Over the Edge

Jennie McGrady Mysteries #9

by Patricia H. Rushford

Jennie McGrady plans to spend the last weeks of summer relaxing and hanging out with her boyfriend in her grandmother's coastal hometown. But she barely arrives before learning that the mayor's teenage daughter has been murdered. Jennie's reluctant to get involved in the emotional case, until the suspect turns out to be someone she knows…

Todd Kopelund is under arrest for murdering the mayor's daughter—his girlfriend, Jessica Ames. He claims he's innocent, and Jennie can't imagine Todd hurting anyone. But the mayor is determined to prove Todd guilty—and the evidence is pretty convincing.

Ryan Johnson is Jennie's boyfriend and Todd's best friend. He says he cares a lot for Jennie, yet when she expresses doubts about Todd's innocence, Ryan pulls away—leaving Jennie to look for answers on her own.

Jessica's death is only the beginning…

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Christian Fiction, Christian, Audiobook, Contemporary, Fiction

Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Patricia H. Rushford, an award winning author and speaker, has extensive experience in writing and has authored over sixty books, both fiction and non-fiction. In addition to having a nursing degree and masters in counseling, she is also an artist and quilter.

The Jennie McGrady Mysteries for young adults have sold well over 500,000 copies. Silent Witness won the Silver Angel Award for Excellence in Media and was nominated for an Edgar Allen Poe Award by Mystery Writers of America. She also wrote the Max & Me Mysteries for middle grade.

The various mystery series for adults continue to receive great reviews. Her series include, The Helen Bradley Mysteries, The Angel Delaney Mysteries, The McAllister Files and her latest, the Artisan Mysteries.

Her newest releases are: Watercolor Dreams, Deadly Deception and The Quiltmaker's Daughter, both are romantic suspense novels featuring artists.
She has been awarded the Golden Quill Award by RWA- Desert Rose Chapter and earned honorable mention in the Silver Angel Awards.

Patricia is a member of ACFW and a number of other writing organizations. She has participated in such mystery events such as Bouchercon--the World Mystery Convention, Left Coast Crime, and other conventions for lovers of mystery and suspense. She manages a website and blog and has a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads and Linked-in and also generates a newsletter. Called Mysterious Musings.

Additional info at www.patriciarushfordbooks.com

Reviews

[Amy Aggson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Near heart attack, don't test me Missy, leave your characters alone! Jenny is allowed to be happy sometimes right???

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite in the series because not only is there a mystery to solve, but Jennie and Ryan have some romantic drama going on. Their squabbles are nothing too dramatic, but it gave the book a bit more tension.

Despite the fact that Jennie comes across as a thirty something woman in disguise I found her introspections and confidence to be refreshing. I would like to say that when I read this series as a teen I looked up to Jennie and remembered her positive advice, but I don't think I did. These books were pure entertainment to my teenage soul; surprisingly, I am enjoying them again as an adult. Reading them is like opening a time capsule from the 1990s.

The Christianity in this book is not too thick, but it is nice to read that when in trouble she doesn't hesitate to say a quick prayer. There is a brief mention about gun control and abortion politics. It is one character stating their views in a one sentence manner. No more mention of it in the book. I think it was put in there to make it relevant to the times, and well those debates as still going on today. I appreciated that they were in there for context minus any political agenda.

Jennie and Ryan share a few kisses, but it is not described at all. Jennie gives his kisses a ten, though..haha. The ending in this was super cute, too.

[Leanne Haynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not one of my favorites in this series. I think I was focused on the weird relationship between Jennie and Ryan that I never got entrenched in the actual mystery.
This story is set at Jennie's grandmother and J.B.'s home. Jennie is visiting of the summer. I envisioned Ryan and Jennie being a mystery crime solving team, however one of Ryan's friends is accused of murder so Ryan is very distant and moody for the majority of the book. Due to his odd behavior, the big ending that was probably meant to make the reader root for Ryan and Jennie, fell flat for me.

I still love this series overall and will definitely continue reading, however I was a little disappointed with this addition

[Cherish Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

(5☆ Would recommend & would read again)
I read 2 books out of this series when I was 13 and I remember really liking them. I decided to buy the entire series as an adult and read through the series. As an adult, I still really enjoy this series. Would definitely recommend.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Jennie goes to her grandmother and grandfathers place on the beach with Nick to spend some time with them, and Ryan. When Jennie learns that Ryan's friend Todd goes to jail for his girlfriend who is also the mayor's daughter's death, Ryan doesn't believe him and is determined to help but Jennie is not so sure. They go to many things to try to figure out who actually killed the mayors daughter. They go through many dangerous events and suspects. I also love her being with Ryan. I especially love the boat scene!! This book was amazing!!!!!!!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

good plot but seemed really, I don't know, naive or childish... it's written as if the adults are all stupid, except for her grandmother and her new husband. everything she found, any good police investigation would have uncovered, but they didnt. and what's with the tragedy, its like bam bam bam ... no real lead ins or character struggles.

[Carrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible. The boyfriend is consistently mean and callous to his girlfriend (the main character) but she just takes it and then talks about how much she loves him. The plot itself is slow and dull, and the ending is ridiculous and unbelievable.

[The Third Place A Teen Library]

F RUS bk.9

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

October 2015 re-read, audiobook.
Am really enjoying listening to these, 10 years after I read them the first time...

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a good story, if a little far fetched. Wasn't sure who the culprit was until the end. Donating this to the local (Frank J Basloe) Library