Run: Outmatch, Outsmart, Outlive

by Christy Cooper-Burnett

"An adrenaline rush of a book that hooked me from the first page." -Haris Orkin, author of the James Flynn Escapade series

Kendra Thompson's simple life goes from predictable to living nightmare when her sixteen-year-old son Kyle records the unthinkable.

Now Kendra and her son are running for their lives, hunted by a vicious street gang with eyes and ears everywhere, who are determined to silence Kyle forever. In a deadly race to stay one step ahead of a ruthless gang, a crooked cop, and a corrupt politician, Kendra is the only one who can save him from a web of corruption that leaves her with almost no one she can trust.

Their lives hang in the balance as two strangers become their best chance for survival-a gutsy truck driver and her brother, a retired DEA agent with a questionable past.

Kendra's fierce determination to save her son and outmatch their pursuers is put to the test as she discovers just how far she is willing to go and what she will sacrifice to protect her child.

But where can a desperate mother turn for help when she can't trust anyone, and everyone has a stake in finding them?

Genres: Thriller

259 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2024

About the author

Christy Cooper-Burnett is a best-selling author based in southern California with a degree in Administration of Justice. She has one grown son who inspired her to write her award-winning debut novel, No Way Home.

She began her writing career later in life, but once she started she couldn't stop. Her work focuses on creating relatable stories and characters that transcend genres and encourage readers to imagine what they would do if thrown into the unique, imaginative situations her trademark strong female protagonists end up in.

Christy's novels have received numerous book awards including the California Author Project, PenCraft Awards, the Indies Today Book Awards, International Book Awards, Literary Titan Gold Medal Award, Maxy Award, Reader’s Favorite Five Star award, and recognition as one of Indies Today’s top five time travel novels.

Her new release RUN, due out July 4, 2024 has received critical acclaim from reviewers as a noteworthy contribution to contemporary thriller literature.

You can learn more about Christy or contact her to subscribe to her mailing list for news, book deals, and upcoming events at
https://www.christycooperburnettbooks...

Reviews

[Pattyh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to preview RUN. This is my kind of novel. Normal people thrown into crazy unpredictable situations. Run is one of those books.
A young woman and her son live a good life in Los Angeles. Well that is until her son witnesses a violent crime and their lives are in danger and chaos.
They have no choice but to go on the run.
From Los Angeles to across the country they must outrun criminals, the. law, and a hit man. They know they may not see tomorrow and have no choice but to RUN!
4 stars. Very good!!

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

Run: Outmatch, Outsmart, Outlive is a tense thriller about a single mother forced to go on the run with her teenage son after he witnesses a murder. I had not come across this author before but picked it out of a selection of books offered for review to the blog I contribute to - www.thebookreviewcrew.com ; these can be hit and miss at times but I really enjoyed this one.

Kendra Thompson is a hardworking nurse who’s getting by raising her 16 year old son Kyle after his father abandoned them. One evening Kyle takes a shortcut home and stumbles across a gang initiation in a back alley - but instead of slipping away quietly, he decides to video it, then is forced to run for his life when they see him. Unfortunately, the murder turns out to be politically motivated and the gang has contacts everywhere, including within the LAPD, so Kendra & Kyle’s only option is to go on the run from a range of killers determined to silence the only witness.

I’m a sucker for a good chase thriller, especially where the protagonist stays one step ahead through making their own luck. This was a fast-paced compulsive read that managed to avoid the predictable route I thought it would take into romantic suspense territory. It’s well written in conventional third person past style, which meant seeing things from various characters’ POVs and understanding their often twisted motivations. I liked Kendra the heroine but admit I would’ve been offering her bratty selfish son up to the bad guys after the second or third whinge about leaving his friends and his video games behind… The baddies are suitably evil and there are some upsetting deaths, but don’t worry - Buddy the dog emerges unscathed.

Thanks to Christy Cooper-Burnett for the review copy. Run is published on July 4th.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy Cooper Burnett once again captures us and takes us on a trip that we travel with a Mom who goes on the run with her son to protect his life.  Kendra, a professional nurse and single Mom will go to all ends to protect her son who's witnessed a murder and his life had now been threatened. Kyle as a typical teenager challenges his Mom many times but together as a team they run, they hide and outwit those who will do anything to catch them.  Along their flight searching for a safe place to hide they meet many other interesting characters but not knowing how vast and far reaching the power of those that are chasing them actually reaches they don't know who they can trust. Their flight has them traveling many miles and facing obstacles and challenges at every turn. The bond between mother and son is what keeps them going even when it seems they have run out of options and places to hide. You will be at the edge of your seat not being able to put the book down with each page capturing your imagination and your heart races as if you are running right along with Kendra and Kyle. I highly recommend this book and you will find yourself being caught up from the very beginning as Cooper-Burnett builds the characters and storyline that captures your imagination. With strong characters and twists and turns to the plot you don't even see coming you will not want to put the book down but then be sorry that it ends.

If you haven't yet read Christy Cooper -Burnett’s time travel trilogy do yourself a favor and order the books. No Way Home, Finding Home and Escaping Home will thrill and captivate you. The strong characters that Cooper-Burnett develops experience historical time travel adventures with romance, suspense and life or death adventures. You will appreciate what a compelling creative storyline that takes you throughout the trilogy in a brilliantly written action  plot that spins a web around you as you read each book and you continue to  read anxiously needing to know what happens next.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In “Run,” Christy Cooper-Burnett crafts a gripping thriller that plunges readers into a relentless chase filled with danger, suspense, and emotional depth. The story follows Kendra Thompson, a single mother whose life is turned upside down when her teenage son, Kyle, inadvertently records a crime. This act sets off a chain of events that forces them to flee from a ruthless gang, a corrupt cop, and a politician with sinister motives.

The narrative is a high-octane ride from start to finish. Cooper-Burnett masterfully balances action with moments of introspection, allowing readers to catch their breath while still feeling the urgency of Kendra and Kyle’s predicament. The plot twists are well-timed and keep the reader guessing, keeping this book glued to your hands.

Kendra is an outstanding (and likeable hero of a) character, embodying the fierce determination of a mother willing to do anything to protect her child. Her evolution from a nurse with a predictable life to a resourceful and resilient survivor is believable and inspiring. Kyle, too, is portrayed with depth, capturing the essence of a teenager thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The supporting characters, including a gutsy truck driver and her brother, a retired DEA agent, add layers of complexity and aid in the protagonists’ journey.


“Run” delves into themes of trust, survival, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. It also explores the moral ambiguities faced when the law is not on your side, and the ethical dilemmas that arise in life-or-death situations. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing food for thought without detracting from the story’s momentum.

Cooper-Burnett’s writing is crisp and engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring scenes to life. Her ability to create tension and maintain a fast pace is commendable. The dialogue is natural and adds to the authenticity of the characters’ experiences.

“Run” is a heart-pounding thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Christy Cooper-Burnett has delivered a compelling story with well-drawn characters and a plot that doesn’t let up. It’s a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a story that combines action with emotional depth.

The plot isn't filled only with villains, there are everyday heroes risking everything to keep this mother and son safe.

Finally, a book with main (and a few supporting) characters you can like and cheer for!

This story would make an outstanding movie...

[Literary Titan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run, by Christy Cooper-Burnett, is an action-packed contemporary novel that immerses its readers in the harrowing life of Kendra Thompson, a nurse and single mother. The plot thickens dramatically when her son, Kyle, becomes an unintended witness to a gang crime, thrusting them both into imminent danger. This novel echoes the tension and intrigue of classic thrillers, where survival is contingent on outwitting pursuers.

Set in a modern American setting, Cooper-Burnett skillfully merges the urgency of a high-stakes chase with the mental strain of being relentlessly pursued. The author's adept storytelling grips the reader from the onset, employing a rapid pace and convincingly realistic characters. A distinctive feature of this novel is its exploration of the gang's ties to influential figures, a development that not only elevates the risks involved but also challenges the protagonists' reliance on the justice system for safety. The journey of Kendra and Kyle, navigating through perilous and unpredictable circumstances, is engaging and maintains suspense throughout.

Cooper-Burnett demonstrates a talent for sustaining a tense atmosphere, underscored by a pervasive fear of the unknown. The alternating perspectives of mother and son add depth to the narrative, offering varied viewpoints that enrich the plot. The characters' unwavering uprightness amidst the story's darker elements effectively injects moments of humanity and relief into the narrative, which is otherwise marked by continuous tension. This contrast serves to retain the reader's engagement, offering a balanced rhythm that prevents desensitization to the story's swift developments.

Run is not exclusively for aficionados of the thriller genre but is equally inviting for newcomers intrigued by such storytelling. The novel presents a riveting combination of unceasing action and intricate ethical quandaries, marking it as a noteworthy contribution to contemporary thriller literature.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book run by Christie Cooper – Burnett we meet Kyle Thomas your average teenager so needless to say his mom nurse Kendra Thomas has a lot on her plate he is better than most but still a teenager and after his first date with a girl he’s had a crush on Britney on his way home he inadvertently see something he shouldn’t and then decides to videotape it. He is spotted and In his haste to get away he trips and loses his ID. What he saw was a murder who he saw do it is one of the fiercest gangs in LA
At home Kendra waits wondering where her son could be when he stumbles in she is relieved and angry at the same time but once Kyle discloses what just happened she is nervous and worried for her child she believes that calling the LA PD is the answer but soon learns that was the last thing she should’ve done. When the murder victim makes the news Kendall and Kyle soon learn it’s not just gangs the running from in the LAPD isn’t the only government officials they need worry about. Kendall doesn’t know who to trust with her in her only sons life on the line all she can do is run until she finds a solution. This was a awesome book! Can I just say I absolutely loved Louise and her brother Sam but that wasn’t the only thing I loved about this but there is so much I would like to say but cannot because I don’t want to give spoilers but OMG if you love books with good against evil were the good prevail you definitely love this book I thought Miss Cooper-Burnett did a great job wrapping up the story when I initially started reading I didn’t know the book was going to go to the places it did but it’s just another book that reminds me why I am a big fan of the author. This is a book I definitely recommend and if you love action pack heartwarming gritty Chase thrillers the you’ll definitely love it as well. please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review

[Sublime Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating = 5

Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing & Delivery = 5
Editorial = 5

Sixteen-year-old Kyle Thompson stumbles across a crime in progress and decides to film it. That bad decision triggers a run for their lives for Kyle and his mother Kendra as a gang, a crooked cop, a corrupt politician, and a hitman are on their trail, seemingly with eyes everywhere. There are few people they can trust as their existence is upended and forever changed. Temporarily rescued by a truck driver and her ex-DEA brother, Kendra and Kyle are given some survival tools and need to make the most of them, along with their own wits, to save their lives.

Having experienced the author’s wonderful time travel adventure series, I looked forward to how she took on the thriller genre. It’s easy to say I wasn’t disappointed. This novel is so edge-of-your-seat and heart-pounding, I almost begged for a chance to take a breath. With well-written and relatable characters, Kendra is a nurse with an ordinary existence, and Kyle is a normal sixteen-year-old with an attitude. Despite the extraordinary events that happen to them during their flight from danger, they are not outside the realm of possibility. The author also succeeds in delivering a one-two punch by tugging on your heartstrings during non-stop action. If you’re looking for a high-velocity novel, look no further. Cooper-Burnett has mastered the art of blending and crossing over genres.

Sublime Line: “Prepare not to breathe with this heart-pounding, nail-biting thriller.”

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that is full of action and has a mother fighting to keep her son alive. Kyle on his way home records what he thinks is a fight but then turns into a murder. When he makes a noise behind the trash dumpster he is hiding behind he is now running from one of the gang members. Is lucky enough to get away and make it home. His mother Kendra worried about her son and calls him to work as a nurse and when she arrives home and he is still not home is beginning to become worried. After he arrives the two of them calm down and she begins to listen to what he is telling her she tells him to pack his backpack just in case. When he was leaving the scene he dropped his school I.D. and the people having a cop on their payroll have now found their home and she realizes just how serious this has become. The story takes off from there where they meet different people who help them along the way but it is consent running from the people who are after them and who can they trust. Some who help are killed. When you get to the end you are like wow what a story, excellent book.

[Haris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adrenaline rush of a book that hooked me from the first page. Kendra Thompson, a single mom and nurse, is thrust into a waking nightmare when her sixteen-year-old son Kyle sees something he shouldn’t have. Now the most ruthless people imaginable want him dead and only Kendra can save him. The danger and fear Kendra feels is palpable as she does whatever she can to keep Kyle alive. She’s not an elite soldier or an indestructible super spy, she’s just a mom trying to protect her child. Because of that I was with her every step of the way. It brought to mind what I might do in a similar situation. The action is visceral and the suspense constant. The characters are well-drawn and vivid, and the story is full of shocking twists and turns. I don’t want to give too much away, just know the tension and danger continues to ramp up from the first page to the last.

[Gary Gerlacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

When her teenage son witnesses a crime, Kendra needs a plan to keep him safe. Unfortunately, the gang members identified Kyle at the scene and will stop at nothing to eliminate him and his mom from testifying. The gang members show up at their house and Kendra’s only option is to flee. Run: Outmatch, Outsmart, Outlive is a battle between two unstoppable forces - a mom’s will to keep her son alive versus a gang that is determined to silence him forever. With no resources, and not knowing who to trust, Kendra and Kyle run for their lives. They rely on their wits and the kindness of strangers to help them survive in a world where they don’t know who to trust. This thriller will keep you turning pages as you root for Kyle and Kendra to find a way to survive on their own against superior forces.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teenager Kyle is late getting home after a first date so decides to take a shortcut. He comes across a gang giving a beating to someone and hides behind a dumpster to record it on his phone. However the beating turns out to be an execution. At that moment his phone rings and gives away his location so he has to flee for his life. He and his mother Kendra are forced to flee there home because the gang found Kyle's school ID. They know the gang have an insider with the police so don't know who to turn to for help as they pursued by the gang and their associates. Luckily they do get help along the way but there are terrible consequences.
Although credulity is a little stretched at times the story is good one and it flows at a steady pace so I would happily recommend it as a decent thriller.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Scott Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a bang, Kendra and her teenage son Kyle are off and running for their lives, pursued by savage street gangs and a ruthless web of corruption that leaves her almost no one she can trust. Run is the story of a mother grasping, on the run, how far she can go and what she’s willing to sacrifice to protect her child. Run is a thriller with great heart—and with plenty of heart-stopping moments. Author Christy Cooper-Burnett takes readers on a breakneck run through gritty streets of Los Angeles, up the spine of California’s Central Valley, into the breathtaking remoteness of the northern California woods, and elsewhere. But at every stop, Kendra and Kyle find they can run but they can’t hide, so their only hope is her ability to outmatch their pursuers.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I initially had a hard time putting this one down. I was on edge as I followed our protagonist, single Mom Kendra, who is running/hiding from gang members (and corrupt law enforcement) after her teenage son was seen filming a gang murder. But the story became too unrealistic (and with incredibly convenient/lucky events) to keep me in suspended disbelief, and I found myself rolling my eyes at times. I would have preferred the protagonist to be tougher, instead of difficult and whiney. The pat ending was a little off-putting (as was the implication regarding what defines happiness for women). Having said that, it was an easy, fast-paced read.
I was given a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review.

[Shelda Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

This was a very good story, I found myself hurrying through the pages to see what would happen. it was worth the two or three hours it took me to read it even rushing through it. it was a fun read exciting and not a blooding kill him shoot him up bang bang story just a real good story about a mother and her son taking care of himself and keeping himself alive from some very bad people. It’s a kind of story you want to happen in real life. I really enjoyed reading it. so buy it and you’ll enjoy it too. There were a few bad words in it, but not enough to who that just a really good story and you will be happy with the ending.

[Ellen Ricciutti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run: Outmatch, Outsmart, Outlive by Christy Cooper-Burnett will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, keeping you hooked until the very last page. The story follows a mother and her son as they're relentlessly pursued by a dangerous gang, and the tension is palpable. The lengths this mother goes to protect her son are nothing short of heroic. It's a riveting story of love, sacrifice, and survival that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. You won't be able to put Run down!

[Stephen Brayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a straightforward story. The action was consistent. I enjoyed how you kept Kendra always one step ahead, but then the bad guys catch up. It was a little stretch to see that she ran into the one trucker on the road whose brother happened to be ex FBI, but LOL, that's not bad. Authors have to write stuff like that, otherwise, you wouldn't have a story, or you'd have slow spots with the reader saying "Get on with it" so no worries there.

A fine read. Let's see some more good stuff from this author.

[Christopher Monteagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like fast-paced thrillers that don't seem to let up, this is a great book for you. Christy Cooper-Burnett writes scenes very well and you certainly feel the tension as it develops naturally. I very much enjoyed the storyline as it evolves from a simple case of "wrong place, wrong time" to a rapid escallation of events that culminate in Kendra and her son running for their lives from some very believably bad people. Without getting too spoiler-ish, the political elements raised the stakes for me, and made the whole thing a very enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

This absolutely riveting tale of a mother and her teenaged son captivated me from the start. After 16 year old Kyle witnesses and secretly records the execution-style murder of a senator's nephew, he and his mom Kendra need to RUN. No place is safe and those who would wish the two dead are always just a step behind. Unable to trust the authorities, mother and son zig zag across the country in their efforts to survive. You'll turn pages and stay up far too late with this one. Highly recommended.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! What a thrill ride from start to finish. The son witnesses a crime and mom and son have to go on the run to get away from the crime gang after them. They manage to stay one step ahead of the gang by some luck and brains. I have read all of Cooper-Burnett's books and everyone of them are fabulous. Great get away from reality entertainment. I hope this author keeps writing books.

[Pamela Tuason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read all of Christie's time travel books that are all amazing, loved them all . This being a totally different type of book I had to read it being one of my favorite authors books.
I was absolutely taken in from the 1st page.
Read til 3am then finished the next day.
Lots of action, twists and turns.
Could relate to the extremes a mother will go to to protect her child. Found myself holding my breath at times.
Highly recommend this book! Looking forward to her next one!

[Regina Buttner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stakes are deadly and the tension rockets into overdrive in this electrifying story of a desperate mother’s fierce determination to protect her son from a vicious street gang bent on revenge, a rogue cop who's in it only for the money, and a corrupt politician with the morals of an oil slick. You won't be able to put this one down!

[Tiffanie Steik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Christy Cooper-Burnett’s time travel series, but I think she has found her calling in suspense! I couldn’t put this book down! Every time I thought they were going to be ok, what else could go wrong? She pulled the rug out from under me with another twist! Run and read this book!!

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful read that had me trying to figure out what would happen next to Kendra and Kyle. Kendra will do whatever it takes to protect her son. Action packed, dangerous and has wonderful characters in Kendra, Kyle, Sam, Lou and Buddy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robyn Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this thriller! Read it in one sitting! A mother needs to go on the run after her son witnesses a murder. The characters are fully fleshed out and have their own unique voices and it was evident that the author did extensive research before putting pen to paper. Give this one a read ASAP!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Laura Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this story. It had relatable characters with honest feelings. Ending was a little abrupt for me but definitely was a good read. Makes you ask yourself how far would you go to keep your family safe? Would you risk everything? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 4 out of 5]

A normal woman and her teenage son try to outrun and to outsmart gangbangers and a professional killer. This suspense chase thriller is highly entertaining as luck helps them to get away in unexpected ways. I give one star less because the ending was a bitt disappointing for me.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Reminded me very much of a Dean Koontz action novel. Full of action from start to finish. Great characters. Stand-alone novel. If death and violence triggers you, you should probably skip this one, but if not, don’t miss this one.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

No rest in this one. How far would you run for your child?

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kendra's teenage son witnesses a gang killing, the gang and the political figure behind the hit will stop at nothing to silence him. With relentless pursuit by the gang and a hired assassin with no scruples, Kendra and Kyle run for their lives. Police and government corruption make nowhere safe and leave them no one to trust. With fast-paced action and believable characters, the author takes us on a nightmare road trip that doesn't stop until the end.

[P.L. Jonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adrenaline rush!
Strong writing with relatable characters kept me turning the page. I don't usually read this type of book but this one is well done. A definite recommend.