Damage Done by Amanda Panitch

22 minutes separate Julia Vann’s before and after.
Before: Julia had a twin brother, a boyfriend, and a best friend.
After: She has a new identity, a new hometown, and memories of those twenty-two minutes that refuse to come into focus. At least, that’s what she tells the police.
Now that she’s Lucy Black, she's able to begin again. She's even getting used to the empty bedroom where her brother should be. And her fresh start has attracted the attention of one of the hottest guys in school, a boy who will do anything to protect her. But when someone much more dangerous also takes notice, Lucy's forced to confront the dark secrets she thought were safely left behind.
One thing is clear: The damage done can never be erased. It’s only just beginning. . . .

This was a disturbing and suspenseful story.  I didn’t really warm to any of the characters but it wasn’t supposed to be a feel good read.  Some of the thoughts and actions of the main character, Julia, were odd. The reason for this becomes clear at the end but it did affect the flow of the story for me, and some of the events stretched the imagination.  However the nasty twist at the end does help fill in some of the apparent gaps in the plot.  In many ways this is a clever, gripping thriller. 

Reviewed by Carolyn