Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

3/5 ok/good

This was ok. I wanted to love it, everything in the blurb drew me in but I just found that I couldn’t really love it and the characters were just not for me,

It’s paced well though and it did hold some intrigue and I like the 80s America setting, the CIA and much about the book. Just missed the mark to be a 4/5 star read.

Would i recommend people read it if asked? Yes. Will I shout about it? Probably not.

Set in 1980’s Miami. And the beginning of the drug wars. Many bad guys from all sides representing a long war fueled by money and greed.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC of 'The Edge of America' by Jon Sealy - I was intrigued with the plot set in 1984 Miami. Reminiscent of Miami Vice and other great movies set in such a time. We are introduced to Bobby West, of Atrium Group - a CIA holding company. Bobby has dealings in several industries and seems to be a whizz accountant at maneuvering the books to make everything seem legit from the outside. But all is not so cosy. Bobby is introduced to Alexander French, a guy who's reputation precedes him from the outset and entrusts Bobby with $3million cash deposit to hold for his business.

Holly, Bobby's teenage daughter is mischievous and resentful towards her father. She takes it upon herself to runaway and make her father pay for his misgivings. She encounters Keith Sorrell - a Southern man at the age of 20 - on the road and begins a odd adventure with him.

We are introduced to a lot of characters throughout the story and it makes for a compelling read - reminds of a good crime movie. Would recommend.

The tale of Bobby West is interesting to the point where I understood it. The author frequently digresses with elaborate local history or background of a character. So much of that is not relevant to the plot. When it comes to the relevant parts, the author is not so generous with his information. Frankly, I never understood the Miami lawyer's connection to the mob. The story blew up on Bobby West toward the end when one of his Cuba allies and drug smuggler committed an act which seems to have destroyed Bobby's connections It was all too murky. His boss at the CIA is another enigma, one we are expected to take at face value. So, although I enjoyed much of the story, I would have preferred less digression and more explanation.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.