On the Run

by Iris Johansen

For eight years, single mother Grace Archer has been living a picture-perfect life raising her daughter on a horse farm in the small town of Tallanville, Alabama. Watching Frankie grow into a talented and confident young girl has made Grace as happy as any mother could hope to be. Happy enough, even, to forget the past. But the past never quite goes away. Which is why a certain charismatic man also moved to Tallanville eight years ago to watch over her.

But when violence threatens to shatter Grace and Frankie's idyllic home, the waiting is over. The ghosts of the past have returned. And they're hungry for blood. Now Grace must resume an identity she thought she had cast off forever, and match wits with an opponent as deadly as he is cunning. The prize: an extraordinary secret that only she can unfold. The forfeit: losing the thing more precious to her than life itself.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Fiction, Romance, Mystery Thriller, Romantic Suspense

9 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Iris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.

She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.

IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.

http://www.irisjohansen.com

Reviews

[Milo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is there such a thing as a 1/2 star?

HORRID..........
Written so bad I can't describe it. Read by a woman who tries to do men's voices badly and women's voices with a silly whine. Flirtations [constant] with sex in a ridiculous childish manner. The author must be sexually frustrated, a spinster with cobwebs over the strike zone........

[Tam · Rating 1 out of 5]

You know a book is bad when the audio book keeps you awake merely so you can make scathing, sarcastic comments about the story, the writing, and the narration. On the other hand, I didn't drive off of the road in the middle of nowhere Idaho, so I suppose it did its task.

[Kersten · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only ready about 70 pages. THis is the female "heroine" I dislike. Soooo tough and strong, etc. But is weak in love. Will do anything to save her child. It's so cliche! Can't care at all about the main character.

[Jim Shaner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the action in this novel, right from the start. Despite the excitement, however, some things about the story just didn't thrill me, and left me feeling underwhelmed.

Grace, a former CIA agent in her thirties, and her daughter, Frankie, raise horses on an idyllic ranch in Alabama. Their world is fractured when a former nemesis moves to harm Grace, and an old flame enters the picture in order to save her and Frankie from danger.

During the flight to safety, the author describes the tension between Grace and her former lover, Jake; as well as the tender relationship between Grace and 8-year-old Frankie. Grace has a gift with horses, and Frankie has a gift with music and is very self-sufficient, thanks to her mother's teaching. As Grace ponders life on the run, and the effect it must have on her young daughter, the author states simply, "It's all about Frankie."

It might have been great if the author followed that phrase throughout the novel. In between the page-turning events of the story, however, there is much focus on Grace's emotions and Jake's unfulfilled desire for her. This inner dialogue, and the two of them dancing around each other, left me wanting for more action. The holy name of God is used frequently by the characters to express their amazement in various situations, including illicit sex. The plot rationale is a stretch in plausibility for me, although the inclusion of the horses in the desert is gripping and imaginative.

That said, the actual plot moved along at a good pace and I enjoyed the other characters. There was intrigue and suspense. The ending was satisfying. The narration on the audio CD was very good. I just would have liked it better if it was more about Frankie – she's a great character to build the story around.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why is it that in so many books, they won’t drop the F bomb and they won’t even say shit, but when it comes to Jesus’s name, they treat it as if it were nothing?

I find it demeaning that this woman, who is such an expert warrior, is kept out of the loop so she won’t worry her pretty little head.
Soooo sexist.

I keep forgetting to stay away from Iris Johansen when it isn’t an Eve Duncan mystery. The plot and story line are quite good. Our gal ,Grace, starts out as a wonderfully strong, incredible woman and then just completely devolves. Her character and the suspense is constantly disrupted by the overriding, monotonous, super-sexualized cravings of Kilmer and Grace. So trite and so boring. I have to wash my brain out with a really good mystery/thriller.
I’m not some kind of prude and I know that sex/love are an important part of life. And sometimes sex is just mind blowing and fun. But, geez, I guess Johansson is following the big bucks by catering to the salacious romance devourers.

In case you missed my positive comment, I’ll repeat it. “The plot/storyline is quite good,…”. Also, the horses were what drew me to this book and I loved every word about them. I always enjoyed reading about Donovan. Frankie, was quite a good character. I bid them a fond goodbye. Forever.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Iris Johansen! This book has such good action. I love the way her stories require you to read the whole book to figure out the puzzle. There was also a surprising (and awesome) sexy romantic plot throughout the book which was dope too.

The only critique that I would have is that she rights about this 8 yr old that behaves more like a 20 yr old. I get the kid is supposed to be a “prodigy” but sometimes I like BFFR no 8 yr old says this type of stuff.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline!

[Strawberry Fields · Rating 2 out of 5]

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

iris johansen books are always hit or miss for me. she was the one who brought me out of YA and into romantic suspense, which i suppose some people would argue i'm too young for, but i've loved the genre ever since i read killer dreams. however, i've come to realize that so far every book i've read of hers has different plots, but in actuality they're all the same concept with the same characterization. i haven't quite delved into her deep enough to make that a fact but for the work of hers that i have seen, it's true and it disappoints me because i believe she could be a lot better than she already is if she broadened out a bit. but in a way i also want to contradict myself by saying that it's apart of the reason why i enjoy her work, because there are times when i'm in the mood for an iris johansen book and i know exactly what to expect when i pick it up, so i appreciate the comfort that it brings and i guess that's just the way it is with some authors. as for this book, i didn't love it but i didn't hate it. i'd recommend it though.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was at page 185 when I stopped reading. The first 100 pages or so were interesting. I looked at all the 1 star reviews and wondered what the hell. Were we reading the same book? Am I just more tolerable than most folks? Immediately after the 100 page mark is where this book began to lose it's steam. What annoyed me the most was the repetitive nature of the story. Frankie was a child prodigy...Grace was mad at Jake, but wanted him in the worst way possible..Grace has raised her child all by herself for 8 years with no issues...She's super mom..blah blah..blah. I skimmed the rest of the book and found it to be the same. If I'm reading a book and I'm finding I would much rather watch paint dry than I'm done with it. The end..

[Brenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars...Iris Johansen writes thrillers/suspense extremely well. On the Run has a female main character; Grace is the female lead who is former CIA in hiding on a horse farm in Rural America. There is a daughter, a renegade former CIA agent, an under cover agent stationed in the same town watching over Grace, and leaks at CIA and FBI that cause Grace some trouble. Johansen keeps the plot moving quickly. Her characters are developed well, even though Grace's horse whisperer skills seem a little bit on the excessive side, though it works into the story line to keep it moving. Grace's daughter seemed a little "old" and too wise for her 8 years.
I did enjoy the book, and will most likely, read more of Iris Johansen.

[Linda C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grace Archer and her daughter, Frankie, have been in hiding on a horse farm in Alabama when they are found by the ruthless killer who has been searching for them for 8 years. Jake Kilmer, Frankie’s father and Grace’s former trainer for the CIA, is determined to protect them. This highly action packed tale of outrunning and out maneuvering the killer is well done, but fails make a believable story. The hero and heroine are too perfect and the killer too all-powerful. The obsession with the untrainable pair of horses and their secret was not a believable motive.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the worst book I ever read but it is more of a romance than a thriller. The protagonist spends most of the book worrying about relationships and the story is light on events. The author relies heavily on cliches and tropes that make the story really predictable. But since I got it for free I'm not out anything.

[Jeanie Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished it. And it wasn't terrible, but there were quite a few eyeroll/groan moments. Good story, a little hard to follow, but terribly cheesy.

[Janet Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the audiobook of On the Run. It's filled with suspense, action, family drama, and horses. This is the most enjoyable audiobook I have listened to in years. I have read and enjoyed many of Iris Johansen's books. But, this was my first audiobook from her. If you like fast-paced, action packed books this one is for you.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Iris Johansen and I enjoyed it.

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 15%.

🥱

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly a lot cooler than I expected

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Another great book. A page turner.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is just a romantic novel/drama--good beach read for Hawaii. If you like horses, you will especially like this book. I would read another book by this author, but not too many at a time. I think I am ready for a little more meat.

Here is the official summary:

For eight years, single mother Grace Archer has been living a picture-perfect life raising her daughter on a horse farm in the small town of Tallanville, Alabama. Watching Frankie grow into a talented and confident young girl has made Grace as happy as any mother could hope to be. Happy enough, even, to forget the past. But the past never quite goes away. Which is why a certain charismatic man also moved to Tallanville eight years ago to watch over her.

But when violence threatens to shatter Grace and Frankie's idyllic home, the waiting is over. The ghosts of the past have returned. And they're hungry for blood. Now Grace must resume an identity she thought she had cast off forever, and match wits with an opponent as deadly as he is cunning. The prize: an extraordinary secret that only she can unfold. The forfeit: losing the thing more precious to her than life itself.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The picture was a warning: they’d found her. For eight years Grace Archer hoped this day wouldn’t come—and knew in her heart it would.
She’d taken her daughter, Frankie, to a rural Alabama horse farm that might just as well have been at the end of the earth, but the man out to kill them would gladly follow them that far. And now, it seems, he has.
A woman with a highly classified past, Grace had never run from anything in her life, but as a mother, she’d do anything to keep her daughter safe. Now that safe world has been shattered and a ferocious hunter has been unleashed. Suddenly, the agency that owed Grace its gratitude and protection has abandoned her and only one ally remains: a man even more dangerous than her worst enemy.
This could have been so much better if it wasn’t so predictable.

[Eevie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've got half way thru this book, but I just can't do it anymore. It hasn't been able to hold my attention for more than a few pages at a time. I will have "read" 20 pages and only absorbed 1 or 2 of them. It just doesn't seem to be going anywhere. This book is just not for me! Onto the next :)

[Nick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow. Worst. Dialogue. Ever.

Ms. Johansen has always been hit and miss for me... this was a huge miss. Not even sure why I finished it. But I did. The characters and the lines that were written for them were all so unbelievable. The main character and her pretentious daughter were insufferable

[Sus · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely AWEFUL!! Could not even finish it. The writing was horrible, banal, boring and predictable. I don't know how this book can have 4 stars in this portal? I do not recommend this book.

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just not for me. It was so lacking compared to all her other adventures. I will keep reading. First major disappointment from her.she usually gets four to five stars from me.

[Stefani Zoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow - I haven't read a book in two days in a long time - this was a great thriller - super fast that I had on my shelf for a long time! Great read I will try and find more by this author!

[Thomas F. Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down. A very good read involving several interesting characters.

[Maribel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grace Archer vive oculta en un rancho, junto a su hija Frankie, bajo una identidad falsa y la protección del gobierno de los Estados Unidos. Nueve años más tarde, el pasado ha vuelto con fuerza para recordarle que sus vidas están en peligro, ya que Marvot, un mafioso sin escrúpulos, ha puesto un precio por capturarlas, vivas o muertas.

Jake Kilmer se alejó de la vida de Grace para garantizar su seguridad, pero ahora está en peligro y tendrá que reunir a los mejores hombres de su equipo para protegerla. El ex agente secreto de la CIA pensaba que la atracción que existió entre ellos en el pasado era fruto de la adrenalina que les recorría las venas durante las misiones secretas que compartieron, pero la cercanía de Grace despertará en él de nuevo la pasión y hará que vuelva a desearla con la misma fuerza de antes.

«La huida» es una novela de acción; los primeros capítulos me han parecido impactantes y quizás por eso, esperaba más de una historia que en mi opinión, tiene un ritmo bastante irregular: tiene un comienzo de infarto, luego se vuelve bastante anodina y no es hasta el final que ha logrado suscitar mi interés de nuevo.

Mi mayor problema con esta lectura ha sido que, en mi opinión, carece de romanticismo alguno; de hecho, ambos confiesan la atracción que sienten el uno por el otro, pero creo que la palabra amor no se menciona en ningún momento. Una vez superada la desconfianza de lo que ocurrió en la última misión que compartieron, entre ellos se entabla una relación de cariño, respeto, admiración y mucha atracción física, pero no de amor y eso me ha provocado mucha fustración que, además, se ha visto incrementada por el hecho de que la autora zanje todas las escenas de sexo con un fundido en negro cuando la cosa empieza a ponerse interesante.

Sin duda, lo que más me ha gustado de todo el libro son los pasajes donde Grace y su hija Frankie se dedican a la doma de caballos. La relación con la denominada La Pareja es apasionante, gracias a la habilidad de la protagonista para entender y comunicarse con los animales. No ha sido una mala lectura, pero me ha faltado que hubiera más química entre los protagonistas y un final no tan precipitado ni edulcorado, donde el villano de la historia recibiese su merecido y el espectador fuera testigo con detalle de ese desenlace.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iris Johansen has another winner on her hands with “On the Run.” All of the elements of a “good read” are there: a strong, self-reliant female main character; a long-lost love interest who re-enters her life; and a villain whose personal plans include coercing the main character back into her previous life of spying and international intrigue.

Grace and her daughter Frankie are living a secure, good life on an Alabama horse farm. You immediately discover that Grace had a rather different life before her daughter was born, and the story does not leave you wondering for long how different that previous life was. Grace was part of a CIA special ops group who infiltrated a Moroccan crime cartel in order to discover the location of a hidden automobile engine that would make the gasoline engine obsolete. But the risky operation went bad and Grace had to flee for her life. For eight years under CIA protection, she had a safe life on the horse farm. She was successfully raising her daughter, when suddenly she and her daughter had to flee for their lives after their location was compromised. Does Grace trust her own instincts and go it alone, or does she accept the help of her old lover? That’s where the action begins and doesn’t end until the last page. As one thing after another creates chaos, the reader is reminded of one of the countless action flicks one sees at the movies.

But where one often “checks reality at the door” for the action movies, Johansen makes the plot sufficiently believable for one to enjoy the ride. The story end was predictable, but the reader wondered how/if it would turn out all right. This is to the author’s credit—there were sufficient twists, turns, and character developments to make one wonder until the last moment.

For those who’ve enjoyed Iris Johansen in the past, they won’t be disappointed. For those new to Johansen, they can add this author and book to their cache for those rainy days and long plane flights when only a fast-paced, independent woman who’s loved-lost-but-gets-another-shot-at-love, spy thriller will do.

[Linda Skelton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was willing to overlook my biggest pet peeve - the author's obvious lack of research on the horse-related aspects of the plot (using incorrect terminology and every cliche in the book when it comes to writing about horses) because the main characters and plot got my attention right away. I gave up about halfway through because the entire book, after the first chapter, is nothing but exposition and back story about the main characters, via dry dialogue. I can't figure out why the author wrote this book instead of writing a novel about what happened 8 years ago because that's obviously the story she wanted to tell. Or if she wanted to include the young daughter in the plot, tell the backstory in flashbacks. But when all of the "suspense" depends on the characters revealing past events over and over again in conversations? Just boring. Also a turnoff is the passive way she recounts every action. Almost every verb is written as "she was standing on the ledge" "she was running towards the bank" and I found it very annoying.

I came to the reviews just to read the spoilery ones to find out what (if anything) actually happens but found that most other readers weren't able to slog through this mess either and couldn't finish.