CITY ON EDGE is the second book in Stefanie Pintoff’s ambitious Eve Rossi series, which features an interesting protagonist with a strong supporting cast. For those who missed HOSTAGE TAKER, the opening installment, Eve Rossi runs a maverick and highly secretive branch of the FBI called Vidocq, which consists of ex-convicts, each of whom has been picked for a particular skill set. It’s an intriguing concept, one made more so by the ticking clock that Pintoff so intricately starts at the beginning of her story.

This follow-up to HOSTAGE TAKER takes place over the course of a very long 30 hours, stretching from the afternoon of the fourth Wednesday in November to the evening of Thanksgiving Day, using the popular Macy’s Parade that celebrates the holiday as a chaotic backdrop. Frequent changes in place and perspective, maps, documents and rip-and-read radio accounts propel the narrative. After a vignette in which Eve shows a couple of assets in her skill set, an attack and a kidnapping take place during the preparations leading up to the parade. Both events are directed at New York Police Commissioner Logan Donovan. The attack is a dangerous but not fatal assault on Donovan himself, but the kidnapping victim is his 13-year-old daughter, Allie. Donovan turns to the FBI for assistance, which in turn ramps up Vidocq.

"The novel is loaded with suspense, and the interplay and repartee among the sharp-elbowed members of the Vidocq team add another layer of realism to the story."

The independent Eve does not work well with the prickly Donovan, at least at first, but the two develop an uneasy professional relationship --- and an unlikely mutual attraction --- as the investigation progresses. In due course, Donovan hears from the kidnapper, who presents a series of difficult and nearly impossible demands to be met during the ramp-up to and presentation of the parade, leading to its conclusion. To make matters even more challenging, the abductor has committed another act that impacts the team directly and makes his apprehension even more personal, not to say necessary.

As Vidocq’s investigation focuses on the possible motives for the kidnapper’s actions, the team learns that Donovan has some huge secrets that he apparently will go to great lengths to hide and that may hinder them in their efforts to save his daughter. As the minutes and seconds tick down, it seems as if only a miracle will save Allie and prevent the mysterious kidnapper from unleashing an act of revenge upon the people of New York.

Be forewarned: Not everyone makes it to the end of this book. Pintoff proves that she is not opposed to changing things up, and unexpectedly so, with regard to the Vidocq and beyond. A couple of issues are raised but not resolved here, but almost certainly will be in future installments. The novel is loaded with suspense, and the interplay and repartee among the sharp-elbowed members of the Vidocq team add another layer of realism to the story. If you haven’t read HOSTAGE TAKER, never fear: CITY ON EDGE is complete in itself, and Pintoff does a fine job acquainting new readers with the series. Don’t be afraid to jump on now and work your way back.