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The Runner
The explosive new stand-alone thriller from the author of the Spider Shepherd series
Sally 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 were 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 a coffee run from 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 run: 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 . . .
Sally 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 were 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 a coffee run from 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 run: 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, Paperback
Published September 29, 2020
33 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
245 books1,529 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 17, 2020
Im a fan of the authors previous work and this is no different. Great story, characters and writing. Break neck speed and its just alot of fun. Dark and brutal at times but extremely well put together. After having read American Dirt, this novel is how Cartel thriller novels should be written .
January 6, 2022
I never heard this author before and the reason I bought it, was it was well reviewed and good sinopse in these book. It would be a good thriller movie, no doubt.
When a MI5 safe house goes compromised, all the agents on that house are dead, except one. What she has to do to survive and try to know who did this, is a nightmare that she will never forget in her career.
5 ⭐️
When a MI5 safe house goes compromised, all the agents on that house are dead, except one. What she has to do to survive and try to know who did this, is a nightmare that she will never forget in her career.
5 ⭐️
January 15, 2020
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.
December 16, 2019
I'll admit it, I'm a fan of the author and for a well researched, fast paced, easy read with plenty of action Stephen Leather never fails to deliver. In this, his latest standalone novel he didn't let me down.
Sally Page is a 'footie' for MI5, someone who works in the background maintaining safe houses and doing the groundwork to make sure that if anyone checks out undercover agents their legends will stand up to scrutiny. She may only be support staff but the information she has access to is valuable and there are people who aren't too fussy about what they'd do to get to it.
I picked The Runner up a couple of nights ago intending to read just the first couple of chapters in bed before I went to sleep. Some hope! The short, sharp chapters were lethal....far too much temptation to read 'just one more', it was hours later and I was halfway through the book when I finally turned the light off!
I found this a really good read from start to finish and I liked the character of Sally, I'm actually quite sorry that this is a standalone novel as I'd like to see her return in a future novel. The storyline moved along at a good pace, had plenty of action, interesting characters and it certainly kept me turning the pages right to the very end when it reached its dramatic conclusion. There was however something about the ending that really bugged me, not wanting to give spoilers prevents me saying more but its still niggling me now, hence the 4 star rating.
My thanks to the author and his publisher for the advance copy for review purposes, I was under no obligation to review favourably and any opinion expressed is entirely my own.
Sally Page is a 'footie' for MI5, someone who works in the background maintaining safe houses and doing the groundwork to make sure that if anyone checks out undercover agents their legends will stand up to scrutiny. She may only be support staff but the information she has access to is valuable and there are people who aren't too fussy about what they'd do to get to it.
I picked The Runner up a couple of nights ago intending to read just the first couple of chapters in bed before I went to sleep. Some hope! The short, sharp chapters were lethal....far too much temptation to read 'just one more', it was hours later and I was halfway through the book when I finally turned the light off!
I found this a really good read from start to finish and I liked the character of Sally, I'm actually quite sorry that this is a standalone novel as I'd like to see her return in a future novel. The storyline moved along at a good pace, had plenty of action, interesting characters and it certainly kept me turning the pages right to the very end when it reached its dramatic conclusion. There was however something about the ending that really bugged me, not wanting to give spoilers prevents me saying more but its still niggling me now, hence the 4 star rating.
My thanks to the author and his publisher for the advance copy for review purposes, I was under no obligation to review favourably and any opinion expressed is entirely my own.
September 11, 2022
The Runner by Stephen Leather
Do love a Stephen Leather book however The Runner is average at best we follow the day of Sally Page as she runs, hides and fights for her life as she is being chased by an unknown foe.
The book moves along at a fast pace with quick snappy chapters however we do not get much in the way of character development and what unfolds is fairly standard in this type of book.
An ok read just about worth your time and hard earned cash.
Do love a Stephen Leather book however The Runner is average at best we follow the day of Sally Page as she runs, hides and fights for her life as she is being chased by an unknown foe.
The book moves along at a fast pace with quick snappy chapters however we do not get much in the way of character development and what unfolds is fairly standard in this type of book.
An ok read just about worth your time and hard earned cash.
March 10, 2021
Another fast moving story by Stephen Leather, had to reread some pages to take it all in, but well worth it.
November 21, 2019
Needs polishing
Sally Page has been maintaining safe houses for MI5 for two years. It’s a job normally reserved for new recruits or for those nearing retirement. She enjoys the work and tries not to associate her feeling of being held back with rejecting a pass from her immediate past. Usually after 6 months a “footie” would be dropped or moved to a more senior role.
She is a runner and delights in running (not jogging) to work in all weathers. Her sport will certainly come in handy as on this particular day she will be chased by professional killers intent on finding her – but why?
The plot develops nicely with bits of information being fed to the reader at just the right point. Doubts about whether she can trust MI5 and her managers are also introduced which support the actions she takes to stay alive. There are few people she can turn to who she can trust. So starts an action-packed adventure where the body count mounts as the reader turns the pages. The characters are well-developed but the reader should not get too attached to anyone in case the inevitable happens.
However, despite this being an excellent read for those who enjoy this genre, there were instances which had my OCD flashing like crazy. I felt that the author at times talked down to the reader. For instance, I am sure that Ms Page would have been well aware of Northolt and explanations of “comms” and “ordinance” were quite unnecessary. Additionally, identifying the mole was far too easy and for a team of professionals not to have assumed that their cars would have had trackers hidden on them was unthinkable.
So, it’s a very solid 4 stars from me but tinged with disappointment that it could so easily have been a rock-solid 5!
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to read.
Sally Page has been maintaining safe houses for MI5 for two years. It’s a job normally reserved for new recruits or for those nearing retirement. She enjoys the work and tries not to associate her feeling of being held back with rejecting a pass from her immediate past. Usually after 6 months a “footie” would be dropped or moved to a more senior role.
She is a runner and delights in running (not jogging) to work in all weathers. Her sport will certainly come in handy as on this particular day she will be chased by professional killers intent on finding her – but why?
The plot develops nicely with bits of information being fed to the reader at just the right point. Doubts about whether she can trust MI5 and her managers are also introduced which support the actions she takes to stay alive. There are few people she can turn to who she can trust. So starts an action-packed adventure where the body count mounts as the reader turns the pages. The characters are well-developed but the reader should not get too attached to anyone in case the inevitable happens.
However, despite this being an excellent read for those who enjoy this genre, there were instances which had my OCD flashing like crazy. I felt that the author at times talked down to the reader. For instance, I am sure that Ms Page would have been well aware of Northolt and explanations of “comms” and “ordinance” were quite unnecessary. Additionally, identifying the mole was far too easy and for a team of professionals not to have assumed that their cars would have had trackers hidden on them was unthinkable.
So, it’s a very solid 4 stars from me but tinged with disappointment that it could so easily have been a rock-solid 5!
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to read.
June 5, 2021
“The Runner” by Stephen Leather (2020)
Overall Rating 8/10 – Running Wild!
Critique
Compulsive reading (always a good sign) which keeps you on the edge of the seat. As much as the plot has been told (one way or another) 1000 times, this sits neatly in the Dan “Spider” Shepard universe and uses some of the characters we know and love. Of course, there was a mystery to solve (how did the bad guys know what the good guys were up to all the time?) and the story ended predictably. Still, I loved it and you always know you have just finished a good book when you “feel” it as your put the book down on the table for the last time.
Plot
American DEA agents are protecting a Mexican cartel operative who is about to spill the beans on the biggest drugs operation – in London. They have to get him to RAF Northholt to fly him to the States. But, the cartel are on to them even though they are using MI5 safe houses. Our protagonist (Sally Page) finds herself immersed between the two sides and on the run even from her own people since she realises she cannot trust anyone at all …
Writing Style
As with all his earlier works in this series, Leather writes with short, punchy prose with “bang up to date” elegance. Easy to read, nothing extraneous – just relax and let the story unfold around you. So easy to feel you are actually there with Shepherd.
Point of View/Voice
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)
Overall Rating 8/10 – Running Wild!
Critique
Compulsive reading (always a good sign) which keeps you on the edge of the seat. As much as the plot has been told (one way or another) 1000 times, this sits neatly in the Dan “Spider” Shepard universe and uses some of the characters we know and love. Of course, there was a mystery to solve (how did the bad guys know what the good guys were up to all the time?) and the story ended predictably. Still, I loved it and you always know you have just finished a good book when you “feel” it as your put the book down on the table for the last time.
Plot
American DEA agents are protecting a Mexican cartel operative who is about to spill the beans on the biggest drugs operation – in London. They have to get him to RAF Northholt to fly him to the States. But, the cartel are on to them even though they are using MI5 safe houses. Our protagonist (Sally Page) finds herself immersed between the two sides and on the run even from her own people since she realises she cannot trust anyone at all …
Writing Style
As with all his earlier works in this series, Leather writes with short, punchy prose with “bang up to date” elegance. Easy to read, nothing extraneous – just relax and let the story unfold around you. So easy to feel you are actually there with Shepherd.
Point of View/Voice
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)
June 26, 2020
Sally Page has been working as a 'footie' for MI5 for the past few years, a role that involves maintaining addresses and fake IDs for employees of the security services. Sally enjoys her job, and is good at it, until one day she goes out to get coffee and returns to find her colleagues slaughtered and the masked assailants still on the property, ready to kill her. And so Sally is forced into doing another thing she is good at it: she runs.
'The Runner' was a typical Stephen Leather book in that it was exciting, fast paced and immediately engaged the attention of the reader from chapter one onwards. The novel is meant to be a stand alone but Sally was such a good character that I'd like to see her return at some point. The scenes of her literally running across London with some very bad guys hot on her heels were well done, and quite nerve wracking in their own way. A very solid four stars.
'The Runner' was a typical Stephen Leather book in that it was exciting, fast paced and immediately engaged the attention of the reader from chapter one onwards. The novel is meant to be a stand alone but Sally was such a good character that I'd like to see her return at some point. The scenes of her literally running across London with some very bad guys hot on her heels were well done, and quite nerve wracking in their own way. A very solid four stars.
February 5, 2020
I wasn't sure how to rate this considering I liked the plot well enough but I didn't like the writing. I haven't read anything else from Mr Leather, so I cannot judge if he's a good writer or not, so I can only judge him by this book.
The whole thing felt like a spook book written based on the action scenes of popular spook films or tv shows. A woman in heels running all over a city? Please! A supposedly seasoned baby-spook (or "footie" as she's called) that spends their time doing scuttlework for two years who is savvy enough to split the cost of the coffee run between the back covers of spook-IDs but doesn't have the required brain cells to ditch her iPhone and smartwatch?
No. Just no!
That nonsense aside, the overall plot is good and the characters well written, aside from the main Mary Sue of course, so I'm interested in reading more books from this series.
The whole thing felt like a spook book written based on the action scenes of popular spook films or tv shows. A woman in heels running all over a city? Please! A supposedly seasoned baby-spook (or "footie" as she's called) that spends their time doing scuttlework for two years who is savvy enough to split the cost of the coffee run between the back covers of spook-IDs but doesn't have the required brain cells to ditch her iPhone and smartwatch?
No. Just no!
That nonsense aside, the overall plot is good and the characters well written, aside from the main Mary Sue of course, so I'm interested in reading more books from this series.
February 19, 2020
what a great book, it is quite obvious that once again Stephen leather has done his home work
this book is such a great insight into the work of MI5 . its Fast moving and a real page-turner
Sally is starting her working life with Mi5 , her job is a low level job, working with team of new and retiring agency officers tasked with maintaining safe houses and legends
I dont want to give to much away so....
One day things don't go to plan and she finds her self on the run across London, with a bunch of henchmen on her tail
this book is such a great insight into the work of MI5 . its Fast moving and a real page-turner
Sally is starting her working life with Mi5 , her job is a low level job, working with team of new and retiring agency officers tasked with maintaining safe houses and legends
I dont want to give to much away so....
One day things don't go to plan and she finds her self on the run across London, with a bunch of henchmen on her tail
February 28, 2020
Ok, so I’ll admit I have a very short attention span, So when I got the email about this book, I thought, great another Spider Shepherd novel and downloaded it immediately.
Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Started a little slowly, but really got to a page turner by chapter 3.
Read it in two sittings, so that’ll give you an indication to the pace of the book. Ending could have had a little more detail. The author has clearly left things open for a series of books with this character.
Look forward to number two.
Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Started a little slowly, but really got to a page turner by chapter 3.
Read it in two sittings, so that’ll give you an indication to the pace of the book. Ending could have had a little more detail. The author has clearly left things open for a series of books with this character.
Look forward to number two.
April 24, 2021
...And Run She Does
Sally Page has a low-level job with MI5, and goes out for a coffee run for herself and her co-workers. Little does she know what awaits her upon returning! Intrepid Sally must prove her mettle throughout the remainder of the day by fleeing some relentless pursuers who seem to always be one step ahead of her. What she does and how she does it provides an entertaining read. Saying this novel is a page-turner may be cliched but that is the type of tome Mr. Leather has produced. See for yourself!
Sally Page has a low-level job with MI5, and goes out for a coffee run for herself and her co-workers. Little does she know what awaits her upon returning! Intrepid Sally must prove her mettle throughout the remainder of the day by fleeing some relentless pursuers who seem to always be one step ahead of her. What she does and how she does it provides an entertaining read. Saying this novel is a page-turner may be cliched but that is the type of tome Mr. Leather has produced. See for yourself!
February 14, 2020
A wonderful heroine in what one hopes is the beginning of a new series
Stephen Leather has created an interesting and appealing new character in what one hopes is the beginning of a new series.
Without giving anything away, his main protagonist’s potential new career opens the door to endless creative opportunities.
I can’t wait.
Stephen Leather has created an interesting and appealing new character in what one hopes is the beginning of a new series.
Without giving anything away, his main protagonist’s potential new career opens the door to endless creative opportunities.
I can’t wait.
December 9, 2022
Definitely some "5 Days of the Condor" vibes here. Despite not finding the heroine particularly likeable, this was an enoyable read and I hope to se more novels set in the Spiderverse. I was a bit confused about Pritchard's secretary though. I thought she was in her sixties and used to work for MI6.
January 28, 2023
Rounding this up to 4.
This was graphic and full on and so fast paced. I ripped through this so quickly and really just got into the story straight away. That being said, it was a little predictable but a cool concept and well executed. Talk about efficient.
Note: it was also pretty graphic and horrific in some parts.. so be aware of that if you're going to read it.
This was graphic and full on and so fast paced. I ripped through this so quickly and really just got into the story straight away. That being said, it was a little predictable but a cool concept and well executed. Talk about efficient.
Note: it was also pretty graphic and horrific in some parts.. so be aware of that if you're going to read it.
July 12, 2023
First time I have read a book by Stephen Leather. I picked it up at my local library. I’m a fan of espionage, moreso movies than books, and this was enjoyable. The pace was fast, I could almost see this playing out on screen and found my brain’s pictures reading it so. Will read more of this author for sure.
February 2, 2020
As expected & a little more!
Loved the thrill & chase. Just a little gory at the start but I guess it was meant to create a gripping storyline. Read it start to finish in one sitting - couldn’t let go!!
Loved the thrill & chase. Just a little gory at the start but I guess it was meant to create a gripping storyline. Read it start to finish in one sitting - couldn’t let go!!
February 17, 2020
Very enjoyable read that kept me glued to the pages.
This was the first book I've read by this author. The action was well-paced throughout the entire book. I would definitely read further books by Stephen Leather.
This was the first book I've read by this author. The action was well-paced throughout the entire book. I would definitely read further books by Stephen Leather.
June 10, 2021
Good grief, you know a story is predictable if even I find the mole in a spy story. The end dragged on for so long and I can't even remember half the characters (they are all disposable anyway). Couldn't care less about the love story either.
February 6, 2022
One of the best thrillers out there!
Honestly gripping, it had me so engrossed throughout the entire book and was totally unputdownable. I genuinely recommend this author and I will be on the look out for more of his titles.
Honestly gripping, it had me so engrossed throughout the entire book and was totally unputdownable. I genuinely recommend this author and I will be on the look out for more of his titles.
March 1, 2024
Stevie has come up with the goods once again.
A page turning MI5 action packed read.
Full of spooks, but not ghostly spooks, SAS chaps, London landmarks and a woman who is pretty handy on her feet.
A page turning MI5 action packed read.
Full of spooks, but not ghostly spooks, SAS chaps, London landmarks and a woman who is pretty handy on her feet.
March 22, 2024
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 3 stars
Quite an easy read, came at a good time as I was in a military and SAS phase. Read it inbetween books and it wasn’t the most thrilling book but it was a good read and it’s given me more motivation to get stuff done.
Quite an easy read, came at a good time as I was in a military and SAS phase. Read it inbetween books and it wasn’t the most thrilling book but it was a good read and it’s given me more motivation to get stuff done.
January 25, 2020
Inhaled this one, so good. Excited to read more of Leather's new heroine.
March 23, 2020
Not up to the usual Stephen Leather standard
October 18, 2020
Great book, keeps you guessing! Will there be a sally page part two?
September 18, 2022
A fast paced book, I enjoyed reading it 😀
February 23, 2023
Really enjoyed this book.
May 27, 2023
Gripping. Couldn’t put it down.
July 25, 2023
This book was great, had me hooked from the start. While it started with a bit of a classic crime scene I found the rest of the plot exciting and realistic in its twists
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews