Edge

A Novel

By: Jeffery Deaver

Narrated by: Skipp Sudduth

Crafting a chilling, strategy-driven thriller packed with “nifty new tricks” (Publishers Weekly), Jeffery Deaver lifts the veil on a clandestine government agency—pitting two “ingenious” (Library Journal) opponents in a high-stakes duel of wits with deadly consequences.

Behind the well-known US security apparatus—FBI, CIA, and more—lurks a top-secret agency specializing in intelligence surveillance and witness protection through its elite operatives. When Washington, DC, police detective Ryan Kessler becomes the inexplicable target of Henry Loving, a ruthless freelance lifter who uses torture, kidnapping, and family leverage, an existential threat to life itself is unleashed.

Enter Corte, a senior federal protection officer—a “shepherd” driven by personal vendetta and decked with tactical brilliance and board-game inspired strategy. As Loving resurfaces six years after killing Corte’s mentor, the stage is set for a deadly match. Corte is entrusted to safeguard the Kessler family and unravel the mystery: who hired Loving, and why?

With assistance from investigator Claire DuBois and FBI agent Paul Fredericks, Corte must anticipate every move of the lifter. What follows is a relentless chase, escalating psychological tension, and twisting revelations as family bonds fray under pressure. Lee’s axiom—“people will do anything to anybody, if the edge is right”—defines the deadly contest.

Edge is a stand-alone government agency thriller that fuses intense psychological suspense, tactical game theory, and moral complexity. Fans of calculated espionage, modern crime thrillers, and plot-twisting suspense will relish this duel between protector and predator.

Doesn't put you on "EDGE"

I'm a huge Deaver fan and have read or listened to every one of his books. This book was not what I have come to expect from a Deaver novel. The story was fine and the narrator didn't bother me as it has some reviewers. It's just that at times I thought I was listening to a David Baldacci book or maybe Vince Flynn, both authors I enjoy but not what I expect from a Deaver book. Deaver should leave the secret government operative theme to others and stick to the weird psycho killers and unique investigators who really put us on "edge" that we have come to love.

Exciting, fast paced and worth a credit!

I was a little wary about this one, especially after reading all the comments about the narrator. What a surprise! This was one of the most enjoyable books I've listened to in awhile. The narrator does a fine job. I had no trouble differentiating between characters, in fact it seemed to me that a story written in the first person voice SHOULD be read by a single narrator. And I rather enjoy Mr Deaver's detours from his regular characters!

Engrossing and enjoyable book

Reading the new James Bond novel Carte Blanch by Jefferey Deaver inspired me to read more of his books, Edge being the first of what I now believe will be many! The characters are well-defined, the plot contains many surprises, twists and turns, and the novel has a sort of epilogue that contains an unexpected emotional punch. The narrator of this audiobook has received some criticism for not making his voice characterizations distinct enough. This criticism is somewhat deserved, but I felt that the narrator corrects this and actually improves quite a bit over the course of the reading. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase more books read by him.

Poorness of narrator hasn't been overstated

This book might have gotten four stars if it weren't for the monotonous narration. The story was good, although I'm not sure I liked it as much as the ones involving Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme. I also prefer mystery/thrillers where the reader/listener can deduce some things from clues made known. Seems like every time a new twist was added in this story we found out after the fact that Corte was tipped off by information unearthed by his protege, Claire DuBois. I also thought the games references got old and I was waiting for Henry Loving to walk on water given his ability to be one step ahead of Corte most of the time. On the bright side, I liked the characters and thought they were well developed. It sure would have been nice to listen to this story narrated by Dennis Boutsikaris or Joe Mantegna. I won't listen to a Sudduth narration again.

Great Read!

I loved the story and loved the narrator. The story kept my interest....good twist and turns.