On the Run

Alex Drayce #2

by Max Luther

Framed for murder. Out for revenge.

Private bodyguard Alex Drayce is on assignment in the States, tasked with protecting a wealthy businessman under threat of assassination.

He is presented with the opportunity to make some quick cash for a week’s work, aiding one Carlos Garcia is finding his daughter, who has gone missing in Las Vegas. A seemingly simple task...

As events soon spiral out of control, Alex must go on the run, hunted down by the combined might of the Las Vegas police department, fronted by DI Naomi Ocean, and a ruthless gang out for blood.

But his pursuers should be wary. Alex Drayce is not a man to be taken lightly…

A scintillating crime thriller with a gritty edge, perfect for fans of Simon Kernick and M. W. Craven.

Genres: Crime

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2024

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to this book, and it did not disappoint. The 1st book was action-packed from page one. This one took a little longer to get into the main story, but I absolutely loved that.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished reading: February 15th 2024 

"Plans were always too fragile. As Joe Louis once said: everyone has a plan until they've been hit."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Canelo in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

REVIEW

It's no secret that I like my thrillers on the action-packed and exhilarating side, and this is why I couldn't resist reading the first Alex Drayce book last year. I became an instant fan of the series, and I knew I HAD to read book two as soon as first heard about it. I mean, could you resist that blurb? The main character being framed for murder, everyone hunting for him... I predicted a whole lot of action in the near future, and let's just say I wasn't wrong. Action-packed and pulse-pounding indeed!

On The Run takes place in the US instead of the UK setting in the first book, so it does have a different feel to it. Not necessarily a bad thing, just different... The plot switches between California and Nevada, although the main focus is on Las Vegas and most of the action takes place there. I can't deny that Sin City made for a great backdrop for the plot, and the desert scenes added a little something extra as well. On The Run uses a multiple POV structure, although Alex Drayce is without doubt the main POV. I especially liked what the detective Naomi Ocean's POV added to the plot though, as it gave this action thriller a bit of a detective thriller vibe at times (plus I liked her fiery personality).

Now I do have to say that the plot is way over the top, and it almost reads like one of those Hollywood blockbuster action movies. Nothing wrong with that, but you do have to be able to suspend your disbelief in order to enjoy On The Run. There are also a LOT of action and fighting scenes incorporated, as the main character is on the run and in constant danger. I did wonder about his actions at times though, as some of his moves are rather stupid as it's obvious they will bring danger right back at him. This ment there was a bit too much fighting going on; some of it clearly could have been avoided with some logical thinking about what the police would do next.

That said, there is no doubt that the entertainment level is through the roof, and if you are able to just sit back and enjoy the ride, On The Run is a great addition to the series. Did I enjoy the first book a tiny bit more? Most definitely. Were there quite a few cliches involved and was the plot over the top? Without a doubt. But I still managed to fly through this sequel, and I'm very excited to discover that Alex Drayce will return to the UK in book three. Especially with those hints at the case involving his wife... If you enjoy action-packed thrillers with a Die Hard/Jack Reacher vibe, you should schedule a meeting with Alex Drayce!

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Drayce is now my new favourite bodyguard, wow what a character Max Luther has created. Alex does not come cheap and when offered what he thinks will be a quick job for easy money, things become way more complicated than anticipated which sets up the beginning of a great book.

Soon things get very difficult as the young woman Alex is to find turns up dead and Alex becomes the police's number one suspect, not sure who to trust or where to turn he then finds himself in more strife when a drug cartel also takes interest in him as well. This really is an action packed story, lots of suspence and thrills that keep the book moving long at a fast pace. Alex is the man you need on your side when darkness invades, he is brilliantly portrayed and you are carried along for a very wild ride.

I can't wait to see where this author takes this wonderful character and I will now have to go back and read the first book as I did not realise that this was the second in a series. I can see a very bright future as the author continues to develop Alex and I for one will be looking out for a third book. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a great action packed thriller.
Trouble always seems to find Alex and whilst on a job in Las Vegas, he ends up being chased by the Police as well as a drugs cartel.
Events soon spiral out of control and Alex is on the run with enemies hot in his heels.
This is a fast paced, action packed story that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Drayce #2

Alex Drayce is presented with the opportunity to make some quick cash for a week's work, aiding one Carlos Garcia in finding his daughter, who has gone missing in Las Vegas. A seemingly simple task. As events soon spiral out of control, Alex must go on the run, hunted down by the combined might of the Las Vegas police department, fronted by DI Naomi Ocean, a ruthless gang out for blood. But his pursuers should be wary. Alex Drayace is not a man to be taken lightly.

What seems like a simple job in Los Vegas, Alex Drayce ends up being chased by the police and a Mexican cartel. He has to use all his skills to escape, Drayce is a Special Ops bodyguard who is looking for Carlos Garcia's missing daughter, but she turns up dead and Alex because the number one suspect. But the police are not the only ones that Alex is running away from.

What an action packed read. Alex is on the run, trying to find out the truth and stay alive. It's gripping, edge of your seat but easy to read that's been well-written. Can't wait to see what's in store for Alex next.

Published 14th March

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #MaxLuther for my ARC of #OnTheRun in exchnage for an honest review.

[jeff popple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offering a brisk pace and non-stop action is On The Run by Max Luther.

British Special Ops bodyguard Alex Drayce has just finished a successful, but violent, job in Los Angeles when he is presented with the opportunity to make some quick cash for a week’s work. All he has to do is to help Carlos Garcia find his daughter, who has gone missing in Las Vegas. It is a seemingly simple task, but things quickly spiral out of control and Drayce soon finds himself on the run. Wanted by the police for murder and chased by a Mexican cartel out for vengeance, Drayce has to use all of his skills to just stay alive.

This is an action packed, no holds barred read. The story zips along like a Jack Reacher novel, full of well choreographed fight scenes and plenty of suspense. The characters are well sketched, and the plot has enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. The descriptions of Las Vegas and elsewhere are evocative and there is a good gritty feel to the story.

Alex Drayce is a great character and On The Run is a very satisfying action thriller. I am looking forward to the next instalment in the series.

See full review at: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/m...

[Renko Dekker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Alex Drayce series and I received a copy from Canelo via Netgalley. It came out on the 14th of March.

While on assignment in the USA, Private bodyguard Alex Drayce gets the opportunity to earn some money for only a week’s work. It's a case of finding a missing daughter. Sounds simple enough. Of course it's never that easy. Soon Alex finds himself on the run for the police and a ruthless gang. Will he be able to turn the tide?

I really liked book one and I couldn't wait for book two to arrive. Luckily book 2 did not disappoint at all. I had some minor problems getting into it but once I was into the book, it really grabbed my attention. The main character is quite interesting and fun to read about and you really got to know this character more throughout the book. I liked the story as well - it was quite fast paced but, at times, some scenes could have been described a bit quicker somehow.

All in all, quite the fun read and I can't wait to read more about private bodyguard Alex Drayce in the next installment.

4/5 ⭐

[Pattyh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to preview On The Run.
This is a thrilling novel Alex Drayce is a trained Ops guy who just finishes a big job with a big pay day. He is a high priced bodyguard and he is offered what lona like an easy job. Find a man’s daughter. Quick and easy job. But when the young woman is found dead Alex is a suspect. But he’s not just running away from the police. He is also trying to avoid a group of gang members who have taken an interest in him too. And they will stop at nothing to get him.
Alex is on.the run but he’s not a typical guy. He’s not going to be a victim. He’s on the run for the truth and to keep alive.
Very good. This is. A series but stands alone as well.
4 atars

[Aoibhinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I hadn’t heard of this book before, but I’m really glad I picked it up. If you’re a fan of Criminal Minds, this one is definitely worth your time.

Drayce is a bodyguard hired to track down a missing young woman. What starts as a straightforward job quickly spirals out of control when he’s framed for her murder, and suddenly he’s the one on the run.

On the Run is technically the second book in Max Luther’s Alex Drayce series, but I read it as a standalone and had no trouble keeping up. The plot moves fast, the action is sharp, and the story keeps you guessing. A solid, gritty crime thriller that hooks you from the start.

Personally, I gave it 3 stars mostly because there was a bit too much action for my taste.

[Concha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo.
During a seemingly simple job in Las Vegas, Alex Drayce ends up being chased by the police and a Mexican cartel and has to use his skills to escape and solve the mess.
Drayce is one of those characters who doesn't look for confrontation or violence but they always find him.
Max Luther gives us another action-packed thriller that doesn't let up and keeps you on your toes until the thrilling ending.
I'm looking forward to reading more of the author and his character and to see if the next one will take us deeper into the subject of his wife.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. Way way way too much action for me. If I see shorts for a movie, where cars are rolling and blowing up, the hero is jumping off a building with no safety stuff, walks away from a huge gun fight with no scratches; then I don't watch it. This book is sort of like that. I thought that it was an ok read, but I won't read any more from this author

[Martha Brindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action packed, easy read with plenty of twists. I think I secretly love Alex Drayce, a special Ops bodyguard who is looking for a missing daughter. Drugs cartel, Vegas, violence and gangs kept me interested until the end. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Vicki F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Action packed with twists. Drug cartel meets special agent. Graphic language. A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.

[Alison Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this fast paced thriller

[Lauren Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from Max Luther. Action packed from start to finish and couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the 3rd installment.

[Shan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Great cat and mouse chase throughout and the main character was a badass. Didn’t expect the twist which is always good. A little repetitive at times but I enjoyed it.

[Ciara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!!

[Steven Allcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great action packed read

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Run by Max Luther
Alex Drayce #2

Wow ~ Just WOW ~ Action packed thrill ride from beginning to end ~ Great addition to the series!

What I liked:
* Alex Drayce: private bodyguard, ex-police officer, big man with mad skills, lethal, intense, strategic thinker, survivor, finishes one job and takes on another, someone I would trust with my life
* The intense beginning of the book
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That I felt part of the story and was rooting for Drayce to succeed and survive for another book
* The cat and mouse game with cartel and police both after Drayce and how he managed to elude them…most of the time
* The interaction between Detective Ocean and her partner – she was competent but always one step behind – think that Naomi might need a series of her own
* Drayce’s ethics – his own – but quite efficient and effective
* Thinking about “Nelson” who hired Drayce for the bodyguard job and wanting to know more about him
* Wondering if new information will be found that will determine who killed Drayce’s wife
* Knowing that there is another book in the series coming out in the future

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the Mexican Mafia/Cartel types in the story and how ruthless and self-centered they were – knowing that there are people in the world like them
* Having to wait for the next book

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Sadie Thain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 2nd book by Max Luther. Hope there is a 3rd book as we still need to find out more. Enjoyed this more than the first