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The Meter Is Running
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 12, 2026
This is the latest short story or novella (63 pages) by author Jack Dane, a writer new to me. It is available from Kindle Unlimited. I was impressed that so much action, suspense, emotional tension, and motivation was packed into the short format. I am usually not a fan of short stories, but I found this both an entertaining and compelling read that kept me quickly turning the pages. There was a huge twist part way through the story which lead to a satisfying conclusion. I immediately downloaded several more books by this talented author. Recommended!
February 10, 2026
Looking for something short to read, I turned to this piece by Jack Dane. Having some experience with Dane's writing, I knew I was in for a treat. This psychological piece tosses twists inside an already tense story and is sure to keep the reader flipping pages to complete it in a single sitting, as happened to me.
Sydney is nervous about getting to the gallery on time for the launch of her first art exhibition. But, she's running late and has no hope of arriving on time. A cab pulls up and appears to be her saving grace. Things might just turn around for her after all. While the journey seems fine to begin, the driver starts ignoring her every request, sending Sydney into a panic. With the cab following the streets of New York, tensions mount when a thump comes from the trunk and a stain on the seat next to her sends Sydney into complete panic mode. What is going on and will Sydney make it to the gallery...alive? A chilling story that has all the needed elements to make it the perfect psychological thriller, just what I expect from Jack Dane!
This was a fairly quick and entertaining read that is able to really get the heart going. The premise is great and yet somewhat off-putting, just what one might expect from Jack Dane. As the story inches along, much like the cab on the snowy roads, the reader becomes acutely aware of what Sydney is feeling and the pains to which she will go for salvation. Once the major reveal occurs, it is a rush to get the final answer before all goes black. The reader cannot help but want to know it all as each swift chapter speeds along.
The characters are few but their impact is great. Sydney is surely in the middle of it all, though Dane does not give too much of her story. One learns a little about the driver and their reasons for being in this mess, though it is also vague enough to keep the story moving without too much insight. As things move towards a final reveal, the pieces come together for the patient reader, only to turn on a dime by the final page turn.
The plot is well-developed and kept me guessing. Dane uses great storytelling to keep things edgy and the twists surface at just the right time. I could not have asked for more from Jack Dane, who begs the reader to keep reading and wait to see how it will all come together. I was highly impressed with this piece and cannot wait to find more Jack Dane pieces to keep me entertained.
Kudos, Mr. Dane, for a story well worth the posted fare!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Sydney is nervous about getting to the gallery on time for the launch of her first art exhibition. But, she's running late and has no hope of arriving on time. A cab pulls up and appears to be her saving grace. Things might just turn around for her after all. While the journey seems fine to begin, the driver starts ignoring her every request, sending Sydney into a panic. With the cab following the streets of New York, tensions mount when a thump comes from the trunk and a stain on the seat next to her sends Sydney into complete panic mode. What is going on and will Sydney make it to the gallery...alive? A chilling story that has all the needed elements to make it the perfect psychological thriller, just what I expect from Jack Dane!
This was a fairly quick and entertaining read that is able to really get the heart going. The premise is great and yet somewhat off-putting, just what one might expect from Jack Dane. As the story inches along, much like the cab on the snowy roads, the reader becomes acutely aware of what Sydney is feeling and the pains to which she will go for salvation. Once the major reveal occurs, it is a rush to get the final answer before all goes black. The reader cannot help but want to know it all as each swift chapter speeds along.
The characters are few but their impact is great. Sydney is surely in the middle of it all, though Dane does not give too much of her story. One learns a little about the driver and their reasons for being in this mess, though it is also vague enough to keep the story moving without too much insight. As things move towards a final reveal, the pieces come together for the patient reader, only to turn on a dime by the final page turn.
The plot is well-developed and kept me guessing. Dane uses great storytelling to keep things edgy and the twists surface at just the right time. I could not have asked for more from Jack Dane, who begs the reader to keep reading and wait to see how it will all come together. I was highly impressed with this piece and cannot wait to find more Jack Dane pieces to keep me entertained.
Kudos, Mr. Dane, for a story well worth the posted fare!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 27, 2026
A thriller of a ride. Short as it is, it was definitely enjoyable. The perfect intro book if you are looking to branch out into suspenseful psychological thrillers!
January 31, 2026
Surprise!
Jack Dane pulled off another great twist with this one. Thought I knew where it was going, but the cabbie took an unexpected turn!
Jack Dane pulled off another great twist with this one. Thought I knew where it was going, but the cabbie took an unexpected turn!
March 11, 2026
Pretty great quick novella while I was waiting for my daughter at practice, short chapters only a few characters but action packed in 70 pages
March 14, 2026
A thrilling short story
Great book and quick read. Jack Dane never disappoints. Onto his next book, Sister Sister. I’ve no doubt it’ll be just as entertaining.
Great book and quick read. Jack Dane never disappoints. Onto his next book, Sister Sister. I’ve no doubt it’ll be just as entertaining.
March 14, 2026
Claustrophobic Thriller in a NYC Cab
Jack Dane strips psychological suspense down to its essentials in this claustrophobic tale. Three characters, one New York City taxi, and a mounting dread that makes ordinary traffic feel genuinely threatening.
What Works:
The confined setting proves remarkably effective. Dane transforms a routine cab ride into something suffocating, using the locked doors and city streets rushing by to create real tension. The villain stands out as uncomfortably believable; no theatrical monologues, just a disturbing psychology that feels grounded and unpredictable.
Sydney's predicament also generates authentic stakes. I also enjoyed Sydney in the lead. The author writes her emotions so well. Just when you feel that there is room to escape, the author writes in a twist to make it impossible for her to survive. You feel her isolation and uncertainty about what to do next, which keeps the pages turning.
What Falls Short:
The story works perfectly at this length, though longtime fans might finish hoping Dane returns to full novels soon!
Verdict:
The Meter is Running is a sharp, effective thriller that respects your time while delivering real impact. Dane's craftsmanship shines in this confined space, proving that good suspense needs no embellishment.
Perfect for: Claustrophobic suspense, realistic bad guys, and reading in one sitting.
Jack Dane strips psychological suspense down to its essentials in this claustrophobic tale. Three characters, one New York City taxi, and a mounting dread that makes ordinary traffic feel genuinely threatening.
What Works:
The confined setting proves remarkably effective. Dane transforms a routine cab ride into something suffocating, using the locked doors and city streets rushing by to create real tension. The villain stands out as uncomfortably believable; no theatrical monologues, just a disturbing psychology that feels grounded and unpredictable.
Sydney's predicament also generates authentic stakes. I also enjoyed Sydney in the lead. The author writes her emotions so well. Just when you feel that there is room to escape, the author writes in a twist to make it impossible for her to survive. You feel her isolation and uncertainty about what to do next, which keeps the pages turning.
What Falls Short:
The story works perfectly at this length, though longtime fans might finish hoping Dane returns to full novels soon!
Verdict:
The Meter is Running is a sharp, effective thriller that respects your time while delivering real impact. Dane's craftsmanship shines in this confined space, proving that good suspense needs no embellishment.
Perfect for: Claustrophobic suspense, realistic bad guys, and reading in one sitting.
February 25, 2026
A short 63 page short story by Jack Dane
I liked it ok, but I did think it ended too abruptly. I gave this short story 3 stars because I have read another of Jack Dane's novels (The Apartment Across the Hall) so I know what he is capable of.
This summary is 100% plagiarized from the Amazon summary:
This taxi ride might just be her last…
Sydney is going to be late for her big gallery opening. Luckily, there’s a cab ready and waiting.
Only things are a little…off. The driver seems to be ignoring her. There’s a rust-colored stain on the seat, and it sounds like there’s something heavy in the trunk.
As the night goes on and the fare climbs higher, Sydney is less and less sure she’ll make it to her destination alive.
I liked it ok, but I did think it ended too abruptly. I gave this short story 3 stars because I have read another of Jack Dane's novels (The Apartment Across the Hall) so I know what he is capable of.
This summary is 100% plagiarized from the Amazon summary:
This taxi ride might just be her last…
Sydney is going to be late for her big gallery opening. Luckily, there’s a cab ready and waiting.
Only things are a little…off. The driver seems to be ignoring her. There’s a rust-colored stain on the seat, and it sounds like there’s something heavy in the trunk.
As the night goes on and the fare climbs higher, Sydney is less and less sure she’ll make it to her destination alive.
March 9, 2026
I liked this book, it was really enjoyable. This is my first time reading a book by this author and I really did enjoy it. This was a really fast paced suspenseful and psychological thriller which is a plus for me, so it was relatively easy to get through. I also liked the authors writing style so it was easy for me to read and get through. The plot, charcacters and everything else was enjoyable. Do I reccomend this book? Yes, if you are looking for a quick suspensful and psychological fast-paced thriller. For a short book, this was really enjoyable.
January 24, 2026
A thrilling and suspenseful short story which sees Sydney trapped in a taxi on her way to her gallery opening. The driver doesn’t seem to say anything and suddenly they seem to be going the wrong way. Will she make it out alive and unharmed? This was a very tense read and I was keen to find out what would happen to Sydney. The main twist was excellent and unexpected; however, I did find the ending a little abrupt and unbelievable, but overall it was a dark, engaging read.
February 1, 2026
I discovered this author not long ago and intend to read all of his books. I am always amazed when thriller authors manage to put a lot of punch into the space of a short story, but this one succeeded! I have rarely seen short thrillers that are all the successful at being thrilling, but Dane managed several twists in this tiny space. I couldn’t put it down!
February 14, 2026
I can’t believe it…
I’ve finally read something that just about stopped my heart!
What a ride! Holy Moses! That was one of the best and frightening stories I have ever read!
Get in, sit down, buckle up and shut, no wait, check the child locks first! Wow!
I will never take a taxi again! NEVER!
I’ve finally read something that just about stopped my heart!
What a ride! Holy Moses! That was one of the best and frightening stories I have ever read!
Get in, sit down, buckle up and shut, no wait, check the child locks first! Wow!
I will never take a taxi again! NEVER!
February 17, 2026
Excellent thriller short read that will fool you
You think you have seen the premise before. But then, you discover there is a twist. One you didn't see coming. Outstanding short thriller that definitely works on psychological aspects of The human condition relating to fear, survival, and a lack of control. Highly recommended.
You think you have seen the premise before. But then, you discover there is a twist. One you didn't see coming. Outstanding short thriller that definitely works on psychological aspects of The human condition relating to fear, survival, and a lack of control. Highly recommended.
March 15, 2026
5⭐️! Another novella by Jack Dane, and yes! He is a new favorite author! I’ve read two novellas, and I’m on a book by him all within 2-3 days!
This book had creepy vibes, and it didn’t disappoint! There were definitely some questionable moments that will make you second guess taking an Uber, but it was so good and I wanted to know how it would end and who would prevail.
This book had creepy vibes, and it didn’t disappoint! There were definitely some questionable moments that will make you second guess taking an Uber, but it was so good and I wanted to know how it would end and who would prevail.
January 30, 2026
Another excellent twisty book by Jack Dane and suddenly I’ve just realized that in a month’s time I’ve read all of his books. All have been so good and so unpredictable. I hope there’s another coming out soon!
February 1, 2026
The Meter Is Running
Enjoyed this short story just wished was longer. It made you feel in touch with all the characters and you wished for a happy ending. This author is definitely one to read and keep up with!
Enjoyed this short story just wished was longer. It made you feel in touch with all the characters and you wished for a happy ending. This author is definitely one to read and keep up with!
February 18, 2026
Unfortunately this one didn’t hit. Short stories are hard as they don’t have much depth so rely on a good twist to keep you hooked. I just didn’t find this one good in my opinion and I am disappointed ☹️
February 21, 2026
couldn’t stop for a breath
This book had me from the first word and hooked me continually. I finished this isn one short sitting. Now I’ve completed every book by the author. I will impatiently wait until the next. Great job!
This book had me from the first word and hooked me continually. I finished this isn one short sitting. Now I’ve completed every book by the author. I will impatiently wait until the next. Great job!
February 25, 2026
This was such a fun, fast-paced read!! Kept me hooked from the first chapter and didn’t let up. The tension builds quickly, and I flew through it.
Everything moved at the perfect pace. Definitely one of those quick reads that delivers. Loved it!!
Everything moved at the perfect pace. Definitely one of those quick reads that delivers. Loved it!!
March 15, 2026
What a fantastic short ride
This book was fantastic! I loved the plot and it takes a detailed eye to understand what’s happening, because it’s right there in front of you if you look. Like the whole short ride this book took me on. Clever!
This book was fantastic! I loved the plot and it takes a detailed eye to understand what’s happening, because it’s right there in front of you if you look. Like the whole short ride this book took me on. Clever!
March 18, 2026
quick read with lots of thrill!
I was not expecting the plot twist! A great quick read for those of you who love reading but may not necessarily have the time to read a lengthy book.
I was not expecting the plot twist! A great quick read for those of you who love reading but may not necessarily have the time to read a lengthy book.
January 24, 2026
Gripping unputdownable thriller.
I enjoyed the suspense created in a quick read! As an “older” male reader, I highly recommend this short novel!
I enjoyed the suspense created in a quick read! As an “older” male reader, I highly recommend this short novel!
January 28, 2026
Riveting
I found myself being the girl in the taxi almost overcome with fear and petrified.
Another ‘must read’ from Jack Dane.
I found myself being the girl in the taxi almost overcome with fear and petrified.
Another ‘must read’ from Jack Dane.
January 30, 2026
Whew, this was the cab ride from hell lmao.
February 3, 2026
High Heels
Very suspenseful,keeps you on the
edge of your seat.
High heels helped out alot
The ending not what I expected
Five stars
Very suspenseful,keeps you on the
edge of your seat.
High heels helped out alot
The ending not what I expected
Five stars
February 5, 2026
This had a great midway twist, loved the ending too - you go girl! 😂
February 7, 2026
It was good- tense, stressful. There were a few continuity errors that should not have been there for such a short story.
February 12, 2026
meter
Enjoyable short story that I really like and so easy to read and follow. Definitely a Jack Dane fan now.
Enjoyable short story that I really like and so easy to read and follow. Definitely a Jack Dane fan now.
February 15, 2026
This short story was quite the thriller! I really enjoyed it. A woman gets into a taxi cab and just as she’s arriving at her destination all hell breaks loose.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews