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Run For Your Life
Every step might be your last…From the No.1 bestselling author of The Perfect Couple and The Vanishing of Class 3B comes an addictive thriller for 2026! Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Freida McFadden!
On a bright spring Saturday, hundreds gather in a park as usual for their weekly community 5k run.
An hour later, one of the runners is dead.
The next week a runner training for a 10k event dies. And then another, a half marathon runner…
The police are baffled. The pattern is the same, the deaths can’t be coincidental. Is there a murderer picking off victims one race at a time?
Ten million adults are regular or occasional runners.
Ten million potential victims.
With the next event just announced, as you reach the start line you might just have to run for your life…
Praise for Jackie with tangible foreboding and pitch-perfect twists…an unputdownable thriller' B P Walter, bestselling author of The Dinner Guest
'Twist after twist and lightning-paced, I couldn't put it down.' Annabel Kantaria, author of Coming Home
'The twists never stop coming in this revenge thriller featuring the most compelling, audacious and scheming cast of characters. It’s fast, fun and fierce – a perfect summer read!” Jo Furniss, author of Dead Mile
'The book twists and turns like a snake, well written, great characters and descriptions’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘An excellent storyline and the revenge plot was clever and entertaining’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A sharp and clever read that keeps readers guessing with each page turn’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Disturbingly unforgettable. It’s twisted, it’s dark and it’s intense. If you love psychological thrillers, you really need to try this one’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This author is quickly becoming one of my favourites’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'It was UNREAL, sooooooo good! What a plot, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book. It was a page-turner I did not want to stop reading…’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This is a tightly plotted clever novel which is very enjoyable’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Great twists and turns as your head will spin until the bitter end!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Filled with suspense, intrigue and a cast of engaging characters' Lucy Clarke, bestselling author of The Hike
'An intriguing and gripping psychological thriller that keeps you guessing as you frantically turn the pages’ C. L. Taylor, bestselling author of Every Move You Make
‘This is a psychological thriller that has intrigue, mystery and constant twists and turns.
On a bright spring Saturday, hundreds gather in a park as usual for their weekly community 5k run.
An hour later, one of the runners is dead.
The next week a runner training for a 10k event dies. And then another, a half marathon runner…
The police are baffled. The pattern is the same, the deaths can’t be coincidental. Is there a murderer picking off victims one race at a time?
Ten million adults are regular or occasional runners.
Ten million potential victims.
With the next event just announced, as you reach the start line you might just have to run for your life…
Praise for Jackie with tangible foreboding and pitch-perfect twists…an unputdownable thriller' B P Walter, bestselling author of The Dinner Guest
'Twist after twist and lightning-paced, I couldn't put it down.' Annabel Kantaria, author of Coming Home
'The twists never stop coming in this revenge thriller featuring the most compelling, audacious and scheming cast of characters. It’s fast, fun and fierce – a perfect summer read!” Jo Furniss, author of Dead Mile
'The book twists and turns like a snake, well written, great characters and descriptions’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘An excellent storyline and the revenge plot was clever and entertaining’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A sharp and clever read that keeps readers guessing with each page turn’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Disturbingly unforgettable. It’s twisted, it’s dark and it’s intense. If you love psychological thrillers, you really need to try this one’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This author is quickly becoming one of my favourites’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'It was UNREAL, sooooooo good! What a plot, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book. It was a page-turner I did not want to stop reading…’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This is a tightly plotted clever novel which is very enjoyable’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Great twists and turns as your head will spin until the bitter end!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Filled with suspense, intrigue and a cast of engaging characters' Lucy Clarke, bestselling author of The Hike
'An intriguing and gripping psychological thriller that keeps you guessing as you frantically turn the pages’ C. L. Taylor, bestselling author of Every Move You Make
‘This is a psychological thriller that has intrigue, mystery and constant twists and turns.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2026
About the author
Jackie Kabler
15 books461 followersJackie Kabler is a journalist, TV presenter and author. She spent twenty years as a TV news reporter for GMTV, ITV and BBC news, and now works as a presenter for shopping channel QVC and is author of the Cora Baxter Mysteries, a series of murder mysteries set in a television newsroom.
The Development is her third novel. Jackie lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, who is a GP.
The Development is her third novel. Jackie lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, who is a GP.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 28, 2026
➡️ GET READY, GET SET, GO!
Run, run, run! Run as fast as you can to nab this pacey, twisty, heart-pounding thriller.
🔷 A Gold Medal Premise: A serial killer is systematically murdering runners race by race. Ten million runners /potential targets. Who will be next and why? Will the police outsmart the killer before the final finish line is crossed?
🔷 Compelling Characterizations: The characters are brilliantly developed, carrying the heavy mileage of the plot effortlessly.
🔷 Max-Effort Pacing: No rest stops! From start to finish, it’s a high-intensity, adrenaline workout in book form.
🔷 Unpredictable & Unputdownable: A masterful split—it only gets faster and more intense as the investigation nears its final milestone.
➡️ No sweat! DI Livvy Lacy and DS Noor McCarthy were the two high-endurance detective protagonists. I especially enjoyed their chemistry, tenacity, and sharp investigative skills and hope this dynamic duo returns in future books.
➡️ TWs: Mean girls, mean boys, rape.
(Not a major part of the book, but it's there!)
➡️ I am a huge Jackie Kabler fan, and she has officially secured another Personal Record (PR) with this one. It is always a treat when a trusted author consistently delivers.
As a die-hard runner herself, author Jackie Kabler brought authenticity, energy, and spark to every page.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Olivia Mace, whose outstanding performance was also riveting.
➡️ An undisputed 1st Place winner for all thriller lovers.
Guaranteed to leave you breathless!
➡️ One of my besties of 2026.
🏆🙌👍🥇🎖️🏃♀️🏃♂️👟💫
➡️ All the stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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June 11, 2026
An author I wanna read more from!!
Actual rating - 3.5⭐
I really had an amazing time with this one. It felt like watching one of those detective movies or TV shows, and I was completely here for it!!!
What to expect -
👟 Engaging mystery thriller
👟 Police procedural/investigation
👟 Female detectives
👟 Serial killer on the loose
👟 Multiple POVs
👟 Shocking twists
A killer is targeting the running community, and with each murder, his M.O. changes, but not the victim profile. The police are left clueless as to what connects all these victims. Will they catch the Running Ripper, the serial killer haunting marathon runners day and night, or will he continue pulling the wool over their eyes? You'll have to read to find out.
Following this case through multiple POVs was fascinating. We get to see the victims' perspectives before their deaths, the killer's perspective, and those of three different police teams across the country. Even with all this information at our disposal, the killer still manages to throw both the readers and the detectives off🤣 Every lead they follow seems to end in a dead end, and establishing a pattern proves more difficult than running an ultramarathon.
That's one of the main reasons I found this book so intriguing because I love thrillers that keep me guessing until the very end and still manage to surprise me. The reveals and the ending were quite satisfying too, and I enjoyed seeing how all the pieces finally came together.
Overall, if you want a detective thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the very last page, you have to pick this up.
✨Pre-read:
I haven't read a lot of police procedural thrillers but have watched and loved numerous TV shows, and heard this one's good. Hope it delivers and cures my High Potential series hangover😭🤞🏻
Actual rating - 3.5⭐
I really had an amazing time with this one. It felt like watching one of those detective movies or TV shows, and I was completely here for it!!!
What to expect -
👟 Engaging mystery thriller
👟 Police procedural/investigation
👟 Female detectives
👟 Serial killer on the loose
👟 Multiple POVs
👟 Shocking twists
A killer is targeting the running community, and with each murder, his M.O. changes, but not the victim profile. The police are left clueless as to what connects all these victims. Will they catch the Running Ripper, the serial killer haunting marathon runners day and night, or will he continue pulling the wool over their eyes? You'll have to read to find out.
Following this case through multiple POVs was fascinating. We get to see the victims' perspectives before their deaths, the killer's perspective, and those of three different police teams across the country. Even with all this information at our disposal, the killer still manages to throw both the readers and the detectives off🤣 Every lead they follow seems to end in a dead end, and establishing a pattern proves more difficult than running an ultramarathon.
That's one of the main reasons I found this book so intriguing because I love thrillers that keep me guessing until the very end and still manage to surprise me. The reveals and the ending were quite satisfying too, and I enjoyed seeing how all the pieces finally came together.
Overall, if you want a detective thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the very last page, you have to pick this up.
✨Pre-read:
I haven't read a lot of police procedural thrillers but have watched and loved numerous TV shows, and heard this one's good. Hope it delivers and cures my High Potential series hangover😭🤞🏻
July 11, 2026
I thought this book was well written and I enjoyed reading it. It kept my attention to the last page. However, I was really disappointed with the reveal and the motives, some of which I understood, but others I thought were just ridiculous, which is why I’ve chosen 4 of 5 stars.
May 29, 2026
OH. MY. GOSH!!!!
The twist that just twisted…I DID NOT see that coming my jaw was on the floor DAMN!!
~ Check the Trigger Warnings for this book
When I read the description for this book I knew it would be one I’d enjoy reading and boy did I enjoy reading it. It had me completely hooked from the first chapter right through to the last.
I was sat there so confidant in who was doing what was happening and I was so wrong, SO WRONG!
I will NOT go into what goes on because I don’t want to give any spoilers or anything away BUT I will say if you’re a lover of thrillers and mystery murders then you’ll LOVE this.
This book has many characters included but it’s never confusing or overwhelming it just works perfectly.
That last chapter I have to admit, I seen coming. The author ended this book the way it needed to end for those involved.
This is my first read from this author but let me tell you right now, it will not be my last. I loved every second of it.
Run for your life is an addictive thriller, full of twists and turns you won’t see coming. It’s bloody brilliant!
The twist that just twisted…I DID NOT see that coming my jaw was on the floor DAMN!!
~ Check the Trigger Warnings for this book
When I read the description for this book I knew it would be one I’d enjoy reading and boy did I enjoy reading it. It had me completely hooked from the first chapter right through to the last.
I was sat there so confidant in who was doing what was happening and I was so wrong, SO WRONG!
I will NOT go into what goes on because I don’t want to give any spoilers or anything away BUT I will say if you’re a lover of thrillers and mystery murders then you’ll LOVE this.
This book has many characters included but it’s never confusing or overwhelming it just works perfectly.
That last chapter I have to admit, I seen coming. The author ended this book the way it needed to end for those involved.
This is my first read from this author but let me tell you right now, it will not be my last. I loved every second of it.
Run for your life is an addictive thriller, full of twists and turns you won’t see coming. It’s bloody brilliant!
July 28, 2026
A weekly 5k run ends with the death of a runner. The next week a runner training for a 10k event dies. And then another, a half marathon runner… Twisty and cunning read. Really didn’t know where it was going to lead. I literally “raced” through this one!
July 19, 2026
Kept me guessing til near the end so I enjoyed that aspect. The choice of two of the victims made me roll my eyes and I can’t say more as that would be a spoiler. Without that aspect I would have enjoyed the story a lot more.
May 31, 2026
Thank you so much Jackie for sending me your gorgeous new book and @instabooktours for having me on tour. Today is my review stop 🏃♀️
•••••
Well … Jackie has only gone and done it again. An unputdownable, fast-paced, twisty, and utterly gripping thriller, that kept me in suspense all the way through. This is why Jackie is easily one of my auto-buy authors.
What a fantastic premise for a thriller. Its frightening to say, but this is exactly the kind of thing runners - especially women - have to think about. Are they safe, and when and where they should run? It’s a sad and very scary reflection on reality, which makes this story even more real and chilling. While the murders in this novel are quite specific and niche (and an incredibly clever and engaging thriller plot btw) the underlying sense of vulnerability runners must experience in reality comes through strongly.
Another aspect of this story that hit home was the social media side of things. It highlights just how easy it is to follow people, which felt genuinely disturbing.
The plot of this story was so clever and as normal, with Jackie’s books, I didn’t have a clue what was going on. POV’s coming from the police, the runners and the suspected villain certainly kept me guessing and engaged.
Jackie is a keen runner herself and I loved how her personal insight added authenticity to the book.
As always, Jackie’s writing style flows effortlessly, which made this book a pleasure to read and so easy to sink into.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Short snappy chapters, newspaper reports and social media posts dotted throughout to break the narrative up, the fast pace throughout had me hooked and there were plenty of twists. And then everything was tied up neatly by the end. Not one lose ends. I hate lose ends 😅.
I highly recommend this book. If you do add this one to your tbr, let me know your thoughts.
•••••
Well … Jackie has only gone and done it again. An unputdownable, fast-paced, twisty, and utterly gripping thriller, that kept me in suspense all the way through. This is why Jackie is easily one of my auto-buy authors.
What a fantastic premise for a thriller. Its frightening to say, but this is exactly the kind of thing runners - especially women - have to think about. Are they safe, and when and where they should run? It’s a sad and very scary reflection on reality, which makes this story even more real and chilling. While the murders in this novel are quite specific and niche (and an incredibly clever and engaging thriller plot btw) the underlying sense of vulnerability runners must experience in reality comes through strongly.
Another aspect of this story that hit home was the social media side of things. It highlights just how easy it is to follow people, which felt genuinely disturbing.
The plot of this story was so clever and as normal, with Jackie’s books, I didn’t have a clue what was going on. POV’s coming from the police, the runners and the suspected villain certainly kept me guessing and engaged.
Jackie is a keen runner herself and I loved how her personal insight added authenticity to the book.
As always, Jackie’s writing style flows effortlessly, which made this book a pleasure to read and so easy to sink into.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Short snappy chapters, newspaper reports and social media posts dotted throughout to break the narrative up, the fast pace throughout had me hooked and there were plenty of twists. And then everything was tied up neatly by the end. Not one lose ends. I hate lose ends 😅.
I highly recommend this book. If you do add this one to your tbr, let me know your thoughts.
June 21, 2026
Loved it, it normally takes me a while to finish a book but I devoured this one! Found it so hard to put it down everytime I started reading, I was hooked from the first chapter. Definitely going to try more of Jackie’s books
10/10
10/10
April 4, 2026
Run for Your Life is surprisingly one for the books (literally). I requested this on NetGalley without any real expectations, and honestly, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. What I got was a twisty, clever thriller that kept me guessing right up until the final chapters. Even with multiple characters in play, the story never felt messy or overwhelming. Instead, it was tightly written, engaging, and delivered an ending that felt genuinely satisfying for everyone involved.
What made it even more intriguing is the running angle. The characters are all runners, and as someone who’s spent plenty of time on the sidelines supporting my ultramarathoner husband, I could picture every scene so clearly. The pacing, the atmosphere, the competitive tension, it all felt grounded and familiar in a way that made the story even more immersive.
What I Enjoyed:
• Fast-paced storytelling (easy to binge with no dull moments)
• Running Ripper trope (fresh, unique, and surprisingly gripping)
• Alternating narratives (kept the suspense sharp and the perspectives balanced)
What Sort of Fell Flat:
• Victims’ backstories felt too short (I wanted a bit more emotional depth)
• The look-alike element (felt a little unfair and slightly forced)
• Some unrealistic police portrayal (nothing major, but noticeable)
Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 4⭐️
• Characters: 4⭐️
• Writing: 5⭐️
• Message: 5⭐️
• Overall: 5⭐️
Overall, this is a solid long-weekend read, the kind you finish in a single day because you need to know what happens next. It’s full of speculation, puzzles, and that rollercoaster energy thriller girlies like me live for. Definitely one to add to your TBR pile.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK – One More Chapter, and author Jackie Kabler for my advance copy.
~JaNnA~
What made it even more intriguing is the running angle. The characters are all runners, and as someone who’s spent plenty of time on the sidelines supporting my ultramarathoner husband, I could picture every scene so clearly. The pacing, the atmosphere, the competitive tension, it all felt grounded and familiar in a way that made the story even more immersive.
What I Enjoyed:
• Fast-paced storytelling (easy to binge with no dull moments)
• Running Ripper trope (fresh, unique, and surprisingly gripping)
• Alternating narratives (kept the suspense sharp and the perspectives balanced)
What Sort of Fell Flat:
• Victims’ backstories felt too short (I wanted a bit more emotional depth)
• The look-alike element (felt a little unfair and slightly forced)
• Some unrealistic police portrayal (nothing major, but noticeable)
Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 4⭐️
• Characters: 4⭐️
• Writing: 5⭐️
• Message: 5⭐️
• Overall: 5⭐️
Overall, this is a solid long-weekend read, the kind you finish in a single day because you need to know what happens next. It’s full of speculation, puzzles, and that rollercoaster energy thriller girlies like me live for. Definitely one to add to your TBR pile.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK – One More Chapter, and author Jackie Kabler for my advance copy.
~JaNnA~
April 5, 2026
I’ve read a few of Jackie Kabler’s books before and have always enjoyed them, but this one has to be my favourite so far!
This thriller centres around a series of unexplained deaths linked to running events, leaving both the police and the community searching for answers. With the sense that these incidents can’t be coincidental, the tension builds as the story unfolds and the stakes get higher.
I found this to be a fast-paced and gripping read from start to finish. It constantly kept me wanting to read “just one more chapter,” and before I knew it, I was completely hooked.
The story is told from multiple viewpoints including the police, the runners, and the antagonist, which I thought worked really well. It added depth to the story and really built the suspense, giving you a broader understanding of what was happening while still keeping plenty of mystery.
There were twists and shocks throughout, many of which I didn’t see coming, which made it all the more exciting to read.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. It’s a thrilling, addictive read that I’d highly recommend… definitely a 5-star read for me!
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
This thriller centres around a series of unexplained deaths linked to running events, leaving both the police and the community searching for answers. With the sense that these incidents can’t be coincidental, the tension builds as the story unfolds and the stakes get higher.
I found this to be a fast-paced and gripping read from start to finish. It constantly kept me wanting to read “just one more chapter,” and before I knew it, I was completely hooked.
The story is told from multiple viewpoints including the police, the runners, and the antagonist, which I thought worked really well. It added depth to the story and really built the suspense, giving you a broader understanding of what was happening while still keeping plenty of mystery.
There were twists and shocks throughout, many of which I didn’t see coming, which made it all the more exciting to read.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. It’s a thrilling, addictive read that I’d highly recommend… definitely a 5-star read for me!
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this. A killers targeting runners, and I spent the whole book trying to figure out the why. There’s a lot of different perspectives but it worked. It’s a thriller/police procedural. It was definitely entertaining to figure out what exactly was going on, and I’ll say I was a fan of the ending. Strong writing and hard to put down.
July 26, 2026
Never have I wanted to be a runner any less than after reading this book.
Kabler throws you right in to this one, we're talking IMMEDIATE MURDER. The short chapters and multiple character POVs from the murderer, victims and the police make this an incredibly entertaining and easy read.
I love the way Kabler writes her thrillers. There's a great balance of mystery and tension, paced so well it's hard to put her books down because you are desperate to know how it ends. Run For Your Life is no exception and I'm still blown away by the last few chapters of this book.
I highly recommend picking this one up!
Kabler throws you right in to this one, we're talking IMMEDIATE MURDER. The short chapters and multiple character POVs from the murderer, victims and the police make this an incredibly entertaining and easy read.
I love the way Kabler writes her thrillers. There's a great balance of mystery and tension, paced so well it's hard to put her books down because you are desperate to know how it ends. Run For Your Life is no exception and I'm still blown away by the last few chapters of this book.
I highly recommend picking this one up!
June 28, 2026
Nearly a 4, a good twist, but uncomfortable...
July 22, 2026
Serial killer - so a bit scary in places. Shame I guessed the ending but kept me gripped.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Jackie Kabler, and HarperCollins UK | One More Chapter for a copy of Run for Your Life in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book took my nonexistent jogging plans and buried them six feet underground. I am never running anywhere except maybe to lock my doors after reading this. 🏃♀️🔪
Five runners. A serial killer. An inmate. Lookalikes. A full blown psycho running around making everyone suspicious. This book felt like someone threw a true crime documentary, a police procedural, and pure panic into a blender and hit liquefy. And somehow it WORKED. Every single chapter dangled another little breadcrumb of chaos in front of me until I physically could not stop reading. Sleep? Irrelevant. Responsibilities? Forgotten. My Kindle battery? Fighting for its life.
The pacing in this book deserves an award because the second I thought I had a handle on what was happening, Jackie Kabler came flying around the corner with another twist like a caffeinated menace. The tension never dropped. Not once. It was giving “just one more chapter” until suddenly you are sitting in darkness at 2 AM questioning every person who has ever gone on a morning run.
And can we talk about the characters? Because I actually cared about them. EVERYONE felt important. The runners all had their own personalities, secrets, and drama, which made it even more stressful trying to figure out who was safe, who was suspicious, and who was about to end up on the evening news. Even the police were interesting, and that is rare because sometimes thriller detectives have all the personality of stale toast. Not here. I was INVESTED.
What I loved most was how fresh this felt. So many thrillers start blending together after a while: unhappy wife, creepy husband, missing girl, surprise affair, somebody drinking too much wine while staring out a rainy window. But this? This felt different. The running angle added this constant sense of vulnerability and urgency. Every isolated road, every dark trail, every early morning jog suddenly became terrifying. Congratulations to Jackie Kabler for unlocking a brand new irrational fear.
Also, the suspense? Top tier. This book had me suspicious of everybody. I was out here building conspiracy boards in my head like I worked for the FBI. Every reveal made me rethink everything I thought I knew, and I LOVED IT.
Final Verdict:
This was addictive, intense, creepy, smart, and ridiculously entertaining. Jackie Kabler absolutely understood the assignment and delivered a thriller that had my heart racing faster than the characters in this book. If you love twisty thrillers that grab you by the throat and refuse to let go, pick this up immediately. Just maybe stretch first... because this book will have you running for your life too. 🖤
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book took my nonexistent jogging plans and buried them six feet underground. I am never running anywhere except maybe to lock my doors after reading this. 🏃♀️🔪
Five runners. A serial killer. An inmate. Lookalikes. A full blown psycho running around making everyone suspicious. This book felt like someone threw a true crime documentary, a police procedural, and pure panic into a blender and hit liquefy. And somehow it WORKED. Every single chapter dangled another little breadcrumb of chaos in front of me until I physically could not stop reading. Sleep? Irrelevant. Responsibilities? Forgotten. My Kindle battery? Fighting for its life.
The pacing in this book deserves an award because the second I thought I had a handle on what was happening, Jackie Kabler came flying around the corner with another twist like a caffeinated menace. The tension never dropped. Not once. It was giving “just one more chapter” until suddenly you are sitting in darkness at 2 AM questioning every person who has ever gone on a morning run.
And can we talk about the characters? Because I actually cared about them. EVERYONE felt important. The runners all had their own personalities, secrets, and drama, which made it even more stressful trying to figure out who was safe, who was suspicious, and who was about to end up on the evening news. Even the police were interesting, and that is rare because sometimes thriller detectives have all the personality of stale toast. Not here. I was INVESTED.
What I loved most was how fresh this felt. So many thrillers start blending together after a while: unhappy wife, creepy husband, missing girl, surprise affair, somebody drinking too much wine while staring out a rainy window. But this? This felt different. The running angle added this constant sense of vulnerability and urgency. Every isolated road, every dark trail, every early morning jog suddenly became terrifying. Congratulations to Jackie Kabler for unlocking a brand new irrational fear.
Also, the suspense? Top tier. This book had me suspicious of everybody. I was out here building conspiracy boards in my head like I worked for the FBI. Every reveal made me rethink everything I thought I knew, and I LOVED IT.
Final Verdict:
This was addictive, intense, creepy, smart, and ridiculously entertaining. Jackie Kabler absolutely understood the assignment and delivered a thriller that had my heart racing faster than the characters in this book. If you love twisty thrillers that grab you by the throat and refuse to let go, pick this up immediately. Just maybe stretch first... because this book will have you running for your life too. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another new author for me and one that I plan to read more of. Run for Your Life by Jackie Kabler is a high-concept, fast-paced thriller that takes the “safety in numbers” of the running community and flips it on its head, proving that even in a crowd of hundreds, you can be perfectly isolated.
On a spring Saturday at a community 5k a serial killer is about to begin their own race. It’s an environment built on health, camaraderie, and personal bests. But an hour later, the finish line becomes a crime scene, with one of the runners dead.
The terror escalates as a murder occurs with every increasing distance. Next, it’s a 10k trainee. Then, a half-marathoner. The police are left baffled by a pattern that is too consistent to be coincidental, yet too clean to easily solve. Is there a serial killer stalking the pavement, picking off victims one race at a time?
An intriguing plot that grabbed my attention from the start, well written with short punchy chapters and a fair amount of tension. Running is a major interest and by the killer targeting the sport, it leaves a virtually impossible amount of potential targets. There are approximately ten million regular runners and the killer is making it very tough for the police to make any progress on this case. The “Ten Million Potential Victims” statistic raises the stakes from a local mystery to a national panic. Because the victims are linked only by their hobby, the motive remains frustratingly elusive, keeping the police scratching their heads.
Following every distance the tension builds as the killer moves on to the next event. Runners all round the country are living in fear as they ‘Run for their life’ while following the activity they enjoy.
I really enjoyed my first Hackie Kabler novel which I found intriguing, addictive and well plotted. The suspense increased throughout with the anticipation that the killer was to strike again.
Jackie Kabler is a name I will be adding to my list of authors to follow.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
On a spring Saturday at a community 5k a serial killer is about to begin their own race. It’s an environment built on health, camaraderie, and personal bests. But an hour later, the finish line becomes a crime scene, with one of the runners dead.
The terror escalates as a murder occurs with every increasing distance. Next, it’s a 10k trainee. Then, a half-marathoner. The police are left baffled by a pattern that is too consistent to be coincidental, yet too clean to easily solve. Is there a serial killer stalking the pavement, picking off victims one race at a time?
An intriguing plot that grabbed my attention from the start, well written with short punchy chapters and a fair amount of tension. Running is a major interest and by the killer targeting the sport, it leaves a virtually impossible amount of potential targets. There are approximately ten million regular runners and the killer is making it very tough for the police to make any progress on this case. The “Ten Million Potential Victims” statistic raises the stakes from a local mystery to a national panic. Because the victims are linked only by their hobby, the motive remains frustratingly elusive, keeping the police scratching their heads.
Following every distance the tension builds as the killer moves on to the next event. Runners all round the country are living in fear as they ‘Run for their life’ while following the activity they enjoy.
I really enjoyed my first Hackie Kabler novel which I found intriguing, addictive and well plotted. The suspense increased throughout with the anticipation that the killer was to strike again.
Jackie Kabler is a name I will be adding to my list of authors to follow.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Easily one of my favourites of the year so far! It’s rare you get a thriller these days where every single one of your predictions turns out to be wrong, where your theories are quickly ruled out. I was left completely baffled by a series of brutal murders, a serial killer targeting runners, right up until that gloriously satisfying ending. It was utterly fantastic. With ten million runners as potential victims, how do you protect them? How do you stop a serial killer?
Run for Your Life is quite the addictive, pulse-pounding read, and if you’re a runner, well… you might want to look away now 😅 Thirty-year-old Victoria Dunn collapses during a 5K, pronounced dead at the scene. Then another runner, brutally murdered while training for a 10K. Then, to the absolute dread of detectives, a half marathon runner is drowned. The pattern continues, yet every lead is a dead end. This serial killer, aptly named the Running Ripper, leaves nothing at these crime scenes. There are no clues, and no one sees a thing. Who is this serial killer, what is their motive, and how the hell can they be stopped?
This book was completely mind-boggling at times, and constantly bingeworthy. I loved the detectives on the case; DI Livvy Lacy and DS Noor McCarthy, driven women who were desperate to get to the bottom of the most bizarre case of their careers. Despite working tirelessly on this case, they have no luck. I loved following the tiny leads they had, and there were plenty of red herrings and little twists to keep us on our toes. Reading from the perspectives of the victims and the killer felt so immersive and was brilliantly balanced, and it made the whole reading experience so memorable. But this book is about so much more than the hunt for a serial killer. It’s about a decades-old dark, horrifying secret, a deep desire for justice. This book will have you questioning your morals and then some.
The ending was truly excellent and incredibly satisfying, the perfect conclusion to a book that has been in my brain day and night. Clever, meticulous and just a damn good crime thriller!
Run for Your Life is quite the addictive, pulse-pounding read, and if you’re a runner, well… you might want to look away now 😅 Thirty-year-old Victoria Dunn collapses during a 5K, pronounced dead at the scene. Then another runner, brutally murdered while training for a 10K. Then, to the absolute dread of detectives, a half marathon runner is drowned. The pattern continues, yet every lead is a dead end. This serial killer, aptly named the Running Ripper, leaves nothing at these crime scenes. There are no clues, and no one sees a thing. Who is this serial killer, what is their motive, and how the hell can they be stopped?
This book was completely mind-boggling at times, and constantly bingeworthy. I loved the detectives on the case; DI Livvy Lacy and DS Noor McCarthy, driven women who were desperate to get to the bottom of the most bizarre case of their careers. Despite working tirelessly on this case, they have no luck. I loved following the tiny leads they had, and there were plenty of red herrings and little twists to keep us on our toes. Reading from the perspectives of the victims and the killer felt so immersive and was brilliantly balanced, and it made the whole reading experience so memorable. But this book is about so much more than the hunt for a serial killer. It’s about a decades-old dark, horrifying secret, a deep desire for justice. This book will have you questioning your morals and then some.
The ending was truly excellent and incredibly satisfying, the perfect conclusion to a book that has been in my brain day and night. Clever, meticulous and just a damn good crime thriller!
June 27, 2026
Runners ready! On your marks, get set, GO! …….But Runners in the Running Community beware we have a serial killer on the streets so please be careful and……..RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!
Five Runners, Five Victims, each victim dies in different ways……there is only one reason why they are dead…..Revenge!
What do Victoria Dunn, Jacob Bailey, Ryan Jonas, Kayla Muller and Kane Butcher have in common?Well let’s just say they are the main characters of many, all in their 30’s, they are all runners from the same running club when they were at school, they all hold a terrible secret that they were involved with as teenagers, they are all victims and have all been earmarked with a white label, with a green tick ✔️ and number on it……..But why and by whom?
This is until Detective Inspector Livy Lacey and Detective Sergeant Noor McCarthy and their colleagues piece together clues found in an old journal to solve the case. At first they thought it was an unfortunate incident with Victoria passing away from an anaphylactic shock from a peanut allergy and then Jacob’s death started questions. A taskforce “Operation Redpool” begins investigating. As one victim dies after another will they find the truth and ultimately the perpetrator nick named….”The Running Ripper”.
With each victim the distance of each race increases. Will the detectives get the Running Ripper before it’s too late. The race is on. The clues ultimately exposes the teenager’s secret and The Running Ripper’s reasons for revenge.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher one more chapter and Jackie Kabler for a book with references to modern day technology. It’s an edge of your seat thriller with twists and turns that you do not expect. The perfect who done it. The clues lead you down the rabbit hole, leading to the wrong direction, until the end…the Running Ripper is caught…..and it is not who you think. Jackie you have given me a tasteful insight to a genre I have never read before and I am hungry to read more. I highly recommend reading this book. 5 Stars 🌟
Five Runners, Five Victims, each victim dies in different ways……there is only one reason why they are dead…..Revenge!
What do Victoria Dunn, Jacob Bailey, Ryan Jonas, Kayla Muller and Kane Butcher have in common?Well let’s just say they are the main characters of many, all in their 30’s, they are all runners from the same running club when they were at school, they all hold a terrible secret that they were involved with as teenagers, they are all victims and have all been earmarked with a white label, with a green tick ✔️ and number on it……..But why and by whom?
This is until Detective Inspector Livy Lacey and Detective Sergeant Noor McCarthy and their colleagues piece together clues found in an old journal to solve the case. At first they thought it was an unfortunate incident with Victoria passing away from an anaphylactic shock from a peanut allergy and then Jacob’s death started questions. A taskforce “Operation Redpool” begins investigating. As one victim dies after another will they find the truth and ultimately the perpetrator nick named….”The Running Ripper”.
With each victim the distance of each race increases. Will the detectives get the Running Ripper before it’s too late. The race is on. The clues ultimately exposes the teenager’s secret and The Running Ripper’s reasons for revenge.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher one more chapter and Jackie Kabler for a book with references to modern day technology. It’s an edge of your seat thriller with twists and turns that you do not expect. The perfect who done it. The clues lead you down the rabbit hole, leading to the wrong direction, until the end…the Running Ripper is caught…..and it is not who you think. Jackie you have given me a tasteful insight to a genre I have never read before and I am hungry to read more. I highly recommend reading this book. 5 Stars 🌟
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Run for Your Life takes something as ordinary and wholesome as a weekend run and twists it into a pulse‑tightening nightmare. There’s something deeply unsettling about the way this story unfolds — bright spring mornings, cheerful crowds gathering for their local 5k, and then the sudden, shocking truth that someone isn’t making it home. It’s that contrast between the familiar and the terrifying that gives the book its bite.
The pattern of deaths is chilling in its simplicity. A 5k runner. Then someone training for a 10k. Then a half‑marathoner. Each loss feels random yet horribly deliberate, and the police are left chasing shadows while the running community begins to fracture under fear. The tension builds beautifully, not through gore or spectacle, but through the creeping realisation that anyone could be next. Every runner, every route, every finish line becomes a question mark.
What I loved most is how the story captures the vulnerability of everyday life — how we step out into the world assuming safety, routine, normality, and how quickly that illusion can crack. The pacing is sharp, the atmosphere taut, and the sense of dread grows with each chapter, especially as the next event looms and the stakes widen to include millions of potential victims.
There’s a strong emotional thread running beneath the suspense too. The book taps into community, obsession, ambition, and the quiet rituals that keep people going. It’s not just about a killer; it’s about the people who run to cope, to escape, to feel alive — and what happens when that solace becomes a target.
Fast, addictive, and unnervingly plausible, Run for Your Life is a thriller that gets under your skin and stays there. A perfect pick for readers who love their suspense grounded in the everyday, with tension that builds step by step until you’re breathless.
With thanks to Jackie Kabler, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The pattern of deaths is chilling in its simplicity. A 5k runner. Then someone training for a 10k. Then a half‑marathoner. Each loss feels random yet horribly deliberate, and the police are left chasing shadows while the running community begins to fracture under fear. The tension builds beautifully, not through gore or spectacle, but through the creeping realisation that anyone could be next. Every runner, every route, every finish line becomes a question mark.
What I loved most is how the story captures the vulnerability of everyday life — how we step out into the world assuming safety, routine, normality, and how quickly that illusion can crack. The pacing is sharp, the atmosphere taut, and the sense of dread grows with each chapter, especially as the next event looms and the stakes widen to include millions of potential victims.
There’s a strong emotional thread running beneath the suspense too. The book taps into community, obsession, ambition, and the quiet rituals that keep people going. It’s not just about a killer; it’s about the people who run to cope, to escape, to feel alive — and what happens when that solace becomes a target.
Fast, addictive, and unnervingly plausible, Run for Your Life is a thriller that gets under your skin and stays there. A perfect pick for readers who love their suspense grounded in the everyday, with tension that builds step by step until you’re breathless.
With thanks to Jackie Kabler, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
June 11, 2026
Well, you all weren't lying when you said Jackie's books were brilliant, were you? Run For Your Life is my first, but having just finished it, I'm so glad I have another waiting for me on my shelf. This is a fantastic thriller, blending together police investigation with a very clever, twisty serial killer crime. The perfect ingredients.
A runner drops dead during a local 5k run and, not long after, a runner training for a 10k is murdered. It seems there's an active serial killer, and they're targeting runners.
There's a heavy focus on the police teams on the hunt for the killer here. I quickly found myself caring for the leading detectives; Kabler has struck the ideal balance between focusing on the crime and also giving the team depth and personality. Interestingly, we'll also get some chapters from the perspective of the victims, humanising them and making the crimes against them that much more impactful. They aren't simply random people once we've heard about their lives.
Expertly woven throughout the novel are newspaper reports and social media posts from the online running community. It highlights the breadth of the crimes and how much they're affecting the nation at large, giving a sense of urgency and peril to everything that happens. These aren't just senseless killings; it's affecting a community of millions of people.
I flew through Run For Your Life, with a mix of reading and audiobook (which I highly recommend). It's brilliantly written, balancing personality, thrilling scenarios and twists that will keep you guessing. If you're a fan of police procedural thrillers, ensure this is on your radar.
Well, unless you're a runner, then you might want to give this one a wide berth. 👀
A runner drops dead during a local 5k run and, not long after, a runner training for a 10k is murdered. It seems there's an active serial killer, and they're targeting runners.
There's a heavy focus on the police teams on the hunt for the killer here. I quickly found myself caring for the leading detectives; Kabler has struck the ideal balance between focusing on the crime and also giving the team depth and personality. Interestingly, we'll also get some chapters from the perspective of the victims, humanising them and making the crimes against them that much more impactful. They aren't simply random people once we've heard about their lives.
Expertly woven throughout the novel are newspaper reports and social media posts from the online running community. It highlights the breadth of the crimes and how much they're affecting the nation at large, giving a sense of urgency and peril to everything that happens. These aren't just senseless killings; it's affecting a community of millions of people.
I flew through Run For Your Life, with a mix of reading and audiobook (which I highly recommend). It's brilliantly written, balancing personality, thrilling scenarios and twists that will keep you guessing. If you're a fan of police procedural thrillers, ensure this is on your radar.
Well, unless you're a runner, then you might want to give this one a wide berth. 👀
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just when you think going for a run, or training for a marathon is ordinary this book gives those community events a whole new outlook. Run For Your Life is a deeply unsettling psychological thriller that follows a series of Murders linked to runners & those training for races. Each victim is connected by their love of running.. at least so it seems.
What stood out for me is the originality, there was none of the familiar typical thriller tropes. Kabler makes this everyday hobby something to fear. The atmosphere usually associated with the likes of running is usually about health, community and self discovery however Kabler has twisted the narrative to create paranoia. I think the story taps into a message about being aware when alone in such spaces & how predictable a routine can become.
The multiple perspectives work really well with accounts from the detectives, the runners & even glimpses into the killers thoughts. The supporting characters added the constant whodunit or who's next so there was plenty of suspense throughout whilst slowly the connections unravelled.
The pacing was another bonus, with short chapters, multiple cliffhangers, the multiple viewpoints kept the story flowing quickly. Let's just say I picked the book up & only put it down when I'd got to the last page.
Overall a superb thriller with a unique storyline, that delivers suspense & a great deal of unease - & I don't even run. [Im definitely never going to now] 🤣
Thank you to InstaBookTours & Jackie Kabler for a copy of the book.
What stood out for me is the originality, there was none of the familiar typical thriller tropes. Kabler makes this everyday hobby something to fear. The atmosphere usually associated with the likes of running is usually about health, community and self discovery however Kabler has twisted the narrative to create paranoia. I think the story taps into a message about being aware when alone in such spaces & how predictable a routine can become.
The multiple perspectives work really well with accounts from the detectives, the runners & even glimpses into the killers thoughts. The supporting characters added the constant whodunit or who's next so there was plenty of suspense throughout whilst slowly the connections unravelled.
The pacing was another bonus, with short chapters, multiple cliffhangers, the multiple viewpoints kept the story flowing quickly. Let's just say I picked the book up & only put it down when I'd got to the last page.
Overall a superb thriller with a unique storyline, that delivers suspense & a great deal of unease - & I don't even run. [Im definitely never going to now] 🤣
Thank you to InstaBookTours & Jackie Kabler for a copy of the book.
July 14, 2026
Jackie Kabler always writes such addictive psychological thrillers and this one really had me stumped.
There is an increasing number of runners being killed all by different methods but with a calling card, and striking fear into the running community. But the killer is clever and leaving no trace of themselves on the victims.
Not only that they are all based in different parts of the country meaning multiple police forces combining together to try to figure this out. All the victims appear to have nothing in common too.
But yet there are occasional chapters from someone that is hinting they know what is going on, but doesn't seem any benefit to telling the police. We also have chapters from the killer's point of view, as well as few other people too - which made it even harder as a reader to try to pull the pieces together.
It was an enthralling read, what might make you think about running alone even during the daytime, and definitely makes you think twice about accepting a drink from a well meaning "supporter".
I loved seeing how the police team approached this, even if it did feel like they were going around in circles at times. They were dogged chasing up every single minor looking lead just in case.
I was gripped by this story and totally shocked by the outcome. Another fabulous book from this author.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
There is an increasing number of runners being killed all by different methods but with a calling card, and striking fear into the running community. But the killer is clever and leaving no trace of themselves on the victims.
Not only that they are all based in different parts of the country meaning multiple police forces combining together to try to figure this out. All the victims appear to have nothing in common too.
But yet there are occasional chapters from someone that is hinting they know what is going on, but doesn't seem any benefit to telling the police. We also have chapters from the killer's point of view, as well as few other people too - which made it even harder as a reader to try to pull the pieces together.
It was an enthralling read, what might make you think about running alone even during the daytime, and definitely makes you think twice about accepting a drink from a well meaning "supporter".
I loved seeing how the police team approached this, even if it did feel like they were going around in circles at times. They were dogged chasing up every single minor looking lead just in case.
I was gripped by this story and totally shocked by the outcome. Another fabulous book from this author.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 20, 2026
📕BOOK REVIEW📕
📚Run For Your Life
✍️ Jackie Kabler
📣 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫4.5/5 ( rounded up)
I had been seeing this book everywhere for months, and it had been sitting on my TBR for a while. I finally ordered a copy, and I’m so glad I did!
This was my first book by Jackie Kabler, and it definitely won’t be my last.
The concept immediately grabbed my attention. I’ve never been much of a runner, and after reading this book, I definitely never will be! 😂
The story kicks off with runners being killed one by one, but at first you have no idea what connects them. Throughout the book, the investigators remind us that the next victim could be one of 10 million runners, which kept me constantly wondering where the killer would strike next.
I also loved the inclusion of social media posts and warnings from runners. It made the story feel incredibly real and added another layer of suspense.
Each murder is unique, carefully planned, and takes place in a different setting, so you never know when, where, or who will be next. When the connection between the victims is finally revealed, I had one of those “aha!” moments. And just when I thought it was all over, Jackie Kabler delivered one final twist that perfectly wrapped up the story.
If you’re looking for a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller with a unique premise and a great twist, I highly recommend this one!
#runforyourlife #jackiekabler #thriller #runner
📚Run For Your Life
✍️ Jackie Kabler
📣 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫4.5/5 ( rounded up)
I had been seeing this book everywhere for months, and it had been sitting on my TBR for a while. I finally ordered a copy, and I’m so glad I did!
This was my first book by Jackie Kabler, and it definitely won’t be my last.
The concept immediately grabbed my attention. I’ve never been much of a runner, and after reading this book, I definitely never will be! 😂
The story kicks off with runners being killed one by one, but at first you have no idea what connects them. Throughout the book, the investigators remind us that the next victim could be one of 10 million runners, which kept me constantly wondering where the killer would strike next.
I also loved the inclusion of social media posts and warnings from runners. It made the story feel incredibly real and added another layer of suspense.
Each murder is unique, carefully planned, and takes place in a different setting, so you never know when, where, or who will be next. When the connection between the victims is finally revealed, I had one of those “aha!” moments. And just when I thought it was all over, Jackie Kabler delivered one final twist that perfectly wrapped up the story.
If you’re looking for a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller with a unique premise and a great twist, I highly recommend this one!
#runforyourlife #jackiekabler #thriller #runner
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and One More Chapter for the ARC of Run For Your Life by Jackie Kabler.
I have read several books by Kabler and absolutely loved all of them. This book was no different. As a runner and lover of thrillers when I read the synopsis I knew I needed to get my hands of this book.
The book follows runners as they are enjoying themselves on training runs, fun runs, organized races, and more. There is someone picking off runners, one at each race distance. And I picked off, I mean ending their lives. It is a wild ride seeing how which characters are killed, how they are killed, and guessing who will be the next victim. And of course you cannot forget to guess who is the killer or killers are. This book will keep you guessing till the very end with each of these questions.
The plot and pacing were perfection. There was plenty of action and bodies piling up in this book, but they were spaced well in order to give the readers a much-needed break from the violence, but also still keep them interested. I was not able to put this book down. I read the entire book in one weekend.
If you enjoy fast paced thrillers with twists that make sense and you won’t see coming, pick up this book! I cannot recommend this author enough and this is one of my favorites by her.
I have read several books by Kabler and absolutely loved all of them. This book was no different. As a runner and lover of thrillers when I read the synopsis I knew I needed to get my hands of this book.
The book follows runners as they are enjoying themselves on training runs, fun runs, organized races, and more. There is someone picking off runners, one at each race distance. And I picked off, I mean ending their lives. It is a wild ride seeing how which characters are killed, how they are killed, and guessing who will be the next victim. And of course you cannot forget to guess who is the killer or killers are. This book will keep you guessing till the very end with each of these questions.
The plot and pacing were perfection. There was plenty of action and bodies piling up in this book, but they were spaced well in order to give the readers a much-needed break from the violence, but also still keep them interested. I was not able to put this book down. I read the entire book in one weekend.
If you enjoy fast paced thrillers with twists that make sense and you won’t see coming, pick up this book! I cannot recommend this author enough and this is one of my favorites by her.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars
I've enjoyed other thrillers by Kabler, and this one did not disappoint. Victoria Dunn starts wheezing and collapses during a community 5K run in a local park. Soon a runner preparing for a 10K run and a half-marathon runner both die. The only thing that seems to connect them is their love for running. Now the running community in the UK is scared and afraid they may have to literally run for their lives. The detectives assigned to the cases are rushing to prevent the killer from striking again.
This is a fast-paced thriller that I really enjoyed reading. It's told through multiple points-of-view, and I love that there are multimedia items like news articles and social media posts included throughout the book. I enjoyed getting to know the two lead detectives on the case. They were dedicated and likeable and really added to the story. The book introduces different runners as the story progresses and there is tension as you worry if they will survive. I thought I knew who the killer might be, and I was way off. I was definitely shocked by the final reveal, and I like being surprised by a thriller.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley.
I've enjoyed other thrillers by Kabler, and this one did not disappoint. Victoria Dunn starts wheezing and collapses during a community 5K run in a local park. Soon a runner preparing for a 10K run and a half-marathon runner both die. The only thing that seems to connect them is their love for running. Now the running community in the UK is scared and afraid they may have to literally run for their lives. The detectives assigned to the cases are rushing to prevent the killer from striking again.
This is a fast-paced thriller that I really enjoyed reading. It's told through multiple points-of-view, and I love that there are multimedia items like news articles and social media posts included throughout the book. I enjoyed getting to know the two lead detectives on the case. They were dedicated and likeable and really added to the story. The book introduces different runners as the story progresses and there is tension as you worry if they will survive. I thought I knew who the killer might be, and I was way off. I was definitely shocked by the final reveal, and I like being surprised by a thriller.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley.
June 5, 2026
‘26 - 5 Stars
DESCRIPTION :
What if the most dangerous thing you did this weekend was go for a run? On a bright spring Saturday, hundreds gather in a park as usual for their weekly community 5k run. An hour later, one of the runners is dead. The next week a runner training for a 10k event dies. And then another, a half marathon runner. The police are baffled. The pattern is the same, the deaths can’t be coincidental. Is there a murderer picking off victims one race at a time? Ten million adults are regular or occasional runners. Ten million potential victims. With the next event just announced, as you reach the start line you might just have to run for your life.
REVIEW :
Previous books by this author for me were The Revenge Plot (‘25 - 4 Stars), The Life Sentence (‘24 - 4 Stars), The Vanishing of Class 3B (‘23 - 4 Stars) and The Murder List (‘22 - Read ‘23 - 4 Stars).
Right from the start I enjoyed following along with the detectives as they tried to find the killer. I felt like I was right there with them. I’m a thriller girl usually, but this mystery held my attention and kept my mind guessing right to the very end. I loved the complete ending ! Definitely a 5-star mystery.
DESCRIPTION :
What if the most dangerous thing you did this weekend was go for a run? On a bright spring Saturday, hundreds gather in a park as usual for their weekly community 5k run. An hour later, one of the runners is dead. The next week a runner training for a 10k event dies. And then another, a half marathon runner. The police are baffled. The pattern is the same, the deaths can’t be coincidental. Is there a murderer picking off victims one race at a time? Ten million adults are regular or occasional runners. Ten million potential victims. With the next event just announced, as you reach the start line you might just have to run for your life.
REVIEW :
Previous books by this author for me were The Revenge Plot (‘25 - 4 Stars), The Life Sentence (‘24 - 4 Stars), The Vanishing of Class 3B (‘23 - 4 Stars) and The Murder List (‘22 - Read ‘23 - 4 Stars).
Right from the start I enjoyed following along with the detectives as they tried to find the killer. I felt like I was right there with them. I’m a thriller girl usually, but this mystery held my attention and kept my mind guessing right to the very end. I loved the complete ending ! Definitely a 5-star mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a whirlwind this one is. There is so much going on and the author certainly knows how to build and hold the tension and suspense throughout the book.
When runners start dying while training for, or taking part in organised runs, the police soon realise they have a serial killer on their hands.
It’s then a race against time to figure out just what is going on, how the cases might be linked and how to put a stop to the murders.
I really enjoyed the parts from the police’s point of view and the dynamic between the two main officers. You really feel you are getting inside their heads and understanding how the investigation is running. I’m very familiar with some locations within the story which made it feel all the more real.
The different character points of view keep you in suspense and guessing just who is responsible and why. The author has a great writing style and knows just how to pull in the reader and keep them hooked until the end.
This book really builds up to its climax in the last few chapters, giving away all its secrets and tying up all the loose ends.
All in all a quick read that you will not want to put down.
When runners start dying while training for, or taking part in organised runs, the police soon realise they have a serial killer on their hands.
It’s then a race against time to figure out just what is going on, how the cases might be linked and how to put a stop to the murders.
I really enjoyed the parts from the police’s point of view and the dynamic between the two main officers. You really feel you are getting inside their heads and understanding how the investigation is running. I’m very familiar with some locations within the story which made it feel all the more real.
The different character points of view keep you in suspense and guessing just who is responsible and why. The author has a great writing style and knows just how to pull in the reader and keep them hooked until the end.
This book really builds up to its climax in the last few chapters, giving away all its secrets and tying up all the loose ends.
All in all a quick read that you will not want to put down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have enjoyed all the books i have read by the author and especially Run for your life had me guessing right from the very beginning what was going on and why the runners were being murdered.
Right from the get go this was a fast paced read that had me guessing who the murderer was, the author did keep giving little clues and i was trying to figure out what the victims had in common. With short chapters you feel the suspense and the worry that is going on between the running community as well as following the police as they are trying to investigate the murders. Each character is well thought out and i did wonder throughout what they did to deserve their outcome but especially near the end i was shocked when the reveal happened as it most definitely would never of came to mind who it was and the backstory of why they were doing what they were doing.
Full of twists, secrets and suspense this read was so unique and had me engrossed right from the very start. I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for giving me a digital ARC in exchange of my full honest review.
Right from the get go this was a fast paced read that had me guessing who the murderer was, the author did keep giving little clues and i was trying to figure out what the victims had in common. With short chapters you feel the suspense and the worry that is going on between the running community as well as following the police as they are trying to investigate the murders. Each character is well thought out and i did wonder throughout what they did to deserve their outcome but especially near the end i was shocked when the reveal happened as it most definitely would never of came to mind who it was and the backstory of why they were doing what they were doing.
Full of twists, secrets and suspense this read was so unique and had me engrossed right from the very start. I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for giving me a digital ARC in exchange of my full honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
On a bright spring Saturday, hundreds gather in a park as usual for their weekly community 5k run. An hour later, one of the runners is dead. The next week a runner training for a 10k event dies. And then another, a half marathon runner....
The police are baffled. The pattern is the same, the deaths can't be coincidental. Is there a murderer picking off his victims one race at a time? Ten million adults are regular or occasional runners. Ten million potential victims. With the next event just announced, as you reach the start line, you might just have to run for your life....
This is a cleverly crafted, twisted and gripping thriller that had me guessing all the way. Why were people being murdered while running? The story is told from multiple points of view. The tension builds throughout. The police have a race against time to find the serial killer to find what links they might find to catch the serial killer. This is a quick read.
Published 29th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #JackieKabler for my ARC of #RunForYourLife in exchange for an honest review.
The police are baffled. The pattern is the same, the deaths can't be coincidental. Is there a murderer picking off his victims one race at a time? Ten million adults are regular or occasional runners. Ten million potential victims. With the next event just announced, as you reach the start line, you might just have to run for your life....
This is a cleverly crafted, twisted and gripping thriller that had me guessing all the way. Why were people being murdered while running? The story is told from multiple points of view. The tension builds throughout. The police have a race against time to find the serial killer to find what links they might find to catch the serial killer. This is a quick read.
Published 29th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #JackieKabler for my ARC of #RunForYourLife in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2026
Run For Your Life is another cracking story from a fabulous author. Beginning with the murder of a runner, this book kept me riveted to the pages, as I tried, along with DI Livvy Lacy and her team to guess who was targeting and murdering runners competing in races and marathons, with no apparent connection, across the south of England.
What follows is a chase through buried secrets, past betrayals, and a present that refuses to let the past rest. Here lie secrets in abundance and little by little the truth starts to sneak out. The story is packed with suspense and plays out as a gripping whodunnit, ramping up in its final quarter and delivering some unexpected twists and a decent ending.
Peppered with news articles and instagram threads, the reader gets a true sense of some of the characters’ opinions plus public opinion. I really enjoyed reading this book and I couldn’t wait to find out if DI Lacy was going to catch the killer, and more intriguingly, what the reasoning behind the murders was.
Highly recommended to all thrill seekers and lovers of escapism.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC.
What follows is a chase through buried secrets, past betrayals, and a present that refuses to let the past rest. Here lie secrets in abundance and little by little the truth starts to sneak out. The story is packed with suspense and plays out as a gripping whodunnit, ramping up in its final quarter and delivering some unexpected twists and a decent ending.
Peppered with news articles and instagram threads, the reader gets a true sense of some of the characters’ opinions plus public opinion. I really enjoyed reading this book and I couldn’t wait to find out if DI Lacy was going to catch the killer, and more intriguingly, what the reasoning behind the murders was.
Highly recommended to all thrill seekers and lovers of escapism.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC.
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