Damaged
discussion
"Read with Me" Damaged by Pamela Callow
date
newest »
newest »
Hi Kim,Thanks for starting a discussion! I'm happy to drop in and do a Q&A about DAMAGED -- just no spoilers, please!
Cheers,
Pam Callow
Chapter 1-6"...if you were successful, you'd be respected. No one could hurt you...." Kate Lange, the heroine, has based most of her life on this mantra but she is finding out success cannot protect you from everything.
Kate is not exactly happy with her new career at the law firm. She wants a case she can sink her teeth into but she keeps getting the unexciting family law cases dropped on her desk. The managing partner of the firm doesn't care for her and isn't making things easy. Matter of fact, he dumped a particularily nasty and impossible family custody case on her. No way can it end well for her career. But on the same day, finally, she is asked to assist in a big case by the lawyer who recruited her for the firm. She sees it as her way of proving she can be a successful assest to the firm. However, her bubble of excitement is burst by a visit from her ex., who brings up the memories of her painful past.
If my eyes would have stayed open any longer, I would have kept reading last night. The element of danger was just introduced at the end of chapter 5 and I am eager to find out what happens. I already feel a strong connection with Kate. I'm intrigued by both law cases she is working on. I'm intrigued by her past and her ex-fiance and their entire situation. It will be a struggle for me to not read ahead of my self-imposed schedule of me "Read with Me" discussion. LOL If I read it all in one night, all I'll want to talk about is the ending.
Hi Pamela and welcome to the discussion!Thank you so much for offering to answer some questions. I'm sure I will have several and I promise no spoilers! :) At one time, my family thought I would go into law because I like to argue and usually sway everyone to my point of view. LOL But I just like getting my own way and don't give up until they see it is the best way to do it. :) So, until I get a bit further into Damaged, I'm going to ask a personal question. I see in your short bio at the end of the book that you worked as a strategy consultant for an international firm and are a member of the Nova Scotia bar. What inspired you to go into that profession? What advice would you give to someone thinking of entering it? And finally, what inspired you to write?
Chapters 7-12Oh things are definitely getting gruesome now! The killer is one very sick psychopath. When Pamela gives us a glimpse into the killers mind, it is bone-chilling. The mother of the young victim is a cold b**** but I still feel for her. No one should have that happen to their child. Kate is not going to take this well considering her past and capacity to feel guilt. I wonder how things will go for her since her ex-fiance is the officer in charge of investigation. There are so many factors that make this a page-turner!
Hi Kim,Thanks for hosting the discussion about DAMAGED! I'm glad you are enjoying it so far.
In terms of my professional background, I decided to study law for several reasons. I've always had an interest in crime and justice. I also knew that I had skills in composition that were more suited to law than other professions. And finally, it seemed to be a good, practical choice after completing my undergraduate degree in English Literature. :) However, I came this close to going to journalism school. I would definitely recommend a legal education to anyone who has an interest in it. The material can be a bit dry sometimes , but it really hones one's analytical skills. It also serves a great foundation for many careers in business and governement - and publishing! :)
After I was admitted to the bar, I decided to explore public policy, so I returned to university and completed a Master's Degree in Public Administration. I then accepted a position at an international consulting firm, specializing in public/private partnerships, and working with justice clients to develop models for implementing justice systems.
DAMAGED was inspired by a US criminal case that I read about in the paper. I thought it would make a great novel. But I didn't want to simply write a fictionalized version the case. Instead, I used it as a springboard for developing a thriller, adding some new elements to the case, and creating a female protagonist whose professional experience mirrors some of my own -- and who has to face her deepest fears.
Chapters 13-17Funerals are so sad but this one was sick with getting into the murderers mind. He has some major issues and his thoughts of what he would do to some of the mourners, Kate in particular, is just plain ole creepy. Good thing Ethan was there with the rest of his crew or who knows what might have happened. And as if Kate didn't have enough guilt, now her actions are under investigation. With the info she was given, I don't see a problem with her decisions but she is definitely questioning her judgement now. I'm sensing some major plot twists are coming up soon. What about you?
Pamela, you have quite the thiller here and you say some of the professional experiences Kate has were inspired from yours? I hope it was some of the less dramatic ones! I'm happy to hear you had to add some elements, (hopefully some of the more gruesome ones!). I'd hate to think Damaged was more real than fictional in the nature of the crimes.
I have this book up to read within the next week or so and to post a review on my blog (and, of course, here). I just have to say that all of the reviews I've seen so far have been totally positive ones, so I'll be happy to get to it!!
Hi Kim,Some of Kate's professional experiences are similar to mine -- but the case itself is based on an actual criminal case, which I elaborated by adding a serial killer and a few other elements. I won't give away anything right now, but suffice it to say that the foundation of the crime is based on fact.
Pam
Hi Julie,Thanks for dropping in - hope you enjoy DAMAGED, and thanks so much for offering to post a review!
Best,
Pam
Chapter 18-23Pamela gives us another glimpse into the psychopath's mind and past. He has been disturbed for a long time. It was also chilling to get a sneak peak into his "normal" life when he isn't going out and killing. It made the danger all the more real. Kate and Ethan need to put their past behind them before it is too late. And, can you believe what Randall did? I know he was thinking about helping but that definitely is not the way for a lawyer to act. All I know is that with more bodies being found, everyone better start working together and solve this. The sicko needs to be stopped and then they can worry about all the rest.
Julie, I can tell you I am thoroughly enjoying Damaged. :) It has some very intense scenes, great twist, and it has been VERY difficult for me to stop reading so I can do this "read with Me." I would much rather read it all in one sitting which is the way I predict most readers will read it.
Pamela, I live in a small town and when I hear about these types of gruesome cases it just sends shivers down my spine. I like to think the entire world is as safe as my little piece of it. I know that isn't true. There are way too many sick cases out there that could inspire hundreds of books. I think if I would have pursued law I would have been perfectly happy to handle the family court cases. Less chance of becoming jaded by all the crime, I think, even if it would be a bit boring. I like my thrillers to be in books and movie format, not in my daily life.
Chapter 24-31Kate gets another scare but this time it doesn't involve a call to the police. More details about the murder victims are revealed. The police warn the public but will that really work considering the targets are usually those who are ignored, prostitutes and drug users. New twists in the big case that Kate was asked to work on make her look bad again but she is determined to show the law firm that she is worthy of the big cases. How she will manage that when her mind seems to be focused on the murder victims, betrayals at work, and mixed feelings for Ethan, I don't know. Maybe I will get some answers tonight but most likely there will be a new twist to keep me guessing.
Pamela, what is an Americano? You mentioned on page 211 that Kate has a take-out salad and an Americano and I was curious.
Hi Kim,An Americano is a coffee drink comprised of espresso shots diluted with hot water. A beverage I occasionally enjoy myself!
Chapters 32-36A great set of chapters. I feel so bad for Kate. So many things are going wrong for her. I did enjoy her time with her neighbors even though it led her to another disappointment. It added some more depth to her character, for me. I, also, hope nothing happens to Shonda. For some reason, I am really connecting with her and don't want her to be a victim even though I believe she is in great danger, just like Kate. Will Ethan find the killer in time? Will Kate's carreer survive the latest setbacks? Will she find someone to confide all her secrets or will her carreer be all she has? I was right that there would be more twists that would lead to more questions. I'm anxious to see what happens next.
Pamela, ahhh, yes I can see why that would be called an Americano. If I went to coffee shops more often I would have probably known but my husband makes a killer cup of joe so I don't have to leave home to savor my caffiene.
Sounds like your husband is a keeper !
Chapters 36-42Kate is determined to find out what one of her bosses is trying to hide. The advice he gave the client to settle just doesn't make sense to her. The thing is I think her private investigation into the case will get her into big trouble. But up to this point, my chapter discussions have centered on her carreer and the danger from the psychopath. I think it is time I mention another aspect of the story. Kate is getting so many mixed signals from the men in her life. Her ex-fiance obviously still wants her, proven by the kiss he stole, but will he be able to look past the reason they split in the first place? Then you have Randall, the managing partner of the firm, who sends her very mixed signals. She is cetain he looks at her with desire in his eyes but his actions don't inspire trust. And must not forget the dogwalker she hires for Alaska, her body is definitely attarcted to his but he also gives her a weird vibe when they are alone. Which guy will be her hero? Which one will she turn to when all is said and done? Who do you think she will hook up with? I haven't a clue just like I don't know if they will catch the killer before he strikes again.
Pamela, :) Yes he is a keeper. The first ten years of married life I only had to cook four meals. I'm just about as far away from the term "domestic Goddess" as a person can get so I lucked out. Can't get him to wash a dish if his life depended on it though!
Chapter 43-48OMG, things are beginning to come together. Kate is closing in on answers which is bringing her closer and closer to the pyschopath. But the killer isn't the only one Kate should watch out for. Is he really going to hit her with a tire iron? I wonder if there are surveliance cameras? Oh, and wasn't it creepy when she found the tatooed leg? I'm not sure if I would have been brave enough to go searching like she did. Tonight I should get my answers. :)
Chapter 49-59Wow, not quite the hero I had in mind but definitely a great ending to a perfectly creepy thriller. Almost all of my questions were answered and I'm sure the ones that weren't are because Pamela is not done with Kate Lange. Maybe in the next book Kate won't get herself in as much trouble by investigating by herself. Anyone else think she has learned her lesson? And, is it weird that I feel sorry for Ethan but not Kate, who lost just as much, if not more, than he did?
Pamela, I'm so happy you stopped by and joined in while I was reading your terrific debut. I'm looking forward to being deprived of more sleep when your next book comes out in January 2011. I know I am supposed to wait until you do a Q&A on eHarlequin.com but I have one question that is only indirectly related to Damaged so I thought I could get away with asking it now. :) In your opinion, are there a lot of differences between Canadian and US law procedures? Obviously there would be different wordings of the law but are the two countries that different in what we expect from lawyers and their conduct?
Everyone, make sure you stop by and become a fan of Pamela's. She is new to goodreads and deserves a very big welcome! Besides, you won't want to miss her next books. ;)
Hi Christina,I'm with you. After thinking about it, I do not believe Kate learned her lesson. She doesn't seem the type to stop until she has all the answers and she really doesn't think about the danger she may be in until it is way too late. I think she had a great big scare in Damaged but her basic personality will bounce right back and she will get herself into trouble again and again. I can't wait for the next Kate Lange book to hit the shelves so I can see what happens. Also, I think she deserves to find a good man to share her life with. Maybe one that can keep her out of at least some of her more dangerous exploits!
Wait - I've read all her books - you will be hooked for sure. Can't wait for her next one to come out.
Thank you, Brenda! I'm so happy you have enjoyed the Kate Lange Thriller Series. I've also been working on a television pitch treatment for the series. :)
Wow, Congrats Pamela, My aunt got hooked on your books also so we both cannot wait till your next one.
Thank you, Brenda! I'll be head down working on these projects to get them done ASAP. :)
all discussions on this book
|
post a new topic
Damaged
by Pamela Callow
Haunted by the death of her sister and wounded by her ex-fiancé's accusations, Kate Lange throws herself into her new career at a high-powered law firm.
When the grandmother of a lonely private school student seeks her counsel, Kate thinks it's just another custody case. But then the teen is brutally murdered. And it isn't only Kate who wonders if her legal advice led to the girl's death.
Put on notice by Randall Barrett, the firm's charismatic managing partner, Kate must fight for her career, for her reputation—and for redemption.
Unwilling to live with the damage she may have caused, Kate pursues the case on her own and unearths some chilling facts.
Facts that lead straight to the heart of a legal conspiracy.
Facts that lead Kate directly into the surgically skilled hands of the Body Butcher.
Sound good huh? I haven't read a thriller in a while so I'm really looking forward to tonight. Still not sure? eHarlequin.com has an excerpt available if you think that will help you decide. Here!