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A decades old mystery and a deadly game of cat and mouse will change Charlotte Marshall forever.
Charlotte has a good life: friends, family, a successful career. Her perfect life is destroyed when research for a book and a connection from her past plunges her into the middle of her worst nightmare.
On the run, with no one to trust, Charlotte begins to unravel the work of a sadistic murderer. Afraid and alone, she will learn the meaning of trust and just when to run.
Charlotte has a good life: friends, family, a successful career. Her perfect life is destroyed when research for a book and a connection from her past plunges her into the middle of her worst nightmare.
On the run, with no one to trust, Charlotte begins to unravel the work of a sadistic murderer. Afraid and alone, she will learn the meaning of trust and just when to run.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2014
50 people are currently reading
1435 people want to read
About the author
Becky Johnson
6 books42 followersBooks are my passion and always have been. I used to get in trouble in school for reading during class!
I have degrees in social work and history, and for my day job I am a social worker. In my writing I try to answer a question that is important to both social work and history, why. I always want to know why people do the things they do or feel the way they feel.
When I am not reading or writing I enjoy yoga, running and cooking. I make a pretty mean chili!
Thank you for stopping by my goodreads page. I hope you enjoy my stories.
I have degrees in social work and history, and for my day job I am a social worker. In my writing I try to answer a question that is important to both social work and history, why. I always want to know why people do the things they do or feel the way they feel.
When I am not reading or writing I enjoy yoga, running and cooking. I make a pretty mean chili!
Thank you for stopping by my goodreads page. I hope you enjoy my stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 29, 2015
Run centers around Charlotte Marshall, an author who is suffering a bout of writer’s block. She remembers an unsolved murder of a local girl from her childhood and hopes that by researching the case it will spark some new ideas for her novel. But the more she researches unsolved cases, the more she notices a connection between other murdered girls and the one from her youth. When she believes she has a solid trail of evidence which link the murders to that of an unknown serial killer she decides to turn it over to the FBI. Unfortunately, the agents she meets aren’t exactly jumping on board with her theory; but Charlotte figures she’s done her part and can walk away. Shortly after leaving the FBI she’s attacked and almost kidnapped by a masked man before she narrowly escapes. What’s most shocking is that her attacker spoke to her, he speaks of the murdered girls as his “babies” (creepy!) and tells Charlotte he will show her exactly what he did to them (more creepy!). The fact that nobody BUT the FBI knew of her theory makes her realize the murderer must be someone on the inside. Charlotte knows her only chance of survival is to go on the run, stay off the grid, and try to figure out the identity of the murderer.
Despite only rating this book 3 stars there were many things I really enjoyed about it. Like the cover, I don’t know what it is about covers with dark woods and silhouettes of people hiding or running but they draw me in and make me want to read. I also really enjoyed Charlotte’s character; she’s relatable, slightly eccentric, and has an extreme love of her cat and dog, refusing to go anywhere without them. This story initially pulled me right in and had all the aspects that I traditionally love in a thriller. Especially once Charlotte realizes she must go on the run, I enjoyed how smart and clinical she became. Knowing exactly how much time she had at home to grab what she needed, including her animals, and pack up her car before the killer could potentially find her. She counts off the exact minutes it takes her to do everything I really cause some great, edge of your seat moments within the story! The story is continued in this style as she stays constantly on the move, trying to make it difficult for anyone to find her. Even when an FBI agent that she spoke to offered his help, I loved that she didn’t immediately agree to his help. She remained leery of him even after she cleared him as a suspect from her list, it was nice to see that she didn’t “fall into the arms” of a man willing to protect her.
The reason for my rating is two-fold. First, I really found it hard to believe that Charlotte, an author, was able to put together in a few days what the FBI could not in 30 years. I have no problem suspending belief when it fits the story but this was a little too much belief to suspend. This wasn’t the only time it happens either, it seemed like whenever Charlotte needed answers the information was easily available to her online. This may be the case for the general public but she’s investigating FBI agents and consultants so how could it be that easy to track down all their information? Handled differently, I think that these plotlines could have been believable if the author created some complex scenarios that explained why the FBI missed the links and how Charlotte was able to obtain so much information about their agents.
This leads me to my second reason for the lower rating. In my opinion, it’s extremely hard to make suspense and psychological thrillers work as short stories. There was so much potential for this book to be amazing, all the building blocks were there but in order to make the story fit into 198 pages so much was skimmed over. Too many things felt rushed and not thoroughly explained which lead to the issues I mentioned in the previous paragraph. I would love to ask the author why she chose to make this a short story and not expand on some of the obvious plot holes and inconsistencies. Overall I enjoyed Run, it was a fun book that I was able to read in one sitting, I just felt it could have been so much better. I’m interested enough to want to see where the author takes the series and if she changes these issues within future books so I will definitely be looking for book two when it’s released. I would recommend this for fans of mysteries and thrillers that aren’t overly complex and fall on the lighter, fun side of reading.
Thank you to Enchanted Book Promotions and to author, Becky Johnson for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Despite only rating this book 3 stars there were many things I really enjoyed about it. Like the cover, I don’t know what it is about covers with dark woods and silhouettes of people hiding or running but they draw me in and make me want to read. I also really enjoyed Charlotte’s character; she’s relatable, slightly eccentric, and has an extreme love of her cat and dog, refusing to go anywhere without them. This story initially pulled me right in and had all the aspects that I traditionally love in a thriller. Especially once Charlotte realizes she must go on the run, I enjoyed how smart and clinical she became. Knowing exactly how much time she had at home to grab what she needed, including her animals, and pack up her car before the killer could potentially find her. She counts off the exact minutes it takes her to do everything I really cause some great, edge of your seat moments within the story! The story is continued in this style as she stays constantly on the move, trying to make it difficult for anyone to find her. Even when an FBI agent that she spoke to offered his help, I loved that she didn’t immediately agree to his help. She remained leery of him even after she cleared him as a suspect from her list, it was nice to see that she didn’t “fall into the arms” of a man willing to protect her.
The reason for my rating is two-fold. First, I really found it hard to believe that Charlotte, an author, was able to put together in a few days what the FBI could not in 30 years. I have no problem suspending belief when it fits the story but this was a little too much belief to suspend. This wasn’t the only time it happens either, it seemed like whenever Charlotte needed answers the information was easily available to her online. This may be the case for the general public but she’s investigating FBI agents and consultants so how could it be that easy to track down all their information? Handled differently, I think that these plotlines could have been believable if the author created some complex scenarios that explained why the FBI missed the links and how Charlotte was able to obtain so much information about their agents.
This leads me to my second reason for the lower rating. In my opinion, it’s extremely hard to make suspense and psychological thrillers work as short stories. There was so much potential for this book to be amazing, all the building blocks were there but in order to make the story fit into 198 pages so much was skimmed over. Too many things felt rushed and not thoroughly explained which lead to the issues I mentioned in the previous paragraph. I would love to ask the author why she chose to make this a short story and not expand on some of the obvious plot holes and inconsistencies. Overall I enjoyed Run, it was a fun book that I was able to read in one sitting, I just felt it could have been so much better. I’m interested enough to want to see where the author takes the series and if she changes these issues within future books so I will definitely be looking for book two when it’s released. I would recommend this for fans of mysteries and thrillers that aren’t overly complex and fall on the lighter, fun side of reading.
Thank you to Enchanted Book Promotions and to author, Becky Johnson for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! I liked Charlotte right off the bat. She's quirky and smart and determined. The story was very well written and fast-paced. I'm looking forward to reading the second book.
September 19, 2014
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Run is about a young author who while researching for her new book uncovers a series of murders all by what she thinks is the same person. After she contacts the authorites the serial killer finds her and she must run.
I have been so excited to read this book ever since Becky contacted me about reviewing it for her. I read it in two days between doing homework and sleeping and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
Read the rest of my review at
http://www.alottlebitofpink.com/2014/...
Run is about a young author who while researching for her new book uncovers a series of murders all by what she thinks is the same person. After she contacts the authorites the serial killer finds her and she must run.
I have been so excited to read this book ever since Becky contacted me about reviewing it for her. I read it in two days between doing homework and sleeping and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
Read the rest of my review at
http://www.alottlebitofpink.com/2014/...
July 17, 2014
More than interesting
I was not sure what I was about to read when I clicked on the eBook edition of Run. The woodsy image on the cover reminded me of my backyard, but it did not give a hint to what was inside. What I found was a story that was more than just interesting, it was engrossing. I could not put the book down to do work. The main character made me laugh because she had many of the same quirks as I do. Eerie really. But then that was why I enjoyed this book so much. If you are in search of a great mystery with some sass, then Run is for you.
I was not sure what I was about to read when I clicked on the eBook edition of Run. The woodsy image on the cover reminded me of my backyard, but it did not give a hint to what was inside. What I found was a story that was more than just interesting, it was engrossing. I could not put the book down to do work. The main character made me laugh because she had many of the same quirks as I do. Eerie really. But then that was why I enjoyed this book so much. If you are in search of a great mystery with some sass, then Run is for you.
December 27, 2014
Run by Becky Johnson is the first book in the Charlotte Marshall Mystery series and it is a good one. I find it hard to believe that this is a debut novel.
Charlotte Marshall is a writer who is experiencing writers block. She has to turn in her work on her new book and she is having a tough time being creative. She remembers hearing about a murdered girl from when she was younger and decides to research that murder in the hopes it will help her writers block. The more she researches, the more young women she finds have been murdered. After extensive research and organizing, Charlotte is convinced that all those deaths were committed by a serial killer. Although the killings took place in various locations in the country and over a long period of time, the victims all resembled each other and were found easily. She goes to the FBI with her concerns and theories but they are not believers. Then Charlotte is attacked and the attacker talks about the murdered girls, his “babies” and tells Charlotte he will show her what he did to them. She manages to escape and goes on the run, scared for her life. She does not know who to trust, because the only people who knew about her theory were her two best friends and the FBI. She knows she can trust her friends, so that means someone within the FBI must be the serial killer. How will she ever prove she is right and save herself?
I really enjoyed reading about Charlotte. She is witty and quirky and rather OCDish. She is caring and smart and funny. I loved reading about her television watching comparisons to what was happening in her life. She seems real to me and is someone I would like to know.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The suspense continues to build until the end and I found myself turning pages as fast as I could to see what would happen next.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced well plotted mystery suspense. Like I said before, it is hard to believe this a debut novel. I am very impressed with the writers ability to create tension and suspense. I am looking forward to reading more books written by Becky Johnson.
Charlotte Marshall is a writer who is experiencing writers block. She has to turn in her work on her new book and she is having a tough time being creative. She remembers hearing about a murdered girl from when she was younger and decides to research that murder in the hopes it will help her writers block. The more she researches, the more young women she finds have been murdered. After extensive research and organizing, Charlotte is convinced that all those deaths were committed by a serial killer. Although the killings took place in various locations in the country and over a long period of time, the victims all resembled each other and were found easily. She goes to the FBI with her concerns and theories but they are not believers. Then Charlotte is attacked and the attacker talks about the murdered girls, his “babies” and tells Charlotte he will show her what he did to them. She manages to escape and goes on the run, scared for her life. She does not know who to trust, because the only people who knew about her theory were her two best friends and the FBI. She knows she can trust her friends, so that means someone within the FBI must be the serial killer. How will she ever prove she is right and save herself?
I really enjoyed reading about Charlotte. She is witty and quirky and rather OCDish. She is caring and smart and funny. I loved reading about her television watching comparisons to what was happening in her life. She seems real to me and is someone I would like to know.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The suspense continues to build until the end and I found myself turning pages as fast as I could to see what would happen next.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced well plotted mystery suspense. Like I said before, it is hard to believe this a debut novel. I am very impressed with the writers ability to create tension and suspense. I am looking forward to reading more books written by Becky Johnson.
August 10, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Run, Becky Johnson’s first Charlotte Marshall novel, has an intriguing and promising premise that had me interested enough to pick it up. Charlotte, while working on writing her third novel, stumbles upon a decades-old series of murders, quickly becomes caught within the killer’s sights and barely escapes with her life on more than one occasion. Her story is a quick, action-filled read, but overall, I felt the mystery and suspense turned out to be fairly underwhelming. Charlotte’s investigative work and subsequent discoveries come a bit too easily and lack the expected misdirection, and in the end, resolution arrives unsatisfactorily without enough answers. Perhaps Johnson provides the answers I want in the second Charlotte Marshall novel, Stand, but on its own, Run left me feeling a bit disappointed.
Thanks to Becky Johnson and Pump Up Your Book, I received a copy of Run and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Run, Becky Johnson’s first Charlotte Marshall novel, has an intriguing and promising premise that had me interested enough to pick it up. Charlotte, while working on writing her third novel, stumbles upon a decades-old series of murders, quickly becomes caught within the killer’s sights and barely escapes with her life on more than one occasion. Her story is a quick, action-filled read, but overall, I felt the mystery and suspense turned out to be fairly underwhelming. Charlotte’s investigative work and subsequent discoveries come a bit too easily and lack the expected misdirection, and in the end, resolution arrives unsatisfactorily without enough answers. Perhaps Johnson provides the answers I want in the second Charlotte Marshall novel, Stand, but on its own, Run left me feeling a bit disappointed.
Thanks to Becky Johnson and Pump Up Your Book, I received a copy of Run and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
February 5, 2015
I won this book thru Goodreads giveaway for an honest review.
Main character Charlotte Marshall (Char) comes across an unsolved murder of a young girl and can not help but try to find answers to lay her to rest. After digging around she finds that the young girl is not the only victim, but One of Twenty-three. Charlotte and her unwavering dedication, finds clue after clue that puts her hot on the heels of a sadistic serial killer. While the pieces fall into place, she finds herself surrounded by the souls of the victims wanting closure, FBI agents who doubt her, a killer who will kill to keep his secret. Char has no one to trust and no choice but to be on the run, with only her cat Kitty and dog Max for company.
I really enjoyed this book. Run is an exciting read. Not a dull moment, and at times edge of your seat suspense. But as a romantic at heart I hoped there would have been more between Char and Jack. But who knows maybe in the next book, sounds like she's becoming a bad@$$. Looking forward to it.
Thanks Becky!
Main character Charlotte Marshall (Char) comes across an unsolved murder of a young girl and can not help but try to find answers to lay her to rest. After digging around she finds that the young girl is not the only victim, but One of Twenty-three. Charlotte and her unwavering dedication, finds clue after clue that puts her hot on the heels of a sadistic serial killer. While the pieces fall into place, she finds herself surrounded by the souls of the victims wanting closure, FBI agents who doubt her, a killer who will kill to keep his secret. Char has no one to trust and no choice but to be on the run, with only her cat Kitty and dog Max for company.
I really enjoyed this book. Run is an exciting read. Not a dull moment, and at times edge of your seat suspense. But as a romantic at heart I hoped there would have been more between Char and Jack. But who knows maybe in the next book, sounds like she's becoming a bad@$$. Looking forward to it.
Thanks Becky!
March 16, 2016
This was a totally engrossing story. I had a hard time putting it down. In fact I wound up staying up til 2 am reading because I got so into the story that I didn't pay any attention to the time. Love those kinds of stories.
Charlotte Marshall is an author looking for her next story. While trying to decide where her new story would go, she remembers a news story from her childhood. The story was about a young girl who was found dead. She had been raped, tortured and mutilated. Charlotte began doing some research where she discovered that there were many young girls were found all about the same age and appearance. She believes they are the work of one person. Now she just needs to decide what to do with this information.
At first I was to sure of the style of the story. As I kept reading I enjoyed it more and more. It was a really good page flipper (kindle). I hope I can find the next one through the library system.
Charlotte Marshall is an author looking for her next story. While trying to decide where her new story would go, she remembers a news story from her childhood. The story was about a young girl who was found dead. She had been raped, tortured and mutilated. Charlotte began doing some research where she discovered that there were many young girls were found all about the same age and appearance. She believes they are the work of one person. Now she just needs to decide what to do with this information.
At first I was to sure of the style of the story. As I kept reading I enjoyed it more and more. It was a really good page flipper (kindle). I hope I can find the next one through the library system.
August 7, 2014
Great suspense that made me want more
I don't normally pick a mystery / suspense thriller to read but this was recommended to me by a good friend. I found myself being sucked into the story early and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen, but at the same time not wanting the story to end. I can't wait for her next book!
I don't normally pick a mystery / suspense thriller to read but this was recommended to me by a good friend. I found myself being sucked into the story early and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen, but at the same time not wanting the story to end. I can't wait for her next book!
December 23, 2014
Great book
A page turner that I didn't want to put down. Enjoyed following Charlotte's deductive reasoning as she's on the run and looking for a killer. I Read Run straight through start to finish, and am looking forward to Book 2 in the series.
A page turner that I didn't want to put down. Enjoyed following Charlotte's deductive reasoning as she's on the run and looking for a killer. I Read Run straight through start to finish, and am looking forward to Book 2 in the series.
March 29, 2018
This was a very good book. Charlotte, an author, connects twenty-three murdered girls to a serial killer. The FBI do not believe her, then she is attacked by the killer.She goes on the run and Jack, from the FBI starts thinking she may be onto something. The killer seems to know her every move. She tries to stay alive and put the pieces together before she becomes the next victim.
June 1, 2015
The author mailed me the ebook version in exchange for an honest review
When I just started reading this book I was hooked. After first 2 chapters I was certain I would continue reading it. It kind of reminded me of the episode of Criminal Minds series, of which I'm a huge fan, so I was very excited to read further.
The storyline:
the book is about a mystery writer - Charlotte Marshall - who is sort of in a writing slump and suddenly remembers a news piece from her childhood on a murdered teenage girl. So she decides to research the topic and write about it. But while searching for the information she uncovers the fact that this teenage girl is not the only one and there is a serial killer on the loose, and she needs to find him. And so her adventures, or rather misadventures begin.
I enjoyed the plot, it was fast-paced and gripping - I could not stop reading till 2 am, because I wanted to find out who the killer was. But, unfortunately, the intrigue did not hold up: till the very end I was hoping that the killer would be someone mentioned in the book, but completely unexpected, someone you would never think on.
MC:
Charlotte - I quite liked her, she was nice, determined, strong and smart. But it was like I could not connect to her deeply. I sympathised with and worried about her during the investigation, but I felt like her character wasn't developed to the fullest in this book.
I'm sorry to say this, but I did not like the writing much. It was repetitive and seemed amateur to me. I think there is no need to repeat something unless it is crucial to the story development (or if the book is too long). But since the book is quite short, I did not really feel like there was need for the revision of the victims' or suspects' lists several times 1-2 chapters apart, since I remembered them pretty well.
The book also left me confused a little bit, it didn't give this mystery resolution - like why the killer did it, why nobody caught him for so long... After finishing the book I still had a lot of questions. Now, I realise there is a second book in the series, and I thought may be everything would be revealed there, but judging from the blurb it is about a completely different case. But I might be wrong, I don't know, that's why I will be reading it to find out.
All in all, the book was easy and fun to read, it was gripping and I enjoyed it.
When I just started reading this book I was hooked. After first 2 chapters I was certain I would continue reading it. It kind of reminded me of the episode of Criminal Minds series, of which I'm a huge fan, so I was very excited to read further.
The storyline:
the book is about a mystery writer - Charlotte Marshall - who is sort of in a writing slump and suddenly remembers a news piece from her childhood on a murdered teenage girl. So she decides to research the topic and write about it. But while searching for the information she uncovers the fact that this teenage girl is not the only one and there is a serial killer on the loose, and she needs to find him. And so her adventures, or rather misadventures begin.
I enjoyed the plot, it was fast-paced and gripping - I could not stop reading till 2 am, because I wanted to find out who the killer was. But, unfortunately, the intrigue did not hold up: till the very end I was hoping that the killer would be someone mentioned in the book, but completely unexpected, someone you would never think on.
MC:
Charlotte - I quite liked her, she was nice, determined, strong and smart. But it was like I could not connect to her deeply. I sympathised with and worried about her during the investigation, but I felt like her character wasn't developed to the fullest in this book.
I'm sorry to say this, but I did not like the writing much. It was repetitive and seemed amateur to me. I think there is no need to repeat something unless it is crucial to the story development (or if the book is too long). But since the book is quite short, I did not really feel like there was need for the revision of the victims' or suspects' lists several times 1-2 chapters apart, since I remembered them pretty well.
The book also left me confused a little bit, it didn't give this mystery resolution - like why the killer did it, why nobody caught him for so long... After finishing the book I still had a lot of questions. Now, I realise there is a second book in the series, and I thought may be everything would be revealed there, but judging from the blurb it is about a completely different case. But I might be wrong, I don't know, that's why I will be reading it to find out.
All in all, the book was easy and fun to read, it was gripping and I enjoyed it.
September 5, 2014
"Run" by Becky Johnson is a fast-paced, heart-pounding, visceral journey that takes the reader from distant observer to unwilling prey in a harrowing 126 pages. The first thing I should note is that I don't normally enjoy first-person narrative and my genre preference very rarely leads me outside of the fantasy or paranormal realms, but neither predisposition (usually deal breakers for me) were an issue with this book. The first-person narrative was not only enjoyable but imperative to the experience, and the storyline was so gripping that I quickly lost track of my usual need for something otherworldly.
The book opens with our narrator and main protagonist, Charlotte Marshall, struggling to find her muse. Under contract for her third book, with looming deadlines and only a blank page to show for it, Charlotte suddenly recalls a news story from 20 years before. This seemingly innocent recollection leads Charlotte, and the reader, down the proverbial 'rabbit hole', setting off a 26-day chain of events that will change Charlotte's life forever.
As a reader, I really enjoy being pleasantly surprised. "Run" did that and more. I had no idea what to expect when I began reading, but once I started I couldn't put it down. The narrative drew me in completely, and I was determined to see it through as fast as I could. What I loved most about the journey was Charlotte's quick thinking (lord knows that with those odds, I wouldn't have been able to put two coherent thoughts together) and the book's ending. As someone who spent several years as a prosecutor, I really appreciated the way Becky Johnson chose to end her story. In fiction as well as real life, we often forget about the scars left behind after a story ends.
I received a free copy of "Run" from the author, in exchange for my honest review.
The book opens with our narrator and main protagonist, Charlotte Marshall, struggling to find her muse. Under contract for her third book, with looming deadlines and only a blank page to show for it, Charlotte suddenly recalls a news story from 20 years before. This seemingly innocent recollection leads Charlotte, and the reader, down the proverbial 'rabbit hole', setting off a 26-day chain of events that will change Charlotte's life forever.
As a reader, I really enjoy being pleasantly surprised. "Run" did that and more. I had no idea what to expect when I began reading, but once I started I couldn't put it down. The narrative drew me in completely, and I was determined to see it through as fast as I could. What I loved most about the journey was Charlotte's quick thinking (lord knows that with those odds, I wouldn't have been able to put two coherent thoughts together) and the book's ending. As someone who spent several years as a prosecutor, I really appreciated the way Becky Johnson chose to end her story. In fiction as well as real life, we often forget about the scars left behind after a story ends.
I received a free copy of "Run" from the author, in exchange for my honest review.
January 29, 2015
It’s difficult to talk about a book you enjoyed without giving out important plot points, but I don’t like to give away details that might ruin the experience for other potential readers. So keeping to my belief, I’ll start out by saying that Run, is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a while.
We meet Charlotte Marshall, a quirky writer looking to spark her creative mind with something new and refreshing for her work-in-progress. What she finds instead is a connection to a thirty year old mystery that soon sends her word spiraling into disaster-ville. Struggling to stay one step ahead of a serial killer, Charlotte has no one to trust but her instincts.
Her ordeal seems to be made worse by the fact that no matter where she goes, her stalker appears to know where she is and how to find her.
I was taken aback by how resilient and brave Charlotte was forced to become in the face of adversity. Though clearly terrified, she refuses to meet her end at the hands of this sadistic killer and she uses the journalist in her to find answers as any well-educated detective would. During her ordeal, I could feel her fear, her desperation. Time is running out and there’s a mad man on the loose. What do you do?
Fight back, of course.
I was gripped to the story the whole time. To be perfectly honest, I devoured this book in one afternoon. That’s how good it was. I was looking for a mystery with a hard to guess hook and Run definitely delivered. I was drawn in from chapter 1, and was left guessing who the evildoer was since I casted my vote on the wrong guy.
Two thumbs up for Run. From here I’m moving on to the next book in the series, Stand, which I can’t wait to begin reading.
We meet Charlotte Marshall, a quirky writer looking to spark her creative mind with something new and refreshing for her work-in-progress. What she finds instead is a connection to a thirty year old mystery that soon sends her word spiraling into disaster-ville. Struggling to stay one step ahead of a serial killer, Charlotte has no one to trust but her instincts.
Her ordeal seems to be made worse by the fact that no matter where she goes, her stalker appears to know where she is and how to find her.
I was taken aback by how resilient and brave Charlotte was forced to become in the face of adversity. Though clearly terrified, she refuses to meet her end at the hands of this sadistic killer and she uses the journalist in her to find answers as any well-educated detective would. During her ordeal, I could feel her fear, her desperation. Time is running out and there’s a mad man on the loose. What do you do?
Fight back, of course.
I was gripped to the story the whole time. To be perfectly honest, I devoured this book in one afternoon. That’s how good it was. I was looking for a mystery with a hard to guess hook and Run definitely delivered. I was drawn in from chapter 1, and was left guessing who the evildoer was since I casted my vote on the wrong guy.
Two thumbs up for Run. From here I’m moving on to the next book in the series, Stand, which I can’t wait to begin reading.
June 17, 2015
I received this book from Shut Up & Read in exchange for an honest review
This is a fairly short story that I finished in just under two and a half hours but it was two and a half hours well spent. The story wasn't perfect and felt a bit stilted in places. Having said that, I found myself really getting into it. I love a good thriller and liked the idea that Charlotte tried to keep herself as off the radar as possible while failing to realise just how much of a Big Brother society we live in.
Unfortunately I had a hard time believing that an ordinary civilian could connect the dots between the murders spanning thirty years within a few days when the FBI couldn't do it in a three decades but it isn't a major criticism. I also didn't particularly warm to Charlotte either but it didn't stop me becoming immersed in the story.
This is a fairly short story that I finished in just under two and a half hours but it was two and a half hours well spent. The story wasn't perfect and felt a bit stilted in places. Having said that, I found myself really getting into it. I love a good thriller and liked the idea that Charlotte tried to keep herself as off the radar as possible while failing to realise just how much of a Big Brother society we live in.
Unfortunately I had a hard time believing that an ordinary civilian could connect the dots between the murders spanning thirty years within a few days when the FBI couldn't do it in a three decades but it isn't a major criticism. I also didn't particularly warm to Charlotte either but it didn't stop me becoming immersed in the story.
August 10, 2014
Run by Becky Johnson is a pleasant, quick read. The prologue was short and hooked me in quickly. With a clever segue way to the past, Johnson introduces us to the narrator Charlotte Marshall.
Dyslexic author and pet owner, Charlotte is researching her next novel when she becomes obsessed with investigating the murder of a series of teenage girls. After going to the FBI with what she has found, Marshall, herself, becomes the target.
The story is interesting and, for the most part, believable. Charlotte’s reactions and journey as she tries to keep herself safe certainly rang true. While there were moments and details in the investigation that felt a little weak, this certainly wasn’t enough to get in the way of a good story.
Dyslexic author and pet owner, Charlotte is researching her next novel when she becomes obsessed with investigating the murder of a series of teenage girls. After going to the FBI with what she has found, Marshall, herself, becomes the target.
The story is interesting and, for the most part, believable. Charlotte’s reactions and journey as she tries to keep herself safe certainly rang true. While there were moments and details in the investigation that felt a little weak, this certainly wasn’t enough to get in the way of a good story.
October 27, 2014
A Fast Paced Ride!
Ms Johnson does a great job of developing the main character, Char, from page one. She is likable, intelligent and tough.
The story is essentially about a mystery writer that ends up having to discover the identity of a serial killer before he finds her. It's non-stop action and relatable character will keep you turning the pages until the end!
Ms Johnson does a great job of developing the main character, Char, from page one. She is likable, intelligent and tough.
The story is essentially about a mystery writer that ends up having to discover the identity of a serial killer before he finds her. It's non-stop action and relatable character will keep you turning the pages until the end!
March 12, 2015
'Run' is the kind of book that pulls you in and doesn't let go. The storyline was intense. I loved how it played out. Charlotte's determination into finding the truth was full of passion and dedication. She was a great lead. This book was thrilling, suspenseful, and full of action and mystery. A great add to your tbr list.
July 15, 2014
Great book! Quick read! Great for the beach! Descriptive and strong characters. Compelling drama! Completely worth it!! [full disclaimer that I did pay for this book but I know the author from High School and she's a great person and author!!)
July 22, 2015
A terrific start to what looks like will be a terrific series.
October 12, 2014
Run is a fast-paced, suspenseful page turner with great characters. Recommended for fans of Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Bond.
December 3, 2014
fast paced outstanding read!!
March 27, 2018
Surprised
A fast paced run like the novel itself! I was breathless and read it start to end! A wowser! Not a lot of character development but on the run the story didn't need it as we were pulled helter skelter through each day. Shocking and sharp, Johnson swept the characters away in no nonsense form to the end. A great thriller.
A fast paced run like the novel itself! I was breathless and read it start to end! A wowser! Not a lot of character development but on the run the story didn't need it as we were pulled helter skelter through each day. Shocking and sharp, Johnson swept the characters away in no nonsense form to the end. A great thriller.
May 2, 2018
Run... no don't
You definitely don't want to run away from this book. Becky Johnson offers us a real heroine that is easy to root for, a seamless flow of words that you don't want to stop reading, and a story stocked full of suspense. Can't wait to see where Charlotte goes next.
You definitely don't want to run away from this book. Becky Johnson offers us a real heroine that is easy to root for, a seamless flow of words that you don't want to stop reading, and a story stocked full of suspense. Can't wait to see where Charlotte goes next.
June 26, 2018
I had the box set on Kindle - it’s present as multiple books, but I think it could have been one with “books” within. However - great books! Definitely a page turner and you’ll find yourself trying to figure it out before she does.
May 11, 2018
Finally a strong female character. Smart, on the run but fighting back!
May 29, 2018
very good
September 21, 2019
Loved it
What a great book! I was so involved, I read it in one sitting. Great story! I look forward to more from this author, and from Charlotte.
What a great book! I was so involved, I read it in one sitting. Great story! I look forward to more from this author, and from Charlotte.
March 11, 2017
You have to suspend any kind of reality check to read this book. So many things happen that are just too hard to believe. First of all, this young writer stumbles across a number of murders and connects them as the work of a serial killer. Somehow all the police and the FBI have missed this for 30 years and she discovers it in a day or two of online searching? This could be believable if it was fully fleshed out (some reasons for her special insights?), but it wasn't. Then, she gives her reports to an FBI agent and the next day is attacked by the killer. She returns to her computer and learns who all the FBI agents in that office are and the consultants they hire and manages to get enough information on each to narrow the suspect list to fewer than 10 people. Another example of weak plotting: when an agent does get in touch and believe her, they don't try to find out which of her suspects has a bite mark on his arm and a severe head wound (she bit him and hit him several times with a rock to get away).
I stopped at that point and didn't finish the book.
I stopped at that point and didn't finish the book.
September 14, 2016
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (09/16)
Article first published as Book Review: ‘Run’ by Becky Johnson on Blogcritics.
“Run” is the first book in the Charlotte Marshall Mystery Series by Becky Johnson. Charlotte, an author under contract for her third novel, experiences a serious bout of writer’s block when an idea for a story suddenly springs to mind. Recalling a news story from 20 years ago about the rape, torture, and murder of a young girl, Charlotte has all the makings of her next bestseller. She sets out to learn everything she can about the case of Emily Carmichael, and in the process discovers a slew of unsolved cases involving young girls murdered in the same fashion.
Convinced that the murders are connected, Charlotte takes her research to the FBI, who find her theories unlikely, and her attempts at investigating humorous, at best. Within days of meeting with the FBI however, Charlotte is attacked and forced into hiding. Not knowing who to trust, Charlotte is uprooted from her stable life, as she tries to piece together the mystery, and catch the killer before she becomes the next victim.
Told in the first person narrative, Charlotte’s opening line entices the reader with the promise of a creepy, chilling tale. The storyline is full of action and suspense, and the plot twists and turns at an exciting pace. Charlotte proves to be a worthy, smart female protagonist. Quirky, a bit reclusive in her habits, and an animal lover, she is easily relatable. Using her quick wit, analytical skills, and common sense, she manages to stay one-step ahead of the killer – most of the time. There are moments when the story begs the reader to dive deep into their imagination in order to grasp the believability of certain events, but that said, it remains entertaining throughout. The potential for this story to delve deeper than that of a cozy mystery is definitely there, and at times I craved going down that road, but the author is more than successful in telling an engaging story in a relatively short number of pages.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed “Run” by Becky Johnson. I recommend it as a highly entertaining read and look forward to seeing what’s in store for Charlotte in the rest of the series.
Article first published as Book Review: ‘Run’ by Becky Johnson on Blogcritics.
“Run” is the first book in the Charlotte Marshall Mystery Series by Becky Johnson. Charlotte, an author under contract for her third novel, experiences a serious bout of writer’s block when an idea for a story suddenly springs to mind. Recalling a news story from 20 years ago about the rape, torture, and murder of a young girl, Charlotte has all the makings of her next bestseller. She sets out to learn everything she can about the case of Emily Carmichael, and in the process discovers a slew of unsolved cases involving young girls murdered in the same fashion.
Convinced that the murders are connected, Charlotte takes her research to the FBI, who find her theories unlikely, and her attempts at investigating humorous, at best. Within days of meeting with the FBI however, Charlotte is attacked and forced into hiding. Not knowing who to trust, Charlotte is uprooted from her stable life, as she tries to piece together the mystery, and catch the killer before she becomes the next victim.
Told in the first person narrative, Charlotte’s opening line entices the reader with the promise of a creepy, chilling tale. The storyline is full of action and suspense, and the plot twists and turns at an exciting pace. Charlotte proves to be a worthy, smart female protagonist. Quirky, a bit reclusive in her habits, and an animal lover, she is easily relatable. Using her quick wit, analytical skills, and common sense, she manages to stay one-step ahead of the killer – most of the time. There are moments when the story begs the reader to dive deep into their imagination in order to grasp the believability of certain events, but that said, it remains entertaining throughout. The potential for this story to delve deeper than that of a cozy mystery is definitely there, and at times I craved going down that road, but the author is more than successful in telling an engaging story in a relatively short number of pages.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed “Run” by Becky Johnson. I recommend it as a highly entertaining read and look forward to seeing what’s in store for Charlotte in the rest of the series.
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