Freida McFadden never disappoints, and BRAIN DAMAGE is no exception. It features a perplexing mystery and plenty of psychological thrills that will delight readers.

In the prologue, dermatologist Charlotte “Charly” McKenna is confronted by someone who shoots her in the head. In that moment, she recalls that what came afterward hurt so much more than the bullet that shattered her skull.

The novel is set up with chapters that occur both before and after the shooting. The “Before” sections present Charly’s life, along with a series of potential suspects. The “After” portions show her struggles in the hospital following massive brain and skull surgery. We watch the grueling recovery process, as well as Charly getting her memory back and asking questions about who shot her.

"Freida McFadden really knows her way around an entertaining story, and I am sure she already has her next release lined up waiting to be eagerly consumed by her loyal readers."

Nearly every character in the novel, with the exception of Charly, is unlikable. This includes her mother, who is far from forthcoming with her as she recovers from her trauma. Readers probably could see any of these individuals as the culprit, which heightens the tension as there is no clear lead suspect until the resolution.

Clark, Charly’s boyfriend and eventual husband, is a good-looking but vapid man who lies to Charly at every turn --- from not telling her about his termination from his job a year ago to possibly cheating on her. Stan Leroy, who is being treated for an embarrassing condition, asks Charly out only to be rebuffed. He verbally admonishes her and seems to turn up wherever she is --- from her favorite diner to the resort in the Bahamas while she is on her honeymoon. The husband of another patient accuses Charly of ruining his marriage by successfully treating his wife and making her more attractive and self-confident.

Charly’s brain damage is significant, which means that she may not be providing the most accurate details. She is forced to wear what looks like a hockey helmet to protect her head due to her entire skull needing to be removed in surgery. The challenges she faces during the almost surreal recovery period is frustrating to experience, and you cannot help but feel for her. There is also an innate sense of protectiveness that will overcome you as you root for Charly but realize that the person who shot her is still out there and may seek to finish the job.

The mystery elements come into serious play as the whodunit is eventually revealed and the psychological torment that Charly must endure is nearly unbearable straight through to the denouement. Freida McFadden really knows her way around an entertaining story, and I am sure she already has her next release lined up waiting to be eagerly consumed by her loyal readers.