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99th out of 510 books
—
400 voters
Over the Edge
by
Brandilyn Collins (Goodreads Author)
Torn from the front lines of medical debate and the author's own experience with Lyme Disease, Over the Edge is riveting fiction, full of twists and turns—and powerful truths about today's medical field.
Janessa McNeil’s husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, a researcher and professor at Stanford University's Department of Medicine, specializes in tick-borne diseases—especially Lyme....more
Janessa McNeil’s husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, a researcher and professor at Stanford University's Department of Medicine, specializes in tick-borne diseases—especially Lyme....more
Paperback, 352 pages
Published
May 1st 2011
by B&H Books
(first published April 7th 2011)
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Janessa is married to a highly respected research physician named Brock McNeil. He's a Lyme Disease researcher. He doesn't believe in chronic Lyme Disease. He believes that patients should be healed after four weeks of antibiotics.
When Janessa is not feeling well for three weeks, she asks Brock if she could be infected with Lyme Disease. He thinks it's nonsense. They haven't been in the woods or anywhere else where ticks can be found.
What Janessa and Brock don't know is that a couple of months e...more
When Janessa is not feeling well for three weeks, she asks Brock if she could be infected with Lyme Disease. He thinks it's nonsense. They haven't been in the woods or anywhere else where ticks can be found.
What Janessa and Brock don't know is that a couple of months e...more
Taken from events in the author's own life, Over the Edge presents a medical mystery.
Janessa McNeil's husband, Brock, is a renowned scientist on the subject of Lyme disease. He maintains that Lyme is easily treatable with a short round of antibiotics and that chronic Lyme does not exist. While he is away at a conference, someone breaks into his home and infects Janessa with Lyme (pouring a vial of infectious ticks into her hair as she sleeps). The onset of the disease is rapid and dramatic (due...more
Janessa McNeil's husband, Brock, is a renowned scientist on the subject of Lyme disease. He maintains that Lyme is easily treatable with a short round of antibiotics and that chronic Lyme does not exist. While he is away at a conference, someone breaks into his home and infects Janessa with Lyme (pouring a vial of infectious ticks into her hair as she sleeps). The onset of the disease is rapid and dramatic (due...more
Great book. Collins experienced Lyme Disease, so she writes about it from a very realistic POV. Long before the end of the book, I was researching the Lyme Wars, and was able to verify that they do indeed exist, and that many patients are caught in the crux of this. Collins is able to create a great deal of empathy for the protagonist, Jannie McNeil, wife of Dr. Brock McNeil. At the same time that the reader is learning about the very real problems of Lyme Disease sufferers, suspense and plot tw...more
A psychological thriller. The young wife of a well known research scientist specializing in Lyme Disease awakens one night when her husband is away. She sees a man wearing night goggles in her room but only vaguely remembers the event in the morning. The man starts phoning her informing her he has infected her with Lyme disease. When she begins having symptoms her husband refuses to believe her. He has been having an affair with a co-worker and believes she is responding to his affair by faking...more
For a high-rev book of suspense, revenge, and debilitating suffering, Brandilyn has brought a new level of intrigue in her book, Over the Edge. It’s a story about the ‘Lyme wars’–the majority of doctors not believing it’s chronic, i.e., Janessa McNeil’s husband, Dr. Brock McNeil; the doctors that are Lyme-literate; and ultimately, the Lyme patients still suffering and dying.
To force Dr. Brock McNeil to recant his stand publicly on Lyme, a deeply crazed, resentful man deliberately infects Janessa...more
To force Dr. Brock McNeil to recant his stand publicly on Lyme, a deeply crazed, resentful man deliberately infects Janessa...more
My thoughts…
The prologue of this book literally made my skin crawl. I found myself scratching my head throughout the reading. Tics in the hairline, your worst nightmare. Brandilyn Collins has an amazing ability to take something like Lime Disease and use it to scare you silly while at the same time educating you on the subject matter.
Without giving anything away…I thought I knew the answer to whodunit, and then there was a sudden crazy twist that made me completely change my mind. In the end I...more
The prologue of this book literally made my skin crawl. I found myself scratching my head throughout the reading. Tics in the hairline, your worst nightmare. Brandilyn Collins has an amazing ability to take something like Lime Disease and use it to scare you silly while at the same time educating you on the subject matter.
Without giving anything away…I thought I knew the answer to whodunit, and then there was a sudden crazy twist that made me completely change my mind. In the end I...more
Over the Edge captured my interest on two levels. One--the plot was very unusual, and I appreciated the author's subject matter. Two--the book was not only a good, thriller-type book, but furnished a considerable amount of information about a topic one doesn't hear about too often--Lyme Disease.
Janessa is the wife Brock McNeil, a highly-respected researcher who has written countless papers about Lyme Disease--a disease carried from the bite of a deer tick. His stance on treatment for this diseas...more
Janessa is the wife Brock McNeil, a highly-respected researcher who has written countless papers about Lyme Disease--a disease carried from the bite of a deer tick. His stance on treatment for this diseas...more
This book was really good. It is the story of Janessa McNeil who becomes very ill suddenly, and no cause can be found. Her husband is a renowned physician who chairs a committee that has stated that Lyme disease can be cured with a short round of antibiotics, and this finding has caused insurance companies to stop covering long-term treatment for Lyme. Janessa gets a call from a man who states he has infected her with Lyme disease because of her husband's work. She continues to get sicker, her h...more
Brandilyn Collins’ novels are touted as ‘seatbelt suspense’, and Over The Edge is no exception, but with a unique twist.
Jannie McNeil is the wife of a renowned Lyme disease specialist. Or at least, what he calls Lyme—according to the CDC’s incredibly narrow definition. Brock McNeil is vocal in speaking out against those who say they suffer from chronic Lyme, something he doesn’t believe exists.
Enter a bipolar man whose wife died from chronic Lyme and you have a recipe for a dramatic story that p...more
Jannie McNeil is the wife of a renowned Lyme disease specialist. Or at least, what he calls Lyme—according to the CDC’s incredibly narrow definition. Brock McNeil is vocal in speaking out against those who say they suffer from chronic Lyme, something he doesn’t believe exists.
Enter a bipolar man whose wife died from chronic Lyme and you have a recipe for a dramatic story that p...more
Janessa's life seems perfect. Her husband is a well-known researcher and professor. His work affords her and her daughter a perfect life--wealth, beautiful home, the best school. When Janessa gets sick, she and her husband assume it's a bad case of the flu. Instead, it is her worse nightmare. A man calls and informs Janessa that he has infected with her with Lyme disease. To save her daughter from becoming infected, Janessa must convince her husband, who believes chronic Lyme disease doesn't exi...more
A man wearing night goggles breaks into the home of Jessica McNeil. But he isn’t there to attack or rob her. He infects her with Lyme disease. From that moment on the reader’s plunged into the world of a Lyme disease patient, experiencing Jessica’s excruciating pain and helplessness. Jessica’s left alone to deal with the seemingly insurmountable illness, because the medical profession refuses to help. That’s the reason she was targeted. Brock McNeil, her husband and renowned researcher / profes...more
This was an awesome book that I could not put down! I guess you could call it a medical thriller with a cause.
For years, Dr. McNeil fought to prove that Lyme disease is nothing more then a fabrication or a myth. Time and time again, he has done research, published papers, and whatever else to make his case known.
However, Lyme disease isn’t the boogie man hiding under the bed. It is in fact a very real disease. And every day, people are going undiagnosed because the medical community refuses to b...more
For years, Dr. McNeil fought to prove that Lyme disease is nothing more then a fabrication or a myth. Time and time again, he has done research, published papers, and whatever else to make his case known.
However, Lyme disease isn’t the boogie man hiding under the bed. It is in fact a very real disease. And every day, people are going undiagnosed because the medical community refuses to b...more
Drawing from her own personal experience with Lyme disease, Brandilyn Collins wrote her latest novel Over The Edge straight from the heart of one who truly understands this horrible disease.
Giving voice to those who have been suffering without proper diagnosis or treatment, this story will change the way you think about the illness. Before reading this novel, I had very little knowledge of the complexities of Lyme disease, but I learned so much from this heartbreaking story.
Over The Edge revol...more
Giving voice to those who have been suffering without proper diagnosis or treatment, this story will change the way you think about the illness. Before reading this novel, I had very little knowledge of the complexities of Lyme disease, but I learned so much from this heartbreaking story.
Over The Edge revol...more
Be prepared! This book will make your skin crawl! Literally! I started reading this book and I scratched my head all night long. The power of suggestion is a huge part of that. Reading about infected ticks and Lyme disease will cause you to itch.
Dr. Brock McNeil is a leading research doctor in the field of Lyme disease. In fact his word often seems to be the last word, regardless if he is right or not. And in this case he is not right, but he will not back down from his stance. A crazed madman h...more
Brandilyn Collins is so good---her earliest stuff is her best. I didn't like this one as much. And I don't like as much the stuff she's written most recently with her daughter. I read Over the Edge a year ago and thought I reviewed it but I guess because I was disappointed I didn't bother.
Hidden Faces is my favorite series that she has written, but also the Kanner Lake series is also good. She's known for her catch phrase 'Don't forget to breathe' and that is how her books are: suspense thrille...more
Hidden Faces is my favorite series that she has written, but also the Kanner Lake series is also good. She's known for her catch phrase 'Don't forget to breathe' and that is how her books are: suspense thrille...more
Janessa is intentionally infected by ticks carrying Lyme disease and codiseases. She is the wife of highly respected Dr. Brock McNeil, teacher and researcher, single-minded in his goal to prove that Lyme disease is easily treatable and does not create a long-term debilitating condtion. The man who snuck into their home to infect Janessa lost his wife to the disease due to the medical community and the insurance companies believing McNeil theories/researches. He is determined to pressure Janessa...more
When I heard Brandilyn Collins was writing a book about Lyme disease I was thinking, “How is that going to work? It can’t be good.What is she thinking!?!?!” Well, guess what? I was so wrong. Yet again, Brandilyn Collins gives us one wild ride. From the beginning she captures your attention and doesn’t let go until the very end.
Janessa McNeil is probably a typical doctor’s wife, she takes care of the home, puts much of her energy into raising their daughter and dealing with the demons from her p...more
Janessa McNeil is probably a typical doctor’s wife, she takes care of the home, puts much of her energy into raising their daughter and dealing with the demons from her p...more
Well, I stayed up way too late reading last night. The culprit: Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins. This soon-to-be-released novel focuses on the plight of Chronic Lyme Disease sufferers.
Over the Edge tells the harrowing tale of Janessa McNeil. Janessa's husband is a highly respected doctor and researcher at Stanford. His specialty is tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme. For years, he's insisted that Chronic Lyme Disease doesn't exist. His research and testimony have helped to create a climat...more
Over the Edge tells the harrowing tale of Janessa McNeil. Janessa's husband is a highly respected doctor and researcher at Stanford. His specialty is tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme. For years, he's insisted that Chronic Lyme Disease doesn't exist. His research and testimony have helped to create a climat...more
1 like · like · see review
Over The Edge, by Brandilyn Collins, B&H Books, May 2011, 352 Pages, ISBN-13: 978-1433671623, $14.99
“Feeling a little under the weather…Janessa...” mocked the low, gruff voice.
“How did—? Who is this?”
Janessa had pulled to the side of the road to answer her cell phone. She did feel weak, her muscles and joints ached and even her eyes hurt, had for weeks, but how did he know?
“How do you know…I’m feeling sick?”
“Because…I made you that way…with three infected ticks…” After a description of sym...more
Janessa’s husband Brock is a researcher specializing in tick-borne diseases. Throughout his research he has staunchly supported his theory that Lyme disease cannot be chronic. Legislature has been passed, based on his research, denying patients long-term treatment for Lyme disease. The consensus being that a round of antibiotics will take care of Lyme.
Now someone with a vendetta against Brock and others on his committee is determined to get even. He manages to infect Janessa with Lyme. The Stalk...more
Now someone with a vendetta against Brock and others on his committee is determined to get even. He manages to infect Janessa with Lyme. The Stalk...more
This book started out with a horrible scenario - imagine while you were sleeping someone comes into your house, walks past your daughter's bedroom and enters your bedroom. He then places Lyme infected ticks in your hair - without you even knowing he had been there - that's what happened to Janessa McNeil.
'Over The Edge' opened my eyes to Lyme disease. I knew little to nothing about Lyme disease and what people who have it go through before reading this book. I have read most of Brandilyn Collins...more
'Over The Edge' opened my eyes to Lyme disease. I knew little to nothing about Lyme disease and what people who have it go through before reading this book. I have read most of Brandilyn Collins...more
Over the Edge is a must read book! As a sufferer of Chronic Lyme disease, this really hit home with me. If you're not into issue driven novels, don't let that stop you. This is an excellent suspense novel plain and simple. The danger, angst, conflict, mystery... it's all there as only Brandilyn Collins can do. It is not a romance, though relationships are involved. The ending is far too true to life, yet is satisfying all the same.
I have to say that when I first started this book, I had difficu...more
I have to say that when I first started this book, I had difficu...more
This was a fast read and the first book I've read by this author. The author is known for seatbelt suspense and I totally agree with the description. However, I thought the plot was a bit far-fetched and unrealistic. But, I know and have read a bit about Lyme disease and the Lyme wars, and I do believe the author accurately portrays what Lyme disease is all about and also the controversies between medical doctors on how to treat it. At the end of the book, the author explains how she herself had...more
For those unfamiliar with the "Lyme wars," Christian suspense writer Brandilyn Collins' new book Over the Edge will provide plenty of education. Collins, a San Francisco Bay Area resident and survivor of Chronic Lyme Disease, has written a suspenseful Christian novel that takes an insider's look at what Lyme sufferers experience. Of course, it wouldn't be a Brandilyn Collins novel without someone up to no good and someone else out to stop them.
From the first page of this novel, the reader is hoo...more
From the first page of this novel, the reader is hoo...more
I read the large print edition because the library only had that one. It's a great book, despite the fact that as before when reading "Amaryllis" I knew easily who the Lyme stalker was. But I suppose that's why it's a suspense, not a mystery. Collins avoids the stereotypical reunion of husband and wife or new love interest element because it doesn't always work that way in real life. And aside from a brief prologue, Janessa is ill for the entire book. I have to say her descriptions of Lyme disea...more
“Seatbelt Suspense- Don’t Forget to Breathe”—the tagline ain’t a joke folks! I think I lost air several times while reading this book.
I have never come into contact with Lyme disease, but I had heard of it prior to reading the novel. From the very beginning, this book gave me the strongest premonition I had contracted the disease. The author lived through this disease, she knows she is talking about—and it shows on the page. Not only was the writing vivid, it was paired with a mystery that left...more
I have never come into contact with Lyme disease, but I had heard of it prior to reading the novel. From the very beginning, this book gave me the strongest premonition I had contracted the disease. The author lived through this disease, she knows she is talking about—and it shows on the page. Not only was the writing vivid, it was paired with a mystery that left...more
2 likes · like · see review
Jul 01, 2012
Catherine Richmond
added it
Wow.
Janessa McNeil thinks she has the flu, until an anonymous caller says he's infected her with Lyme disease. Her husband Brock is a world-renowned Lyme researcher who denies the existence of chronic Lyme and denies Janessa has the disease. What else is he hiding?
I read this in one sitting. Brandilyn Collins is a master of suspense, ratcheting up the tension, and raising the stakes. The medical controversy is fascinating, especially in light of the recent controversy over the Affordable Care Ac...more
Janessa McNeil thinks she has the flu, until an anonymous caller says he's infected her with Lyme disease. Her husband Brock is a world-renowned Lyme researcher who denies the existence of chronic Lyme and denies Janessa has the disease. What else is he hiding?
I read this in one sitting. Brandilyn Collins is a master of suspense, ratcheting up the tension, and raising the stakes. The medical controversy is fascinating, especially in light of the recent controversy over the Affordable Care Ac...more
Brandilyn Collins delivers yet another stay-up-all-night-till-you-finish read with the release of her new suspense novel Over the Edge.
Janessa McNeil seemed to be living the best time of her life until someone purposely infected her with Lyme disease. Why would someone do this to the friendly, likable housewife and mother? Janessa's husband is one of the leading researchers discounting the existence of chronic Lyme disease, and the perpetrator believes that seeing his own wife suffer will cause...more
Janessa McNeil seemed to be living the best time of her life until someone purposely infected her with Lyme disease. Why would someone do this to the friendly, likable housewife and mother? Janessa's husband is one of the leading researchers discounting the existence of chronic Lyme disease, and the perpetrator believes that seeing his own wife suffer will cause...more
As a patient stuck in the Lyme wars I'm so glad a book was written about it from a fictional stand point. Each of us have at one time or another "wished" Lyme on the very people and Drs who refute our sickness. Ms. Collins asked to use my Lyme story on her website "Lyme Over The Edge" and it was an honor to be able to help raise awareness. The sad part is while this book is fiction, everything about it is real. The description of symptoms and the fight for validation finally put into words what...more
I started this book one night and finished it the next day. I couldn't put it down. Of course, I'm that way with all of Brandilyn Collins' books. I was surprised to find out just how much individuals with lyme disease suffer. Ms. Collins drew from her own experiences in writing this book and it's sad to think that such a wonderful woman of God has been through so much.
Ms. Collins did a wonderful job of weaving suspense into the plot and coming up with a believable story even though it is fiction...more
Ms. Collins did a wonderful job of weaving suspense into the plot and coming up with a believable story even though it is fiction...more
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Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker a...more
More about Brandilyn Collins...
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker a...more
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Apr 15, 2011 07:39pm