Jagged Edge

Edge Malone #1

by Kendall Talbot

A grieving detective with nothing to lose.

A dying town with everything to hide.

After the shocking death of his daughter, suspended detective Edge Malone seeks oblivion in a bottle and plans to photograph a rare blood moon in isolated Whispering Hills, Montana. But his night takes a deadly turn when a high-tech drone is shot from the sky—and a ruthless gunman murders an innocent bystander who dares to visit the crash site. Driven by instinct, Edge seizes the drone and escapes into the woods.

Now being hunted, Edge unwittingly thrusts Nina Hamilton into the chase—a street-smart beauty who is no stranger to men with dangerous motives. But when the drone data leads them to a shocking discovery, they quickly learn that no one in Whispering Hills can be trusted. The truth of the small town is anything but quiet, and the price of secrets runs six-feet deep…

Jagged Edge is a full-length, stand-alone thriller that will have you turning the pages all night long.

Genres: Adventure, Romantic Suspense, Thriller

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2020

About the author

Kendall Talbot is a thrill seeker, hopeless romantic, virtual killer, and award-winning author of stories that’ll have your heart thumping from the action-packed suspense in exotic locations and the swoon-worthy romance.

Kendall has sought thrills in all 46 countries she’s visited. She’s abseiled down freezing waterfalls, catapulted out of a white-water raft, jumped off a mountain with a man who spoke little English, and got way too close to a sixteen-foot shark. When she isn’t writing, she’s enjoying wine and cheese with her crazy friends, and planning her next thrilling international escape.

She lives in Brisbane, Australia with her very own hero and a fluffy little dog who specializes in hijacking her writing time. Meanwhile, Kendall’s two sons are off making their own adventures – look out world.

Kendall’s book, Lost in Kakadu won the acclaimed title of Romantic Book of the Year 2014, and her books have also been finalists for Best Romantic Suspense, Best Crime Novel, Best Continuing Series, and Best New Author.

I love to hear from my readers!
Find my books and chat with me via any of the contacts below:
Website: http://www.kendalltalbot.com.au/
Email: kendall@universe.com.au
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Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Around 11.30 one night, Edge Malone was watching for the blood moon and his anticipation of the great photos he would get with his new expensive camera. Well into his enjoyment with plenty of pics, he suddenly spotted a fire ball heading to earth. The ground shook as it crash landed not too far from where he was and by the time he got to the site, an elderly man was also there. As Edge accompanied him back to his campsite, with the wrecked drone in hand, little did he realise this was the beginning of a horror few days when his life and the lives of others around him, would be in desperate danger…

On the run from a crazed gunman, Edge finally reached his truck and headed through the bush at breakneck speed. His arrival at the truck stop saw him include diner operator Nina Hamilton in his wild dash for safety as the gunman continued to invade their space. Edge was a detective from San Francisco, on leave after a family tragedy and the fall out that rocked his world, but heading to nearby Whispering Hills would turn out to be an excruciatingly bad decision.

Secrets ran deep; there were people who would kill – had killed – to keep those secrets buried. What could Edge and Nina do to gain the upper hand? Could they escape from one of the worst times of their lives?

Jagged Edge is a standalone thriller by Aussie author Kendall Talbot and it is fast-paced with full-on action – continually. Edge and Nina were both great characters; tough, resilient and with plenty of courage and stamina, which was just as well. As long as I suspended disbelief, Jagged Edge and I got along just fine!! Recommended.

With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A peaceful night of photographing the moon and a time of reflection turns into a breath-stealing rush of terror. After the page-turning excitement of the author's previous adventure romances, I was keen to pick up this standalone thriller and dive into some more pulse-pounding extreme entertainment.

Edge Malone has been on leave from the San Francisco police force trying to get his head on straight. Pursuing an interest in photography seems like a harmless and peaceful hobby until a drone streaks out of the night sky nearby and he witnesses two harmless campers get murdered in the killer's need to retrieve the drone. Edge doesn't hesitate to snatch the drone and get out of the line of fire. His mad dash to safety accidentally drags Nina, a waitress at a nearby diner in his wake. Nina is tougher than expected and they just might survive long enough to discover the secrets behind the drone that are worth killing and covering up for.

Nina Hamilton is looking after her mom's diner while her mom is on a much needed vacation and it's her time to get away from her life and contemplate the direction when a horrid incident with a trucker is closely followed by a wounded man leading a killer right to her. She ends up on the run for her life with Edge and discovers that life isn't so dull after all when at the side of the right guy while working a case off the books. What they discover shows the far-reaching network of conspiracy that reaches farther than the nearby small town but has it's roots in the town's past.

Jagged Edge launches into action from the early pages and barely comes up for air until the click of the last page. There is a mystery to solve, a romance slowly percolating, two people hurting from their pasts that need healing, and the ever-driving beat of a multiple person danger on their trail. I love this sort of book and whipped through the pages swiftly.

Both Edge and Nina are strong characters with smarts and skills. They were electrifying the way they melded as a partnership and I loved the spicy hints of attractions that they wisely didn't act on when running for their lives and working through their pasts. Both have heartbreaking things that they draw out from each other and quietly lend understanding and strength over. I loved them together and really hope there are more books with then working together and working on a relationship.

As a whole and looking back, there is much that is far-fetched, but the author has a gift for keeping the reader in the moment and dashing right along with her characters. I finished this book quickly because of this reason. There was some good action scenes and some moments of luck or stupidity on the part of the villains.
Speaking of villains, one gets to be the third point of view along with Edge and Nina. I have mixed feelings about this. It is a way to explain what is going on with the villains, but it also gave early answers that I think might have been more suspenseful to discover as Edge and Nina solved the mystery. Not that there was no suspense. The tension was quite taunt and I was figuratively biting my nails a few times.
There ends up being some extra twists and a grand climax in the end with a few loose threads and open-ended hints that there can be more in a series.

All in all, it was abso-fab and just what I expect from a favorite author. Those who love adrenaline-pounding romantic suspense or thriller romance should definitely give this standalone story a go.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely intriguing mystery. Although this is is the first book in the series, I’m hooked forever. Plenty of action to keep you reading.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendall Talbot writes stories that are roller coaster wild thrilling rides. Jagged Edge, her latest book begins with a seemingly calm night but within a few minutes it turns into a run for your life story. More happens to Edge Malone in just a few hours then James Bond ever dreamed of happening. While trying to get help, he unwittingly involves another innocent victim, Nina Hamilton.
The hunter is so relentless, then danger comes in another form so that it seems that Edge is right, he is extremely unlucky. Through it all Nina and Edge dig deep to find an inner strength that refuses to allow them to give up or give in.

A dual POV the story switches back and forth between the good and the bad. While corruption is known early in the story, not all is revealed about the villains until the final show down. Despite the events from teenage years, I found it impossible to have any sympathy and certainly no empathy for the criminals. Kendall Talbot writes so that you may understand why some turn bad but also so that you know it was their choice.

This author is a master storyteller, never revealing too much too soon. Always keeping the story tightly structured but riveting at the same time. Since the conclusion hints strongly at a continued association between Nina and Edge, I can only hope for this book to be the start of an impressive series to come. There are cold cases to be solved after all. Like the Treasure Hunter Series, there may be a villain or two still around.

More thriller than any other type of story but hope for a romance in the future. I find this to be exceptionally realistic. It seems to me that it would be difficult to think about a romantic encounter with someone shooting at you. I enjoy romance books even if they are unrealistic at time. Did I like this book anyway? Like wouldn’t begin to describe it, I LOVED IT.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. What a non-stop thrill ride. This story hits the ground running and never lets up. There were a couple of times I almost felt like I needed to take a break to catch my breath, but I was afraid I would miss something if I did. The story was so engrossing that I found myself repeating the bane of any reader's existence-just one more chapter. Of course, that chapter led to one more, which led to one more, and so on. The characters here are almost larger than life but totally believable. The protagonists are flawed, broken characters who, even when they don't see a way out, have no choice but to do what's right. And the "bad guys"? They are REALLY bad!! I can't wait to see what Ms. Talbot has in store for the next book in the series, and there has to be another book. She can't leave me hanging not knowing what happens next. If you haven't read Jagged Edge I highly recommend you do so immediately!!

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow....this book started out with excitement and never let up. There was so much drama and suspense. It definitely kept me interested and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen next. There was no romance in this one, but Edge is definitely interested in Nina. Since this is the beginning of a series, I expect things will move to the next level, with them, in the next book! I can only hope. I think they would make a very compatible, loving couple. This is an awesome start to a new series. This review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy from the author

[Romana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendall writing just keeps getting better and better. Hands down the most exciting page turning book I've read by Kendall. Great character devolpment plot kept me interested I liked the few little twists.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turning thriller with non stop action. Edge is taking photos in the wilderness and sees a fire ball in the sky. He travels to it and meets a couple at the site. It is a drone that was on fire and crashed. All of a sudden gun fire and the couple are shot dead. Edge grabs the drone and runs as he is being shot at. He drives to a diner and meets Nina as the gun man followed him. He and Nina go on the run to escape death. Murder and conspiracy in a small town. This is one novel you will not want to put down.

[Kendall Talbot]

If you love action-packed thrillers that keep you guessing right to the very end, you're going to love this book.

Start Reading here >> https://amzn.to/3jxtKS8
Available in paperback, ebook and Kindle Unlimited

[Lila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jagged Edge - stand alone, good read, will read more

This is the first time I've read anything by this author, but it won't be the last. Edge and Nina are good characters with interesting backgrounds. Nina is a strong woman who stays that way throughout the whole book, which I was very impressed by. Edge is a little rough, with reasons, but not that kind of rough where you don't like him.
They both get caught up in something where it was "wrong place, wrong time" kind of thing. The story unfolds and stays interesting throughout.
I did have issues with names though. We read Edge as his name up until chapter 22, then it becomes Edgar? Maybe I missed something, (more likely I did), but I was thrown for a loop. It bothered me enough I used the search function to find out if I missed that name before.
Overall, it was a good read and I will probably look into other books by the same author in the future.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jagged Edge" is action packed and adventure filled. They may be in familiar surroundings but they are also in a completely new situation. Being chased by a psychopath and his cronies who want to cover up their crimes and having to not only outsmart but also out fight them. It's very interesting to read. I love how newer technology is featured and shows not only how useful they can be but also how dangerous they can be.
Hands down - best character was Nina. Not only was she smart but she was also strong - and an actual fighter! It's interesting that these aren't perfect characters. By that I mean, they have already faced hardships and had to be strong enough to survive and overcome the trauma of what they endured.
This isn't just action or adventure, there's also mystery going back years.
I think it would be interesting to see Edge and Nina solve the cases he held onto and see how it further develops.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jagged Edge - a review by Rosemary Kenny

The eponymous Edge, is Detective Edge Malone, while the 'jagged' description refers to the bullet hole damage caused to a downed drone, grabbed by Edge as he flees from a lonely moonlit viewpoint, with a double-murderer hot on his trail!
Why was Edge at the viewpoint?
Nina Hamilton, a feisty young woman gets involved with Edge, after he rushes into the diner where she's working, wounded and appeals for help.
What secrets are the mayor, the sheriff and the property developer in Whispering Hills in cahoots about?
With a conspiracy worthy of Erin Brokovitch, crossed with The Pelican Brief, you're sure to be up all night to enjoy this riveting suspense-thriller by Kendall Talbot, as Jagged Edge is unputdownable and will keep you on the edge of your seat, right up to the nail-biting finish!

[Dale E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book a page turner, full of excitement and adventure with some romance thrown in for spice.  The main characters, both the good guys and the villains, were described in striking detail which has been a consistent and positive attribute of Kendall's writing. The good guys are Nina and of course the title character Edge. The villains are Parker, Remington and Baxter. All have distinct personalities which are woven together into a satisfying mystery. I especially liked the ending of the book. (I'm not telling!) Although I found a very few places where the plot struck me as just a bit simplistic or melodramatic, I do highly recommend curling up with this book and enjoying a good escapist tale. 

[JRM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the two main characters Edge and Nina. Edge is a rough around the edges (no pun intended) police officer on suspension and Nina is feisty. They play off each other well and develop a chemistry after their paths cross unexpectedly.
There is a lot going on in this story, with lots of turns in the road. Plenty of characters to love, and just about as many to hate or outright despise. So there is a good balance.
This is a very easy read, and one that I did not want to put down. As I liked the characters, I'm hoping book 2 of the series is in the pipeline soon.
I am a member of Kendall's ARC Team.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Edge Malone set out to take pictures of the blood moon with his new camera, he had no idea of the danger that was about to threaten his life. Nina Hamilton is counting the days until her mother returns from Hawaii and she can quit tending her mom's truck stop diner. As the fates of Edge and Nina Converge they embark on a dangerous, fast paced flight away from ruthless men with a dangerous secret that they are willing to kill to keep. Edge and Nina stay barely ahead of the killers, and grow together as they flee. This book would make a great movie, as the exciting twists and turns never stop. I heartily recommend this book to lovers of thrilling fiction.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Action Adventure Where The Bad Guys Have All the Power
This is a wonderful story and the beginning of a new series. Without giving too much away, this could be a wonderful movie with your favorite male and female action stars. Our main characters have rage buried deep within that is just magma ready to become the volcano. They fight with their rage and impressive physical skills, but will it be enough against bad guys with all of the power behind them? I am impressed with this book and am excited to see where the series goes.

[Pamela Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It grabbed you from the first chapter and never let go until the last chapter. Great storyline, lots of action, fast-paced and bad guys you really hated. Edge is such a tough guy but I also like that Nina is just as tough and a fighter who never gives up. I liked the ending, it was quite satisfying. Edge and Nina make a great team and I would love to read future books with them.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A blood moon leads to blood ruthlessly spilled.

Jagged Edge is the first book in the Edge Malone Thriller series and is a fantastic start to this new series. This book is action-packed and filled with suspense, danger, and intrigue. This is a real page-turner so don't bother starting it before bed or you will be sorely lacking in sleep. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two strangers got more than they bargained for one very early morning. A simple trip to begin a new hobby lead to a crazy chase with a drone and a few dangerous men. Edge is definitely living on the edge of life, a former cop with a tragic story. Nina has many layers to her life and will surprise you with her past story. Though the two met under a case of wrong place wrong time they were perfect partners. The story never has a dull moment and makes for a quick paced thrill.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always know what I'm going to get when I start reading a book by Kendall Talbot - an action-packed adventure with a good storyline, lots of twists and a lack of sleep! this was no exception.
You can't help but feel for Nina, that was a hell of a day that she was unwittingly thrown into!
One of the things I love about books from this author is that the main female characters are all strong women.
I look forward to reading more in the Edge Malone series.

[Donna K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recently gave me this book. I.must say I was very impressed. Edge is a great character. Nina was too. I found this was a hard book to put down. I kept wanting to know what's next. I cringed for pain a few times. I found I bobbed my head as if I was avoiding bullets or punches. I felt like I was inside the book

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jagged Edge is yet another action packed page turner from Kendall Talbot! I was sucked in from the very first sentence! One of the best opening lines I have read in a long time!

I am kicking myself for letting this sit on my TBR for so long!

Thanks to Kendall for the opportunity to read this book!

[Noelene 0'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book I’ve read of Kendall Talbot’s and she is fast becoming my favourite author! Every story so good and so different with lots of twists and turns. So hard to put down once you start!

[Kathy Mccalmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a great author. This story will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Edge is an outstanding character and then add nina and you have a great story. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve come to believe Kendall Talbot is a master of storytelling, Her ability to create stories that are not only filled with action and intrigue, the twists and turns that build these stories make them “unputdownable”. I would love to read more stories about Edge and Nina’s adventures.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Kendall Talbot book. "Jagged Edge" starts off with a bang and the action never stops. I really liked the main character Edge and I loved how he connected to Nina right away. I hope that there are more books written about these 2, or at least about Edge, I really, really liked him.

[Amanda Bernacchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Action packed novel but really no depth into the characters. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters as well as both of their personalities but it was just OK. I feel like this was more of a movie than a book just because I wasn’t extremely invested in the characters.

[Susan Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

jagged edge

Full of danger and adventure this story will have you craving more.
Edge and Nina are thrown together working to solve the mystery of the drone. Why is it so important people will kill for it.
Only criticism is why would Bollard come alone without backup?

[Elaine Yeager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jagged Edge

I really really liked this book. I'm hoping you will come out with the second book real soon. Edge has unfinished business, that has to do with his daughter's dying. I can't wait to read it.

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jagged Edge

Another well written page turner by Kendall, my new favourite of all things action packed and full of suspense. I do hope we get to read more about Edge and Nina, they're good together and have so much to offer, especially with so much incomplete.