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On the Run #1-3
On the Run Boxed Set
First three books of the On The Run series, Elusive, Secretive, and Deceptive. If you enjoy Elizabeth Peter’s Vicky Bliss series or Romancing the Stone, the On the Run series has the same mix of mystery, international travel, and light romance.
Elusive: Zoe Hunter loves living on the edge. Free-spirited and spontaneous, she’s built a life stringing together various freelance gigs that keep her bank account barely in the black. But when her ex, Jack, goes missing along with several million dollars from his business and the FBI zeros in on her as a person of interest, Zoe’s life goes from delightfully unpredictable to downright frightening.
Secretive: Zoe Hunter thought all the questions surrounding her ex’s mysterious past had been answered. She couldn’t have been more wrong.
Deceptive: A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a missing masterpiece is worth millions in cold hard cash…
Elusive: Zoe Hunter loves living on the edge. Free-spirited and spontaneous, she’s built a life stringing together various freelance gigs that keep her bank account barely in the black. But when her ex, Jack, goes missing along with several million dollars from his business and the FBI zeros in on her as a person of interest, Zoe’s life goes from delightfully unpredictable to downright frightening.
Secretive: Zoe Hunter thought all the questions surrounding her ex’s mysterious past had been answered. She couldn’t have been more wrong.
Deceptive: A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a missing masterpiece is worth millions in cold hard cash…
724 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2014
41 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Sara Rosett
46 books1,602 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 30, 2017
One the Run Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Sara Rosett Jan. 24-29, 2017
I originally read the first book in this series in March of 2015, so when I started this second book in the series, (“Secretive,”) I decided to go back and read the last chapter of book one (“Elusive,”) to hopefully bring me back into the story. However, I ended up re-reading the whole of book one. Which was OK, since it was just as fun as I remembered it the first time around.
I went ahead and reviewed these book separately; you can look those reviews up. In this space, I will give my overall impressions of this three book set and the overall rating as well.
The (first) three books in the series are in this set:
Elusive (Jan. 24-26, 2017) — 28 chapters [4 stars]
Secretive (Jan. 26-29, 2017) — prologue + 20 chapters + epilogue [3 stars]
Deceptive (Jan. 29, 2017) — 21 chapters [3 stars]
This is a very good three book set. If a reader can get a good price on this set, it will allow a good overview of this series, the characters, and the growth of the characters.
I’ll be honest: most of the things I really liked in the first book don’t seem to be there in the next two books. Namely, the interactions between Zoe and Helen. Her appearances drop off in the latter two books and even though there are some interesting developments in Helen’s life, this reader felt sad that the author didn’t develop that relationship a little more. It felt like once Jack had come back into Zoe’s life, Helen no longer was relevant. And I get that. Life has a way of doing that to relationships. Not doesn’t mean I have to like it!
The second book sort of dragged in places. But once the action picked up, especially the when Zoe and Jack were working together, the writing was a lot tighter, fluid and very enjoyable to read. (I had a disconnect with this book, only because I was unable to read it straight through. This series is the type where I really want to read the story/book to the end, without normal interruption. That this book took more than two days is not my ideal or normal turnaround for a cozy.)
The third book was disappointing in how the relationship between Zoe and Helen was handled. Helen was almost made to be like a blabber-mouth. I never got that impression of her before this book. Also I was looking forward to Jenny reappearing, but that was a disappointment too. A third character (Carla?) was pretty much a throwaway character. I didn’t get how Zoe knew her. Was she in the first book? Did I miss her appearance in an earlier book? No explanation or real backstory there either. And then she disappeared.
I did like how the author threw in touristy tidbits about the foreign places Zoe visited. I liked how the author was able to blend Zoe’s occupation in with the story. It made it more believable. I also liked how the author ended each story with an author note about the places that were visited. This reminded me of how some foodie cozies have recipes at the end of the story. Only Ms. Rosett talked about the places instead. I believe the author called it “The Story Behind the Story.” I really did enjoy those parts.
On a grammatical level, the first two books contained enough typos that I noticed it. Generally, not spelling issues. Generally, wrong word used. Maybe three to four instances. Maybe six times between the two books. The third one, I think had a at least one issue of this near the beginning, or first third of the book. But I didn’t notice any after that.
Overall, the first book was the best. I kind of figured I would continue to read this series, but the ending of the third book was so well written that it felt like a nice place to stop in the series. Not that I would read another book in this series. Not that at all. But I wouldn’t rush out to buy one either. (After all, I still have a lot of books on my “To-Read” list!) But these are truly fun reads.
I definitely recommend this to other cozy readers. It’s unique enough to be a good change of pace for other cozys.
Very high 3 star, but I’m going to rate it four star overall.
I originally read the first book in this series in March of 2015, so when I started this second book in the series, (“Secretive,”) I decided to go back and read the last chapter of book one (“Elusive,”) to hopefully bring me back into the story. However, I ended up re-reading the whole of book one. Which was OK, since it was just as fun as I remembered it the first time around.
I went ahead and reviewed these book separately; you can look those reviews up. In this space, I will give my overall impressions of this three book set and the overall rating as well.
The (first) three books in the series are in this set:
Elusive (Jan. 24-26, 2017) — 28 chapters [4 stars]
Secretive (Jan. 26-29, 2017) — prologue + 20 chapters + epilogue [3 stars]
Deceptive (Jan. 29, 2017) — 21 chapters [3 stars]
This is a very good three book set. If a reader can get a good price on this set, it will allow a good overview of this series, the characters, and the growth of the characters.
I’ll be honest: most of the things I really liked in the first book don’t seem to be there in the next two books. Namely, the interactions between Zoe and Helen. Her appearances drop off in the latter two books and even though there are some interesting developments in Helen’s life, this reader felt sad that the author didn’t develop that relationship a little more. It felt like once Jack had come back into Zoe’s life, Helen no longer was relevant. And I get that. Life has a way of doing that to relationships. Not doesn’t mean I have to like it!
The second book sort of dragged in places. But once the action picked up, especially the when Zoe and Jack were working together, the writing was a lot tighter, fluid and very enjoyable to read. (I had a disconnect with this book, only because I was unable to read it straight through. This series is the type where I really want to read the story/book to the end, without normal interruption. That this book took more than two days is not my ideal or normal turnaround for a cozy.)
The third book was disappointing in how the relationship between Zoe and Helen was handled. Helen was almost made to be like a blabber-mouth. I never got that impression of her before this book. Also I was looking forward to Jenny reappearing, but that was a disappointment too. A third character (Carla?) was pretty much a throwaway character. I didn’t get how Zoe knew her. Was she in the first book? Did I miss her appearance in an earlier book? No explanation or real backstory there either. And then she disappeared.
I did like how the author threw in touristy tidbits about the foreign places Zoe visited. I liked how the author was able to blend Zoe’s occupation in with the story. It made it more believable. I also liked how the author ended each story with an author note about the places that were visited. This reminded me of how some foodie cozies have recipes at the end of the story. Only Ms. Rosett talked about the places instead. I believe the author called it “The Story Behind the Story.” I really did enjoy those parts.
On a grammatical level, the first two books contained enough typos that I noticed it. Generally, not spelling issues. Generally, wrong word used. Maybe three to four instances. Maybe six times between the two books. The third one, I think had a at least one issue of this near the beginning, or first third of the book. But I didn’t notice any after that.
Overall, the first book was the best. I kind of figured I would continue to read this series, but the ending of the third book was so well written that it felt like a nice place to stop in the series. Not that I would read another book in this series. Not that at all. But I wouldn’t rush out to buy one either. (After all, I still have a lot of books on my “To-Read” list!) But these are truly fun reads.
I definitely recommend this to other cozy readers. It’s unique enough to be a good change of pace for other cozys.
Very high 3 star, but I’m going to rate it four star overall.
July 29, 2022
Elusive
I really got caught up in the storyline of Elusive.
Travel long through the States to find out what it who was sabotaging his business. Jack ends up in Naples and Venice And as an ex spy there are bad men and beautiful girls involved.
I really got caught up in the storyline of Elusive.
Travel long through the States to find out what it who was sabotaging his business. Jack ends up in Naples and Venice And as an ex spy there are bad men and beautiful girls involved.
April 16, 2021
A good read
Highly entertaining stories.
Murder mysteries set in beautiful locations.
These books all have a romantic twist to them as well.
Highly entertaining stories.
Murder mysteries set in beautiful locations.
These books all have a romantic twist to them as well.
May 20, 2016
I loved this series, it was a lot of fun to read. I don't give five stars easily and that rating is reserved for books that have the highest value to me. But this series rates high on my list of cozy mysteries, probably higher than 4, maybe 4.7.
Lots of location research went into these, the plots are unique and the characters are entertaining and have depth. If a book makes me miss the characters, action and scenery a month after I've read it then it was definitely worth reading and I will want more from this author.
Lots of location research went into these, the plots are unique and the characters are entertaining and have depth. If a book makes me miss the characters, action and scenery a month after I've read it then it was definitely worth reading and I will want more from this author.
April 24, 2016
Loved it!
I actually bought this book set when I saw an offer on it - I had already read the first 2 books and bought it for the 3rd book. I absolutely loved this 3rd book, Deceptive - needless to say, I love the protagonist. I enjoyed being with Zoe during her travels/adventures in this book in pursuit of what she was after. I also loved the conclusion and am looking forward to reading the 4th in the series.
I actually bought this book set when I saw an offer on it - I had already read the first 2 books and bought it for the 3rd book. I absolutely loved this 3rd book, Deceptive - needless to say, I love the protagonist. I enjoyed being with Zoe during her travels/adventures in this book in pursuit of what she was after. I also loved the conclusion and am looking forward to reading the 4th in the series.
May 26, 2014
I had already read Elusive so I was excited to get the next two books for a good price! Sara Rosett writes contemporary romantic suspense with flair of some of my long time favorites like Mary Stewart. I will be reading everything I can get my hands on now.
For those looking for sex, look elsewhere. There is lovely sexual tension but no description of sex.
For those looking for sex, look elsewhere. There is lovely sexual tension but no description of sex.
April 5, 2016
Love it!
I read the 3 box set w the first three stories b 3 nights straight! Loved them! Not your typical romance/mystery. Jack and Zoe take the reader along w them on a scary, funny, sweet trip.
I read the 3 box set w the first three stories b 3 nights straight! Loved them! Not your typical romance/mystery. Jack and Zoe take the reader along w them on a scary, funny, sweet trip.
January 30, 2017
I am only rating this lower because of the poorly scanned book two. I missed at least a third of the book. Words were on top of each other. I couldn't read several of the details.
Book 1 was fine. Not sure about three yet.
Book 1 was fine. Not sure about three yet.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews