Water’s Edge is the second book in the Megan Carpenter series by Gregg Olsen. This psychological crime thriller picks up from the previous installment, bringing back Detective Megan Carpenter, this time face-to-face with a killer whose methods are as disturbing as they are methodical. As Megan investigates a gruesome string of murders in Mystery Bay, she’s thrust into a case that links to her traumatic past, adding personal stakes to an already chilling investigation.
Plot:
When the body of Leann Truitt is discovered in a secluded cove, Detective Megan Carpenter is called to the scene. The murder shows signs of a pattern: bound wrists, ankles, and neck, as well as strange symbols scratched into nearby rocks. As Megan and her rookie partner, Deputy Ronnie Marsh, delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover ties to other unsolved murders, all involving pregnant redheaded women with similar marks and symbols. With the killer still at large, Megan must solve the case while grappling with someone who knows her darkest secrets—and is watching her every move.
Review:
Water’s Edge carefully weaves suspenseful and psychological depth into another tense thriller. The pacing is tight, keeping readers on edge as the mystery unfolds. Author Gregg Olsen again does a remarkable job crafting a foreboding atmosphere, using the isolated setting of Mystery Bay to reflect the growing sense of mystery and danger. The investigation is layered with personal challenges for Megan, making her journey to crack the case far more compelling than a simple case to crack. The balance between the procedural elements and Megan’s internal struggles keeps the book from being just another police procedural; instead, it’s a rich, character-driven thriller. The murders
Personal Thoughts:
What stood out to me in Water’s Edge was how much more emotionally layered the story felt compared to Snow Creek. The investigation itself is dark and methodical—pregnant victims, symbolic carvings, and a killer who follows a twisted pattern. But what stuck with me was how Megan Carpenter navigates it all while wrestling with her own past and hurt. The tension isn’t reflected just in the case—it’s shown through Megan’s internal struggle, especially as anonymous threats begin to surface and her buried secrets creep back into view.
The partnership with rookie deputy Ronnie Marsh added a refreshing dynamic, giving Megan a chance to show both mentorship and her habitual distrust. The author keeps the pacing tight without rushing the buildup, allowing the eerie atmosphere to settle in. If anything, I wish the ending explored the killer’s motivations a bit more deeply, especially given how psychological the rest of the book felt. Still, it’s a gripping, character-driven thriller that made me care about more than just solving the crime.
Overall, Water’s Edge is a gripping and immersive read that kept me hooked until the very end. It’s a strong continuation of the Megan Carpenter series, and I can’t wait to read where the next book takes her.
