What do you think?
Rate this book
The Runner
***' Thought-provoking, high-octane chase thriller with style' - Financial Times******' Leather once again delivers high-octane thrill-a-minute action that reads like a pitch for a Netflix series' - Irish Independent ***The explosive new stand-alone thriller from the author of the Spider Shepherd seriesSally Page is an MI5 'footie', a junior Secret Service Agent who maintains 'legends': fake identities or footprints used by real spies. Her day consists of maintaining flats and houses where the legends allegedly live, doing online shopping, using payment, loyalty and travel cards and going on social media in their names - anything to give the impression to hostile surveillance that the legends are living, breathing individuals.One day she goes out for coffee leaving the safe house from which she and her fellow footies operate. When she comes back they have all been murdered and she barely escapes with her own life. She is on the but from whom she has no idea. Worse, her bosses at MI5 seem powerless to help her. To live, she will have to use all the lies and false identities she has so carefully created while discovering the truth . . .
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1956
175 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
245 books1,528 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 16, 2023
Still on my Salman Rushdie break reading Stephen Leather books. Whilst I really like the fast paced actioned packed style I knock this one down to 4 stars. Reason: only that the plot rips off the ‘3 Days of the Condor’ film with Robert Redford (reminder to read the book) and the book/film ‘Marathon Man’ with the main character being an elite runner escaping bad guys.
So Sally (Robert Redford) works for the MI5 in a team creating digital backgrounds - cover stories and maintaining houses for spies. Popping out for coffee for her colleagues operating from a London house she returns to find them all killed and the killers after her. All part of a Mexican cartels attempt to expand in Europe.
Romps along as the previous books. The character ‘The Major’ and his SAS colleague’s appear again. No more books by this author in my hands now so back to Rushdie…or I find some more😉
So Sally (Robert Redford) works for the MI5 in a team creating digital backgrounds - cover stories and maintaining houses for spies. Popping out for coffee for her colleagues operating from a London house she returns to find them all killed and the killers after her. All part of a Mexican cartels attempt to expand in Europe.
Romps along as the previous books. The character ‘The Major’ and his SAS colleague’s appear again. No more books by this author in my hands now so back to Rushdie…or I find some more😉
November 29, 2020
Sally Page is a ‘footie’, which is an entry level position in England’s MI5, who maintains buildings and cover stories for ‘real’ spies. It’s an important job, but not very exciting; until Sally’s co-workers are slaughtered by a hit squad while she’s on a coffee run. Now, armed men are chasing Sally, and she has no understanding why. With someone in her own agency helping the killers, she has no one to trust. With the body count rising, she’s running for her life.
This is my first introduction to Stephen Leather, but it will not be my last. A quick search reveals that Leather is one of Europe’s leading thriller writers, and there is no mistaking why. I found myself totally pulled into this story and could not look away. I hope Sally will show up in future stories because she shows so much promise.
If you like fast-paced stories that race full throttle, you’ll love both the story and the author. I will definitely be searching for more from this incredible author.
This is my first introduction to Stephen Leather, but it will not be my last. A quick search reveals that Leather is one of Europe’s leading thriller writers, and there is no mistaking why. I found myself totally pulled into this story and could not look away. I hope Sally will show up in future stories because she shows so much promise.
If you like fast-paced stories that race full throttle, you’ll love both the story and the author. I will definitely be searching for more from this incredible author.
December 26, 2020
This is my second book by this author. To my surprise it was outstanding. A combination spy and action thriller that has non-stop action. Sally, a footsie for MI-5, returns from a coffee run to find all her co-workers dead. The place London and the chase is on, but who is chasing her and why? A well written book with loads of suspense and subterfuge. The characters are sketchy but that is appropriate as the narration takes place in one day and there are many subjects involved. A worthwhile read.
March 11, 2020
Action packed thriller about a MI5 footie who gets caught up in a Mexican standoff. Pun intended. A good read.
May 12, 2020
While I liked the plot and the characters, I though the writing was not up tp the same standard. The cliches annoyed me and the highly improbable abilities of the heroine, with no training whatsoever, were frankly unbelievable.
March 30, 2020
A fast paced thriller that takes place over a 24 hour period. I will be recommending this book.
October 20, 2019
If you are a British thriller writer, you must be looking over your shoulder at Stephen Leather, the benchmark you aspire to. I’ve been reading the author’s books for over 20 years and I admit to being a fan, and I also admit to never having been disappointed by any of his books.
Stephen Leather has written a range of novels, the Spider Shepherd series in the thriller arena and the Jack Nightingale series for those interested in the occult. But also, many, many, other top notch thrillers. So, top quality is a clear benchmark.
So, to “The Runner”.
We start off at the grunt end of the British intelligence service. Nothing exciting just low level operatives doing stuff in the background to maintain a “presence” for identities/legends. I really enjoyed this glimpse into the grunge work and back office stuff.
Sally is at the bottom end of the intelligence food chain. But she’s smart and awaiting her chance to progress. Nipping out for a coffee run she returns to find her workplace has been attacked and her colleagues slaughtered and, for some reason, she is the next target. A serious runner will have a determined character and Sally is no exception. She’s no trained Tier One operator but she is a smart, determined and gutsy young lady. She does the logical things to get to safety (no frustrated reader shouting at the book “but why don’t you just ring for help” type stuff) and ends up realising that she may not be able to trust those on her own side.
This is set in the “Spiderverse” so we get to see SAS Major Gannon as a significant character doing his day job and there are a couple of other guest appearances that feel utterly right, and not forced in.
I thought this was fantastic, a couple of very minor flaws are overcome by a really fast paced and clever story. Everything you could want from an action thriller and immensely satisfying.
Those other British thriller writers are going to continue to be jealous. I was utterly delighted to be provided with an Advanced Review Copy by Hodder.
Stephen Leather has written a range of novels, the Spider Shepherd series in the thriller arena and the Jack Nightingale series for those interested in the occult. But also, many, many, other top notch thrillers. So, top quality is a clear benchmark.
So, to “The Runner”.
We start off at the grunt end of the British intelligence service. Nothing exciting just low level operatives doing stuff in the background to maintain a “presence” for identities/legends. I really enjoyed this glimpse into the grunge work and back office stuff.
Sally is at the bottom end of the intelligence food chain. But she’s smart and awaiting her chance to progress. Nipping out for a coffee run she returns to find her workplace has been attacked and her colleagues slaughtered and, for some reason, she is the next target. A serious runner will have a determined character and Sally is no exception. She’s no trained Tier One operator but she is a smart, determined and gutsy young lady. She does the logical things to get to safety (no frustrated reader shouting at the book “but why don’t you just ring for help” type stuff) and ends up realising that she may not be able to trust those on her own side.
This is set in the “Spiderverse” so we get to see SAS Major Gannon as a significant character doing his day job and there are a couple of other guest appearances that feel utterly right, and not forced in.
I thought this was fantastic, a couple of very minor flaws are overcome by a really fast paced and clever story. Everything you could want from an action thriller and immensely satisfying.
Those other British thriller writers are going to continue to be jealous. I was utterly delighted to be provided with an Advanced Review Copy by Hodder.
January 17, 2021
Banal is the only word I can think of to describe this. A thin story with insulting amounts of padding. Only finished it in case I was missing something.
February 14, 2021
Admin girl working for MI5 gets caught up with wild chases, mercenaries, shootings, and discovers she's a natural at it. 6 hours of action. Not bad.
October 25, 2020
“The Runner” is a riveting thriller that opens when Sally Page, a keen runner and one of the M15 “footies” overseeing their safe houses returns from a coffee run to find all her colleagues dead and a masked assailant waiting to kill her. Untrained as a young, lower -tiered employee in Britain’s Intelligence organization Sally finds her life turned upside down as she’s pursued by the killers, unable to return to return to the central hub at Thames House. Finally, able to take a breather in the apartment of her former boyfriend she begins to search for clues to the murders, uncovering a link to a Mexican cartel and the possibility of an M15 mole.
Action-packed the pace never slows as Sally stays ahead of the killers using all the lies and false identities at her disposal but finding little help from her bosses at her home base who are dealing with a kidnapping, and a mole feeding information to the enemy. Intensity and suspense ratchet higher with a link to a Mexican informant guarded by the American DEA whose extradition Sally and her boyfriend are slowly sucked into.
Well-developed and absorbing the thrills never stop as Sally uses her instincts and prowess as a runner to stay ahead of the killers, only to find safety in the apartment of Detective Sergeant Tim Reid, the man she left to pursue her career. As the tension throttle’s higher with car chases, gunfire, and death just a heartbeat away, Sally’s past with Tim is explored and re-ignites weaving an emotional element into the story. Yet all too soon the plot flows swiftly and naturally to a surprising ending that I hope promises another book.
Among the compelling and intriguing characters bringing the plot to life are smart, gutsy loner Sally Page; trustworthy, sensitive ex-boyfriend and police detective Tim Reid; her often cantankerous boss Ian Hadley; and the astute SAS Major Gannon. These and other personalities flow effortlessly into a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Runner”, an exciting thrill-ride I couldn’t put down until finished and I intend to read other books by this talented author in future.
Action-packed the pace never slows as Sally stays ahead of the killers using all the lies and false identities at her disposal but finding little help from her bosses at her home base who are dealing with a kidnapping, and a mole feeding information to the enemy. Intensity and suspense ratchet higher with a link to a Mexican informant guarded by the American DEA whose extradition Sally and her boyfriend are slowly sucked into.
Well-developed and absorbing the thrills never stop as Sally uses her instincts and prowess as a runner to stay ahead of the killers, only to find safety in the apartment of Detective Sergeant Tim Reid, the man she left to pursue her career. As the tension throttle’s higher with car chases, gunfire, and death just a heartbeat away, Sally’s past with Tim is explored and re-ignites weaving an emotional element into the story. Yet all too soon the plot flows swiftly and naturally to a surprising ending that I hope promises another book.
Among the compelling and intriguing characters bringing the plot to life are smart, gutsy loner Sally Page; trustworthy, sensitive ex-boyfriend and police detective Tim Reid; her often cantankerous boss Ian Hadley; and the astute SAS Major Gannon. These and other personalities flow effortlessly into a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Runner”, an exciting thrill-ride I couldn’t put down until finished and I intend to read other books by this talented author in future.
June 14, 2020
The ending seemed kind of abrupt.
March 29, 2023
The first book I've read by this author and hopefully not the last! A spy thriller with an interesting insight into the less glamorous jobs in MI5, an absolutely action packed read.
June 17, 2023
So good
February 28, 2022
Some good adrinaline
May 31, 2021
To me, the plot of The Runner mimics that of the 1975 Robert Redford film, Three Days of the Condor, based on the 1974 novel by James Grady, Six Days of the Condor. A significant difference is the Condor stories are presented more realistically. The protagonist in The Runner evolves from a lower level MI5 employee to an action hero by the end of the novel.
The narration of the audiobook by Laura Kirman is strongly British with several dialects to cover the many characters from different nationalities. I was frustrated, however, by the amplitude fluctuations of the narration which made selecting a single volume setting challenging for my AirPods Pro but near impossible to compensate for when listening on my CarPlay with Bose speakers.
The narration of the audiobook by Laura Kirman is strongly British with several dialects to cover the many characters from different nationalities. I was frustrated, however, by the amplitude fluctuations of the narration which made selecting a single volume setting challenging for my AirPods Pro but near impossible to compensate for when listening on my CarPlay with Bose speakers.
July 13, 2021
The glory of the SAS, MI5, United States Navy Seals, and Green Berets. The wonder of special extractions and who-cares about 'collateral damage.' The sensible and practical arrangement of the special relationship between the United States imposing its agenda on the United Kingdom. The racist generalisation of Mexicans and Colombians (who, as everybody knows, love to smuggle drugs)....
If this is up your street you'll love this book.
I'm not sure how on earth I ended up reading and finishing such a book based on repugnant aggressive imperialist ideology.
If this is up your street you'll love this book.
I'm not sure how on earth I ended up reading and finishing such a book based on repugnant aggressive imperialist ideology.
July 18, 2020
DNF Not my cup of tea.
I don't believe I've read any of Stephen Leather's previous works. I chose this because the idea intrigued me; however, the opening chapter (involving torture) quickly had me suspect this probably wasn't the book for me. Ultimately, I simply didn't enjoy the writing style and swapped it out to read the new Gregg Hurwitz' book with great enjoyment.
I don't believe I've read any of Stephen Leather's previous works. I chose this because the idea intrigued me; however, the opening chapter (involving torture) quickly had me suspect this probably wasn't the book for me. Ultimately, I simply didn't enjoy the writing style and swapped it out to read the new Gregg Hurwitz' book with great enjoyment.
August 20, 2023
Oke-er Thriller.
June 18, 2025
3.5/5 Stars
This one started strong, and I wanted to love it; the premise had real potential. Sally Page being a ‘footie’ for MI5, maintaining fake lives and safe houses? That setup could’ve gone in so many smart, layered directions. But instead, it quickly became pretty repetitive. Nearly every chapter felt like a rinse-and-repeat of Sally figuring out which safe house to run to next, mixed with just enough action to keep the pace going but not enough variety to keep me fully hooked.
It had that high-octane thriller feel, but the scenarios barely changed, just small twists each time. After a while, it all blurred together. And for someone who supposedly had no training, Sally managed to dodge danger in ways that felt a bit far-fetched.
I liked the idea more than the execution. The constant chase gave the book energy, and the short chapters made it easy to fly through, but I kept waiting for it to dig a bit deeper into Sally’s skills, her identities, or even some more grounded character development. It just never really did.
Not a bad read, but not one I’d rush to recommend either. More style than substance.
This one started strong, and I wanted to love it; the premise had real potential. Sally Page being a ‘footie’ for MI5, maintaining fake lives and safe houses? That setup could’ve gone in so many smart, layered directions. But instead, it quickly became pretty repetitive. Nearly every chapter felt like a rinse-and-repeat of Sally figuring out which safe house to run to next, mixed with just enough action to keep the pace going but not enough variety to keep me fully hooked.
It had that high-octane thriller feel, but the scenarios barely changed, just small twists each time. After a while, it all blurred together. And for someone who supposedly had no training, Sally managed to dodge danger in ways that felt a bit far-fetched.
I liked the idea more than the execution. The constant chase gave the book energy, and the short chapters made it easy to fly through, but I kept waiting for it to dig a bit deeper into Sally’s skills, her identities, or even some more grounded character development. It just never really did.
Not a bad read, but not one I’d rush to recommend either. More style than substance.
March 24, 2022
This book started out interesting - although the concept wasn't original - but it then turned into pages of filler and people sitting around talking. The blurb promised a thriller, where the main protagonist, Sally, would need to rely on trade craft to protect herself and find out who was wanted her dead. This did not happen. She did not rely on the identities she managed as a "footie" to keep herself safe, and she found out the truth in the section of the book when everybody decided it would be a good idea to sit around, tell, jokes, and talk about pineapple on pizza. Yes, there is almost an entire chapter covering a debate on pineapple on pizza. Talk about thrilling stuff!
I'm not sure if this author's main series is like this - I haven't read it at all. I've been tempted to try the main series before, but I'm not so sure now.
If you take out everything that isn't relevant in this novel, you're probably left with a novella. My guess is the first draft was a novella, and the first edit was inserting filler.
I'm not sure if this author's main series is like this - I haven't read it at all. I've been tempted to try the main series before, but I'm not so sure now.
If you take out everything that isn't relevant in this novel, you're probably left with a novella. My guess is the first draft was a novella, and the first edit was inserting filler.
December 31, 2020
This is my first foray into the work of Stephen Leather, as recommended to me, and I was not disappointed
This is the story of an MI5 Officer starting out on her career getting caught up in a world of serious organised crime, murder and spy craft. This is a genre I enjoy and subjects within that genre that interest me greatly
Yes, as others have made mention, there were moments when I questioned the credulity of some of the action but they were few and far between and I was able to look beyond them to enjoy a very fast paced, action packed story well told
The story did lack the research and detail supplied by my favourite authors (Forsyth, Le Carre) but it did not detract from what was a very enjoyable read that I found difficult to put down
The characters and settings were vivid, real and easily identifiable with
I’m looking forward to reading more of the author’s work
This is the story of an MI5 Officer starting out on her career getting caught up in a world of serious organised crime, murder and spy craft. This is a genre I enjoy and subjects within that genre that interest me greatly
Yes, as others have made mention, there were moments when I questioned the credulity of some of the action but they were few and far between and I was able to look beyond them to enjoy a very fast paced, action packed story well told
The story did lack the research and detail supplied by my favourite authors (Forsyth, Le Carre) but it did not detract from what was a very enjoyable read that I found difficult to put down
The characters and settings were vivid, real and easily identifiable with
I’m looking forward to reading more of the author’s work
July 3, 2024
I thought that this was going to be amazing. From the start I found it exciting, fast paced and it immediately grabbed my attention right from chapter one. However, it only lasted for 3/4 of the book, from there it completely dipped.
I found myself eventually skipping pages because the writing was so exhausting. This is meant to be a standalone novel, but Sally was an amazing character and I would have liked to see her return. She made the book far more tolerable and she’s the main reason I finished this read.
I really wished the ending wasn’t so predictable and so abrupt, it really had potential. Perhaps if it wasn’t so long winded and rethought this could have been a much better review! This certainly hasn’t put me off wanting to check out some of Leathers other work either.
I found myself eventually skipping pages because the writing was so exhausting. This is meant to be a standalone novel, but Sally was an amazing character and I would have liked to see her return. She made the book far more tolerable and she’s the main reason I finished this read.
I really wished the ending wasn’t so predictable and so abrupt, it really had potential. Perhaps if it wasn’t so long winded and rethought this could have been a much better review! This certainly hasn’t put me off wanting to check out some of Leathers other work either.
October 24, 2020
I have read another serves by this author but it was a supernatural one (The Jack Nightingale series, which was awesome and I recommend it to everyone and has fast become one of my top 10 favourites) so I was excited to read a different genre. I was not disappointed at all, it was fast paced and kept me engaged from start to finish.
It was very refreshing to read a book with a female lead character that was strong, independent and able to look after herself and others in various situations written by a man without over the top female 'issues'. Would definitely like to read more with this character in.
It was very refreshing to read a book with a female lead character that was strong, independent and able to look after herself and others in various situations written by a man without over the top female 'issues'. Would definitely like to read more with this character in.
June 6, 2021
Starts off fast, slows down for a chapter before speeding up again. After that, there is non-stop action all the way with the protagonist not knowing who she can trust and the body count continuously increasing. Sally page may work for MI5, but she's at the lowest of the low level and never taken part in any operations, never fired a gun, and never killed anyone. All that changes in a heartbeat as Sally finds herself on the run from those determined to kill her. She has to find out why, and stop them, and once she starts running the pace, and excitement, is relentless through every page, every chapter to the final nail biting end.
December 28, 2023
Wow! What can I say, another brilliant novel by one of my favourite authors, and again, one I struggled to put down, although due to personal issues, I took a while to read it.
The story is based around a single MI5 employee, Sally Page, who runs to and from her place of work each day. The plot is amazing with plenty of twists and turns, gathering momentum at a very fast pace, and each page read left me struggling to put the book down as I wanted to know what happened next! It didn’t disappoint in any way and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I almost wish I could read it again as though it was the first time….
A highly recommended thriller.
The story is based around a single MI5 employee, Sally Page, who runs to and from her place of work each day. The plot is amazing with plenty of twists and turns, gathering momentum at a very fast pace, and each page read left me struggling to put the book down as I wanted to know what happened next! It didn’t disappoint in any way and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I almost wish I could read it again as though it was the first time….
A highly recommended thriller.
September 13, 2020
Excellent book! Really easy to read and gets you hooked instantly. I love the way that the chapters are written as it’s like you’re watching a film in your head. The detail is incredible, like you’re right there with them, and the lingo that you’re not familiar with is so well explained it never leaves you wondering what something is or feeling dumb. Would 100% recommend this book! It’s my first time reading this author and I’ll be getting my hands on more of his novels! Did I say already that I loved it haha
June 27, 2020
A fast paced book with a likeable main character, but I hate when authors have product placements throughout their books. We meet Sally as she takes a “quick look at her Apple Watch ( this watch plays a big part in the story) while on her feet that day were her Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro shoes.” Sally keeps her Evian water in her work fridge. Surely Stephen Leather makes enough money without pushing products at his readers?
August 21, 2020
Brilliant!!
I'm a huge fan of the Spider Shepherd books and always look forward to the latest one. Thought I'd give this one a go and do glad I did. Straight from the off it was non stop. I really liked Sally Page and the way she handled herself... thinking things through before she did anything. I hope she makes another appearance and maybe she will... as the DEA liaison in a crossover with Spider... we'll wait and see... over to you Mr Leather😁.
I'm a huge fan of the Spider Shepherd books and always look forward to the latest one. Thought I'd give this one a go and do glad I did. Straight from the off it was non stop. I really liked Sally Page and the way she handled herself... thinking things through before she did anything. I hope she makes another appearance and maybe she will... as the DEA liaison in a crossover with Spider... we'll wait and see... over to you Mr Leather😁.
December 30, 2020
A very violent and bloody action-packed chase thriller with a female protagonist. MI5 "footie" agent Sally Page maintains legends, fake identities for British Spooks. Reminiscent of Robert Redford CIA film 'Three Days of Condor'. Sally returns to her safe house to find all her colleagues have been slaughtered and Sally escapes the killers by the skin of her teeth. Add to the mix, a Mexican drug cartel and mercenaries for hire out to stop an informant at any cost. This makes for an enjoyable and gripping page-turner you won't be able to put down until the final page.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews