local color". Having lived in San Francisco, I have been meaning to read one of Lescroart's novels since his first appeared, and years later finally did so. The final demise of the bad guy was great. May listen to additional Lescroart novels, doubt if I will spend the time reading one of his many paged tomes.
Even as an abridged audio it felt bloated. Naming a few streets, locations and neighborhoods does not make for "local color". Having lived in San Francisco, I have been meaning to read one of Lescroart's novels since his first appeared, and years later finally did so. The final demise of the bad guy was great. May listen to additional Lescroart novels, doubt if I will spend the time reading one of his many paged tomes.
June 24, 2016
After this, the third book in the Abe Glitsky series, I'm beginning to really enjoy his character, and the interplay between him and his friend Dismas Hardy. They're pretty funny sometimes, which is out of character for Glitsky - he's a pretty serious guy most of the time and normally is only begrudgingly cheerful.
This is the last of the series featurning him, but fortunately, they both appear in each other's series, and it's hard to separate the books into single character series; there are more in the Dismas Hardy series.
This one was one of the more interesting books so far by Lescroart. It kept me guessing til the end, even though I suspected the obvious answer was not the right one.
This is the last of the series featurning him, but fortunately, they both appear in each other's series, and it's hard to separate the books into single character series; there are more in the Dismas Hardy series.
This one was one of the more interesting books so far by Lescroart. It kept me guessing til the end, even though I suspected the obvious answer was not the right one.
January 15, 2011
This is a real page-turner. A bit more of a "thriller" than the "legal/thriller" tales we're used to from Lescroart. I hope this helps him find an even wider audience.
The primary carrier of the story is Abe Glitsky, head of Homicide in San Francisco. Other recurring Lescroart characters play other roles to varying degrees. Lescroart also knows his way around San Francisco (geographically and politically)and makes it look easy and real.
High body count, haves versus have nots, family dynamics, and defining Justice all in one smooth package.
The primary carrier of the story is Abe Glitsky, head of Homicide in San Francisco. Other recurring Lescroart characters play other roles to varying degrees. Lescroart also knows his way around San Francisco (geographically and politically)and makes it look easy and real.
High body count, haves versus have nots, family dynamics, and defining Justice all in one smooth package.
January 30, 2012
Abe Glitsky is the main protagonist in this novel, with a lot of assistance from other characters from the Hardy law firm (Wes is now the DA) offering their support. The villain in this is possibly the most sociopathic individual I've read of in a long time...and his enabling parents just add to the scene. All in all, a most satisfactory read!
June 4, 2014
I love the books where you hate the bad guy so much that you can't wait to find out how the hero will catch him.
February 9, 2016
It's a John Lescroart book...Need I say more?
December 28, 2010
Damage by John Lescroart
reviewed by Russ Ilg
John Lescrroat has been one of my all time favorite authors for as long as can remember and his legal thrillers have been one of the most anticipate books of the year for me. He has become one of the greatest writers of this style I have had the pleasure of reading and is one of the prime examples I can say that reading a book is by far the greatest way to lose yourself into something so compelling that you can forget everything else and really just enjoy the ride.
Damage was one book I was really waiting for as I had heard that it was going to be by far his greatest work to date and I had a hard time believing that he could get an better then he already was. I mean how do you improve on the best?
John has a style that brings magic to the pages the people in the book are so real that you feel them breath, talk, hurt you are right there in the story standing in the corner, sitting in a chair always just far enough away that you feel as if you are really there watching as the story unfolds but are not seen by anyone else. The way he writes is done with such style and care that every person is someone you have known your whole life and what unfolds is part of who you are to. There are very few writers that can accomplish this feat that draws you into the story in a way that is so smooth you do not even realize it till you are holding the book and turning the pages so fast that there is no other thing in the world that exist.
So how could it get better then this well he did do it. He has taking his writing to a whole new level.
When you read 4-5 books a week you have come to know what to expect in the authors you read and are just grateful to know that you are in for one of the best times in your life when you sit down to get lost in another chapter of the author you like.
Damaged is a novel that could be ripped from the headlines of any paper in the county where it has been so often seen where people with enormus power and money have a huge advantage over the the average person when it comes to what happens in the court and legal system, This power has the ability to make justice seem in a way that is not as equal as we would all hope it was. The minute I starting reading this new novel I knew it was going to be very special and had a grip on me that I have not felt from Mr. Lescroart before. It is a non stop out of control train loaded with explosive on a unstoppable runaway ride across the pages. The book explodes in your hands as each moment you feel that you know what is going on is completed shattered by a cock screw twist that just throws you into the wall and I found that I was holding my breath as each new event unfolded.
Just when I was starting to get ready for the next new twist I found I was close to the end of the book I could not believe that it had flown by so fast and as the expected end drew near I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the final out come of this action pack thriller that left nothing safe or scared. Then it happened where he was able to come up with this still has me in awe. I was blown right through the roof of the house as if that train had made a direct hit right into me. I had to catch my breath and calm down and the say did that really just happen. I went back and re-read it 3 times on that last part to make sure that I got every detail right. The novel could have ended a hundred different ways, but John showed what really makes him so great and the upside down, out of nowhere ending, the ending you could not even imagine just blew me apart. There are only one or two other books in the past 5 years that have even come close to such a tremendous conclusion.
I tried very hard to stay away from any thing that would give the story itself away . I feel it is such a huge book that it should be experienced from the beginning to the end by the person reading it, because it will be one of the very best experience you the thriller lover will ever have. This is the book of the year, the one that should be on the top of every ones list. Make sure that you are there the day it comes out or even better you should pre-order it so it is delivered right to you door as soon as it comes out.
The son of the owners of one of the biggest papers in San Francisco and with more money then they can us had been convict of a heinous crime of murder and rape. After an appeal on what really had nothing to do with his guilt an appeal was won and a new trial awarded the guilt man. During his years in prison and right after he was convicted his parents used all there money and influence to ruin as many people as they could that were involved in the trial that put there son away. Fast forward just after a new DA is elected a former defense attorney with no clue as to what he is doing or how he really got there is elected with the parents support. Now with a new man at the helm and as they believe in there pocket they believe they will be able to get the son released on bail that under any other conditions would not even be considered. Trying to work his way into the new job Wes Farrell is torn on what to do and decides to let the DA that tried the case handle the matter instead of using his office to squash the bail. Well it blows up and the bail is awarded and the son released, which starts a nightmare of violence, murder and mayhem that can not even begin to express the speed and shear terror that then propels you on the greatest ride of adrenaline lashed fear for everyone remotely connect to the case. this novel has so many twist and disturbing turns, but it is written with such a style and flow that it is as real as anything you have ever read. John has brought you to the edge of how depraved man can be. He has done it in such a way that is so believe able that you are thinking of all the case's you have read about that have taken on similar forms and outcomes. Damage will change the way you see John Lescroart forever, it has taken him the the highest level of the thriller world that you will be longing for more. You need to read this book if for no other reason then to see what you have missed over the years and what the future holds for one of the greatest writers of our day.
Damage is a sure to be instant bestseller and distant to be on the Times list and in line for the best awards of the year. It has been one of the greatest surprise I have had in reading in so long I have forgotten just how great it is to find that book that can take every emotion you have and throw them into a blender and turn it on high, because you are never going to be the same again. 10 stars out of 5 !!!!!!!
John Lescroart has raised the bar on writing so high it is going to be almost impossible for the rest of the industry to stay up there with him. Thank you Mr. Lescroart for one of the greatest thrills I have ever had and believe me that is very hard to do.
Merged review:
Damage by John Lescroart
reviewed by Russ Ilg
John Lescrroat has been one of my all time favorite authors for as long as can remember and his legal thrillers have been one of the most anticipate books of the year for me. He has become one of the greatest writers of this style I have had the pleasure of reading and is one of the prime examples I can say that reading a book is by far the greatest way to lose yourself into something so compelling that you can forget everything else and really just enjoy the ride.
Damage was one book I was really waiting for as I had heard that it was going to be by far his greatest work to date and I had a hard time believing that he could get an better then he already was. I mean how do you improve on the best?
John has a style that brings magic to the pages the people in the book are so real that you feel them breath, talk, hurt you are right there in the story standing in the corner, sitting in a chair always just far enough away that you feel as if you are really there watching as the story unfolds but are not seen by anyone else. The way he writes is done with such style and care that every person is someone you have known your whole life and what unfolds is part of who you are to. There are very few writers that can accomplish this feat that draws you into the story in a way that is so smooth you do not even realize it till you are holding the book and turning the pages so fast that there is no other thing in the world that exist.
So how could it get better then this well he did do it. He has taking his writing to a whole new level.
When you read 4-5 books a week you have come to know what to expect in the authors you read and are just grateful to know that you are in for one of the best times in your life when you sit down to get lost in another chapter of the author you like.
Damaged is a novel that could be ripped from the headlines of any paper in the county where it has been so often seen where people with enormus power and money have a huge advantage over the the average person when it comes to what happens in the court and legal system, This power has the ability to make justice seem in a way that is not as equal as we would all hope it was. The minute I starting reading this new novel I knew it was going to be very special and had a grip on me that I have not felt from Mr. Lescroart before. It is a non stop out of control train loaded with explosive on a unstoppable runaway ride across the pages. The book explodes in your hands as each moment you feel that you know what is going on is completed shattered by a cock screw twist that just throws you into the wall and I found that I was holding my breath as each new event unfolded.
Just when I was starting to get ready for the next new twist I found I was close to the end of the book I could not believe that it had flown by so fast and as the expected end drew near I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the final out come of this action pack thriller that left nothing safe or scared. Then it happened where he was able to come up with this still has me in awe. I was blown right through the roof of the house as if that train had made a direct hit right into me. I had to catch my breath and calm down and the say did that really just happen. I went back and re-read it 3 times on that last part to make sure that I got every detail right. The novel could have ended a hundred different ways, but John showed what really makes him so great and the upside down, out of nowhere ending, the ending you could not even imagine just blew me apart. There are only one or two other books in the past 5 years that have even come close to such a tremendous conclusion.
I tried very hard to stay away from any thing that would give the story itself away . I feel it is such a huge book that it should be experienced from the beginning to the end by the person reading it, because it will be one of the very best experience you the thriller lover will ever have. This is the book of the year, the one that should be on the top of every ones list. Make sure that you are there the day it comes out or even better you should pre-order it so it is delivered right to you door as soon as it comes out.
The son of the owners of one of the biggest papers in San Francisco and with more money then they can us had been convict of a heinous crime of murder and rape. After an appeal on what really had nothing to do with his guilt an appeal was won and a new trial awarded the guilt man. During his years in prison and right after he was convicted his parents used all there money and influence to ruin as many people as they could that were involved in the trial that put there son away. Fast forward just after a new DA is elected a former defense attorney with no clue as to what he is doing or how he really got there is elected with the parents support. Now with a new man at the helm and as they believe in there pocket they believe they will be able to get the son released on bail that under any other conditions would not even be considered. Trying to work his way into the new job Wes Farrell is torn on what to do and decides to let the DA that tried the case handle the matter instead of using his office to squash the bail. Well it blows up and the bail is awarded and the son released, which starts a nightmare of violence, murder and mayhem that can not even begin to express the speed and shear terror that then propels you on the greatest ride of adrenaline lashed fear for everyone remotely connect to the case. this novel has so many twist and disturbing turns, but it is written with such a style and flow that it is as real as anything you have ever read. John has brought you to the edge of how depraved man can be. He has done it in such a way that is so believe able that you are thinking of all the case's you have read about that have taken on similar forms and outcomes. Damage will change the way you see John Lescroart forever, it has taken him the the highest level of the thriller world that you will be longing for more. You need to read this book if for no other reason then to see what you have missed over the years and what the future holds for one of the greatest writers of our day.
Damage is a sure to be instant bestseller and distant to be on the Times list and in line for the best awards of the year. It has been one of the greatest surprise I have had in reading in so long I have forgotten just how great it is to find that book that can take every emotion you have and throw them into a blender and turn it on high, because you are never going to be the same again. 10 stars out of 5 !!!!!!!
John Lescroart has raised the bar on writing so high it is going to be almost impossible for the rest of the industry to stay up there with him. Thank you Mr. Lescroart for one of the greatest thrills I have ever had and believe me that is very hard to do.
reviewed by Russ Ilg
John Lescrroat has been one of my all time favorite authors for as long as can remember and his legal thrillers have been one of the most anticipate books of the year for me. He has become one of the greatest writers of this style I have had the pleasure of reading and is one of the prime examples I can say that reading a book is by far the greatest way to lose yourself into something so compelling that you can forget everything else and really just enjoy the ride.
Damage was one book I was really waiting for as I had heard that it was going to be by far his greatest work to date and I had a hard time believing that he could get an better then he already was. I mean how do you improve on the best?
John has a style that brings magic to the pages the people in the book are so real that you feel them breath, talk, hurt you are right there in the story standing in the corner, sitting in a chair always just far enough away that you feel as if you are really there watching as the story unfolds but are not seen by anyone else. The way he writes is done with such style and care that every person is someone you have known your whole life and what unfolds is part of who you are to. There are very few writers that can accomplish this feat that draws you into the story in a way that is so smooth you do not even realize it till you are holding the book and turning the pages so fast that there is no other thing in the world that exist.
So how could it get better then this well he did do it. He has taking his writing to a whole new level.
When you read 4-5 books a week you have come to know what to expect in the authors you read and are just grateful to know that you are in for one of the best times in your life when you sit down to get lost in another chapter of the author you like.
Damaged is a novel that could be ripped from the headlines of any paper in the county where it has been so often seen where people with enormus power and money have a huge advantage over the the average person when it comes to what happens in the court and legal system, This power has the ability to make justice seem in a way that is not as equal as we would all hope it was. The minute I starting reading this new novel I knew it was going to be very special and had a grip on me that I have not felt from Mr. Lescroart before. It is a non stop out of control train loaded with explosive on a unstoppable runaway ride across the pages. The book explodes in your hands as each moment you feel that you know what is going on is completed shattered by a cock screw twist that just throws you into the wall and I found that I was holding my breath as each new event unfolded.
Just when I was starting to get ready for the next new twist I found I was close to the end of the book I could not believe that it had flown by so fast and as the expected end drew near I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the final out come of this action pack thriller that left nothing safe or scared. Then it happened where he was able to come up with this still has me in awe. I was blown right through the roof of the house as if that train had made a direct hit right into me. I had to catch my breath and calm down and the say did that really just happen. I went back and re-read it 3 times on that last part to make sure that I got every detail right. The novel could have ended a hundred different ways, but John showed what really makes him so great and the upside down, out of nowhere ending, the ending you could not even imagine just blew me apart. There are only one or two other books in the past 5 years that have even come close to such a tremendous conclusion.
I tried very hard to stay away from any thing that would give the story itself away . I feel it is such a huge book that it should be experienced from the beginning to the end by the person reading it, because it will be one of the very best experience you the thriller lover will ever have. This is the book of the year, the one that should be on the top of every ones list. Make sure that you are there the day it comes out or even better you should pre-order it so it is delivered right to you door as soon as it comes out.
The son of the owners of one of the biggest papers in San Francisco and with more money then they can us had been convict of a heinous crime of murder and rape. After an appeal on what really had nothing to do with his guilt an appeal was won and a new trial awarded the guilt man. During his years in prison and right after he was convicted his parents used all there money and influence to ruin as many people as they could that were involved in the trial that put there son away. Fast forward just after a new DA is elected a former defense attorney with no clue as to what he is doing or how he really got there is elected with the parents support. Now with a new man at the helm and as they believe in there pocket they believe they will be able to get the son released on bail that under any other conditions would not even be considered. Trying to work his way into the new job Wes Farrell is torn on what to do and decides to let the DA that tried the case handle the matter instead of using his office to squash the bail. Well it blows up and the bail is awarded and the son released, which starts a nightmare of violence, murder and mayhem that can not even begin to express the speed and shear terror that then propels you on the greatest ride of adrenaline lashed fear for everyone remotely connect to the case. this novel has so many twist and disturbing turns, but it is written with such a style and flow that it is as real as anything you have ever read. John has brought you to the edge of how depraved man can be. He has done it in such a way that is so believe able that you are thinking of all the case's you have read about that have taken on similar forms and outcomes. Damage will change the way you see John Lescroart forever, it has taken him the the highest level of the thriller world that you will be longing for more. You need to read this book if for no other reason then to see what you have missed over the years and what the future holds for one of the greatest writers of our day.
Damage is a sure to be instant bestseller and distant to be on the Times list and in line for the best awards of the year. It has been one of the greatest surprise I have had in reading in so long I have forgotten just how great it is to find that book that can take every emotion you have and throw them into a blender and turn it on high, because you are never going to be the same again. 10 stars out of 5 !!!!!!!
John Lescroart has raised the bar on writing so high it is going to be almost impossible for the rest of the industry to stay up there with him. Thank you Mr. Lescroart for one of the greatest thrills I have ever had and believe me that is very hard to do.
Merged review:
Damage by John Lescroart
reviewed by Russ Ilg
John Lescrroat has been one of my all time favorite authors for as long as can remember and his legal thrillers have been one of the most anticipate books of the year for me. He has become one of the greatest writers of this style I have had the pleasure of reading and is one of the prime examples I can say that reading a book is by far the greatest way to lose yourself into something so compelling that you can forget everything else and really just enjoy the ride.
Damage was one book I was really waiting for as I had heard that it was going to be by far his greatest work to date and I had a hard time believing that he could get an better then he already was. I mean how do you improve on the best?
John has a style that brings magic to the pages the people in the book are so real that you feel them breath, talk, hurt you are right there in the story standing in the corner, sitting in a chair always just far enough away that you feel as if you are really there watching as the story unfolds but are not seen by anyone else. The way he writes is done with such style and care that every person is someone you have known your whole life and what unfolds is part of who you are to. There are very few writers that can accomplish this feat that draws you into the story in a way that is so smooth you do not even realize it till you are holding the book and turning the pages so fast that there is no other thing in the world that exist.
So how could it get better then this well he did do it. He has taking his writing to a whole new level.
When you read 4-5 books a week you have come to know what to expect in the authors you read and are just grateful to know that you are in for one of the best times in your life when you sit down to get lost in another chapter of the author you like.
Damaged is a novel that could be ripped from the headlines of any paper in the county where it has been so often seen where people with enormus power and money have a huge advantage over the the average person when it comes to what happens in the court and legal system, This power has the ability to make justice seem in a way that is not as equal as we would all hope it was. The minute I starting reading this new novel I knew it was going to be very special and had a grip on me that I have not felt from Mr. Lescroart before. It is a non stop out of control train loaded with explosive on a unstoppable runaway ride across the pages. The book explodes in your hands as each moment you feel that you know what is going on is completed shattered by a cock screw twist that just throws you into the wall and I found that I was holding my breath as each new event unfolded.
Just when I was starting to get ready for the next new twist I found I was close to the end of the book I could not believe that it had flown by so fast and as the expected end drew near I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the final out come of this action pack thriller that left nothing safe or scared. Then it happened where he was able to come up with this still has me in awe. I was blown right through the roof of the house as if that train had made a direct hit right into me. I had to catch my breath and calm down and the say did that really just happen. I went back and re-read it 3 times on that last part to make sure that I got every detail right. The novel could have ended a hundred different ways, but John showed what really makes him so great and the upside down, out of nowhere ending, the ending you could not even imagine just blew me apart. There are only one or two other books in the past 5 years that have even come close to such a tremendous conclusion.
I tried very hard to stay away from any thing that would give the story itself away . I feel it is such a huge book that it should be experienced from the beginning to the end by the person reading it, because it will be one of the very best experience you the thriller lover will ever have. This is the book of the year, the one that should be on the top of every ones list. Make sure that you are there the day it comes out or even better you should pre-order it so it is delivered right to you door as soon as it comes out.
The son of the owners of one of the biggest papers in San Francisco and with more money then they can us had been convict of a heinous crime of murder and rape. After an appeal on what really had nothing to do with his guilt an appeal was won and a new trial awarded the guilt man. During his years in prison and right after he was convicted his parents used all there money and influence to ruin as many people as they could that were involved in the trial that put there son away. Fast forward just after a new DA is elected a former defense attorney with no clue as to what he is doing or how he really got there is elected with the parents support. Now with a new man at the helm and as they believe in there pocket they believe they will be able to get the son released on bail that under any other conditions would not even be considered. Trying to work his way into the new job Wes Farrell is torn on what to do and decides to let the DA that tried the case handle the matter instead of using his office to squash the bail. Well it blows up and the bail is awarded and the son released, which starts a nightmare of violence, murder and mayhem that can not even begin to express the speed and shear terror that then propels you on the greatest ride of adrenaline lashed fear for everyone remotely connect to the case. this novel has so many twist and disturbing turns, but it is written with such a style and flow that it is as real as anything you have ever read. John has brought you to the edge of how depraved man can be. He has done it in such a way that is so believe able that you are thinking of all the case's you have read about that have taken on similar forms and outcomes. Damage will change the way you see John Lescroart forever, it has taken him the the highest level of the thriller world that you will be longing for more. You need to read this book if for no other reason then to see what you have missed over the years and what the future holds for one of the greatest writers of our day.
Damage is a sure to be instant bestseller and distant to be on the Times list and in line for the best awards of the year. It has been one of the greatest surprise I have had in reading in so long I have forgotten just how great it is to find that book that can take every emotion you have and throw them into a blender and turn it on high, because you are never going to be the same again. 10 stars out of 5 !!!!!!!
John Lescroart has raised the bar on writing so high it is going to be almost impossible for the rest of the industry to stay up there with him. Thank you Mr. Lescroart for one of the greatest thrills I have ever had and believe me that is very hard to do.
April 6, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “LESCROART REBOUNDS FROM THE “DAMAGE” OF HIS LAST TWO BOOKS!”
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Before getting into the detail of the actual review, I’d like to point out that like most readers in this section I have read all of Lescroart’s books, but after the last two desultory entries I had made up my mind if “DAMAGE” was as dull and soulless (unless you were looking for a cook book rather than a mystery-thriller) as the last two, this would have been my last. I’m very happy to report that this novel is up there with his best of yesteryear.
The Curtlee family are rich, snobbish, spoiled, power brokers, who own a large San Francisco newspaper. They use their influence and money to attempt to control politics and anything that may affect their rich dysfunctional family. The *DYSFUNCTIONAL-SUPER-STAR-OF-THE-FAMILY* is Roland “Ro” Curtlee who is the perverted-despicable centerpiece of this crime saga. Ro just got out of prison after serving nine years of a much lengthier sentence on a technicality… after being convicted for the rape and murder of a housekeeper that worked in his parents’ home. Almost instantaneously upon Ro’s release the key witness in the trial is found murdered in a case of arson in her apartment. Before you can blink an eye, Janice Durbin, the wife of the lead juror who swung the deciding votes to convict Ro is found murdered in her home also consumed by arson.
The character that Lescroart resuscitates along with his own writing “cred” is our old friend Homicide Chief Abe Glitsky. Along with the author’s recent decline, poor Abe was being dragged down from his former fiery heights… and not just due to his literary heart attack and battle wounds. If Lescroart was going to mount a stylistic comeback… what better fictional character than Abe to lead the assault. As old time Lescroart fans know by heart… Abe, part Jewish, part African American, never met a scowl he didn’t like… and of course there is that *INFAMOUS* scar between his lips. Throughout the author’s long history it is made clear that Abe’s scar is akin to a strong beacon of light on a lighthouse warning ships of disaster. In Abe’s case… when the author says in an infinite amount of ways… “WHILE THE SCAR BETWEEN HIS LIPS GREW MORE PRONOUNCED, AN ANGRY WHITE LINE.” … the reader knows immediately that *Mount Glitsky* is boiling with molten anger… and the villagers better look out. Well, in this excellent tale that white scar glows at least ten times. Along with the brutal escapades of Ro, there are numerous additional sub-plots to keep you guessing, along with a generous portion of real action and mayhem. There is also the behind the scenes investigative “chops” of trying to track down the last viable witness, who has tried to disappear. A sign of the times for long time Lescroart fans is that as encouraging as it is witnessing Abe’s resurrection… it’s just as encouraging witnessing the minimization of Dismas Hardy which means (thank goodness) that there is only one mention of his momentum killing *TEN-POUND-CAST-IRON-PAN*.
Lescroart is back… and I’m glad to say that I am once again looking forward to his next book.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before getting into the detail of the actual review, I’d like to point out that like most readers in this section I have read all of Lescroart’s books, but after the last two desultory entries I had made up my mind if “DAMAGE” was as dull and soulless (unless you were looking for a cook book rather than a mystery-thriller) as the last two, this would have been my last. I’m very happy to report that this novel is up there with his best of yesteryear.
The Curtlee family are rich, snobbish, spoiled, power brokers, who own a large San Francisco newspaper. They use their influence and money to attempt to control politics and anything that may affect their rich dysfunctional family. The *DYSFUNCTIONAL-SUPER-STAR-OF-THE-FAMILY* is Roland “Ro” Curtlee who is the perverted-despicable centerpiece of this crime saga. Ro just got out of prison after serving nine years of a much lengthier sentence on a technicality… after being convicted for the rape and murder of a housekeeper that worked in his parents’ home. Almost instantaneously upon Ro’s release the key witness in the trial is found murdered in a case of arson in her apartment. Before you can blink an eye, Janice Durbin, the wife of the lead juror who swung the deciding votes to convict Ro is found murdered in her home also consumed by arson.
The character that Lescroart resuscitates along with his own writing “cred” is our old friend Homicide Chief Abe Glitsky. Along with the author’s recent decline, poor Abe was being dragged down from his former fiery heights… and not just due to his literary heart attack and battle wounds. If Lescroart was going to mount a stylistic comeback… what better fictional character than Abe to lead the assault. As old time Lescroart fans know by heart… Abe, part Jewish, part African American, never met a scowl he didn’t like… and of course there is that *INFAMOUS* scar between his lips. Throughout the author’s long history it is made clear that Abe’s scar is akin to a strong beacon of light on a lighthouse warning ships of disaster. In Abe’s case… when the author says in an infinite amount of ways… “WHILE THE SCAR BETWEEN HIS LIPS GREW MORE PRONOUNCED, AN ANGRY WHITE LINE.” … the reader knows immediately that *Mount Glitsky* is boiling with molten anger… and the villagers better look out. Well, in this excellent tale that white scar glows at least ten times. Along with the brutal escapades of Ro, there are numerous additional sub-plots to keep you guessing, along with a generous portion of real action and mayhem. There is also the behind the scenes investigative “chops” of trying to track down the last viable witness, who has tried to disappear. A sign of the times for long time Lescroart fans is that as encouraging as it is witnessing Abe’s resurrection… it’s just as encouraging witnessing the minimization of Dismas Hardy which means (thank goodness) that there is only one mention of his momentum killing *TEN-POUND-CAST-IRON-PAN*.
Lescroart is back… and I’m glad to say that I am once again looking forward to his next book.
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