Edge of Darkness. Karen Rose

Published: Headline/Hachette Australia
Date:  2nd November 2017
Format:e-ARC
Pages: 608
Genre: Suspense/Crime
Source: Hachette Australia via NetGalley
Rating:
        

Homicide detective Adam Kimble is no stranger to battling demons. But Meredith Fallon is a different kind of weakness: one that could actually be good for him, if only he would let himself depend on her. Meredith has loved Adam for a year, and seeing how hard he's worked to deal with his PTSD makes her feelings only stronger, but she respects his needs. Her work keeps her busy anyway: she counsels sexually abused women like Mallory Martin to help them reintegrate into the world.

But someone doesn't want Meredith helping women like Mallory, and Meredith finds herself the target of a very determined killer. Adam would risk anything for Meredith, but they'll soon find out the killer is just a little too close to home...

Edge of Darkness by Karen Rose is one of those books that I just had to keep reading. By rights I shouldn't even like it, it is full of crime, nasty crime and so many killings. However its the fight of good against evil and I know the evil is going to be eventually overcome.

I've only read two other books in this series but I want to go back and read all of them! Some day! In the meantime this was perfect and while it is part of a series it can stand alone, although it doesn't hurt to have met the characters before.  Yes there are quite a few of them. The first time I read a book in the series I jotted down names and how they are related, and hey presto now there is "no problemo".

This is the story of Adam Kimble - detective and Meredith. We'd seen Adam withdraw from his family and friends - they didn't know why and neither did the reader. In this book all is revealed as Adam becomes centre stage. Adam and Meredith are always seeking to do what is right for others, they are both wounded people and are coping with their own dysfunctions. Yet their hears are full of love, loyalty and courage.

The story ranges over about a week - it is told from the viewpoint of many - Adam, Meredith, the perpetrator of the crimes and some of the victims. For a long while we don't know who is behind the shocking things that happen and when we do find out it is to discover that greed, jealousy, callousness and evil are alive and kicking in the heart of the person who has caused such devastation.

What draws me to these books are the strong bonds that exist between all the detectives, the people who help victims as does Meredith, the newspaper team and the IT team. Bonds of loyalty, support and love are strong. I loved Meredith's grandfather, I want to see more of Diesel the IT newspaper guy who walks a fine line in terms of the law and Dani the doctor - sister of one of the detectives.  The little cameos of fun and humour don't hurt either.

Fast paced, full of tension, fantastic characters and a plot that took me away from my world into another. Can't ask for more.