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The Runner
THE GRIPPING STANDALONE THRILLER FROM THE AUTHOR OF TIKTOK SENSATION STONE MAIDENS
He's in too deep… And almost out of time.
Martin Gabriel is a runner for Ben. He runs errands. He runs deliveries. And now he is running for his life…
When a deal goes wrong, Martin realizes Ben isn’t the legitimate businessman he thought he was.
He flees before Ben catches up with him, unaware that Ben’s criminal network and the FBI are also on his tail.
No longer a runner, but still on the run.
Is Martin fast enough to get away from his past?
He's in too deep… And almost out of time.
Martin Gabriel is a runner for Ben. He runs errands. He runs deliveries. And now he is running for his life…
When a deal goes wrong, Martin realizes Ben isn’t the legitimate businessman he thought he was.
He flees before Ben catches up with him, unaware that Ben’s criminal network and the FBI are also on his tail.
No longer a runner, but still on the run.
Is Martin fast enough to get away from his past?
352 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2025
133 people are currently reading
5577 people want to read
About the author
Lloyd Devereux Richards
3 books937 followersLloyd Devereux Richards was born in New York City and traveled extensively in Europe, Africa, and Central America before attending law school. He previously served as a senior law clerk for an Indiana Court of Appeals judge, researching and writing drafts for dozens of published opinions, including the appeal of a serial killer sentenced to death. A father of three, he lives with his wife, Cameron O’Connor, and their two dogs in Montpelier, Vermont. Stone Maidens is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 22, 2024
Read if you like;
-Organised Crime
-Cross country chase
-FBI
-Roller coaster ride
Wow the runner is a contemporary suspense thriller that captures from the first chapter. Honestly that first chapter everything is happening! You are kept in your toes throughout this novel.
Whilst the first half of the book did feel a little slow the second half certainly picked up and there was action after action.
Initially there are a lot of POV’s, which took me a minute to get my head around. However? Once I did, I was hooked on every single character and the part they had to play! All characters are well drawn. The villains are unpredictable and ruthless!
Don’t miss out on this engaging read. The ending was shocking and I did not expect that at all!!
-Organised Crime
-Cross country chase
-FBI
-Roller coaster ride
Wow the runner is a contemporary suspense thriller that captures from the first chapter. Honestly that first chapter everything is happening! You are kept in your toes throughout this novel.
Whilst the first half of the book did feel a little slow the second half certainly picked up and there was action after action.
Initially there are a lot of POV’s, which took me a minute to get my head around. However? Once I did, I was hooked on every single character and the part they had to play! All characters are well drawn. The villains are unpredictable and ruthless!
Don’t miss out on this engaging read. The ending was shocking and I did not expect that at all!!
August 1, 2024
Wow
I read about this author and book in our local paper. Thought I would check it out. Bravo , Mr. Richards , what an exciting read,a real page turner. Look forward to future publications. There really were no goods guys in this one, except for the FBI who saved everyone's "bacon".
I read about this author and book in our local paper. Thought I would check it out. Bravo , Mr. Richards , what an exciting read,a real page turner. Look forward to future publications. There really were no goods guys in this one, except for the FBI who saved everyone's "bacon".
January 1, 2025
I read this book on a bad day because I figured Martin Gabriel was having it worse than me—but then there was a plot twist, and it turns out he wasn’t doing so bad after all lol
May 20, 2025
First time reading this author . I had pre-ordered this book & was so excited for it to release & and WOW, did I ever enjoy this suspense / crime thriller .
It was fast-paced , had me guessing lots , vivid descriptions, and SO MANY TWISTS !!
This book was so well written and put together & I always love a good crime thriller 🤍
I will definitely be checking out more from this author at some point 📖
Highly recommend everyone to check this book out if you haven't ! 🤍
It was fast-paced , had me guessing lots , vivid descriptions, and SO MANY TWISTS !!
This book was so well written and put together & I always love a good crime thriller 🤍
I will definitely be checking out more from this author at some point 📖
Highly recommend everyone to check this book out if you haven't ! 🤍
January 19, 2026
Let’s write a thriller where the only thrilling part is the last 2 chapters that gets resolved in 3 pages, with a dumb “twist” at the end that wasn’t needed or made any sense. That’s such a good idea…
September 19, 2024
4.5⭐️
AD-PR PRODUCT
An exhilarating and fast-paced crime thriller! 😍
I couldn’t wait to sprint into this read as the premise sounded great, and the book sure didn’t disappoint. Assiduously written and action packed, this really was unputdownable.
Martin is a runner for Ben. He runs errands and deliveries. And now he’s running for his life. A failed deal makes Martin realise that Ben isn’t the legitimate businessmen he thought he was. He flees before Ben catches up with him, unaware that Ben’s criminal network and the FBI are on his tail. No longer a runner, but still on the run. Is Martin fast enough to get away from his past?
Of course with a protagonist sharing my name, I was bound to love this, but all jokes aside, I really did. I loved the multiple POVs, short chapters and how addictive this book was. I read this in a few sittings over two days, picking this up whenever I could.
I really liked Martin. I felt bad that he ended up with the wrong crowd and hated how he treated his friends at times, but overall, I was rooting for him. I liked Special Agent Leigh’s determination to catch up with Martin and bust the criminal enterprise from its seams. And Ben… please don’t be like Ben!
I loved the twists, vivid descriptions and the constant suspense that Richards emanated throughout. I was on the edge of my seat during the chapters in South Dakota during the snow storm. They were utterly riveting and I was gripped.
The final chapters felt a little rushed and could have been expanded, however, that final page sure made up for it!
A huge thank you to @whatcarolineread, @hqstories and @lloydrichards.author for this proof copy of The Runner that I recommend you grab now! 💙
This was a clever crime thriller that was so unpredictable and very enjoyable. 🔥
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
AD-PR PRODUCT
An exhilarating and fast-paced crime thriller! 😍
I couldn’t wait to sprint into this read as the premise sounded great, and the book sure didn’t disappoint. Assiduously written and action packed, this really was unputdownable.
Martin is a runner for Ben. He runs errands and deliveries. And now he’s running for his life. A failed deal makes Martin realise that Ben isn’t the legitimate businessmen he thought he was. He flees before Ben catches up with him, unaware that Ben’s criminal network and the FBI are on his tail. No longer a runner, but still on the run. Is Martin fast enough to get away from his past?
Of course with a protagonist sharing my name, I was bound to love this, but all jokes aside, I really did. I loved the multiple POVs, short chapters and how addictive this book was. I read this in a few sittings over two days, picking this up whenever I could.
I really liked Martin. I felt bad that he ended up with the wrong crowd and hated how he treated his friends at times, but overall, I was rooting for him. I liked Special Agent Leigh’s determination to catch up with Martin and bust the criminal enterprise from its seams. And Ben… please don’t be like Ben!
I loved the twists, vivid descriptions and the constant suspense that Richards emanated throughout. I was on the edge of my seat during the chapters in South Dakota during the snow storm. They were utterly riveting and I was gripped.
The final chapters felt a little rushed and could have been expanded, however, that final page sure made up for it!
A huge thank you to @whatcarolineread, @hqstories and @lloydrichards.author for this proof copy of The Runner that I recommend you grab now! 💙
This was a clever crime thriller that was so unpredictable and very enjoyable. 🔥
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
August 4, 2025
Not my kind of reading so it was hard for me to get through
I read it because I love the the author’s first 2 books
I read it because I love the the author’s first 2 books
May 27, 2025
Lloyd Devereux Richards’ newest, The Runner, starts with protagonist Martin Gabriel’s witnessing an almost-catastrophic bungling of an underworld hand-off that he’s involved in. From then on, Martin’s on a reluctant run for his life because he may or may not have a crucial item wanted by the sophisticated bad guys on his trail. His pursuers are soon joined by the talented FBI agent Leigh Holden, a strong female character with an interesting idea about how to bring Martin to safety. The Runner has all the elements of a thriller: high stakes, competition between law enforcement and the villains, vulnerable, compromised men who are easily manipulated, interesting settings — even the weather plays a critical role. Most importantly for a thriller, Richards writes a page-turner with lots of twists and turns.
May 21, 2025
This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and it was good enough to read in one afternoon. It is well written, but there are a few scenes that could have been expanded upon, instead of cutting to the next scene.
Suspenseful, which I enjoy.
Suspenseful, which I enjoy.
May 22, 2025
Thriller
Exciting and suspenseful all the way through. Good character development, so much so that I am hopeful for a series of books with this cast!!! A twist or two is par for the course.
Exciting and suspenseful all the way through. Good character development, so much so that I am hopeful for a series of books with this cast!!! A twist or two is par for the course.
August 19, 2025
Dear oh dear. Short chapters make this fairly easy to read but some of the writing made me want to tear my hair out. Cliches galore would earn a C from a high school English teacher.
I will look out for other books by this author - so I can avoid them.
I will look out for other books by this author - so I can avoid them.
June 6, 2025
big twist in the last sentence of the book, positive connotation
June 15, 2025
Exciting read. Greed with no morality.Interesting plot, creative coflicts and resolutions. A good read.
June 26, 2025
Such a good book and plot twist! Couldn’t stop reading, definitely a favourite!
August 13, 2025
I am so glad I found this author on tik tok cause his books are exactly my thing
October 15, 2025
took me longer to get into this one than this authors first two books. I felt like it took too long for the whole thing to come together.
December 29, 2025
Not a bad read. Good story. I liked it.
January 4, 2026
Was slow to start but halfway through I got hooked
April 24, 2025
2.5⭐️
If you like a book with the elements of organised crime, a huge man hunt chase across America, FBI and a hell of a lot of action then this book is definitely for you.
I’m not going to lie to you, the first half of the book was so boring and I really didn’t think I was going to be able to get into it but I persevered and I’m so glad I did because wow, the ending, I was shocked.
The last 100/150 pages were definitely the best bits out of the book, I just kind of found it too descriptive and there’s so many points of view by so many different people that it can get kind of confusing but it was still a good read, if only for the last half.
If you like a book with the elements of organised crime, a huge man hunt chase across America, FBI and a hell of a lot of action then this book is definitely for you.
I’m not going to lie to you, the first half of the book was so boring and I really didn’t think I was going to be able to get into it but I persevered and I’m so glad I did because wow, the ending, I was shocked.
The last 100/150 pages were definitely the best bits out of the book, I just kind of found it too descriptive and there’s so many points of view by so many different people that it can get kind of confusing but it was still a good read, if only for the last half.
April 29, 2024
The Runner by Lloyd Devereux Richards is a contemporary suspense thriller that captured my attention from the start.
Lloyd Devereux Richards has created a complex and well executed plotline. The Runner is a thinking mans novel that keeps the reader on their toes throughout.
There are all the elements to make this an exciting tale – heroes and villains, cross country chases, assassins, FBI, innocent victims and much more. The reader buckles up for a roller coaster ride as we cling on, with pulses rising.
We see how upbringings shape the person we become – a character’s father did not believe he would amount to anything. How true was this prophecy? You will have to read the novel in order to find out.
A sister has a bond with her brother, caring enough to make a difficult phone call. Would he do the same?
Childhood friends can be depended on. A character takes advantage of this bond.
The setting is in America in November. As a road trip is taken across country, the snowy weather mirrors the action which is unpredictable and turns on a knife edge.
All the characters were well drawn. The villains were gruff, unpredictable and ruthless at every turn. Both female characters were similar but different, both proving to have more bottle than some of the men.
The Runner was an extremely exciting and engaging read. The ending was superb – I did not see that coming!
The Runner would make a fabulous television series.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Lloyd Devereux Richards has created a complex and well executed plotline. The Runner is a thinking mans novel that keeps the reader on their toes throughout.
There are all the elements to make this an exciting tale – heroes and villains, cross country chases, assassins, FBI, innocent victims and much more. The reader buckles up for a roller coaster ride as we cling on, with pulses rising.
We see how upbringings shape the person we become – a character’s father did not believe he would amount to anything. How true was this prophecy? You will have to read the novel in order to find out.
A sister has a bond with her brother, caring enough to make a difficult phone call. Would he do the same?
Childhood friends can be depended on. A character takes advantage of this bond.
The setting is in America in November. As a road trip is taken across country, the snowy weather mirrors the action which is unpredictable and turns on a knife edge.
All the characters were well drawn. The villains were gruff, unpredictable and ruthless at every turn. Both female characters were similar but different, both proving to have more bottle than some of the men.
The Runner was an extremely exciting and engaging read. The ending was superb – I did not see that coming!
The Runner would make a fabulous television series.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
May 24, 2024
It’s been a long while since I read a thriller with a FBI v bad guy theme - I enjoyed this addictive page turner.
Our MC is Martin Gabriel - an ordinary guy, who cannot hold down a job and gets into an issue when a ‘job’ goes wrong and he finds himself on the run…on the run from his employer, the FBI and also some other guys that you definitely don’t want to be on the wrong side of….
The story is told from different points of view, some of which become intertwined - each character perspective/story is easy to follow and makes for a quick read, as the chapters are often short and very addictive - I needed to know what was next for each character, so found myself reading chunks of the story at a time, in order to get back to a certain character’s perspective.
The story is easy to follow, and there is an underlying ‘who’s got it…’ throughout the book and that’s what kept my interest until the end - I just needed to know!
I’d have liked a bit more ‘explosive’ action from the book - a bit more ‘Hollywood’ but the action was good - a lot was covered. I enjoyed how the book played out and came together at the end. I’d certainly look out for more of this author’s books.
Thank you to the publisher or a gifted copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review.
Our MC is Martin Gabriel - an ordinary guy, who cannot hold down a job and gets into an issue when a ‘job’ goes wrong and he finds himself on the run…on the run from his employer, the FBI and also some other guys that you definitely don’t want to be on the wrong side of….
The story is told from different points of view, some of which become intertwined - each character perspective/story is easy to follow and makes for a quick read, as the chapters are often short and very addictive - I needed to know what was next for each character, so found myself reading chunks of the story at a time, in order to get back to a certain character’s perspective.
The story is easy to follow, and there is an underlying ‘who’s got it…’ throughout the book and that’s what kept my interest until the end - I just needed to know!
I’d have liked a bit more ‘explosive’ action from the book - a bit more ‘Hollywood’ but the action was good - a lot was covered. I enjoyed how the book played out and came together at the end. I’d certainly look out for more of this author’s books.
Thank you to the publisher or a gifted copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2024
I have already read Lloyd’s other novels (which are superb) so when I saw he had written a 3rd novel I had to get my hands on a copy. Thankyou to HarperCollinsUK for approving my Netgalley ARC and for sending me a physical copy! I loved Stone Maidens and Maidens of the Cave so of course I had high expectations for this one and it turns out I thoroughly enjoyed this one too.
The writing in The Runner is excellent and the storytelling is so engaging I found myself unable to put it down. There’s a lot of moving parts, as you would expect from a multi POV crime thriller. Combined with twists and turns and a building suspense I was kept on my toes from the first few chapters. Normally I’m quite good at being able to predict what’s going to happen but there were several moments that caught me off guard which added to my enjoyment of the story! And I certainly wasn’t expecting that ending either!
The writing in The Runner is excellent and the storytelling is so engaging I found myself unable to put it down. There’s a lot of moving parts, as you would expect from a multi POV crime thriller. Combined with twists and turns and a building suspense I was kept on my toes from the first few chapters. Normally I’m quite good at being able to predict what’s going to happen but there were several moments that caught me off guard which added to my enjoyment of the story! And I certainly wasn’t expecting that ending either!
September 1, 2024
The Runner by Lloyd Devereux Richards
Narrated by Christopher Ragland
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HQ and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Martin Gabriel is a runner for Ben. He runs errands. He runs deliveries. And now he is running for his life…
When a deal goes wrong, Martin realizes Ben isn’t the legitimate businessman he thought he was.
He flees before Ben catches up with him, unaware that Ben’s criminal network and the FBI are also on his tail.
No longer a runner, but still on the run.
Is Martin fast enough to get away from his past?
My Opinion
The Runner caught my attention from the beginning with a complex plot. The reader is taken on a rollercoaster with many twists and turns. The Runner is the first book I have read by Lloyd Devereux Richards but I have seen some great things so I will be on the lookout for more books in the future.
Rating 4/5
Narrated by Christopher Ragland
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HQ and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Martin Gabriel is a runner for Ben. He runs errands. He runs deliveries. And now he is running for his life…
When a deal goes wrong, Martin realizes Ben isn’t the legitimate businessman he thought he was.
He flees before Ben catches up with him, unaware that Ben’s criminal network and the FBI are also on his tail.
No longer a runner, but still on the run.
Is Martin fast enough to get away from his past?
My Opinion
The Runner caught my attention from the beginning with a complex plot. The reader is taken on a rollercoaster with many twists and turns. The Runner is the first book I have read by Lloyd Devereux Richards but I have seen some great things so I will be on the lookout for more books in the future.
Rating 4/5
August 8, 2024
I was 1000% influenced by BookTok -- this author's daughter runs his Instagram page and it is the most genuinely wholesome thing on the internet right now. I couldn't order this fast enough!
This is a fast paced thriller about a young man on the run after the criminal conspiracy he gets himself involved in goes sideways.
Martin has a hard time keeping a steady job after abandoning his college degree to take care of his sick father. He links up with Ben, who imports clothing -- among other things -- into the United States and quickly proves himself as a runner. But when their last meet was raided by Customs agents, Martin himself is on the run and he's managed to put the few people close to him in danger as well.
I hope there is a follow up in the works because I need more!
This is a fast paced thriller about a young man on the run after the criminal conspiracy he gets himself involved in goes sideways.
Martin has a hard time keeping a steady job after abandoning his college degree to take care of his sick father. He links up with Ben, who imports clothing -- among other things -- into the United States and quickly proves himself as a runner. But when their last meet was raided by Customs agents, Martin himself is on the run and he's managed to put the few people close to him in danger as well.
I hope there is a follow up in the works because I need more!
Read
June 20, 2024Martin G is the runner - of smuggled goods - but had to run for his life . First from an anti smuggling raid and then across the USA from his cunning boss , who had a ruthless master criminal over him , alongside the usual Russian thugs.
A story of good friends ( Steve) , a loving sister (Sylvia), an honest cop ( Leigh ) and a nuclear physicist who is increasing in age and worse - gambling debt .
Thrilling story with the background of a wintry blizzard in Dakota , USA.
A story of good friends ( Steve) , a loving sister (Sylvia), an honest cop ( Leigh ) and a nuclear physicist who is increasing in age and worse - gambling debt .
Thrilling story with the background of a wintry blizzard in Dakota , USA.
May 28, 2024
I enjoyed listening to this audio but didn't quite make the 5 stars for me. It was good, quick, fast paced and lots of twists and turns, organised crime and the FBI involved, bit of a rollercoaster ride for The Runner.
Certainly picked up after half way listening to it and I believe it would make a really good movie. Shocking end.
Highly recommended
June 19, 2024
Cat and mouse thriller.
Martin Gabriel is a runner for Ben. He suspects Ben is involved with some dodgy dealings, but Martin is paid in cash, and paid well. A deal goes wrong and Martin is forced to go on the run. Both the bad guys (Ben and the bigger fish up the line) and the FBI are on the hunt for Martin.
Fast paced and full of action, an entertaining read.
Martin Gabriel is a runner for Ben. He suspects Ben is involved with some dodgy dealings, but Martin is paid in cash, and paid well. A deal goes wrong and Martin is forced to go on the run. Both the bad guys (Ben and the bigger fish up the line) and the FBI are on the hunt for Martin.
Fast paced and full of action, an entertaining read.
May 6, 2024
Audiobook received via netgalley as an ARC copy
This was a bit out of my comfort zone but I'm glad I tried it. The plot was engaging and complex, very well executed. The characters were well fleshed out. Fantastic book, I will be buying myself a physical copy!
This was a bit out of my comfort zone but I'm glad I tried it. The plot was engaging and complex, very well executed. The characters were well fleshed out. Fantastic book, I will be buying myself a physical copy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews