Edge : a Novel

Library Journal: In his new psychological thriller, Deaver devises a compelling contest between two cunning opponents: Henry Loving, the contracted "lifter" who extracts information from his targeted prey to satisfy an employer, and Corte, the federal protection agent who "shepherds" informants from torturous actions (kidnapping, murder, etc.) that might provide the lifter an advantage (i.e., edge). Their tension-filled struggle revolves around a Washington, DC, police officer whose knowledge threatens the intentions of a high-ranking government official. As in his other novels (The Burning Wire; Roadside Crosses), Deaver has his ingenious protagonists use science-based logic to engineer suspenseful plot twists transpiring over a condensed period of time. Corte, serving as the narrator, consistently applies intricate game-theory analysis to anticipate the devious and evasive tactics Loving might implement within a mere four days. According to the publisher, Edge might serve as the basis for a future series. VERDICT This tightly written tale will have Deaver fans sitting on the "edge" of their seats. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/10.]—Jerry Miller, Cambridge, MA