Irene Hannon is definitely a favorite romantic suspense author! I devoured the first book in the Undaunted Courage series & couldn’t wait for book 2. Over the Edge is aptly titled as it dangled me over the edge with one suspenseful situation after another. The series centers around three grown foster children adopted by the same loving couple, who’ve each overcome troubled pasts & are working in various areas of law enforcement. This is Jack’s story & it definitely packs a wallop!

Talented chef Lindsay Barnes recently moved to St. Louis after experiencing a traumatic event. When she returns to a client’s home to retrieve her knife roll, she inadvertently stumbles onto a murder scene. As she hides from the killer who’s still there, she happens to catch a brief glimpse. When bizarre things begin to happen to her, is she suffering from PTSD, or is someone trying to gaslight her? Then there’s the charming detective who’s too handsome for his own good & who she blames for a heartbreaking incident involving her friend. Will they be able to work together to find the killer?

Police Detective Jack Tucker had a difficult childhood, but luckily thrived after being adopted out of foster care. When he meets Lindsay at a murder scene, he’s puzzled by her cold treatment of him. He also doubts her credibility at first after learning about her traumatic past, & questioning the bizarre incidents that keep happening to her. He also hesitates getting involved with someone who might be suffering from mental issues after dealing with his birth mother. As he gets to know her, he quells his doubts & begins falling for her, but someone is clearly out to get her & as she remembers more about the murder, she becomes even more of a target.

This book had me on pins & needles. At times, I doubted Lindsay herself & wondered if she was an unreliable narrator. The psychological games were definitely chilling. There were several potential suspects each with a motive for murder & it wasn’t until about 2/3rds into the book that the suspects were revealed. From there, it’s a thrill ride as Lindsay doesn’t recognize the killer until it’s almost too late. The romance was so well done. I loved the depth of these characters & appreciated how they helped each other as they forged a new understanding between them.

It’s a rollercoaster ride I thoroughly enjoyed that had just the right amount of romance & faith. Highly recommend to romantic suspense fans! Though part of a series, each book can easily be read as a standalone. Now I can’t wait to find out what happens to the next sibling. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided. 4.5-5 stars!

Irene Hannon writes some of the best romantic suspense out there - when she's not writing some of the best contemporary romance out there. If her name is on the cover, you can be guaranteed a great story!

Over the Edge is her latest romantic suspense, and prepare yourself for a real nail-biter. Personal chef Lindsey Barnes is still in therapy from the last ordeal that nearly took her life, now she's the only witness to the murder of her employer. When incidents start happening that make the police question her mental stability, she's not sure who she can trust. Unfortunately, she has unpleasant history with the police detective assigned to the case. Can she trust him enough to keep her safe as the incidents grow more and more dangerous?

Jack Tucker doesn't know what to believe. While the witness appears to be capable and sure about her observations, some of the incidents she's been reporting seem to be lapses in memory or figments of her imagination. As the incidents keep occurring, Jack begins to believe that someone is messing with her. How can he keep his only witness from losing all credibility when there is never any proof of the incidents happening? Can he keep her safe from someone who appears to be a phantom? And, why can't he convince her to trust him to keep her safe?

I enjoyed everything about this book! I listened to it through my Libby app, and Therese Plummer is always an amazing narrator! The story's suspense started with small nudges, that then moved to shoves, to all-out murder attempts but the main characters are smart enough to come through. I liked seeing the process of investigation throughout the story, but there was still a pretty hefty surprise saved for the end!

Readers who enjoy romantic suspense with faith filtered throughout, will enjoy Over the Edge, Book 2 in Hannon's Undaunted Courage series. Next up for Hannon is Sunrise Reef, Book 11 in her Hope Harbor series.

I was keen to read Irene Hanson’s new Christian mystery/thriller/romance, having already read and enjoyed her Triple Threat series.

It has a great storyline filled with some twists and turns and a good dose of a brewing romance, although not as many red herrings as her other series I’ve read.

What threw me off, as a Christian reading a Christian fiction, was a statement by a lead character at the end of the story that luck and God were on their side. I just couldn’t reconcile that—it’s either all luck (for the superstitious, dubious or doubtful), or all God. It can’t be both. I was admittedly a little disappointed that the lines are blurred like this, especially being a Christian novel. I get that some people may believe that both can exist at the same time as they have doubts. Many people have doubts. But maybe I idealise the notion that Christian characters in fiction novels have some level of growth and maturity by the end of the story and they could discern the two.

Will I read more Irene Hannon mysteries? You bet! I hope they continue to get better and better!

4.5 stars

Ahhhhhhhh the way that Irene Hannon masterfully sets up the plot in Over the Edge had me questioning my own sanity as well as Lindsey’s! I couldn’t have put the book down if I’d wanted to. But I absolutely didn’t want to because the tight writing, great characters, and psych-thriller vibes swept me right away into the story and carried me from twist to twist, playing with my mind in the best possible ways, until it deposited me on the other side with a full and content reader heart.

Lindsey Barnes is already a trauma survivor when she becomes the sole person who saw her client’s murderer leave the scene, and while you certainly don’t wish trauma on even fictional characters, at least she has more tools to work through this latest crisis than most of us would. She’s gonna need them too because someone wants to make sure the police do not take her seriously. Fortunately for her, lead detective Jack Tucker is inexplicably drawn to her but even he has his doubts. And like I said, I did too… after all, the best psychological thrillers mess with the readers’ minds just as much as the characters’, and it’s one of the reasons I love this genre so much. I am so happy when a book keeps me on my toes and unsure who to trust, and Over the Edge did a great job with this!

Honestly, though, I really really really hoped that Lindsey would ultimately be vindicated because I liked her character so much. She’s tough but still soft in heart & spirit, she is the kind of friend that all of us want to have – and should want to be – and she exudes warmth and empathy. Plus, she’s a professional chef, so prepare for your mouth to water on occasion. Know who else is a great cook? Detective Jack Tucker. Get ready for your mouth to water over his deliciousness too (ooo did I say that out loud?). After having met him as Bri’s brother in Into the Fire, I delighted in getting to know him as the hero in this book. He has his own past trauma, including something he and Lindsey have in common, and my heart went out to him. Hannon wrote these two so vividly that they felt real, and I was solidly invested in their solving this mystery, staying safe, and finding a happily-ever-after together.

Bottom Line: In Over the Edge, Irene Hannon cooks up a riveting thriller that will have readers completely absorbed in the story, looking over their shoulder, forgetting to breathe, and maybe even losing sleep. Totally worth it though, as all great books are – and Over the Edge is definitely a great book! Lindsey and Jack are immensely likable characters, and while their romance doesn’t dominate the story, there are still plenty of sparks (between them) and swoons (for readers) to be had once it starts moving in a more focused manner in that direction. And the suspense…. oh! the suspense! Hannon keeps us guessing for most of the novel, but even once she lets us in on the identity of the villain(s) we still have a good chunk of the story ahead of us. It was also really fun to spend time with the Triple Threat series’ Cate Reilly again. What an entertaining ride!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

Over the Edge by Irene Hannon follows the romantic growth between two flawed, traumatized characters as they try to solve a murder. Personal chef Lindsey Barnes survived a mass shooting nearly two years ago, and now someone has shot and killed one of her clients…and she witnessed the attack. The police force assigns Detective Jack Turner to the case, who must compartmentalize his job from his growing attraction to Lindsey. She keeps reporting suspicious circumstances, bizarre occurrences with no evidence whatsoever. Should he believe her, or has all her trauma finally caused her to mental state to go over the edge? Hannon’s newest novel is the first book I have read in a long time that kept me up past my usual bedtime, and I don’t regret it.

Irene Hannon kept me guessing. She presented multiple characters who could’ve had motives to commit the crimes, and I didn’t truly figure everything out until close to the end of the novel. Hannon also included minor characters that tugged at my heartstrings, especially Chad and his wife. A formerly homeless veteran who found Christ, Chad finds himself in the crosshairs of police suspicion. When circumstantial evidence points to Chad, his wife must decide whether to believe him. I loved seeing these two and how they supported each other. I also grinned when Bri from Into the Fire reappeared. While the main characters in any story must be well developed, the background characters are just as important. Irene Hannon is a master in that regard.

Thank you, dear author, for including therapy so prevalently in Over the Edge. The stigma associated with seeking counseling breaks me. People hesitate to seek help for mental health for fear of being seen as “crazy,” or “unbalanced.” Friends, there is nothing wrong with seeking help, as Lindsey does. Hannon overviews multiple visits Lindsey has with her therapist, Dr. Oliver, as well as the benefits medication can sometimes provide. I am fully convinced therapy/counseling saves lives. Authors, however, rarely seem to include it, even when characters have gone through severe trauma or stress.

My one issue with Over the Edge by Irene Hannon: It was sometimes hard to follow. By presenting multiple suspects with possible motives, the plot occasionally got…convoluted. I scratched my head a couple times, and I’m still not wholly certain how one character was involved. Hannon wrapped up most everything by the novel’s conclusion, but she provided few indications of the true motives until the last few chapters. Which is…fine, I guess. But I like clues, though it’s possible I missed them. Do I understand why things happened? Yes. Do I like how everything eventually went down? No. In my opinion, everything could have been set up better.

A quick page-turner full of chills and thrills.

After a near fatal incident, Lindsey Barnes is trying to move on with her life and recover. Unfortunately, that isn’t as easy as she hoped; someone is trying to make her look unstable and not a reliable source after being the only witness in a murder case. Detective Jack Tucker gets called out after Lindsey needs his help after an enemy starts leaving behind evidence to make her look unreliable as the witness they need. It doesn’t take long for Jack to see someone is setting her up and maybe out for more than just making her look unstable.

Irene Hannon has written a real page-turner with Over the Edge. I loved the dynamic between Lindsey and Jack; she is witty and also neurotic at times with all she has gone through which made her relatable. The way the two characters were brought together was done well; I didn’t find myself having any eye rolling moments at the predictability. There were a few moments when the story fell flat and took a little longer to get thorough. Other than that, it was a very fast read and enjoyable that fans of romantic suspense will enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Irene Hannon delivers another gripping installment in the Undaunted Courage series with Over the Edge, a thrilling blend of mystery, suspense, and romance. While this is the second book in the series, it stands alone beautifully—though fans of Hannon’s work and romantic suspense will likely want to dive into Into the Fire, the first book, as well.
The story follows Lindsey Barnes, a personal chef who is trying to rebuild her life in St. Louis after surviving a traumatic hostage situation. When Lindsey stops by a client’s home to retrieve her cooking knives, she stumbles upon a gruesome scene: her client lying dead in a pool of blood. Before she can react, she hears a noise from the bathroom and hides, narrowly avoiding a confrontation with the suspected killer. This shocking discovery thrusts Lindsey into another nightmare, as she becomes the only witness to a brutal murder.
Detective Jack Tucker, a compassionate and sharp investigator (who also happens to be quite swoon-worthy), is assigned to the case. Jack’s family ties, including his close relationships with his sisters Bri and Cara, add warmth and depth to the story. As Jack works to uncover the truth, Lindsey faces increasing danger, convinced that someone is targeting her to keep her silent.
What stands out most in this novel is Hannon’s ability to craft layered characters and an engaging plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Lindsey and Jack’s developing relationship is a highlight, as they both confront their past traumas and learn to trust each other. The clean romance and faith elements are seamlessly woven into the story, offering moments of hope and reflection amid the suspense.
Fans of fast-paced whodunits with a heart will find Over the Edge hard to put down. It’s an intense, action-packed ride filled with danger, unexpected twists, and a satisfying touch of romance.
Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this novel. This review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

I loved this book, a perfect balance of romance and suspense. The characters were so likeable and loved the cooking aspect woven throughout. I am looking forward to book 3!

A gripping psychological thriller, that kept me guessing every step of the way as Lindsey fights for her life and sanity against someone who has her in their sights.

After inadvertently witnessing the aftermath of a crime, Lindsey's life is turned upside down as she is hunted on seemingly every side as her word is being questioned. Jack Tucker initially doesn't know what to make of Lindsey, but after getting to know her, he sees that she is being set up. Together they must find the truth, and bring the true killer to justice.

A fast paced read, with well developed characters and great interaction, I liked getting to know the full cast of characters, strong faith, and suspenseful storytelling. Lindsey is a wonderful protagonist, pushing forward and fighting back when the deck is stacked against her. Well worth the read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a suspenseful and thrilling thriller! Just how I like my stories to be. I didn’t realize romance suspect could be written so beautifully

While I didn't love this one as much as I did the first one in the series. I did enjoy that this one was technically a companion novel instead of a full sequel. While I didn't really care for the romance between Lindsey and Jack the mystery and suspense kept me turning the pages because I had to find out if Jack was going to be able to solve it and kept Lindsey safe.

Can you imaging having being caught up in not one close call of a shooting death, but now a second one? I can't! And then to think you are losing your mental stability because of all the trauma. That is really scary! This book really had me guessing right up to the end. You won't believe who is behind everything trying to push Lindsey over the edge! Wow! Irene Hannon does it again!

very thrilling! did not see the plot twist coming at all. the book kept my attention all throughout. the plot was very interesting and the characters were likeable. no complaints! will read more from this author

Lindsey Barnes’ life is turned upside down when she witnesses a murderer, but when unexplainable events start happening in her life, she begins to question her reliability and her sanity. Detective Jack Tucker isn’t sure he can trust Lindsey’s stories or what she saw at the crime scene, but the more time he spends around the beautiful personal chef, the more he believes her. As the strange events in Lindsey’s life grow more sinister, Jack must face his own fears and past trauma to save her life before it’s too late.🚣🏼‍♀️

Irene Hannon has been a favorite author of mine for years, and I was so stoked to read her latest romantic suspense tale! Over the Edge is an exciting and action-packed mystery with lots of twists and surprises. The slow burn romance between Lindsey and Jack was sweet as they both worked through their past traumas and overcame their emotional barriers. I truly enjoyed this story (and was excited when I guessed the murderer pretty early on), and I cannot wait for book 3 to come out next year!🩵

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A big thank you to Revell Fiction for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.📘

Over the Edge is the second book in the Undaunted Courage series. Chef Lindsey Barnes walks into find one of her clients dead and then has to quickly hide when she realizes that the killer is still in the house. She informs Detective Jack Tucker of the limited details of what she saw of the killer. To make this worse for Lindsey, this isn’t the first traumatic event that she has gone through. Can she hold it together enough to help Detective Tucker with his investigation?

The story starts off quickly and doesn’t slow down. The characters come to life as you keep turning the page. You get to know them as they get to know each other. This author has a way of getting you invested in the characters, even the secondary characters, to where you not only want to hurry and read the current book, but also can’t wait for the other books in the series to come This story keeps you guessing to the end. I thought I had the puzzle put together, but in the end, not all the pieces fit together.

Over the Edge is the second book in the Undaunted Courage series by Irene Hannon. Personal chef Lindsay Barnes finds the body of one of her clients lying in a pool of blood in the kitchen. Hearing noises in the house, she flees the scene and then calls the police. Strange and disturbing occurrences make Lindsay think she is being targeted by the killer, and Detective Jack Tucker is assigned to the case. Can the two of them solve the case before it is too late? Hannon's superb writing makes the reader picture every detail like you are watching a movie. This series is one of Hannon's best yet romantic suspense series. When is the next book coming out?

This was my first time reading Irene Hannon’s books, and I found Over the Edge full of suspense, mystery, and romance. I wasn’t aware that it was part of a series, and now I plan to read Undaunted Courage. There’s a killer on the loose and Lindsey Barnes is a main witness in a murder case.

Lindsey finds herself in an awkward and frightening situation when she unexpectedly shows up for work as a private chef and finds one of her employers dead, and the suspects are still there. She thinks she’s losing her mind when unusual events happen that threaten her life. Also, Lindsey finds she shares a dark secret with Jack, an investigator on the case. As they work together she discovers her life may depend on his help.

I enjoyed this Christian novel with its dynamic characters and twisty plot. I thank NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Over the Edge. #NetGalley #Over the Edge #Christianfiction

Personal chef Lindsey Barnes walks in on the murder of one of her clients. A survivor of a similar event, her peaceful world is shattered once again.

As she wrestles with what she witnessed, strange, unexplained things start to happen. Is someone targeting her, or is it all in her head?

Police Detective Jack Tucker wants to believe Lindsey's story, but things aren't adding up. Are all the strange occurrences real or is she going Over The Edge?

I wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't.

Between glaring inaccuracies about law enforcement and a borderline sexual scene, this book is not what I've come to expect from a Christian suspense novel.

Allow time to finish reading this book in one sitting : you won’t want to put it down! Warning : it is not for the faint-hearted. Oh - & it does stretch the bounds of credibility, the number of unwarranted (& very bad) situations the main character finds herself in...
Although part of a series, it does work as a stand-alone.
These series are such a contrast to the likes of the Hope Harbor one, it is hard to believe they are by the same author!
A big disappointment is that – for a Christian book – any mention of God seemed to be just an afterthought. (If this plot had been happening to me, I would have been on a constant hotline to Heaven!!)

I found Over the Edge (book 2 in Undaunted Courage) to be a fast-paced easy mystery that I finished in one day. Lindsay has gone through so much and now after seeing a murder suspect leave the house where she cooks, she is going to face even more. Luckily Police Detective Jack Tucker is there to help her and to fall in love with.

I read/listened to the audio version and love that Therese Plummer narrated another Irene Hannon book! I've listened to many books she's narrated and she's definitely a favorite of mine.

If you like a good clean suspense, give Irene Hannon's Undaunted Courage series a try.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 1 October 2024