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Running Still: A Medical Conspiracy Thriller
People are dying.
The clock is running out.
And someone knew it was coming.
When a previously unseen form of cancer sweeps through his quiet town, Jack Turner’s world collapses overnight. His wife and children receive the same diagnosis. Doctors call it bad luck.
But something doesn’t add up.
There’s already a drug waiting.
How can there be a treatment for a cancer no one has ever seen before?
As Jack digs for answers, he uncovers something far more terrifying than the illness. Hidden data. Buried research. Powerful forces determined to keep the truth sealed away — no matter the cost.
The deeper he goes, the more dangerous it becomes.
Because the illness isn’t the only threat.
And if Jack is right, this wasn’t an accident.
It was planned.
With over 120 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, RUNNING STILL has gripped readers who crave high-stakes suspense and real-world tension.
If you enjoy fast-paced medical thrillers driven by personal stakes and dangerous secrets that feel all too possible, this is one you won’t put down.
The clock is running out.
And someone knew it was coming.
When a previously unseen form of cancer sweeps through his quiet town, Jack Turner’s world collapses overnight. His wife and children receive the same diagnosis. Doctors call it bad luck.
But something doesn’t add up.
There’s already a drug waiting.
How can there be a treatment for a cancer no one has ever seen before?
As Jack digs for answers, he uncovers something far more terrifying than the illness. Hidden data. Buried research. Powerful forces determined to keep the truth sealed away — no matter the cost.
The deeper he goes, the more dangerous it becomes.
Because the illness isn’t the only threat.
And if Jack is right, this wasn’t an accident.
It was planned.
With over 120 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, RUNNING STILL has gripped readers who crave high-stakes suspense and real-world tension.
If you enjoy fast-paced medical thrillers driven by personal stakes and dangerous secrets that feel all too possible, this is one you won’t put down.
- GenresMystery
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2017
30 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Steven Sheiner
2 books18 followersWinner of the first ever James Patterson Master Class short-story writing contest, Steven Sheiner is an optometrist turned writer, proving that it's never too late to pursue your dreams! He began his college career as an accounting major, and then proceeded to change his major three times. He had no idea what we wanted to do professionally, but always loved writing. His parents told him what most parents tell their kids when they want to pursue their dreams: "You'll never make any money at that!" So Steven went the "safe" route, and became an optometrist. But twenty years later, he still regretted not pursuing a writing career, and decided it was about time. At forty-five years old, after having been an optometrist for twenty years, he decided to write his first book. Steven Sheiner lives in South Florida with his wife and two boys.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 25, 2017
This story starts off clutching at your heart. The families of a terrible cancer outbreak just keep getting worse news.
The adventure and thriller aspect really had me following closely as piece by piece the mysterious puzzle came together. The characters kept me interested.
I could feel their frustrations and their hope. Sometimes the hope was dwindling but they kept on looking for answers. This is a great medical thriller. Totally enjoyed it.
The adventure and thriller aspect really had me following closely as piece by piece the mysterious puzzle came together. The characters kept me interested.
I could feel their frustrations and their hope. Sometimes the hope was dwindling but they kept on looking for answers. This is a great medical thriller. Totally enjoyed it.
March 13, 2018
When a young, physically fit father moves to a small town and less than a year later his wife and kids are diagnosed with cancer, he makes it his mission to find out how or why this could happen.
Unfortunately, the conspiracy he uncovers is much bigger than he anticipated. He ends up running for his life, instead of for his health! I put a full review here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yZZloPbc_k8
This fast paced medical thriller is a super read that I highly recommend. It's available on Kindle Unlimited too!
Unfortunately, the conspiracy he uncovers is much bigger than he anticipated. He ends up running for his life, instead of for his health! I put a full review here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yZZloPbc_k8
This fast paced medical thriller is a super read that I highly recommend. It's available on Kindle Unlimited too!
April 6, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A small town has way to many cases of cancer for its population. Lucky a big pharma company has a drug that works on the problem. Or is it luck?
A jogger and a journalist start digging.
Rather simplistic, like something from the past.
A small town has way to many cases of cancer for its population. Lucky a big pharma company has a drug that works on the problem. Or is it luck?
A jogger and a journalist start digging.
Rather simplistic, like something from the past.
August 25, 2018
This is the first book that I have read by Steven Sheiner. Running Still is a well written book with endearing characters. The story is well paced and exciting, I found myself wanting to read on, find out what was going to happen next. It has a satisfying ending that neatly ties up all the loose ends. I wil, definitely be looking out for more of Steven's books.
May 29, 2017
Good story line
The style of writing was really good. Story captivating. However, it got a bit far stretched as the climax was so intriguing but the end was just finished after all the climax buildup. Overall a very good attempt with something new.
The style of writing was really good. Story captivating. However, it got a bit far stretched as the climax was so intriguing but the end was just finished after all the climax buildup. Overall a very good attempt with something new.
June 5, 2018
The author uses his excellent writing skills to draw the reader in and engage their emotions. I cared from the beginning about the characters and the villains totally deserve whatever happens to them.
BUT: After many pages of detailed action, with pages devoted to the tiniest of acts, we find that the author has held back a few huge details just to build tension for the last chapter. It's a classic "surprise!" move of the genre, but after so many years, it's not a surprise any more.
BUT: After many pages of detailed action, with pages devoted to the tiniest of acts, we find that the author has held back a few huge details just to build tension for the last chapter. It's a classic "surprise!" move of the genre, but after so many years, it's not a surprise any more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2018
This book has a smooth rhythmic plot. The characters are consistently portrayed, are interesting, and interact well with each other.
Unfortunately, the plot was unrealistic and a little hard to believe. The extreme plot made the book hard to take serious from the standpoint of whether it could ever really happen. Also, a handful of times several of the characters were identified incorrectly (Lily and Emma).
Unfortunately, the plot was unrealistic and a little hard to believe. The extreme plot made the book hard to take serious from the standpoint of whether it could ever really happen. Also, a handful of times several of the characters were identified incorrectly (Lily and Emma).
November 1, 2020
I'd guessed the plot after the first two chapters because there's nothing new about it. I believe I've read similar books or watched movies with a similar story. But the author's ability to create a super tense atmosphere--where you keep wondering who is going to drop dead next--has won me over.
I am a fan of Robin Cook and I tend to compare every medical thriller to him. Running Still sounds a lot like one of his novels.
Small town folk are developing a rare form of cancer, for which a new drug called EBF-14 is being prescribed by renowned oncologists. A man sets out to understand what is really happening. He's up against a large multinational pharmaceutical company with money and connections.
People who discover the secret or parts of it are ruthlessly eliminated, and as a reader, you're constantly in fear of the main characters losing their life before they can bring the perpetrators to justice. It's all so nail-biting and anxiety-inducing!
There's an incredible amount of detail about picking sophisticated locks and safes and I'm impressed by the amount of research that has gone into it. I won't say I was able to follow it all but I did learn a few things.
Late into the novel (around 75% in), there's a twist that I never saw coming. That was one of the high points of this book. The disappointments faced by the characters were indicative of what happens in the real world when you're fighting against powerful entities.
However, there were a few things that held back the novel from realizing its true potential. The author tends to launch into lectures when attempting to provide information about things such as healthy eating, how pharma does business, and how certain institutions are structured.
He repeats facts about the fishy nature of the drug so often that it becomes annoying. The tone of the novel is too strong and too in-your-face. I'd have liked it to be more restrained, subtle, and mysterious.
Also, the ending is too conveniently wrapped up, as if the author felt he owed it to the readers to give them a feel-good end.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to people who enjoy dramatic, tense medical thrillers.
(I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.)
I am a fan of Robin Cook and I tend to compare every medical thriller to him. Running Still sounds a lot like one of his novels.
Small town folk are developing a rare form of cancer, for which a new drug called EBF-14 is being prescribed by renowned oncologists. A man sets out to understand what is really happening. He's up against a large multinational pharmaceutical company with money and connections.
People who discover the secret or parts of it are ruthlessly eliminated, and as a reader, you're constantly in fear of the main characters losing their life before they can bring the perpetrators to justice. It's all so nail-biting and anxiety-inducing!
There's an incredible amount of detail about picking sophisticated locks and safes and I'm impressed by the amount of research that has gone into it. I won't say I was able to follow it all but I did learn a few things.
Late into the novel (around 75% in), there's a twist that I never saw coming. That was one of the high points of this book. The disappointments faced by the characters were indicative of what happens in the real world when you're fighting against powerful entities.
However, there were a few things that held back the novel from realizing its true potential. The author tends to launch into lectures when attempting to provide information about things such as healthy eating, how pharma does business, and how certain institutions are structured.
He repeats facts about the fishy nature of the drug so often that it becomes annoying. The tone of the novel is too strong and too in-your-face. I'd have liked it to be more restrained, subtle, and mysterious.
Also, the ending is too conveniently wrapped up, as if the author felt he owed it to the readers to give them a feel-good end.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to people who enjoy dramatic, tense medical thrillers.
(I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.)
November 23, 2020
I LOVED this book! I picked it thinking it's a typical guy trying to be a hero story but I actually love the characters integrity.
The pacing of the story is very satisfying, the story flow is very natural and wasn't confusing at all. This book grabs your attention from the beginning, I was expecting a slow start but I loved how from the very beginning there was an indication of something bigger. The way it was written was cryptic enough to keep me guessing and interested without it feeling forced.
I absolutely did not expect the way the main 2 characters met, it was very interesting as I guessed something mundane. Honestly expecting the person watching had a hand in all that's going on but it was a nice twist that kept me on edge.
There was so many times in the story that felt like I've reached a dead end and couldn't guess what could happen next despite it not being mysterious, I loved how it made me question if we even have options because it certainly didn't seem like it! The more I read the more I don't want to stop.
It was truly enjoyable how the characters weren't easily persuaded and maintained their decisions throughout the story, I was expecting Jack to be easily swayed being a family guys and all but what he did was amazing. Loved how he made sure he took care of things the way he liked it, when he liked it, it made the ending all the more satisfying!
I absolutely didn't expect that to happen to Matt!! The way things has been happening made me think that his fate was sealed but it was amazing that even Matt was a step ahead in the game. The change in character or should say opinion in Claire concerning Matt was heartbreaking realizing everything a little too late certainly affected her which made the ending very sweet and heartwarming.
As for the writing, it was very well written, there was some phrases where the sentences were all written in one line without a spaces, at first I thought it was on purpose but it happened outside the first instance context which makes me think it was an error overlooked during editing. The story flow going from neutral reaching a climax then seemingly a downfall then picking up again certainly was an emotional rollercoaster.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Good luck on your future writing!
The pacing of the story is very satisfying, the story flow is very natural and wasn't confusing at all. This book grabs your attention from the beginning, I was expecting a slow start but I loved how from the very beginning there was an indication of something bigger. The way it was written was cryptic enough to keep me guessing and interested without it feeling forced.
I absolutely did not expect the way the main 2 characters met, it was very interesting as I guessed something mundane. Honestly expecting the person watching had a hand in all that's going on but it was a nice twist that kept me on edge.
There was so many times in the story that felt like I've reached a dead end and couldn't guess what could happen next despite it not being mysterious, I loved how it made me question if we even have options because it certainly didn't seem like it! The more I read the more I don't want to stop.
It was truly enjoyable how the characters weren't easily persuaded and maintained their decisions throughout the story, I was expecting Jack to be easily swayed being a family guys and all but what he did was amazing. Loved how he made sure he took care of things the way he liked it, when he liked it, it made the ending all the more satisfying!
I absolutely didn't expect that to happen to Matt!! The way things has been happening made me think that his fate was sealed but it was amazing that even Matt was a step ahead in the game. The change in character or should say opinion in Claire concerning Matt was heartbreaking realizing everything a little too late certainly affected her which made the ending very sweet and heartwarming.
As for the writing, it was very well written, there was some phrases where the sentences were all written in one line without a spaces, at first I thought it was on purpose but it happened outside the first instance context which makes me think it was an error overlooked during editing. The story flow going from neutral reaching a climax then seemingly a downfall then picking up again certainly was an emotional rollercoaster.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Good luck on your future writing!
October 17, 2020
The Scottish poet, Robert Burns, in a 1784 poem called out ‘man’s inhumanity to man’. This inhumanity can undoubtedly be traced back to selfishness, greed, and the quest for power and control. We’ve seen examples of this over the centuries and continue to do so today. In ‘Running Still’, Steven Sheiner gives us a fictional taste of the havoc that such soullessness can wreck on the lives of ordinary people.
The book opens with a jogging Jack Turner brooding about the rare cancer that is destroying the happiness of his family: “Cancer. Invasive. Aggressive/ Terminal.” He finds it beyond coincidental that everyone – except him - has fallen victim; even worse, here in the wholesomeness of small town living. At the same time, Cheryl Anderson, a journalist, is landing in the ‘cute little airport with only one terminal’. Her sister and niece have both been diagnosed with a rare cancer and she is finding the odds of such a high number of patients with the same cancer in a small town pretty hard to credit. When the two join forces, they will embark on an increasingly dangerous odyssey to find the truth.
Big Pharma has long been the focus of conspiracy theorists; it’s become even worse now in this time of COVID-19, a global pandemic with yet no vaccine. For that reason, the premise of the story assumes believable and, in many ways, terrifying proportions. The promotional copy calls the book a ‘roller coaster ride’ and, while I preferred the writing at the start, it certainly is that for the reader. My thanks to Booktasters for facilitating a complimentary copy of the book for a fair review.
The book opens with a jogging Jack Turner brooding about the rare cancer that is destroying the happiness of his family: “Cancer. Invasive. Aggressive/ Terminal.” He finds it beyond coincidental that everyone – except him - has fallen victim; even worse, here in the wholesomeness of small town living. At the same time, Cheryl Anderson, a journalist, is landing in the ‘cute little airport with only one terminal’. Her sister and niece have both been diagnosed with a rare cancer and she is finding the odds of such a high number of patients with the same cancer in a small town pretty hard to credit. When the two join forces, they will embark on an increasingly dangerous odyssey to find the truth.
Big Pharma has long been the focus of conspiracy theorists; it’s become even worse now in this time of COVID-19, a global pandemic with yet no vaccine. For that reason, the premise of the story assumes believable and, in many ways, terrifying proportions. The promotional copy calls the book a ‘roller coaster ride’ and, while I preferred the writing at the start, it certainly is that for the reader. My thanks to Booktasters for facilitating a complimentary copy of the book for a fair review.
September 6, 2020
Many thanks to Steven Sheiner and Booktasters for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. Running Still is an adrenalin-filled rollercoaster ride from the first chapter to the last chapter.
Jack Turner is reeling. Having left New York to live in a small town, Jack is alarmed when his wife, daughter, and son are all diagnosed with cancer. What baffles him more is they practice a healthy lifestyle. Reporter Cheryl Anderson's sister Brenda and niece Lily have cancer. Both are taking an experimental drug EBF-14 that has been touted as a miracle cure. When Lily suffers a seizure, Cheryl suspects that something untoward is going on.
During a routine doctor visit, Nate Turner, Jack's twelve-year-old son, suffers a seizure, hits his head, and dies. Angry and grieving, Jack is determined to get to the bottom of what is happening to his family. He and Cheryl meet and together connect the dots revealing a billion-dollar conspiracy in which people are intentionally being made sick with cancer and being prescribed the miracle drug.
Filled with twists and turns and a fast pace, Running Still had me guessing to the very end how the story will conclude. Five stars, I recommend adding this nail-biting story to your collection.
Jack Turner is reeling. Having left New York to live in a small town, Jack is alarmed when his wife, daughter, and son are all diagnosed with cancer. What baffles him more is they practice a healthy lifestyle. Reporter Cheryl Anderson's sister Brenda and niece Lily have cancer. Both are taking an experimental drug EBF-14 that has been touted as a miracle cure. When Lily suffers a seizure, Cheryl suspects that something untoward is going on.
During a routine doctor visit, Nate Turner, Jack's twelve-year-old son, suffers a seizure, hits his head, and dies. Angry and grieving, Jack is determined to get to the bottom of what is happening to his family. He and Cheryl meet and together connect the dots revealing a billion-dollar conspiracy in which people are intentionally being made sick with cancer and being prescribed the miracle drug.
Filled with twists and turns and a fast pace, Running Still had me guessing to the very end how the story will conclude. Five stars, I recommend adding this nail-biting story to your collection.
March 29, 2021
When I started this book I was very unassuming. I underestimated how much of a rollercoaster it would become. Steven Sheiner did an excellent job bringing me into the story. I found myself getting attached to the characters; hoping they succeeded at every step. The pace and complex plot kept me deeply involved to the point that I felt the main characters distress as he dealt with the pitfalls of the medical industry. Though fictional this story gives you a behind the scene view of big pharma that really makes you question the deeper levels of the business.
I’d definitely recommend this book to my friends. And it would be perfect for my chronic illness book club.
I’d definitely recommend this book to my friends. And it would be perfect for my chronic illness book club.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2020
This book is amazing...
It's a story about two people, Jack and Cheryl whose family members suffer from a suspicious cancer. Their suspicion drives them to investigate this conspiracy and they finally find out the truth.
It's a thriller that has your attention from the beginning. The author has embraced the use of red herrings and this makes the book more interesting.
Running Still is a beautifully written book and the author has extremely good knowledge of the subject matter.
Brilliant and Excellent is all i can say.
I recommend this book for every reader out there.
It's a story about two people, Jack and Cheryl whose family members suffer from a suspicious cancer. Their suspicion drives them to investigate this conspiracy and they finally find out the truth.
It's a thriller that has your attention from the beginning. The author has embraced the use of red herrings and this makes the book more interesting.
Running Still is a beautifully written book and the author has extremely good knowledge of the subject matter.
Brilliant and Excellent is all i can say.
I recommend this book for every reader out there.
February 28, 2021
It's been awhile since a book grabbed me like this one did. From the first page to the last this was a great read. The story is so plausible, the characters believable and, with a few delicious plot twists tossed in, it made for one of the best stories I've read in quite some time. If you're looking for a thrilling escape into the printed word you might want to check out this page turner. I sincerely hope there will be more coming from this author. PS - I was offered a chance to read this story in exchange for an honest review and I really think I got the best part of this deal!
June 9, 2018
Wow what can I say this was a heartbreaking story, yet one that I could easily see happening in this world that we live in this day and age. I have always wondered if all the chemicals that are introduced into our foods to prolong the shelf life plays a part in the amount of cancers we see happening every day in our lives. This was a wonderful written book, and very thought provoking. I received this book in a Good read giveaway.
April 8, 2020
This book pulls you in and holds you close until you read every single word and then sit back and think about them. Plot, characters, pacing and writing are all on point for a story you are happy to give your time too.
April 7, 2018
Man of many talents
He is my eye doctor that I would recommend and now I add writing to his talents. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to his next one.
He is my eye doctor that I would recommend and now I add writing to his talents. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to his next one.
May 11, 2018
Interesting premise for the story about the drug companies, cancer, and the effect it has on our lives. Characters were well done and believable. Worth reading.
June 2, 2018
I won a kindle version #GoodreadsGiveaway
June 3, 2018
Ok story
Received a complementary copy via #GoodreadsGiveaway
Received a complementary copy via #GoodreadsGiveaway
October 10, 2018
An extraordinary spectacular medical thriller. A one of a kind tale. I loved it.
December 14, 2018
Wow, what a story. Believable characters and plot. It is fiction but it confirms what some of us believe about Big Pharma. Thanks
March 19, 2019
Wow
Plot design ed to keep reader reading. Characters well designed. Story of a group of people coming down with cancer
Plot design ed to keep reader reading. Characters well designed. Story of a group of people coming down with cancer
April 11, 2019
Running Still got my attention from the first sentence. I almost couldn’t put it down, but there’s this necessary work and sleep thing...If you like medical-type thrillers, read this book!
September 15, 2020
Thanks to booktasters and Steven for the free copy.
The book is so amazing and it will keep you on edge all through. It is suspense filled and very intriguing.
The book is so amazing and it will keep you on edge all through. It is suspense filled and very intriguing.
April 9, 2024
This book was published by my eye Dr. I truly love it and highly recommend reading it.
July 27, 2023
Very poor plot line and unbelievable story development. The author uses an imaginary type of cancer as the central problem to be solved by a drug developed by the evil drug company. Character development is minimal and plot is so predictable. Did not finish reading.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews