Set in the fictional Montana town of Blue Deer, author Jamie Harrison starts a series focused on Jules Clement, a former archeologist and now town Sheriff.
The characters are eccentric, and quirky, but I didn't connect with any of them much. Jules Clement is an unlikely person for a sheriff. He's well travelled, well read, mild mannered, and seemingly too calm and peaceful for the role. While the shooting appears initially to be the result of a feuding couple, facts come to light that widening the suspects to include George's brother Ray. Jules also finds links to an accidental death that occurred when George and Ray were in high school. Pretty soon, bodies are turning up, and Jules is upset, and the motivations of all the personalities involved keep this case nicely messy and interesting.
I really wanted to love this novel, living in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains. However, it was just okay. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it, and it was a decent novel I think some would really enjoy.

I listened to this book, and it was really well narrated

Thank you to Netgalley and to Highbridge Audio for this digital arc.

I quite enjoyed this new (to me) mystery series taking place in small town Blue Deer, Montana. This is book one of what is currently a set of five books, but I believe it is a recent release of the audio book (I liked the narrator a lot — had a real Montana sound to him).

The independently minded characters gave off a real Montana vibe, without straying too far into stereotype (and not terribly accurate) portrayal of the Montana resident.

Jules Clement was born and raised in Blue Deer, escaped to the East Coast for education and adventure, and then in a surprising move (even to himself) went back to Blue Deer to take up the usually straightforward position of Sheriff. Not so straightforward during this story, though. What starts as someone taking a potshot at a local screenwriter, turns into something else completely as the bodies start piling up and seem to connect in some way to a 20-year old accident.

While I would not say that many of the characters were *likeable,* they were all interesting and had their own kind of depth. The story was slow paced, but not overwhelmed by filler, and I never got bored (which is saying a lot). I loved the character of Jules, whose personality contained many contradictory elements. I’ll definitely be pursuing books 2-5.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Jamie Harrison’s The Edge of the Crazies is a captivating mystery set in the quirky town of Blue Deer, Montana. This debut novel introduces readers to a colorful cast of characters and a plot filled with twists and turns. Narrated by Justin Price, the audiobook brings an added layer of charm and suspense to this engaging story.

This story revolves around Jules Clement, a former archaeologist turned sheriff, who is tasked with maintaining order in the small town of Blue Deer. The peace is shattered when someone takes a shot at local screenwriter George Blackwater, wounding him and setting off a chain of events that leads to multiple murders. As Jules delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies among the town’s residents, each more eccentric than the last.

Justin Price’s narration is a highlight of this audiobook. His ability to capture the distinct voices and personalities of the diverse characters adds depth to the story. Price’s expressive delivery enhances the humor and tension, making the listening experience both entertaining and immersive.

Harrison’s writing is sharp and witty, with a keen eye for detail and character development. The dialogue is crisp and often humorous, reflecting the idiosyncrasies of the town’s inhabitants. Harrison skillfully balances the lighthearted moments with the darker elements of the plot, creating a well-rounded and compelling narrative.

The Edge of the Crazies explores themes of community, loyalty, and the hidden complexities of seemingly simple lives. It delves into the impact of past traumas and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

The Edge of the Crazies is a delightful and intriguing mystery that will appeal to fans of character-driven stories and small-town settings. Jamie Harrison has crafted a memorable debut with a cast of characters that are both endearing and enigmatic. Justin Price’s excellent narration elevates the audiobook, making it a must-listen for mystery enthusiasts.

This was not my typical read, but I was drawn in by the description and small town Montana setting.

Unfortunately I never became as invested in the story as I had hoped. The story felt choppy, and hard to follow in audio. I don't know if a physical read of this one would have better results. The characters were not likeable, and the book just felt long and dragged out.

Maybe this just isn't the genre for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

Sheriff Jules Clement grew up in the small town of Blue Deer, Montana, but left for college and to explore the world. He returned to become sheriff and it's been pretty peaceful so far. Until someone takes shots at the resident screenwriter and all the complex relationships in the small town explode into a series of crimes and revelations that will have Jules working double-time to solve this crime spree.

I'm intrigued by the fact that it's the first book in the series because it feels like you've fallen into the middle of the story and are expected to know the characters although Harrison does a great job of introducing them and how they're all connected. Because, boy, are they all connected. It's a very twisty plot that keeps you guessing what's happening and who's guilty of it. Just when I thought I had the hang of it, another thing happens that makes me question everything. And it's not done in a way that feels like the author is trying to dig themselves out of a plot hole, everything feels deliberate and very much like what the characters would do.

I enjoyed the narration by Justin Price but did have trouble figuring out who was speaking a couple of times. Nothing major, but it made me have to go back on a couple of conversations to make sense of them.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the twisty read!

Set in the fictional Montana town of Blue Deer, author Jamie Harrison starts a series focused on Jules Clement, a former archeologist and now town Sheriff.

Blue Deer is populated with a host of unusual characters, some recent arrivals. These newer arrivals are a mix of different types of artists and famous people, and it's the shooting of screenwriter George Blackwater that opens this novel.

Jules Clement is an unlikely person for a sheriff. He's well travelled, well read, mild mannered, and seemingly too calm and peaceful for the role. Jules is called on to deal not only with the shooting, but also conflicting and confusing motives, exacerbated by the quirkiness of the characters, many of whom are bedhopping with one another (Jules not being immune to this activity either.)

While the shooting appears initially to be the result of a feuding couple, facts come to light that widening the suspects to include George's brother Ray. Jules also finds links to an accidental death that occurred when George and Ray were in high school.

Pretty soon, bodies are turning up, and Jules is upset, and the motivations of all the personalities involved keep this case nicely messy and interesting.

The characters are eccentric, and there's almost a surfeit of quirk throughout, but I still liked this story and the sometimes elliptical conversations between characters.

This novel felt distinctly different from other mysteries I've read. Perhaps that's why I did like it, as it confounded my expectations, and that's always great.

I listened to this book, and voice actor Justin Price brings a somewhat folksy, wry tone to the proceedings, highlighting the sheer weirdness of the town and its inhabitants.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Highbridge Audio for this ARC in exchange for my review.