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Edge of Truth
One case almost destroyed her career. Now the past seems to have caught up with her. And as a high-stakes game of truth and lies unfolds, someone’s out for retribution at any cost.
As a detective in the Long Beach Police Department’s violent crimes division, Lainie Jensen is no stranger to hard-to-crack cases and unusual disappearances, but then her sister Evie vanishes on a trip to Hawaii. After traveling there to look for her, Lainie quickly realizes her brother-in-law Stan is telling law enforcement a story that doesn’t appear to add up.
FBI special agent Ben Isaacs has spent six months collecting evidence to take down a money laundering operation. While his fellow agent Efren Gomez goes undercover to infiltrate the ring, Ben investigates those connected to it, including Stan Moffitt, who Ben believes could help lead to the criminal kingpin. Then Stan’s wife goes missing just days after Ben contacted her seeking information, and he knows there’s more to this case, especially when he loses contact with Efren and law enforcement comes up short in their search for him.
When Ben’s and Lainie’s investigations converge, Lainie’s not eager to work alongside Ben given their complicated history, but she’s willing to do so if it means figuring out what Stan knows and locating Evie. Soon, Lainie can’t deny Ben’s dedication to finding the truth or her growing admiration for him. And the more the two examine the evidence, the more they suspect Evie’s disappearance is tied to a highly publicized criminal case from Lainie’s past . . . and someone is playing a perilous game aimed at personal revenge.
Great for fans of thrillers by Lynette Eason, Colleen Coble, and Allison Brennan Police procedural featuring a detective and an FBI agent written by a former police officer Clean, stand-alone romantic suspense novel filled with high stakes, edge-of-your-seat adventure, elements of mystery, and themes of fighting for justice Includes discussion questions for book clubs
As a detective in the Long Beach Police Department’s violent crimes division, Lainie Jensen is no stranger to hard-to-crack cases and unusual disappearances, but then her sister Evie vanishes on a trip to Hawaii. After traveling there to look for her, Lainie quickly realizes her brother-in-law Stan is telling law enforcement a story that doesn’t appear to add up.
FBI special agent Ben Isaacs has spent six months collecting evidence to take down a money laundering operation. While his fellow agent Efren Gomez goes undercover to infiltrate the ring, Ben investigates those connected to it, including Stan Moffitt, who Ben believes could help lead to the criminal kingpin. Then Stan’s wife goes missing just days after Ben contacted her seeking information, and he knows there’s more to this case, especially when he loses contact with Efren and law enforcement comes up short in their search for him.
When Ben’s and Lainie’s investigations converge, Lainie’s not eager to work alongside Ben given their complicated history, but she’s willing to do so if it means figuring out what Stan knows and locating Evie. Soon, Lainie can’t deny Ben’s dedication to finding the truth or her growing admiration for him. And the more the two examine the evidence, the more they suspect Evie’s disappearance is tied to a highly publicized criminal case from Lainie’s past . . . and someone is playing a perilous game aimed at personal revenge.
Great for fans of thrillers by Lynette Eason, Colleen Coble, and Allison Brennan Police procedural featuring a detective and an FBI agent written by a former police officer Clean, stand-alone romantic suspense novel filled with high stakes, edge-of-your-seat adventure, elements of mystery, and themes of fighting for justice Includes discussion questions for book clubs
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First published February 17, 2026
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About the author
Janice Cantore
21 books829 followersA former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She’s always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today’s Christian Woman before tackling novels. Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her first series of novels is the Pacific Coast Justice series, featuring Carly Edwards in books Accused, Abducted and Avenged. Janice also authored the Brinna’s Heart series, which includes Critical Pursuit and Visible Threat. Another three book series is the Line of Duty series, featuring Crisis Shot, Lethal Target and Cold Aim. Additionally she has also penned five stand alone novels, Breach of Honor, Code of Courage, One Final Target, Every Deadly Suspicion and Edge of Truth.
www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.
www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 17, 2026
“Anger, bitterness, unforgiveness - they weigh a ton.”
I had previously read and enjoyed ‘Every Deadly Suspicion’ a riveting cold case murder mystery by this author last Spring, so when I saw that she had a new novel, I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed.
Long Beach Violent Crimes Detective Lainie Jensen rushes to Hawaii when she hears that her sister Evie has vanished after what witnesses claim is a shark attack.
It’s obvious from the first chapter that author Janice Cantore’s career has contributed to her narrative being infused with authenticity; she knows her police protocols! The narrative is well-anchored in the day to day realities of detectives as they gather and collaborate to solve a crime. Edge of Truth is plot driven, realistic and gritty.
I appreciated the delicate balance of backstory and police procedural. I felt there was just enough backstory to become emotionally attached to Lainie and see why she approaches her work the way she does.
I also noted the interplay between colleagues, the team dynamics and the tension of officers needing to work together despite their complicated history. Lainie showed the bureaucratic complexities she faced in working around the different jurisdictions.
I can’t imagine not having closure, in this case, a body to definitively know that a sibling is dead. I could see how this affected Lainie and could understand why she kept investigating. I predicted one of the twists, but enjoyed the journey to get there and was curious about how it would wrap up.
I’ll remember this book for what it reminded me about (2) forgiveness and (3) hope. I may have initially been angry and frustrated with Evie’s quick to forgive attitude, but I’m glad for the chance to pivot and see things through His eyes. It was good to be reminded, too, that our faith gives us reason to be optimistic.
This is a solid police procedural, a clean read that I can recommend.
I had previously read and enjoyed ‘Every Deadly Suspicion’ a riveting cold case murder mystery by this author last Spring, so when I saw that she had a new novel, I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed.
Long Beach Violent Crimes Detective Lainie Jensen rushes to Hawaii when she hears that her sister Evie has vanished after what witnesses claim is a shark attack.
It’s obvious from the first chapter that author Janice Cantore’s career has contributed to her narrative being infused with authenticity; she knows her police protocols! The narrative is well-anchored in the day to day realities of detectives as they gather and collaborate to solve a crime. Edge of Truth is plot driven, realistic and gritty.
I appreciated the delicate balance of backstory and police procedural. I felt there was just enough backstory to become emotionally attached to Lainie and see why she approaches her work the way she does.
I also noted the interplay between colleagues, the team dynamics and the tension of officers needing to work together despite their complicated history. Lainie showed the bureaucratic complexities she faced in working around the different jurisdictions.
I can’t imagine not having closure, in this case, a body to definitively know that a sibling is dead. I could see how this affected Lainie and could understand why she kept investigating. I predicted one of the twists, but enjoyed the journey to get there and was curious about how it would wrap up.
I’ll remember this book for what it reminded me about (2) forgiveness and (3) hope. I may have initially been angry and frustrated with Evie’s quick to forgive attitude, but I’m glad for the chance to pivot and see things through His eyes. It was good to be reminded, too, that our faith gives us reason to be optimistic.
This is a solid police procedural, a clean read that I can recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The whole plot revolves around a nasty named Dallas Vine. He is the center, like an evil octopus with lots of tentacles. Each tentacle is a subplot and our heroine, Lainie, is all wrapped up in trying to unravel what is going on. The police procedural is excellent as would be expected from a writer who is former law enforcement. The plot is multi-layered and very involved. You just don't know exactly what to believe. Lainie and her spiritual journey felt very real and authentic. But I had a problem with the one-dimensional portrayal of most of the characters and situations. I never "felt" them and what was happening to them. But the action, settings and twisty turns of this book were well worth the read.
As a rookie Lainie Jensen has a run in with Dallas Vine, a low-level baddie in Long Beach, CA. He beat the charges but almost destroyed Lainie's career. Fast-forward fifteen years and Lainie again comes up against Vine. He has expanded his crime network but learned to keep everything on the down low and has proven to be slick as spit. Nothing sticks to him or his operation.
FBI Special Agent Ben Isaacs and his partner, Efren Gomez, are part of a task force aimed at Dallas Vine. Efren is undercover and has not checked in. It is feared he has been compromised. Ben's only lead to finding Efren is the Vine's business, a car wash managed by Stan Moffitt who turns out to be Lainie's brother-in-law.
Lainie's sister, Evie, disappears while in Hawaii. Evie's husband, Stan Moffitt, claims she was the victim of a shark attack. Lainie travels to Hawaii and soon realizes that Stan's story doesn't add up. When Ben arrives and shares what he knows of Stan's involvement with Vine, they start to investigate, but Stan has disappeared.
As the investigation moves back to Long Beach, Lainie and Ben are drawn deeper into a situation that is beginning to look more and more like a personal plot aimed at Lainie. Together they follow the evidence in a desperate effort to find both Efram and Evie, while trying to keep Lainie safe.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
As a rookie Lainie Jensen has a run in with Dallas Vine, a low-level baddie in Long Beach, CA. He beat the charges but almost destroyed Lainie's career. Fast-forward fifteen years and Lainie again comes up against Vine. He has expanded his crime network but learned to keep everything on the down low and has proven to be slick as spit. Nothing sticks to him or his operation.
FBI Special Agent Ben Isaacs and his partner, Efren Gomez, are part of a task force aimed at Dallas Vine. Efren is undercover and has not checked in. It is feared he has been compromised. Ben's only lead to finding Efren is the Vine's business, a car wash managed by Stan Moffitt who turns out to be Lainie's brother-in-law.
Lainie's sister, Evie, disappears while in Hawaii. Evie's husband, Stan Moffitt, claims she was the victim of a shark attack. Lainie travels to Hawaii and soon realizes that Stan's story doesn't add up. When Ben arrives and shares what he knows of Stan's involvement with Vine, they start to investigate, but Stan has disappeared.
As the investigation moves back to Long Beach, Lainie and Ben are drawn deeper into a situation that is beginning to look more and more like a personal plot aimed at Lainie. Together they follow the evidence in a desperate effort to find both Efram and Evie, while trying to keep Lainie safe.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
February 17, 2026
4.5 stars
“No one was bulletproof.”
I have always enjoyed Janice Cantore’s suspense novels but I think Edge of Truth is my new fave! The plot is full of twists and turns, the romance is sweet and gentle, the characters are layered, the faith thread is meaningful, and I stayed completely invested in the outcome until the very last word. Cantore’s background in law enforcement lends extra credibility to her procedural scenes, whether it’s with Lainie and her team at Long Beach Police Department or Ben and his team at the FBI, a credibility that enhances the suspenseful tension as well. And wow, there are some emotional elements to both Lainie and Ben’s parts of this plot, aspects that made the stakes extremely high for each of them and kept me riveted to the page. (Seriously, y’all. I couldn’t put this one down.)
In a standalone novel like Edge of Truth, we don’t often get to follow a law enforcement officer from their first case as a newbie to their current case years down the road. So I really enjoyed seeing Lainie as a rookie cop in the prologue – making an arrest that would haunt her for years – as well as the seasoned detective and skilled sharpshooter she is when we meet up with her again. She is such an inspiring character with a touching faith thread that is realistic and sincere. She’s also a detective whose pivotal first case has just barreled back into her life in unexpected ways. I was sucked in to this story right from the prologue when, in relatively few words, Cantore hands us a profile of a villain that we instantly love to hate. And right when present-day Lainie thinks she might be able to get solid proof this time to finally put this guy away, her sister goes missing while on vacation with her husband in Hawaii. And right when Ben thinks he might be on the verge of putting this villain behind bars too, his partner (who’s undercover in the organization) misses his check-in. Buckle up, y’all. Because the stakes only get higher from here.
Bottom Line: Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore masterfully weaves procedural realism, emotional weight, and escalating danger together with sweet romance, surprising plot turns, and authentic faith discussions to deliver a story that I couldn’t put down. I found myself totally immersed in the events that Lainie and Ben are navigating, and I loved that I couldn’t predict how things were going to unfold. Every time I thought I knew how the story was going to go, Cantore took things in a different direction, raising the tension and keeping me quite happily on my toes. This is Janice Cantore at her best!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
“No one was bulletproof.”
I have always enjoyed Janice Cantore’s suspense novels but I think Edge of Truth is my new fave! The plot is full of twists and turns, the romance is sweet and gentle, the characters are layered, the faith thread is meaningful, and I stayed completely invested in the outcome until the very last word. Cantore’s background in law enforcement lends extra credibility to her procedural scenes, whether it’s with Lainie and her team at Long Beach Police Department or Ben and his team at the FBI, a credibility that enhances the suspenseful tension as well. And wow, there are some emotional elements to both Lainie and Ben’s parts of this plot, aspects that made the stakes extremely high for each of them and kept me riveted to the page. (Seriously, y’all. I couldn’t put this one down.)
In a standalone novel like Edge of Truth, we don’t often get to follow a law enforcement officer from their first case as a newbie to their current case years down the road. So I really enjoyed seeing Lainie as a rookie cop in the prologue – making an arrest that would haunt her for years – as well as the seasoned detective and skilled sharpshooter she is when we meet up with her again. She is such an inspiring character with a touching faith thread that is realistic and sincere. She’s also a detective whose pivotal first case has just barreled back into her life in unexpected ways. I was sucked in to this story right from the prologue when, in relatively few words, Cantore hands us a profile of a villain that we instantly love to hate. And right when present-day Lainie thinks she might be able to get solid proof this time to finally put this guy away, her sister goes missing while on vacation with her husband in Hawaii. And right when Ben thinks he might be on the verge of putting this villain behind bars too, his partner (who’s undercover in the organization) misses his check-in. Buckle up, y’all. Because the stakes only get higher from here.
Bottom Line: Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore masterfully weaves procedural realism, emotional weight, and escalating danger together with sweet romance, surprising plot turns, and authentic faith discussions to deliver a story that I couldn’t put down. I found myself totally immersed in the events that Lainie and Ben are navigating, and I loved that I couldn’t predict how things were going to unfold. Every time I thought I knew how the story was going to go, Cantore took things in a different direction, raising the tension and keeping me quite happily on my toes. This is Janice Cantore at her best!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
August 14, 2025
(4.25 stars rounded down)
Fans of Christian suspense are in for a high-stakes ride in Edge of Truth. Detective Lainie Jensen of the Long Beach Police Department’s violent crimes division finds herself on a collision course with FBI special agent Ben Isaacs when two separate investigations—her sister’s sudden disappearance and Ben’s pursuit of a money-laundering ring—intertwine. With their complicated history and a case that echoes painful chapters from Lainie’s past, the two must navigate a dangerous game of truth and lies where personal revenge could cost everything.
💭 MY THOUGHTS: From the very first page, I was hooked. I love that Cantore opens with a quote from J.C. Ryle: “Don’t let sin against you produce sin in you.” It perfectly sets the stage for Lainie’s faith journey. Once deeply rooted in the church, Lainie walked away after a devastating case shook her to the core. Fifteen years later, God providentially places people in her life who water those early seeds of faith and speak Truth in ways that remind her—even when God feels far away, He is always near.
Woven throughout are powerful threads of forgiveness and grace—not just for others, but for ourselves as well. The suspense is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. And while this was my first Janice Cantore novel, it certainly won’t be my last. Her background as a former police officer adds depth and authenticity to both her characters and the investigative details, making the story all the more compelling.
Fans of Lynette Eason, Colleen Coble, and Dani Pettrey are sure to enjoy this thrilling ride.
✨ CONTENT TO CONSIDER: This is a clean Christian suspense, but violent crimes are mentioned, including rape, child kidnapping, and human trafficking. There is also a brief mention of flirting with a married man.
Fans of Christian suspense are in for a high-stakes ride in Edge of Truth. Detective Lainie Jensen of the Long Beach Police Department’s violent crimes division finds herself on a collision course with FBI special agent Ben Isaacs when two separate investigations—her sister’s sudden disappearance and Ben’s pursuit of a money-laundering ring—intertwine. With their complicated history and a case that echoes painful chapters from Lainie’s past, the two must navigate a dangerous game of truth and lies where personal revenge could cost everything.
💭 MY THOUGHTS: From the very first page, I was hooked. I love that Cantore opens with a quote from J.C. Ryle: “Don’t let sin against you produce sin in you.” It perfectly sets the stage for Lainie’s faith journey. Once deeply rooted in the church, Lainie walked away after a devastating case shook her to the core. Fifteen years later, God providentially places people in her life who water those early seeds of faith and speak Truth in ways that remind her—even when God feels far away, He is always near.
Woven throughout are powerful threads of forgiveness and grace—not just for others, but for ourselves as well. The suspense is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. And while this was my first Janice Cantore novel, it certainly won’t be my last. Her background as a former police officer adds depth and authenticity to both her characters and the investigative details, making the story all the more compelling.
Fans of Lynette Eason, Colleen Coble, and Dani Pettrey are sure to enjoy this thrilling ride.
✨ CONTENT TO CONSIDER: This is a clean Christian suspense, but violent crimes are mentioned, including rape, child kidnapping, and human trafficking. There is also a brief mention of flirting with a married man.
February 17, 2026
Edge of Truth is a thriller which will keep readers up way past their bedtime, keep flipping pages to try and unravel what is going on.
This is the first book by this author which made me forget about all my responsibilities and other hobbies, including sleep, because I was not able to put the book down before I knew what happened and how everything turned out.
The emotions in this story were raw, fear for the safety of the characters real and right till the end I had hoped that everything will turn out okay.
Apart from the mystery which was suspenseful and action packed straight till the end, the spiritual journey of Lainie due to her work was a strong thread. Laine was not without faults and mistakes, and her path back to her faith and trust in God was relatable.
A book I will highly recommend to fellow thriller/romantic suspense fans.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This is the first book by this author which made me forget about all my responsibilities and other hobbies, including sleep, because I was not able to put the book down before I knew what happened and how everything turned out.
The emotions in this story were raw, fear for the safety of the characters real and right till the end I had hoped that everything will turn out okay.
Apart from the mystery which was suspenseful and action packed straight till the end, the spiritual journey of Lainie due to her work was a strong thread. Laine was not without faults and mistakes, and her path back to her faith and trust in God was relatable.
A book I will highly recommend to fellow thriller/romantic suspense fans.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
January 23, 2026
Get ready for a thrilling suspense adventure that takes you from Long Beach to Hawaii. Cantore’s experience as a police officer helped her to craft a well written, believable story that keeps you engaged. Numerous twists to keep your attention and guessing to make it very entertaining. I took a fondness for Detective Lainey Jensen from the beginning and found myself rooting for her throughout the story.
This book did not disappoint! It was an easy, entertaining read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
This book did not disappoint! It was an easy, entertaining read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
February 19, 2026
3.25 stars
Completed: Feb. 18/26
Format: digital e-ARC
Challenge Prompt: BR’s Olympics Bingo — SKELETON: Read a mystery, *suspense*, or thriller
Book #13 of 2025:
This novel has many twists and a steady level of suspense. The police aspect is very well done by the author, a former law enforcement officer. I was glad to see a faith arc, though I wish it has been flushed out a little more, particularly through Evie.
I feel this novel would have been greatly enhanced by more character development. I didn’t feel that I really got to truly know the characters. I also feel Evie should have a more prominent role. She was the most interesting one to me. She dissolved into the back row very quickly. A bit more emphasis on the romance aspect would have also been nice. The story felt a little robotic with procedure and little glue holding it together.
***My thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Net Galley for an advanced digital copy of this novel. My honest review is voluntary and in my own words.
Completed: Feb. 18/26
Format: digital e-ARC
Challenge Prompt: BR’s Olympics Bingo — SKELETON: Read a mystery, *suspense*, or thriller
Book #13 of 2025:
This novel has many twists and a steady level of suspense. The police aspect is very well done by the author, a former law enforcement officer. I was glad to see a faith arc, though I wish it has been flushed out a little more, particularly through Evie.
I feel this novel would have been greatly enhanced by more character development. I didn’t feel that I really got to truly know the characters. I also feel Evie should have a more prominent role. She was the most interesting one to me. She dissolved into the back row very quickly. A bit more emphasis on the romance aspect would have also been nice. The story felt a little robotic with procedure and little glue holding it together.
***My thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Net Galley for an advanced digital copy of this novel. My honest review is voluntary and in my own words.
February 15, 2026
Edge of Truth will keep you on the edge of your seats for sure. Lainie has spent most of her career trying to nail a criminal but to no avail. Then a series of things happen to bring Dallas back into the spotlight and Lainie eventually teams up with the FBI to bring him down but it won’t be easy.
Lots of suspense, heartache, and redemption in this book
Lots of suspense, heartache, and redemption in this book
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Janice Cantore, and Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager to read authors new to me, I accepted this ARC by Janice Cantore. A wonderful thriller with very addictive storylines, I was completely hooked in the early pages. Detective Lainie Jensen has seen a great deal while working for the Long Beach PD. However, when she learns that her sister, Evie, has gone missing in Hawaii, all her training goes out the window. When she arrives to search for Evie, Lainie's brother-in-law, Stan, is being cagey and sharing a narrative that makes little sense. All the while, FBI Special Agent Ben Isaacs is working a money laundering case that has taken up months of his time. His partner has gone deep undercover and Special Agent Isaacs is working a lead that one Stan Moffitt might be his best option to cracking things wide open. Days after Special Agent Isaacs reaches out to Stan's wife, she goes missing in Hawaii, sending him out there to look into things, just as news that his partner has gone missing as well. As Special Agent Isaacs and Lainie's cases converge, focussed on the same missing woman, they must put aside their differences and find some harmony. What does Stan know about Evie's disappearance and how does it tie into the money laundering? The case moves from Hawaii back to Long Beach, where new truths emerge and someone is determined to silence anyone who dares reveal too much. A gripping story that keeps the reader hooked until the final page turn!
I am quite interested in Janice Cantore’s premise and delivery with this novel. The storytelling was superb and kept me hooked from start to finish. The narrative developed well and kept me wondering what awaited me as things progressed, with keenly crafted mysteries and thrills to inch things along. As the momentum built, I could see the author depicting things in such a way that there was no getting out of the tension and trouble brewing with each revelation. Short chapters kept the story clipping along and provided the reader no reprieve as things approached their climax. I was literally reading well into the night and wondering what could possibly happen next. While it is listed as Christian fiction and mystery, I did not feel a religious inculcation and feel anyone with an open mind could enjoy this book without feeling awkwardness about any preaching nature.
Characters are perfectly developed for this type of thriller, mixing backstories with ongoing events. The thorough exploration of both Lainie Jensen and Ben Isaacs proved ideal to assist the reader with understanding the protagonists. Well-crafted secondary characters helped push things along as well, leaving much for the imagination to conjure. The banter and dialogue added something to the piece, such that I was never left wondering for too long, as I envisioned how individuals would come together at key points. Cantore knows how to create characters that keep the reader entertained and intrigued at all stages.
Surprises work well in thrillers and the author made sure to pepper them throughout. There were so many moments that I was not expecting something, only to have it occur and develop before my eyes, while the mystery got more intense. I found myself gripped and unable to put the book down, which is a sign that this was just what I needed as I push through many books of late. I would definitely return to read more by Janice Cantore, and see she has much from which to choose!
Kudos, Madam Cantore, for a great thriller that never lost its momentum.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always eager to read authors new to me, I accepted this ARC by Janice Cantore. A wonderful thriller with very addictive storylines, I was completely hooked in the early pages. Detective Lainie Jensen has seen a great deal while working for the Long Beach PD. However, when she learns that her sister, Evie, has gone missing in Hawaii, all her training goes out the window. When she arrives to search for Evie, Lainie's brother-in-law, Stan, is being cagey and sharing a narrative that makes little sense. All the while, FBI Special Agent Ben Isaacs is working a money laundering case that has taken up months of his time. His partner has gone deep undercover and Special Agent Isaacs is working a lead that one Stan Moffitt might be his best option to cracking things wide open. Days after Special Agent Isaacs reaches out to Stan's wife, she goes missing in Hawaii, sending him out there to look into things, just as news that his partner has gone missing as well. As Special Agent Isaacs and Lainie's cases converge, focussed on the same missing woman, they must put aside their differences and find some harmony. What does Stan know about Evie's disappearance and how does it tie into the money laundering? The case moves from Hawaii back to Long Beach, where new truths emerge and someone is determined to silence anyone who dares reveal too much. A gripping story that keeps the reader hooked until the final page turn!
I am quite interested in Janice Cantore’s premise and delivery with this novel. The storytelling was superb and kept me hooked from start to finish. The narrative developed well and kept me wondering what awaited me as things progressed, with keenly crafted mysteries and thrills to inch things along. As the momentum built, I could see the author depicting things in such a way that there was no getting out of the tension and trouble brewing with each revelation. Short chapters kept the story clipping along and provided the reader no reprieve as things approached their climax. I was literally reading well into the night and wondering what could possibly happen next. While it is listed as Christian fiction and mystery, I did not feel a religious inculcation and feel anyone with an open mind could enjoy this book without feeling awkwardness about any preaching nature.
Characters are perfectly developed for this type of thriller, mixing backstories with ongoing events. The thorough exploration of both Lainie Jensen and Ben Isaacs proved ideal to assist the reader with understanding the protagonists. Well-crafted secondary characters helped push things along as well, leaving much for the imagination to conjure. The banter and dialogue added something to the piece, such that I was never left wondering for too long, as I envisioned how individuals would come together at key points. Cantore knows how to create characters that keep the reader entertained and intrigued at all stages.
Surprises work well in thrillers and the author made sure to pepper them throughout. There were so many moments that I was not expecting something, only to have it occur and develop before my eyes, while the mystery got more intense. I found myself gripped and unable to put the book down, which is a sign that this was just what I needed as I push through many books of late. I would definitely return to read more by Janice Cantore, and see she has much from which to choose!
Kudos, Madam Cantore, for a great thriller that never lost its momentum.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Edge of Truth – by Janice Cantore – Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense
If you enjoy mystery and intrigue, you may want to read Janice Cantore’s newest book Edge of Truth.
Lainie Jensen works for the Long Beach Police Department. She’s a hardworking detective and committed to her work. In recent years, Lainie has pull back in her relationship with her sister Evie, mostly because of Evie’s husband Stan. But when news comes from Hawaii that she sister may have been kill in a shark attack, Lainie is going to investigate for herself. Something is off and Stan’s story doesn’t make sense. FBI Agent Ben Isaacs is also investigating Stan about his involvement in a money laundering operation. Lainie and Ben’s investigations will overlap. Will they be able to combine forces and get to the truth? Will justice be delivered?
When Lainie started with the police force fifteen years earlier she had a difficult case in which the person escaped justice. While she had to move forward, that case left a scar and it took a toll on her faith. With her sister still missing, Lainie realizes that she needs to return to God. Ben Isaacs is in the right place at the right time. Not only to help with their interconnected investigations, but also to encourage Lainie’s faith in this time of trouble. Will Lainie take a closer look at Ben, a man who is determined, committed, kind and caring.
Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore is filled with suspense, mystery, and intrigue and I especially enjoyed the setting in Long Beach. I liked the growing relationship between Lainie and Ben and the professional relationships Lainie had with colleagues she had over the course of her career. Also, Lainie’s love and care for her family. Appreciated that this novel did not have profanity.
Writer Janice Cantore is a former police officer from the Long Beach Police Department. So, she brings realism to the story from a police perspective. Edge of Truth will be released on February 17, 2026, and will be available online and at various retailers. You can learn more about Janice and her books on her website: janicecantore.com.
I would like to thank Tyndale House Publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complementary copy of Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
If you enjoy mystery and intrigue, you may want to read Janice Cantore’s newest book Edge of Truth.
Lainie Jensen works for the Long Beach Police Department. She’s a hardworking detective and committed to her work. In recent years, Lainie has pull back in her relationship with her sister Evie, mostly because of Evie’s husband Stan. But when news comes from Hawaii that she sister may have been kill in a shark attack, Lainie is going to investigate for herself. Something is off and Stan’s story doesn’t make sense. FBI Agent Ben Isaacs is also investigating Stan about his involvement in a money laundering operation. Lainie and Ben’s investigations will overlap. Will they be able to combine forces and get to the truth? Will justice be delivered?
When Lainie started with the police force fifteen years earlier she had a difficult case in which the person escaped justice. While she had to move forward, that case left a scar and it took a toll on her faith. With her sister still missing, Lainie realizes that she needs to return to God. Ben Isaacs is in the right place at the right time. Not only to help with their interconnected investigations, but also to encourage Lainie’s faith in this time of trouble. Will Lainie take a closer look at Ben, a man who is determined, committed, kind and caring.
Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore is filled with suspense, mystery, and intrigue and I especially enjoyed the setting in Long Beach. I liked the growing relationship between Lainie and Ben and the professional relationships Lainie had with colleagues she had over the course of her career. Also, Lainie’s love and care for her family. Appreciated that this novel did not have profanity.
Writer Janice Cantore is a former police officer from the Long Beach Police Department. So, she brings realism to the story from a police perspective. Edge of Truth will be released on February 17, 2026, and will be available online and at various retailers. You can learn more about Janice and her books on her website: janicecantore.com.
I would like to thank Tyndale House Publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complementary copy of Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Drawing on over twenty years of law enforcement experience, Janice Cantore brings authenticity to her crime suspense novels. In her latest release, EDGE OF TRUTH, she also weaves in elements of romance and faith, delivering a full page-turning thriller that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
THE STORY: Ben and Lanie both have a lot at stake. Ben is on the verge of shutting down a major money laundering operation. For Lanie, the situation is deeply personal—she is determined to expose those who think they’re above the law. The criminals make it even more personal when Lanie’s sister goes missing and is presumed dead. Overwhelmed by grief and desperate for answers, Lanie turns to Ben for help, driven by the need to solve the mystery and seek justice for her family. The pain and uncertainty push Lanie to her limits, revealing just how far she will go for those she loves—even at her own peril.
5 STARS BECAUSE: Cantore is phenomenal at edge-of-the-seat suspense and tender romance. But what truly stood out to me was how the EDGE OF TRUTH powerfully illustrates the transformative impact of forgiveness, especially when it seems impossible. Rather than simply stating the importance, Cantore brings this theme to life through her characters’ journeys. For instance, when the protagonist witnesses a devastating betrayal, she struggles with the person who ultimately chooses to forgive. This liberation demonstrates how forgiveness can free the one who forgives, breaking the cycle of bitterness and pain.
In a time when division and resentment frequently make headlines, EDGE OF TRUTH offers a timely reminder that letting go of bitterness can foster unity and improve personal well-being. Through its compelling story, the novel encourages us to embrace forgiveness as a path toward healing and reconciliation—an especially relevant message in today’s world.
I received an ARC from Tyndale Publishing for my honest review.
THE STORY: Ben and Lanie both have a lot at stake. Ben is on the verge of shutting down a major money laundering operation. For Lanie, the situation is deeply personal—she is determined to expose those who think they’re above the law. The criminals make it even more personal when Lanie’s sister goes missing and is presumed dead. Overwhelmed by grief and desperate for answers, Lanie turns to Ben for help, driven by the need to solve the mystery and seek justice for her family. The pain and uncertainty push Lanie to her limits, revealing just how far she will go for those she loves—even at her own peril.
5 STARS BECAUSE: Cantore is phenomenal at edge-of-the-seat suspense and tender romance. But what truly stood out to me was how the EDGE OF TRUTH powerfully illustrates the transformative impact of forgiveness, especially when it seems impossible. Rather than simply stating the importance, Cantore brings this theme to life through her characters’ journeys. For instance, when the protagonist witnesses a devastating betrayal, she struggles with the person who ultimately chooses to forgive. This liberation demonstrates how forgiveness can free the one who forgives, breaking the cycle of bitterness and pain.
In a time when division and resentment frequently make headlines, EDGE OF TRUTH offers a timely reminder that letting go of bitterness can foster unity and improve personal well-being. Through its compelling story, the novel encourages us to embrace forgiveness as a path toward healing and reconciliation—an especially relevant message in today’s world.
I received an ARC from Tyndale Publishing for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I enjoyed reading Edge of Truth, a romantic suspense novel set in Los Angeles. Lainie is a career focused police detective who is shocked when she discovers her sister is missing. Ben is a FBI agent who crosses paths with Lainie at work when a case at Long Beach Police Department is connected to a FBI investigation. Ben’s partner is undercover and has missed his check in.
Lainie and Ben’s meet cute is tense due to their conflict over their connected cases. The attraction is there, but it’s the wrong place and the wrong timing. A lovely low key friends-to-more romance develops during the story.
Lainie has history with a local crime boss that’s complicating their cases. Unknown danger is lurking and Lainie’s family gets caught up in it. She’s blindsided by a betrayal that has massive implications for her close family.
Ben has his own problems to deal with as he investigates why his FBI agent partner is missing. Lainie and Ben must work together to solve the intriguing mysteries. I loved how the suspense plot kept me guessing. I was worried about the characters and appreciated seeing their faith journeys on the page. Themes including trust, forgiveness, and justice are explored.
The story is more weighted toward suspense than romance and would appeal to suspense readers who aren’t big romance fans. I recommend Edge of Truth to romantic suspense readers who like friends-to-more romances with law enforcement characters, forced proximity, a cold case, missing people, family drama, and strong faith elements in the story.
Many thanks to Tyndale for the advanced reader copy.
Lainie and Ben’s meet cute is tense due to their conflict over their connected cases. The attraction is there, but it’s the wrong place and the wrong timing. A lovely low key friends-to-more romance develops during the story.
Lainie has history with a local crime boss that’s complicating their cases. Unknown danger is lurking and Lainie’s family gets caught up in it. She’s blindsided by a betrayal that has massive implications for her close family.
Ben has his own problems to deal with as he investigates why his FBI agent partner is missing. Lainie and Ben must work together to solve the intriguing mysteries. I loved how the suspense plot kept me guessing. I was worried about the characters and appreciated seeing their faith journeys on the page. Themes including trust, forgiveness, and justice are explored.
The story is more weighted toward suspense than romance and would appeal to suspense readers who aren’t big romance fans. I recommend Edge of Truth to romantic suspense readers who like friends-to-more romances with law enforcement characters, forced proximity, a cold case, missing people, family drama, and strong faith elements in the story.
Many thanks to Tyndale for the advanced reader copy.
February 20, 2026
Thank you to Janice Cantore, Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an eARC of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lainie Jenson is a homicide detective for the Long Beach Police Department. Years ago, one case nearly destroyed her career. She has been told to stay away from anything to do with this criminal. However, her sister goes missing in a shark attack in Hawaii and when she flys over to help look for her, she realizes something is off with the story. Ben Isaacs is an FBI special agent who has been working a money laundering case. Now his partner has gone missing. It appears these two cases have a crossover. These two must work together to figure things out.
As always with Janice Cantore’s writing, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. She always writes an edge of your seat, engaging story. Her history as a police officer gives her a unique perspective for suspense books. Her characters feel more realistic than other suspense writer’s characters. The whole situation was unique- a shark attack that seems sketchy and many other unique situations. If I had one small critique, it would be that it seemed to wrap up rather quickly at the end. I loved the faith content. It did not just pop up at the end. The main character realized fairly quickly that she was backslidden and needed to get back to God. I will always be watching for her next book because her writing is definitely worth reading.
If you love police procedurals that are not gory and are clean then this is your book. If prominent faith is bothersome to you, this book might not be the book for you.
#EdgeofTruth #NetGalley
Lainie Jenson is a homicide detective for the Long Beach Police Department. Years ago, one case nearly destroyed her career. She has been told to stay away from anything to do with this criminal. However, her sister goes missing in a shark attack in Hawaii and when she flys over to help look for her, she realizes something is off with the story. Ben Isaacs is an FBI special agent who has been working a money laundering case. Now his partner has gone missing. It appears these two cases have a crossover. These two must work together to figure things out.
As always with Janice Cantore’s writing, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. She always writes an edge of your seat, engaging story. Her history as a police officer gives her a unique perspective for suspense books. Her characters feel more realistic than other suspense writer’s characters. The whole situation was unique- a shark attack that seems sketchy and many other unique situations. If I had one small critique, it would be that it seemed to wrap up rather quickly at the end. I loved the faith content. It did not just pop up at the end. The main character realized fairly quickly that she was backslidden and needed to get back to God. I will always be watching for her next book because her writing is definitely worth reading.
If you love police procedurals that are not gory and are clean then this is your book. If prominent faith is bothersome to you, this book might not be the book for you.
#EdgeofTruth #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This novel follows detective Lainie Jensen as her world is upended when her sister disappears during what should have been a carefree trip to Hawaii. What begins as a personal search quickly spirals into something far more dangerous, especially when Lainie realises the story her brother‑in‑law is feeding authorities doesn’t hold together. At the same time, FBI agent Ben Isaacs is deep into an investigation targeting a sophisticated criminal network, and the moment his path crosses with Lainie’s, both recognise that their cases—and their past—are colliding in ways neither expected. The tension builds steadily as clues surface, loyalties shift, and the threat of long‑buried grudges resurfacing becomes impossible to ignore.
What makes the book especially compelling is the emotional depth threaded through the suspense. Lainie’s struggle with faith, grief, and old wounds adds a powerful layer to the fast‑moving investigation, while Ben’s determination and quiet steadiness balance the story’s intensity. The pacing is sharp, the twists land well, and the short chapters keep the momentum driving forward. Themes of forgiveness, resilience, and rediscovering trust are woven naturally into the action, giving the thriller both heart and weight. Readers who enjoy character‑driven mysteries with high stakes and meaningful emotional undercurrents will find this one gripping from the first chapter to the last.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
What makes the book especially compelling is the emotional depth threaded through the suspense. Lainie’s struggle with faith, grief, and old wounds adds a powerful layer to the fast‑moving investigation, while Ben’s determination and quiet steadiness balance the story’s intensity. The pacing is sharp, the twists land well, and the short chapters keep the momentum driving forward. Themes of forgiveness, resilience, and rediscovering trust are woven naturally into the action, giving the thriller both heart and weight. Readers who enjoy character‑driven mysteries with high stakes and meaningful emotional undercurrents will find this one gripping from the first chapter to the last.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
** “God’s hand could be seen in every life situation. Nothing, not the sad, the bad, or the wonderful was outside of his control.” **
Janice Cantore once again delivers an action-packed thriller with “Edge of Truth.”
Fifteen years ago a case slipped through the hands of Detective Lainie Jensen, then just an officer. So when it looks like once again Dallas Vine might be indirectly involved in a case, Lainie hopes to finally get him behind bars.
When FBI Agent Benjamin Isaacs’ partner Efren, working undercover for Vine, goes missing, Ben quickly becomes involved in the case too.
But when Lainie’s sister goes horrifically missing in Hawaii, Lainie’s and Ben’s paths cross. Is there a connection between all the occurrences, and do they all have to do with Dallas Vine? They both must overcome their pasts and keep clear heads, all while their lives come under danger too.
Cantore once again delivers a fast-paced, action-packed thriller with lots of twists and turns. She creates characters that are flawed yet relatable, as well as some that are truly evil. She also fills “Edge of Truth” with some great themes, like “don’t give in to the evil selfish twins: condemnation and pity”; nothing is outside of God’s control; pray continually; and anger, bitterness and unforgiveness weigh heavily upon a person.
Fans of authors like Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon and Elizabeth Goddard will love “Edge of Truth,” which is due out Feb. 17.
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Janice Cantore once again delivers an action-packed thriller with “Edge of Truth.”
Fifteen years ago a case slipped through the hands of Detective Lainie Jensen, then just an officer. So when it looks like once again Dallas Vine might be indirectly involved in a case, Lainie hopes to finally get him behind bars.
When FBI Agent Benjamin Isaacs’ partner Efren, working undercover for Vine, goes missing, Ben quickly becomes involved in the case too.
But when Lainie’s sister goes horrifically missing in Hawaii, Lainie’s and Ben’s paths cross. Is there a connection between all the occurrences, and do they all have to do with Dallas Vine? They both must overcome their pasts and keep clear heads, all while their lives come under danger too.
Cantore once again delivers a fast-paced, action-packed thriller with lots of twists and turns. She creates characters that are flawed yet relatable, as well as some that are truly evil. She also fills “Edge of Truth” with some great themes, like “don’t give in to the evil selfish twins: condemnation and pity”; nothing is outside of God’s control; pray continually; and anger, bitterness and unforgiveness weigh heavily upon a person.
Fans of authors like Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon and Elizabeth Goddard will love “Edge of Truth,” which is due out Feb. 17.
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Author Janice Cantore's latest, Edge of Truth, is another suspenseful police procedural that engages the reader immediately. The short chapters keep the momentum going as we travel from Long Beach to Hawaii.
Detective Lainie Jensen of the Long Beach Police Department’s violent crimes division is faced with the unfathomable, her sister, Evie, has gone missing in Hawaii. Lainie travels to Hawaii and immediately suspects that something is not right. Her brother-in-law, Stan's story does not feel right.
FBI special agent Ben Isaacs, and his partner have been working to take down a money laundering operation that finds Stan to be a person of interest. Ben becomes concerned when Evie goes missing right after he contacted her.
Lainie and Ben begin investigating together when they realize that their two cases overlap. It soon becomes evident that the present is connected to Lainie's past, an old case from her days as a rookie. The clues take Lainie and Ben back to Long Beach. Could all this be about revenge? There are secrets revealed and twists that keep us turning the pages.
This story has layers, interspersed with the mystery are themes of faith, forgiveness and healing. The emerging romance between our two main characters is treated with tenderness. I highly recommend Edge of Truth and all of Janice Cantore's books. I look forward to this author's next book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher, Tyndale House Publishers, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
Detective Lainie Jensen of the Long Beach Police Department’s violent crimes division is faced with the unfathomable, her sister, Evie, has gone missing in Hawaii. Lainie travels to Hawaii and immediately suspects that something is not right. Her brother-in-law, Stan's story does not feel right.
FBI special agent Ben Isaacs, and his partner have been working to take down a money laundering operation that finds Stan to be a person of interest. Ben becomes concerned when Evie goes missing right after he contacted her.
Lainie and Ben begin investigating together when they realize that their two cases overlap. It soon becomes evident that the present is connected to Lainie's past, an old case from her days as a rookie. The clues take Lainie and Ben back to Long Beach. Could all this be about revenge? There are secrets revealed and twists that keep us turning the pages.
This story has layers, interspersed with the mystery are themes of faith, forgiveness and healing. The emerging romance between our two main characters is treated with tenderness. I highly recommend Edge of Truth and all of Janice Cantore's books. I look forward to this author's next book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher, Tyndale House Publishers, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy
"I'm so much bigger than you know. You're too small and insignificant to stop me."
One of her first arrests as a rookie cop has come full circle for Detective Lainie Jensen, she just doesn't know it yet.
After years of struggling over "the one that got away", Lainie can scarcely believe that Dallas Vine has criss-crossed back into her orbit as she frantically searches for answers to her sister's disappearance while on a Hawaiian vacation with her husband. Stranger still, FBI Special Agent Ben Isaacs shows up in Hawaii, determined to find out more about his partner's undercover work to take down a widespread money laundering enterprise, before he too, went missing.
Ben and Lainie get off on the wrong foot, but eventually the evidence leads them to an obvious conclusion; they are working different sides of the same case and would be better served working together. As the larger case gets stranger and stranger and the smaller details become more and more dangerous, Ben and Lainie seem poised to teeter on the very edge of truth.
This story moved along at such a graceful pace that the harrowing details never seemed rushed, but written in seamless harmony with the overall plot, which was a touch of genius, by the way. The twists and turns were meticulously timed, making the story continually interesting while slowly pulling back the curtain on a relationship that suffered setbacks, for sure, but managed to rise triumphantly in the end. Great faith elements through-out made this romantic suspense very high quality!
One of her first arrests as a rookie cop has come full circle for Detective Lainie Jensen, she just doesn't know it yet.
After years of struggling over "the one that got away", Lainie can scarcely believe that Dallas Vine has criss-crossed back into her orbit as she frantically searches for answers to her sister's disappearance while on a Hawaiian vacation with her husband. Stranger still, FBI Special Agent Ben Isaacs shows up in Hawaii, determined to find out more about his partner's undercover work to take down a widespread money laundering enterprise, before he too, went missing.
Ben and Lainie get off on the wrong foot, but eventually the evidence leads them to an obvious conclusion; they are working different sides of the same case and would be better served working together. As the larger case gets stranger and stranger and the smaller details become more and more dangerous, Ben and Lainie seem poised to teeter on the very edge of truth.
This story moved along at such a graceful pace that the harrowing details never seemed rushed, but written in seamless harmony with the overall plot, which was a touch of genius, by the way. The twists and turns were meticulously timed, making the story continually interesting while slowly pulling back the curtain on a relationship that suffered setbacks, for sure, but managed to rise triumphantly in the end. Great faith elements through-out made this romantic suspense very high quality!
August 15, 2025
"Edge of Truth" is a Christian romantic suspense. As a rookie, Lainie pulled over a drunk only to discover a murdered woman in the back of the car. The driver convinced a jury that there was no proof that he actually murdered the woman. Now he's a crime boss. When Lainie's brother-in-law calls claiming her sister died in a shark attack, she investigates only to discover that things don't add up. But where's her sister? Ben's been watching the car wash were her brother-in-law works unknowingly for the crime boss, and Ben's partner has gone missing. Lainie and Ben work together to find her sister, his partner, and the truth.
The suspense remained high due to the danger and uncertainty around the disappearances of the sister and partner. The characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Ben admired how Lainie took good advice and managed to save her career after a rocky start. Both were tenacious in discovering the truth and were good a spotting inconsistencies. Lainie and Ben supported each other and shared a passion for justice.
Lainie felt like God let her down and maybe didn't even listen to her prayers, but she started praying during this crisis and regained her trust that God's in control. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this engaging, suspenseful story.
I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The suspense remained high due to the danger and uncertainty around the disappearances of the sister and partner. The characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Ben admired how Lainie took good advice and managed to save her career after a rocky start. Both were tenacious in discovering the truth and were good a spotting inconsistencies. Lainie and Ben supported each other and shared a passion for justice.
Lainie felt like God let her down and maybe didn't even listen to her prayers, but she started praying during this crisis and regained her trust that God's in control. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this engaging, suspenseful story.
I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
From Long Beach to Hawaii and back you are taken on a ride filled with mystery, suspense, deep danger, lies and betrayal.
This outstanding police procedural never lost momentum. The short chapters were filled to the brim with mystery and puzzles within other puzzles.
Detective Lainie Jensen is one tough cookie. She is the best at her job. However, a case from her past haunts her on a daily basis. The one who got away. The one she knows is a slippery criminal. When she receives word that her sister, Evie, has disappeared in Hawaii, she flies over to do her own investigation.
FBI special agent Ben Isaacs has been working on a money laundering case and is searching for his friend and partner who has seemingly disappeared within the criminal enterprise that he was undercover in.
Lainie and Ben are both looking for justice and now their cases have crossed. The road will be bumpy.
Faith and forgiveness play an integral part of this story starring two wounded souls who need forgiveness in their lives. The dark world of organized crime is no match for the shining light of Jesus. Edge Of Truth was such an appropriate name for this book. Truth is truth and lies are lies. There is no in between but some skirt on the edge of truth, which is a dangerous place to reside.
Thank you to Tyndale Publishers through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This outstanding police procedural never lost momentum. The short chapters were filled to the brim with mystery and puzzles within other puzzles.
Detective Lainie Jensen is one tough cookie. She is the best at her job. However, a case from her past haunts her on a daily basis. The one who got away. The one she knows is a slippery criminal. When she receives word that her sister, Evie, has disappeared in Hawaii, she flies over to do her own investigation.
FBI special agent Ben Isaacs has been working on a money laundering case and is searching for his friend and partner who has seemingly disappeared within the criminal enterprise that he was undercover in.
Lainie and Ben are both looking for justice and now their cases have crossed. The road will be bumpy.
Faith and forgiveness play an integral part of this story starring two wounded souls who need forgiveness in their lives. The dark world of organized crime is no match for the shining light of Jesus. Edge Of Truth was such an appropriate name for this book. Truth is truth and lies are lies. There is no in between but some skirt on the edge of truth, which is a dangerous place to reside.
Thank you to Tyndale Publishers through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 22, 2026
When Lainie pulls over Dallas Vine for driving under the influence, she thinks its just a routine traffic stop. Instead she finds a body in his back seat. 15 years later Dallas is still free and Lainie has been warned to leave him alone. After her obsession with him led to almost being fired, shes done her best to do just that. When a small time criminal promises evidence against Dallas, Lainie is hoping this might be the chance to finally get him. Before she can do a thorough interview though, fbi agent Ben Isaac's takes her hope and crushes it when he takes custody of the criminal. When her brother in law calls to tell her that her sister is believed to have him eaten by a shark in Hawaii, she drops everything to fly down and see if she can find her sister. Shortly after arriving in Hawaii, Ben also appears, and Lainie soon learns that finally getting Dallas Vine behind bars may become far more personal than she ever dreamed.
I really liked this book. I personally didn't find the suspense elements as suspenseful as they were intended, but the story was fast paced and you never really wanted to put the story down. Word to the wise, don't read right before bed because you might end up staying up later then you intend
I really liked this book. I personally didn't find the suspense elements as suspenseful as they were intended, but the story was fast paced and you never really wanted to put the story down. Word to the wise, don't read right before bed because you might end up staying up later then you intend
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Strange connections come to light while Detective Lainie searches for her sister who has gone missing in Hawaii. Her search leads her to FBI agent Ben Isaacs who is working on the case from a different angle. Together they form an hesitant alliance to get to the bottom of the disappearance.
Highly engaging, filled with suspense, good relationship building and complex characters. There are a lot of pieces, with a lot going on. Good realistic storytelling, with strong faith, and an excellent plot. I liked the Ben and Lainie got to know each other while working on the case and bonded over their faith.
A suspenseful read that kept me guessing, with great relationship building and I enjoyed the strong faith themes. Lainie is skeptical of Ben at first, but as they work together they find that working together might be just what they need to blow the case wide open. Highly engaging, excellent suspense!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Highly engaging, filled with suspense, good relationship building and complex characters. There are a lot of pieces, with a lot going on. Good realistic storytelling, with strong faith, and an excellent plot. I liked the Ben and Lainie got to know each other while working on the case and bonded over their faith.
A suspenseful read that kept me guessing, with great relationship building and I enjoyed the strong faith themes. Lainie is skeptical of Ben at first, but as they work together they find that working together might be just what they need to blow the case wide open. Highly engaging, excellent suspense!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 1, 2026
This story pulls you in almost immediately with a tense and memorable opening that sets the tone for everything that follows. Janice Cantore does an excellent job establishing emotional stakes early, and that sense of urgency never fully lets go.
Fifteen years later, Detective Lainey faces new developments connected to a case that clearly left a lasting impact on her—not just professionally, but personally and spiritually. Her character is layered and believable, especially as she wrestles with bitterness, faith, and unanswered questions. Her internal struggle adds depth to what is already a compelling investigative storyline.
FBI agent Ben Isaacs brings another strong perspective to the story. His own concerns, professional responsibilities, and personal connections to the investigation add tension and broaden the scope of the narrative in a meaningful way. The partnership that develops between characters feels natural and grounded in shared purpose.
The mystery itself is engaging and filled with enough twists and uncertainty to keep you guessing. The pacing is strong overall, and the story consistently builds intrigue as new pieces emerge.
One thing I did notice stylistically was that the writing sometimes felt sharp and abrupt - almost staccato - which may work well for some readers but occasionally disrupted the flow for me. Additionally, some of the timeline transitions and flashbacks required extra attention to follow.
Faith is thoughtfully woven throughout the story, particularly in how Lainey processes her anger, doubt, and pain. It never feels forced but instead reflects authentic emotional struggle.
Overall, Edge of Truth is a compelling Christian suspense novel with strong emotional depth, engaging investigative threads, and meaningful character development. Fans of faith-based suspense and layered mysteries will find plenty to appreciate here.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.
QUOTES:
“God didn’t move; you did. It’s up to you to move back.”
Fifteen years later, Detective Lainey faces new developments connected to a case that clearly left a lasting impact on her—not just professionally, but personally and spiritually. Her character is layered and believable, especially as she wrestles with bitterness, faith, and unanswered questions. Her internal struggle adds depth to what is already a compelling investigative storyline.
FBI agent Ben Isaacs brings another strong perspective to the story. His own concerns, professional responsibilities, and personal connections to the investigation add tension and broaden the scope of the narrative in a meaningful way. The partnership that develops between characters feels natural and grounded in shared purpose.
The mystery itself is engaging and filled with enough twists and uncertainty to keep you guessing. The pacing is strong overall, and the story consistently builds intrigue as new pieces emerge.
One thing I did notice stylistically was that the writing sometimes felt sharp and abrupt - almost staccato - which may work well for some readers but occasionally disrupted the flow for me. Additionally, some of the timeline transitions and flashbacks required extra attention to follow.
Faith is thoughtfully woven throughout the story, particularly in how Lainey processes her anger, doubt, and pain. It never feels forced but instead reflects authentic emotional struggle.
Overall, Edge of Truth is a compelling Christian suspense novel with strong emotional depth, engaging investigative threads, and meaningful character development. Fans of faith-based suspense and layered mysteries will find plenty to appreciate here.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.
QUOTES:
“God didn’t move; you did. It’s up to you to move back.”
August 18, 2025
What an enjoyable book! I raced to see what happened next, yet was a little sad to have the story come to an end! I enjoyed every moment of reading this book! What else would I expect with this wonderful author?!
Lainie is a hard-working detective in the Long Beach Police Department. But when her own sister disappears in Hawaii, according to her brother-in-law, Lainie thinks his story has holes, and she does all she can to locate her sibling. Meanwhile, FBI special agent Ben has been working on his own cases and finds that this missing person case may overlap with his search for money laundering thugs. How the story unravels, with a gentle ribbon of faith, makes this a story worth reading! The characters are very engaging, and you might find yourself rooting for them, too!
I very much appreciate reading this book, compliments of the publishers. The views expressed are my own personal opinions.
Lainie is a hard-working detective in the Long Beach Police Department. But when her own sister disappears in Hawaii, according to her brother-in-law, Lainie thinks his story has holes, and she does all she can to locate her sibling. Meanwhile, FBI special agent Ben has been working on his own cases and finds that this missing person case may overlap with his search for money laundering thugs. How the story unravels, with a gentle ribbon of faith, makes this a story worth reading! The characters are very engaging, and you might find yourself rooting for them, too!
I very much appreciate reading this book, compliments of the publishers. The views expressed are my own personal opinions.
October 25, 2025
Edge of Truth, by Janice Cantore,is a Christian suspense story that is well written and very easy to read and get caught up in the story. Lainie goes to Hawaii after her sister goes missing. Meanwhile, FBI agent, Ben is investigating her brother-in-law. The two have a past yet work together to try to find out what actually happened, who is behind the sister’s disappearance and why.
This is such a good story. It is fast paced and filled with action, suspense and mystery. There are several different aspects to the story that kept me reading just to find what would happen next. I like how strong Lainie is and how determined she is to find out what happened to her sister. I appreciate how faith is written into the story.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
This is such a good story. It is fast paced and filled with action, suspense and mystery. There are several different aspects to the story that kept me reading just to find what would happen next. I like how strong Lainie is and how determined she is to find out what happened to her sister. I appreciate how faith is written into the story.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Edge of Truth is a Christian suspense novel. Though there are undertones and mentions of violent crime, Cantore is skilled at keeping these hidden in her prose to keep this book “clean.”
This story is about a woman who goes missing in Hawaii while vacationing there with her husband. Her sister, Lainie, a detective for the Long Beach Police Department, travels to Hawaii to help in the search. She quickly realizes that her brother-in-law, Stan, is not being truthful about what happened. As Lainie navigates through delicate family ties and a past she’d rather forget, she learns to forgive and finds solace in her faith after giving up on it.
This novel is fast-paced with a large cast of characters, but it kept me engaged and I found it quite compelling.
Thank you, NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the early copy.
This story is about a woman who goes missing in Hawaii while vacationing there with her husband. Her sister, Lainie, a detective for the Long Beach Police Department, travels to Hawaii to help in the search. She quickly realizes that her brother-in-law, Stan, is not being truthful about what happened. As Lainie navigates through delicate family ties and a past she’d rather forget, she learns to forgive and finds solace in her faith after giving up on it.
This novel is fast-paced with a large cast of characters, but it kept me engaged and I found it quite compelling.
Thank you, NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the early copy.
February 17, 2026
If you like high intense stories with lots of angst, action and suspense then Edge of Truth is the book for you. I love to read Christian suspense books but had never read one by Janice Cantore. After reading Edge of Truth, this author’s books are on my TBR List.
From the beginning to the very end this is an police procedural story with characters that are likeable but clash over two different investigations that become tired together. Long Beach Police Department’s violent crimes division, Lainie Jensen is looking for her missing sister and FBI special agent Ben Isaacs is after a money laundering operation. They have one common suspect. As the story progresses, there is much more to the case. A thriller to be sure with a strong Christian theme, reminding all that nothing is impossible with God even in this flawed world.
From the beginning to the very end this is an police procedural story with characters that are likeable but clash over two different investigations that become tired together. Long Beach Police Department’s violent crimes division, Lainie Jensen is looking for her missing sister and FBI special agent Ben Isaacs is after a money laundering operation. They have one common suspect. As the story progresses, there is much more to the case. A thriller to be sure with a strong Christian theme, reminding all that nothing is impossible with God even in this flawed world.
February 18, 2026
Janice Cantore is a convincing author of police suspense fiction, likely due to having served on the Long Beach, California police force for twenty-two years. In Edge of Truth, Officer Laine Jenson, also of the Long Beach force, experiences a failure in how the system functions, the loss of a loved one to violence, being targeted by organized crime, and a chance at romance. Saying the story is like a roller coaster may sound cliché, but phrases become clichés for a reason. Very few times while reading have I repeatedly felt like the solution was apparent only to discover how wrong I was. Nothing remains the way it seems. This story has many moving parts.
I highly recommend Edge of Truth, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I highly recommend Edge of Truth, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
July 16, 2025
Detective Lainie Jensen must find her sister, who has gone missing in Hawaii. FBI Special Agent Ben Isaacs is searching for his missing undercover partner. When their cases begin to overlap, the two must work together to uncover who is responsible and what’s really going on.
I found this book to be an engaging read, full of twists and turns and plenty of action. There are quite a few characters introduced throughout the story, which made it a little confusing at times to keep track of who’s who. However, if this is the first in a series, it’s a strong start and a good way to introduce a broader cast for future books.
I am thankful to Net Galley, the publisher and the author for my ARC that allows me to give my honest opinion.
I found this book to be an engaging read, full of twists and turns and plenty of action. There are quite a few characters introduced throughout the story, which made it a little confusing at times to keep track of who’s who. However, if this is the first in a series, it’s a strong start and a good way to introduce a broader cast for future books.
I am thankful to Net Galley, the publisher and the author for my ARC that allows me to give my honest opinion.
September 24, 2025
Oh my goodness... talk about an exciting start to the story! This one grabbed my attention right from the very start... and didn't let go until the very end. This is definitely one of those stories that will keep you guessing right through to the very end. Just when you think you have it all figured out... here comes another twist to keep you questioning absolutely everything... and I was absolutely here for it! Throw in some romance and a beautiful message of faith and forgiveness and there really was a lot to enjoy in this story. If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is certainly one to check out.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, there is action from the beginning to the end! Just when you think the answers are here and danger past, nope, there is more action.
This is Christian Suspense at its best. A read that I wanted answers, but didn't want to end so I could stay with these characters longer!
The author gives us missing people, presumed deceased, possible shark attacks, bodies, greed, and best a sweet romance.
People whom are above the law and will do anything to stay that way, and then those that have chosen a profession that vows to stop the evil ones!
You don't want to miss this one!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is Christian Suspense at its best. A read that I wanted answers, but didn't want to end so I could stay with these characters longer!
The author gives us missing people, presumed deceased, possible shark attacks, bodies, greed, and best a sweet romance.
People whom are above the law and will do anything to stay that way, and then those that have chosen a profession that vows to stop the evil ones!
You don't want to miss this one!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.
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