Runnin' with the Devil

by Ben Vendetta

It’s 1980 and time is running out for seventeen-year-old Chris McLaren. He’s a star runner on a talented but dysfunctional cross country team, captained by his best friend, a charming but violent drug dealer. If they can get their act together, they could bring home a state championship. Chris also plays guitar in a punk band on the verge of their big break. As the season progresses, his worlds collide, and possible criminal danger arises. With his future on the line, Chris is forced to play his cards. Will he succumb to the Joker or draw the Ace of Spades?

185 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2026

About the author

Ben Vendetta resides in the Rust Belt. Runnin' with the Devil is his fourth novel. He is currently working on an anthology of indie band interviews he conducted in the Nineties entitled Take It from the Man! Artists include Spacemen 3, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Dandy Warhols, Swervedriver, and many more.

Reviews

[J. Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

great runner novel

Cross country teen runner comes up against life and love in this 1980s set sports novel. Got this for my nephew and he absolutely loved it. As did I. Good characterization and writing.