Edge of Betrayal: A Delia Cahill Thriller (Book 2) by Chuck Morgan is a fast-paced, action thriller that will keep readers glued to the pages. Delia Cahill was an assassin who had worked for the highest echelons of government, doing politicians’ dirty work, which was not only “off the books” but highly dangerous. She was the best at what she did, but now she has retired and is in hiding from those who seek to bring her harm. She is drawn back into the shadowy world of espionage by a simple telephone call. A diplomat’s little boy has been kidnapped, and the ransom demanded is the theft of highly classified stealth fighter blueprints that could make an enormous difference to one rogue state’s quest for power and domination in the Middle East. It appears that Istanbul, with its shadowy underworld, is where Delia will find the answers. Utilizing every asset, friend, and colleague from the past, she must unravel a twisted web of alliances, backstabbing, double agents, and outright betrayal if she is to save the little boy’s life and protect the country’s valuable secrets.

Edge of Betrayal is a truly gripping read that had me frantically turning pages to discover the next twist in Delia’s search for the kidnapped little boy. Chuck Morgan has created a fiercely independent, self-assured, and talented heroine in Delia Cahill that readers will get behind and support despite the grisliness of her profession. There is always an element of “the greater good” in Delia’s actions, and this allows us to forgive some of her more ruthless responses to being challenged. I particularly appreciated that there were personal issues Delia had to confront, which could have taken her off target and made her vulnerable. She was single-minded and focused enough to rise above everything and concentrate on the twin objectives: save the boy and protect the blueprints. The author has done an exceptional job of balancing a complicated plot, with double-dealing, betrayal, and unexpected twists, to seamlessly produce a coherent and believable tale of espionage. Although there are softer parts of the narrative where the reader will understand Delia’s perspective as a woman, this is ultimately a fast, action-packed thriller that will keep all adrenaline junkies satisfied. This is a standalone story and a complete adventure that will leave you drained but satisfied at its conclusion. An enjoyable read that I highly recommend.

Edge of Betrayal by Chuck Morgan revolves around Delia Cahill, a skilled ex-assassin tasked with a daring, precarious job. Delia lives a quiet life in the Caribbean, where she has left her deadly career behind her. She receives a call from James Morrison, a U.S. diplomat. He needs her expertise in recovering his kidnapped son, who was snatched in Istanbul. Initially, Delia is hesitant to return to the covert world. Soon enough, her quest leads her to discover dangerous ties to the Kahve Kodu syndicate. Gradually, she realizes that betrayal looms closer than she thought. As she races to save Morrison's son from a harrowing fate, she must confront unknown enemies and events from her past. The closer Delia gets to unraveling this case, the more she risks losing her life and freedom from the assassination world. Can she save the target before danger destroys them both?

Chuck Morgan's Edge of Betrayal is an intriguing and riveting conspiracy thriller from beginning to end. The character development, story conflict, and world-building are exceptionally conveyed. Delia Cahill is a formidable female protagonist. Her character is built on conflict and resilience. Delia's journey from her quiet Caribbean life back into the chaos of espionage and risky assassination jobs cleverly suggests that the past can never be truly left behind. Her experiences and discoveries in Istanbul also stand out for their tense plot-driving moments. The author aptly depicts Istanbul as a place full of shadows, where no one can be fully trusted. The action-packed and suspenseful writing style makes the book hard to put down. The plot is driven by a sense of double dealings and secrets, making the reader question every character’s hidden agenda. Fans of Mission Impossible-type novels will savor this intense and captivating book all the way through.