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Every Step You Take
Run for your life... This year's London Marathon is my last chance to win the final place on the Olympic team. The months of rehabilitation after my injury will feel worth it to cross that line.
But I wasn't expecting the man who's been making my life a living hell to be there. Last I knew, my stalker was behind bars, but he says he's going to be at the race watching.
I have 26 miles to figure out whether it's him, and what he wants, or I could lose more than just the race.
A taut psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Teresa Driscoll, TM Logan and Daniel Hirst.
But I wasn't expecting the man who's been making my life a living hell to be there. Last I knew, my stalker was behind bars, but he says he's going to be at the race watching.
I have 26 miles to figure out whether it's him, and what he wants, or I could lose more than just the race.
A taut psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Teresa Driscoll, TM Logan and Daniel Hirst.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2024
344 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 28, 2024
My stalker is back.”
M.A. Hunter capably placed me at the London Marathon starting line and put me in the mind of an elite distance runner.
Not only did I become aware of the grueling training, but also the preparations necessary to simply meet the requirements to run in a race of this calibre. It’s not just a train and register event. It’s not just a physical exhaustion. I am in awe of anyone who competes at this level. I appreciated Hunter explaining the preparations done on behalf of the city as well as the mental and psychological preparations of each competitor.
Six months ago, Molly Fitzhume was in hospital recovering from a slipped disc surgery. She was unable to walk and her Olympic dreams were in tatters. She’d finished the 2021 Tokyo Olympics just milliseconds from taking bronze and was determined to grab her chance to go for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer. This marathon, the 44th consecutive marathon in London, is her last chance to place with Team Great Britain. She needs to cross the finish line at two hours and twenty-eight minutes to qualify.
Training for a marathon is a mammoth task, let alone doing it while being harassed both in person and online. Just when Molly thinks she’s got rid of her stalker, he warns her that he’s at the race watching. She now has 28 miles to figure out what he wants, why he’s there - there’s more than just the race to lose.
I felt the tension, the exhaustion, and the inner drive that the race and the harassment were causing. Every page was filled with paranoia and unsettling events. The parallels between the athlete’s body shutting down from race exhaustion and her mind shutting down from a prolonged fight or flight response to her personal safety were excellent. Seeing it all unravel from Molly’s POV was thrilling and knowing that neither Molly nor I could expose her nemesis was unnerving. It made for a compelling read.
Hunter’s balance of Holly’s push to win was phenomenal. I really felt the struggle she had to overcome; the other elite athletes she was competing with, her stalker, her body, and those who were supposedly looking out for her best interests and pretending to be right there with her….
“I’ll do whatever it takes to get to Paris.”
When overcoming a spinal injury with the realization that you may never compete again is the least of your worries, Molly shows us what our inner drive is capable of mastering. It’s a wild sprint to the finish…and I loved it.
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
M.A. Hunter capably placed me at the London Marathon starting line and put me in the mind of an elite distance runner.
Not only did I become aware of the grueling training, but also the preparations necessary to simply meet the requirements to run in a race of this calibre. It’s not just a train and register event. It’s not just a physical exhaustion. I am in awe of anyone who competes at this level. I appreciated Hunter explaining the preparations done on behalf of the city as well as the mental and psychological preparations of each competitor.
Six months ago, Molly Fitzhume was in hospital recovering from a slipped disc surgery. She was unable to walk and her Olympic dreams were in tatters. She’d finished the 2021 Tokyo Olympics just milliseconds from taking bronze and was determined to grab her chance to go for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer. This marathon, the 44th consecutive marathon in London, is her last chance to place with Team Great Britain. She needs to cross the finish line at two hours and twenty-eight minutes to qualify.
Training for a marathon is a mammoth task, let alone doing it while being harassed both in person and online. Just when Molly thinks she’s got rid of her stalker, he warns her that he’s at the race watching. She now has 28 miles to figure out what he wants, why he’s there - there’s more than just the race to lose.
I felt the tension, the exhaustion, and the inner drive that the race and the harassment were causing. Every page was filled with paranoia and unsettling events. The parallels between the athlete’s body shutting down from race exhaustion and her mind shutting down from a prolonged fight or flight response to her personal safety were excellent. Seeing it all unravel from Molly’s POV was thrilling and knowing that neither Molly nor I could expose her nemesis was unnerving. It made for a compelling read.
Hunter’s balance of Holly’s push to win was phenomenal. I really felt the struggle she had to overcome; the other elite athletes she was competing with, her stalker, her body, and those who were supposedly looking out for her best interests and pretending to be right there with her….
“I’ll do whatever it takes to get to Paris.”
When overcoming a spinal injury with the realization that you may never compete again is the least of your worries, Molly shows us what our inner drive is capable of mastering. It’s a wild sprint to the finish…and I loved it.
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 16, 2024
Molly is a runner who has worked hard her whole life to be an Olympic champion. She’s come close, but has never made it to Great Britain’s Olympic team. This is going to be her last chance - she is running the London Marathon to get a spot on the team heading to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Unfortunately, mere months before the race, she injured her back and had to have surgery. She wasn’t sure if she’d be able to compete, but with a lot of coaching and physiotherapy she is determined to take this one last chance at making the Olympic team. With her physical problems sorted out, now she just has to get past something that has been bothering her mentally…the fact that she has a stalker.
Luckily, he was arrested and deported, so she should be in the clear, yet she can’t shake the feeling that someone is still watching her. When the odd gifts and threats start again, she reaches out to the detective on the case, to her coach and agent, but nobody will listen. Running the race while searching for her stalker in the crowd is her only option - she’s not going to miss her last chance at the Olympics.
Then we get to the part of the book that bothered me. We have an Olympic-level runner in a race that is 26 miles long, and the entire time she’s running, she is on her phone texting and talking with multiple people, taking screenshots and looking at pictures being sent to her. Who can do that when trying to beat their personal record and become one of the best known athletes in the world? I would say the ending was also a little weak, but I didn’t see it coming. Otherwise, this was a quick little page-turning thriller that was finished in one sitting! 3.5 stars, rounded up.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, M.A. Hunter and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on March 28, 2024.)
Unfortunately, mere months before the race, she injured her back and had to have surgery. She wasn’t sure if she’d be able to compete, but with a lot of coaching and physiotherapy she is determined to take this one last chance at making the Olympic team. With her physical problems sorted out, now she just has to get past something that has been bothering her mentally…the fact that she has a stalker.
Luckily, he was arrested and deported, so she should be in the clear, yet she can’t shake the feeling that someone is still watching her. When the odd gifts and threats start again, she reaches out to the detective on the case, to her coach and agent, but nobody will listen. Running the race while searching for her stalker in the crowd is her only option - she’s not going to miss her last chance at the Olympics.
Then we get to the part of the book that bothered me. We have an Olympic-level runner in a race that is 26 miles long, and the entire time she’s running, she is on her phone texting and talking with multiple people, taking screenshots and looking at pictures being sent to her. Who can do that when trying to beat their personal record and become one of the best known athletes in the world? I would say the ending was also a little weak, but I didn’t see it coming. Otherwise, this was a quick little page-turning thriller that was finished in one sitting! 3.5 stars, rounded up.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, M.A. Hunter and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on March 28, 2024.)
January 23, 2025
2.5 stars. It was pretty easy to figure out who was “behind Molly”. It dragged on- that was the longest marathon ever. I’m tired of reading books where a woman isn’t believed and people think she’s imaging things.
March 28, 2024
I've loved Hunter's other books so was delighted to get an ARC of this newest one! Molly is competing in a marathon after having back surgery. But once she realizes she has a stalker who has been sending her odd "gifts" and threats, she's worried that it may get worse. Of course this impacts her running as she has trouble concentrating, believing every spectator is the one waiting for her to fail--or worse! I've never run a marathon and won't any time soon as this was way too thrilling for me!
Thanks to the author for this ARC!
Thanks to the author for this ARC!
March 28, 2024
Every Step You Take is a tense thriller by M A Hunter which follows famous runner, Molly, as she steps up her training to take part in the 2024 Olympics. This has been the goal she has been working towards for years, but a haunting incident in her past is once again threatening to make her life hell. Molly is terrified that a man, who once stalked her, has been released from prison, and is out to make her life a misery again. Molly becomes even more concerned when it is clear that her own life is in danger and she has no idea where he is.
I really felt Molly’s fear in this book, and especially her frustration, when it appears that no one, not even her own agent, appeared to want to take her seriously. I could also really sense her anger at the way some men were treating her, especially the people who were jeering at her from the side-lines, as she took part in races. This made me angry as I was reading it. I thought M A Hunter explored this really well and it does add to the tension and the suspense in the book.
The messages that Molly continues to get, really do get quite scary. M A Hunter shows us what effect these messages have on her. We can see that she is really distressed. Like Molly, I couldn’t believe that no one appeared to take her claims seriously. This leads her to having some dark and scary thoughts. I can imagine that many people, who go through similar situations to Molly, do have similar reactions from people. She’s almost told to put her fears to one side and forget about it, almost as if they don’t matter.
M A Hunter does a brilliant job of bringing Molly and her situation to life. I wanted to follow Molly’s journey. The tension is there on every page and I raced through this book really quickly as I was desperate to find out what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed Every Step You Take. It is definitely the type of psychological thriller that can be devoured in one sitting, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit with thriller fans.
I really felt Molly’s fear in this book, and especially her frustration, when it appears that no one, not even her own agent, appeared to want to take her seriously. I could also really sense her anger at the way some men were treating her, especially the people who were jeering at her from the side-lines, as she took part in races. This made me angry as I was reading it. I thought M A Hunter explored this really well and it does add to the tension and the suspense in the book.
The messages that Molly continues to get, really do get quite scary. M A Hunter shows us what effect these messages have on her. We can see that she is really distressed. Like Molly, I couldn’t believe that no one appeared to take her claims seriously. This leads her to having some dark and scary thoughts. I can imagine that many people, who go through similar situations to Molly, do have similar reactions from people. She’s almost told to put her fears to one side and forget about it, almost as if they don’t matter.
M A Hunter does a brilliant job of bringing Molly and her situation to life. I wanted to follow Molly’s journey. The tension is there on every page and I raced through this book really quickly as I was desperate to find out what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed Every Step You Take. It is definitely the type of psychological thriller that can be devoured in one sitting, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit with thriller fans.
March 27, 2024
This is a great psychological thriller.
Molly has been living in fear as a stalker has been making her everyday life hell.
She is training to take part in the 2024 Olympics and when she’s about to leave for the London Marathon, she finds an unexpected gift outside her hotel room.
Molly knows her stalker has now been caught and is in prison but the gift really unsettles her.
When she starts the race she is inundated with calls and messages from a withheld number, so she’s convinced he’s out of prison.
The messages become more and more threatening but with her dream of the Olympics on the line, she’s determined to finish the race.
It took me a while to get into this book as running and sport isn’t really my thing, but the story soon grabs hold of you as it’s more about Molly and her fight to survive.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Molly has been living in fear as a stalker has been making her everyday life hell.
She is training to take part in the 2024 Olympics and when she’s about to leave for the London Marathon, she finds an unexpected gift outside her hotel room.
Molly knows her stalker has now been caught and is in prison but the gift really unsettles her.
When she starts the race she is inundated with calls and messages from a withheld number, so she’s convinced he’s out of prison.
The messages become more and more threatening but with her dream of the Olympics on the line, she’s determined to finish the race.
It took me a while to get into this book as running and sport isn’t really my thing, but the story soon grabs hold of you as it’s more about Molly and her fight to survive.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 28, 2024
First, I want to thank M.A. Hunter, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
WOW!!! My heart was literally beating out of my chest reading M.A. Hunter’s Every Step You Take! Man oh Man was it wickedly intense! M.A. created such a creative and unique storyline that was written outside of the box.
The cover graphics for this book was spot on to the concept of the book.
One of the reasons I wanted to read this book was that my Brother In Law Benton (from San Francisco) ran the London Marathon years ago. I thought it would be a fun read.
M.A. gives an inside look from a runners perspective what it is like to participate in a marathon. He shows us not tells us all the deep emotions that Molly is feeling.
Every Step You Take had its fair share of creepy vibe due to the stalker. All throughout the book I had the Police's song Every Step You Take in my head.
WOW!!! My heart was literally beating out of my chest reading M.A. Hunter’s Every Step You Take! Man oh Man was it wickedly intense! M.A. created such a creative and unique storyline that was written outside of the box.
The cover graphics for this book was spot on to the concept of the book.
One of the reasons I wanted to read this book was that my Brother In Law Benton (from San Francisco) ran the London Marathon years ago. I thought it would be a fun read.
M.A. gives an inside look from a runners perspective what it is like to participate in a marathon. He shows us not tells us all the deep emotions that Molly is feeling.
Every Step You Take had its fair share of creepy vibe due to the stalker. All throughout the book I had the Police's song Every Step You Take in my head.
March 19, 2024
An enjoyable read, based around Molly, a long distance runner who needs to achieve a target time in the London Marathon to secure her spot on the Olympic team. Having previously been hampered by injury and scared out of her mind by a stalker, this is Molly’s big chance. On the morning of the event, it seems that the stalker is back and Molly is terrified. Someone is determined to make her withdraw from the race.
The premise was brilliant and I really enjoyed the tension and suspense, but what let it down for me was the texting, phone calls and other diversions that went on throughout the race. I’m not a long distance runner, but even on a 5k run, I wouldn’t be able to make multiple calls and send numerous texts, never mind running 26 miles while managing these calls, arguing with camera men, confronting spectators and then conveniently catching up to my fellow Olympians when needed, having previously found myself on a quiet street with no other runners or race marshalls. This just wasn’t believable for me and it did take my focus away from the otherwise well written plot.
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, M. A. Hunter and Boldwood for an ARC in return for an honest review.
The premise was brilliant and I really enjoyed the tension and suspense, but what let it down for me was the texting, phone calls and other diversions that went on throughout the race. I’m not a long distance runner, but even on a 5k run, I wouldn’t be able to make multiple calls and send numerous texts, never mind running 26 miles while managing these calls, arguing with camera men, confronting spectators and then conveniently catching up to my fellow Olympians when needed, having previously found myself on a quiet street with no other runners or race marshalls. This just wasn’t believable for me and it did take my focus away from the otherwise well written plot.
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, M. A. Hunter and Boldwood for an ARC in return for an honest review.
May 16, 2024
3 1/2...dropped half a star, didn't really connect with the character.
Too obsessed/paranoid with her stalker, to the point it took over the whole story and made it drag.
I get her fear, but I guess I was expecting a stronger female character focusing on this marathon ( and learning some strategies for myself as I train for my marathon ) she worked so hard after a slip disc injury and getting back in the game.
She also ignored all injury signs because too focused looking through the crowed for a stalker.
Then the author kept taking it from "Then" and "Now" and unfortunately the character wasn't much more appealing in becoming stronger and the big race her main focus and giving her more courage and purpose to over come obstacles.
I will still give another one her books a try in the future. Maybe...
Too obsessed/paranoid with her stalker, to the point it took over the whole story and made it drag.
I get her fear, but I guess I was expecting a stronger female character focusing on this marathon ( and learning some strategies for myself as I train for my marathon ) she worked so hard after a slip disc injury and getting back in the game.
She also ignored all injury signs because too focused looking through the crowed for a stalker.
Then the author kept taking it from "Then" and "Now" and unfortunately the character wasn't much more appealing in becoming stronger and the big race her main focus and giving her more courage and purpose to over come obstacles.
I will still give another one her books a try in the future. Maybe...
March 18, 2024
First I want to thank NetGalley, Boldwood Books and M.A. Hunter for my ARC of Every Step You Take. This was such an interesting read! I’ll admit I was skeptical how this one was going to be. But the book only got better the more I read! Going back and forth between past and present really helped paint the picture for this book. I felt bad for Molly. She’s been through so much and just wanted to chase her dreams. She was a very likable character. This book has me guessing till the very end! I certainly never suspected the twist. This was my first M.A. Hunter book but it most certainly won’t be my last!
March 20, 2024
Can you solve a crime while running the London Marathon? When Molly's stalker - supposedly securely locked up in a German prison - reappears the morning of the race, that's exactly what she has to do. Running to try and qualify for the Olympic team, no one will take her seriously when she tries to tell them that he's back.
Look, I'm lazier than a slug, so I have no idea if half of what happened in this book is plausible. Can you really be fielding phone calls from your agent to your trainer to Scotland Yard while also putting in a competitive time? How many accidental/maybe on purpose injuries can you get before an official steps in a yanks you out for your own safety? I have no answers for any of these questions but for the first 200 pages, it really didn't matter if what was happening was possible or not. It was a real page turner! I was extremely invested in Molly and finding out why this was happening to her.
Unfortunately, with a third of the book (and the marathon) left to go, things got a little too silly even for me, and I found the ultimate whodunnit quite unsatisfying. It was somehow too obvious and too wacky at the same time. I have read and enjoyed another book by this author so I'm not ruling out reading from them again, but this one didn't do it for me. I received this arc for free on netgalley.
Look, I'm lazier than a slug, so I have no idea if half of what happened in this book is plausible. Can you really be fielding phone calls from your agent to your trainer to Scotland Yard while also putting in a competitive time? How many accidental/maybe on purpose injuries can you get before an official steps in a yanks you out for your own safety? I have no answers for any of these questions but for the first 200 pages, it really didn't matter if what was happening was possible or not. It was a real page turner! I was extremely invested in Molly and finding out why this was happening to her.
Unfortunately, with a third of the book (and the marathon) left to go, things got a little too silly even for me, and I found the ultimate whodunnit quite unsatisfying. It was somehow too obvious and too wacky at the same time. I have read and enjoyed another book by this author so I'm not ruling out reading from them again, but this one didn't do it for me. I received this arc for free on netgalley.
March 24, 2024
I loved this book because of the layout. The female protagonist is telling the story as she runs the London Marathon. The chapters are titled with the mile she is at. It also goes back about 6 months and gives background on the terrors she’s been going through with a stalker. As a runner myself I can’t imagine doing what she did while running a marathon (taking on the phone, almost getting in accidents and still keeping pace with the rest of the group) but I suspend my belief and enjoyed the run. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more by this author!
September 13, 2024
I quite liked the idea, but I found the main character annoying and the plot more than a little unbelievable. If she could achieve an Olympics qualifying time for the marathon despite stopping the race for around six or seven minutes, surely she would be a world champion without all the distractions. And why did she suddenly change from a marathon runner to a 1500 metre runner in the final chapter?
I finished the book but was a little disappointed by the final reveal. Entertaining, but I have read better by this author.
I finished the book but was a little disappointed by the final reveal. Entertaining, but I have read better by this author.
January 12, 2025
I enjoyed the thriller suspense aspect of the book, but the way the main character was investigating was ridiculous and unbelievable. I also found the main character very unlikeable.
September 9, 2025
Took me 5 months to finish this and the book takes place in one day ..... biggest slump everrrrr
April 1, 2024
A 26 mile marathon had me intrigued how on earth this story would pace (pardon the pun) itself and be the thriller it claims.
I actually felt like I was running the marathon along side Molly and feeling the tension and stresses of her stalker playing mind games with her. The frantic phone calls to her contact at the police, the creepy mechanical laughing on the other line to the photos of her during the race - how could her stalker be doing all this from behind bars??
Molly so thinks that he has help on the outside and starts to doubt her teammates only who is in cahoots with her stalker? The threats to her and the other runners are getting more intense the more miles she run, Can she find out who it is before it’s too late?
This was one of those intense reads that had you guessing the wrong person was behind it all until the last minute and I love it!
I actually felt like I was running the marathon along side Molly and feeling the tension and stresses of her stalker playing mind games with her. The frantic phone calls to her contact at the police, the creepy mechanical laughing on the other line to the photos of her during the race - how could her stalker be doing all this from behind bars??
Molly so thinks that he has help on the outside and starts to doubt her teammates only who is in cahoots with her stalker? The threats to her and the other runners are getting more intense the more miles she run, Can she find out who it is before it’s too late?
This was one of those intense reads that had you guessing the wrong person was behind it all until the last minute and I love it!
March 11, 2024
I am a huge fan of this authors books but I have to say this one just didn't quite do it for me. Although the book was written from 2 time periods.. the lead up to the marathon and then marathon day, I found the chapters capturing each individual mile slow, a little removed from reality and lacking pace.
That said, the ending was not what I predicted and did keep me guessing.
That said, the ending was not what I predicted and did keep me guessing.
April 10, 2024
Do marathon runners send text messages, make phone calls, and forward screen shots to the police while they are running in a qualifying marathon that will determine their possible placement on an Olympic long-distance team?
Also, do they stop to observe spectators and physically attack one (then she just continues on with the race after tell the marshals to "catch me at the finish line" or some such dribble), hide behind walls, etc., all the while in the race of her career so she can "reach my goal" and realize "my dream".
Remarkably, with all the time she loses during the race because of the stops she makes, she is able to catch up to the leaders of the pack, accuse them them of stalking her, and come damn close to making her qualifying time.
Also, do they stop to observe spectators and physically attack one (then she just continues on with the race after tell the marshals to "catch me at the finish line" or some such dribble), hide behind walls, etc., all the while in the race of her career so she can "reach my goal" and realize "my dream".
Remarkably, with all the time she loses during the race because of the stops she makes, she is able to catch up to the leaders of the pack, accuse them them of stalking her, and come damn close to making her qualifying time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2024
I had never read a book by this author before and I deeply regret this. I was intrigued from the very beginning until the last full stop. Every chapter was as thrilling as the next and I utterly enjoyed this story.
The structure of the book is also one a really like. Taking me back to the past and catapult me back into the present is something I always am attracted to.
I admired the pizzaz, stamina and determination Molly had in her and I felt for her as well because she really had a battle on her hands. One she seems to have to fight on her own...
A book that kept me glued to my seat. Looking forward to reading more books by this author's hand. 5 stars
Thank you
The structure of the book is also one a really like. Taking me back to the past and catapult me back into the present is something I always am attracted to.
I admired the pizzaz, stamina and determination Molly had in her and I felt for her as well because she really had a battle on her hands. One she seems to have to fight on her own...
A book that kept me glued to my seat. Looking forward to reading more books by this author's hand. 5 stars
Thank you
August 24, 2024
not realistic
Anyone who has any kind of a marathon runner elite or not knows that no one can do all that texting, conversing, falling, taking pictures, etc and maintain an elite level pace in marathon. The plot itself was ok, but the fact that it revolved around running, including training and racing, showed the author did little research on how runners, especially elite, actually train and race. This would’ve been more realistic if the scene was set realistically.
Anyone who has any kind of a marathon runner elite or not knows that no one can do all that texting, conversing, falling, taking pictures, etc and maintain an elite level pace in marathon. The plot itself was ok, but the fact that it revolved around running, including training and racing, showed the author did little research on how runners, especially elite, actually train and race. This would’ve been more realistic if the scene was set realistically.
March 18, 2024
Running 26 miles is hard enough, but when you are trying to figure out if your stalker is out there and watching makes it even harder! Molly needs to run the London Marathon to nab the last place left on the Olympic team. She has worked hard to recuperate after an injury and is feeling determined and ready to claim her place and compete in the Olympics! The last thing she expected was to begin receiving gifts and threats. She had a stalker who was arrested and sent away. Could he be behind the threats and gifts? Did he get out? Will he be watching her on race day? She reaches out and notifies her coach and the police and starts the marathon. Along the way, she can’t help but be hypervigilant during the race...
I wanted to love this one. I enjoyed the two other books I have read by M.A. Hunter (Adrift and The Trail) and thought this book would be a slam dunk as well. But I had a hard time believing that a runner could do so much while running a marathon such as being on the phone for most of the race. I thought a runner would be thinking about pacing, hydrating, time, stride, etc. Molly is consumed by who might be out there and reaching out to people. This does affect her race as she falls behind, stumbles, etc. There are also scenes in the past, which show what Molly experienced with the stalker which do let readers know the extent of what Molly went through and the danger a stalker presents.
There was a twist and reveal which I did not see coming and I enjoyed the shock of that. It was nicely done and well thought out, but it wasn't enough to push my rating higher. While enjoyable, this one missed its stride with this reader. It won’t stop me from reading another book by M.A. Hunter in the future. We can't love them all.
#EveryStepYouTake #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks, #MAHunter
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
I wanted to love this one. I enjoyed the two other books I have read by M.A. Hunter (Adrift and The Trail) and thought this book would be a slam dunk as well. But I had a hard time believing that a runner could do so much while running a marathon such as being on the phone for most of the race. I thought a runner would be thinking about pacing, hydrating, time, stride, etc. Molly is consumed by who might be out there and reaching out to people. This does affect her race as she falls behind, stumbles, etc. There are also scenes in the past, which show what Molly experienced with the stalker which do let readers know the extent of what Molly went through and the danger a stalker presents.
There was a twist and reveal which I did not see coming and I enjoyed the shock of that. It was nicely done and well thought out, but it wasn't enough to push my rating higher. While enjoyable, this one missed its stride with this reader. It won’t stop me from reading another book by M.A. Hunter in the future. We can't love them all.
#EveryStepYouTake #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks, #MAHunter
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 20, 2024
Molly Fitzume has been through a lot she is a professional long distance runner and has survived a stalker and a slipped disc and today is her chance to qualify for the pre-Olympic trials and the Paris team. She feels ready but isn’t prepared for the strange things that start happening. This book is told in a clever way although dual timelines is nothing new, in Every Step You Take by MA Hunter we meet the protagonist as she in one POV runs the London marathon and then the second is her training and trying to figure out who her stalker is. From a jealous teammate her coach and even her agent all look like good suspects but she first believes it is her original stalker auto. when police officer Zara finds out surprising news about her stalker, she isn’t sure who the new culprit is. Although they do many things that her original stalker did she learns things that cause her to believe it may not be him after all but who is it? I don’t like to put things in my review that aren’t in the summary so let me just say this first Molly investigates her self and even advises policeman Zara as to what to do to help her out it is a really good book I love that this author always has a new story and doesn’t rely on the same old tropes but I found this one to be so original although I did get tired of hearing about her running there is enough happening and moves along swiftly enough that you soon are going to the next situation. The more books I read by this author the more I like her books. This is a great thriller and pretty original in a genre that don’t have many original ideas so if you’re in need of a different type of thriller you should definitely give this one a try. As I said every book I’ve read from this author is different from the one before and now I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next. I want to thank boldwood books and Net galley for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
March 27, 2024
A mystery set in the world of competitive running, this book had a good pace and sense of menace throughout the story. The main character is a young woman named Molly who is training for the Olympics. Molly has had a difficult few years including the sudden death of her mother, a back injury requiring surgery and a stalker. The stalker was a man posing as an orthopedic doctor and it took Molly awhile to figure out the doctor sending her advice was really a scammer using the real doctor's information. After the stalker was arrested Molly is training for the London marathon but still feels like someone is watching her. The majority of the book is from Molly's viewpoint from the starting point of the race until the end and the author did a good job of showing us Molly's thoughts and actions during each leg/mile of the marathon. In between the current sections we hear about Molly's life as it was affected by the stalker and how her manager and trainer keep telling her she is imagining things.
I did find it hard to believe Molly could send and receive dozens of messages, answer texts and take screenshots of threats she received as she was running. I would think most runners would not be paying attention to calls at all. As Molly continued in the race, a person keeps sending her threats that she cannot finish the race or she will die. Has her stalker escaped from prison or is this someone else? I thought the twist was very obvious and would have liked more background on Molly and the person who was targeting her but I did like this novel. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
I did find it hard to believe Molly could send and receive dozens of messages, answer texts and take screenshots of threats she received as she was running. I would think most runners would not be paying attention to calls at all. As Molly continued in the race, a person keeps sending her threats that she cannot finish the race or she will die. Has her stalker escaped from prison or is this someone else? I thought the twist was very obvious and would have liked more background on Molly and the person who was targeting her but I did like this novel. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
March 26, 2024
What an intriguing plot with a runner being stalked during the London Marathon.
Told in past and present, the story is centered around Molly Fitzhume, an almost Bronze medalist at 2021's Olympic Games in Tokyo. She is rehabilitating from an injury and a horrible scare and hopes to place in the London Marathon to go for the gold in Paris. Unfortunately, her past rears its ugly head when she starts getting signs that her stalker is back, but he's in prison. So, who is determined to destroy her?
The London Marathon is a race that will make or break Molly's run for the Olympics, and time and people are working against her. Molly's tension and fear slowly increase as she races towards the finish line with a potential killer on her tail. I'm impressed with Molly's stamina and dexterity in talking on the phone, avoiding several mishaps, and keeping her sanity while running in a race. It's a miracle she makes it as far as she does.
One can't help but root for Molly as she works so hard to be the best she can be. That mindset and her exceptional bravery keep her going. However, it was frustrating that many of her friends and supporters didn't believe her at first due to her past paranoia.
In typical psychological thriller fashion, there are several suspects to choose from and a gripping build to the ultimate reveal.
If you're looking for a story that will keep you hooked until the end, you should read this book.
Thank you to Ms. Hunter for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Told in past and present, the story is centered around Molly Fitzhume, an almost Bronze medalist at 2021's Olympic Games in Tokyo. She is rehabilitating from an injury and a horrible scare and hopes to place in the London Marathon to go for the gold in Paris. Unfortunately, her past rears its ugly head when she starts getting signs that her stalker is back, but he's in prison. So, who is determined to destroy her?
The London Marathon is a race that will make or break Molly's run for the Olympics, and time and people are working against her. Molly's tension and fear slowly increase as she races towards the finish line with a potential killer on her tail. I'm impressed with Molly's stamina and dexterity in talking on the phone, avoiding several mishaps, and keeping her sanity while running in a race. It's a miracle she makes it as far as she does.
One can't help but root for Molly as she works so hard to be the best she can be. That mindset and her exceptional bravery keep her going. However, it was frustrating that many of her friends and supporters didn't believe her at first due to her past paranoia.
In typical psychological thriller fashion, there are several suspects to choose from and a gripping build to the ultimate reveal.
If you're looking for a story that will keep you hooked until the end, you should read this book.
Thank you to Ms. Hunter for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
March 31, 2024
Every Step You Take by M.A. Hunter
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Run for your life... This year's London Marathon is my last chance to win the final place on the Olympic team. The months of rehabilitation after my injury will feel worth it to cross that line.
But I wasn't expecting the man who's been making my life a living hell to be there. Last I knew, my stalker was behind bars, but he says he's going to be at the race watching.
I have 26 miles to figure out whether it's him, and what he wants, or I could lose more than just the race.
A taut psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Teresa Driscoll, TM Logan and Daniel Hirst.
My Opinion
This book took me a while to read, it wasn't that I didn't enjoy it, but after my last M.A. Hunter book I really felt that this book deserved being read slowly. I have never really thought about what it takes to run a marathon, but this book is definitely packed with details about training and how gruelling the race actually is. Molly is trying to qualify for the Olympics in Paris and the majority of this book takes place as she runs the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon, but there are also flashbacks explaining the stalker situation.
Whilst reading this you will easily feel the tension, and in places I actually felt like I was the one being watched. If you are looking for a psychological thriller I would recommend giving this a read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Run for your life... This year's London Marathon is my last chance to win the final place on the Olympic team. The months of rehabilitation after my injury will feel worth it to cross that line.
But I wasn't expecting the man who's been making my life a living hell to be there. Last I knew, my stalker was behind bars, but he says he's going to be at the race watching.
I have 26 miles to figure out whether it's him, and what he wants, or I could lose more than just the race.
A taut psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Teresa Driscoll, TM Logan and Daniel Hirst.
My Opinion
This book took me a while to read, it wasn't that I didn't enjoy it, but after my last M.A. Hunter book I really felt that this book deserved being read slowly. I have never really thought about what it takes to run a marathon, but this book is definitely packed with details about training and how gruelling the race actually is. Molly is trying to qualify for the Olympics in Paris and the majority of this book takes place as she runs the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon, but there are also flashbacks explaining the stalker situation.
Whilst reading this you will easily feel the tension, and in places I actually felt like I was the one being watched. If you are looking for a psychological thriller I would recommend giving this a read.
Rating 4/5
April 1, 2024
Molly has a dream, a dream of competing for her country at the Olympics. All that stands between her and heading to Paris 2024 is qualification which means running the London Marathon. She’s been hit by injury after injury so her physical preparation hasn’t been the ideal but her (rather attractive) coach believes she can do it.
But marathon training isn’t just about being in peak physical fitness, it’s about having the right mental attitude. Molly’s psyche has taken a battering with a stalker … a stalker who is incarcerated a stalker who has reappeared in her life on the morning of the race. Talk about knocking your focus.
Chapter by chapter, I’m running around London with Molly doing the famous 26.2 miles. But then Hunter will leave me on a cliffhanger and drag me back to the months leading up to the big day, to events that rocked Molly’s psyche and disrupted her preparation. Despite trying to piece together the who from the clues in the past, I was desperate to get back to my cliffhanger!
I raced through Every Step You Take, glued to my kindle. Unlike Molly, I wasn’t running a marathon – it felt like the 110 metre hurdles with some smooth running before having to leap over the obstacles in my way whilst trying to work out who was tormenting Molly. And oooooffff what a climax!!!! It’s a stonking read from Hunter, thankfully it’s not put me off my own running but I won’t be entering a marathon anytime soon 😂
But marathon training isn’t just about being in peak physical fitness, it’s about having the right mental attitude. Molly’s psyche has taken a battering with a stalker … a stalker who is incarcerated a stalker who has reappeared in her life on the morning of the race. Talk about knocking your focus.
Chapter by chapter, I’m running around London with Molly doing the famous 26.2 miles. But then Hunter will leave me on a cliffhanger and drag me back to the months leading up to the big day, to events that rocked Molly’s psyche and disrupted her preparation. Despite trying to piece together the who from the clues in the past, I was desperate to get back to my cliffhanger!
I raced through Every Step You Take, glued to my kindle. Unlike Molly, I wasn’t running a marathon – it felt like the 110 metre hurdles with some smooth running before having to leap over the obstacles in my way whilst trying to work out who was tormenting Molly. And oooooffff what a climax!!!! It’s a stonking read from Hunter, thankfully it’s not put me off my own running but I won’t be entering a marathon anytime soon 😂
March 18, 2024
This year's London Marathon is my last chance to win the final place on the Olympic team. The months of rehabilitation after my injury will feel worth it when I cross the line. But I wasn't expecting the man who's been making my life a living hell to be there. Last I knew, my stalker was behind bars, but he says he's going to be at the race watching. I have twenty-six miles to figure out whether it's him, and what he wants, or I could lose more than just the race.
Molly Fitzume is a professional long-distance runner. She needs to run the London Marathon to qualify for the Paris Olympics. She's just recovered from major surgery, and she also had a stalker who is now in a prison cell in Germany. The chapters alternate between the race day and the events leading up to it, and we also get the background of the stalking story.
I did enjoy this story, but there were a few things I didn't feel were possible - being able to read text messages whilst running and make phone calls whilst running. I'm not a runner, so it possibly could happen. I also guessed who was stalking her when I was midway through the story. I did enjoy the book. I was rooting for Molly to beat one of the other Marathon runners.
Published 28th March
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MAHunter for my ARC of #EveryStepYouTake in exchange for an honest review.
Molly Fitzume is a professional long-distance runner. She needs to run the London Marathon to qualify for the Paris Olympics. She's just recovered from major surgery, and she also had a stalker who is now in a prison cell in Germany. The chapters alternate between the race day and the events leading up to it, and we also get the background of the stalking story.
I did enjoy this story, but there were a few things I didn't feel were possible - being able to read text messages whilst running and make phone calls whilst running. I'm not a runner, so it possibly could happen. I also guessed who was stalking her when I was midway through the story. I did enjoy the book. I was rooting for Molly to beat one of the other Marathon runners.
Published 28th March
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MAHunter for my ARC of #EveryStepYouTake in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2024
Thank you @rararesources and @AnAutieAuthor for letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. Every step you take is a psychological thriller genre. The story is set in the past 2023 and the present 2024 which is at the London Marathon. The story is about Molly who is a runner and has moved to a new flat in London and is doing advertising to raise her profile on social media, and then she starts to have a starker who will not leave her alone and all Molly wants to do is to get the Olympics in Paris, but she has to have a good time from the London marathon to get through. The story is at a fast-paced and I enjoyed it from the get-go. I liked how the story went to past and present, it worked well. I had no clue who the starker was, and I did really feel for Molly sometimes. It must be terrifying go through this and no one is listening to you. I thought she was paranoid and jumping at any little thing, but that's understandable. There is a great amount of tension that you are on tenders hooks on each page. There are some great twists and turns that I did not see coming. While reading Every step you take I did feel like I was running with Molly at times. Brilliant read that will capture late you from start to finish loved it. 5 stars. Not read anything by M A Hunter but I defiantly will now.
April 9, 2024
I didn't so much read, as inhale, this beyond-gripping novel from M A Hunter!! This book will have me glued to the London marathon this year - if only to see if the elite runners really DO take telephone calls and chat amongst themselves when they run!
The storyline focuses on the stalking of an elite runner, Mollie. A past timeline follows Mollie, having recently left her rural Scottish life to chase her olympic dream in London. The one thing standing between Mollie and the realisation of her dream of competing for team GB in the Paris Olympics is the strict time she needs to complete the London marathon in, which sees Mollie need to achieve an all time PB. Unfortunately for Mollie, she finds herself the recipient of some unwanted online attention as her precarious financial situation means that she has to endorse products until she (hopefully) hits the big time. This comes to a climax during the all-important London marathon, where through her mobile phone and smart watch, Mollie receives threats to her life in real time..
I can not stress enough just HOW GOOD this novel is!! Im actually jealous of anyone who hasn't yet read this, as I wish I could inhale it for the first time all over again!! 100+% recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
The storyline focuses on the stalking of an elite runner, Mollie. A past timeline follows Mollie, having recently left her rural Scottish life to chase her olympic dream in London. The one thing standing between Mollie and the realisation of her dream of competing for team GB in the Paris Olympics is the strict time she needs to complete the London marathon in, which sees Mollie need to achieve an all time PB. Unfortunately for Mollie, she finds herself the recipient of some unwanted online attention as her precarious financial situation means that she has to endorse products until she (hopefully) hits the big time. This comes to a climax during the all-important London marathon, where through her mobile phone and smart watch, Mollie receives threats to her life in real time..
I can not stress enough just HOW GOOD this novel is!! Im actually jealous of anyone who hasn't yet read this, as I wish I could inhale it for the first time all over again!! 100+% recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
August 11, 2025
Molly is a long distance runner, trying to recover from an injury and qualify for the Olympics. Her final hurdle is to complete the London Marathon but her mind isn't focussed due to a stalker...
Every Step You Take is a psychological thriller set in London.
Molly is fighting for her place in the Olympic team and this is her last chance to prove herself. She has battled to get herself fit again after a back injury. But on the morning of the race, she receives flowers and a note that she believes has come from her stalker. Otto is locked up in prison but Molly fears he has found a way to get to her. She frantically looks around herself as she runs, searching for a malevolent presence and trying to get help from her coach and the lead detective.
The book is written in Molly's first person present day timeline which shows us effectively how her concentration is being threatened by the distraction of fear. It felt very natural and authentic and brought Molly's character to life. Other chapters are written in the third person in the recent past to show how the stalker began his obsession. I really liked the style of the book and felt immersed in Molly's race. My only quibble is how much talking and fiddling with her electronics she does whilst running and I'm not capable of either when I run!
Every Step You Take is an engaging and authentically voiced psychological thriller.
Every Step You Take is a psychological thriller set in London.
Molly is fighting for her place in the Olympic team and this is her last chance to prove herself. She has battled to get herself fit again after a back injury. But on the morning of the race, she receives flowers and a note that she believes has come from her stalker. Otto is locked up in prison but Molly fears he has found a way to get to her. She frantically looks around herself as she runs, searching for a malevolent presence and trying to get help from her coach and the lead detective.
The book is written in Molly's first person present day timeline which shows us effectively how her concentration is being threatened by the distraction of fear. It felt very natural and authentic and brought Molly's character to life. Other chapters are written in the third person in the recent past to show how the stalker began his obsession. I really liked the style of the book and felt immersed in Molly's race. My only quibble is how much talking and fiddling with her electronics she does whilst running and I'm not capable of either when I run!
Every Step You Take is an engaging and authentically voiced psychological thriller.
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