A review by judithdcollins
Woman on the Edge by Samantha M. Bailey

5.0

EXCEPTIONAL AUTHORS. STANDOUT BOOKS. ELEVATOR TALK. Check out my Q&A Interview with the Author. Go behind the scenes with the fabulous Samantha M. Bailey and her latest knock-out debut thriller #WomanontheEdge —Exclusives and fun facts about this new rising star in fiction!

Engrossing, Heart-Pounding, Compelling, Explosive!

Samantha M. Bailey delivers a spellbinding debut that captures you from the first page and never lets you go until the satisfying conclusion.

WOMAN ON THE EDGE is assured to keep you “on the edge-of-your-seat.” A complex emotional, psychological suspense thriller from a talented new voice.

Three words: “Take my baby.” Can you imagine someone handing you their baby? You may think, does the mother need an extra pair of hands to get something out of her purse, a bottle, or what?

Set in busy Chicago at the subway platform, mother Nichole Markham approaches another woman, Morgan Kinkaid, who is a social worker.

There is no time to think. It is a jerk reaction. When someone asks you to take their baby, you try and help, right?

However, something dreadful happens. The woman jumps right in front of her after she hands her the baby. Shocked, Morgan cannot believe what is happening. She cries out for help. Why did the woman jump? Why would she hand her the baby?

Horrified, she replays this tragedy. The woman called her by name? Who is this woman? She said, “Love her for me, Morgan. Don’t let anyone hurt her.” How could this be happening? What was the woman running from?

From this point on, the author masterfully guides us through the time of before (Nichole) and present (Morgan).

We learn Morgan’s husband recently committed suicide (Ryan) after being convicted of embezzlement. She was the wife of a thief and a suicidal coward. She always wanted to be a mother. And she is a mother handing her baby to her and ending her own life?

Later Morgan notices a post-it-note with the name Amanda on it.

The author carefully unravels the life of Nicole. Nicole was a successful businesswoman and CEO of Breathe. She was also married, had a best friend, a brother, and a co-worker.

Nicole had a troubled past. An incident with a baby that was under her care when she was a nanny years earlier. Was that mother after her? Is that why she was running, or could it be her husband? What about her brother or her friend? Did Ryan have a connection with this family?

Morgan is determined to find out what drove a desperate woman to drastic measures. Her life depends on it. She cannot stop thinking about the baby. Of course, she will not be allowed to keep the baby and not understanding why its mother thought she could keep it safe.

Now Morgan is in trouble, and everyone thinks she pushed her. However, things are not as they seem in the Markham household. Who can be trusted?

There are many suspects and red herrings, and the tensions are running high. When the will is read, there is another shocker! Then, Detective, Karina Martinez, who investigated Ryan’s suicide, is now involved in this case. Morgan must keep sleuthing to clear her name and find out whoever was scaring Nichole, plus they may be coming after her and baby, Quinn.

Readers will be turning these pages, racing to determine the mysterious connection between these two women! You will think twice the next time you are on the subway platform and your morning commute.

Cleverly written, the author draws you into the complex world of both these women and gives them a sympathetic voice. What a great book with more twists than you can imagine! Very thought-provoking and would make an ideal selection for book clubs and further discussions.

Readers will be rooting for Morgan and little Quinn to the very end. From the striking front cover to the well-written plot and cast of well- developed characters, this is a 5 STAR debut and cannot wait to see what comes next!

I devoured WOMAN ON THE EDGE! I started it and could not put it down! The audio went with me in the car because I did not want to miss a thing. Fans of Mary Kubica, Christina McDonald, and Heather Gudenkauf will find a lot to like here!

Hard to believe this is a debut; however, if you read Samantha’s bio and praise, Impressive! you can see why this novel reads like an award-winning author (that she is – a gifted writer). No wonder she writes with such grace and finesse. Move this author and the book to the top of your list. Highly recommend!

Thank you, Samantha, for a satisfying read and wonderful addition to a weekend. Top Books of 2020!

PS I loved reading the acknowledgments, and that the book took over six years to write. Congrats, Samantha, a hit! You were meant to write this book. You should be proud. Much gratitude—I am honored and humbled to be included and recognized in your list of bloggers and readers.

A special thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased the audiobook by Simon & Schuster Audio, The narrator, Katherine Fenton, delivered an award-winning performance!

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