#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER A moment on the subway platform changes two women’s lives forever–a debut thriller that will take your breath away. A total stranger on the subway platform whispers, “Take my baby.” She places her child in your arms. She says your name. Then she jumps… In a split second, Morgan Kincaid’s life changes forever. She’s on her way home from work when a mother begs her to … She’s on her way home from work when a mother begs her to take her baby, then places the infant in her arms. Before Morgan can stop her, the distraught mother jumps in front of an oncoming train.
Morgan has never seen this woman before, and she can’t understand what would cause a person to give away her child and take her own life. She also can’t understand how this woman knew her name.
The police take Morgan in for questioning. She soon learns that the woman who jumped was Nicole Markham, prominent CEO of the athletic brand Breathe. She also learns that no witness can corroborate her version of events, which means she’s just become a murder suspect.
To prove her innocence, Morgan frantically retraces the last days of Nicole’s life. Was Nicole a new mother struggling with paranoia or was she in danger? When strange things start happening to Morgan, she suddenly realizes she might be in danger, too.
Woman on the Edge is a pulse-pounding, propulsive thriller about the lengths to which a woman will go to protect her baby–even if that means sacrificing her own life.
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WOMAN ON THE EDGE begins with a bang and takes the reader on a tense, emotional journey of love, betrayal and loss and straight into the heart of a mother willing to do anything to protect her child. Infused with riveting, hold-your-breath suspense this masterful debut needs to be your next binge-read. A knockout page turner.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Morgan is standing on a subway platform, just waiting for the train. Nicole steps in front of her, hands her a baby and addresses Morgan by name, telling her to take the baby and love her. Nicole then steps off the platform, in front of the approaching train. Morgan’s life will be changed forever, by a woman she doesn’t even know. Or does she? Morgan has a cloud hanging over her from some other issues that brought her in front of the police. Now, she is a suspect and must clear her name.
Honestly, it was a great start, and totally fizzled out from there. The book was billed as pulse-pounding, heartrending, shocking and thrilling. Nope. The story was formulaic, and I knew from the beginning who the villains were. The story is told in dual timelines from both Morgan and Nicole’s perspectives, which works, but the storyline fell flat. All along I knew how it would end, and the dangling suspense just wasn’t enough to hold my interest. The characters were developed, but totally unrelatable as well as unbelievable. Nicole is a high-powered entrepreneur/executive, yet she is a weak character, even before any post-partum depression or gaslighting occurs. Morgan is full of woe is me and not very likable. When the baby comes along, she pretty much goes off the deep end investigating Nicole, and does some really stupid things. The dialog is amateurish and along the lines of Holy Cow, Batman.
I’m usually so critical in my reviews. I understand writing a book is hard work and you deserve something for the effort. But this so totally misses the mark on so many levels.
P.S. Did the author receive compensation for product placement? Everything is described by its brand name: Sub-Zero refrigerator, Prada bag, Sharpie pen, Viking stove, etc. Every single time they are mentioned.
I devoured this book – once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I did figure out part of the main twist though which is a bit of a disappointment but the story was fantastic with believable characters and plenty of twists and turns. I enjoyed how it moved back and forth in time and between story lines. A definite must read for thriller lovers.
Woman on the Edge by Samantha M. Bailey is a suspenseful mystery novel. Morgan Kincaid is surprised when a woman comes up to her on the subway platform and gives her the baby she is carrying. She says that she has been watching Morgan. She asks her to love the baby and not let anyone hurt her. The woman then jumps in front of the incoming train. Unfortunately, no one can verify Morgan’s account of the events. Detective Martinez focuses on Morgan as the prime suspect. She wonders if Morgan pushed Nicole for her baby. Morgan and Detective Martinez have history. Morgan soon notices that someone has been in her apartment and they have only stolen one item. She then notices someone following her. Morgan wonders if she is being paranoid or if someone is trying to kill her? Morgan wants answers and is not willing to wait for them. If you regularly read mystery novels, you will have no problem solving the whodunit. I kept hoping that the author would surprise me at the end. The point-of-view switches from Morgan in the present to Nicole in the past to tell the story. I found Woman on the Edge a hard book to get into (it took me a little while). I felt like I had been dumped into the middle of a story in the beginning plus it was confusing with the back and forth. Once I understood what was happening and got into the story, the book moved along steadily. I could feel Nicole ’s agitation and panic as well as Morgan’s fear. I found the second half of the book more gripping than the first. You do need to suspend your disbelief over the events that happen to the characters (some are hard to believe). Woman on the Edge is a dark and intense story that deals with suicide, postpartum depression and a deadly psychopath. There is foul language in Woman on the Edge. This is a good debut novel from Samantha M. Bailey. Be prepared to stay late so you can learn how the book turns out.
