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YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE
During a camping trip to the Catskill Mountains, Charlotte's boyfriend Luke, a former soldier suffering PTSD, goes on a rampage, nearly killing Charlotte and her two friends. A year later Charlotte is a graduate student in the small college town of Ashenville, North Carolina. Yet her new life is shattered when Luke, recently released from prison, shows up on her doorstep, demanding to get back together. When it becomes clear to Luke that she is no longer interested in him, and she has in fact moved on with a new boyfriend, he vows to kill her. Now, it seems, Charlotte only has one option: Run..
During a camping trip to the Catskill Mountains, Charlotte's boyfriend Luke, a former soldier suffering PTSD, goes on a rampage, nearly killing Charlotte and her two friends. A year later Charlotte is a graduate student in the small college town of Ashenville, North Carolina. Yet her new life is shattered when Luke, recently released from prison, shows up on her doorstep, demanding to get back together. When it becomes clear to Luke that she is no longer interested in him, and she has in fact moved on with a new boyfriend, he vows to kill her. Now, it seems, Charlotte only has one option: Run..
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2015
138 people are currently reading
842 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Bates
46 books1,839 followersUSA TODAY and #1 Amazon bestselling author Jeremy Bates has written over twenty novels and novellas, selling more than one million copies worldwide. His work has been translated into multiple languages and optioned for film and television by major studios. Midwest Book Review has likened his storytelling to that of Stephen King and Joe Lansdale, calling him a "master of the art." Bates is a KDP Select All-Star and the recipient of the Australian Shadows Award and the Canadian Arthur Ellis Award. He was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards, the only major book honors chosen by readers.
His latest novel, *The No-End House*, is a standalone horror story set in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, where a pair of volunteers must navigate nine mysterious rooms in a sinister house. Scheduled for release by Kensington Publishing in July 2025, it’s a chilling tale of survival and escape.
Visit Amazon to get DENISOVANS for a special release-date price now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F...
Also, MOUNTAIN OF THE DEAD is currently only $0.99 in a limited-time deal.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KW3N72
Finally, visit Jeremy’s website to receive a free copy of *Black Canyon*, winner of the Lou Allin Memorial Award.
https://www.jeremybatesbooks.com
His latest novel, *The No-End House*, is a standalone horror story set in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, where a pair of volunteers must navigate nine mysterious rooms in a sinister house. Scheduled for release by Kensington Publishing in July 2025, it’s a chilling tale of survival and escape.
Visit Amazon to get DENISOVANS for a special release-date price now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F...
Also, MOUNTAIN OF THE DEAD is currently only $0.99 in a limited-time deal.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KW3N72
Finally, visit Jeremy’s website to receive a free copy of *Black Canyon*, winner of the Lou Allin Memorial Award.
https://www.jeremybatesbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 28, 2018
Another really exciting book from Jeremy Bates!
Truly enjoyed this story. It grabbed me right from the beginning and never let me loose. High tension, suspense, fear and a lot of violence. The storyline is great and scary as well. The book's monster is not a creature but a horrid monster in humankind. Non-stop action making this a fast read.
Warning! This is not a book for anyone who has experienced domestic violence in any way, or for anyone who shies away from graphic violence. This book is very well written and I highly recommend for horror fans.
I have rated this book 4 1/2 🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐ stars!!
Truly enjoyed this story. It grabbed me right from the beginning and never let me loose. High tension, suspense, fear and a lot of violence. The storyline is great and scary as well. The book's monster is not a creature but a horrid monster in humankind. Non-stop action making this a fast read.
Warning! This is not a book for anyone who has experienced domestic violence in any way, or for anyone who shies away from graphic violence. This book is very well written and I highly recommend for horror fans.
I have rated this book 4 1/2 🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐ stars!!
May 3, 2020
Revenge and the killing spree of an ex-boyfriend and a former soldier suffering from PTSD. Hurt, possessiveness and not accepting the rejection know no boundaries in this short but action-packed and gripping thriller.
March 17, 2015
I am so happy to discover a new author. I was on the edge of my seat spreading this book. It deals with PTSD, which many people have today. The girl in the story had a boyfriend who came home from serving time in the service and she soon realizes he isn't the same. What has happened to Luke? He is distant, seems to have outbursts of anger and seems to have flashbacks. Is he dangerous? Should she have invited him on the camp out with her friends? As you read this book, you will have your heart racing to the very end. The book is a nonstop race to see who survives. A MUST read! Now I need to find every book written by this author ! Happy reading !
March 21, 2015
Wow
I just don't know how to review his books. He takes you to the edge and drops you off into space. He makes Patterson's books look boring.
I just don't know how to review his books. He takes you to the edge and drops you off into space. He makes Patterson's books look boring.
November 15, 2021
During a camping trip, Charlotte's boyfriend, Luke, goes haywire nearly killing Charlotte and her teo friends. A year later she has a new life in a new city, but Luke, out on patrol, tells her since he can't have her he'll kill her. Fun, quick read. Good timing and realistic characters.
May 19, 2025
Decent, not something overall memorable, but I’m listening to this as a 15 hour book so these are great. I’m just flying through them!
July 20, 2015
A quick read that's packed with intense suspense. First off, the theme—ex-boyfriend stalks girl and then goes off the deep end— scary topic to begin with, then add the PTSD factor and it forms the great divide. The threat of violence by a loved one can be confusing, and most of us wish for the best of outcomes. The situation in this story causes turmoil for the protagonist, Charlotte, who tries hard to remain safe while hoping for the best for her injured ex, Luke. This is a twisted situation, yet anyone who ever experienced being stalked or in fear of a loved one, understands the internal conflict it causes. The author takes the reader down this road, and we feel the tension mount as she is stalked, building the conflict, then attacked, leading up to the explosive climax. (No spoilers here—read the book)
One thing that I like about this author is his twisted endings. This story is an excellent read and will keep you at the edge of your seat until finished, and yes a great ending!
One thing that I like about this author is his twisted endings. This story is an excellent read and will keep you at the edge of your seat until finished, and yes a great ending!
July 14, 2015
This was a good short, suspenseful story. I liked that it was fast-paced, the action started right away and didn't stop.
Luke is a veteran with major issues, could be PTSD, could be that he's just psycho. I wish that there had been a little more info about what happened to make him lose his military benefits, it wasn't very clear.
Charlotte annoyed me for much of the book. She wasn't taking Luke' threats very seriously and was reluctant to call the police, even though he was growing increasingly violent.
Luke is a veteran with major issues, could be PTSD, could be that he's just psycho. I wish that there had been a little more info about what happened to make him lose his military benefits, it wasn't very clear.
Charlotte annoyed me for much of the book. She wasn't taking Luke' threats very seriously and was reluctant to call the police, even though he was growing increasingly violent.
February 27, 2023
Just when you think it can't get any worse for Charlotte... Super twists. Awesome!!!
I needed a quick familiar read. Still so good!
Needed something quick and I still love this story...
I needed a quick familiar read. Still so good!
Needed something quick and I still love this story...
March 4, 2021
Jeremy Bates's Run is a fast-paced, intense story with an underlying message of how we as a society have dropped the ball concerning mental health for our former military personnel.
Our protagonist, Charlotte, is a prime example of Murphy's Law being in full effect. Her parents were murdered when she was a child and then her high school sweetheart returns from a series of traumatic deployments overseas (one of which terminating in multiple lives lost by those beside him) with psychosis that pushes at the very edge of worst-case scenario PTSD. During a camping trip that was intended to help Luke find his balance, he lashes out and severely assaults two of Charlotte's friends before attempting to harm her as well.
We flash forward from there to a year later with Charlotte attempting to move on with her life, dating a new guy, and focusing on finishing school...and then Luke reappears after being released from prison.
Everything takes on a staccato quality from there, as Luke becomes increasingly paranoid and violent, his instability culminating in an act of violence befitting only those we consider terrorists.
It's a short read/listen and it's well worth taking the time to do so.
The audiobook is narrated by Jenna Green, someone I consider a friend, an individual I've known for a great many years--since we worked together once upon a time at a local television affiliate. The quality of her narration is superb, and I'm not saying that because I'm biased. I feel entirely confident that I have recommended her to other writers who are looking for a woman to narrate their audiobooks in the future.
Our protagonist, Charlotte, is a prime example of Murphy's Law being in full effect. Her parents were murdered when she was a child and then her high school sweetheart returns from a series of traumatic deployments overseas (one of which terminating in multiple lives lost by those beside him) with psychosis that pushes at the very edge of worst-case scenario PTSD. During a camping trip that was intended to help Luke find his balance, he lashes out and severely assaults two of Charlotte's friends before attempting to harm her as well.
We flash forward from there to a year later with Charlotte attempting to move on with her life, dating a new guy, and focusing on finishing school...and then Luke reappears after being released from prison.
Everything takes on a staccato quality from there, as Luke becomes increasingly paranoid and violent, his instability culminating in an act of violence befitting only those we consider terrorists.
It's a short read/listen and it's well worth taking the time to do so.
The audiobook is narrated by Jenna Green, someone I consider a friend, an individual I've known for a great many years--since we worked together once upon a time at a local television affiliate. The quality of her narration is superb, and I'm not saying that because I'm biased. I feel entirely confident that I have recommended her to other writers who are looking for a woman to narrate their audiobooks in the future.
December 13, 2019
In 'Run', college student Charlotte's world is shaken by the unexpected visit of her violent ex-boyfriend Luke. Imprisoned for brutally injuring her and her friends a year ago, he's now back and eager to get back together. She's not about to trust him, let alone let him back into her life but he's not taking no for an answer..
The story would've worked better if it wasn't so over-the-top and was more tightly focused on Charlotte and Luke. Instead, several other unimportant and forgettable characters were introduced and discarded quickly. Her thought process and decisions made no sense whatsoever considering the amount of danger she was in. She failed to call the police immediately and figured she'd be safer if she left. What?
Overall, 'Run' was an unsatisfying read due to the bland characters and lack of believability. Run from this one.
The story would've worked better if it wasn't so over-the-top and was more tightly focused on Charlotte and Luke. Instead, several other unimportant and forgettable characters were introduced and discarded quickly. Her thought process and decisions made no sense whatsoever considering the amount of danger she was in. She failed to call the police immediately and figured she'd be safer if she left. What?
Overall, 'Run' was an unsatisfying read due to the bland characters and lack of believability. Run from this one.
April 26, 2021
Luke is suffering from PSTD from his stint in Afghanistan after being attacked and seeing his buddies blown to pieces. He can't get the help he needs and turns into a raging psychopath. Now, there are two ways we can go on this. Either the US Army is at fault for not taking proper care of their vets or (flashback to the Vietnam War) veterans of foreign wars are raging maniacs. After Luke, our protagonist, Charlotte, has a new boyfriend who, through circumstances, is also on the edge. Now, either the author wants appropriate help for all victims of violence or, being me, I would say that Charlotte brings bad luck to everyone she meets. Her parents, her friends/acquaintances all come to horrible ends. Still, it's well written and a good read.
April 4, 2020
Fast little read that grips you ...
...and doesn't let go 'til the end. Sadly, it's based on what has become a national problem in our country. Veterans coming home from war, suffering from PTSD, and not receiving the proper mental healthcare they need/deserve is a downright crime! My heart goes out to them and their families. Thank you, Jeremy Bates, for bringing this dilemma to the forefront. I actually give this story 3.5 stars and highly recommend it!
...and doesn't let go 'til the end. Sadly, it's based on what has become a national problem in our country. Veterans coming home from war, suffering from PTSD, and not receiving the proper mental healthcare they need/deserve is a downright crime! My heart goes out to them and their families. Thank you, Jeremy Bates, for bringing this dilemma to the forefront. I actually give this story 3.5 stars and highly recommend it!
September 25, 2020
Great short read
I highly enjoyed this. The ending did have me yelling “oh no!” But that’s always fun. I enjoy when books stay along the lines of “oh shit this could really happen.”
I highly enjoyed this. The ending did have me yelling “oh no!” But that’s always fun. I enjoy when books stay along the lines of “oh shit this could really happen.”
August 1, 2022
Great story
It was action packed from the first page, and quite suspenseful. Makes for a good story. I really liked this book, I read it in one sitting. I recommend reading this to all.
It was action packed from the first page, and quite suspenseful. Makes for a good story. I really liked this book, I read it in one sitting. I recommend reading this to all.
July 19, 2025
this series so far im really enjoying. this one is about a girl who dates a soldier who gets ptsd from the war, goes crazy, and tries to kill her. ending was a bit open and kind of left it for you to make with it as you want.
July 7, 2017
Far-fetched!
May 2, 2020
Great story
I do like this author and this is another good book to read. The characters made me worry about what was going to happen
I do like this author and this is another good book to read. The characters made me worry about what was going to happen
February 17, 2021
Short novella
April 26, 2021
Well written, too short. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Want to read
March 4, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/4/2022)! 🎁
February 19, 2025
Real tired of PTSD veterans being an easy villian.
September 2, 2025
Amazing read
Amazing read though sad disease and true undiagnosed mental health from US Military. Definitely worth reading this and all Jeremy Bates books. He so good
Amazing read though sad disease and true undiagnosed mental health from US Military. Definitely worth reading this and all Jeremy Bates books. He so good
January 14, 2022
This reads like a crazy slasher-style story mixed with McCammon’s Gone South. Another one for discussion about the handling of damaged war veterans. I love when Bates tackles modern problems like this. He does it amazingly well in the novella format.
August 10, 2016
Great effort!
It is a great effort showing how far out of whack the mind can go due to the damage of war... PTSD is a problem that must be faced and this story gives and example of why. I enjoyed the characters and the psychosis of the damaged soldier. Though once again, if a person is harassed to a point of fear induced, they should make a report and understand that others could be the next victim. I would like to read further as to what happens to these remaining characters.
It is a great effort showing how far out of whack the mind can go due to the damage of war... PTSD is a problem that must be faced and this story gives and example of why. I enjoyed the characters and the psychosis of the damaged soldier. Though once again, if a person is harassed to a point of fear induced, they should make a report and understand that others could be the next victim. I would like to read further as to what happens to these remaining characters.
February 7, 2016
"You break it, you fix it."
From the first page, Run already took me by surprise, didn't really expect it to start that way. As short as it was, Run is definitely a heart-thumping and nail-biting page turner. Crazy and unstable exes and murder. The epilogue was also as explosing as the whole story, totally didn't let me down. Run made me realize one thing: I would definitely not want to be Charlotte.
From the first page, Run already took me by surprise, didn't really expect it to start that way. As short as it was, Run is definitely a heart-thumping and nail-biting page turner. Crazy and unstable exes and murder. The epilogue was also as explosing as the whole story, totally didn't let me down. Run made me realize one thing: I would definitely not want to be Charlotte.
April 30, 2015
amazing as always!!
October 22, 2015
You can run but you can not hide from your exes. Running fast with Charlotte from her ex soldier troubled boyfriend. Good life lesson for you: your exes are crazy, run!
January 11, 2017
Very good! Would like to read more like this!
July 12, 2017
Not a long novel but quite scary. I didn't feel involved enough with the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews