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Detective Kathryn Lincoln #1
The Runaway Train
Alternate cover edition for B00PKPTG46
What happened to Vanessa Finch?
The only thing Detective Kathryn Lincoln has to go on is a name. When another child vanishes into the creeping fog around a bus station, Kathryn and her partner, Selena Marrenger, embark on a mission to find the truth behind the disappearances. What they uncover is a hidden secret far more sinister than they could have imagined.
As suspects begin to pile up, Selena is forced to leave the case for the FBI. Alone, and desperate for answers, can Kathryn find who's responsible before it's too late?
What happened to Vanessa Finch?
The only thing Detective Kathryn Lincoln has to go on is a name. When another child vanishes into the creeping fog around a bus station, Kathryn and her partner, Selena Marrenger, embark on a mission to find the truth behind the disappearances. What they uncover is a hidden secret far more sinister than they could have imagined.
As suspects begin to pile up, Selena is forced to leave the case for the FBI. Alone, and desperate for answers, can Kathryn find who's responsible before it's too late?
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
723 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
M.W. Griffith
6 books21 followersMichael Griffith was born in Carthage, Tennessee, and now lives in Murfreesboro TN after marrying his best friend.
He is currently studying history, with the intention of continuing his education in the hopes of landing a dream job where he can read lots of books, and enjoy his own company.
He is currently studying history, with the intention of continuing his education in the hopes of landing a dream job where he can read lots of books, and enjoy his own company.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 11, 2018
This was a nice fast read about two female police detectives who are very good at their jobs. The dialogue between them was great and helped carry the story because of their openness that all unspoken best friends have with each other. The mystery was a topic that sadly has become all too common news stories the past decade. I appreciate that the author didn't make the material so gory that some readers would be upset, but still realistic to what happens in these situations.
The book felt a little rushed at times that had nothing to do with the solving the mystery. I think making such a short novel made Mr. Griffith rush and even omit some parts of the novel. There were three parts that stood out the most too me. Two parts involved Marrenger's father and brother. After thinking and talking with her partner/best friend about her father during the case he was completely omitted near the end. What was the point of mentioning him earlier if her father is going to be an ignored thought near the end?? I could imagine Detective Marrenger called or texted her brother to let him know she wasn't meeting him before he drove all her belongings to her new residence, but I should not have to imagine this scenario as he was just mentioned in the previous paragraph. The last part was what happened with the two female detectives once the case is closed. Things just felt incomplete when we were told what they were up to. I would have been fine with a few extra pages to find out more of what the end result of their new lives are. It's a good book but it could have been better.
The book felt a little rushed at times that had nothing to do with the solving the mystery. I think making such a short novel made Mr. Griffith rush and even omit some parts of the novel. There were three parts that stood out the most too me. Two parts involved Marrenger's father and brother. After thinking and talking with her partner/best friend about her father during the case he was completely omitted near the end. What was the point of mentioning him earlier if her father is going to be an ignored thought near the end?? I could imagine Detective Marrenger called or texted her brother to let him know she wasn't meeting him before he drove all her belongings to her new residence, but I should not have to imagine this scenario as he was just mentioned in the previous paragraph. The last part was what happened with the two female detectives once the case is closed. Things just felt incomplete when we were told what they were up to. I would have been fine with a few extra pages to find out more of what the end result of their new lives are. It's a good book but it could have been better.
May 11, 2018
This was a nice fast read about two female police detectives who are very good at their jobs. The dialogue between them was great and helped carry the story because of their openness that all unspoken best friends have with each other. The mystery was a topic that sadly has become all too common news stories the past decade. I appreciate that the author didn't make the material so gory that some readers would be upset, but still realistic to what happens in these situations.
The book felt a little rushed at times that had nothing to do with the solving the mystery. I think making such a short novel made Mr. Griffith rush and even omit some parts of the novel. There were three parts that stood out the most too me. Two parts involved Marrenger's father and brother. After thinking and talking with her partner/best friend about her father during the case he was completely omitted near the end. What was the point of mentioning him earlier if her father is going to be an ignored thought near the end?? I could imagine Detective Marrenger called or texted her brother to let him know she wasn't meeting him before he drove all her belongings to her new residence, but I should not have to imagine this scenario as he was just mentioned in the previous paragraph. The last part was what happened with the two female detectives once the case is closed. Things just felt incomplete when we were told what they were up to. I would have been fine with a few extra pages to find out more of what the end result of their new lives are. It's a good book but it could have been better.
The book felt a little rushed at times that had nothing to do with the solving the mystery. I think making such a short novel made Mr. Griffith rush and even omit some parts of the novel. There were three parts that stood out the most too me. Two parts involved Marrenger's father and brother. After thinking and talking with her partner/best friend about her father during the case he was completely omitted near the end. What was the point of mentioning him earlier if her father is going to be an ignored thought near the end?? I could imagine Detective Marrenger called or texted her brother to let him know she wasn't meeting him before he drove all her belongings to her new residence, but I should not have to imagine this scenario as he was just mentioned in the previous paragraph. The last part was what happened with the two female detectives once the case is closed. Things just felt incomplete when we were told what they were up to. I would have been fine with a few extra pages to find out more of what the end result of their new lives are. It's a good book but it could have been better.
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February 13, 2018I was curious at first, but ended thinking the things happened in a more "lineal" easy way than a thriller should allow for... I wanted clues, and hints and then discoveries... and I felt like we went from A to B to C.
May 5, 2022
Sooooo ..... after being locked out of my Kindle app I've decided to have a bit of a clean up in my various "Books Read" lists. First cabs off the rank are my DNF pile. If I DNF'd it and have absolutely NO intention of reading it again, I'm changing my rating to 1 🌟 and deleting it off my Kindle. Life is too short at my age for crappy books!!
Original Review:
Jeez Louise ..... 2 in a row! Kicked to the curb very quickly. 📖 🦵I don't want to be reading about child trafficking ..... no sirreeee! DNF at 25%. Next ......
Original Review:
Jeez Louise ..... 2 in a row! Kicked to the curb very quickly. 📖 🦵I don't want to be reading about child trafficking ..... no sirreeee! DNF at 25%. Next ......
March 16, 2015
Keeps you on the edge of your seat! A great read that does an amazing job of introducing the reader to the world of Montana Marrenger. The Runaway Train is a gripping mysterious story unto itself, but certainly leaves you wanting more of M.W. Griffith's writing! It's a good thing that "The Truth About Alex" is out!!! This is definite re-read material! I HIGHLY recommend that YOU give it a go!!!
November 23, 2014
The pages couldn't turn fast enough for me to get through this story. Michael's debut tale is one of those that anyone who has followed the news at any point in the past decade could relate to, and is well woven. Being a young adult author myself, it was great to see that this could be enjoyed by a younger audience, without being written explicitly for them.
While there are some elements that show signs of "debut published work", a scene or two that felt rushed or could have been tightened up, there are nuggets of pure gold here and there that keep you going. By chapter 7, everything is smooth and in a blink, it was over.
I'm looking forward to what Michael will be putting out now that I've gotten a taste for what he has to offer.
While there are some elements that show signs of "debut published work", a scene or two that felt rushed or could have been tightened up, there are nuggets of pure gold here and there that keep you going. By chapter 7, everything is smooth and in a blink, it was over.
I'm looking forward to what Michael will be putting out now that I've gotten a taste for what he has to offer.
July 25, 2021
This was just okay for me. Apparently, a few years ago, the author released a short story version. Then he went back and rewrote it into a full length novel. The chapters are short which makes this a quick read. I just wish the author hadn’t pointed so many fingers at so many “perpetrators”.
I might read another by Mr. Griffith, but only if I don’t have to pay for the book and even then, I won’t be rushing to do so.
I might read another by Mr. Griffith, but only if I don’t have to pay for the book and even then, I won’t be rushing to do so.
January 16, 2015
Wow! Excellent. A real surprise.
Being a short story I really wouldn't have suspected it would be this good, but it was excellently written. If this is a new author, you could have fooled me. The writing comes off very seasoned and mature. I could easily see the scenes and my mind and was waiting to see what would be around the next corner. Great work.
Being a short story I really wouldn't have suspected it would be this good, but it was excellently written. If this is a new author, you could have fooled me. The writing comes off very seasoned and mature. I could easily see the scenes and my mind and was waiting to see what would be around the next corner. Great work.
October 31, 2019
A good, fast read!
The Runaway Train was an excellent short story, an introduction to a protagonist I would like to follow into her new adventures. Selina Marrenger is in flux, leaving her position with the police department in the northwest for a position with the FBI in Washington DC, but they need her to work this one last job...
Reviewed on October 31, 2019, at Goodreads, AmazonSmiles, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Not available on BookBub or GooglePlay.
The Runaway Train was an excellent short story, an introduction to a protagonist I would like to follow into her new adventures. Selina Marrenger is in flux, leaving her position with the police department in the northwest for a position with the FBI in Washington DC, but they need her to work this one last job...
Reviewed on October 31, 2019, at Goodreads, AmazonSmiles, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Not available on BookBub or GooglePlay.
March 19, 2019
Good and interesting
it was not what I was expecting and not much usual type of book. When it first started i was not sure but the further i read the better the story got. I look forward to her next book.
it was not what I was expecting and not much usual type of book. When it first started i was not sure but the further i read the better the story got. I look forward to her next book.
April 25, 2015
This was an interesting premise for a book let down only by its short length. It didn't have enough mystery for my liking, with the investigation moving on a fairly linear path to its conclusion, and I never felt involved enough with the story.
However, the ideas were good, the writing carried me along and I'll certainly look out for the author's full length novels.
However, the ideas were good, the writing carried me along and I'll certainly look out for the author's full length novels.
February 11, 2015
A nice little mystery book, well written with an evocative setting. Good characterisation, great pace and a central mystery that begins with a missing boy. A good peice of writing for a first novel. Definately worth the read.
May 26, 2015
A fun, short look into the world of a couple ace detectives. For a young author, the writing and pacing is fantastic. Methinks I should read the next!
September 9, 2018
This is a very short novel for the genre, and I do think it suffered as a result. Although relatively well written, there were several occasions where I feel the author could have added more detail to build the scene and get the reader more into the characters. I am not sure if this is part of a series, but one of the characters we are first introduced to soon ups sticks and is never heard from again, which made me question why she was inserted as such an important figure in the first place.
The author did a good job of throwing out a few twists and red herrings, but again, because of the brevity of the book, he didn't give himself the opportunity to draw the reader into the intrigue. He has clearly given some thought to the story itself and I enjoyed the characters, but the feeling that I was being hurried through the proceedings makes it difficult to say that I really enjoyed the book. Additionally, I suspect this was self-published - nothing wrong with that, but self-publishing authors really need to get a trusted grammar-loving friend to proofread their drafts. The book was littered with misuses of 'your' and 'you're', which really do jar.
I do feel like MW Griffith has some potential as an author and there is a sense that he is cutting his teeth on novel writing here but could come up with something really juicy in the future. Worth a read, but I hope there is better to come.
The author did a good job of throwing out a few twists and red herrings, but again, because of the brevity of the book, he didn't give himself the opportunity to draw the reader into the intrigue. He has clearly given some thought to the story itself and I enjoyed the characters, but the feeling that I was being hurried through the proceedings makes it difficult to say that I really enjoyed the book. Additionally, I suspect this was self-published - nothing wrong with that, but self-publishing authors really need to get a trusted grammar-loving friend to proofread their drafts. The book was littered with misuses of 'your' and 'you're', which really do jar.
I do feel like MW Griffith has some potential as an author and there is a sense that he is cutting his teeth on novel writing here but could come up with something really juicy in the future. Worth a read, but I hope there is better to come.
May 17, 2022
Mouse Hunt
I think a 3 Star rating is a fair rating. The story had short chapters but kept you questioning what would happen in the end. I liked Kathryn and her go get her never ending since of Hope attitude. She had a very important job to do and she would do anything it took to make sure she got it done whether working through her vacation, going out in bad weather and even dealing with her own family business. I very much disliked Donnie, Molly, Rainer and all the others involved in the kidnapping and child trafficking scene. The grinding of my teeth because of anger and how can people treat a child like that kept me mad as hell but I kept on going. Reading about it was hard but from Kat's point of view she just saw children who needed her help and that's what I liked about her. I'm glad there was a good ending to the story though even though it was heartbreaking. I never read about if she ever got to date her so called cute coworker but I hope she did! She deserved that much after wrapping up such a big case. And as far as Patricia goes, I hope she got on the right path and got clean and sober and stayed that way. But a reader can only imagine. I honestly wouldn't know who to recommend this book to but it's not really all that terrible like some of the reviews claim. If you can gut up and push through it and see it from a detectives point of view, you can help solve the mystery behind the crime and be your own Nancy Drew.
I think a 3 Star rating is a fair rating. The story had short chapters but kept you questioning what would happen in the end. I liked Kathryn and her go get her never ending since of Hope attitude. She had a very important job to do and she would do anything it took to make sure she got it done whether working through her vacation, going out in bad weather and even dealing with her own family business. I very much disliked Donnie, Molly, Rainer and all the others involved in the kidnapping and child trafficking scene. The grinding of my teeth because of anger and how can people treat a child like that kept me mad as hell but I kept on going. Reading about it was hard but from Kat's point of view she just saw children who needed her help and that's what I liked about her. I'm glad there was a good ending to the story though even though it was heartbreaking. I never read about if she ever got to date her so called cute coworker but I hope she did! She deserved that much after wrapping up such a big case. And as far as Patricia goes, I hope she got on the right path and got clean and sober and stayed that way. But a reader can only imagine. I honestly wouldn't know who to recommend this book to but it's not really all that terrible like some of the reviews claim. If you can gut up and push through it and see it from a detectives point of view, you can help solve the mystery behind the crime and be your own Nancy Drew.
February 12, 2018
Good detective story
The characters are shown clearly and in a way that makes you react to them and want to learn more about them. Focused on The way wrong doing can be hidden under an innocent facade the three linked stories all have good plot-lines which hold your interest well, and are drawn together at the end in a satisfying conclusion. The style is straightforward and easy to read, but still has a nice depth.
Personally I would have liked more background detail on the main detectives, but it doesn't detract from the story, and leaves room to develop them further in other books.
The characters are shown clearly and in a way that makes you react to them and want to learn more about them. Focused on The way wrong doing can be hidden under an innocent facade the three linked stories all have good plot-lines which hold your interest well, and are drawn together at the end in a satisfying conclusion. The style is straightforward and easy to read, but still has a nice depth.
Personally I would have liked more background detail on the main detectives, but it doesn't detract from the story, and leaves room to develop them further in other books.
April 21, 2025
I did not realize this had first been a short story. Maybe that is the problem. Perhaps, the author thought these subplots, which had little purpose to the plot, would fill out the story. Instead, it just caused frustration, in the end, and confusion while reading.
This book has a good premise: a missing child, missing children. A bus station. But it has too many factors that somehow, the reader may or may not realize, are supposed to be related. It seemed like the writer would just have a flitting idea and add it to the storyline. For me, it became convoluted.
What characters were truly important to the narrative and who was disposable?
It was okay but not good good. I think this author could write a good mystery/thriller book. But the plot should be more focused. What is the main idea and what will propel that throughout the novel?
This book has a good premise: a missing child, missing children. A bus station. But it has too many factors that somehow, the reader may or may not realize, are supposed to be related. It seemed like the writer would just have a flitting idea and add it to the storyline. For me, it became convoluted.
What characters were truly important to the narrative and who was disposable?
It was okay but not good good. I think this author could write a good mystery/thriller book. But the plot should be more focused. What is the main idea and what will propel that throughout the novel?
March 10, 2018
A good story and a fast read. When a bit goes missing and is then found it leads to an even bigger crime. One name, Vanessa Finch, seems to always crop up. What is the connection. Child trafficking is a heinous crime with a seemingly unending influx of victims.
A quick read with a subject that we all can understand at some leve!. The detectives are someone you'd want on your side, never against
A quick read with a subject that we all can understand at some leve!. The detectives are someone you'd want on your side, never against
May 18, 2018
Detective Katherine Lincoln's investigation into the disappearance of a young boy leads her to uncover a trafficking ring and to catch those responsible for it. During that hunt, the buried and burned remains of a small child are found nearby, and although there is a connection to those involved in the larger case, the mystery of what happened to that little girl, and to her two older missing foster siblings, leads down a different path.
September 18, 2018
"Almost, but not quite"
This started life as a short story and a very good one. Expanding it into a novella was a challenge. I couldn't help feeling this ended up as three stories joined together. Each had a different feel, the whole thing didn't become a cohesive unit. The subject matter is topical and dreadful. For the most part it was handled very well, but to this reader it almost worked, but not quite.
This started life as a short story and a very good one. Expanding it into a novella was a challenge. I couldn't help feeling this ended up as three stories joined together. Each had a different feel, the whole thing didn't become a cohesive unit. The subject matter is topical and dreadful. For the most part it was handled very well, but to this reader it almost worked, but not quite.
February 3, 2019
This plodding police procedural deals with a child trafficking organization that has corrupted some of the most trusted institutions. It is choppy and lacking in suspense. Although the main detective is likeable the secondary characters are lacking. Katherine comes with the usual woman cop baggage; junkie sister, abandonment issues, senseless rogue streak. It was okay but neither the plot nor the characters engaged.
February 13, 2019
Was A Good Book
This was a really good book but I only gave it 4 stars because I had unanswered questions. What happened to Joel? Did Patricia ever get better. How about Kathryn's relationship with her sister?. MW Griffith is a young author who writes mysteries about life (good and bad) . At times you feel like you are right there with everyone. I received this book in a contest but the editorial is mine.
This was a really good book but I only gave it 4 stars because I had unanswered questions. What happened to Joel? Did Patricia ever get better. How about Kathryn's relationship with her sister?. MW Griffith is a young author who writes mysteries about life (good and bad) . At times you feel like you are right there with everyone. I received this book in a contest but the editorial is mine.
October 26, 2022
A fully different ending than what I was awaiting which was good. It ran fairly fluently the only disbenefit for me was the short chapters that changed the direction of the story each time. But that down I did enjoy it. The plot sounded strangely lacking. It had a morning, sounded to end, had another part of the story, sounded to end, and so on. But I liked the characters and stayed interested until the factual end.
January 4, 2018
Engaging story
A totally different ending than what I was expecting which was good. It ran quite smoothing the only drawback for me was the short chapters that changed direction of story each time. But that aside I did enjoy.
A totally different ending than what I was expecting which was good. It ran quite smoothing the only drawback for me was the short chapters that changed direction of story each time. But that aside I did enjoy.
April 2, 2018
Strange but I liked it.
The plot seemed strangely lacking. It had a beginning, seemed to end, had another part of the story, seemed to end and so on. But I liked the characters and stayed interested until the actual end.
The plot seemed strangely lacking. It had a beginning, seemed to end, had another part of the story, seemed to end and so on. But I liked the characters and stayed interested until the actual end.
February 16, 2019
Interesting
From the first page to the last you don't want to put this book down. Well written with believable characters and plots. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a good mystery.
From the first page to the last you don't want to put this book down. Well written with believable characters and plots. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a good mystery.
February 19, 2019
This was an interesting story that kept me reading until I finished it in one sitting. I loved the characters and the plots. I enjoyed feeling what the characters were going through. The author does a great job of connecting the reader with the emotional side of the story. It was a great read!
August 5, 2019
This book was something I needed as a break from the fantasy I was reading and i'm happy to say it didn't disappoint. The characters were likable, the story was easy to fallow. I can't wait to see what the next book will be like.
October 11, 2019
Super
This is a great book . It has all the qualities of a good milder mystery. All the characters are plausible along with the detectives who have their own problems. Thoroughly recommend it.
This is a great book . It has all the qualities of a good milder mystery. All the characters are plausible along with the detectives who have their own problems. Thoroughly recommend it.
December 4, 2017
Runaway train
Lots of twists and turns.Enjoyable bread. Look forward to reading more from this author. Once started l needed to know more about the characters.
Lots of twists and turns.Enjoyable bread. Look forward to reading more from this author. Once started l needed to know more about the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews