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The Tunnel Runner
Explore the world on the other side of the street!
Entering the tunnels is easy, but Ripley and Gabriela soon discover that reaching the surface again will be the greatest challenge they have ever faced... Who are the mysterious tunnel dwellers and why have they founded an underground community of their own? Who is the tunnel runner and why is he so determined to kill anyone who ventures too close to the Chambers? As they unlock the secrets of this subterranean society, Ripley and Gabriela will also discover the answer to a mystery of their own – one that has haunted Gabriela since childhood.
The Tunnel Runner is a gripping tale of suspense and urban adventure built on a foundation of social tension and family secrets. It takes you by the hand and leads you deep beneath the city of Brisbane.
Excerpt:
“There’s no point running, surface walker! You can’t get away from me. Nobody knows these passages better than I do. I’m the tunnel runner.”
The tunnel runner, those words echoed.
Ripley thought to himself. He didn’t know what it meant, but he had seen him run, climb, and jump before. He knew that he was physically superior. Ripley’s workout sessions with his mates may have helped keep him in shape and taught him a few nifty moves, but they were a walk in the park compared to this man’s daily routine.
Ripley was running in the dark. He had to rely on his assailant’s torchlight to guide him along the tunnel, but his own body was blocking most of the beam. He could tell the light was aimed at the back of his head – focused on the exact spot where the tunnel runner wanted to plant his blunt hatchet. It was only a matter of time before he received the deathblow.
Praise for The Tunnel Runner:
"It reminded me a bit of great works such as J. G. Ballard's Concrete Island."
- William Marshall, author of The Jellyfish Device
"Trost combines elements of suspense, mystery and horror into this fast-paced adventure that also asks interesting questions about the way we choose to live and survive in the city, and what happens to those, who through no fault of their own, are discarded by mainstream society."
- Maree Kimberley, author of Dirt Circus League
"What Cameron has created feels like modern urban folklore."
- Mark McAuliffe, author of short horror fiction
"In The Tunnel Runner, Trost effortlessly plunges us into a claustrophobic, underground world hidden mere metres beneath our feet. We experience some genuine moments of terror through the eyes of the sympathetic protagonists. But to me, the greatest pleasure was meeting some delightfully obnoxious surface walkers whose morally bankrupt actions threaten to unleash tragedy, and I wish I could have spent more time with them. Despite some occasional coarse language, this is a book I'd recommend to teenagers as well as adults."
- Amazon reader
"I read The Tunnel Runner a few months ago, and while I don't usually write reviews, I wanted to share my excitement for this gripping thriller. I love stories with trains, shady figures, barbed-wire fences, and manholes that lead to mysterious places."
- Claire Fitzpatrick, author of Only the Dead
"This interesting take on Australian socio-demographics features a cinematic climax and a bittersweet denouement. Throughout every plot twist, the city of Brisbane holds the spotlight."
- Deborah Sheldon, author of Body Farm Z
"This book is a thrilling mystery/adventure. When the story starts you think you see where it's going but then it evolves, gets deeper. By the end the tension is ratched up and the drop is exquisite. There may even be redemption, though not exactly the way you might expect."
- Jim X Dodge, author of Theta House
Entering the tunnels is easy, but Ripley and Gabriela soon discover that reaching the surface again will be the greatest challenge they have ever faced... Who are the mysterious tunnel dwellers and why have they founded an underground community of their own? Who is the tunnel runner and why is he so determined to kill anyone who ventures too close to the Chambers? As they unlock the secrets of this subterranean society, Ripley and Gabriela will also discover the answer to a mystery of their own – one that has haunted Gabriela since childhood.
The Tunnel Runner is a gripping tale of suspense and urban adventure built on a foundation of social tension and family secrets. It takes you by the hand and leads you deep beneath the city of Brisbane.
Excerpt:
“There’s no point running, surface walker! You can’t get away from me. Nobody knows these passages better than I do. I’m the tunnel runner.”
The tunnel runner, those words echoed.
Ripley thought to himself. He didn’t know what it meant, but he had seen him run, climb, and jump before. He knew that he was physically superior. Ripley’s workout sessions with his mates may have helped keep him in shape and taught him a few nifty moves, but they were a walk in the park compared to this man’s daily routine.
Ripley was running in the dark. He had to rely on his assailant’s torchlight to guide him along the tunnel, but his own body was blocking most of the beam. He could tell the light was aimed at the back of his head – focused on the exact spot where the tunnel runner wanted to plant his blunt hatchet. It was only a matter of time before he received the deathblow.
Praise for The Tunnel Runner:
"It reminded me a bit of great works such as J. G. Ballard's Concrete Island."
- William Marshall, author of The Jellyfish Device
"Trost combines elements of suspense, mystery and horror into this fast-paced adventure that also asks interesting questions about the way we choose to live and survive in the city, and what happens to those, who through no fault of their own, are discarded by mainstream society."
- Maree Kimberley, author of Dirt Circus League
"What Cameron has created feels like modern urban folklore."
- Mark McAuliffe, author of short horror fiction
"In The Tunnel Runner, Trost effortlessly plunges us into a claustrophobic, underground world hidden mere metres beneath our feet. We experience some genuine moments of terror through the eyes of the sympathetic protagonists. But to me, the greatest pleasure was meeting some delightfully obnoxious surface walkers whose morally bankrupt actions threaten to unleash tragedy, and I wish I could have spent more time with them. Despite some occasional coarse language, this is a book I'd recommend to teenagers as well as adults."
- Amazon reader
"I read The Tunnel Runner a few months ago, and while I don't usually write reviews, I wanted to share my excitement for this gripping thriller. I love stories with trains, shady figures, barbed-wire fences, and manholes that lead to mysterious places."
- Claire Fitzpatrick, author of Only the Dead
"This interesting take on Australian socio-demographics features a cinematic climax and a bittersweet denouement. Throughout every plot twist, the city of Brisbane holds the spotlight."
- Deborah Sheldon, author of Body Farm Z
"This book is a thrilling mystery/adventure. When the story starts you think you see where it's going but then it evolves, gets deeper. By the end the tension is ratched up and the drop is exquisite. There may even be redemption, though not exactly the way you might expect."
- Jim X Dodge, author of Theta House
260 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2016
6 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Cameron Trost
55 books670 followersCameron Trost is an author of mystery, suspense, post-apocalyptic, and horror fiction best known for his puzzles featuring Oscar Tremont, Investigator of the Strange and Inexplicable. He has written four novels, Dead on the Dolmen, Flicker, The Tunnel Runner, and Letterbox, and three collections, Oscar Tremont, Investigator of the Strange and Inexplicable, Hoffman's Creeper and Other Disturbing Tales, and The Animal Inside. He runs the independent press, Black Beacon Books, and is a lifetime member of the Australian Crime Writers Association. Originally from Brisbane, Australia, his home is now in southern Brittany, between the rugged coast and treacherous marshland.
I aim to rate every book I finish and I usually leave a short review. I rarely leave one-star or two-star ratings. If I don't like a book, I won't finish or rate it. I'm here to share good reads.
Reviewers: Send me a message if you'd like to receive ebook copies for review.
Authors: If you'd like to suggest I review your book, get in touch via my blog: https://trostlibrary.blogspot.com/p/b...
You can find me on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, BookBub, TikTok, and other platforms. Complete links here: https://linktr.ee/camerontrost
I aim to rate every book I finish and I usually leave a short review. I rarely leave one-star or two-star ratings. If I don't like a book, I won't finish or rate it. I'm here to share good reads.
Reviewers: Send me a message if you'd like to receive ebook copies for review.
Authors: If you'd like to suggest I review your book, get in touch via my blog: https://trostlibrary.blogspot.com/p/b...
You can find me on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, BookBub, TikTok, and other platforms. Complete links here: https://linktr.ee/camerontrost
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 3, 2019
The novel begins with a young couple witnessing a mysterious figure head into the bowels of the city. Next, spurred by untameable curiosity, one of them follows the route of the shadowy man. Down a manhole she goes, triggering a sequence of events that will endanger her and her partner’s safety and lead them to question their lifestyle and assumptions about others.
The setting and premise of this book is an exciting one, with an alternative world of outsiders electing to live a fringe existence underneath Brisbane, eluding detection in the seldom visited subterranean tunnels that run for miles below the city streets. Secretive and protective, the commune of disenfranchised are bonded by damaged histories and a distrust and rejection of the values of surface dwellers. Seeing all those above ground as representative of a way of life they’ve chosen to leave behind, any encroachment into their domain is viewed as a threat. When their domain is intruded upon there is a split between the tunnel dwellers, with most taking a sober view, but one man deciding that the intruders should be silenced by any means necessary. The tunnel runner of the novel’s title has earned the moniker by being supremely adept at navigating their underground world, his lean and sharp physique perfect for fleetingly travelling the labyrinthine passageways, his task to visit the surface world in order to procure valuable provisions essential for the survival of his below surface comrades. When his territory is trespassed he reacts by seeking the silencing of those he sees as threatening his clandestine existence. So begins a battle of cat and mouse, riddled with misreadings and false conjectures.
I enjoyed the ideas and backdrop to this book. The narrative and dialogue did strike me as overly simplistic at certain points, hence I feel I can’t go above a 3.5 for it overall. But it’s a world that is intriguing to explore and the first act is very successful at installing a compelling and intriguing setup.
The setting and premise of this book is an exciting one, with an alternative world of outsiders electing to live a fringe existence underneath Brisbane, eluding detection in the seldom visited subterranean tunnels that run for miles below the city streets. Secretive and protective, the commune of disenfranchised are bonded by damaged histories and a distrust and rejection of the values of surface dwellers. Seeing all those above ground as representative of a way of life they’ve chosen to leave behind, any encroachment into their domain is viewed as a threat. When their domain is intruded upon there is a split between the tunnel dwellers, with most taking a sober view, but one man deciding that the intruders should be silenced by any means necessary. The tunnel runner of the novel’s title has earned the moniker by being supremely adept at navigating their underground world, his lean and sharp physique perfect for fleetingly travelling the labyrinthine passageways, his task to visit the surface world in order to procure valuable provisions essential for the survival of his below surface comrades. When his territory is trespassed he reacts by seeking the silencing of those he sees as threatening his clandestine existence. So begins a battle of cat and mouse, riddled with misreadings and false conjectures.
I enjoyed the ideas and backdrop to this book. The narrative and dialogue did strike me as overly simplistic at certain points, hence I feel I can’t go above a 3.5 for it overall. But it’s a world that is intriguing to explore and the first act is very successful at installing a compelling and intriguing setup.
September 21, 2016
Disclaimer: I was given an advance review copy of this novel.
I am both scared and fascinated by tunnels, those dark, creepy places that lie beneath the surface of our suburban streets. So I was really intrigued to read Cameron Trost's The Tunnel Runner, set in the tunnels that run beneath my home town of Brisbane.
Trost's novel is a subterrannean exploration of Brisbane's inner suburbs, and also paints a vivid picture of the Brisbane suburban landscape. The creation of an alternative community living in the tunnels is a fascinating idea, a utopia of sorts where the small and close-knit community have created a way of life for themselves that rejects the stresses, burdens and cruelties of the "surface-dwellers".
The lives of the tunnel community and "normal" society are explored throughout the novel, through the eyes of two main characters, Ripley and Gabriel, who have developed a fascination with the community. Trost combines elements of suspense, mystery and horror into this fast-paced adventure that also asks interesting questions about the way we choose to live and survive in the city, and what happens to those, who through no fault of their own, are discarded by mainstream society.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy mystery, suspense and exploring ideas about alternative societies.
I am both scared and fascinated by tunnels, those dark, creepy places that lie beneath the surface of our suburban streets. So I was really intrigued to read Cameron Trost's The Tunnel Runner, set in the tunnels that run beneath my home town of Brisbane.
Trost's novel is a subterrannean exploration of Brisbane's inner suburbs, and also paints a vivid picture of the Brisbane suburban landscape. The creation of an alternative community living in the tunnels is a fascinating idea, a utopia of sorts where the small and close-knit community have created a way of life for themselves that rejects the stresses, burdens and cruelties of the "surface-dwellers".
The lives of the tunnel community and "normal" society are explored throughout the novel, through the eyes of two main characters, Ripley and Gabriel, who have developed a fascination with the community. Trost combines elements of suspense, mystery and horror into this fast-paced adventure that also asks interesting questions about the way we choose to live and survive in the city, and what happens to those, who through no fault of their own, are discarded by mainstream society.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy mystery, suspense and exploring ideas about alternative societies.
December 9, 2024
An unsettling page turner.
More of a thriller than a horror, Cameron Trost does add some pretty horrifying elements into his book”The Tunnel Runner.” We follow Ripley and Gabriela as they stumble across an underground society that lives in the sewers of Brisbane, Australia. The only problem is the current community didn’t won’t to be stumbled upon. You won’t view what’s beneath your city the same way again.
More of a thriller than a horror, Cameron Trost does add some pretty horrifying elements into his book”The Tunnel Runner.” We follow Ripley and Gabriela as they stumble across an underground society that lives in the sewers of Brisbane, Australia. The only problem is the current community didn’t won’t to be stumbled upon. You won’t view what’s beneath your city the same way again.
September 2, 2018
Wow this is not what I expected when I bought this book, but a fabulous read all the same it looks at why people might opt out of society whilst maintaining a pacy and interesting read. There were a lot of mentions of flying foxes otherwise an enjoyable read and I would definitely read more by the author
April 22, 2020
This was an enjoyable read. The plot and pace were good. The characters were fleshed out enough to hold my interest (except for the girlfriend who was just annoying). What did spoil it for me was the expository dialogue. This slowed the pace so much at times, I found myself skipping over it and having to make myself go back and read it in case I missed something. Aside from that it's good rainy afternoon reading.
February 5, 2018
I was lucky enough to win The Tunnel Runner in the Goodreads giveaway and had a great time reading it! I found the story to be scary at times, but also very exciting. The whole idea of an underground community that existed right under everyone's noses and where people go in search of a better life is an intriguing and rather fascinating one. I would have liked for the society itself to be more detailed and to spend more time among its people, although not for the sake of the story, but rather to appease my own curiosity.
Also, can I just point out that, when you see a person doing something shady (like, say, climbing a barbed wire fence and then disappearing through a wall) the dumbest thing you could do is follow them. Especially if your main reason for doing it is to satisfy your girlfriend's curiosity. Just saying.
I liked how the story was written and seeing how one's "adventure" managed to change the general outlook on things for everyone involved.
The ending was a bit over the top for me. I just think that all the puzzle pieces aligned too perfectly. But other than that, I liked the book very much.
Also, can I just point out that, when you see a person doing something shady (like, say, climbing a barbed wire fence and then disappearing through a wall) the dumbest thing you could do is follow them. Especially if your main reason for doing it is to satisfy your girlfriend's curiosity. Just saying.
I liked how the story was written and seeing how one's "adventure" managed to change the general outlook on things for everyone involved.
The ending was a bit over the top for me. I just think that all the puzzle pieces aligned too perfectly. But other than that, I liked the book very much.
October 9, 2016
My rating system:
5 stars: rocked my world and I was sorry it had an ending.
4 stars: brilliant story, brilliant storycraft.
3 stars: a lot of fun, enjoyable.
2 stars: either reasonable ideas but poor prose, or reasonable prose but poor ideas.
1 star: vomit, avoid at all costs, probably angry I paid $$ for it.
This was a fun read. I wish G/reads allowed a 3.5 rating. What I liked:
The themes of family and wealth. Worthy themes the author tackled here.
The ending. No spoilers but pleased it avoided a Hollywood climax.
The alternative culture and interesting location.
Dart as a character including his motivations.
5 stars: rocked my world and I was sorry it had an ending.
4 stars: brilliant story, brilliant storycraft.
3 stars: a lot of fun, enjoyable.
2 stars: either reasonable ideas but poor prose, or reasonable prose but poor ideas.
1 star: vomit, avoid at all costs, probably angry I paid $$ for it.
This was a fun read. I wish G/reads allowed a 3.5 rating. What I liked:
The themes of family and wealth. Worthy themes the author tackled here.
The ending. No spoilers but pleased it avoided a Hollywood climax.
The alternative culture and interesting location.
Dart as a character including his motivations.
February 25, 2021
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a fiction enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!
January 6, 2017
A very fast-paced enthralling read. I loved the vivid characterisations. While reading "The Tunnel Runner" I easily visualized every twist & shock in the unfolding plot line. Beautifully written, I found this book wonderful to read. It left me wanting more to read from Cameron Trost
January 25, 2017
This interesting take on Australian socio-demographics features a cinematic climax and a bittersweet denouement. Throughout every plot twist, the city of Brisbane holds the spotlight.
October 24, 2022
I would like to start by declaring that I just love when Australian authors set their stories in Australia!
I have found several Aussie writers seem to feel the need to set their books in countries such as the United States. Perhaps in the hope of speaking to a wider audience? Trost clearly has an intimate knowledge of Brisbane, and its grittier side, and the city acts as a wonderful setting offering a strong sense of place and character.
The writing is tight, and yet still descriptive, especially in more action heavy scenes. There is a cinematic quality to the story, which offers the reader a clear picture of the characters and their place in the world. However, on occasion scenes can become a bit overly descriptive. At times this slows the overall pacing of the story.
However, Trost finds a clear balance between suspense and action, while also allowing the reader enough time to understand the characters and their motivations.
An idea explored through the story is that of society, and community. These ideas and their meaning, hold different values to the characters. I did enjoy the way it was explored right through the book, as the "surface dwellers" find them selves being drawn toward those who inhabit the tunnels, and begin to question if their normal society really is all it is cracked up to be.
The character of Dart I found to be the most interesting. Even though he is willing to commit violent acts, he believes he is doing what is right for the protection of his community. Even if his own community doesn’t agree with him. In my opinion he becomes the character the reader aligns with, despite his dark side.
Overall, I enjoyed the ride THE TUNNEL RUNNER takes the reader on. There are nice character arks and story twists that leave the reader guessing on the outcome.
I have found several Aussie writers seem to feel the need to set their books in countries such as the United States. Perhaps in the hope of speaking to a wider audience? Trost clearly has an intimate knowledge of Brisbane, and its grittier side, and the city acts as a wonderful setting offering a strong sense of place and character.
The writing is tight, and yet still descriptive, especially in more action heavy scenes. There is a cinematic quality to the story, which offers the reader a clear picture of the characters and their place in the world. However, on occasion scenes can become a bit overly descriptive. At times this slows the overall pacing of the story.
However, Trost finds a clear balance between suspense and action, while also allowing the reader enough time to understand the characters and their motivations.
An idea explored through the story is that of society, and community. These ideas and their meaning, hold different values to the characters. I did enjoy the way it was explored right through the book, as the "surface dwellers" find them selves being drawn toward those who inhabit the tunnels, and begin to question if their normal society really is all it is cracked up to be.
The character of Dart I found to be the most interesting. Even though he is willing to commit violent acts, he believes he is doing what is right for the protection of his community. Even if his own community doesn’t agree with him. In my opinion he becomes the character the reader aligns with, despite his dark side.
Overall, I enjoyed the ride THE TUNNEL RUNNER takes the reader on. There are nice character arks and story twists that leave the reader guessing on the outcome.
December 2, 2023
A pacey underground romp
I had fun with this - the underground setting appealed to me straight away. I liked the mystique around Dart and the way he disappeared in and out of the urban landscape.
The story caught me off guard a few times, especially towards the end after the Ekka scenes, and I liked how it rounded off.
The friendship between Rip, Gab, Fox and Brand was kind of sweet. It was interesting to see how Rip and Gab's curiosity played out and how they dealt with everything that followed.
I wanted to know more about Dart, as my favourite scenes were while he was out getting provisions and I thought there was potential for him to go further in his actions.
I enjoyed this and it made me want to go exploring down my own city's tunnels. I'll definitely read more by this author.
I had fun with this - the underground setting appealed to me straight away. I liked the mystique around Dart and the way he disappeared in and out of the urban landscape.
The story caught me off guard a few times, especially towards the end after the Ekka scenes, and I liked how it rounded off.
The friendship between Rip, Gab, Fox and Brand was kind of sweet. It was interesting to see how Rip and Gab's curiosity played out and how they dealt with everything that followed.
I wanted to know more about Dart, as my favourite scenes were while he was out getting provisions and I thought there was potential for him to go further in his actions.
I enjoyed this and it made me want to go exploring down my own city's tunnels. I'll definitely read more by this author.
June 23, 2023
Interesting premise
When Ripley and Gabriela see a person disappear into a stone wall, they don't realize they are about to embark on a journey that will answer questions long forgotten and fins themselves friends they will never forget.
The Tunnel Runner was an interesting read and a great imaginative piece about people who choose to live beneath the city. It was a quick read for me and while I liked it, the ending left me feeling a bit bereft. But it was a great read nevertheless.
When Ripley and Gabriela see a person disappear into a stone wall, they don't realize they are about to embark on a journey that will answer questions long forgotten and fins themselves friends they will never forget.
The Tunnel Runner was an interesting read and a great imaginative piece about people who choose to live beneath the city. It was a quick read for me and while I liked it, the ending left me feeling a bit bereft. But it was a great read nevertheless.
November 24, 2023
This book is a thrilling mystery/adventure. When the story starts you think you see where it's going but then it evolves, gets deeper. By the end the tension is ratched up and the drop is exquisite. There may even be redemption, though not exactly the way you might expect.
May 28, 2023
I love reading a story set in Australia, especially when i know parts the characters are walking around. This one revolves around Brisbane, and is well written, fast paced and engrossing. I will be looking for more of Trost’s novels.
April 11, 2023
Now this book once again is not my usual genre. However, I have to say it was an enjoyable break from my Reacher's, thrillers, historical fiction and fantasies. It is more of a contemporary thriller than I would normally read. I thought it was going to have a too modern, 'down with the kids'/almost dystopian feel for this old fella. But in reality, I found it exciting, interesting and engaging.
Not sure I would have the guts to venture into a secret underground world underneath Brisbane, but our intrepid heroes do and the endless tunnels reveal an entire community of people living off the grid. Some feel threatened by outsiders and this leads to danger and confrontation. Our adventurers are soon fighting to survive and a whole new world of possibilities, some good and some not so much, are opened up.
If you like something a little different, give this book a try. It's well-written and fast-paced.
Not sure I would have the guts to venture into a secret underground world underneath Brisbane, but our intrepid heroes do and the endless tunnels reveal an entire community of people living off the grid. Some feel threatened by outsiders and this leads to danger and confrontation. Our adventurers are soon fighting to survive and a whole new world of possibilities, some good and some not so much, are opened up.
If you like something a little different, give this book a try. It's well-written and fast-paced.
February 7, 2023
I really enjoyed the innovative idea about the tunnels. I looked at them as a kind of metaphor of isolation and how people can become so separated from each other in the same city and how mistrust and hatred can result. In this way, it reminded me a bit of great works such as J. G. Ballard's Concrete Island.
The story is full of interesting characters, action, and vivid settings taking place in Brisbane. Id don't usually read this genre but Cameron Trost is an excellent writer and I love the way he uses his words to lead me down the garden path of his imaginary world.
The story is full of interesting characters, action, and vivid settings taking place in Brisbane. Id don't usually read this genre but Cameron Trost is an excellent writer and I love the way he uses his words to lead me down the garden path of his imaginary world.
October 4, 2025
An atmospheric and gripping story! The underground setting beneath Brisbane is unique and really draws you in. Ripley and Gabriela’s struggle to find their way back to the surface feels tense and exciting, and the book has a deeper layer with its themes of urban life and social unrest. A great pick if you enjoy adventure with a thoughtful edge.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews