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Steve Kane #1
Runs Deep
Ten years ago, Simone Granger was killed in the sleepy little town of Millners Kill. Steve Kane, then sixteen, was quickly arrested and convicted. But Steve knows he’s innocent. Someone else took the life of his best friend’s sister.
Now Steve is on parole, and he is forced to return to the town that hates him. Steve would rather be anywhere than Millners Kill, but at least in his hometown, he’s got his grandmother, his brother, and State Police Investigator Declan Reed on his side. And Steve intends to make no waves. He just wants to get his life back.
But someone else has different plans.
As the storm of the century hits Millners Kill, the bodies begin to pile up, and Steve is the only suspect. A town is losing its grip, and all their rage is focused on one man.
Steve knows he’s an innocent man. But will anyone give him a chance to prove it?
Now Steve is on parole, and he is forced to return to the town that hates him. Steve would rather be anywhere than Millners Kill, but at least in his hometown, he’s got his grandmother, his brother, and State Police Investigator Declan Reed on his side. And Steve intends to make no waves. He just wants to get his life back.
But someone else has different plans.
As the storm of the century hits Millners Kill, the bodies begin to pile up, and Steve is the only suspect. A town is losing its grip, and all their rage is focused on one man.
Steve knows he’s an innocent man. But will anyone give him a chance to prove it?
429 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2015
About the author
R.D. Brady
245 books348 followersR.D. Brady is the bestselling author of over 60 science-based thrillers, cryptid adventure novels, and mythological conspiracy series that blend real-world science with nonstop action.
With a Ph.D. in Criminology and a professional background in counterterrorism and behavioral science, R.D. brings expert insight to her fast-paced fiction. Her stories are known for featuring fierce female leads, ancient secrets, and cutting-edge research that challenges what we think we know about science, history, and the unknown.
She is best known for the long-running Belial Series, a fan-favorite that explores archaeological mysteries and supernatural revelations—and continues with the high-stakes Belial Rebirth Arc.
R.D. is also the author of The Ancestral Code Series, starting with Hominid, a cryptid-meets-science thriller that reimagines the Bigfoot legend. Her other popular works include the A.L.I.V.E. Series, The Unwelcome Trilogy, and the latest addition, the Shadow Directive series, including Predator Dominion.
Whether it's a global genetic conspiracy, an ancient civilization buried beneath modern myths, or a killer storm trapping a wrongly accused man, R.D.'s books deliver the adrenaline, mystery, and emotional depth that fans of Michael Crichton, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, and James Rollins crave.
When not writing, R.D. teaches martial arts, runs with her dogs, and tends to her garden. Under the pen name Sadie Hobbes, she also writes sharp, fast-paced urban fantasy thrillers.
📬 Subscribe at rdbradybooks.com to get exclusive extras, free novellas, and first looks at upcoming books.
With a Ph.D. in Criminology and a professional background in counterterrorism and behavioral science, R.D. brings expert insight to her fast-paced fiction. Her stories are known for featuring fierce female leads, ancient secrets, and cutting-edge research that challenges what we think we know about science, history, and the unknown.
She is best known for the long-running Belial Series, a fan-favorite that explores archaeological mysteries and supernatural revelations—and continues with the high-stakes Belial Rebirth Arc.
R.D. is also the author of The Ancestral Code Series, starting with Hominid, a cryptid-meets-science thriller that reimagines the Bigfoot legend. Her other popular works include the A.L.I.V.E. Series, The Unwelcome Trilogy, and the latest addition, the Shadow Directive series, including Predator Dominion.
Whether it's a global genetic conspiracy, an ancient civilization buried beneath modern myths, or a killer storm trapping a wrongly accused man, R.D.'s books deliver the adrenaline, mystery, and emotional depth that fans of Michael Crichton, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, and James Rollins crave.
When not writing, R.D. teaches martial arts, runs with her dogs, and tends to her garden. Under the pen name Sadie Hobbes, she also writes sharp, fast-paced urban fantasy thrillers.
📬 Subscribe at rdbradybooks.com to get exclusive extras, free novellas, and first looks at upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 1, 2025
Good book but I hate computer generated voices, spend the money on real readers, they know how and when to elevate their voice.
December 1, 2023
Never heard of this author but my coworker said you have to read it
It had my attention from page one
Can’t wait to read the next one
It had my attention from page one
Can’t wait to read the next one
January 24, 2016
I enjoy a good engrossing mystery but really need to be kept guessing if I'm going to consider giving a book 4 or 5 stars. This one is pretty easy to figure out early on. It has a very linear plot so it's a quick read and easy to follow. It lacks a lot of those "A-ha!" moments I enjoy from mysteries but is still a decent read.
Steve has just served 10 years in jail for murdering a girl. He returns to the small island town of Milner's Kill while a huge storm is brewing that threatens to cut off the town from the mainland. Suddenly, people start getting murdered and all eyes are on Steve again.
There are several law enforcement characters that were hard for me to keep straight in the beginning: a couple of officers, the dumb police chief, a state police investigator, and a lawyer who happens to be Steve's brother. Another problem is they are all stock characters and not very likable. Steve, the main character, is about the only character I could warm up to.
The book could also use some editing. I stumbled quite a bit on extra words or misused words which gets old fast. But I thought the writing was solid, enough to make me want to check out the author's other books.
Steve has just served 10 years in jail for murdering a girl. He returns to the small island town of Milner's Kill while a huge storm is brewing that threatens to cut off the town from the mainland. Suddenly, people start getting murdered and all eyes are on Steve again.
There are several law enforcement characters that were hard for me to keep straight in the beginning: a couple of officers, the dumb police chief, a state police investigator, and a lawyer who happens to be Steve's brother. Another problem is they are all stock characters and not very likable. Steve, the main character, is about the only character I could warm up to.
The book could also use some editing. I stumbled quite a bit on extra words or misused words which gets old fast. But I thought the writing was solid, enough to make me want to check out the author's other books.
August 20, 2015
Good whodunit
Although I solved the murders less than halfway through I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and the interactions of the characters. Ms. Brady routinely turns out stories that keep you involved and invested to the end.
Although I solved the murders less than halfway through I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and the interactions of the characters. Ms. Brady routinely turns out stories that keep you involved and invested to the end.
August 9, 2016
I did not find the killer
I did not identify the killer even with the clues until the end. Read this in 2 days, staying up past midnight. Great book to take you away from the every day. The storm description was also well done enough to be considered a character itself.
I did not identify the killer even with the clues until the end. Read this in 2 days, staying up past midnight. Great book to take you away from the every day. The storm description was also well done enough to be considered a character itself.
May 19, 2026
This is the 1st in a 2 part series about Steve Kane. At age 16, Steve, was arrested and tried and found guilty of the murder of his girlfriend's sister. He has always claimed he was innocent. Now, after 10 years, Steve, is finally getting out.
But, can he go home again, where everyone thinks he killed the girl, Simone. Steve knows he must go back to help his brother take care of his grandmother, who he is staying with. Steve has a job waiting at the local diner, where he worked before he went to prison.
Now, there is a big storm coming to their town, and the bridge that links them to another side of the state, is barely hanging on in the storm. If the bridge goes, everyone in town will be cut off, no way to get anything into their town. The people of the town still hate Steve and hold him guilty, so everyday he is harrassed, followed, phone calls and they won't leave him alone. Now, another girl has been found murdered and the Police Chief is holding Steve responsible and has arrested him.
But, can he go home again, where everyone thinks he killed the girl, Simone. Steve knows he must go back to help his brother take care of his grandmother, who he is staying with. Steve has a job waiting at the local diner, where he worked before he went to prison.
Now, there is a big storm coming to their town, and the bridge that links them to another side of the state, is barely hanging on in the storm. If the bridge goes, everyone in town will be cut off, no way to get anything into their town. The people of the town still hate Steve and hold him guilty, so everyday he is harrassed, followed, phone calls and they won't leave him alone. Now, another girl has been found murdered and the Police Chief is holding Steve responsible and has arrested him.
January 25, 2019
Another hot read from RD Brady
Deeply rich story about a teen who’s falsely convicted of murder he didn’t commit. Now he is returning home to the town who turned on him. Once again RD Brady describes her main character so fully you lose yourself in the pages. It’s a fantastic read. I did NOT expect the killers identity! Only thing i wanted is an apology at the end from the chief of police who was a real (jerk to put it nicely), and responsible for his conviction. I do understand why she didn’t include it tho, bc if it were real life, a man like Keith would never admit his mistake. Great job highly recommend this book
Deeply rich story about a teen who’s falsely convicted of murder he didn’t commit. Now he is returning home to the town who turned on him. Once again RD Brady describes her main character so fully you lose yourself in the pages. It’s a fantastic read. I did NOT expect the killers identity! Only thing i wanted is an apology at the end from the chief of police who was a real (jerk to put it nicely), and responsible for his conviction. I do understand why she didn’t include it tho, bc if it were real life, a man like Keith would never admit his mistake. Great job highly recommend this book
May 17, 2026
Runs Deep (The Steve Kane Series)

kaylady
5 out of 5 stars
Captivating mystery
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026
Format: Paperback
Runs Deep kept me guessing right up until the end regarding who the mysterious killer was and how blatantly the small town police department turned a blind eye on the evidence on more than one occasion. It is a full-fledged mystery, more unsettling … and baffling than most. The huge storm was an excellent backdrop for the story. A great read!

kaylady
5 out of 5 stars
Captivating mystery
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026
Format: Paperback
Runs Deep kept me guessing right up until the end regarding who the mysterious killer was and how blatantly the small town police department turned a blind eye on the evidence on more than one occasion. It is a full-fledged mystery, more unsettling … and baffling than most. The huge storm was an excellent backdrop for the story. A great read!
June 21, 2019
You won't put it down until you're done
I picked up this book to "start" before bed and it was so good before I knew it was way past when I had planned on calling asleep and I finished it in one sitting. So riveting
I picked up this book to "start" before bed and it was so good before I knew it was way past when I had planned on calling asleep and I finished it in one sitting. So riveting
November 9, 2021
A Great Story
What a ride, lots of twists and turns, kept me guessing right up to the end. Such a different type of book from the ones I have read before from R D Brady, but just as engrossing in a different way.
What a ride, lots of twists and turns, kept me guessing right up to the end. Such a different type of book from the ones I have read before from R D Brady, but just as engrossing in a different way.
April 21, 2023
This should be made into a movie.
The twists and turns in this story are spellbinding. And the ending thrilling and emotional. The unfairness of what happened to the main character almost made me stop, but I am glad I stayed with it to the end.
The twists and turns in this story are spellbinding. And the ending thrilling and emotional. The unfairness of what happened to the main character almost made me stop, but I am glad I stayed with it to the end.
August 27, 2018
I typically do not read mystery but I enjoyed the story line and plot twists. I was fooled to the end.
March 30, 2019
Excellent!!! Extremely thrilling and suspenseful. I highly recommend this book.
July 23, 2021
Excellent Read
Couldn't put this book down. And glad I picked it out. A twisted tale that with many surprises. Never saw the end coming!
Couldn't put this book down. And glad I picked it out. A twisted tale that with many surprises. Never saw the end coming!
August 30, 2024
Great
Love everything about it! Good characters, plot with surprises along the way, and even setting descriptions are conceived. Books this good are what keep
me hard to please
Love everything about it! Good characters, plot with surprises along the way, and even setting descriptions are conceived. Books this good are what keep
me hard to please
March 5, 2026
I've read several of RD Brady's books and the one was easily my favorite. Looking forward to get started on the next on in the series.
October 15, 2016
Suspenseful murder mystery
As a teen, Steve Cane is convicted for the murder of his best friend, Julie's, sister. After serving ten years, he returns to his island home just as a major storm approaches. The bridge to the island is seriously at risk and therefore closed. Upon Steve's arrival, bodies begin to pile up and most everyone thinks he is to blame. State policeman, Declan, who never believed that Steve was guilty of murder, continues to fight on his behalf. Closed off from the mainland, people are frightened and beginning to lose control. Who is behind the murders? I never guessed!
As a teen, Steve Cane is convicted for the murder of his best friend, Julie's, sister. After serving ten years, he returns to his island home just as a major storm approaches. The bridge to the island is seriously at risk and therefore closed. Upon Steve's arrival, bodies begin to pile up and most everyone thinks he is to blame. State policeman, Declan, who never believed that Steve was guilty of murder, continues to fight on his behalf. Closed off from the mainland, people are frightened and beginning to lose control. Who is behind the murders? I never guessed!
August 30, 2016
I love this book. I was shocked who the killer was. It took me almost the entire book to figure it out. I thought it was the police chief Keith, he was arrogant, seemed to have it out for Steve, and knew everything about everything. But when they all got together at the school to discuss matters, Keith was talking when the murder gave an old lady a note.
I was shocked to know that it was Steve's brother Jack, but than after reading about their family history I wasn't shocked at all. I hate that grandma had to die, but glad that things worked out for Steve in the end.
Great story
I was shocked to know that it was Steve's brother Jack, but than after reading about their family history I wasn't shocked at all. I hate that grandma had to die, but glad that things worked out for Steve in the end.
Great story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2015
A good read
This is one of those books that you can't put down. I loved the Beliah series, and was hoping I wouldn't be disappointed with this book. I admit, I was looking for one of the characters to be a fallen for a connection to that series but there wasn't one. The story line was well thought out and all in all, a good read..
This is one of those books that you can't put down. I loved the Beliah series, and was hoping I wouldn't be disappointed with this book. I admit, I was looking for one of the characters to be a fallen for a connection to that series but there wasn't one. The story line was well thought out and all in all, a good read..
September 23, 2015
Great Read!
Actually was about a third into a different book. Don't know why I started this except just checking it out and I became absorbed in the story. Absolutely loved it and am definitely looking forward to reading more of this authors books. I have a new preferred author. R.D. Brady!!!
Actually was about a third into a different book. Don't know why I started this except just checking it out and I became absorbed in the story. Absolutely loved it and am definitely looking forward to reading more of this authors books. I have a new preferred author. R.D. Brady!!!
August 23, 2015
This book was a real page turner kept me up later wanting to get to the end. All the twist and turns the characters were great and human like people who are in a small town on an island.and the end WOW. I highly recommend this book.
October 14, 2015
Engrossing!
Excellent story! It was hard to put down from the beginning. Great story line, real life characters, will keep you turning the page, excitedly wanting to get to the bottom of the mystery. You won't see it coming!
Loved it!
Excellent story! It was hard to put down from the beginning. Great story line, real life characters, will keep you turning the page, excitedly wanting to get to the bottom of the mystery. You won't see it coming!
Loved it!
May 14, 2016
This was a really good book, very gripping and suspenseful, I couldn't wait to pick it up again
When I had to put it down to do other necessary things. The characters were real and well portrayed I looked forward to hearing about each turn of events
When I had to put it down to do other necessary things. The characters were real and well portrayed I looked forward to hearing about each turn of events
July 5, 2016
This book kept me entertained. I thought the story line was good, but I can only give it three stars because it dragged out too much. I went all through the story guessing who actually did the murders. As soon as I found out who did it, I just skimmed the rest of the book.
September 17, 2015
Good book
This was an interesting read. Great story telling, I wish it would have went into more details about a few things, but a magnificent story nonetheless!
This was an interesting read. Great story telling, I wish it would have went into more details about a few things, but a magnificent story nonetheless!
October 29, 2015
Not as good as the other books very drawn out, and a bit too easy to understand who the real killer was, still like her other books
November 28, 2015
Good read, predictable but good
Pulls you in and is a fun suspense that keeps you turning the pages, I would recommend this book. Thanks
Pulls you in and is a fun suspense that keeps you turning the pages, I would recommend this book. Thanks
December 28, 2015
Quick read, good characters
The characters are interesting enough to make the plot work really well. It's a good, quick read that most would enjoy.
The characters are interesting enough to make the plot work really well. It's a good, quick read that most would enjoy.
June 20, 2016
Fast paced, well written. Interesting characters. Kept me guessing until the end.
July 13, 2016
Good book
It was good. The story flowed well. I kept trying to guess whom it was. I did not get it right.
It was good. The story flowed well. I kept trying to guess whom it was. I did not get it right.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews