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Harvey and Birch #1
Knife Edge
Nic always hated clubbing.
She only went out that night because she’d promised a friend.
She wakes up, naked and bound in an abandoned cottage in the middle of nowhere. Dappled light comes in through a dirty window. Her body is covered in cuts. Across the room her friend groans in pain.
A shadow passes the window. He’s back.
He picks up a knife. He begins to cut her friend. In that moment of bloody frenzy, Nic wrenches free and runs.
She’s finally safe. But this is only just beginning.
Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch arrive at the scene hours later. There is no body, there is no sign of the killer. It’s as if it never happened.
She only went out that night because she’d promised a friend.
She wakes up, naked and bound in an abandoned cottage in the middle of nowhere. Dappled light comes in through a dirty window. Her body is covered in cuts. Across the room her friend groans in pain.
A shadow passes the window. He’s back.
He picks up a knife. He begins to cut her friend. In that moment of bloody frenzy, Nic wrenches free and runs.
She’s finally safe. But this is only just beginning.
Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch arrive at the scene hours later. There is no body, there is no sign of the killer. It’s as if it never happened.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2021
747 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Buchanan
20 books39 followersKerry Buchanan is a retired veterinary surgeon who lives with her family and a menagerie of animals on a farm in County Down. There are inspiring views of hills and lakes from every window.
Kerry began writing fiction in 2014 and hasn’t stopped since. She writes fantasy, science fiction and crime. Her Harvey and Birch crime thriller series, set in Northern Ireland, is published by Joffe Books. Knife Edge and Small Bones will be followed by the third book in the series very soon.
Kerry began writing fiction in 2014 and hasn’t stopped since. She writes fantasy, science fiction and crime. Her Harvey and Birch crime thriller series, set in Northern Ireland, is published by Joffe Books. Knife Edge and Small Bones will be followed by the third book in the series very soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
April 15, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
KNIFE EDGE (Detectives Harvey & Birch Mysteries Book #1) by Kerry Buchanan is a fast-paced crime thriller that takes off on page one and does not stop even through the unexpected epilogue. The investigation is set around Belfast featuring two new protagonist detectives.
Nic is has never liked clubbing and being around so many people, but her roommates have talked her into joining them with her friend, Colm. That is the last thing she remembers. She wakes to find herself tied to a wall, gagged and naked. She is repeatedly tortured with knife cuts by an unknown captor until she is able to, or allowed to escape?
Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch are assigned to investigate this case which is not the first with this killer. As he is tracked, he is always one step ahead of the search and is able to abduct Nic’s sister and his first victim once again. Will Nic and the detectives figure out this mad man’s identity and what is his end game?
This is a fast-paced book that is difficult to put down. The suspense and pace continue to ramp up throughout even though it started with a high degree of tension. All the characters are fully fleshed and interact with each other in a realistic manner, although I do not believe Nic would have been so involved in the investigation in real life. This book was not strictly a police procedural because several time the plot followed Nic’s feelings or instincts over strict police procedure, but it was a great suspense/thriller read. The ending and epilogue while not an explicit cliff-hanger, does lead to more questions and a need for the next book hopefully for answers.
I recommend this chilling crime thriller and I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
KNIFE EDGE (Detectives Harvey & Birch Mysteries Book #1) by Kerry Buchanan is a fast-paced crime thriller that takes off on page one and does not stop even through the unexpected epilogue. The investigation is set around Belfast featuring two new protagonist detectives.
Nic is has never liked clubbing and being around so many people, but her roommates have talked her into joining them with her friend, Colm. That is the last thing she remembers. She wakes to find herself tied to a wall, gagged and naked. She is repeatedly tortured with knife cuts by an unknown captor until she is able to, or allowed to escape?
Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch are assigned to investigate this case which is not the first with this killer. As he is tracked, he is always one step ahead of the search and is able to abduct Nic’s sister and his first victim once again. Will Nic and the detectives figure out this mad man’s identity and what is his end game?
This is a fast-paced book that is difficult to put down. The suspense and pace continue to ramp up throughout even though it started with a high degree of tension. All the characters are fully fleshed and interact with each other in a realistic manner, although I do not believe Nic would have been so involved in the investigation in real life. This book was not strictly a police procedural because several time the plot followed Nic’s feelings or instincts over strict police procedure, but it was a great suspense/thriller read. The ending and epilogue while not an explicit cliff-hanger, does lead to more questions and a need for the next book hopefully for answers.
I recommend this chilling crime thriller and I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
April 8, 2021
Nic always hated clubbing. She only went out that night because she promised a friend. She wakes up naked and bound in an abandoned cottage in the middle of nowhere. Her body is covered in cuts. Across the room her friend groans in pain. A shadow passes the window. He's back. He picks up a knife and begins to cut her friend. In that moment of bloody freny, Nic wrenches free and runs. She's finally safe. But this is only Just beginning.
This book is filled with action, tension and it's thrilling. It gives us a different take on stalking and abduction and it's filled with twists. he story does start with quite a horrific scene, so this books not for the faint hearted. It's also quite ans addictive read. The action starts straoight away. I liked the authors style in writing this book. With it's fast pace this is a quick book to read. I could not put it down. I loved this debut novel and i will be looking out for more from the author in future.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #JoffeBooks and the author #KerryBuchanan for my ARC of #KnifeEdge in exchange for an honest review.
This book is filled with action, tension and it's thrilling. It gives us a different take on stalking and abduction and it's filled with twists. he story does start with quite a horrific scene, so this books not for the faint hearted. It's also quite ans addictive read. The action starts straoight away. I liked the authors style in writing this book. With it's fast pace this is a quick book to read. I could not put it down. I loved this debut novel and i will be looking out for more from the author in future.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #JoffeBooks and the author #KerryBuchanan for my ARC of #KnifeEdge in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2021
4.5 stars
Knife Edge by Kerry Buchanan is the first in the new crime series starring Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books (in particular Nina Kicul for sending me a widget), and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Information:
DS Asha Harvey, along with DC Aaron Birch handle crime in Belfast, Ireland.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Even though Nic hated nightclubs, she went out because she had promised a friend. Colm said he would go if she did. When she wakes up, she is naked, gagged, and her hands bound behind her. Her body is covered in knife wounds. Colm is across the room, and in worse shape than she is. When the man returned on the sixth day, and started in on Colm again, Nic broke free and ran.
DS Asha Harvey and DC Aaron Birch locate the cabin where Nic was held, but Colm is nowhere to be found. Actually, other than the copious amounts of blood, the entire place was cleared out.
DI Ram has come to Belfast to assist in the case. He has been following this particular perpetrator for some time. This is not the first "Slasher" case there has been, and Nic may not be the last. When someone close to her is taken, Nic is willing to do almost anything to end this nightmare.
My Opinions:
For a debut novel, this was simply amazing, and definitely made me want to read more of this series.
The writing was really good. Occasionally the descriptions were a little lengthy, like the scene where Nic was in the fields looking for her sister, and again when Aaron and Nic were at the boat, both which caused me to skim a bit. But otherwise, things moved very quickly, and everything was so entertaining, that I only deducted 1/2 star for that.
The characters were great. I love Asha and Aaron. I was surprised, and pleased, that a victim would play such a large role in the solving of the crime, and in the book. This is rarely done, so it was a pleasant occurrence, and it worked!
As I said, the plot and twists were fabulous. I had guessed the perpetrator early on, but that really didn't matter. The ending was a shock, and totally appropriate!
It even had a glossary of terms for "US readers"....which I didn't really think was necessary.
This was just an amazing, entertaining read, and a great start to a new series. It grabbed me from the start and still had me at the end. The suspense and action was non-stop. Definitely one of those "unputdownable" novels. Rarely do I find one in a debut novel. I have found myself a new author to follow! I can't wait for the next one.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including my reason for choosing to read this, author information and a favorite quotation from this book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 15, 2021
Nic is talked into going to a nightclub with a relative new friend, although she really didn't want to. When she wakes up, she's bound hand and foot with a gag in her mouth. Her friend is across the room, also bound and gagged.
She somehow gets her hands unbound and when her abductor comes in with a large knife, she makes a run for it.
She's finally safe .. isn't she?
Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch arrive at the scene hours later. There is no body, there is no sign of the killer. It’s as if it never happened.
This is only the beginning of her torment .....
This is well-written, suspense starting on the very first page and maintaining a high level until the very last unexpected conclusion. The characters are deftly drawn an work well with each other. It seems horrific that this crime can be committed and investigated against a backdrop of beautiful Belfast. As this is the first in the series, I look forward to what happens in the lives of these most diligent detectives.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
She somehow gets her hands unbound and when her abductor comes in with a large knife, she makes a run for it.
She's finally safe .. isn't she?
Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch arrive at the scene hours later. There is no body, there is no sign of the killer. It’s as if it never happened.
This is only the beginning of her torment .....
This is well-written, suspense starting on the very first page and maintaining a high level until the very last unexpected conclusion. The characters are deftly drawn an work well with each other. It seems horrific that this crime can be committed and investigated against a backdrop of beautiful Belfast. As this is the first in the series, I look forward to what happens in the lives of these most diligent detectives.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 5, 2021
Well that’s a cliffhanger if there ever was one. I guess I’ll be reading her next book.
I enjoyed this and the perspective it was told from. Starting with Nic’s daring escape and the investigation that follows. I liked that we got to see inside the investigation from the view of Nic (the victim/protagonist) and the friendship between her and the detective, Asha, despite the improbability of any of that actually happening in real life.
I also enjoyed the killer‘s POV chapters. It added an extra threatening element knowing what he was up to and what he was capable of.
I wish it wasn’t as obvious who the killer/kidnapper was and I don’t think I have super deduction skills, I just think it was incredibly clear from fairly early on based on a certain conversation. Maybe it was meant to be common knowledge, but either way I wish there was a bit more suspense in that regard.
Also Nic’s ‘instincts’ were eerily bang on and that didn’t necessarily take away from the story but it allowed for a lack of explanation or detective work that I personally would have preferred.
If you’re looking for a true crime style read this is not it. It is wild circumstances and pure entertainment.
I was provided an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this and the perspective it was told from. Starting with Nic’s daring escape and the investigation that follows. I liked that we got to see inside the investigation from the view of Nic (the victim/protagonist) and the friendship between her and the detective, Asha, despite the improbability of any of that actually happening in real life.
I also enjoyed the killer‘s POV chapters. It added an extra threatening element knowing what he was up to and what he was capable of.
I wish it wasn’t as obvious who the killer/kidnapper was and I don’t think I have super deduction skills, I just think it was incredibly clear from fairly early on based on a certain conversation. Maybe it was meant to be common knowledge, but either way I wish there was a bit more suspense in that regard.
Also Nic’s ‘instincts’ were eerily bang on and that didn’t necessarily take away from the story but it allowed for a lack of explanation or detective work that I personally would have preferred.
If you’re looking for a true crime style read this is not it. It is wild circumstances and pure entertainment.
I was provided an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 31, 2021
Maybe I'm just not into thrillers? 🤔 This wasn't bad but I got about 50 pages and decided "meh". I just wasn't a fan of serial killers that like torturing victims I guess. It was good writing but I'm definitely not in the mood for this sort of thing. Maybe I might try again later. 2 ⭐
April 12, 2021
Releasing this week, this is a debut from Northern Irish author Kerry Buchanan, who is joining the ranks of the Belfast Noir writers, a solid stable of writers who capture the grittiness of Belfast and Northern Ireland and utilise it for crime so well.
This is a great new addition.
Now, I'm not the biggest crime reader in the world, although I do pick it up from time to time. And I'm definitely not the biggest reader on kindle in the world (I finish about 1 in 100 books I read on the oul electronic reading devices). As well as that, courtesy of running a bookstore, I also have about a zillion ARCs to get through, and only so much time. So to receive a Kindle ARC and read it in 2 days flat says a lot about the book and how gripping it was.
Set in Belfast, we follow Nic, who has been abducted and wounded by an abductor who she escapes from in the opening chapter. But the escape is only the start of the story as we start to see a more twisted antagonist than first revealed, and we start to realise that cat and mouse is actually their favourite game.
What I loved about the book:
The main character, who was active and smart, and engaging.
The themes of friendship, trust and betrayal, as well as those around family and belonging.
The pace - there was, genuinely, a section in the middle of the book where I whizzed through about 60 pages without noticing the time passing. It was gripping, and engrossing, and an example of great writing, with no filters between me and the action (as a reader, I detest filters).
The resolution. As others have said, I had a good idea early on where the book was going in terms of who the antagonist was, but that was okay, because knowing who they are is only one small part of the story - knowing What they are is a much bigger thing, and I enjoyed the unravelling of that.
What I had a few issues about (because no book is perfect, and the world would be a poorer place if they were)
The relationship between the police officers and Nic stretched my believability, just a little, in terms of the closeness that developed. This is a fine line, however, as it gives room for the police to become characters in their own right, and works well in terms of engaging us, and certainly no more than a niggle.
The relationship between Nic and her sister, which I felt could have been developed more to understand key plot points later in the story. that development did come, and there are hints it will develop more fully in the sequels, but it did mean i had to reframe the sister in my mind, and that diluted the strength of the relationship between them.
But those are niggles, and the take home from this is that it's a great read, and Buchanan is a great new talent to have in the Northern Irish canon of crime writing.
*I was given an ARC of the book by the publisher and have left an honest review*
This is a great new addition.
Now, I'm not the biggest crime reader in the world, although I do pick it up from time to time. And I'm definitely not the biggest reader on kindle in the world (I finish about 1 in 100 books I read on the oul electronic reading devices). As well as that, courtesy of running a bookstore, I also have about a zillion ARCs to get through, and only so much time. So to receive a Kindle ARC and read it in 2 days flat says a lot about the book and how gripping it was.
Set in Belfast, we follow Nic, who has been abducted and wounded by an abductor who she escapes from in the opening chapter. But the escape is only the start of the story as we start to see a more twisted antagonist than first revealed, and we start to realise that cat and mouse is actually their favourite game.
What I loved about the book:
The main character, who was active and smart, and engaging.
The themes of friendship, trust and betrayal, as well as those around family and belonging.
The pace - there was, genuinely, a section in the middle of the book where I whizzed through about 60 pages without noticing the time passing. It was gripping, and engrossing, and an example of great writing, with no filters between me and the action (as a reader, I detest filters).
The resolution. As others have said, I had a good idea early on where the book was going in terms of who the antagonist was, but that was okay, because knowing who they are is only one small part of the story - knowing What they are is a much bigger thing, and I enjoyed the unravelling of that.
What I had a few issues about (because no book is perfect, and the world would be a poorer place if they were)
The relationship between the police officers and Nic stretched my believability, just a little, in terms of the closeness that developed. This is a fine line, however, as it gives room for the police to become characters in their own right, and works well in terms of engaging us, and certainly no more than a niggle.
The relationship between Nic and her sister, which I felt could have been developed more to understand key plot points later in the story. that development did come, and there are hints it will develop more fully in the sequels, but it did mean i had to reframe the sister in my mind, and that diluted the strength of the relationship between them.
But those are niggles, and the take home from this is that it's a great read, and Buchanan is a great new talent to have in the Northern Irish canon of crime writing.
*I was given an ARC of the book by the publisher and have left an honest review*
March 23, 2021
Nic has been kidnapped for 5 days. She was at a nightclub with some friends and Colm and the two of them somehow got taken and are now in a derelict house- she remembers nothing of how they were taken at all. She has various cuts all over her body that her captor does daily. She manages to escape and finds her way to a main road. When the police become involved it's clear that this isn't the first time that this has happened and she finds that DI Ram has a vested interest. When Nic’s sister Hazel becomes under threat Nic wants to help the police all she can but also in her own way. Who is after her and why? I took to this very quickly and found myself engrossed within the pages. Nic is a likeable character and although does some perhaps irrational things at times perhaps due to youth and inexperience, her heart is in the right place. A thriller with lots of twists and turns and just when you think someone is safe… I won’t spoil anything, lets just say you may end up reading more / for longer than you intended! A well written, edge of your seat thriller that I very much enjoyed.
April 1, 2021
Dark and Chilling, gives you Goosebumps
This is Harvey and Birch Book One.
Belfast Northern Ireland and Nicola Gordon is in hospital after been found naked, she was in a hell of a mess all she remembers is fleeing the cottage from who? and where was Colm? she had been to Katy's Bar to celebrate Hannah's birthday. Six days they had both been held, and now waking up with her mother by her side, things started to surface in her mind.
D.S. Asha Harvey along with D.C. Aaron Birch after she is taking home to Hannah's are doing everything they can as she starts to remember and they need to find this person for kidnapping and now murder, Colm is dead. they both put Nic at ease and now she was been followed.
Oh my this book, oh wow so fast pace, I enjoyed chapter after chapter, It will send your heart pounding, it's full of massive twists, either way this book will shock you to the core right till the core right till the very end. I'm done and satisfied that this book is worthy of every star rating, look forward to the next.
This is Harvey and Birch Book One.
Belfast Northern Ireland and Nicola Gordon is in hospital after been found naked, she was in a hell of a mess all she remembers is fleeing the cottage from who? and where was Colm? she had been to Katy's Bar to celebrate Hannah's birthday. Six days they had both been held, and now waking up with her mother by her side, things started to surface in her mind.
D.S. Asha Harvey along with D.C. Aaron Birch after she is taking home to Hannah's are doing everything they can as she starts to remember and they need to find this person for kidnapping and now murder, Colm is dead. they both put Nic at ease and now she was been followed.
Oh my this book, oh wow so fast pace, I enjoyed chapter after chapter, It will send your heart pounding, it's full of massive twists, either way this book will shock you to the core right till the core right till the very end. I'm done and satisfied that this book is worthy of every star rating, look forward to the next.
October 19, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Knife Edge, a thriller set in Northern Ireland.
Nicola “Nic” Gordon goes for a night out and wakes up bound, gagged and tortured, listening to her friend being killed. She manages to escape but the killer isn’t finished with her and she ends up assisting DS Asha Harvey and DC Aaron Birch in their investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed Knife Edge, which is a tense, exciting read with an unusual premise and plenty of twists and turns, that held my attention from start to finish.
I liked that the novel was told mostly from Nic’s point of view rather than it being a straightforward police procedural. It gives the novel an edge and greater character depth. Of course, with the billing of psychological thriller the unnamed killer’s thoughts put in the occasional appearance, but only to confirm that he’s a twisted individual with a sadistic streak, as if the reader doesn’t know that already.
The writing and plotting give the novel all the tension needed to keep the reader interested and on the edge of their seat and the plot twists and turns mean that the reader is continually unsettled and unsure of what will come next. The final twist is the icing on the cake. If I have one niggle it’s that the killer’s identity is very unconvincing.
I understand that Knife Edge is a debut novel. You would never know as it is accomplished with excellent pacing, plotting and characterisation. I will be looking out for more from Ms Buchanan.
Knife Edge is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Nicola “Nic” Gordon goes for a night out and wakes up bound, gagged and tortured, listening to her friend being killed. She manages to escape but the killer isn’t finished with her and she ends up assisting DS Asha Harvey and DC Aaron Birch in their investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed Knife Edge, which is a tense, exciting read with an unusual premise and plenty of twists and turns, that held my attention from start to finish.
I liked that the novel was told mostly from Nic’s point of view rather than it being a straightforward police procedural. It gives the novel an edge and greater character depth. Of course, with the billing of psychological thriller the unnamed killer’s thoughts put in the occasional appearance, but only to confirm that he’s a twisted individual with a sadistic streak, as if the reader doesn’t know that already.
The writing and plotting give the novel all the tension needed to keep the reader interested and on the edge of their seat and the plot twists and turns mean that the reader is continually unsettled and unsure of what will come next. The final twist is the icing on the cake. If I have one niggle it’s that the killer’s identity is very unconvincing.
I understand that Knife Edge is a debut novel. You would never know as it is accomplished with excellent pacing, plotting and characterisation. I will be looking out for more from Ms Buchanan.
Knife Edge is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 18, 2021
I love it when I pick up a book and am immediately pulled into the story, and Knife Edge certainly does that.
The story follows Nic, who escapes the clutches of a terrifying killer, but the nightmare for her is only just beginning as he can't let go and is hell bent on torturing her.
Nic is a fantastic character. Even though she's been through so much, she's so strong and determined that I ended up admiring her a lot. Okay, there were moments where her determination made her actions more than a little foolish, but it just added to the entertainment of the novel.
Even though this is more of a psychological thriller, there is still a police presence in the form of detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch. They're both tenacious characters, who work together well with some much needed banter to break up the tense storyline.
I can't deny I was a little taken aback by the ending, but I can't wait to see what Kerry Buchanan comes up with next!
Knife edge is a tension packed thrill ride of a novel that had me flying through those pages.
The story follows Nic, who escapes the clutches of a terrifying killer, but the nightmare for her is only just beginning as he can't let go and is hell bent on torturing her.
Nic is a fantastic character. Even though she's been through so much, she's so strong and determined that I ended up admiring her a lot. Okay, there were moments where her determination made her actions more than a little foolish, but it just added to the entertainment of the novel.
Even though this is more of a psychological thriller, there is still a police presence in the form of detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch. They're both tenacious characters, who work together well with some much needed banter to break up the tense storyline.
I can't deny I was a little taken aback by the ending, but I can't wait to see what Kerry Buchanan comes up with next!
Knife edge is a tension packed thrill ride of a novel that had me flying through those pages.
April 9, 2021
Found this in the Read Now section of Netgalley.
I couldn't suspend my disbelief, and because of that, I couldn't enjoy it. The entire plot hinged on characters behaving in improbable ways and making dangerously stupid decisions. Police procedure? What's that? The initial victim inserts herself into the investigation with the complete support of the police working the case. She takes it upon herself to track down the villain and everyone is totally ok with it. And as impossible as that is, is be willing to buy it IF she knew what she was doing, but no, she just... flings herself face first into life threatening situations with no plan.
This one wasn't for me.
I couldn't suspend my disbelief, and because of that, I couldn't enjoy it. The entire plot hinged on characters behaving in improbable ways and making dangerously stupid decisions. Police procedure? What's that? The initial victim inserts herself into the investigation with the complete support of the police working the case. She takes it upon herself to track down the villain and everyone is totally ok with it. And as impossible as that is, is be willing to buy it IF she knew what she was doing, but no, she just... flings herself face first into life threatening situations with no plan.
This one wasn't for me.
June 8, 2022
A tightly plotted and well-written debut novel.
I didn’t know what to expect when I stumbled upon Knife Edge by Kerry Buchanan.
I’m writing my 23rd novel. While I’m writing, I also read. A lot. Reading other novels often inspires plot twists, improves sentence structure, diction, character development, and many more elements of a story. Usually what I read depends on my mood, or even the genre I’m writing in. Most importantly, I look for good writing.
I read the Knife Edge book description, a few reviews, the author bio, and part of a chapter. I liked what I saw and, with some trepidation, thought I’d give it a shot.
Let’s start with what I didn’t like:
Knife Edge is a crime thriller. Some nutcase is snatching young women and slashing them to pieces. Three detectives, and 20-year-old Nicole Gordon are trying to catch the killer. How does an inexperienced 20-year-old wind up trying to track him down? Well, he captured her once, she escaped, and he’s still after her, wanting to finish the job. Here’s where it gets kind of strange. Nicole, Nic, practically leads the investigation and always seems to be one step ahead of the detectives in their efforts to stop the killer’s murderous rampage. It’s a pretty big leap of faith to believe that a young woman, unfamiliar with police investigation methods and procedures, would be able to lead the charge. It’s also not very believable they’d want her around to the extent that she is around.
As well, I thought the story would be more interesting from the point of view of one of the detectives. Employing the third-person omniscient author, we’d be able to jump into the minds of the victims occasionally, but I’d like to know what the detectives are thinking as they navigate this nerve-shattering case.
Here’s a minor error: Nic, against the better judgment of police, strikes out on her own in an effort to locate the killer’s hide-out, the place where he tortures his victims. She starts off with dark jeans and halfway through her journey, she’s described as wearing pale jeans. I guess they magically changed color.
But, alas, maybe I’m being too critical. I remember my debut novel. I’m not even sure I can bring myself to read it today, given how much my writing has evolved over the years. There is a lot I liked about Knife Edge.
I love how Buchanan jumped into the head of the demented killer. This lends a raw edge to the narrative, taking you right inside the twisted and demented thinking process of a psychopath.
If you can suspend disbelief, I think you’ll enjoy Knife Edge. The writing style is clear and crisp, and Buchanan demonstrates a prodigious talent for building tension and suspense. The pace is breathtakingly quick and there are so many plot twists, it’ll make your head spin.
Buchanan has a captivating storytelling style and shows a lot of promise as a writer. She’s a good writer now. It won’t be long before she becomes a great writer.
So there you have it. Since Knife Edge is a debut novel, I forgive Buchanan all of her trespasses and award her effort with five, flashing-neon, solid gold stars.
Well done!
I didn’t know what to expect when I stumbled upon Knife Edge by Kerry Buchanan.
I’m writing my 23rd novel. While I’m writing, I also read. A lot. Reading other novels often inspires plot twists, improves sentence structure, diction, character development, and many more elements of a story. Usually what I read depends on my mood, or even the genre I’m writing in. Most importantly, I look for good writing.
I read the Knife Edge book description, a few reviews, the author bio, and part of a chapter. I liked what I saw and, with some trepidation, thought I’d give it a shot.
Let’s start with what I didn’t like:
Knife Edge is a crime thriller. Some nutcase is snatching young women and slashing them to pieces. Three detectives, and 20-year-old Nicole Gordon are trying to catch the killer. How does an inexperienced 20-year-old wind up trying to track him down? Well, he captured her once, she escaped, and he’s still after her, wanting to finish the job. Here’s where it gets kind of strange. Nicole, Nic, practically leads the investigation and always seems to be one step ahead of the detectives in their efforts to stop the killer’s murderous rampage. It’s a pretty big leap of faith to believe that a young woman, unfamiliar with police investigation methods and procedures, would be able to lead the charge. It’s also not very believable they’d want her around to the extent that she is around.
As well, I thought the story would be more interesting from the point of view of one of the detectives. Employing the third-person omniscient author, we’d be able to jump into the minds of the victims occasionally, but I’d like to know what the detectives are thinking as they navigate this nerve-shattering case.
Here’s a minor error: Nic, against the better judgment of police, strikes out on her own in an effort to locate the killer’s hide-out, the place where he tortures his victims. She starts off with dark jeans and halfway through her journey, she’s described as wearing pale jeans. I guess they magically changed color.
But, alas, maybe I’m being too critical. I remember my debut novel. I’m not even sure I can bring myself to read it today, given how much my writing has evolved over the years. There is a lot I liked about Knife Edge.
I love how Buchanan jumped into the head of the demented killer. This lends a raw edge to the narrative, taking you right inside the twisted and demented thinking process of a psychopath.
If you can suspend disbelief, I think you’ll enjoy Knife Edge. The writing style is clear and crisp, and Buchanan demonstrates a prodigious talent for building tension and suspense. The pace is breathtakingly quick and there are so many plot twists, it’ll make your head spin.
Buchanan has a captivating storytelling style and shows a lot of promise as a writer. She’s a good writer now. It won’t be long before she becomes a great writer.
So there you have it. Since Knife Edge is a debut novel, I forgive Buchanan all of her trespasses and award her effort with five, flashing-neon, solid gold stars.
Well done!
May 5, 2021
3.5 stars
An intricately plotted novel about the hunt for an organized serial killer, aided by a young woman victim. Most characters are well developed, & the stakes are kept high & ever rising til the end of the story.
[What I liked:]
•There are great & sympathetic side characters, mostly the investigation team (Asha, Ram, Lonnie, & Aaron). They helped the investigation feel like more than a dry procedural.
•Scenes from the unidentified killer are woven in throughout the story, providing tantalizing insights into his MO & plans, which keeps the suspense high. Those left me always wanting more details into what he’d do next, and why.
•Nic & Ram’s personal connections to the ongoing case provide emotional depth & helped me engage all the more in hoping for a positive outcome to the story.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•While I felt that Asha & Aaron got an amount of character development befitting side characters, I wish Nic could have been fleshed out more. I don’t know much about her likes, dislikes, dreams, ambitions, etc. Her characterization is left to how she deals with her trauma in the present.
•Nic does some pretty foolish things without, imo, strong enough motivations to take the risks that she’s well aware are very dangerous. She is young & traumatized of course, but maybe if I was given more depth of insight into why she did these things I would buy her actions more easily.
CW: racism, murder, torture (hard to read but not excessively graphic), kidnapping, drugging
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
An intricately plotted novel about the hunt for an organized serial killer, aided by a young woman victim. Most characters are well developed, & the stakes are kept high & ever rising til the end of the story.
[What I liked:]
•There are great & sympathetic side characters, mostly the investigation team (Asha, Ram, Lonnie, & Aaron). They helped the investigation feel like more than a dry procedural.
•Scenes from the unidentified killer are woven in throughout the story, providing tantalizing insights into his MO & plans, which keeps the suspense high. Those left me always wanting more details into what he’d do next, and why.
•Nic & Ram’s personal connections to the ongoing case provide emotional depth & helped me engage all the more in hoping for a positive outcome to the story.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•While I felt that Asha & Aaron got an amount of character development befitting side characters, I wish Nic could have been fleshed out more. I don’t know much about her likes, dislikes, dreams, ambitions, etc. Her characterization is left to how she deals with her trauma in the present.
•Nic does some pretty foolish things without, imo, strong enough motivations to take the risks that she’s well aware are very dangerous. She is young & traumatized of course, but maybe if I was given more depth of insight into why she did these things I would buy her actions more easily.
CW: racism, murder, torture (hard to read but not excessively graphic), kidnapping, drugging
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
March 24, 2021
Knife Edge by Kerry Buchanan—A wickedly sharp debut psychological thriller from an author to watch.
“They had been making a night of it in Belfast, a whole group of them in Katy’s bar, deep inside the Limelight nightclub. Exams were on the horizon, but it had been Hannah’s birthday, and they’d all gone out.”
When Nicola “Nic” Gordon, a twenty-year-old college student, and her friend Colm go to a Belfast nightclub to celebrate a roommate’s birthday, things go terrifyingly wrong. She wakes up in a shabby, rural cottage, naked and shivering, bound and gagged and unable to work out how on earth they both ended up there. A masked, sadistic monster holds them captive and tortures them for six days until Nic breaks free and escapes. Nic is lucky to be alive, but the nightmare is only beginning.
Isn’t it just fantastic when you pick up one of those psychological thrillers that grabs you by the throat and won’t let go, demanding that you sit on the edge of your seat for every suspense-filled, nail-biting moment of it? Knife Edge is one of those novels for me.
Thematically, the reader finds mental illness, a dissolving sense of reality, obsession, pursuit, paranoia, and murder. Knife Edge ticks all the boxes you expect from an absorbing psychological thriller—a maniacal killer, intense pacing, suspense, unbearable tension, unexpected twists, high stakes, anxiety, and terror. Oh, and don’t forget about the knives. We hate the knives.
“With methodical slowness, her captor ran his thumb along the blade of the knife. It was just for show, just to prolong the suspense: all his knives were sharp, so sharp you didn’t feel the initial cut – not until the hot gush of blood.”
Buchanan’s narrative is straightforward but descriptive. I particularly liked her effectual use of similes and metaphors. While thrillers often are more plot-driven than character-driven, Knife Edge is not only a tightly plotted and tense thriller. It has lots of interesting character development and a multitude of twists along the way. Besides Nic, the protagonist, there is a human-feeling cast of supporting characters, including Nic’s family and the police detectives—Detective Inspector Ram and Detective Sergeant Asha Harvey—who are desperate to apprehend the killer before he claims more victims.
If you love an intense, creepy, and suspenseful psychological thriller that you cannot put down once you’ve started it, this book will absolutely thrill you. I’m eagerly anticipating the release of Small Bones, the sequel to Knife Edge.
“They had been making a night of it in Belfast, a whole group of them in Katy’s bar, deep inside the Limelight nightclub. Exams were on the horizon, but it had been Hannah’s birthday, and they’d all gone out.”
When Nicola “Nic” Gordon, a twenty-year-old college student, and her friend Colm go to a Belfast nightclub to celebrate a roommate’s birthday, things go terrifyingly wrong. She wakes up in a shabby, rural cottage, naked and shivering, bound and gagged and unable to work out how on earth they both ended up there. A masked, sadistic monster holds them captive and tortures them for six days until Nic breaks free and escapes. Nic is lucky to be alive, but the nightmare is only beginning.
Isn’t it just fantastic when you pick up one of those psychological thrillers that grabs you by the throat and won’t let go, demanding that you sit on the edge of your seat for every suspense-filled, nail-biting moment of it? Knife Edge is one of those novels for me.
Thematically, the reader finds mental illness, a dissolving sense of reality, obsession, pursuit, paranoia, and murder. Knife Edge ticks all the boxes you expect from an absorbing psychological thriller—a maniacal killer, intense pacing, suspense, unbearable tension, unexpected twists, high stakes, anxiety, and terror. Oh, and don’t forget about the knives. We hate the knives.
“With methodical slowness, her captor ran his thumb along the blade of the knife. It was just for show, just to prolong the suspense: all his knives were sharp, so sharp you didn’t feel the initial cut – not until the hot gush of blood.”
Buchanan’s narrative is straightforward but descriptive. I particularly liked her effectual use of similes and metaphors. While thrillers often are more plot-driven than character-driven, Knife Edge is not only a tightly plotted and tense thriller. It has lots of interesting character development and a multitude of twists along the way. Besides Nic, the protagonist, there is a human-feeling cast of supporting characters, including Nic’s family and the police detectives—Detective Inspector Ram and Detective Sergeant Asha Harvey—who are desperate to apprehend the killer before he claims more victims.
If you love an intense, creepy, and suspenseful psychological thriller that you cannot put down once you’ve started it, this book will absolutely thrill you. I’m eagerly anticipating the release of Small Bones, the sequel to Knife Edge.
April 5, 2021
4.5 Stars
“You think it’s over…it’s not over. The games have just begun…”
—John Kramer (Jigsaw), Saw IV
Nic has never been much for going out to bars, but reluctantly agrees to an evening out with friends. The last memory she has was being handed a drink, and then waking up in a shack naked, tied to a ring in the wall…and at the mercy of a mad man…one that measures each day of her captivity with a different knife he uses to cut and sculpt her battered body. Then the unimaginable happens…on the sixth day, when Nic is sure this is the day she dies, she breaks free of her bondage and escapes. Now she’s determined to help the police bring this psycho to justice…but the killer is just starting his little game…
Knife Edge is a nail-biting suspenseful crime thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat! And that ending! OMG! (Insert Cliffhanger Alert!) Loved this debut novel by Kerry Buchanan and will most definitely be on the lookout for the next release! Highly recommend to fans of this genre!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
“You think it’s over…it’s not over. The games have just begun…”
—John Kramer (Jigsaw), Saw IV
Nic has never been much for going out to bars, but reluctantly agrees to an evening out with friends. The last memory she has was being handed a drink, and then waking up in a shack naked, tied to a ring in the wall…and at the mercy of a mad man…one that measures each day of her captivity with a different knife he uses to cut and sculpt her battered body. Then the unimaginable happens…on the sixth day, when Nic is sure this is the day she dies, she breaks free of her bondage and escapes. Now she’s determined to help the police bring this psycho to justice…but the killer is just starting his little game…
Knife Edge is a nail-biting suspenseful crime thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat! And that ending! OMG! (Insert Cliffhanger Alert!) Loved this debut novel by Kerry Buchanan and will most definitely be on the lookout for the next release! Highly recommend to fans of this genre!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
March 27, 2021
Its not often a debut novel is as well written as this. I found myself utterly riveted from very early in the book, and when I wasn't reading it I was spending my time wishing I was. A full time job and a university degree usually restricts my 'fun' reading to an hour or so before bed, but with Knife Edge I was sneaking my iPad to work to wolf down the chapters at every opportunity.
The main character, Nic, is fantastic. Stubborn, forthright, and careless with it, she feels real and you really begin to care about her as the book progresses. Yes, she makes some very questionable choices throughout, but this all adds to the suspense and drama that courses through each and every page.
If I had one criticism it is that the two police officers aren't as developed, but since the POV was Nic's, this didn't impact my enjoyment at all.
The final twist in the epilogue was nicely done and sets up an eagerly awaited sequel.
Highly, highly recommended.
Thanks to Joffe books and netgalley.co.uk for the free copy in exchange for this honest review.
The main character, Nic, is fantastic. Stubborn, forthright, and careless with it, she feels real and you really begin to care about her as the book progresses. Yes, she makes some very questionable choices throughout, but this all adds to the suspense and drama that courses through each and every page.
If I had one criticism it is that the two police officers aren't as developed, but since the POV was Nic's, this didn't impact my enjoyment at all.
The final twist in the epilogue was nicely done and sets up an eagerly awaited sequel.
Highly, highly recommended.
Thanks to Joffe books and netgalley.co.uk for the free copy in exchange for this honest review.
April 12, 2021
Nic somehow manages to escape her abductor - but Colm the friend who was taken at the same time wasn't so lucky. Nic then starts getting messages from her abductor telling her it's not yet over. As if to prove his point he then re-abducts a woman who previously got away from him. A good story
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading more Kerry Buchanan books.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading more Kerry Buchanan books.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
March 27, 2021
KNIFE EDGE opens on to a vile, horrific scene projecting monstrous images.
At another place and time in the future, there's yet another terrifying, gruesome event happening. Subsequently, sinister machinations are looming, escalating harrowing suspense. Tragedies strike, skyrocketing the chilling trepidation into the ionosphere. Hysteria from this horrifying, confounding mystery is relentless, resulting in bloodcurdling dread exploding into maze like twists and turns and a sensational finish
At another place and time in the future, there's yet another terrifying, gruesome event happening. Subsequently, sinister machinations are looming, escalating harrowing suspense. Tragedies strike, skyrocketing the chilling trepidation into the ionosphere. Hysteria from this horrifying, confounding mystery is relentless, resulting in bloodcurdling dread exploding into maze like twists and turns and a sensational finish
March 28, 2021
This is a very good thriller from Kerry Buchanan. It has everything you want in a thriller, a great plot, tension, good characterisation, plenty twists and is full of action. What more can I say, apart from I would highly recommend this book and author. Hard to believe it's a debut! Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
March 30, 2021
I found this to be an interesting debut novel. Its very descriptive and emotive. It is an unusual take on abduction and stalking. There are lots of surprises and it kept me guessing.
Looking forward to reading more from Kerry Buchanan.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for ARC.
Looking forward to reading more from Kerry Buchanan.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for ARC.
April 8, 2021
Although I knew who the perp was from very early in the book I still couldn’t put this book down.
Great characters and loved the strength of the main character Nic. A great thriller and a must read.
Great characters and loved the strength of the main character Nic. A great thriller and a must read.
April 19, 2021
This is an action packed page turner, addictive from the onset. So well written and the ending totally sets it up for a follow on book, one I cannot wait to read. Thanks to the author and Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
April 27, 2021
Oh, My Goodness! Once I started reading, I did not want to put KNIFE EDGE by Kerry Buchanan down until I had finished. The book opens with heart-pounding suspense and the pace does not slow down throughout the whole book.
Nicola Gordon has been held captive with her arms anchored behind her back as she is tormented with deliberate slices through her skin by her captor. Nic remembered being with Colm at Hannah's birthday celebration with friends at Katy's Bar inside the Limelight to enjoy a cider. When she woke up Nic was in extreme pain and distress sitting on the floor of an old shack. She could hear Colm moaning with pain across the room from her, but she couldn't see him. She was hoping someone would come to rescue her and Colm, but she decides to work harder to achieve freedom. Nic keeps pulling at the anchor ring that holds her until she manages to pull it from the wall Now to find the energy and run for an escape!
As the story is told, the killer offers his narration of what he is thinking and planning. All the characters are well written and play an important part as the story progresses. I had figured out who the perpetrator was early in the book, but how he kept evading capture was interesting. The determination of the killer was like an obsession. I won't post spoilers, but some of the scenes had me nervous! Everything is not always as it seems in the plot of the story. Everyone does not make it through the scenes without trauma. The story is not wrapped up nice and neat, but it is so appropriate...and do NOT read ahead! The epilogue was even more shocking, and I cheered!
Thank you to NetGalley, Terry Buchanan, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Nicola Gordon has been held captive with her arms anchored behind her back as she is tormented with deliberate slices through her skin by her captor. Nic remembered being with Colm at Hannah's birthday celebration with friends at Katy's Bar inside the Limelight to enjoy a cider. When she woke up Nic was in extreme pain and distress sitting on the floor of an old shack. She could hear Colm moaning with pain across the room from her, but she couldn't see him. She was hoping someone would come to rescue her and Colm, but she decides to work harder to achieve freedom. Nic keeps pulling at the anchor ring that holds her until she manages to pull it from the wall Now to find the energy and run for an escape!
As the story is told, the killer offers his narration of what he is thinking and planning. All the characters are well written and play an important part as the story progresses. I had figured out who the perpetrator was early in the book, but how he kept evading capture was interesting. The determination of the killer was like an obsession. I won't post spoilers, but some of the scenes had me nervous! Everything is not always as it seems in the plot of the story. Everyone does not make it through the scenes without trauma. The story is not wrapped up nice and neat, but it is so appropriate...and do NOT read ahead! The epilogue was even more shocking, and I cheered!
Thank you to NetGalley, Terry Buchanan, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
May 19, 2021
Nic wakes up, naked and bound in an abandoned cottage in the middle of nowhere. Her body is covered in cuts. Across the room her friend groans in pain. A shadow passes the window. The man with the knives is back.
Local author Kerry Buchanan has created a fabulously frantic cat-and-mouse thriller set in Northern Ireland, the first of a trilogy with Joffe books.
Normally, I’m not a thriller fan. My anxiety teeters towards unhealthy levels naturally, so being vicariously stressed for others is not usually my idea of a party.
But a thriller handled well can help reassure us that there is an order to the world and one person can truly make a difference. At the end of a great thriller we have catharsis. We are reassured in that the world continues to operate normally.
Until the author pulls the rug away again, because the one message that the best thrillers convey is that YOU ARE NEVER SAFE!
Kerry has some serious writing chops – she’s had numerous short stories published and is a regular at lots of literary events – but you can tell she had fun writing Knife Edge. Which indicates she has a grimly morbid streak in her usually sunny disposition. Which I like in a person. I often carry around my own little dark cloud, but my sunnier side usually burns off the gloom.
Kerry has created great characters, with Nic driving the plot. It was lovely to see such diversity amongst the cast, which is more reflective of the Belfast I know today. Less about the troubles, more about the slashy-slashy murder man.
Speaking of whom, the slashy-slashy murder man is a great creation. All through the book I was frantically trying to figure out who this guy was and what his motivations were. I felt like Ted Hastings searching for H and exclaiming to God, Mary, Jesus and the wee donkey at every twist and turn.
I loved it. Buy it. Kerry is great. Possibly a sociopath, but we can’t all be perfect.
Local author Kerry Buchanan has created a fabulously frantic cat-and-mouse thriller set in Northern Ireland, the first of a trilogy with Joffe books.
Normally, I’m not a thriller fan. My anxiety teeters towards unhealthy levels naturally, so being vicariously stressed for others is not usually my idea of a party.
But a thriller handled well can help reassure us that there is an order to the world and one person can truly make a difference. At the end of a great thriller we have catharsis. We are reassured in that the world continues to operate normally.
Until the author pulls the rug away again, because the one message that the best thrillers convey is that YOU ARE NEVER SAFE!
Kerry has some serious writing chops – she’s had numerous short stories published and is a regular at lots of literary events – but you can tell she had fun writing Knife Edge. Which indicates she has a grimly morbid streak in her usually sunny disposition. Which I like in a person. I often carry around my own little dark cloud, but my sunnier side usually burns off the gloom.
Kerry has created great characters, with Nic driving the plot. It was lovely to see such diversity amongst the cast, which is more reflective of the Belfast I know today. Less about the troubles, more about the slashy-slashy murder man.
Speaking of whom, the slashy-slashy murder man is a great creation. All through the book I was frantically trying to figure out who this guy was and what his motivations were. I felt like Ted Hastings searching for H and exclaiming to God, Mary, Jesus and the wee donkey at every twist and turn.
I loved it. Buy it. Kerry is great. Possibly a sociopath, but we can’t all be perfect.
May 4, 2021
Nic and Colm enjoy an evening out but wake up in a deserted cottage, chained up and covered in cuts and knife wounds. Nic manages to daringly escape and tries to help the police find Colm. But her captor has a violent past and a cat-and-mouse game ensues. Can Nic ever really escape his clutches?
Knife Edge is the debut crime novel from Kerry Buchanan. Although this seems to be the first book in a series about police officers Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch, the lead character of this book is undoubtedly Nic. She is courageous despite the danger she has faced and is determined to help the police.
I had to suspend my disbelief as I became embroiled in the compelling plot. The lead that Nic takes felt unrealistic but was certainly dramatic and it was enjoyable to watch events unfold. There are some chapters written from The Slasher's perspective. This increases the tension and anticipation as we predict what he might do next and the danger it would place characters in.
The main investigating officers were not too prominent in the plot. There was an enjoyable banter between Asha and Aaron that I hope will be developed in subsequent books. However, I enjoyed the quite unique angle of focusing on the victim in a police procedural novel. The ending saw my jaw drop...
Knife Edge is a police crime novel full of thrills and tension. I look forward to seeing how the detectives develop.
Knife Edge is the debut crime novel from Kerry Buchanan. Although this seems to be the first book in a series about police officers Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch, the lead character of this book is undoubtedly Nic. She is courageous despite the danger she has faced and is determined to help the police.
I had to suspend my disbelief as I became embroiled in the compelling plot. The lead that Nic takes felt unrealistic but was certainly dramatic and it was enjoyable to watch events unfold. There are some chapters written from The Slasher's perspective. This increases the tension and anticipation as we predict what he might do next and the danger it would place characters in.
The main investigating officers were not too prominent in the plot. There was an enjoyable banter between Asha and Aaron that I hope will be developed in subsequent books. However, I enjoyed the quite unique angle of focusing on the victim in a police procedural novel. The ending saw my jaw drop...
Knife Edge is a police crime novel full of thrills and tension. I look forward to seeing how the detectives develop.
Read
May 12, 2021First time I’ve read any of Kerry Buchanan but it most definitely won’t be the last. The title is quite appropriate because the story will have you holding on like a knife edge throughout this exciting thriller.
Nic goes out with her friends to a nightclub not by choice but because she had said she would go. She and one of her friends called Colm decided to pop out the back entrance to get some fresh air. The next thing Nic remembers is waking up gagged naked filthy and her body is covered in cuts. Across the dark room she sees her friend in the same situation.
Although her hands are zip tied behind her back and attached to something on the wall she feels that with enough strength she could escape. Just then their assailant comes back but as he is focused on her friend she makes her move and manages to break free and escape.
This is such an exciting thriller it have you holding your breath at times.
Highly recommended.
Nic goes out with her friends to a nightclub not by choice but because she had said she would go. She and one of her friends called Colm decided to pop out the back entrance to get some fresh air. The next thing Nic remembers is waking up gagged naked filthy and her body is covered in cuts. Across the dark room she sees her friend in the same situation.
Although her hands are zip tied behind her back and attached to something on the wall she feels that with enough strength she could escape. Just then their assailant comes back but as he is focused on her friend she makes her move and manages to break free and escape.
This is such an exciting thriller it have you holding your breath at times.
Highly recommended.
August 29, 2021
What goes around comes around.
She went to the nightclub with the one person who understood how she hated places like this, but they agreed to go together and celebrate Nic's friends birthday.
That decision was to change her life forever.
Tortured slowly, every cut of the knife, the man relished. Nic knew she had to something, her hands were cuffed behind her to a ring screwed into the wall, her friend was suffering the same fate, both wanted to scream, cry out, anything to stop the slow methodical cuts. But they continued.
He opened the door, he was back, but this time he ignored her and took his new knife from the cabinet - a larger sharp knife each day. It had started with a paring knife and each day the knife would be bigger and she prayed for it to stop.
She knew she had to get away, but the ring had seemed set in stone. Once again she tugged as hard as she could, her tormentor engrossed in his evil task, it gave way slightly, she yanked as hard as she could - she was free. He hadn't noticed so she ran and ran, falling down a ditch now covered in wild garlic. She heard a roar as he realised she was gone.
She went to the nightclub with the one person who understood how she hated places like this, but they agreed to go together and celebrate Nic's friends birthday.
That decision was to change her life forever.
Tortured slowly, every cut of the knife, the man relished. Nic knew she had to something, her hands were cuffed behind her to a ring screwed into the wall, her friend was suffering the same fate, both wanted to scream, cry out, anything to stop the slow methodical cuts. But they continued.
He opened the door, he was back, but this time he ignored her and took his new knife from the cabinet - a larger sharp knife each day. It had started with a paring knife and each day the knife would be bigger and she prayed for it to stop.
She knew she had to get away, but the ring had seemed set in stone. Once again she tugged as hard as she could, her tormentor engrossed in his evil task, it gave way slightly, she yanked as hard as she could - she was free. He hadn't noticed so she ran and ran, falling down a ditch now covered in wild garlic. She heard a roar as he realised she was gone.
May 5, 2021
Thanks to Joffe book for sending me Knife Edge as an ARC, what a book!
A tense and exciting read, the main character Nic ( Nicola Gordon) finally gives in and goes with her friend Colm to celebrate her roommates birthday at a belfast night club.
The last thing she can remember is waiting for a drink.
She wakes up in an abandoned cottage tied to a ring in the wall, alongside Colm.
They are bound and gagged, naked and shivering. How did they get there?
Who is the monster who tortures and cuts them daily?
On the 6th day Colm is brutally stabbed, Nic lucky to be alive, manages to escape, making a dash for freedom hoping the nightmare is over but its only just beginning.
This one had me on the edge of my seat, a creepy psychological crime thriller filled with suspense.
As for the ending OMG! I cant wait for the next in the series.
An easy five stars from me
A tense and exciting read, the main character Nic ( Nicola Gordon) finally gives in and goes with her friend Colm to celebrate her roommates birthday at a belfast night club.
The last thing she can remember is waiting for a drink.
She wakes up in an abandoned cottage tied to a ring in the wall, alongside Colm.
They are bound and gagged, naked and shivering. How did they get there?
Who is the monster who tortures and cuts them daily?
On the 6th day Colm is brutally stabbed, Nic lucky to be alive, manages to escape, making a dash for freedom hoping the nightmare is over but its only just beginning.
This one had me on the edge of my seat, a creepy psychological crime thriller filled with suspense.
As for the ending OMG! I cant wait for the next in the series.
An easy five stars from me
May 15, 2021
Could NOT put it down
If there was a six star option, Kerry would get it. I was addicted to this book. I felt like I was living the story, the writing was that good. The characters were believable and the story had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The fact that Kerry is 'homegrown' was the icing on the cake! I would recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for reading!
If there was a six star option, Kerry would get it. I was addicted to this book. I felt like I was living the story, the writing was that good. The characters were believable and the story had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The fact that Kerry is 'homegrown' was the icing on the cake! I would recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for reading!
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