Dead Running

Run #1

by Cami Checketts

Cassidy Christensen is running.
Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.
Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.
Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.
With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.
A light-hearted suspense with a side of PG-rated romance, Dead Running will have you lacing up your running shoes and impatiently waiting for the sequel.
Don't miss the sequel to Dead Running. Dying to Run.
"Dead Running was everything I was hoping it would be, captivating, invigorating, and a page turner that I could not, would not, put down! Cami Checketts writes books that will make you think, and make you feel. She captivated me with The Sister Pact, and doesn't lose speed with her newest "must read", Dead Running." Sheila DeChantal Book Reviewer - Book Journey "Brilliant characterization, edge-of-your-seat suspense and a touch of humor make Dead Running a rare treat..." Wendy Davy, Award winning author of Deadly Chase

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Contemporary, Christian

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2012

About the author

Cami Checketts is a USA Today Bestselling author of over a hundred clean romance novels. Her journey began on an Idaho dairy farm daydreaming book ideas on her bike or tractor and landing herself in the hospital numerous times for head wounds. She settled down after college (retired the bike at least) to raise four crazy boys and write down all those fabulous ideas. Cami's life is busy but she thoroughly enjoys rarely living in reality.

Cami loves the Savior, her husband, her boys, her daughter-in-law, her grandson, traveling, chocolate, and exercise.

Get a free book when you sign up for Cami's VAP (Very Awesome People) list - www.camichecketts.com

Reviews

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cami Checkett's new book, Dead Running, is about a runner, but your heart will also be running fast as you read this story! You are kept on constant edge as Cassidy's life is in danger. To compound things, she also doesn't know who the good and bad guys are. Cami does an awesome job of blurring the lines of suspicion, where eventually you think everyone is out to get Cassidy, the main character.

Speaking of Cassidy...wow! She is a "kick-'butt" gal who pushes the limit and doesn't give up. As I read this I truly felt like a wimp. I don't think I would ever have the resolve that Cassidy did as she trained to run a marathon. I am not a runner, thanks to my bad knees that don't have much cartilage left. Even if I did, I'm not sure I could/would train like she did. I fully admire all of my friends out there that are runners. You are awesome!!


Another part I enjoyed about the book are the thoroughly "delicious" men that are chasing Cassidy. One is, Damon, fellow runner and handsome businessman, and the other is the ruggedly built Dr. Jesse "Tattoo"; they reminded me of vanilla and chocolate ice-cream. As a reader you end up just as confused as Cassidy about who you like the best. You will be very surprised by the ending, but also very satisfied. I recommend this romantic thriller to all those who want to be reading on the edge of their seat. I know that anyone that runs will especially love and relate to this main character. Those of us that are not runners can just sit back and enjoy the mystery and romance that will be found in Dead Running.

[Sheila DeChantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is it about running? It can relieve a days stress, it can clear your head.... shoot it can ease a lifetime of sorrows, and for Cassidy Christensen, it can help her escape.

Cassidy is haunted with memories of the senseless murder of her parents, and now running has taken her to a new level of "escape" that she did not realize she needed, or wanted until she started to run.

RUN.

When Cassidy starts training for a Marathon (which she didn't want) and captures the attention of two very interesting and good-looking men (which she did want), things become interesting. Add in a couple of dangerous guys on the side that are not exactly looking out for Cassidy's best interest, instead they are tied into her parents murder and still look at Cassidy as a pawn they can use.... Things, as Cassidy is about to find out, are not as she had been lead to believe...

RUN.

Dead Running starts out at a warm up pace. As I dipped into those first pages I met Cassidy, her sister-in-law, her brother, a Nana, a great friend, a petite weird red-headed girl here forward known as "Hot Redhead" and a couple good-looking guys. While my mind wrapped around who was who and what was what....

I started to warm up to a slow jog...

Entering Cassidy's world was fun. As a protagonist, I liked her. I liked her a lot. She was smart, but not fake, and funny.... a moment when she screams out "Pelican Poop!" when confronted with a mystery man at the front door caused me to laugh out loud, and I would soon find out that would not be the only time laughter would escape me during this read. Her training for that marathon was inspirational, I wish I had her determination! When she later gags while trying to swallow a Vanilla Flavored Gu, I laughed again.. this was a girl after my own heart... I have had the same reaction.

...and then I am running...

page by page I found myself flying through this book. The characters are real, interesting and engaging. Yes I too want to meet Damon and Jesse... I am just saying... :D Tie in a big mystery and a lot of danger and I was sold. Cassidy's sister-in-law Rachael "El" would be the sister-in-law I had always dreamed of, a friend and confident... and her BFF Tasha cracks me up.

Bottom line is - this book gave me all the good vibes of a Stephanie Plum (Evanovich) novel without the ditsy main character, but with the hot guys, a meatier read, and just a lot cleaner all the way around. I really loved it.

Not many books will keep me in the house on my day off in my pajamas past noon just because I can not put it down long enough to take a shower and get ready for the day. This one did exactly that. Do yourself a favor and give Cami Checketts a try, I adored her touching book Sister Pact, and really think she has grown even more as an author in Dead Running.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Running is infused with inherent conflict. Page one had me hooked. Setting, tension, character: this book accomplished so much right from the get go. Author Cami Checketts has a distinctive voice, and MC Cassidy Christensen is a character anyone can empathize with. I loved—loved!— reading about the races Cassie runs because I have run several of them. It was so fun to feel a part of the setting. The story took on more of a romantic tone as the story played out and it had a nice twist in the end. I think this is a light, fun read for anyone who enjoys clean romance/suspense.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Running can make a claim not many mystery/thrillers can, and that is that it is also really funny. While Cassidy is training, she runs across quite a few characters that are, well…characters. Each of them have their own quirky personalities, and Cami Checketts did a great job of making them grow on you. Even the bad guys are interesting and humorous at times. And Cassidy gave them some great nicknames that made them so easy to follow. I never found myself thinking “which character is that?”.

There are so many options when it comes to who the bad guy(s) is, that I was a little shocked when the truth came out. I like that though, a book is no fun when you figure it out before you’re finished with it.

I loved Cassidy’s grandmother. She was fiesty, but very protective of the people she loved. In fact, I loved everything about the book. There was murder, romance, family bonds, 5K training, humor, good guys, bad guys and an ending that left room for a sequel.

What could be better than that?

If you haven’t read this book, go get it. Now!! Don’t walk…RUN!

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up in Cache Valley, I could totally picture the places that Cassidy (Cassie) ran. When different streets, towns, landmarks, etc were mentioned, I was there!

Cassie wins an entry in a marathon and begins training--having hardly any running experience! She runs into some crazy characters and some scary situations that seem to be related to her parents murders a few years earlier.

I was not expecting the humor in this story. Cassie had funny nicknames for everyone (Hot Redhead, Dr. Tattoo, etc) and she was a walking disaster--meaning, clumsy and crazy things were always happening to her. She was also quite witty.

I did enjoy the almost love triangle situation as well. A fun, suspenseful, entertaining read.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great unpredictable mystery and clean romance. I loved the spunky, sassy personality of Cassidy has. She is so refreshing and real. I can't wait to read more of the journey that Jesse and her hopefully have.

[Mark Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up Dead Running after seeing it on various running blogs. As a runner and marathoner, (and author of a marathoning novel, The Jade Rabbit) I love the idea of the conflicts in a protagonist's life increasing as they are training for a marathon, and all of it coming to a head during the final run. This is a great reflection of how marathoning works, and the best parts of Dead Running, for me, were when the character's training and her life circumstances matched. The novel is actually told in chapters labeled like training weeks.

The novel begins with the main character, Cassidy witnessing and trying to save her father being victimized by a violent attack, and the danger for Cassidy continues based on her fathers legacy. She is thrown into a violent situation sort of by random, same as she is also thrown into training for a marathon when she wins a free entry.

There is lots of ooing and ahhing over two hunky type of dudes, one the bad-ass doctor with tattoos, the other the more clean cut runner who all the woman fawn over. Who should she trust? Who should she date?

Cassidy runs hard enough to shake her bowels loose, and as I read, I wanted to offer her nutrition advice, admired her efforts, and her fragile yet formidable strength.

The great moments are when Cassidy’s life mirrors her training. At times she is doubting herself, questioning her own strength, running abilities, and listening to others doubt her ability to finish the marathon – while at the same time she is questioning the motives of all those around her, wondering who she can trust. Every time she seems to gain bits of confidence something happens to make her have doubt the next day, and this, it seems is how the mental part of marathon training works, except for with Cassidy, she is worried about her life not just her running life. People come in and out of her life as she is training, and she's never sure who to trust, and it is only until the end that true characters are revealed, same way a marathon squeezes true character out of all of us.

The book did demand some suspension of disbelief moments that stretched my limits, and the ending seemed a bit jumbled like the start of a 45,000 entry marathon start, but I read it wanting to know how it would end, eager for each scene, and like the main character, I was never sure who to trust, who was on her side, what where their agendas, and was excited to see what surprises marathon day would bring.

In order to find these answers, the main character had to face her fears, pound the pavement, and show up on race day, and that, to me, is what marathoning and Dead Running is all about.

[Charity Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I read this in a day. I love a book that pulls me in and keeps me to the end. There came a point when I had to put the book down and take my daughter to the dentist. No worries, right? All I had to do was drive and then I could read again in the waiting room. Her appointment took seven minutes. Seven stinking minutes!

The worst part was I had reached the point where all the players were in motion and I was just waiting to see how it fell into place. That was the LONGEST drive home ever.

This book had a nice mystery, loveable and believable characters with great voice. I loved how real Cassidy was. Her sense of humor and off the wall bluntness had me smiling the whole time. And the end of the 10K race? OMGosh I couldn't stop laughing. It was just a great story that let me slip out of my life and into someone elses. That's why I read.

Bonus points for the following:

Making me WANT to start running again. I loved how Checketts used Cassidy's training for the marathon to show us how strong and determined (stubborn) she could be. Cassidy grows stronger in more ways than one as she pushes herself harder than ever before.
Brilliant plot twist with Dr. Tattoo (totally dreamy dude). I don't want to spoil anything, but LOVED it. Early on I had a very definite idea of which side he would be on, but wow there was still a great surprise in store for me and Cassidy. Can you say CONFLICT baby?
All the great nicknames Cassidy had for the other characters. I'm so bad with names that I do this same thing! I only wish she had told Detective Shine what his name meant.

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally think that the book's description is a little misleading. Though the storyline is all there, it fails to describe the humorous side that made me fall in love with the book! I so enjoyed the lighthearted edge lining everything from being chased by murderous "Muscle Men" to swooning over "Dr. Tattoo". It was such a fun read and left me wanting more!

One of my favorite parts of this book was the characters, especially the main character Cassidy (Cassie) Christensen. She is hilarious! Her character is sassy, sarcastic, and completely accident prone (which results in more than one embarassingly awkward situation!) And even though her running journey is full of hilarious episodes, I admired her determination and strength as she trained for a marathon and eventually accomplished her goals.

I also enjoyed the characterization of even the minor roles. They are each unique and charming in their own way. There is Cassie's grandma who is definitely not your average "sweet little old lady". She is sharp and sassy (wonder who Cassie gets it from?!) and no-nonsense. She doesn't take crap from anyone and was probably the only character that Cassie was actually really afraid of (including the men who were trying to kill her!)

Then there's Elizabeth or "Hot Redhead" as Cassie dubs her. She's a perky little fireball with a perfect body and an unhealthy attachment to Cassie. At times, she acts completely nuts and that's why I loved her!

And don't even get me started on Cassie's two love interests! Do men like that even exist?! Hot, tempting, and completely swoonworthy!

Dead Running is a fast paced read, full of fun and quirky characters and plenty of action.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassidy Christensen is the type of person to roll with the punches. After seeing her Dad brutally attacked, later to have both parents murdered, Cassidy could have crawled into a hole. Instead Cassidy has lead a crooked path but her life is full at the moment, even if past memories haunt her. That is precisely why she agrees to participate in a 5K run, not expecting to earn an entry into St. George’s marathon later in the year. Did I mention Cassidy is not a runner, but her mind is made up after she tries to sell her entry she decides she can do the marathon.

Training is one thing but having two men interested in her is quite another. One Damon who is dreamy and a fellow runner offering to train with her, another Jesse who is a tattoo god and seems to show up whenever she is in trouble. Throw in the mix a crazy hot red head who wants Damon to herself and now has begun stalking her, two slimy men who want to use her as bait, and a family who is just as quirky as she is, Cassidy’s life could not get any crazier.

Thoroughly enjoyable, I thought Cassidy was a hoot. She is a type of character who has no filter when it comes to what she is thinking and is a exuberant free spirit. I don’t run but I was totally engaged with her journey to the marathon, no matter how offbeat it was at times. Excellent story, can’t wait until the next one.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie is facing her fears and conquering stagnant life by running.

The book begins as Cassie and her sister-in-law are running a 5K. Her participation and finishing the race are a feat for her. She has a tendency to quit things that she starts. After the race she wins a prize in the drawing, she won an entry into a marathon. WooHoo??? The best part is there is an attractive man who has agreed to train with others competing in the race.

There were a few other complications during and after the race. The creepy muscle man who tripped her and seems to be following her and the dead body she found in the bushes.

The book follows Cassie through her journey to train for the marathon. The bad guys are worse than she thought, they want to use her to flush out her "dead" father. There are also two attractive men who want to be with her.

Cassie was my favorite part of the book. Throughout everything she has a sardonic humor that is refreshing. I really enjoyed getting to know her. I did have a favorite with the two men. Both are hiding something and it's hard for her to sift through and determine who she wants to be with.

This was a fun suspense/romance book. I couldn't wait to start on the novella that comes after.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say that I am so disappointed in myself because I really enjoyed this book and I could of read it a few months ago for our amazing book club "Happy Ever After: Book club" selection. But alas life got busy and I didn't read it. Until my friend Val(thanks Val) whole heartily recommended it and I am so glad she did. I really enjoyed this book and had such a hard time putting it down.

The story intrigued me right away and through out the whole thing I kept questioning how it was going to turn out. I did see a few things coming but I also didn't want to guess too much because authors can surprise you. Dr. Tattoo...wow o wow. I couldn't wait for him to come back into the story and I couldn't wait to see what his "issue" was. When we found out, I was surprised and I happy that I was. Never. Liked. Damon. I could tell that guy was no good from the first page we met him. Not impressed. I however liked Cassidy and she did inspire to up my running potential. I thought the Dad angle was done a little odd, and I think the reason I can't give five stars was because the ending wrapped up kind of weird for me with a lot of questions as to how that could of all connected through out the whole book.

Over-all, really liked it and so glad I got the push to read it!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooh. Ooh! Do you love a good romantic suspense? A bit of heart pounding excitement and a few toe curling kisses? Then ooh, ooh! This would be the book for you. And, if you really love some steamy kisses, then the short story (Dying to Run) is even more the book for you!

In Dead Running, Cassidy is training to run a marathon. She does a lot of running. It seems like she is running for most of the book which honestly just makes me tired. But Cassie is some kind of tough chick and pushes through all kinds of pain and torment and scary men chasing her. I was constantly amused by Cassie's sarcasm and wit. It was funny and I like being amused when I read. I think Cassie is someone I would enjoy being around in real life so she must be a well written character.

I think I'm half in love with Dr. Tattoo too. What?! Read it and see for yourself if you don't have a bit of love for him. Phew. I'm swooning just thinking of him. :)

This was a fun book and a great short story follow up that you will love.

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a fun book! I don't often read contemporary fiction because I've bee disappointed by it too many times--either too racy or too cheesy. This book was a wonderfully surprising exception. The action and suspense were well-paced, and there's also some romance that is also fun. (perfect for friends like Alyson, oh did I say that out loud?) The dialogue is smart and believable, and the characters are fleshed out well. I especially enjoyed getting to know the saucy main character Cassidy.

I can't believe I read this in two days. This was my first book by local author Cami Checketts and surely will not be my last. Check it out for a fun summertime read.

[Sarah Buerger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a little embarrassed to say how mug I enjoyed this book. Let me say, however, that since I'm training for a marathon, the running angle pulled me in. If not for that, I might not have enjoyed it as much.

Hal Higdon (marathon guru) wrote a mystery involving running and I would say this book is like Hal meets Janet Evonovich. The main character is definitely a feisty, funny woman which is also right up my alley.

I'm going to read the sequel at some point, but right now I think I need to redeem myself by reading something a little more cerebral.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast pace book worth reading. It has a little romance and a lot of suspense. The reader doesn't know who if anyone the main character, Cassie should trust. At times it seems everyone is against her, but the heroes keep changing. I liked Cassie. She is spunky and brave and is always sticking her foot in her mouth.

[Joyce]

A light, fast, humorous read with romance and suspense. The main character was funny and off-the-wall. Loved the nicknames she came up with for other characters, lent her a nice, quirky touch.

[Valerie Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Cassidy was so funny and witty! I liked the twists and surprises. Plus it may have motivated me to start running again.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe I had left this book in my “to be read” pile for so long! Once I got started I so did not want to put it down. Suspense, romance & witty humour all combined together with twists & turns to keep you guessing = a great story! Plus plenty of leeway for a sequel ;) if you haven’t read any from this author before then you’re in for a real treat - I had to work really hard not to skip to the ending & give the game away to myself. This story was definitely worth keeping the suspense alive in my opinion! See if you can resist as well LOL ;-P

[Suzanne Borcherds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and interesting story

Fun and interesting dialogue. I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of the female character. I
empathized with her training regime and enjoyed reading about how real to life this training is. There was enough suspense in the story to keep my attention. Fun read that I would definitely recommend.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I have read several books by this author. I have to say I think this is my favorite! There is so much going on. I like the twists at the end,the humor scattered throughout, and the touches of romance. Love the crazy names. Dr Tattoo was the best. Overall a super story!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. The characters were well thought out. The nicknaming that the main character freely gave wasn't too much either. Her personality and quippy style of communicating was on point and just enough to keep me turning the page.

Great jog Ms Cami!

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked this booked. Stood up to hype!! Great characters that were well developed and evolved over course of book. Plot was strong and twisted which kept you wanting more. Looking forward to next in series!

[Shelley Wahls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, but it does leave a little unsaid at the end that makes you need to buy the next book, that is not my favorite thing. I like a book to END, and then I can choose if I want to read more. This is not exactly a cliff hanger, but kind of.

[vickie millspaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Try and guess who

I never could have guessed the end. Good luck with guessing who is the good guys and who is the bad guys!! What a wonderful time reading this book. Can not wait until the next book!!!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Training for a marathon is hard enough without the fact that Cassidy Christensen being targeted in deadly slave trafficing. One perk, however, is her personal protector, Dr. (Tattoo) Jesse. Reading this story was like a roller coaster of feelings--who to trust, falling in love, and staying alive.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a race

I really this book. It kept my attention, moved right along and stayed believable. The characters great and the interactions awesome. There were a couple editing issues, but they didn't mess with the story. Super read.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terrible book

I have read sand loved all of Cami's books until this one. This book didn't even deserve a 3. The writing was]poor and the plot didn't develop before the book ended. I probably ain't read the rest of the series.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good romantic suspense!

I enjoyed this romantic suspense, and thought there was a good combination of romance, suspense and (oddly enough) comedy. I’m excited to read the next one in the series!

[Camille M. Russell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Garbage

Cannot figure out how to get rid of this onmy Kindle! No more to fill in spaces of this book