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Fireballs in the night, and multiple victims of what appears to be a mob hit? In a sleepy Ozark town like Blue Creek? Rural deputy Richard Carter has seen his share of mayhem, but nothing like this. As he, his cynical partner Ron Guidry, and new deputy Cicely “Kit” Kittredge dig into what at first appears to be insurance fraud, they uncover something “unholy” near a small creek called Devil’s Run. While they search for a motive, sadistic murder burns its way through Hawthorn County, eliminating their suspects. Devil’s Run is a stand-alone Mystery/Suspense novel (#12) in the Richard Carter series.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2017

9 people are currently reading
196 people want to read

About the author

A.R. Simmons

16 books59 followers
AR Simmons grew up in the Missouri Ozarks. He walked a gravel road to a rural school evocative of “Walton’s Mountain.” His parents did factory work to buy things not provided by their subsistence farm which was passed down from his grandfather who cleared the land from the native forest. He and his wife (beta reader, illustrator, and muse) still live on that farm. So his roots run deep in the Ozark soil. Using the culture, language, and mores of this "Bible Belt" region, he writes culturally immersive stories of obsession set amidst the small-town and rural life that he knows and loves.

He began writing seriously with a suspense novel which he serialized around the turn of the millennium on his website www.bluecreeknovels. It took until 2013 for him to publish the first Richard Carter novel (Bonne Femme) as an e-book. The series now includes fourteen mystery/suspense stand-alone stories that also chronicle Richard’s life with each story spaced about a year apart. This required a year-by-year update to the technology available to the characters because time marches on.

PS. Simmons is a rather common drudge, so once considered changing his nom-de-plume to “Bess Sellers.”

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5 stars
7 (36%)
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9 (47%)
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2 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Pattyh.
1,007 reviews
April 23, 2019
The Devil's Run is a series that I have not had the opportunity to read. After reading this book, I will defintely find the time to start at #1.
The descriptive nature of the author's writing is what nails this book. The Ozarks are a character in itself, and Simmons is able to put the reader there.
This is listed as stand alone, and it is, but I think there is an advantage to the reader to acquaint yourself with the returning characters.
Crime and mystery novel that readers of this genre will enjoy.
Recommend.

Profile Image for Amy Ingalls.
1,518 reviews14 followers
October 17, 2021
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, and I put off reading it when I realized it was number 12 in the series. I don't try and win books that are part of a series that I haven't read, for obvious reasons, but had somehow missed that when I entered this one. Well, I am glad that I did, and feel bad that I did not read it sooner!

This book can be read as a stand-alone, but there is a lot of history and backstory to these characters that makes me want to go back and start at the beginning. I enjoyed this book. The setting, the people, and the attention to detail as they investigated the case all pulled me in. I kept thinking, wow, this would be a fantastic TV show! I will definitely try and seek out the earlier books in the series.
Profile Image for Valery.
1,501 reviews57 followers
December 19, 2017
Devil's Run (The Richard Carter Novels, #12) by A. R. Simmons works as a standalone book even though it is number 12 in the series of Richard Carter novels. The action takes place in a sleepy little town, and the writing is full of suspense and intrigue. Fireballs light up the night sky and when there are more than one, it makes deputy Richard Carter wake up and take notice. Who would want to harm anyone in their sleepy little town in Hawthorn County? With the local victims being involved in real estate, there is much more to the story. Well written with a lot of good background, this is an honest to goodness down home mystery. With no sex situations and only mild profanity, this book stands out and is a good police procedural that anyone will enjoy. A straightforward plot, a good mystery, and competent writing make this story very appealing to just about anyone. Highly recommend for a good book with a strong and convincing plot, well thought out characters, and a solid pace.
Profile Image for Charie Eagle.
65 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2017
Devils Run

First off, I love the "Carter Clan". I have read the whole series and this book was just as intriguing and just as captivating as the other 11 books were. There is mystery and romance. Mirabell is a treasure. This book had a touch more suspense than some of the others. I couldn't figure out who was behind the killings in this book. I can't wait for the next book to come out. I hope Kit finds a love interest . I have been hoping for the last 2 or 3 books that Jill gets pregnant again. Richard needs a son. (just a suggestion). I would give this book a 7 or 8 star rating if I could. Each book is a stand alone book, but reading them in order gives the reader a better background look into each character and makes the story feel more real. The Carter Clan feels like family!!
Happy Reading! 😁
1,062 reviews18 followers
May 6, 2019
This murder mystery in the Richard Carter Novels by A R Simmons was a well-written, well-thoughtout, multiple murder story with the body count continuing to pile up as the detectives search for the motive as well as the killer. This is the first one in the Carter series for me, but I will definitely go back to read some of the earlier ones. The narrative was just one would expect from a small local close-knit town of suspects and investigators. The plot and writing flowed smoothly from the first pages through to the final page as the motive and killer were finally revealed to the reader. This is a voluntary review of a review copy of this book from Fast & Free Reviews.
Profile Image for Kim.
130 reviews
April 18, 2018
I won a copy from the author to read and give a fair & honest review.
I really liked the book. It's a very complex, and slightly dark crime drama.
The Ozarks is a great setting for this, and the author does a good job describing the area.
Multiple main characters, but easy to follow who's perspective you are reading about, and add to the whole plot.
And though it's part of a series, this is a stand alone novel.
A real "page-turner" and keeps you guessing until the end.
Profile Image for Ivy.
309 reviews13 followers
October 1, 2022
I want to thank Goodreads Giveaways and Acorn Moon Press for this ARC copy.

I have read several books in this series and really enjoyed all of them. This one didn't disappoint. It starts with a major fire with three dead bodies and goes from there. I found that the characters where further developed and made them more interesting. As I read, I thought that there were two possible killers and was able to narrow it down to just one as I kept on reading. The clues were spread out just enough to make the story interesting and to help you hopefully figure out who did it.

I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Profile Image for Tess.
113 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2018
I received this Kindle ebook from Goodreads Giveaways.

This is the first book by Simmons that I have read. It is described as a stand alone, yet I find reading the whole series helps me with a deeper connection with the characters. The storyline was packed with suspense and mystery but I found my attention wandering a bit. Overall, a good book.


1,278 reviews
March 29, 2018
A well written story that keeps you guessing until the end. What starts out as an arson case becomes so much more. First time for this author. I was lucky to have won this in a Giveaway
Profile Image for Mary.
2,656 reviews
March 31, 2018
A very captivating read. My first time reading a book by this author and will be reading more of his books in the future
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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