Review: On the Edge by Kate Horan

Who Killed Maddie Marshall? 

On the Edge by Kate Horan is a compelling mystery read that had me guessing and double guessing all the way to the end.

Nel Foley left the small coastal town of Carrinya as soon as she could, following the death of her best friend Maddie when they were teenagers. Nel was recorded as being the last person to see Maddie alive and her death has haunted her for the last 16 years. Now back in Carrinya, following her father's death from a sudden heart attack, Nel is after answers.

As she digs into Maddie's last few months she stirs up trouble in the community and puts her own life in danger.

Horan cleverly includes a domestic violence plot around Nel's investigations and shows how coercive control can escalate to violence when the perpetrator is under pressure.

Kate Horan's characterisation in On the Edge is brilliant. I could picture each character clearly and they all came to life on the page, flaws and all.

The mystery drew me in which kept the pages turning. I like my books fast paced and On the Edge fit the bill perfectly.

On the Edge is a powerful tale of friendship and loss, long held secrets and having the courage to move on with your life.

I'm eager to read Kate's debut novel The Inheritance now!

My rating 4.5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 30th December 2025

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 288

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via HQ Insiders

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