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Jimmy Vega Mystery #6
The Fragile Edge
A sniper attack propels Latino cop Jimmy Vega on a twisting hunt for a predator who stalks the unforgiving landscape of immigrant America. Probing beyond the hardships of the journey north, Suzanne Chazin's taut and timely novel explores the perils that await the hopeful once they reach their destination-and the price they must pay to survive...
Jimmy Vega straddles two worlds--the hardscrabble Bronx where he grew up as the child of a Puerto Rican single mother, and the upscale, mostly white, suburban county where he now serves as a police detective. Yet despite his sense of never belonging, he's a good and decent cop-even if the multi-million-dollar civil suit he's facing says otherwise.
His own troubles take a back seat when Vega learns that a court officer has just been shot and killed while transporting a controversial judge across the courthouse lot. Vega quickly surmises that the judge was the real target. She's earned the ire of alt-right hate groups for going soft on undocumented defendants accused of petty crimes. The sole witness to the sniper's identity is a Guatemalan girl traveling by bus from the border. And now, she's vanished-melted into a community fearful of the police. Her days are numbered if Vega can't get to her before the killer does.
But as Vega and his girlfriend, Adele Figueroa, head of the local outreach center, probe deeper into the shadowy farm community where immigrants toil in horrifying conditions, they tap into a chilling discovery. One that offers Vega a stark choice: keep quiet and be lauded as a hero, knowing he let the real villain go. Or risk everything for an ugly truth no one wants him to find...
Jimmy Vega straddles two worlds--the hardscrabble Bronx where he grew up as the child of a Puerto Rican single mother, and the upscale, mostly white, suburban county where he now serves as a police detective. Yet despite his sense of never belonging, he's a good and decent cop-even if the multi-million-dollar civil suit he's facing says otherwise.
His own troubles take a back seat when Vega learns that a court officer has just been shot and killed while transporting a controversial judge across the courthouse lot. Vega quickly surmises that the judge was the real target. She's earned the ire of alt-right hate groups for going soft on undocumented defendants accused of petty crimes. The sole witness to the sniper's identity is a Guatemalan girl traveling by bus from the border. And now, she's vanished-melted into a community fearful of the police. Her days are numbered if Vega can't get to her before the killer does.
But as Vega and his girlfriend, Adele Figueroa, head of the local outreach center, probe deeper into the shadowy farm community where immigrants toil in horrifying conditions, they tap into a chilling discovery. One that offers Vega a stark choice: keep quiet and be lauded as a hero, knowing he let the real villain go. Or risk everything for an ugly truth no one wants him to find...
384 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2021
17 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Chazin
17 books149 followers Suzanne Chazin is the author of two critically acclaimed, award-winning suspense series. Her “Jimmy Vega” series, about an upstate New York cop navigating the world of the undocumented was an American Library Association finalist for Best Mystery of the Year and an Amazon pick. Her Georgia Skeehan/FDNY series was hailed as, “searing and emotionally explosive” (USA Today), and her heroine, fire investigator Georgia Skeehan, as “incredibly strong” (People).
A graduate of Northwestern University, Suzanne worked for two decades in journalism, writing for Reader's Digest and The New York Times, and winning several national awards. Among her quirkier experiences as a journalist: profiling a doctor who used his kitchen ceiling fan as a centrifuge (he went on to win the Nobel Prize in medicine for his work), and visiting a small Georgia town that had a parade in her honor because they got the funny idea that she was actually somebody important.
Thank God her novel-writing career has disabused her of any such notion.
For more information, please visit her website at: www.suzannechazin.com
A graduate of Northwestern University, Suzanne worked for two decades in journalism, writing for Reader's Digest and The New York Times, and winning several national awards. Among her quirkier experiences as a journalist: profiling a doctor who used his kitchen ceiling fan as a centrifuge (he went on to win the Nobel Prize in medicine for his work), and visiting a small Georgia town that had a parade in her honor because they got the funny idea that she was actually somebody important.
Thank God her novel-writing career has disabused her of any such notion.
For more information, please visit her website at: www.suzannechazin.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 31, 2021
The Fragile Edge is the sixth instalment in the Jimmy Vega Mystery series set in New York county. Puerto Rican Detective Jimmy Vega is attending court to face the ten million dollar civil lawsuit that has been filed against him by sketchy complainant Lucinda Ponce, the widow of an unarmed man who was shot to death, and her prominent attorney Bernard Carver. Vega has been a police officer for 19 years and had been serving in the Narcotics Division at the time of the incident in which he participated in undercover infiltrations of drugs rings and gang operations. The guy had been a suspect in a home invasion at the time of the shooting eight months ago. Vega was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing. But in the court of public opinion, the taint never really left him. And now this civil trial was stirring things up all over again.
His girlfriend Adele Figueroa and his 19-year-old daughter, Joy, are in court to support him which is especially awkward given Adele is director of one of the most influential immigrant advocacy organisations in New York State, dating a cop who’d shot and killed an unarmed immigrant. Meanwhile, across the city, a thirty-something sniper carrying a backpack loaded with a twelve-pound bolt-action Nemesis sniper rifle with a holographic scope, two five-round magazines of high-velocity, 338 calibre cartridges and a military-grade flash suppressor is making his way to his exclusive perch. He knows well in advance the court schedule and when his target will be in the optimal part of the security lot. Wearing khakis, a baseball cap and sunglasses to hide his features, he climbs the stairs in the bus terminal half a mile from the target location and scans the area.
Once a golf car comes into view ferrying 3 people beside the court he fires but crucially misses the intended victim and hits one of the others. It isn't long before people realise a court officer named Darryl Williams, who had been escorting contentious Judge Julia Spruce, is now dead. She had been involved in many controversial rulings in favour of ethnic minorities and immigrants, and although she was only wounded the police believe she was the intended target. A furious white supremacist group are suspected to be behind the attempted assassination. With a sniper on the run, they deem a 12-year-old undocumented Guatemalan girl to be the sole witness able to help with identifying the shooter but locating her is going to be easier said than done. This is a scintillating, enthralling and compulsively readable thriller with an engrossing mystery element and ripped-from-the-headlines plot.
I loved how impeccably the story was woven and appreciated the multi-dimensional characters as much as the author’s thoughtful portrayal of the lives of immigrants, both documented and undocumented. It touches on racism, police bureaucracy, immigration, the legal system, far-right extremist groups and political machinations, and Jimmy knows his career is in jeopardy if he is convicted. It's a cracking addition to a brilliant series that captured my attention throughout and the taut plotting complete with some truly unpredictable and explosive twists blew me away. Action-packed, quick-paced and so fraught with tension that I needed to take a few breaks as respite, this is an interesting, engrossing read peopled with a rich, authentic cast of characters, especially Jimmy who is fallible and human but always strives for justice and is compassionate yet has been demonised by those with dark political motivations. Highly recommended.
His girlfriend Adele Figueroa and his 19-year-old daughter, Joy, are in court to support him which is especially awkward given Adele is director of one of the most influential immigrant advocacy organisations in New York State, dating a cop who’d shot and killed an unarmed immigrant. Meanwhile, across the city, a thirty-something sniper carrying a backpack loaded with a twelve-pound bolt-action Nemesis sniper rifle with a holographic scope, two five-round magazines of high-velocity, 338 calibre cartridges and a military-grade flash suppressor is making his way to his exclusive perch. He knows well in advance the court schedule and when his target will be in the optimal part of the security lot. Wearing khakis, a baseball cap and sunglasses to hide his features, he climbs the stairs in the bus terminal half a mile from the target location and scans the area.
Once a golf car comes into view ferrying 3 people beside the court he fires but crucially misses the intended victim and hits one of the others. It isn't long before people realise a court officer named Darryl Williams, who had been escorting contentious Judge Julia Spruce, is now dead. She had been involved in many controversial rulings in favour of ethnic minorities and immigrants, and although she was only wounded the police believe she was the intended target. A furious white supremacist group are suspected to be behind the attempted assassination. With a sniper on the run, they deem a 12-year-old undocumented Guatemalan girl to be the sole witness able to help with identifying the shooter but locating her is going to be easier said than done. This is a scintillating, enthralling and compulsively readable thriller with an engrossing mystery element and ripped-from-the-headlines plot.
I loved how impeccably the story was woven and appreciated the multi-dimensional characters as much as the author’s thoughtful portrayal of the lives of immigrants, both documented and undocumented. It touches on racism, police bureaucracy, immigration, the legal system, far-right extremist groups and political machinations, and Jimmy knows his career is in jeopardy if he is convicted. It's a cracking addition to a brilliant series that captured my attention throughout and the taut plotting complete with some truly unpredictable and explosive twists blew me away. Action-packed, quick-paced and so fraught with tension that I needed to take a few breaks as respite, this is an interesting, engrossing read peopled with a rich, authentic cast of characters, especially Jimmy who is fallible and human but always strives for justice and is compassionate yet has been demonised by those with dark political motivations. Highly recommended.
August 1, 2022
Suzanne, this was your best yet. I found the Skeehan Fire Books several years ago and was hooked from the first chapter. I quickly read all three and asked for more. When you replied and told me to give Jimmy Vega a try I said okay, but get to work on Skeehan 4. 😂🤣 Well, you were right. WHAT A SERIES! I hope there is more to come.
Friends, if you haven’t read Suzanne Chazin, START NOW! Whether ist arson in NYC or at risk immigrants in New York State and the detective working their cases, every book is special.
I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Friends, if you haven’t read Suzanne Chazin, START NOW! Whether ist arson in NYC or at risk immigrants in New York State and the detective working their cases, every book is special.
I can’t wait to see what’s next.
May 18, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for an advance copy of The Fragile Edge, the sixth novel to feature Detective Jimmy Vega of the New York County Police.
Jimmy is in court facing a multimillion dollar civil lawsuit when a court officer, escorting a controversial judge, is shot by a sniper. Both Jimmy and the FBI assume that the judge was the intended target and they suspect white supremacists, angry over her judgements in immigration cases. A young twelve year old immigrant is the only person who can identify the sniper, but she has disappeared into the community.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Fragile Edge which is another fine addition to a great series. I’m not going to pretend that it has any relevance to my life or experience, but it touched me emotionally and held my attention throughout, so a resounding 5 stars.
The plot is interesting and compulsive with several interrelated strands. I enjoy a plot with a stranger killing where the detective starts with the entire world as a suspect and gradually narrows the focus as more evidence is uncovered. This novel does it well with false assumptions and a perceived lack of motive. I was hooked and just as I thought it was all over the author throws in another twist, which is probably the best of them all. I certainly didn’t see it coming. The compelling storyline is accompanied by a series of tense moments and action scenes. I even had to put the book down sometimes as I was so invested that I couldn’t bear the tension. As an aside the novel is well paced and continually interesting.
As a European I don’t know too much about race and immigration in America so this novel is an education on the struggles of immigrants and the organisational capacity of white supremacists. I don’t get the cruelty and exploitation of human beings, but it seems baked into the culture. I like the author’s clear eyed narrative and the way she incorporates it into the novel as part of the plot and the story rather than proselytising or lecturing. I think it has a greater impact.
I like Jimmy Vega, who is a very human character. He makes mistakes, but is always well intentioned and caring. The civil case is a case in point. He’s being sued for killing a criminal in a life or death situation. Incidentally, I loved the solution to this one, so kudos to the author for the imagination involved.
The Fragile Edge is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Jimmy is in court facing a multimillion dollar civil lawsuit when a court officer, escorting a controversial judge, is shot by a sniper. Both Jimmy and the FBI assume that the judge was the intended target and they suspect white supremacists, angry over her judgements in immigration cases. A young twelve year old immigrant is the only person who can identify the sniper, but she has disappeared into the community.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Fragile Edge which is another fine addition to a great series. I’m not going to pretend that it has any relevance to my life or experience, but it touched me emotionally and held my attention throughout, so a resounding 5 stars.
The plot is interesting and compulsive with several interrelated strands. I enjoy a plot with a stranger killing where the detective starts with the entire world as a suspect and gradually narrows the focus as more evidence is uncovered. This novel does it well with false assumptions and a perceived lack of motive. I was hooked and just as I thought it was all over the author throws in another twist, which is probably the best of them all. I certainly didn’t see it coming. The compelling storyline is accompanied by a series of tense moments and action scenes. I even had to put the book down sometimes as I was so invested that I couldn’t bear the tension. As an aside the novel is well paced and continually interesting.
As a European I don’t know too much about race and immigration in America so this novel is an education on the struggles of immigrants and the organisational capacity of white supremacists. I don’t get the cruelty and exploitation of human beings, but it seems baked into the culture. I like the author’s clear eyed narrative and the way she incorporates it into the novel as part of the plot and the story rather than proselytising or lecturing. I think it has a greater impact.
I like Jimmy Vega, who is a very human character. He makes mistakes, but is always well intentioned and caring. The civil case is a case in point. He’s being sued for killing a criminal in a life or death situation. Incidentally, I loved the solution to this one, so kudos to the author for the imagination involved.
The Fragile Edge is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 10, 2021
This is a stellar addition to Chaizen’s great series featuring Detective Jimmy Vega. Detective Vega is a defendant in a very expensive lawsuit brought by an unusually successful lawyer and his questionable client. Jimmy knows the case is flawed and politically motivated, but he cannot find a way out that won’t ruin his promotion chances and damage the department.
While he is at the courthouse, a sniper shoots at another judge. Although Jimmy is not supposed to be on duty, he runs towards the incident. This propels Jimmy into a case from his past, more political machinations and the dark underbelly of racism and immigration.
The plotting of this book is multi-dimensional, never taking the easy solution. Chaizen has many issues here (police bureaucracy, judicial decisions, immigrants on this side of the border, etc.) but she builds characters that give an authentic, powerful, compassionate voice. This is the best, and one of the most exciting books in the series. (Start at the beginning if you are a first-time reader – you will want to keep going.) Suzanne Chaizen gets better with every title. Every time she raises the bar higher for herself and Jimmy Vega. Wonderful and rewarding! Cover art was great, too. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this riveting read. Highly recommended.
While he is at the courthouse, a sniper shoots at another judge. Although Jimmy is not supposed to be on duty, he runs towards the incident. This propels Jimmy into a case from his past, more political machinations and the dark underbelly of racism and immigration.
The plotting of this book is multi-dimensional, never taking the easy solution. Chaizen has many issues here (police bureaucracy, judicial decisions, immigrants on this side of the border, etc.) but she builds characters that give an authentic, powerful, compassionate voice. This is the best, and one of the most exciting books in the series. (Start at the beginning if you are a first-time reader – you will want to keep going.) Suzanne Chaizen gets better with every title. Every time she raises the bar higher for herself and Jimmy Vega. Wonderful and rewarding! Cover art was great, too. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this riveting read. Highly recommended.
February 16, 2022
It's a blistering hot summer in Lake Holly, New York but Jimmy Vega is reliving the cold December night he shot and killed someone. Now that man's widow is suing Jimmy in a civil case for a lot of money. But during the course of Jimmy's trial, a court officer is shot and killed while a judge and court clerk are injured. Always the investigative cop, Jimmy makes his way to the scene and lands on the FBI's approved list despite his persona non grata status in his own jurisdiction. As events quickly unfold and the sniper is spotted on security tapes it becomes clear that a young girl was kidnapped by the sniper, let go, and is now the only person out there who could identify him. The problem is, she has disappeared. The search for her takes priority. Meanwhile, alt-right groups are protesting the second opening of La Casa in a neighboring town and the head of this group turns out to be involved with someone Jimmy knows well. There is A LOT going on and very little time to get it contained. Jimmy has to decide how far he's willing to go for truth and if he's willing to kill off his career in order to bring justice to the situation.
Spoiler alert: this book reads like it is the end of the series. Say it isn't so! I searched via Google and Chazin's website to find out if this book 6 was the end of the Jimmy Vega series but couldn't find any info. Fingers crossed it isn't because I'm not quite ready to say goodbye. Although IF this was the end of our journey with Jimmy Vega, it ended on a very satisfying note.
Spoiler alert: this book reads like it is the end of the series. Say it isn't so! I searched via Google and Chazin's website to find out if this book 6 was the end of the Jimmy Vega series but couldn't find any info. Fingers crossed it isn't because I'm not quite ready to say goodbye. Although IF this was the end of our journey with Jimmy Vega, it ended on a very satisfying note.
April 11, 2022
Multiple story lines that wove in and out of each other without snagging
November 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this one, didn't realize it was part of a series, so I look forward to reading the other five books!
March 15, 2022
This novel tackles some very tough subjects in the world of policing, so it’s not a lightweight read. Add to that some serious heartbreak in the lives of women & children fleeing violence & hoping to find asylum in the USA, and you have a complex, intense mix of subplots that the author pulls together very convincingly. A good if sometimes difficult read…
July 31, 2022
I am enjoying this series so far
October 31, 2021
This is a good fast mystery with a side bar of immigration issues to really think about.
January 10, 2025
An amazing think piece, the entire time I was so intrigued and wanted to keep reading. Such an amazing storyline and the author is really talented at painting a picture for the reader.
March 14, 2021
Detective Jimmy Vega is back and dealing with the aftermath of a shooting that left an unarmed man dead. The victim's widow (and I use that term loosely), and filed a civil lawsuit and Jimmy is facing disastrous consequences to his career if convicted. Plus a court house shooting leaves a guard dead, a judge sympathetic to the immigrant situation wounded, and a sniper on the run. Add to all this a return to his past as a rookie officer and the young girl whose life he saved and you have another wonderful addition to this series.
The story is well written but what really interests me is the inclusion of the immigrant communities, their hopes and dreams, their fears and desires. No matter what your personal feelings may be toward our country's immigration policy you will discover how resilient, how courageous and hardworking they are just trying to make a better life in America.
Come, loose yourself in this mystery conundrum. You will love the twist at the end.
The story is well written but what really interests me is the inclusion of the immigrant communities, their hopes and dreams, their fears and desires. No matter what your personal feelings may be toward our country's immigration policy you will discover how resilient, how courageous and hardworking they are just trying to make a better life in America.
Come, loose yourself in this mystery conundrum. You will love the twist at the end.
November 24, 2024
I enjoyed this book soooooo much! Beautifully written
December 12, 2021
I just do not like books where everyone ends up in danger.
January 6, 2024
4 stars pushing towards 5, I like everything about this series. Likeable characters, twisty stories, no gratuitous sex or violence. Series deals with immigration and undocumented workers in a fair way, causing the reader to think about the issues without the use of a bully club.
March 13, 2025
My first read by this author. I felt like this storyline was all over the place. It gave me whiplash! Thank you dollar tree for letting me purchase this book!
May 15, 2024
It is so so hard jumping into a series this deep in, and that's totally on me. Still really enjoyed this one, thought it was super solid.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews