Brain Damage by Freida McFadden, 384-page psychological thriller
Brain Damage by Freida McFadden is a psychological thriller about Dr. Charly McKenna, who wakes in rehabilitation after a shooting unable to remember her past. As her memories return, she questions whether someone close to her may be the threat.
At a glance
- A psychological thriller built around a protagonist recovering from a serious shooting and memory loss.
- The plot centres on fragmented memories, unsettling questions about people around Charly and a possible betrayal by someone she once trusted.
- Customer feedback describes the book as suspenseful, engaging and easy to follow, while some readers mention a slow start.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- The memory-recovery premise gives the mystery a clear personal stake for its protagonist.
- The supplied customer summary reports engaging suspense, developed characters, humour and straightforward reading.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Author | Freida McFadden |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Poisoned Pen Press |
| Publication date | Aug. 18 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 384 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 146424961X |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1464249617 |
| Weight listed | 295 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.7 x 2.44 x 20.32 cm |
What to know before buying
- The listing gives an Aug. 18 2026 publication date. Confirm that timing suits your purchase plans.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers looking for a psychological thriller involving memory loss, suspense and questions of trust.
- Readers who value an accessible, character-focused story and do not mind a potentially slow opening.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a fast-paced opening, based on customer feedback that some found the start slow.
- Readers who prefer books without violence or threats, as the premise involves a shooting and an attempted murder.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
44% 44% - 4 stars
33% 33% - 3 stars
18% 18% - 2 stars
4% 4% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes the book as engaging, suspenseful, easy to follow and satisfying, with readers also noting character development, emotional warmth and humour. Some say it starts slowly. For readers drawn to the listed memory-loss mystery, that suggests an accessible, character-led thriller, though those seeking immediate momentum may be less pleased. The aggregate rating is positive overall, but it does not establish why readers rated the book as they did.
Positive themes
- Readers describe the story as engaging and suspenseful.
- The customer summary highlights readable prose, well-developed characters, humour and emotional warmth.
Negative themes
- Some readers report that the opening feels slow.
Frequently asked questions
What is Brain Damage about?
Dr. Charly McKenna wakes in a rehabilitation hospital after a shooting with major memory loss. As she tries to piece together what happened, she questions the people around her and who may want her dead.
Who wrote Brain Damage?
The listing identifies Freida McFadden as the author.
How long is Brain Damage?
The listing states a print length of 384 pages.
What do customer ratings and feedback indicate?
The supplied aggregate rating is positive overall, but ratings alone do not explain readers' reasons. The customer summary describes an engaging, readable story with appealing characters and humour, alongside some reports of a slow start.