Woman on the Edge by Samantha M. Bailey
Oh my WOW!! I was looking for a thriller read that is gripping, engrossing, captivating, suspenseful with a creative plot and twists. Boy, did Bailey deliver in this book and more. I loved this book and was completely hooked from the start. Told in two story lines between these two women that moved the story quickly. Samantha Bailey wrote with a passion that leads the readers into this foreboding storyline that is highly addicting and interesting to read. I highly recommend this book for those looking for a thriller read that will immerse you into the story. I cannot wait for Bailey’s future books – an author to keep watch!!
This story starts out with the expected twist because of what is mentioned in the book blurb. But, the tension, mysteries and surprises kept coming. It really is more about those things with just a touch of friends developing into a romance.
I liked that there was both Morgan Nichole’s P.O.V.’s in the story. And for me, at least it really wasn’t super hard to keep up with who was sharing. I definitely felt sorry for both of them for what they were going through.
The insistent question throughout is, “Why was Morgan chosen to take and protect Quinn?” The other question is, “Is there a connection between Morgan and Nicole ?” Morgan has never met Nichole, at least not that she knows of. The puzzle just keeps getting bigger and bigger for her.
There is plenty of fear, tension, emotion, danger and action in the story. It got to the point where I was bouncing all over the place; suspecting one person after another.
When the big reveal comes it’s just as dramatic as you would hope. And the manipulator/tormentor/killer was someone who I had finally suspected towards the end. But there was also more to that person’s story as well.
I liked how the story ended. Everything concluded as best as it could be and with hope for the future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
After Morgan gets handed the baby by Nicole, things get chaotic fast. Especially considering her husband committed suicide after swindling millions from people. While she knew nothing of what her husband was up to, all her friends dropped her fast. Now, she’s again a suspect in what has happened to Nicole, a well-known and well-to-do business owner. It’s because she doesn’t want to go through all this again, that she makes (and continues to make), extremely unwise decisions in the name of finding out what is really going on.
This was the first book I’ve read where someone repeatedly keeps doing things that make them look even more of a suspect than they already did. I get that Morgan wanted to clear her name, but it was just too much for me. I had to laugh when Nicole went into labor and her best friend screamed, “she doesn’t want a C-section. That’s not in the plan.” because it was a matter of life and death at that point. It was also weird that Breathe entitled employees 10% shares, it seems to me you would run out of shares to sell to make it public if you’re giving them each 10%. (I think it was just poor wording). The repetitiveness of some text, of the day to day, had me skimming the text.
But when I take out what I don’t like, there is a fun story here. While the “twist” seemed obvious, it was done well. I felt bad for Nicole, who was suffering from postpartum, and things just kept getting worse for her. Once more of the story unfolded, her behavior seemed justified. I liked how the story was told in alternating perspectives from Morgan and Nicole, going to the past with Nicole so you can see what brought her to the starting point. Overall, a fun read.
One word: Exhilarating! WOMAN ON THE EDGE was impossible to put down as the twisty thrills kept on coming – and kept me guessing – leaving me breathless. Fans of Shari Lapena will no doubt gobble this one up in a heartbeat.
I was completely dedicated to finishing “Woman on the Edge” in one sitting from the very first sentence!
It was spectacular!
I had chills!!
I had to know everything!!!
My mind was racing!!
Imagine a zipper being zipped up, that is how perfectly this story came together!
Nicole had a fierce, passionate drive to protect her daughter, Quinn. Wanting to protect a character while reading is so visceral!
My mind was spinning!
I was switching lanes constantly with Morgan! She was in trouble with the law, and for a long time I was cheering her on as she tried to prove her innocence and then boom!! Samantha Bailey had me completely stumped!! Even though I was connecting with Morgan, I would shift back and forth to contemplate her innocence!
My mind was swirling!
I loved that there was a solid Women’s Fiction story weaved between this Psychological Thriller that you will not miss, because it was so gripping in its own right.
The character’s were hugely developed.
Samantha Bailey’s Debut Thriller had me so absorbed…..I am still in a “‘Woman on the Edge’ Coma”!!
She has absolutely been added to my Top Author List!!
I read this novel with the same sense of urgency the subway trains rush in and out of their terminals!
I trust you will thoroughly devour it, as I did!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was a very emotional and heartbreaking story. A new mother suffering from postpartum depression and severe anxiety and not trusting anyone except her best friend. Being plagued by things from her past and blaming herself for something that happened when she was only 17 years old. All of that contributes to her falling apart. That and the strange things that keep happening. Nicole suffers from some common mental disorders but other factors play a part in her complete and total breakdown that leads to her death.
Nicole and Greg seem to have the perfect life. Both are successful in their careers. Both are young and good looking and so deeply in love. Then Nicole finds herself pregnant. She worries that Greg may not want a child as they had never planned on any but to her surprise he is very happy about it.
Tessa, Nicole’s best friend, knows all of her deepest secrets. Her fears. Why she is so afraid after her baby, Quinn, is born. Afraid she won’t be able to keep her safe. Tessa is the only person that Nicole truly completely trusts. After her marriage is put to the ultimate test and Greg moves out, Nicole seems to get worse. Mentally she is in so much turmoil. She doesn’t know what is real and what isn’t. She decides there is only one thing that she can do to keep her baby completely safe.
On the platform of the subway Nicole hands her baby to Morgan and tells her to please take care of her and keep her safe. She says she knows what she really wants and calls her by name. Then Nicole jumps to her death. From there this story really heats up. It’s a roller coaster of a ride all the way to the end. More ups and downs that will keep you turning the pages as fast as possible. Who can you trust. Who is trying to run you down. Who cares about Quinn and who is only after her inheritance.
This is my first book by this author and it’s her debut novel. I do look forward to many more.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #Simon#Schuster and #Samantha M Bailey for this arc. This is my complete and honest review.
Again a 5 star book for me. I highly recommend this one. It has it all.
I find it hard to believe this is a debut book! Well written and holds your interest! A stress out stranger insists Morgan take her baby! Then the stranger commits suicide in front of Morgan after thrusting the baby into her arms. As police arrive the baby is taken away and Morgan is shocked to remember the woman called her by name. This virtual stranger asked her to keep her baby safe don’t let harm come to this precious child. The story is told by two woman, the baby’s mother Nicole and Morgan. Traveling back and forth between the past and present easily. Lots of mystery, danger and intrigue to keep you totally involved in the mystery that is playing out. Highly recommend this exciting novel that will keep you wondering who is good who is bad. Thank you to the author Samantha M. Bailey, NerGalley and the publishers Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Well worth your time to read!
Wow!! This book grabbed me from the very first words and held me captive to the very end.
This story is a thriller at its best—edge-of-your-seat, page-turning, and heart-pumping. I devoured this book. I couldn’t stop reading, it was that suspenseful. I’m extremely impressed by this debut novel and look forward to more books by Samantha in the future, hopefully soon.
Morgan Kincaid is on her way home from work, just waiting for a train, when a mother begs Morgan to take her baby, then thrusts the infant into her arms. Before Morgan can stop her, the distraught mother jumps in front of an oncoming train. Morgan’s never seen the woman before, yet the woman knew her name. The woman who jumped was Nicole Markham, prominent CEO of the athletic brand Breathe. When no witness can corroborate Morgan’s version of events – combined with a witness confirming Nicole knew Morgan’s name, which appears to demonstrate the two do have a relationship of some sort – the police are convinced Morgan’s not just an innocent bystander and Nicole didn’t commit suicide.
To prove her innocence, Morgan frantically retraces the last days of Nicole’s life. Was Nicole a new mother struggling with paranoia or was she in danger? A stranger handing Morgan a baby is far from the last strange thing to happen to her, and she quickly becomes convinced she may also be in danger. The story is told from Morgan’s point-of-view in the present, interspersed with Nicole’s point-of-view before she died.
I enjoyed this tense psychological thriller. Both points-of-view were engaging, and the story never let up with something new around every turn.
SPOILERS BELOW:
Content Warnings: SPOILER infant death; child in danger END SPOILER
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
Morgan works as a social worker and is a widow having lost her husband, Ryan, to suicide. He had bilked many investors of their money on a scheme to which she had not knowledge and then killed himself leaving her to try to make reparation to as many people as possible. She is so ashamed of him and now lives a quiet and secluded life.
Today, Morgan is waiting for her subway when a frantic and bedraggled looking woman shoves a baby in her arms asking her to take care of her. Then she falls in front of the incoming subway.
Nicola is married and is the CEO of a very successful and wealthy wellness company called Breathe. She is now leaving for maternity leave and hopes that her company will be in good hands while she is gone. After the baby is born, she finds herself very much in love with her baby, Quinn, but her mental health suffers and she is nearing a breakdown just before she shoves Quinn in the arms of Morgan and then kills herself.
What drove her to this and what was so awful for Nicola that she could no longer live?
This is a very intense book that delves into the aftermath of childbirth that for some woman can be mentally incapacitating. But Nicola had a history that comes out bits at a time in the story and how she and Morgan’s paths end up crossing.
Intense is not a strong enough word for the constant angst in this story. I was quite exhausted when I finished reading it. We learn about Nicola, her life, and the people who are a part of her life – good or bad. I’m sure that readers will be on the edge of their seats as they read this but for me, it was a bit too much to believe at times.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
While waiting for the subway, Nicole Markham hands her baby to a complete stranger, Morgan Kincaid. She asks her to love her baby then jumps in front of the approaching subway car. At this point, the story begins switching, by chapters, back to Nicole’s past and what led up to her death. Then we move forward to the present to Morgan as she deals with Nicole’s death, the baby and the police detective who thinks Morgan was involved in Nicole’s death. This continues through the remainder of the book as Morgan begins her own investigation to discover what caused Nicole to end her life. The switching back and forth from the past to the present was confusing and for me made the story less interesting. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
I just finished Samantha Bailey’s debut psychological thriller, Woman on the Edge! The book starts off with Morgan encountering Nicole while waiting to catch a subway train. Nicole pushes the baby into Morgan’s hands and jumps off the edge into an oncoming train. The note asks Nicole to take care of the baby. This is an intense quick read told through alternating chapters of Nicole before and Morgan after receiving the baby.
I could not stop reading as I wanted to figure out what and why this happened. Police Detective Martinez is no stranger to Morgan as she investigated the suicide of Morgan’s husband Ryan who was an investor who lost his client’s funds. Detective Martinez does not trust Morgan. Lots of twists with a few that were questionable. I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel and will be thinking about it for quite some time. Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It is very hard to believe that this masterful, edge-of-your-seat suspense is a debut novel for its author!
Woman on the Edge is gripping from the first sentence to the last. Morgan Kincaid is waiting for a subway train when a woman that she has never met approaches and talks with her, calling her by name and then saying “Take my baby”, shoves the baby at Morgan and falls backwards onto the tracks as the train roars into the station. When witnesses can’t corroborate her story and camera feed makes it impossible to tell if the victim fell accidentally, purposely or whether she was pushed, Morgan finds herself a suspect in the death. The victim, Nicole Markham, currently on maternity leave, was the founder and CEO of one of the bestselling companies in North America.
The story is told in alternating chapters from the POVs of Morgan in present time and of Nicole disclosing the events leading up to her death.
With an intriguing and finely executed plot, characters with depth, and MAJOR twists throughout, this is a read you won’t want to miss!! Samantha Bailey is definitely a new author I want to watch. This book rates 5 stars from me. I highly recommend you add it to your TBR pile!
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for letting me read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
What a surprising story. You really feel the emotional struggle that both Nicole and Morgan are going through. Both have put their trust in the wrong person. The unfairness of live sometimes. You might have some guesses who is behind it all but I still think you be a bit surprised when you realize who the real villain is. The story flips back and forth between Morgan and Nicole and as the story unfolds you get to know both individuals and how they are connected.
This book was amazing, so many twists and turns. I thought I had it figured out but I was wrong. I believe everyone will be talking about this thriller, it is action packed well written and keeps you guessing until the very end. I read this in several hours and would defintely recommend it to everyone.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from NetGalley and the publisher, and this is my fair on honest review.
This is a fiercely tense read. From the first to the last page, you will be flipping the pages and occasionally holding your breath in anticipation of what is going to happen. One deeply psychotic woman decides to mess with the lives of several others for financial gain. Two very hurt and desolate woman accidentally meet online and form a lasting bond. An innocent baby is the center of all the pain. The writer pulls together a great story as she digs into the psyche of all the characters to increase and build the tension as she takes you along to the conclusion. As a first piece of work for this author it is magnificent.