BOTTOM-LINE:
Well-written but superficial mystery plot
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PLOT OR PREMISE:
A woman witnesses an armed robbery at a truck stop, and as the FBI closes in on the robbers, they worry that the woman saw too much.
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WHAT I LIKED:
The story is told from the perspective of four groups -- the woman who saw the robbers, Lisa; a journalist digging for the story, Jack; the robbers themselves; and the FBI agent hunting them, Frank. The story jumps from person to person, which is great for seeing the different aspects of the investigation vs. home life. Short chapters, kind of Patterson-style, keep the action moving.
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WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
The short chapters seem a bit too jumpy in places, and the constant PoV shift isn't even. The journalist is good, but the backstories for the witness and the FBI agent are overkill. Past losses, current illnesses, everything reads a bit more soap opera-ish than mystery novel. And the final motive for the robbery is ridiculous.
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DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation in exchange for this review, but I did receive it in a gift bag at a writing event. I am not personal friends with the author, nor do I follow him on social media. ( )

I enjoyed this so much I went and bought the others in the series. ( )

I don't think I actually like Jack Gannon, the high profile journalist at the centre of Rick Mofina's books, but he certainly is determined and focussed in what he believes the purpose of a journalist is: to discover and publish the truth.
This has the effect of making him appear determined to use people. He has, to give him his due, already served a jail sentence for refusing to reveal his sources. But not everyone he approaches for information is happy with his technique.

“What I don’t get—” she stabbed her salad with her fork “—is why do you need to know? That’s part of a police investigation.” “He needs to know because he’s reporting on the heist,” Brad said. “I asked him, Brad.” “Journalists investigate, too,” Gannon said. “I’ve got a tip, a long-shot tip I’m working on
that may be connected to the case.” “What is it?” “It’s a bit vague right now, but it’s possible
someone with advance knowledge on the case contacted the WPA.” Anita put her fork down and turned to Gannon. “If that’s true, you should tell the FBI.” “I’m not a police informant. I’m a journalist and I investigate independently.” “Except when you need our help, like now.”

However, one thing I can say is that Rick Mofina builds a compelling story and the reader is constantly assessing its credibility.

In the author's note at the end of THE BURNING EDGE Rick Mofina says

The Burning Edge is loosely inspired by a true case, a commando-style armored car heist that I’d covered many years ago while working as a crime reporter.
Other aspects of the novel were drawn from real-life situations that I, or others I knew, have
experienced. But I won’t go into any of it here. It’s too personal. ( )

You can also read my review here: http://bookbybookreview.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-burning-edge.html

I love Rick Mofina's novels. Ever since picking up If Angels Fall from the drug store based on the tagline 'From Mourning, to Madness, to Murder', I have made it a point to read each and every one of his novels.

After 'In Desperation', I found that I was a little leary of the Jack Gannon storyline and wasn't really looking forward to The Burning Edge, but as a true fan, I had to pick it up - and WOW, am I ever glad that I did.

The Burning Edge is a perfect suspence novel - starting off with a bang and never letting up. The description, by James Patterson, that it 'Moves like a tornado', is so true. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat and desperately needed to know what was going to happen next.

Jack Gannon is back in his role as journalist for the WPA and he redeemed himself to me. I found that, once again, I was cheering in his corner and wanting him to land that lead story that would get him that front page coverage.

Overall, this was a brilliant story. I simply cannot wait for the next one. Rick Mofina has an amazing ability to grip the readers and not let go. ( )

The Burning Edge by Rick Mofina
5 STARS
What an roller coast of a story. I cried durning the funeral scene and laughed at
Lisa getting back. In between was so into the story could not read fast enough. Highly recommend this book! I will be on the lookout to read more of Rick's books in the future.
Lisa Palmer is a widow of two years. She is a grocery clerk and has had a hard time supporting her and her two kids. So she is selling her husband cabin thats been in the family for generations. On her way home she stops to get gas,food. When the lights go off than back on and armed men come and kill 4 guys and rob armed truck getting 6 million.
The guy on floor by her is FBI agent and he tries to get his gun out with Lisa's help and they are seen. The FBI agent is killed and Lisa begs for her life and is spared.
Lisa is willing to help in anyway but they wore motorcycle outfits with helmet on and down they were covered from head to toes. She was so concerned for her kids and upset by the violence.
Jack Gannon was old school reporter and worked the case trying to get his own leads. He was first to find out FBI agent had died. plus got more leads. I like Jack don't think much for his editor.
FBI agent Frank Morrow was the lead on the case and he kept getting Lisa to find out more since she was his only source. Frank just got news he had rare cancer and year to live. or 3% with treatment. He did not know what to tell his family and kept puting it off.
Everyone kept working the case one clue at a time, With each clue the good guys got more leads. The officers of the law around the world helped each other.
I really enjoyed reading this book that I was given to read by Netgalley in exchange for honest review.
12/27/2011 PUB Harlequin Mira Books ( )