The Vulnerable


Fiction - Thriller - Environmental
374 Pages
Reviewed on 06/23/2025
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Author Biography

Ed DeJesus is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and environmental advocate who brings authenticity to his novel’s narrative and settings, drawing from his experiences in technology and residences in Massachusetts and Florida. Known for his modern thrillers that blend suspense with socially relevant themes, his latest novel, The Vulnerable, examines the complexities of climate change, personal turmoil, and family relationships.

His award-winning short story in the Indies United 2025 Anthology previews his upcoming project, Simpler Times in the Spindle City, which offers a nostalgic glimpse of Lowell, Massachusetts, during the 1960s and 1970s.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, he served in the US Army Reserves and studied Computer Science at Boston University and Creative Writing at UMass Lowell. His professional journey includes roles as President of Sightline Solar, CEO of JustZip.com, and VP of Engineering at MSL. Ed is a member of the Florida Gulf Coast Writers Association and lives in Fort Myers, Florida, where he continues to write and advocate for social and environmental causes.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In The Vulnerable by Ed DeJesus, after entering a relationship with Robin O’Rourke, Dan DeCosta is driven into a dangerous situation involving her violent former partner, legal consequences, and the threat of financial and physical collapse. His father, Dick DeCosta, a targeted climate activist who had moved to Florida to avoid hostile groups, is compelled to return to Boston when Dan’s situation worsens. As Dick attempts to help his son, his wife falls seriously ill, and his daughter is threatened with advancing wildfires. Meanwhile, Meghan McCormack, the family’s promiscuous physical therapist, begins to uncover evidence of concealed identities and long-suppressed truths. As events escalate, Dick DeCosta and his family confront multiple personal and external pressures that threaten their safety, stability, and relationships.

The Vulnerable by Ed DeJesus is a simmering, well-written novel that goes a long way in pulling readers into a world inhabited by realistic characters facing genuine life situations. Dan’s experience with substance use, Joanna’s health anxiety, Jim’s quiet grief, Dick’s fatigue with family responsibility, and Robin's fears, among many others, are portrayed with honesty in their flaws, allowing their humanity to shine through as people who feel authentic. I found Robin's state to be the most interesting, and the presence of Sean, even when he is not there, and the lingering trauma he causes create a persistent psychological toll that kept me invested emotionally in her story. DeJesus thoughtfully incorporates social concerns such as climate change, police misconduct, workplace toxicity, and the influence of social media to ground the storyline by showing how these issues affect the characters’ lives. Through clear, straightforward prose and skillful development, DeJesus strikes gold. Very highly recommended.

B Montiero

Intrigue, mystery, and romance. The conundrum of events for one of the characters was wild, yet believable. The build-up to resolutions was well done and convincing. When you can create emotions from the reader, this results in a good story. Characters are interesting and well-developed. Storylines of climate change, forest fires, DNA testing, and COVID all added to this story. Set in the greater Lowell, MA and Fort Myers, FL.
I save my 5 star ratings for a really great story- this is one of them. Well done and kudos to this debut author

J N McDonald

The Vulnerable is a gripping, multi-layered tale that weaves family drama with broader societal issues. It follows the DeCosta family, whose successful lives become entangled in a web of personal demons and intrigue. Triangulating from California wildfires, to Massachusetts blizzards, then to the hurricane-prone shores of SW Florida, The Vulnerable is a suspenseful read with complex characters and real-world relevance -- definitely worth the read. -- Jacqueline McDonald, best-selling author of THE LOWELL TRILOGY.

Joseph Lukens

I found the book very difficult to put down. Great short chapters that take you from one exciting place to another. A wonderful portrayal of many unique people!! I have recommended it to many friends!!

R. J. Emery

In the capable hands of author Ed DeJesus, “The Vulnerable” comes alive, page after page, unfolding a crime-filled story with characters the author has carefully fleshed out. This complicated but entertaining novel is a contemporary crime story that will stay with you. I highly recommend it. 5 Stars. R. J. Emery, award-winning author of Megastar

George Polling

Ed DeJesus’ debut novel is a page turner! Well developed characters and familiar settings make it all the more compelling. The novel addresses real life issues in a way that opens minds, just the way good books always should. I highly recommend “The Vulnerable.”

Gorge Hovey

A suspenseful thriller that makes you think, not too long or too short. Dejesus makes it a great read. A great array of characters that keeps you interested throughout the read.

Ed Romano

A very compelling read! I was spellbound from the opening page to the very last sentence! This is a must read for anyone who wants a thought-provoking perspective of our current environment.

DeJesus is a fascinating storyteller I can't wait to read his next book!

Mary Ann Kolis

Multiple characters with issues that intrigue you. Stayed up late to finish the last few chapters as the suspenseful events unfolded.
Great info about Fort Myers, FL!

Mary Lou Ledoux

This book is definitely a page turner. I would sit down to read a couple of chapters and looked at the time and an hour had gone by. I could never read just a chapter or two at a time as I wanted to see what was going to happen next. So many characters in the book all connected in some way. The author did a great job of bringing all of them to life. Can't wait for his next book.