Usually Irene's books fall into a "typical but I liked it" category. This one, however, has a slightly lower rating because I felt there were some major plot holes. Or rather, storylines that were disjointed and I questioned how everything came together. Was the whole "corporate espionage and embezzlement" a misdirection? Why have it when really the storyline came down to a more predictable reason for murder.

It was nice to see some past characters (not only from this "series" but other ones Irene has written) make an appearance. But while I normally feel a connection to someone, I did not this go around. So while I will keep reading, Irene Hannon's writings are drifting into Karen Kingsbury "I don't give a crap what you write anymore" territory.

Can Irene Hannon write a bad book? I'm guessing the answer is no. At least, I haven't come across any. This book was amazing and suspenseful. I got sucked into it quickly and couldn't put it down. The characters felt real and relatable, the plotline was believable, and it flowed well.
I highly recommend this book to anyone.

Over the Edge is book 2 in Irene Hannon’s Undaunted Courage series. In it, Lyndsey is a trauma survivor who is barely keeping her head above water when another traumatic event happens: she walks in on a murder scene and almost dies. The case detective, Jack Tucker, wants to believe her, but there are so many holes in her stories. Is someone trying to set her up? Or is she really losing her mind? Read it and see!

I read recently thaf Publishers Weekly aptly dubbed Irene Hannon the queen of suspense. Her unique writing style consistently captivates me. Over the Edge, the second book in her Undaunted Series, follows a personal chef who stumbles upon her murdered client with the killer still on the scene. The multiple viewpoints make for an entertaining, suspenseful read. And as always, there is a sweet romance. I highly recommend it and look forward to the series' conclusion, despite having to wait.
4.5 stars
*I received a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion

4 of 5 stars

This book was a very interesting read. I liked the main characters and their relationship. It went at just the right speed. The storyline kept me interested although it did feel like it dragged on a bit. I guessed the culprits of the murder about half-way through the book, but that was mostly because I’ve read enough murder mystery books to know who the most likely people were. Overall Irene wrote an enjoyable book, just wasn’t my cup of tea.

I received an ARC copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Over the Edge by Irene Hannon was an absolutely riveting story from beginning to end! Lindsey Barnes is the sole witness to a murder, but she's struggling with an ordeal that almost took her life. Jack Tucker is on the case, but Lindsey doesn't like Jack, and he has no clue why. As the killer casts doubts on Lindsey's mental stability, Jack has to figure out the truth. This story was engaging from beginning to end and kept me guessing. One of the best stories, from one of my favorite authors!

Over the Edge is the second book in Irene Hannon’s Undaunted Courage series. Whereas the first book, Into the Fire, featured fire investigator Bri Tucker, this edition features her foster brother St. Louis PD detective Jack Turner as he investigates the high profile murder of a real estate developer, James Robertson.

Personal chef Lindsay Barnes was only going by the Robertson house to pick up her knife roll that she had left behind the night before in her haste to end a very long day. As she went by that morning and parked behind the garage she could see that Chad Allen, a veteran finding his way as he had fought back from PTSD, received carpentry training, and was now working as a handyman, was working on a special project in the Robertson’s guest house. As she entered the house to reclaim her tools, she found James Robertson sprawled on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood. When Lindsay heard someone in the half bath off the kitchen, she took refuge in a nook under the breakfast bar, making herself as small as she possibly could. She hadn’t survived the situation in South Carolina just to loose herself now in St. Louis.

When the perpetrator comes out of the bathroom, Lindsay does all she can to not be noticed. When the intruder finally leaves, she gives it a few minutes before she feels safe enough to dial 911. They respond quickly.

When the St. Louis police department responds to find the cold blooded murder it is Detective Jack Tucker assigned to be investigative lead on the case. However, even though Jack has no idea he and the star witness have a history, they do.

This is yet another well written thriller by Irene Hannon. Her characters are well drawn. Her plot is tight yet sprinkled with clues and red herrings alike. And, as expected, the story’s climax is heart pounding! I very much enjoyed this novel and do recommend it. I also look forward to the third book in this trilogy.

My thoughts: over the edge is Ms Hannon's newest release. It was a page-turner. She saw the killer but can remember no details. The police keep running into dead ends. Will they sell out the murder before turns into a Cold Case? I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. I love Ms Hannon's voice in this book wasn't as creepy as some of the books I've read by her. I fell in love with the two main characters and could really identify with them. If you like romantic suspense you will love this book. Highly recommended. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

Another awesome, un-put-downable book in the Undaunted Courage series by Irene Hannon. I loved Over the Edge just as much, or more than, Into the Fire. Each book in the series is focusing on one of three siblings. We were introduced to the main male character, Jack Tucker, in the first book. In this second book, he is the police detective handling the murder case that our main female character, Lindsey Barnes finds herself an unexpected witness to. The only witness. The witness who it appears the killer may just be trying to undermine the credibility of through a series of events that make her question her own sanity.
Stories where someone is being accused of something they didn't do really grab my attention, and Lindsey being set up to look insane falls into that category. I needed to see her vindicated as well as see the murderer brought to justice for the original killing. For the last half of the book I could not put down my phone, but kept swiping page after page just so I could figure out exactly who the killer was. The author had included so many twists and turns with multiple suspects that I needed to have answers. And of course, there was quite a bit of suspense as well, with quite a bit of tense detail, especially moving toward the climax.
Then add in the romance, because you know, it is a romantic suspense book after all. I needed to know how Lindsey and Jack were going to get past the obstacles to their relationship. From their first meeting at the scene of the crime, it was clear there was some sort of animosity, though they had never actually met. I loved getting into their backgrounds to discover what the issues were.
Both characters were Christians who were strong in their faith, but were also working through past traumas.
As she did in the previous book, the author definitely caught me by surprise with the reveal, though I had at one point been leaning toward possibly thinking certain people were involved, but then had changed my mind. There was a satisfying conclusion to the case, and the author didn't leave any loose ends. And I loved that we got an epilogue to show where our characters were at in their relationship, along with an update of the main characters from book one.
Yes, I do recommend reading Into the Fire before this book. Though each story does stand alone, the characters carry over, so you will have some spoilers when it comes to their relationships. And you get more of a background on the siblings in book one. If that doesn't bother you, then book two could be read as a stand alone.
I highly recommend this book
I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Author Irene Hannon is back with Book 2 in her Undaunted Courage Series, and Over the Edge should not be missed! She brings readers a riveting tale of malicious mischief, mayhem, and murder. She creates an atmosphere of suspense that will keep you on guard as you read each page of this book! My favorite thing about Hannon’s writing is how the suspense triggers the romance. The romance is a slow burn, and seeing how Hannon weaves it into her plot is always interesting.

Lindsay was a strong and resilient character. Not only did she continue with her commitments while going through this trial, but she also showed her caring nature by helping others. Jack and Lindsay meet when he is assigned as lead investigator to the murder where Lindsay is a witness. Someone is trying to make Lindsay look like an unreliable witness, and Jack is torn between trusting her or not. What is really going on? Who can be trusted? There were some twists/reveals that happened that I hadn't seen coming. I had suspicions but didn't piece everything together correctly. I enjoyed the interactions of Jack and his sisters, their banter was fun, and I would have been good with more scenes with the three of them together. I did like the way the romance built up, and the ending was sweet. This was very light on the faith, a few mentions of attending church, but that was about it.

When Lindsey's ordered life is thrown into turmoil by witnessing the aftermath of a murder - including seeing the disguised murderer, she thinks that's as bad as it will get. Instead, she has to deal with a detective who she blames for a tragedy in her past, and then faces a series of incidents which cast doubt on her sanity. Jack doesn't know why the witness in his case appears to hate him on sight, but it intrigues him - until he begins to wonder whether she's delusional. Can they overcome past baggage to build a relationship, even if it's only friendship? And will they be able to uncover the truth of the murder - not to mention subsequent events - before the only witness is finally silenced, permanently?

An intriguing, exciting and touching read. The idea of introducing odd events into the lives of witnesses to discredit them is fiendishly brilliant, and definitely kept things interesting. I was also very definitely kept guessing as to who the murderer was, with the snippets of 'bad guy' scenes piquing my interest but in no way explaining things (at least to me). And the growing relationship between Lindsey and Jack (kept appropriate while they were working together) was a beautiful counterpoint to the mystery. A great book that kept me reading way too long. Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

This book was fascinating to read with the antagonist trying to make it seem like Lindsey was losing her mind to try to discredit her, yet the police detective was falling for her at the same time. I never suspected the person who was behind it all until the author finally decided to reveal it which doesn't happen very often.

An exciting page turner. A sweet romantic suspense filled with danger and uncertainty. Interesting back stories for both of the main characters. Clever red herrings that I completely fell for and was delightfully surprised. I am eager to read more by this author. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This storyline plunged right into the Thriller/mystery aspect of the story and gripped my attention. Lindsey has past trauma and finding a body was not on her culinary list for the day. Jack, the Detective on the case, is familiar to Lindsey and she initially is guarded towards him but he doesn’t know why.

Once the case starts to develop the Author has you questioning all Lindsey’s close relationships and her sanity is in question. Can Jack and others get to the bottom of the murders or will Lindsey get in the killers way?

Over the Edge
by Irene Hannon
Pub DateOct 01 2024 | Archive Date Not set
Revell
Christian| Mystery & Thrillers| Romance



Revell and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of Over the Edge for review:



Trauma survivor Lindsey Barnes hasn't fully recovered from the ordeal that almost ended her life, and now she's facing another crisis. Not only is she the sole witness in a high-profile murder case, but someone is also pushing her to question her sanity. Aside from being the sole witness in a high-profile murder case, someone is also questioning her sanity.




Jack Tucker is unsure of what to believe when his elusive enemy leaves no evidence behind to support her claims. Yet the more he gets to know the appealing personal chef, the more he's convinced someone is targeting not only her sanity, but her life. Despite this, he becomes increasingly convinced that someone is targeting not only her sanity but her life as well. 



Unless they can figure out who is behind the campaign to undermine her credibility, a killer could slip away, leaving more than one body behind.


I give Over the Edge five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Over the Edge, book 2 of Irene Hannon’s Undaunted Courage series, was thrilling and suspenseful from the get go. A murder had the heroine reeling and the police baffled, the list of suspects growing with each chapter. No spoilers here. You will have to test your detective skills and see if you can figure out this intriguing mystery. Good luck!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

A twisted mystery that will keep you guessing until the fascinating end. Personal chef Lindsey Barnes is feeling confident about her new business when she walks in and finds her employer dead. Hearing someone still in the house, she hides behind a counter praying that she won’t be noticed. Luckily for her, the killer leaves, but with her view mostly blocked, will she remember anything about the killer? Detective Jack Turner is called to the scene and has two possible witnesses. There is Lindsey, who he realizes has not completely recovered from a previous trauma and a young man there working construction. The young man is former military and had been living on the streets prior to getting his life in order. Someone tries to implicate him, but Jack believes there is more to the murder than the brief facts that are available. Someone is also trying to make sure that any information Lindsey provides is suspect. At first, Lindsey finds it difficult working with Jack due to a personal connection that he is unaware of. Will she be able to help with the investigation before the killer decides to silence her forever? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Private Chef, Lindsay Barnes has had a traumatic past. She is witness to the horrific crime scene of a client's murder and the murderer is just feet away from her. To make matters worse, Detective Jack Tucker who is connected to her previous trauma arrives on the scene and is the investigator on the murder case. Chad Allen, a carpenter with his own past is also on the property, working on a project alone. Lindsay is acquainted with he and his wife Dara. It's a stressful and confusing situation. Did Chad have anything to do with the crime or is he being framed? Is someone after the chef who was a witness of sorts?
I received an e-copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion about the second book in Irene Hannon's series. This is a very intriguing story. I enjoyed it. There are twists and turns that made me wonder if I was correct in who I thought the murderer was. This is such a good story. I like that Jack is the brother of Bri from the previous book. The story keeps the reader on the edge. I don't want to say more and ruin the anticipation. This is a 5-star murder mystery and romance for me.

Personal chef Lindsey Barnes had a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Once again she found herself on the scene of a violent crime. St Louis County Detective Jack Tucker finds himself in a situation that leaves him feeling very conflicted. His key witness strikes a cord with him, but seems to have taken an immediate dislike to him, and to top it off, she reminds him of his biological mother for all the wrong reasons. Irene Hannon builds an intense suspense story with a lot of romantic angst in Over the Edge. The title of this book fits perfectly as Lindsey feels herself being pushed closer to the edge of sanity in this story which leans toward being a psychological thriller. It is a compelling tale that will hold readers firmly in its grasp until the last page.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Over the Edge from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.