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On the Edge
Soon after World War II, two former co-workers in the operations room of a Royal Air Force squadron meet in the street. Their lives have diverged dramatically but each wants to get rid of her husband. And so a mutual-assistance pact is made.
Rose and Antonia had a good war. As WAAF plotters they had all the excitement and independence of a difficult and fulfilling job, and all the fun of being two women on an RAF base. But peacetime is a disappointment. Rose’s war-hero husband has turned brutal out. Antonia, bored with her rich manufacturer, wants to move to America with her lover.
But what are plotters for, if not to plot? Antonia’s ruthless scheme would give them what they both want. If Rose doesn’t lose her nerve, they could get away with murder.
Rose and Antonia had a good war. As WAAF plotters they had all the excitement and independence of a difficult and fulfilling job, and all the fun of being two women on an RAF base. But peacetime is a disappointment. Rose’s war-hero husband has turned brutal out. Antonia, bored with her rich manufacturer, wants to move to America with her lover.
But what are plotters for, if not to plot? Antonia’s ruthless scheme would give them what they both want. If Rose doesn’t lose her nerve, they could get away with murder.
204 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
17 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Peter Lovesey
295 books643 followersPeter Harmer Lovesey, also known by his pen name Peter Lear, was a British writer of historical and contemporary detective novels and short stories. His best-known series characters are Sergeant Cribb, a Victorian-era police detective based in London, and Peter Diamond, a modern-day police detective in Bath. He was also one of the world's leading track and field statisticians.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 16, 2017
An easy & fairly quick read but a good one nevertheless. Rose & Antonia meet up a few years after working together during the war, neither are happy in their marriages & a plot is hatched for them to dispose of each others husbands. While Antonia has no compunction about keeping her side of the bargain, Rose has doubts. The story kept me entertained particularly from this point as I could never really be sure as to who was going to be dispatched next!
And as someone who often moans about a book's ending, this one, I'm pleased to say, concluded very much to my satisfaction :o)
And as someone who often moans about a book's ending, this one, I'm pleased to say, concluded very much to my satisfaction :o)
June 2, 2023
Right from the start, I could not help feeling there was something fake about that book. A little later facts seemed to bear me out.
After a few pages, I knew where my growing discomfort was coming from: I was holding what looked like a counterfeit.
According to a TV adaptation in 2002 ( I did some homework),the novel inspired Hitchcock's famous film "Strangers on a train".
But "On the edge" first came out in 1989! So how could it be?
Patricia Highsmith's "Strangers on a train" was published in 1950!
Obviously, the chronology does not leave much room for debate, does it?
If, as Petersey has it, "the problem with accidents is that you don't know when they happen", the problem with dishonesty is that it makes who is on the receiving end suspicious of everything.
It is a pity because the starting point to Petersey's story would have deserved so much better than a marker for imitation.. The setting is London in 1946, a city partly still in rubble, recovering from the Blitz, and where shortages of almost everything were still a blight for most people. And this was the time too when married women were under the thumb of their husbands. So there was an inspiring situation to tap, some historical context to write a decent original story from, not a copy of Patricia Highsmith's plot. I went through it till the end though, but with the unpleasant feeling that the author was having me on all the way. What a letdown!
After a few pages, I knew where my growing discomfort was coming from: I was holding what looked like a counterfeit.
According to a TV adaptation in 2002 ( I did some homework),the novel inspired Hitchcock's famous film "Strangers on a train".
But "On the edge" first came out in 1989! So how could it be?
Patricia Highsmith's "Strangers on a train" was published in 1950!
Obviously, the chronology does not leave much room for debate, does it?
If, as Petersey has it, "the problem with accidents is that you don't know when they happen", the problem with dishonesty is that it makes who is on the receiving end suspicious of everything.
It is a pity because the starting point to Petersey's story would have deserved so much better than a marker for imitation.. The setting is London in 1946, a city partly still in rubble, recovering from the Blitz, and where shortages of almost everything were still a blight for most people. And this was the time too when married women were under the thumb of their husbands. So there was an inspiring situation to tap, some historical context to write a decent original story from, not a copy of Patricia Highsmith's plot. I went through it till the end though, but with the unpleasant feeling that the author was having me on all the way. What a letdown!
July 26, 2016
On The Edge by Peter Lovesey
3★'s
From The Book:
Soon after World War II, two former co-workers in the operations room of a Royal Air Force squadron meet in the street. Their lives have diverged dramatically but each wants to get rid of her husband. And so a mutual-assistance pact is made. Rose and Antonia had a good war. As WAAF plotters they had all the excitement and independence of a difficult and fulfilling job, and all the fun of being two women on an RAF base. But peacetime is a disappointment. Rose’s war-hero husband has turned brutal out. Antonia, bored with her rich manufacturer, wants to move to America with her lover. But what are plotters for, if not to plot? Antonia’s ruthless scheme would give them what they both want. If Rose doesn’t lose her nerve, they could get away with murder.
My Thoughts:
I can't actually say that it was a great book but it had some very good historical elements and a story that is reminiscent of Strangers on a train. The book was turned into a British TV movie... Dead Gorgeous that was broadcast on the PBS Mystery series. Of the two women Rose Bell was the much more interesting as the reader watches her evolve from an innocent to an accomplice in a murder. Not exactly what i would label a mystery but it does hold a great deal of intrigue. I love the opening paragraph..."Smiling serenely in the September sun, Rose Bell strolled along Regent Street. Mentally she was miles away, having her husband neutered like the cat." Now how could you not continue reading after that?
3★'s
From The Book:
Soon after World War II, two former co-workers in the operations room of a Royal Air Force squadron meet in the street. Their lives have diverged dramatically but each wants to get rid of her husband. And so a mutual-assistance pact is made. Rose and Antonia had a good war. As WAAF plotters they had all the excitement and independence of a difficult and fulfilling job, and all the fun of being two women on an RAF base. But peacetime is a disappointment. Rose’s war-hero husband has turned brutal out. Antonia, bored with her rich manufacturer, wants to move to America with her lover. But what are plotters for, if not to plot? Antonia’s ruthless scheme would give them what they both want. If Rose doesn’t lose her nerve, they could get away with murder.
My Thoughts:
I can't actually say that it was a great book but it had some very good historical elements and a story that is reminiscent of Strangers on a train. The book was turned into a British TV movie... Dead Gorgeous that was broadcast on the PBS Mystery series. Of the two women Rose Bell was the much more interesting as the reader watches her evolve from an innocent to an accomplice in a murder. Not exactly what i would label a mystery but it does hold a great deal of intrigue. I love the opening paragraph..."Smiling serenely in the September sun, Rose Bell strolled along Regent Street. Mentally she was miles away, having her husband neutered like the cat." Now how could you not continue reading after that?
June 4, 2014
The ending - really? A "cop-out" I think!
December 12, 2023
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Dynamic!
Thriller lovers will really enjoy this twisted tale of deceit, backstabbing, underhanded murder and female friendship. Once I started reading this I did not put it down, I read it straight through without stopping. The pace is fast, the tone was dark, and there were too many twists to put it down!
Antonia and Rose worked in the same classified plotting department during the war. A few years later they meet up on a London street, and discover over drinks that Antonia married a Czech business man and Rose to an uncaring brute. A little tipsy, Antonia suggests they would be better off without the men - the husbands could have an unfortunate 'accident'. We have heard this storyline before, notably in Patricia Highsmith's Strangers On A Train, but when Rose discovers her husband has been supporting another woman who had his child, the plan is kicked into gear. Rose is now free, thanks to Antonia, but discovers she cannot return the favour. Will Antonia commit another murder? She is an unforgettable character, a sociopathic narcissist so focused on her own desires that there are several options open to her - kill her husband herself or trick Rose into unknowingly doing it. Another plan is to convince her husband to kill off Rose for her personal gain. That these plans are all acted on at the same time keeps the story devilishly twisted, super enjoyable for those who love a heavy dose of black humour and an unforgettable psychotic bitch. All of this is capped with an ambiguous ending I found just right.
Peter Lovesey is the author of the Peter Diamond detective series. I started with this stand-alone novel but will absolutely seek out his other books. It's rare I really hate a book, but also rare to get a surprise like this inventive, juicy, black and demented storyline. I really had no idea where the ladies were going, the pages flew by. I am recommending it for those who want to stay up reading past bed time. This was made into a PBS TV drama titled Dead Gorgeous, which book lovers will understand I have no interest in seeing - nothing can match the fun of reading it.
Dynamic!
Thriller lovers will really enjoy this twisted tale of deceit, backstabbing, underhanded murder and female friendship. Once I started reading this I did not put it down, I read it straight through without stopping. The pace is fast, the tone was dark, and there were too many twists to put it down!
Antonia and Rose worked in the same classified plotting department during the war. A few years later they meet up on a London street, and discover over drinks that Antonia married a Czech business man and Rose to an uncaring brute. A little tipsy, Antonia suggests they would be better off without the men - the husbands could have an unfortunate 'accident'. We have heard this storyline before, notably in Patricia Highsmith's Strangers On A Train, but when Rose discovers her husband has been supporting another woman who had his child, the plan is kicked into gear. Rose is now free, thanks to Antonia, but discovers she cannot return the favour. Will Antonia commit another murder? She is an unforgettable character, a sociopathic narcissist so focused on her own desires that there are several options open to her - kill her husband herself or trick Rose into unknowingly doing it. Another plan is to convince her husband to kill off Rose for her personal gain. That these plans are all acted on at the same time keeps the story devilishly twisted, super enjoyable for those who love a heavy dose of black humour and an unforgettable psychotic bitch. All of this is capped with an ambiguous ending I found just right.
Peter Lovesey is the author of the Peter Diamond detective series. I started with this stand-alone novel but will absolutely seek out his other books. It's rare I really hate a book, but also rare to get a surprise like this inventive, juicy, black and demented storyline. I really had no idea where the ladies were going, the pages flew by. I am recommending it for those who want to stay up reading past bed time. This was made into a PBS TV drama titled Dead Gorgeous, which book lovers will understand I have no interest in seeing - nothing can match the fun of reading it.
February 16, 2024
This is my first experience with author Peter Lovesey. The premise is that two former WW@ colleagues are linked by their urges to rid themselves of their husbands. Complications ensue.
So the book started in the direction of Strangers on the Train, but it rapidly diverged when paperwork began to complicate the plans. And for me, while the paperwork necessarily is a facet of actual 20th century bureaucracy/protocols, it doesn't make for compelling storytelling, at least as told by author Lovesey in this book. A little bit of this would have gone a long way.
I liked that the principal storyteller's descent into the rabbit hole of her unexpected accomplice produced the psychological turmoil that one might, contrarily, actually expect. She's not in control of the situation, but wants to be and tries to be, but is thwarted at (almost) every turn.
I didn't like that the ultimate hurdle was the British civil service and funeral requirements. As I wrote above, while it's probably true, it's not an entertaining story.
So, points to Lovesey for coming at the Strangers on a Train premise from a different angle. But points deducted for failing to complete that journey in a satisfactory way.
So the book started in the direction of Strangers on the Train, but it rapidly diverged when paperwork began to complicate the plans. And for me, while the paperwork necessarily is a facet of actual 20th century bureaucracy/protocols, it doesn't make for compelling storytelling, at least as told by author Lovesey in this book. A little bit of this would have gone a long way.
I liked that the principal storyteller's descent into the rabbit hole of her unexpected accomplice produced the psychological turmoil that one might, contrarily, actually expect. She's not in control of the situation, but wants to be and tries to be, but is thwarted at (almost) every turn.
I didn't like that the ultimate hurdle was the British civil service and funeral requirements. As I wrote above, while it's probably true, it's not an entertaining story.
So, points to Lovesey for coming at the Strangers on a Train premise from a different angle. But points deducted for failing to complete that journey in a satisfactory way.
April 21, 2019
I've read a few Peter Lovesey books - though many years ago now. Hadn't read this one, which I picked up for a pound in my local The Works.
Previously published as 'On the Edge', it's a terrific read that began in 'Double Jeopardy' vein, before spinning off along completely different lines.
Mr Lovesey certainly knows how to write a readable crime novel. Now 82, he's still going strong, which is great news for those of us who want to read more of his work. This book was originally published in 1989 and is a real page-turner; almost a two-hander as we follow the two main female characters. I was genuinely sorry to reach the last page and have to say goodbye to them.
Not a traditional whodunnit in that we know whodunnit from quite early on. This is more of a 'what's going to happen next?' but no less riveting for that. I was kept on the edge of my seat right up until the last page.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and it made me want to read more of Peter Lovesey's work.
Previously published as 'On the Edge', it's a terrific read that began in 'Double Jeopardy' vein, before spinning off along completely different lines.
Mr Lovesey certainly knows how to write a readable crime novel. Now 82, he's still going strong, which is great news for those of us who want to read more of his work. This book was originally published in 1989 and is a real page-turner; almost a two-hander as we follow the two main female characters. I was genuinely sorry to reach the last page and have to say goodbye to them.
Not a traditional whodunnit in that we know whodunnit from quite early on. This is more of a 'what's going to happen next?' but no less riveting for that. I was kept on the edge of my seat right up until the last page.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and it made me want to read more of Peter Lovesey's work.
April 26, 2018
This was an enjoyable book and a bit of a departure for Lovesey, somewhat inspired by Strangers on Train. On the Edge is a character study of Rose Bell. The story is engaging and the writing brisk and beautiful - this is, after all, Lovesey. The ending was a disappointment. There were many directions Lovesey could have gone at the end and I fear he copped out with the easiest of those.
September 13, 2022
This was really good! Quick to read, but twisty and clever. Though I've never heard of Lovesey, he has apparently written a lot if mysteries. I'd definitely pick up another if I came across one. (Apparently this one has been made into a PBS series called Dead Gorgeous.)
January 7, 2018
Fun. Easy to read. Twists and you need to pay attention
April 24, 2019
An unusual and enthralling story line. Difficult to put down.
March 15, 2020
In contrast to Kellerman's Over the Edge, about the same theme on psychedelic nostalgia, I think he failed on his technical manner of eluding the seriousness.
July 8, 2022
The "art" of committing the perfect murder.
July 17, 2022
I didn't enjoy this as much as I have enjoyed Lovesey's novels which are set in the late 19th century. Some of the characterisation is a little hard to belief.
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March 29, 2023Valerie said hello email back linkage
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2024
Two women who have returned to civilian life after WWII, reconnect, talk about their unhappy marriages, and start making plans. It starts out like a gender-swapped Strangers on a Train, but Lovesey provides some surprising twists, there are some nice moments of tension, humor, and sly character growth, and even if there are a few loose ends it's all a lot of fun.
June 21, 2013
Not my cup of tea, this light suspense novel was nontheless easy to read with enjoyable characters.
I was drawn to the book, but originally thought it was a mystery (though the cover clearly says it's a novel of "Murder and Suspense.")
Not the kind of riveting suspense and gory story that have been de rigueur of late, it is a tamer and more proper tale.
Perhaps my rating is low, but I rated it based on the type of books I enjoy; your enjoyment and rating may be higher. The rating is not based on the quality of the writing or the structure of the story; I had no quibble with either. The rating was based on taste alone.
I was drawn to the book, but originally thought it was a mystery (though the cover clearly says it's a novel of "Murder and Suspense.")
Not the kind of riveting suspense and gory story that have been de rigueur of late, it is a tamer and more proper tale.
Perhaps my rating is low, but I rated it based on the type of books I enjoy; your enjoyment and rating may be higher. The rating is not based on the quality of the writing or the structure of the story; I had no quibble with either. The rating was based on taste alone.
December 8, 2007
This book was turned into a British TV movie, "Dead Gorgeous," broadcast on the PBS Mystery! series. Although at first the plot seemed to be yet another variant of "Strangers on a Train," the movie itself was much more a comedy than a mystery/thriller. Some of the same comic elements are in the book, but the book is really a character study of Rose Bell as she evolves from innocent bystander to accomplice to criminal. This book is definitely worth a quick read, but I probably won't seek out more by this author.
February 5, 2016
Brilliant. Lovesey, keeps surprising me in a good way. This is as good as anything Ruth Rendell has done in this area --the psychological novel. The story unfolds at the right pace, primarily through the POV of Rosie, the less sure-footed of the two women. He captures the tone of the era (post-war England in the early, pre-Beatles 60s), with its ambivalent nostalgia and pull/push between future and past.
January 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this little book about two female friends who meet after WWII and find that neither is happy in her marriage. What to do about it? The glamorous friend has a plan and the naive friend is pulled into it against her will. What evolves is a black comedy of errors and murder. This is a quick read and a satisfying entry in Lovesey's body of work.
July 24, 2014
Great period detail of post war Britain. However I would have liked to see the main characters solve crimes rather than commit them. As it is the crime story is not very involving, so I kept expecting additional plots to develop which they did not.
Check out his Peter Diamond mysteries first, they are much better than this one.
Check out his Peter Diamond mysteries first, they are much better than this one.
September 30, 2009
It's really not that two women decide to kill each other's husband. To me, it's more a study on murder. One woman is truly a sociopath but it's really the story of the other woman which is exciting. Wow. Another Peter Lovesey good read.
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August 10, 2012I might dump this one half-read. I couldn't get into it and moved on to the Camilleri Montalbano, which is a better read.
I've said read as it's status, but I didn't continue. No stars because I actually didn't read enough to make a judgement. Didn't get me.
I've said read as it's status, but I didn't continue. No stars because I actually didn't read enough to make a judgement. Didn't get me.
January 16, 2016
Very clever and entertaining, as all his other books. Story shows a bit of life in England just after WWII, mainly from a woman's perspective, but this is not a book that lingers on the ambiance - it's all about the plots to murder this one or that one. Highly recommended.
April 12, 2016
This book kept me hanging on until the very end. By the last page, despite everything Rose had done I was rooting for her
July 22, 2023
Or **
or ***
or ****
or *****
Amazingly convincing implausibility! Great for a few hours' escape from a burdensome academic task!!
or ***
or ****
or *****
Amazingly convincing implausibility! Great for a few hours' escape from a burdensome academic task!!
May 30, 2016
A chilling little crime novel with two female leads, set in post-war London.
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September 2, 2016deliciously twisted like a quick hard drink... but still fun, so make it a cocktail
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews