On the Run

Ivy Malone Mysteries #3

by Lorena McCourtney

Super senior sleuth Ivy Malone is spunkier than Miss Marple, with a curiosity that just won't quit. That inquisitiveness has gotten her into plenty of trouble, including murder, mayhem, and a place on a mini-Mafia hit list.

Now Ivy's headed across the country with a stray cat and God as her only companions. But just when she thinks she's safe, two dead bodies turn up-discovered by Ivy, of course. A flock of emus, a survivalist outpost, and paintball are just a few of the strange things Ivy has to deal with in order to solve this latest crime. But will anyone believe the truth?

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Christian, Cozy, Ebooks

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Rachel Lubow]

I swiftly read this third book of the Ivy Malone mysteries, enjoying the suspense and fresh language, as well as a precious new character. I appreciated Ivy's clear moral discernment and declarations of truth to this new character.

I wish, however, that a specific scenario was handled differently. This third book involves an apparent suicide, and Ivy reflects: "Nothing warranted [suicide]. I remembered my own despair when our son, Colin, died in an overseas ferry accident while he was in the service, his body never recovered. For a time, life had hardly seemed worth living. But I'd had the Lord to lean on, and he'd carried me through, as he always does if we let him. Which the Northcutts, whatever their troubles, apparently had not" (76).

Ivy's reflection moves too quickly from deep grief to a Jesus-fixes-everything statement. And it reinforces a common Christian sentiment--that feeling suicidal / anxious / depressed is a sin. Many Christians with depression, OCD, or other psychological disorders need to hear that life will not always be easy; Jesus does not promise this. He promises future hope and overcoming. They also need to hear that--sometimes--suicidal / anxious / depressed thoughts occur naturally. (We are fallen and in the process of sanctification.) We have a choice about what we do with those thoughts: believe they are true or combat them with Scripture. (Sometimes, medication and counseling are needed in this process.)

Other than wishing that this reflection was not written or that it was written differently, I thoroughly enjoyed On the Run and am eager to read Stranded.

[Kelly]

Another fun Ivy Malone read. I really liked the addition of Abilene as a sidekick.

[Karl K]

This is a light easy to read mystery. I thought being a "Christian" oriented book, it would be a little preachy. But it wasn't. I really enjoyed the book.
This book is one of a series. So I'll have to read the preceding books to find out how she became "On the Run."

[Ann Marie]

I totally enjoyed this entire series.

[Sherrie Yates]

i like these books, the wit, how she refers to herself as LOL

[Meagan | The Chapter House]

This book was a lot of fun! I missed reading Book 2, so there were a few references in "On the Run" that I didn't quite understand, but thankfully it didn't get in the way of my enjoyment! Many LOL moments (of the laugh-out-loud variety, not just little-old-lady!) and I definitely recommend this installment of the Ivy Malone series.

[Samantha]

Mystery, murder, and runaway emus!

A little old lady on the run from a mini-mafia, constantly runs into and investigates new murders. Gaining more enemies along the way and making new friends or meeting up with old ones. Murder and mystery just seem to find her no matter where she goes.

[Julie]

Lorena, are you serious? You need to give us real suspects & real reasons for us to suspect them. You can't pull somebody that doesn't make a bit of sense out & say, "Hey! It's acceptable , I mentioned her briefly, & I named a reason!" But you know what? I want more Ivy, Abilene, Mac & the other fella that briefly dated Ivy in another book. Let us wonder which will win us over for awhile (or is that out due to the Ivy & Mac book my library can't find?) You dream up great characters & rich settings. We need a bit more effort on the plots now. Keep writing Cate Kincaid (sp?--can't leave screen to double check that) series too. I'd love for Goodreads to notify me when you put something out. Helpful to have series' order & publishing dates.

[Steph Pavlic]

I love the Ivy Malone series, but so far this was the weakest book for me.

The change in scenery was interesting and the new characters were (mostly) good, but I’m not sure how I feel about one of them being a new permanent fixture.

Appreciated seeing the sparks once again between Ivy and Mac, but those scenes were almost out of place.

I do appreciate that the ending’s “whodunnit” reveal was genuinely surprising for me!

I’ll still keep reading because there is just such a charm to this series regardless!

[Sharon Dunn]

I love this series! Book three finds librarian turned sleuth Ivy Malone traveling in her motor home. She ends up in Oklahoma seeking work as an assistant to some movie producers turned survivalist. But things don't quite go as planned. Ivy has two new sidekicks in this book. Hint: one of them is a cat. The author does a great job of balancing humor and the reality that life is filled with pain and trauma. Ivy is a great Christian lady without coming off as perfect or sugary sweet.

[Cathie Murphy]

I just love this series. Traveling the countryside in a big RV. What a way to see the U.S. The characters are great. LOL is great and now she's picked up a sidekick, both we are trying to escape their pasts. Lots of great humor. Some good twists and turns in the plot. The storyline is great. Highly recommend.

[Laurie Morgan]

Still loving it!

I am still impressed with what a good story these books are! I love the characters, the well developed mysteries, and Ivy's faith through the story, not preachy, but always there.

[Julie Crocfer]

I loved this book! It was very entertaining and I loved how the author always ended the chapter in such a way that I just had to keep reading. There were several parts that had me laughing like 'the stupid birds!'

[Rose Marie Ray]

This was a very good book just like the other ones in the series. Following Ivy's travels in the motor home was very exciting, humorous and inspiring. Mystery was still there and seeing how God was at work. Reading the next book now to see how things are going to work out for them on their journey.

[Kay]

This is the third book in an Ivy Malone Mystery series. I have read the first two, but I imagine you could enjoy this Christian fiction book without reading the first two. It is a good story and a good mystery. I think anyone who likes a good cozy mystery would like reading On the Run.

[Nancyinbelize]

OH dear, I'm hooked on these funny, Ivy Malone mysteries. I think each one is better than the last one.

[Debra]

I always find Ivy comforting. She reminds me of what is important and to look for silver linings.

[Melanie Callahan]

Too many reviews

Enjoyable. Cozy at its best. Emus and mayhem, domestic violence, survivalists and God. What an odd mix to put rtogether

[William A. Rush]

Nice cosy read. Well written.

Kept me interested the whole way through. Read it in one day taking breaks to do some outside yard work.

[Diane]

Fun read, light mystery.

[Wanda Cantrell]

Ivy Malone is a delightful character with some interesting adventures.

[Patricia Teasley]

I enjoy a heroine who is older, rather than 20-something! Certainly will read remainder of series.

[Betsy Coxen]

Enjoyed the adventures of Ivy!

[Carole]

I really enjoyed this

[Lisa Lewis Lewis]

Another fun adventure with Ivy Malone!

[Tindall]

I just finished this book and plan on starting #4 right away. I love a good mystery and these are it! I've only figured out one "bad guy" so far. :)

[Rachelle Brown]

Great easy read

Ivy Malone is just a gem. Mystery and humor with a little inspiration. What more could you ask for? Looking forward to her next adventure.

[Lavender]

This was my favorite of the series so far. Loved it!!!!

[Carol Ackerman]

Lorena McCourtney has become my favorite mystery author with her Ivy Malone Mysteries series!

[Annie]

Good stuff!