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There are currently 31 member reviews
for The Edge of Normal
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Monica G. (San Antonio, TX)
The Edge of Average
Don't get me wrong here. It's a good story with strong lead character who is intelligent and likable. However, based on the book's description, I anticipated more psychological insight into the protagonist's frame of mind after her own ordeal. Instead, we have a story with a somewhat predictable plot line and a somewhat predictable ending. On the plus side, if the author creates a series with her protagonist as a detective specializing in abduction cases, there may be hope yet!
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Ann B. (Bethlehem, PA)
An Edgy Read
The Edge of Normal certainly has a current event theme, namely, Cleveland, Ohio's recent kidnap scene. At the heart of Edge... is a depraved serial kidnapper and rapist. I applaud Carla Norton for not becoming overly graphic in her details of rape and torture, but nonetheless the subject is still disturbing. She presents a plethora of short chapters with frequent stops and starts, forcing the reader to continue always seeking resolutions.
The action flows from person to person, but the protagonist, Reeve, a victim of kidnapping herself, while very likable, is not believable in her quick rise to complete control and competency in her efforts to reclaim her life and return to normal. The kidnapper, Duke, must have a story, but we never really understand him. He is but a one dimensional character who has immense power over people and oozes evil.
The Edge of Normal is a thriller and Carla Norton has used her life experience to create a good story, but for me, a bit too predictable with some loose endings needing to be tied.
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Linda S. (Carlsbad, CA)
The Edge of Normal
Unfortunately, the first half of the book did not grab my attention. The characters were not that well developed, and in spite of the subject matter, not particularly sympathetic. Identifying the perpetrator in the beginning of the book is not my favorite style of writing for mysteries/thrillers. However, about half way through the book I was curious as to how the perpetrator would be caught. His capabilities and modus operandi were not that believable. The plus for the book is making the reader more aware of the issues regarding missing and exploited children and how these children and their families deal with the trauma.
