The Damage Done (Lily Moore Series, 1)

Like a prior reviewer I thought I had things figured out. Maybe. I was wrong. THE DAMAGE DONE punches you in the gut in the last pages and turns you on your ear. Hilary Davidson's debut is a fantastic example of the genre, and given that it IS a fiction debut novel it's stellar. Having read some of Ms. Davidson's short stories I knew I wouldn't be disappointed with this, but I hadn't quite expected this novel to be as fantastic as it is. In fact, after I closed the book I had to walk off the emotional roller coaster my nerves had ridden. This book not only has a tight plot and well-conceived characters, but it also has emotional depth not often found in the genre these days. Unexpected, fresh, and wonderful. If you haven't read it yet, do so.

I'm very picky about the kinds of mysteries and crime thrillers I read, but my time with the Kindle edition of "The Damage Done" was well-rewarded. (Caveat: The author is a personal acquaintance.) The characters are sharply drawn and intriguing; they surprise in a way that only real people can. From discovery of the crime (if, indeed, a crime has been committed) to the story's resolution, Davidson delivers a perfect balance of both plot and character development, never letting us forget that the answers to the many puzzles are all very personal for the book's narrator. She isn't a detective trying to solve a murder; she's a woman trying to come to terms with a lost sister. And that's a storyline that is both compelling and unique. Bring on the next one, Hilary!<g>

Simply put, The Damage Done is the best mystery/thriller I've read in years. Hilary Davidson's Lily Moore is a gutsy, quirky, captivating, and utterly believable amateur sleuth. The heart of this mystery--travel writer Lily Moore's love for her drug addicted sister and her quest to find out what happened to her--never feels contrived or like it's just an excuse to play detective (which plagues so many lesser detective novels); it's 100% organic, a sibling rivalry pushed to unstable bounds, with all the appropriate tawdriness and depravity of the grittiest hardboiled noir. And Davidson does it with such style! Everything about this novel is pitch-perfect. The supporting cast. The locale. The dialogue. Exposition perfectly balanced with action. I've read both in the Lily Moore series (Next One to Fall is also a gem), and I can't wait for the third. In my humble writing opinion, there is nothing tougher than writing a compelling, convincing commercial potboiler. Davidson has more than done that here; with Damage Done she has crafted a virtually flawless and brilliant mystery debut.

The Damage Done by Hilary Davidson Lily Moore returns to NYC from her year working abroad in Spain because her sister, Claudia is dead. But when Lily goes to the morgue to identify Claudia, it isn't her sister lying there. This woman had been calling herself Claudia and living in Claudia's apartment. But who is this woman and where is the real Claudia Moore? This was a pretty good mystery that delved deeper into the characters of Lily and Claudia than your usual fare. There were lots of suspects and plot twists. Some of the characters were a little too much for me. The one that really bothered me was Lily's ex-fiance, Martin. He was so smarmy and creepy, I just could not stand it. That took away a little something for me. But the plot did keep me engaged! my rating 3.5/5

I read about Davidson's second book, The Next One to Fall, and thought it sounded interesting so ordered the first in the series, The Damage Done. I am glad that I did. Lily Moore, a travel journalist, like Davidson, returns from Spain to New York City in search of her troubled drug addicted sister and the pages start turning, twisting, and turning. This is one of those books that you can and will want to read in one sitting, as the pace moves quickly and coherently. The character of Lily and her best friend Jesse are promising and believable personalities that are worth getting to know in future adventures. Next is Machu Picchu with Lily and Jesse and I am looking forward to archair travelling along. This is a fresh and interesting formula with the travel writing and adventure and I can't wait to see where Davidson takes us.

To say that THE DAMAGE DONE is a brilliant debut is both true and too faint of praise. Were this Davidson's first book or her tenth, THE DAMAGE DONE would be one hell of an accomplishment. What begins with a gripping premise deepens with every passing page, leaving you reading as fast as your eyes can manage to find out what happens next. Featuring an impressive cast of characters -- each riveting in their own right -- and anchored by a protagonist that's equal parts bright, scrappy, and vulnerable, THE DAMAGE DONE is a thriller for folks bored by standard thrillers, one which never delves into imitation or pastiche. This is the kind of book you keep reading 'cause you need to. The kind of book you can't help but fear will fall apart come the end, because the set-up's just too damn good. But rather than falling apart, THE DAMAGE DONE ends beautifully, pummeling you with revelations of character and mystery both so quickly you can scarcely catch your breath before knocked sideways by another. This is the kind of book that plants your at your keyboard on a Saturday night, typing away on Amazon so folks'll know just how great it is. So what're you waiting for? Do yourself a favor and buy this baby NOW.

Really a fun novel. The main character is particularly intriguing - mysterious, dark, charming, and most disturbing, strangely passive in his response to the others around him. He simply bends and flows with whatever is requested of him - odd in a man who is obviously intelligent and, on a certain level, deeply moral. His secret is interesting, but not quite as powerful as I had anticipated - it falls just a bit flat, which is the reason I gave this novel a 4 rather than a 5.

I really enjoyed The Damage Done, was left wanting more when I turned the final page and am already looking forward to more books by Hilary Davidson. The plot was fast, the twists and turns wonderful and the characters kept jumping out at you. I immediately loved the lead character of Lily Moore, felt at ease with her character and her history. Simply put, if you enjoy good books then read this book, you will not be disappointed and I guarantee you will want to read more of Hilary Davidson.

The authors first book and an excellent debut. Problem is many of the pages are either out of order or repeated. Would certainly buy her follow up books though