Public Enemies

On The Run #5

by Gordon Korman

WANTED...

Aiden and Meg Falconer have been crossing the country as fugitives in order to prove their parents didn't commit a crime. In a world where criminals are celebrities and news coverage is 24-7, the Falconers are finding it very hard to hide from their unwanted fame. They've been chased from state to state by the FBI... and by a killer they know only as Hairless Joe.

Now Hairless Joe is getting closer than ever - and the Falconers are getting even closer to the truth.

...BY THE COPS AND A KILLER.

Genres: Middle Grade, Adventure, Childrens, Mystery, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Thriller

150 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

About the author

Gordon Korman is a Canadian author of children's and young adult fiction books. Korman's books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide over a career spanning four decades and have appeared at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is penultimate instalment in this series but as I discovered previously there is a second series with the same characters, the Kidnapped series has another three volumes, so you could see this as the fifth of 9 stories featuring the Falconer's.

A few years ago in the summer of 2022, Korman published his 100th book. Yes you read that correctly, his hundredth book. I have now read over 85 of his books. My son often reads these books to me or with me. And now my youngest daughter has started reading them. I have now read all the stand alone stories and at least 2 in every series. I am down to 20 books to complete his whole canon. As of the summer of 2025 he has 109 volumes in print not counting omnibus editions. There are so many great read in the Korman’s collected works.

The description of this volume is:

“The Falconer siblings come one step closer to freeing their parents from jail in this fifth installment of the thrilling Gordon Korman series.

Aiden and Meg Falconer have been crossing the country as fugitives in order to prove their parents didn't commit a crime. They've been chased from state to state by the FBI . . . and by a killer they know only as Hairless Joe. Now Hairless Joe is getting closer than ever -- and the Falconers are getting even closer than that to the truth.”

Another is:

“WANTED...

Aiden and Meg Falconer have been crossing the country as fugitives in order to prove their parents didn't commit a crime. In a world where criminals are celebrities and news coverage is 24-7, the Falconers are finding it very hard to hide from their unwanted fame. They've been chased from state to state by the FBI... and by a killer they know only as Hairless Joe.

Now Hairless Joe is getting closer than ever - and the Falconers are getting even closer to the truth.”

About thr author in this volume we are informed:

“GORDON KORMAN is the author of The Hypnotists, and six books featuring Griffin Bing and his friends: Swindle, Zoobreak, Framed, Showoff, Hideout, and Jackpot. His other books include This Can’t Be Happening at Macdonald Hall (published when he was fourteen); The Toilet Paper Tigers; Radio Fifth Grade; the trilogies Island, Everest, Dive, Kidnapped, and Titanic; and the series On the Run. He lives in New York with his family and can be found on the web.”

Unlike many of Korman’s books the chapters do not have titles, in any of the first five books in the series. The premise of the series, at least from the four volumes reminds me of Conspiracy 365 January by Gabrielle Lord, also from Scholastic but published 5 years after this series. At the end of the volume is no preview of the next instalment, but all 6 volumes published in just over a year. This volume released in 2004 and the most recent edition was the eBook edition in 2013.

The intensity in this series just keeps being cranked up. Meg and Aiden escaped custody again. And they might have made their first mistake. In this one they are trying to track down their final clue to get info to clear their parent’s names. But the risk is higher. They are heading into the enemies home territory. But because of a rash call from Meg they just might have some support in their corner for what feels like the first time. Can they stay ahead of the local police, the FBI, and the bald guy who has been trying to climate them for a while now. An epic chase with a muscle car and a Harley cause an adrenalin rush. But to find out the details you will need to read this excellent instalment in the story of the Falconers.

This story had some serious risk, and a few close calls, an epic chase and help coordinated by a talk show host across the country. This is another great offering in a wonderful series! This story and series is darker than many of Korman’s offerings. The pace is break neck. The characters are very well written. You will find yourself cheering for Aiden and Meg again and again. It is a story young readers will latch onto and be desperate to know what happens next! Another great volume from Korman’s masterful pen!

[Aashna Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My opinion of the mystery book On the Run 5 Public Enemies is that it is a page turner. This book was a page turner because the author, Gordon Korman was making the book with cliff hangers so I didn’t want to stop reading the book. For example, some events to support my claim on page 133, it says how one of the main characters, Aiden said not to kill the assassin who are trying to kill them. This left me think in my head, WHAT? That’s crazy! This statement caused me to just drive right back into the amazing book. In addition, on page 136 it says that a guy named mouth was helping the 2 kids (he is a host of a show and he was taking the police side but now he is helping) I was so surprised and that made me go in shock that what’s going to happen next. Is he tricking them? Is he for real? If I was in the book and I was running away from all the police, I’d be terrified, especially if someone was trying to kill me. I would recommend this book for people who like crazy action packed mysteries that drive you in and out of the book with questions, and you feel like you are in there with Aiden and Meg. I loved this book and I hope you’re convinced of reading this page-turner book.

[Eli Amodt · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book I read was called On The Run #5 Public Enemies by Gordon Korman. To be completely honest, this was the worst book in the entire On The Run series. The book is literally 150 pages of the main characters going from montana to colorado and the descriptions are awfully boring. Like the rest of the series Aiden Falconer is my favorite character. Aiden is a character that is really outgoing he always saves the day an example of this is on page 6 when Aiden and his sister get pulled over by a highway patrol officer “ Ahh great Meg look, were getting lit up. How are we going to get out of this one Aiden. Here, i'll distract the officer with this flare, once i do i need you to step on it”. My favorite quote from the book is on Page 22 when Aiden says “ Let’s Disappear” this quote shows how done he's with being thrown into this criminal life and being on the run. My least favorite character is still meg she never does anything going back to page 6 She says “Aiden how are we going to get out of this one” She could have thought of something but she didn't and he's a really annoying character that i really dislike.

[Stacey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

With their faces plastered on newspapers, on the internet and on TV Meg and Aiden find it even more difficult to get where they need to go. Trying to prove their parents' innocence has them scrambling to find evidence to free them from prison. They mustn't get caught. They are the only hope their parents have of freedom so they continue on. They've made it to Denver. They have a sort of so far anyway, safe place to hide out. They can get some much needed sleep and food. They found HOCUS but so has hairless Joe. How does he keep popping up wherever they are? Who is he? He's getting closer to killing them minute by minute. They follow a thread of a clue and get a few answers. This is a fast paced book with danger around every corner. But do the kids finally have someone on their side? An unlikely ally?

[Sanara♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars.

I think this is the best so far in the series. :)
When I started reading this series I thought the later books would just drag on and on and I'd gradually lose interest...not at all what I expected! All the books did have a similar style...Meg and Aiden hiding, almost getting caught or getting caught and escaping, getting help from the most unexpected people etc...but still the story doesn't get any less interesting.
All the books are action-packed, fast-moving page turners. Now on to the last book..I hope it is just as good..

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn't the best book in the series, but it sets up the last book very well. I enjoyed watching Aiden and Meg attempt to track down HORUS, and I liked Hairless Joe's involvement in HORUS. The Mouth of America is one of my favorite characters in the series, even though he was just in this one book. The fight in the graveyard was very entertaining and exciting. Over all this book is well written and entertaining.

[Jeff Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook with my family during a car trip. My boys (ages 17, 14, and 8) all enjoyed the story. Book 4 seemed to drag, but the story picked up on book 5. Some parts stretched the ability to suspend disbelief, but I enjoyed how the Falconers came closer to solving the mystery of their parents. In some ways, this series is like "The Fugitive" for children.

[Josh McDermott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, especially for kids. During the beginning and middle of the book, it feels a little bland at times. However, the last third of the book is a real page-turner. I really want to finish this series to see where things go!

[Jayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Funny. Recommended to a;ll. Setting: DENVER and Idaho.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really moved the story along. I enjoyed this one a lot.

[Martin Matias · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I read. Its full of action and adventure.

[Nicole Luiken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rereading this series to my kids. Fast-paced fun.

[Kylee Baier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will they ever find uncle Frank? There is so much going against them. The FBI is on their tail and hairless Joe is even closer. How will they escape?

[claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

AWESOME😀😀😀😀

[Nancy Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The action and adventure continues. Very entertaining! Ready for the last book!

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to the conclusion that I must have read this series before. There's no other explanation. I just have no memory of when I did that. Still an awesome read tho.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I KNEW IT!

[Cosette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m beginning to wonder why they have a mother.

[Brooks Nelsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The twists in this book were INSANE. I mean, you can't just steal a motorcycle in ANY book. the near deaths with some humor made this book AWESOME.

[Caillee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars because I would have loved this adventurous book in elementary school. I haven’t read any of the others but Gordon Korman sure knows how to put together a thrilling adventure!

[Jaden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast pace as always Can't wait to read the final book.

[Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so good read it or miss out on life you can't stop reading

[Backpack Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good! READ ALL!!!

[Star Shining Forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Spoilers*

Aiden and Meg Falconer have been chased by many people on their quest to exonerate their wrongfully jailed parents. Their modes of escape are varied and colorful; in this book they stow away in the back of a pickup, ride on a horse for hours, and (after a run-in with a seedy biker after the 25K reward on their heads) borrow a motorcycle to take them to HORUS headquarters in Denver. That's where Frank Lindenauer worked, the guy who framed their parents for treason. but was really working with the terrorists himself. All the while, FBI Agent Harris pursues them, suspecting he arrested the Falconer parents wrongfully and now wanting to help their kids clear them, as well as to try to protect them from the bald assassin after them.

It doesn't help that popular talk show host "the Mouth" is on the Falconers' case, berating them. Impetuously, Meg calls in to the show and her heartfelt explanation of how things really stand stuns the Mouth and his listeners. From then on, he becomes the kids' biggest fan, offering them any help they need.

Utilizing free Wi-Fi, they research former HORUS employees and get into the building to search for info on Frank. When their bald follower corners them, they barely escape by frantically barreling over his car on their motorcycle. But how did he know where to find them, as if he anticipated their every move? A chase ensues and ends with the Falconer siblings trapped by an assassin's gun, then a desperate effort flips the tables to Meg having the gun instead.

But then a horrible truth is revealed. The assassin IS Frank Lindenauer. Having changed his appearance and abandoned the Falconer parents to life in jail, he's emerged from hiding to finish off the siblings before they discover or share the truth. As soon as Aiden realizes this, Frank escapes, but the police are closing in.

Their only hope? The Mouth. A cry for help brings the radio personality to the rescue. He puts it out on the air. Within seconds, Aiden and Meg are rescued from under police noses by strangers, and passed from vehicle to vehicle for security. Even in the midst of all the danger they're in, it's extremely heartening to receive this help from anonymous strangers of Denver.

But now, what do they do? They have to bring in Frank. Not the long-lost acquaintance. The assassin.

[Jordan H]

Public enemies
Aiden and Meg falconer have been crossing the country as fugitives, in order to prove that their parents didn’t commit a crime. In a world where criminals are celebrities and news coverage is 24-7, the falconers are finding it hard to hide form their unwanted fame. They’ve been chased for state to state by the FBI. They have been chased by a killer the only know by Hairless Joe. Now Hairless Joe is getting closer than ever, and the Falconers are getting even closer to the truth.
Something’s I dislike about this book is It’s about two characters named Aiden and Meg. I like this book because it’s an adventure book. Another thing I dislike about this book is it moves really fast. Sometimes it gets confusing. If you’re not into fast paced books don’t read the book, but if you do like fast pace book I would recommend this book to you.
I learned to never commit any kind of crime if you do, you will most likely got caught. You shouldn’t do it if you don’t want to get in trouble with the law. All it takes is one time to mess up, and your life could be ruined. It takes one dumb mistake to get a life behind bars.

[Gabriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very adventurous book. That made it a fun read. It is all about the Falconer children on the run and their struggle for justice. Also its suprising because it's almost like they can't trust anyone. Just when you think they are safe another obstacle presents itself.

A connection could be made from the book to the real world. Sometimes the wrong people go to jail the same way the Falconers did in the book. You can find justice but sometimes it's hard to get. This connects from the book to the world outside it so it's a text to world connection.

This book was the same as the others so I gave it three stars. I thought it was a little bit repetitive in the way it was written. Similar lines were said often. This series could have been like a three book series but the Falconers just kept going. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes an adventure.

[Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

150 pages
Realistic Fiction
by Gordon Korman

Public Enemies is the fifth book in the On The Run series. In this book, Meg and Aiden Falconer are still looking for Frank Lindenaur, them an who framed their parents and landed them in jail. Meg and Aiden are still running from not just the police, but also a mass murderer the Falconers call "Hairless Joe." This murderer is after the Falconers, but they have done nothing wrong. But will this mysterious man hurt them, or help them?

This was one of my favorite books in this series! I loved the twist near the end of the book (but I won't say - spoiler!!). I think the mood and the actoin are very realistic for each situation. I love this book so much!!!!!!! Anyways, my favorite part was when Aiden and Meg are on a motorcycle, running from Hairless Joe and the motorbike is running out of gas. I loved it because there was so much action and suspense that I couldn't stop reading! I loved it!!

[Gabriel Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I read is "On The Run" "Public Enemies" by Gordon Korman. I chose this book because I saw a car on the cover. It's about a brother and sister Aiden and Meg Falconer's parents being locked up for a crime they didn't commit because supposedly they were charged of stealing. These two siblings are trying to change that by trying to prove their parents innocent but they were in the crime too. The are wanted all over Oregon and have just driven into Denver and find cops as trouble on the way. As skilled 17 year olds, they escape. The man who charged their parents for this is the one who committed the crime but police have no evidence. Aiden and Meg must now make themselves bait to lour the man into their trap to prove their parents innocent. I recommend this to other readers because it's exciting, and suspenseful. My favorite quote was "We're the bait." from Aiden.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot twists just keep coming, and this book delivers a few powerful ones, which I can't spoil. But suffice to say, one of them changes the kids' goal in a major way.

Otherwise, this is the same style as the previous books: hiding out, trying to get help from people who don't recognize them, running to avoid capture, and so on. One of the best moments occurs when Meg overhears a radio show badmouthing her family, and calls in to try to set the record straight. It actually results in her and Aiden getting a few allies who help them out later.

There's also two close encounters with the assassin - and a major revelation about him.

Not much more to say that I haven't said about previous books in this series, but this is one of the stronger entries.

[Joshua P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aiden and Meg are still trying to clear their parents' names by prooving their innocence. They are still getting chased by Hairless Joe. They have made a disision that they have to kill Hairless Joe if he continues to come after them. They came to that disision after he tryed to throw them down an elevator shaft. At the near end of the book they made a devastating discovery, Hairless Joe is Frank Lindineir. Frank is the "CIA" agent that suposedly was their parents boss. They now have to get him to the police alive without getting themselves killed in the process. This book is full of twists and turns at all corners. I recommend this book to everyone.