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Over The Edge
Torn from the front lines of medical debate and the author's own experience with Lyme Disease, Over the Edge is riveting fiction, full of twists and turns—and powerful truths about today's medical field.
Janessa McNeil’s husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, a researcher and professor at Stanford University's Department of Medicine, specializes in tick-borne diseases—especially Lyme. For years he has insisted that Chronic Lyme Disease doesn't exist. Even as patients across the country are getting sicker, the committee Brock chairs is about to announce its latest findings—which will further seal the door shut for Lyme treatment.
One embittered man sets out to prove Dr. McNeil wrong by giving him a close-up view of the very disease he denies. The man infects Janessa with Lyme, then states his demand: convince her husband to publicly reverse his stand on Lyme—or their young daughter will be next.
But Janessa's marriage is already rocky. She's so sick she can hardly move or think. And her husband denies she has Lyme at all.
Welcome to the Lyme wars, Janessa.
Janessa McNeil’s husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, a researcher and professor at Stanford University's Department of Medicine, specializes in tick-borne diseases—especially Lyme. For years he has insisted that Chronic Lyme Disease doesn't exist. Even as patients across the country are getting sicker, the committee Brock chairs is about to announce its latest findings—which will further seal the door shut for Lyme treatment.
One embittered man sets out to prove Dr. McNeil wrong by giving him a close-up view of the very disease he denies. The man infects Janessa with Lyme, then states his demand: convince her husband to publicly reverse his stand on Lyme—or their young daughter will be next.
But Janessa's marriage is already rocky. She's so sick she can hardly move or think. And her husband denies she has Lyme at all.
Welcome to the Lyme wars, Janessa.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2011
85 people are currently reading
1021 people want to read
About the author
Brandilyn Collins
62 books632 followersBrandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
March 24, 2017
Brandilyn Collins is a new author I have discovered recently and she has definitely creeped into my favorite's list. This is the second book I've read of hers and Over the Edge was a fantastic read!
I loved the suspense and thrilling storyline. This book was so hard to put down some nights and I lost some sleep, but it was worth it!
Jannie, or Janessa, the main character in this book, is a sufferer of Lyme disease. I never knew much about the disease until I read this book and let me tell you... I learned a lot! Brandilyn Collins herself has suffered from Lyme's. This book opened my eyes to this disease and how devastating this disease is and how painful it is for those who have it. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to getting my hands on another novel of hers!
I loved the suspense and thrilling storyline. This book was so hard to put down some nights and I lost some sleep, but it was worth it!
Jannie, or Janessa, the main character in this book, is a sufferer of Lyme disease. I never knew much about the disease until I read this book and let me tell you... I learned a lot! Brandilyn Collins herself has suffered from Lyme's. This book opened my eyes to this disease and how devastating this disease is and how painful it is for those who have it. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to getting my hands on another novel of hers!
May 4, 2011
“Seatbelt Suspense- Don’t Forget to Breathe”—the tagline ain’t a joke folks! I think I lost air several times while reading this book.
I have never come into contact with Lyme disease, but I had heard of it prior to reading the novel. From the very beginning, this book gave me the strongest premonition I had contracted the disease. The author lived through this disease, she knows she is talking about—and it shows on the page. Not only was the writing vivid, it was paired with a mystery that left me short of breath on several occasions.
I always know what I’m reading a good book: not only can’t I put it down, it keeps me up late without a wink of sleep in sight. There isn’t an overflowing amount of bead bodies or red herrings, but the sense that something BIG is coming is a strong premonition through the entire story. When I got there…there was NO WAY I could have put that book down in any circumstance.
The writing grabs the attention, the story, the heart and mind. I loved how deep into the heroine the author dug, it made her pop from the page.
Cover to cover—great book, highly recommended to suspense fans and it won’t be my last Brandilyn book. (smile)
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.
I have never come into contact with Lyme disease, but I had heard of it prior to reading the novel. From the very beginning, this book gave me the strongest premonition I had contracted the disease. The author lived through this disease, she knows she is talking about—and it shows on the page. Not only was the writing vivid, it was paired with a mystery that left me short of breath on several occasions.
I always know what I’m reading a good book: not only can’t I put it down, it keeps me up late without a wink of sleep in sight. There isn’t an overflowing amount of bead bodies or red herrings, but the sense that something BIG is coming is a strong premonition through the entire story. When I got there…there was NO WAY I could have put that book down in any circumstance.
The writing grabs the attention, the story, the heart and mind. I loved how deep into the heroine the author dug, it made her pop from the page.
Cover to cover—great book, highly recommended to suspense fans and it won’t be my last Brandilyn book. (smile)
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.
May 21, 2011
This book started out with a horrible scenario - imagine while you were sleeping someone comes into your house, walks past your daughter's bedroom and enters your bedroom. He then places Lyme infected ticks in your hair - without you even knowing he had been there - that's what happened to Janessa McNeil.
'Over The Edge' opened my eyes to Lyme disease. I knew little to nothing about Lyme disease and what people who have it go through before reading this book. I have read most of Brandilyn Collins books and 'Over The Edge' is now one of my favorite books that she has written.
I felt for Janessa and all she was going through, imagining if I was her how I would feel. The story was great, full of mystery and had a major twist ending! I hope there will be a sequel in the future, just so I can know what happens next.
I think if you read this book you won't be disappointed because I wasn't! 'Over The Edge' is sure to put you on the edge of your seat in suspense of what's going to happen next!!
'Over The Edge' opened my eyes to Lyme disease. I knew little to nothing about Lyme disease and what people who have it go through before reading this book. I have read most of Brandilyn Collins books and 'Over The Edge' is now one of my favorite books that she has written.
I felt for Janessa and all she was going through, imagining if I was her how I would feel. The story was great, full of mystery and had a major twist ending! I hope there will be a sequel in the future, just so I can know what happens next.
I think if you read this book you won't be disappointed because I wasn't! 'Over The Edge' is sure to put you on the edge of your seat in suspense of what's going to happen next!!
April 19, 2011
Well, I stayed up way too late reading last night. The culprit: Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins. This soon-to-be-released novel focuses on the plight of Chronic Lyme Disease sufferers.
Over the Edge tells the harrowing tale of Janessa McNeil. Janessa's husband is a highly respected doctor and researcher at Stanford. His specialty is tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme. For years, he's insisted that Chronic Lyme Disease doesn't exist. His research and testimony have helped to create a climate in which chronic sufferers of the disease have a difficult time getting their treatment covered by insurance or even finding a doctor willing to treat them. Dr. McNeil is set to release his latest findings, which will further hurt their cause.
One deeply troubled man decides to take matters into his own hands. He wants Dr. McNeil to experience the very disease he denies, up close and personal, by infecting someone he loves: his wife. After successfully infecting Janessa, he contacts her and demands that she convince her husband to publicly reverse his position. If she's unsuccessful, her nine year old daughter will be next. Janessa is frantic to protect her daughter, but she's so sick she can barely function. Even worse, her husband doesn't even believe she has Lyme...in fact, he accuses her of faking the whole thing in order to get his attention! The clock is ticking and Janessa doesn't know where to turn.
The story repulsed and fascinated me at the same time. I was torn: I had such an intense dislike for Dr. McNeil and his unbelievable treatment of his wife that I didn't want to keep reading, but I also felt a connection with Janessa and her daughter that made me want to for their sake. This emotional tug-of-war, along with the tension of the plot, made for a very tense, suspenseful read. I do have to say I was slightly disappointed that I guessed the identity of the culprit correctly almost from the very start. I felt that it was a little too obvious.
Still, Ms. Collins is a skillful writer, keeping the tension and suspense high. Writing from her own personal experience with the disease, her description of Janessa's emotions and physical agony are very realistic and believable. Her bond with her daughter and her emotional pain at her husband's actions are heart stirring. Her daughter Lauren is portrayed well as a typical nine year old girl. Both Dr. McNeil and the unnamed culprit are also well-developed. They both repulsed me! The other characters, including the detective and Janessa's best friend, seemed slightly flat to me.
The faith element of the story seemed very peripheral. Janessa turns to God for help by reading the Psalms, and it's mentioned that she has recently become a Christian, a decision which her husband strongly disapproves of.
Although I had an idea what Lyme Disease is, I learned a great deal from Janessa's ordeal. I had no idea about the so-called "Lyme wars", in which patients are forced to fight for a correct diagnosis and treatment. Ms. Collins is successful at weaving a lot of true information about the current issues into the story without coming across as "preachy".
This is another one of those times when reviewing books has given me an opportunity to read something I would have never picked up on my own. I generally prefer something a little bit more pleasant and less tense when I read a novel. Yet I'm glad I had the opportunity to read Over the Edge. I think this book could serve to help raise awareness of the plight of many in the Lyme community. It's also a well-written story that lovers of suspense novels and medical thrillers will no doubt enjoy.
Over the Edge releases on May 1, just in time for Lyme Awareness Month. Thank you to B&H Publishing for the advance copy of the book.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read more: http://homewithpurpose.blogspot.com/#...
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
Over the Edge tells the harrowing tale of Janessa McNeil. Janessa's husband is a highly respected doctor and researcher at Stanford. His specialty is tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme. For years, he's insisted that Chronic Lyme Disease doesn't exist. His research and testimony have helped to create a climate in which chronic sufferers of the disease have a difficult time getting their treatment covered by insurance or even finding a doctor willing to treat them. Dr. McNeil is set to release his latest findings, which will further hurt their cause.
One deeply troubled man decides to take matters into his own hands. He wants Dr. McNeil to experience the very disease he denies, up close and personal, by infecting someone he loves: his wife. After successfully infecting Janessa, he contacts her and demands that she convince her husband to publicly reverse his position. If she's unsuccessful, her nine year old daughter will be next. Janessa is frantic to protect her daughter, but she's so sick she can barely function. Even worse, her husband doesn't even believe she has Lyme...in fact, he accuses her of faking the whole thing in order to get his attention! The clock is ticking and Janessa doesn't know where to turn.
The story repulsed and fascinated me at the same time. I was torn: I had such an intense dislike for Dr. McNeil and his unbelievable treatment of his wife that I didn't want to keep reading, but I also felt a connection with Janessa and her daughter that made me want to for their sake. This emotional tug-of-war, along with the tension of the plot, made for a very tense, suspenseful read. I do have to say I was slightly disappointed that I guessed the identity of the culprit correctly almost from the very start. I felt that it was a little too obvious.
Still, Ms. Collins is a skillful writer, keeping the tension and suspense high. Writing from her own personal experience with the disease, her description of Janessa's emotions and physical agony are very realistic and believable. Her bond with her daughter and her emotional pain at her husband's actions are heart stirring. Her daughter Lauren is portrayed well as a typical nine year old girl. Both Dr. McNeil and the unnamed culprit are also well-developed. They both repulsed me! The other characters, including the detective and Janessa's best friend, seemed slightly flat to me.
The faith element of the story seemed very peripheral. Janessa turns to God for help by reading the Psalms, and it's mentioned that she has recently become a Christian, a decision which her husband strongly disapproves of.
Although I had an idea what Lyme Disease is, I learned a great deal from Janessa's ordeal. I had no idea about the so-called "Lyme wars", in which patients are forced to fight for a correct diagnosis and treatment. Ms. Collins is successful at weaving a lot of true information about the current issues into the story without coming across as "preachy".
This is another one of those times when reviewing books has given me an opportunity to read something I would have never picked up on my own. I generally prefer something a little bit more pleasant and less tense when I read a novel. Yet I'm glad I had the opportunity to read Over the Edge. I think this book could serve to help raise awareness of the plight of many in the Lyme community. It's also a well-written story that lovers of suspense novels and medical thrillers will no doubt enjoy.
Over the Edge releases on May 1, just in time for Lyme Awareness Month. Thank you to B&H Publishing for the advance copy of the book.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read more: http://homewithpurpose.blogspot.com/#...
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
January 13, 2012
Great book. Collins experienced Lyme Disease, so she writes about it from a very realistic POV. Long before the end of the book, I was researching the Lyme Wars, and was able to verify that they do indeed exist, and that many patients are caught in the crux of this. Collins is able to create a great deal of empathy for the protagonist, Jannie McNeil, wife of Dr. Brock McNeil. At the same time that the reader is learning about the very real problems of Lyme Disease sufferers, suspense and plot twists embroil the reader in true escapist fashion. However, the reader never loses sight of the fact that this is a real disease with real suffering. Collins expertly paints a realistic picture of the disability, physical and emotional of the person with Lyme Disease. While I was reading, I got the distinct impression the author knew what she was talking about, so I wasn't surprised to learn of Collin's history of Lyme Disease. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a good read, and for those who think that medical fiction is just not their thing, this book will make them think again!
August 20, 2011
As a patient stuck in the Lyme wars I'm so glad a book was written about it from a fictional stand point. Each of us have at one time or another "wished" Lyme on the very people and Drs who refute our sickness. Ms. Collins asked to use my Lyme story on her website "Lyme Over The Edge" and it was an honor to be able to help raise awareness. The sad part is while this book is fiction, everything about it is real. The description of symptoms and the fight for validation finally put into words what I couldn't describe to my own family. A must read for all family and friends of Lyme victims, and those who need to learn about prevention and awareness.
September 21, 2018
Eye-opening to the plight of those infected by Lyme disease. I guess I knew it was bad but never the extent! I also figured out the bad guy early...I’m good like that! But that did not stop me from watching the train wreck! Great book with great characters. I will say it reminds me that we can all be blinded by our own selfishness for happiness.
January 15, 2018
Not my typical sort of book, nor subject I generally enjoy, but it was still a good book.
This was a suspenseful book about a man who suffered with his wife's Lyme disease until her death, due to the inadequate CDC tests for Lyme disease. They don't include testing for many bands that would conclude a positive result. Thereby, their limited testing can read negative for Lyme, and proper medication isn't offered or accepted by insurances.
Since this man made it his mission to bring to light the problems with misdiagnosed symptoms, his plan was to infect the wife of one of the most prominent proponents of the CDC testing, and who was instrumental in the more thorough Lyme testing being thrown out.
This was the basis for the book. Jannie was infected by three Lyme carrying ticks which he put on her when he broke into her home months ago. Suddenly her symptoms came on like gang busters and it progressed rapidly, to the point of pain and weakness in every joint, stumbling, confusion, fatigue and halting speech. Now she's getting calls from a stranger explaining what he did, what's going on with her and what she must do to change her husband's stance on Lyme testing. Her husband is concerned until she wants further testing after her negative results. Then he decides she's making it all up, and that her intent is to destroy him.
Goodness, there is so much more to this book than this brief synopsis, but more would give it all away.
Well done, even for a book that is medically technical, and one clearly with an agenda of educating the public on Lyme disease. The story is fantastic.
This was a suspenseful book about a man who suffered with his wife's Lyme disease until her death, due to the inadequate CDC tests for Lyme disease. They don't include testing for many bands that would conclude a positive result. Thereby, their limited testing can read negative for Lyme, and proper medication isn't offered or accepted by insurances.
Since this man made it his mission to bring to light the problems with misdiagnosed symptoms, his plan was to infect the wife of one of the most prominent proponents of the CDC testing, and who was instrumental in the more thorough Lyme testing being thrown out.
This was the basis for the book. Jannie was infected by three Lyme carrying ticks which he put on her when he broke into her home months ago. Suddenly her symptoms came on like gang busters and it progressed rapidly, to the point of pain and weakness in every joint, stumbling, confusion, fatigue and halting speech. Now she's getting calls from a stranger explaining what he did, what's going on with her and what she must do to change her husband's stance on Lyme testing. Her husband is concerned until she wants further testing after her negative results. Then he decides she's making it all up, and that her intent is to destroy him.
Goodness, there is so much more to this book than this brief synopsis, but more would give it all away.
Well done, even for a book that is medically technical, and one clearly with an agenda of educating the public on Lyme disease. The story is fantastic.
January 10, 2012
A psychological thriller. The young wife of a well known research scientist specializing in Lyme Disease awakens one night when her husband is away. She sees a man wearing night goggles in her room but only vaguely remembers the event in the morning. The man starts phoning her informing her he has infected her with Lyme disease. When she begins having symptoms her husband refuses to believe her. He has been having an affair with a co-worker and believes she is responding to his affair by faking her symptoms. His research focuses on the simple treatment of short term antibiotics and believes chronic Lyme disease does not exist. While his wife continues to deteriorate, she continues to receive phone calls from the mystery man now threatening her daughter. He admits to having a grudge against her husband because of a personal connection. She is frustrated with the negative results that suggest she does not have the disease. According to her husband's research, the CDC has only approved a basic test for Lyme disease, which she discovers has a high incidence of false negatives. There is a Christian thread in the book as the woman frequently refers to the Bible for inspiration and faith as her condition continues to deteriorate.
March 9, 2023
A very tense, suspenseful plot involving a stalker taking revenge on a doctor by threatening his family to try to force him to change his stand that there is no such thing as chronic Lyme disease. Families are at risk, but who will believe the victim when her husband won’t? Medical knowledge from the author makes this thriller feel very authentic; Brsndilyn Collins has been infected with Lyme disease in the past. I highly recommend this one.
2nd reading- I still feel the same way about this book after reading it for the second time as a book club selection. Before my first reading, I was not familiar with the Lyme wars and find the information fascinating even though I don’t know anyone who has experienced the disease. Janessa is very courageous in her battle against the person who is trying to destroy her. Thankfully, my experience with doctors has been that very few would behave like Brock McNeil did; I think more would try looking at every possibility in order to help their patient.
2nd reading- I still feel the same way about this book after reading it for the second time as a book club selection. Before my first reading, I was not familiar with the Lyme wars and find the information fascinating even though I don’t know anyone who has experienced the disease. Janessa is very courageous in her battle against the person who is trying to destroy her. Thankfully, my experience with doctors has been that very few would behave like Brock McNeil did; I think more would try looking at every possibility in order to help their patient.
October 6, 2014
I review books based solely on my personal entertainment. Nothing more. Like most people, I read to escape, to share in another's story. In the case of Over the Edge, I read it because I have Lyme Disease and I'm now in the middle of the Lyme Wars. It's a crazy world for Lyme sufferers and Ms. Collins captured that perfectly. While I was uncomfortable reading the scenes where the protaganist suffered from her symptoms, I knew it was necessary. This book is enjoyable for both Lyme sufferers and those who know nothing about Lyme Disease. My hat is off to Ms. Colliins. On behalf of every Lyme sufferer, thank you so much for writing this book, sharing your personal Lyme story and reaching out to help others like me. Bravo!
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February 24, 2018Wow. This book...just wow.
When I was a sophmore in college, I noticed a bulls-eye red spot where I had been bitten by a tick. It constantly itched and bothered me, but I was a full time college student in addition to working two jobs. I had grown up checking for ticks every night and knew the dangers, but I was so busy, so exhausted, that I was oblivious to the signs.
I got up at 4:00 every morning to work in the cafeteria before class and went straight to my second job, at a mortgage company, when classes were done for the day. I'd work late, then come back to the dorm to do homework. There were nights I never made it to bed before it was time for work again.
I had a terrible time staying awake in class or anytime I sat down, and I started dreading tests because I could not remember anything I had studied.
The first doctor I saw said I had a sinus infection. He also said that I had to choose between work and school. My current pace, he said, would kill me within weeks.
I quit my jobs, but still wasn't able to take finals in most of my classes.
I was sick.
One paragraph in this book stood out to me more than any other:
"Once again I explained all my symptoms. They sounded so nonsensical I found myself not wanting to name them. A bonafide hypochondriac would be proud of my list of complaints."
YES. Exactly.
I was weak. I was weary. I was exhausted but couldn't sleep. My head hurt. My eyes ached. I passed out more than once. My brain forgot the most basic words or facts. On and on and on.
There were weeks on end when I couldn't leave my room, more weeks when I only had enough strength to get to the couch.
I spent weeks in darkness because the light hurt my eyes, unable to watch or listen to anything because my head hurt, unable to read because I didn't have the strength to hold my book. One terrible day I remember very clearly. I desperately needed a drink, and I had a full water bottle sitting just next to my bed. I didn't have the strength to reach over and get it, though, and although I could hear my family moving around just outside my door, I was unable to speak loudly enough for them to hear me. I lay there in helpless defeat with tears running down my face. I rarely share that, because the first time I did, a woman's response was, "Well, I wish I could lay in bed all day."
I don't know how many doctors I went to. This family member or that friend wanted me to try yet another certain doctor, both medical and natural. None could help me, although one did diagnose me with rheumatoid arthritis.
One female doctor said there was nothing wrong with me.
I was twenty years old and barely able to get out of my bed. But there was nothing wrong with me.
That was the last medical doctor I went to.
By the time I found and was diagnosed by a Lyme literate doctor four years later, so many parts of my body were being attacked by the spirochetes: heart, gut, joints, and brain, for example. A lot of damage had been done.
This book was crazy to read because it's like reading about ME in all the physical challenges Jannie deals with.
Janessa is intentionally infected with Lyme Disease by a man who hates her doctor husband and his ridiculous yet inflexible stance about the supposed non-existence of chronic Lyme.
Her life and the lives of many others - including her own daughter - are in grave danger unless she can convince her intractable husband to change his mind.
It's one of those sit down and hang on books that I actually read in one sitting because I was unable to put it down.
There is so much knowledge about Lyme throughout. I had no idea that chronic Lyme is officially nonexistent. I had no idea that so many people are not only told they have no physical problems, but even told they may have mental issues. How grossly unfair.
If you know someone with Lyme or want to know more about it, you need to read this book. If you just like a thrilling story, you should also read this book!
When I was a sophmore in college, I noticed a bulls-eye red spot where I had been bitten by a tick. It constantly itched and bothered me, but I was a full time college student in addition to working two jobs. I had grown up checking for ticks every night and knew the dangers, but I was so busy, so exhausted, that I was oblivious to the signs.
I got up at 4:00 every morning to work in the cafeteria before class and went straight to my second job, at a mortgage company, when classes were done for the day. I'd work late, then come back to the dorm to do homework. There were nights I never made it to bed before it was time for work again.
I had a terrible time staying awake in class or anytime I sat down, and I started dreading tests because I could not remember anything I had studied.
The first doctor I saw said I had a sinus infection. He also said that I had to choose between work and school. My current pace, he said, would kill me within weeks.
I quit my jobs, but still wasn't able to take finals in most of my classes.
I was sick.
One paragraph in this book stood out to me more than any other:
"Once again I explained all my symptoms. They sounded so nonsensical I found myself not wanting to name them. A bonafide hypochondriac would be proud of my list of complaints."
YES. Exactly.
I was weak. I was weary. I was exhausted but couldn't sleep. My head hurt. My eyes ached. I passed out more than once. My brain forgot the most basic words or facts. On and on and on.
There were weeks on end when I couldn't leave my room, more weeks when I only had enough strength to get to the couch.
I spent weeks in darkness because the light hurt my eyes, unable to watch or listen to anything because my head hurt, unable to read because I didn't have the strength to hold my book. One terrible day I remember very clearly. I desperately needed a drink, and I had a full water bottle sitting just next to my bed. I didn't have the strength to reach over and get it, though, and although I could hear my family moving around just outside my door, I was unable to speak loudly enough for them to hear me. I lay there in helpless defeat with tears running down my face. I rarely share that, because the first time I did, a woman's response was, "Well, I wish I could lay in bed all day."
I don't know how many doctors I went to. This family member or that friend wanted me to try yet another certain doctor, both medical and natural. None could help me, although one did diagnose me with rheumatoid arthritis.
One female doctor said there was nothing wrong with me.
I was twenty years old and barely able to get out of my bed. But there was nothing wrong with me.
That was the last medical doctor I went to.
By the time I found and was diagnosed by a Lyme literate doctor four years later, so many parts of my body were being attacked by the spirochetes: heart, gut, joints, and brain, for example. A lot of damage had been done.
This book was crazy to read because it's like reading about ME in all the physical challenges Jannie deals with.
Janessa is intentionally infected with Lyme Disease by a man who hates her doctor husband and his ridiculous yet inflexible stance about the supposed non-existence of chronic Lyme.
Her life and the lives of many others - including her own daughter - are in grave danger unless she can convince her intractable husband to change his mind.
It's one of those sit down and hang on books that I actually read in one sitting because I was unable to put it down.
There is so much knowledge about Lyme throughout. I had no idea that chronic Lyme is officially nonexistent. I had no idea that so many people are not only told they have no physical problems, but even told they may have mental issues. How grossly unfair.
If you know someone with Lyme or want to know more about it, you need to read this book. If you just like a thrilling story, you should also read this book!
May 30, 2011
When I heard Brandilyn Collins was writing a book about Lyme disease I was thinking, “How is that going to work? It can’t be good.What is she thinking!?!?!” Well, guess what? I was so wrong. Yet again, Brandilyn Collins gives us one wild ride. From the beginning she captures your attention and doesn’t let go until the very end.
Janessa McNeil is probably a typical doctor’s wife, she takes care of the home, puts much of her energy into raising their daughter and dealing with the demons from her past. Jannie is not only haunted by her past but she is damaged by it. And Brock McNeil is probably a typical doctor, arrogant and never wrong. He’s overly confident and quite honestly I had strong feelings of DISLIKE toward this man most of the book.
If you’re a Brandilyn Collins’ fan this is another winner! If you have never read Brandilyn Collins this is a great one to start with as it is a stand alone book. You will find her writing easy to follow and engaging.
I would like to thank B&H Books for the opportunity to review this book, through
www.netgalley.com
Janessa McNeil is probably a typical doctor’s wife, she takes care of the home, puts much of her energy into raising their daughter and dealing with the demons from her past. Jannie is not only haunted by her past but she is damaged by it. And Brock McNeil is probably a typical doctor, arrogant and never wrong. He’s overly confident and quite honestly I had strong feelings of DISLIKE toward this man most of the book.
If you’re a Brandilyn Collins’ fan this is another winner! If you have never read Brandilyn Collins this is a great one to start with as it is a stand alone book. You will find her writing easy to follow and engaging.
I would like to thank B&H Books for the opportunity to review this book, through
www.netgalley.com
September 29, 2018
Brandilyn Collins had me on the edge of my seat the whole I time was reading Over the Edge. Can you imagine someone purposefully infecting another person with such a horrible disease, one that wasn’t even recognized as a disease? To be so sick and someone tells you that it’s all in your mind? And then be taunted by the person who did it? Just as in the story, early on in the treatment of Lyme’s disease, insurance companies routinely denied coverage of longterm antibiotics to treat it, so the battle was two-fold.
It was hard to guess who the culprit was and her portrayal of someone with Lyme’s is based on her own battle with the disease and is so realistic. If you haven’t read this book, you are missing a treat!
It was hard to guess who the culprit was and her portrayal of someone with Lyme’s is based on her own battle with the disease and is so realistic. If you haven’t read this book, you are missing a treat!
January 17, 2024
Love this author and her ability to de elop an intriguing plot. Her stories are diffetent from most crime stories, and this one reflects a situation that she personally experienced in part. A woman is intentionally injected with a disease that is difficult to treat and has controversies of appropriate treatment. The criminal has chosen his victim because of her husband's professional field and because of his personal loss of a loved one. Kept me turning pages till i knew the victim would be okay and the culprit caught.
August 1, 2016
I think this may be her best book. Learned a lot about Lyme disease. Great way to learn facts inserted into a great suspenseful mystery. i did kind of figure out the culprit, but was really thrown from the path a couple times towards the end. Highly recommend this one. there is also a lot of helpful links and material to help with anything concerning this terrible illnesses.
January 17, 2019
This is a great fictional book on Lyme disease that has a lot of truth concerning the disease today. A book describing a person affected by Lyme and the suffering, and lack of awareness of the seriousness of the disease.
June 30, 2025
It was interesting to learn of the controversy in the medical profession of the treatment of Lyme disease. While reading about the struggles for many patients to get a proper diagnosis and medications to treat their disease we met a family dealing with these very issues. The husband is a renowned specialist in the field of Lyme research and his wife contracts Lyme disease. He does not believe her and consequently her health deteriorates. It leaves the reader with several unanswered questions but most lose ends are all tied up and surprisingly not with everyone living happily ever after.
June 4, 2017
Collins is just an amazing author! She kept me guessing almost until the very end!
March 13, 2025
Decent story and nice that the heroine is candid about her faith. Pace was rather slow at times. Appreciated learning about Lyme Disease and what some go through to get treatment.
August 11, 2011
Brandilyn Collins’ novels are touted as ‘seatbelt suspense’, and Over The Edge is no exception, but with a unique twist.
Jannie McNeil is the wife of a renowned Lyme disease specialist. Or at least, what he calls Lyme—according to the CDC’s incredibly narrow definition. Brock McNeil is vocal in speaking out against those who say they suffer from chronic Lyme, something he doesn’t believe exists.
Enter a bipolar man whose wife died from chronic Lyme and you have a recipe for a dramatic story that puts the life of Brock McNeil’s wife and daughter in danger.
Soon Jannie McNeil falls incredibly ill with Lyme. But does Doctor Brock rush to her aid? No. He thinks she’s faking.
I’ll let you discover the ins and outs for yourself.
If you want to read a story about a man who realizes everything he believes is wrong, you need to prepare yourself.
If you want a story with a nice, typical (cheesy, boring) ending, you need to prepare yourself also.
Because this book will twist you up and spin you around.
Dramatic, and eye-opening, Over The Edge could easily be a True Story. All the stuff about the CDC, the medical insurance companies, the doctors who advocate either for or against chronic Lyme—it’s all true. And Brandilyn Collins knows it, because she lived it. Yes, I’m jumping on the band-wagon, (not because I met Ms. Collins at a Writers’ Conference in February 2011, and she’s a super nice lady). :-)
But because this book is just that compelling.
You really feel for Jannie as you watch her whole life systematically fall apart at the worst possible time. It’s like everything bad that could happen, all happens simultaneously. By the end of act 1 I was thoroughly hooked. I’ve read someone call that feeling a ‘PB&J night’, because there’s no way I’m putting this book down to make dinner. I’ll remorselessly let them suffer reheating their own leftovers because my stomach is clenched, and my fingers flipping pages to find out what happens next.
The plot looks like a pretzel, and the characters will provoke in you at once both devotion and abject hatred because he’s so stupid he doesn’t realize what he’s throwing away. But the one who steals your heart is the daughter, Lauren.
“Lauren plumped out her lips. “I see strange people every day. I’m in fourth grade.””
In portraying the way it feels to have chronic Lyme, Collins doesn’t go overboard so you’re left thinking, ‘okay, I get it, it sucks to have Lyme’. It’s a realistic presentation because of Collins’ own experience. There’s no research that can replace the intimate knowledge that comes from actually having had the disease.
“Against the floor my cane made a hollow, indignant sound. The sound of my heart. My life.”
“My brain was nothing but a hole-riddled pan trying to hold water.”
Over The Edge uses a mix of first person (for the protagonist), and third person (for the police detective, and the antagonist), sounds weird, but it absolutely works. In fact, I found myself able to delve into Jannie’s mind faster when I got to first person. Then when it switched with a scene or chapter break it made the bad guy’s scene more eerie, because of the jolt.
Bad language: None.
Violence: a personal attack in the form of grabbing and shaking the person, and a gun-shot that kills. Neither explicit or overly gory.
Sexual content: implied in relationships, but nothing ‘on camera’.
Jannie McNeil is the wife of a renowned Lyme disease specialist. Or at least, what he calls Lyme—according to the CDC’s incredibly narrow definition. Brock McNeil is vocal in speaking out against those who say they suffer from chronic Lyme, something he doesn’t believe exists.
Enter a bipolar man whose wife died from chronic Lyme and you have a recipe for a dramatic story that puts the life of Brock McNeil’s wife and daughter in danger.
Soon Jannie McNeil falls incredibly ill with Lyme. But does Doctor Brock rush to her aid? No. He thinks she’s faking.
I’ll let you discover the ins and outs for yourself.
If you want to read a story about a man who realizes everything he believes is wrong, you need to prepare yourself.
If you want a story with a nice, typical (cheesy, boring) ending, you need to prepare yourself also.
Because this book will twist you up and spin you around.
Dramatic, and eye-opening, Over The Edge could easily be a True Story. All the stuff about the CDC, the medical insurance companies, the doctors who advocate either for or against chronic Lyme—it’s all true. And Brandilyn Collins knows it, because she lived it. Yes, I’m jumping on the band-wagon, (not because I met Ms. Collins at a Writers’ Conference in February 2011, and she’s a super nice lady). :-)
But because this book is just that compelling.
You really feel for Jannie as you watch her whole life systematically fall apart at the worst possible time. It’s like everything bad that could happen, all happens simultaneously. By the end of act 1 I was thoroughly hooked. I’ve read someone call that feeling a ‘PB&J night’, because there’s no way I’m putting this book down to make dinner. I’ll remorselessly let them suffer reheating their own leftovers because my stomach is clenched, and my fingers flipping pages to find out what happens next.
The plot looks like a pretzel, and the characters will provoke in you at once both devotion and abject hatred because he’s so stupid he doesn’t realize what he’s throwing away. But the one who steals your heart is the daughter, Lauren.
“Lauren plumped out her lips. “I see strange people every day. I’m in fourth grade.””
In portraying the way it feels to have chronic Lyme, Collins doesn’t go overboard so you’re left thinking, ‘okay, I get it, it sucks to have Lyme’. It’s a realistic presentation because of Collins’ own experience. There’s no research that can replace the intimate knowledge that comes from actually having had the disease.
“Against the floor my cane made a hollow, indignant sound. The sound of my heart. My life.”
“My brain was nothing but a hole-riddled pan trying to hold water.”
Over The Edge uses a mix of first person (for the protagonist), and third person (for the police detective, and the antagonist), sounds weird, but it absolutely works. In fact, I found myself able to delve into Jannie’s mind faster when I got to first person. Then when it switched with a scene or chapter break it made the bad guy’s scene more eerie, because of the jolt.
Bad language: None.
Violence: a personal attack in the form of grabbing and shaking the person, and a gun-shot that kills. Neither explicit or overly gory.
Sexual content: implied in relationships, but nothing ‘on camera’.
July 18, 2013
There were a few things this suspense had going for it. This was the first time I'd heard much about Lyme Disease and anything at all about the Lyme Wars and I was not surprised to learn that the author has suffered from the disease. She captures the debilitating effects of Lyme Disease and the difficulties patients face extremely well. It's also very apparent that her faith is important to her and though I may not choose to follow the same way, I thought she incorporated it well into the story.
What didn't work for me was the overall suspense which Collins is supposed to be known for. I guessed the culprit almost as soon as he/she was introduced and while I could suspend belief enough to follow the reasoning for their actions, I had a harder time believing that person would remain an otherwise highly functioning member of society. Having known a few people with bi-polar disorder who've refused to take medication as prescribed, I've witnessed the disruption this creates in their and their families lives.
I also had a hard time being sympathetic toward Jenessa who was too much a victim of her past for my taste. Instead of saving herself, she married a man who she believed saved her from a violent childhood and continued to believe in him even after I'm a firm believer in people saving themselves with the help of whatever Higher Power they choose to believe in. (I do believe God gifts us with people to help but it's mostly up to us to do the heavy lifting.) Also, she's obsessed with keeping her daughter safe while actually putting her in danger by not being honest about what's happening and why her daughter needed to be careful. She ends up terrifying her daughter and never explaining the truth despite the promise to never repeat that pattern from her past. Jenessa simply wasn't my kind of character.
I listened to the audio version of this book and the performer did an excellent job of portraying Jenessa's halting speech and progressive symptoms. This was my first book by Collins and while I didn't love it, I may still try another of hers in the future.
What didn't work for me was the overall suspense which Collins is supposed to be known for. I guessed the culprit almost as soon as he/she was introduced and while I could suspend belief enough to follow the reasoning for their actions, I had a harder time believing that person would remain an otherwise highly functioning member of society. Having known a few people with bi-polar disorder who've refused to take medication as prescribed, I've witnessed the disruption this creates in their and their families lives.
I also had a hard time being sympathetic toward Jenessa who was too much a victim of her past for my taste. Instead of saving herself, she married a man who she believed saved her from a violent childhood and continued to believe in him even after I'm a firm believer in people saving themselves with the help of whatever Higher Power they choose to believe in. (I do believe God gifts us with people to help but it's mostly up to us to do the heavy lifting.) Also, she's obsessed with keeping her daughter safe while actually putting her in danger by not being honest about what's happening and why her daughter needed to be careful. She ends up terrifying her daughter and never explaining the truth despite the promise to never repeat that pattern from her past. Jenessa simply wasn't my kind of character.
I listened to the audio version of this book and the performer did an excellent job of portraying Jenessa's halting speech and progressive symptoms. This was my first book by Collins and while I didn't love it, I may still try another of hers in the future.
March 23, 2011
Janessa’s husband Brock is a researcher specializing in tick-borne diseases. Throughout his research he has staunchly supported his theory that Lyme disease cannot be chronic. Legislature has been passed, based on his research, denying patients long-term treatment for Lyme disease. The consensus being that a round of antibiotics will take care of Lyme.
Now someone with a vendetta against Brock and others on his committee is determined to get even. He manages to infect Janessa with Lyme. The Stalker tells Janessa that she must change her husband’s mind about his stand on Lyme or he will also infect their daughter Lauren.
As Janessa steadily gets sicker and tests come back negative for Lyme disease Brock refuses to believe that anyone has infected her. He thinks that she is faking her whole sickness in order to keep him from leaving her for another woman. As the Lyme continues the destruction of her body, Janessa enters what is called the Lyme Wars. She finds a Lyme literate doctor that will treat her. Trying to bring the monster out that infected her Janessa goes to the local news station and tells her story. The question is will this do more harm than good?
I really enjoyed this novel, but living in the country makes me not want to step outside again! Janessa’s struggle to find someone to believe her was heart-breaking. Brock’s attitude and treatment of Janessa made me want to throw something! The suspense was nail-biting and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end! There was a lot of information about Lyme disease in the story and at the end of the book. The author herself has lived the Lyme battle.
Now someone with a vendetta against Brock and others on his committee is determined to get even. He manages to infect Janessa with Lyme. The Stalker tells Janessa that she must change her husband’s mind about his stand on Lyme or he will also infect their daughter Lauren.
As Janessa steadily gets sicker and tests come back negative for Lyme disease Brock refuses to believe that anyone has infected her. He thinks that she is faking her whole sickness in order to keep him from leaving her for another woman. As the Lyme continues the destruction of her body, Janessa enters what is called the Lyme Wars. She finds a Lyme literate doctor that will treat her. Trying to bring the monster out that infected her Janessa goes to the local news station and tells her story. The question is will this do more harm than good?
I really enjoyed this novel, but living in the country makes me not want to step outside again! Janessa’s struggle to find someone to believe her was heart-breaking. Brock’s attitude and treatment of Janessa made me want to throw something! The suspense was nail-biting and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end! There was a lot of information about Lyme disease in the story and at the end of the book. The author herself has lived the Lyme battle.
April 11, 2012
Janessa is married to a highly respected research physician named Brock McNeil. He's a Lyme Disease researcher. He doesn't believe in chronic Lyme Disease. He believes that patients should be healed after four weeks of antibiotics.
When Janessa is not feeling well for three weeks, she asks Brock if she could be infected with Lyme Disease. He thinks it's nonsense. They haven't been in the woods or anywhere else where ticks can be found.
What Janessa and Brock don't know is that a couple of months earlier a man broke into their house and left three ticks in Janessa's hair. Janessa will soon learn what the man did when he calls her on her cell phone. He explains what he did and that now she is infected with Lyme Disease and coinfections too.
In a couple of days Janessa must convince Brock to make a statement that chronic Lyme Disease does exist, or else the secret man will infect their 9-year old daughter too.
A race against time! Brock does not believe Janessa. She's on her own. Her body is hurting terribly. She is immensly tired. She can not think clear. Can not find the right words. But she must convince Brock. Or is there another way to make a public statement?
This book is full of valuable information about Lyme Disease. You get a good idea how Janessa must be feeling. Lyme Disease is the subject of this book, but this wouldn't be a Brandilyn Collins novel if there wasn't suspense and mystery. I literally sat on the edge of my seat a good couple of times.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what it's like to live with Lyme Disease, or to anyone who knows someone with this disease.
When Janessa is not feeling well for three weeks, she asks Brock if she could be infected with Lyme Disease. He thinks it's nonsense. They haven't been in the woods or anywhere else where ticks can be found.
What Janessa and Brock don't know is that a couple of months earlier a man broke into their house and left three ticks in Janessa's hair. Janessa will soon learn what the man did when he calls her on her cell phone. He explains what he did and that now she is infected with Lyme Disease and coinfections too.
In a couple of days Janessa must convince Brock to make a statement that chronic Lyme Disease does exist, or else the secret man will infect their 9-year old daughter too.
A race against time! Brock does not believe Janessa. She's on her own. Her body is hurting terribly. She is immensly tired. She can not think clear. Can not find the right words. But she must convince Brock. Or is there another way to make a public statement?
This book is full of valuable information about Lyme Disease. You get a good idea how Janessa must be feeling. Lyme Disease is the subject of this book, but this wouldn't be a Brandilyn Collins novel if there wasn't suspense and mystery. I literally sat on the edge of my seat a good couple of times.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what it's like to live with Lyme Disease, or to anyone who knows someone with this disease.
October 31, 2012
Janessa is intentionally infected by ticks carrying Lyme disease and codiseases. She is the wife of highly respected Dr. Brock McNeil, teacher and researcher, single-minded in his goal to prove that Lyme disease is easily treatable and does not create a long-term debilitating condtion. The man who snuck into their home to infect Janessa lost his wife to the disease due to the medical community and the insurance companies believing McNeil theories/researches. He is determined to pressure Janessa into persuading her husband to change his course.
Janessa succombs and quickly becomes radically debilitated. She can hardly function or care for her daughter. Her husband does not believe her symtoms. The police do not believe her.
This story propels you forward at a breakneck speed as one crushing blow after another falls on Janessa.
Collins writes an utterly convincing story that we learn is rooted in her own experience with the disease. In the course of the story we learn about lyme disease, the lyme wars between those who suffer and those who claim is it either pscyo-somatic or another ailment. This book is a tour de force, that my wife had to keep reminding me to leave in order to come to bed!
Janessa succombs and quickly becomes radically debilitated. She can hardly function or care for her daughter. Her husband does not believe her symtoms. The police do not believe her.
This story propels you forward at a breakneck speed as one crushing blow after another falls on Janessa.
Collins writes an utterly convincing story that we learn is rooted in her own experience with the disease. In the course of the story we learn about lyme disease, the lyme wars between those who suffer and those who claim is it either pscyo-somatic or another ailment. This book is a tour de force, that my wife had to keep reminding me to leave in order to come to bed!
November 15, 2022
“Welcome to the Lyme wars.”
“You have flat out gone over the edge.”
“God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in time of trouble.”
3.5 Stars
This was a very interesting medical thriller from the great Seatbelt Suspense author Brandilyn Collins. It was a medical thriller that rivaled Dr. Richard L. Mabry, who always writes entertaining books in the genre. This one centered around Lyme disease and I found it both informative and frightening. I had no idea any such Lyme Wars existed, but Collins, who is a Lyme disease survivor, does a great job building a thrilling story around it.
I found some of these parts of the story to be very emotional. I felt the tears welling at certain scenes where Jannie, the main character, battled the fatigue and frustrations. And a lot of the scenes dealing with her jerk husband made me angry. So kudos to Collins for writing passages that pull you into the mindset of the character so completely. And I liked the Christian elements throughout.
My only complaint is that around 1/3 of the way through the book, I turned to my wife and said I know who the villain is in the story - and I was correct. So I put this one at 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because of that. It needed more suspects since it seemed so obvious.
“You have flat out gone over the edge.”
“God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in time of trouble.”
3.5 Stars
This was a very interesting medical thriller from the great Seatbelt Suspense author Brandilyn Collins. It was a medical thriller that rivaled Dr. Richard L. Mabry, who always writes entertaining books in the genre. This one centered around Lyme disease and I found it both informative and frightening. I had no idea any such Lyme Wars existed, but Collins, who is a Lyme disease survivor, does a great job building a thrilling story around it.
I found some of these parts of the story to be very emotional. I felt the tears welling at certain scenes where Jannie, the main character, battled the fatigue and frustrations. And a lot of the scenes dealing with her jerk husband made me angry. So kudos to Collins for writing passages that pull you into the mindset of the character so completely. And I liked the Christian elements throughout.
My only complaint is that around 1/3 of the way through the book, I turned to my wife and said I know who the villain is in the story - and I was correct. So I put this one at 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because of that. It needed more suspects since it seemed so obvious.
September 2, 2019
While the premise of the book is good and had great potential, the main character made the book an agonizing read. While I understand the amount of pain and suffering victims Lyme go through, the whole book just felt like one huge complaint session, failed to build real suspense, and the surprise twist ending fell flat, as the culprit was exactly who I guessed early on. It ends up feeling like a rant about doctors who "murder" people because studies in Lyme Disease haven't made enough progress.
I wouldn't waste your time in it unless you're looking for an education on Lyme Disease.
I wouldn't waste your time in it unless you're looking for an education on Lyme Disease.
November 7, 2023
This was a fast-paced thrilling suspense which had my attention throughout the audiobook.
I was never 100% certain of who the culprit was, though I did have my suspicions.
I really felt for Janessa who had to go through all of this on her own and struggling to get someone to believe her.
It is quite a while now since I have listened to this book, but I do remember I was shocked when the culprit was revealed, even though I did suspect that revelation.
*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
I was never 100% certain of who the culprit was, though I did have my suspicions.
I really felt for Janessa who had to go through all of this on her own and struggling to get someone to believe her.
It is quite a while now since I have listened to this book, but I do remember I was shocked when the culprit was revealed, even though I did suspect that revelation.
*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
September 15, 2011
This is such a great book! I could hardly put it down because the action just kept going from chapter to chapter. I flew through the pages. I was sucked into Jannie's story and physical struggle so much that I could feel what she was feeling. I was unaware of the Lyme Wars, so I found it informative and fascinating. It's incredible to know there are people suffering with Lyme who aren't being helped. What an eye-opening story.
January 27, 2015
Brandilyn's on top of her game in this one. Very compelling. An issue novel that doesn't feel like an issue novel and has Brandilyn's seatbelt suspense woven through its pages.
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