Murder Run

by John Hunt

Kyle didn't like being told what to do. When his brother demanded that he get himself home right now, no stopping, no passing GO and no collecting two-hundred dollars, the order didn't sit well with him. So, he stopped at a bar in an unknown town. He met a girl. They drank, left, did drugs together, and when he awoke in the morning, her decapitated head lay in his lap. As he pieces together what happened the night before, a police cruiser rolls in behind him. From that moment, the chase is on. What Kyle doesn't know is that he isn't the only killer in town.

Genres: Horror, Fiction

Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2020

About the author

A busy father of four with a dog and cat, John Hunt lives and works in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He has had nine short stories published in various anthologies and is a member of the Horror Writers Association. He is the author of Doll House, The Tracker, the apocalyptic novella, Balance, Off The Grid, and short story anthology 4 Shots of Horror. He is also a co-host on the Movies of the Damned!! podcast.

For you authors out there, check out John's YouTube series My Self-Publishing Experiment. The channel name is John Hunt Fiction.

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley, John Hunt, and Dexter Publishing for a chance to review this book. I have not felt compelled, in any way, by the author, the publisher, or NetGalley to alter my sincerest thoughts on this book. Every word of this review is solely and completely mine. I was really tempted to go 5 stars, but this is one of those books that hits close to home, because I had a brother (may he rest in peace) very much like Kyle. Kyle has served time in jail. And on the very day he gets out of jail, instead of going straight home, the way his older brother tells him to do, he goes to a bar and acts on impulses that he should best avoid. He is not certain how he wound up with a decapitated body in his car, but then every situation is exacerbated by behaving in exactly the worst possible way. Kyle has anger management issues, poor impulse control, lack of awareness, fugues, and borderline schizophrenia. The young man is a mess and everywhere he goes, his messes follow. Trigger warnings: listen, this is an adult horror book heavy on the expletives, blood, and excessive gore. There is cannibalism, date-rape, and other sensitive adult themes. I only say this to warn sensitive people to stay away, so that the author’s review rating might be unaffected by people’s sensibilities. I like this one a great deal, despite the content because it is unapologetic horror. I gave my caveats. Please take note.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warning: extreme violence and gore.

Kyle Harcourt is on his way home after serving a sentence for manslaughter. His older brother Steven, who tries hard to be responsible for him, told him to come straight home. But Kyle sees a pink neon sign for a bar along the country road and he thinks a cold beer would go down really, really well. And why not pick up a woman as well? Kyle is a good looking young man who can be charming when he wants to be. And he’s not deliberately bad, no he can be a really nice guy. It’s just that poor Kyle has no impulse control. At all. And that is what gets him into trouble.

He wakes up in his car in the morning, having passed out the night before to find the woman’s headless corpse sitting next to him, her head in his lap. Oops! So Kyle goes on the run, in the forest. He has no idea where he is. Unfortunately other people keep getting in his way. Oops again. But his shambolic bid for freedom comes to a sudden end when he runs into Samuel. It turns out that Kyle is not the only killer in these woods. Samuel is... well let’s just say you wouldn’t want to run into him in a dark alley. Or anywhere quite frankly!

Yep, this book sits firmly in the horror genre and it’s about time I say after reading any number of wish-washy efforts. Thanks to Netgalley, Dexter Publishing and John Hunt for providing a copy. My opinions are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a low rating as loved his book the dolls house, but this book didnt really enjoy, onto my next book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to sum up this book in one simple sentence…I’d have to say that it’s a fun thrill ride of murder and mayhem mixed with a little horror. If you are the type of mystery reader that has to have everything fall into place and all clues make sense…you are going to be very frustrated. You need to just sit back and let the story take you over but be aware that it is NOT for the faint of heart. The main character of Kyle is just recently out of jail. He also has an impulse control disorder of some kind and lots of anger issues which makes him a walking, talking, breathing time bomb most of time, but he grows on you. It’s just one good scary, fun story with several really good twists and turns.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Black Rose Writing in exchange for an honest opinion. The views expressed by this reviewer are entirely my own.

[LIsa Noell "Rocking the chutzpah!" · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Dexter Publishing, John Hunt and Netgalley. This dang book was exactly what I've come to expect from this author. It starts off as one thing, then gets booted arse over shoulders. I love that! Kyle "the murderer" is almost someone to feel sorry for. Almost. He has no impulse control. I quickly wanted him to die! But, along comes a very messed up twist. "Hunt style!" I can't say anything about that, because then I'd ruin all the messiness! I believe Mr. Hunt is slightly mad. Mad, I tell you! Mad! I personally wouldn't have it any other way!

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Run by John Hunt  is a horror story.

First, let me thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book (as well as NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Kyle thinks he is having a really bad day.  He really can't remember how his date ended up being decapitated, and he really didn't mean to kill any of those other people.  He is just tired, and hungry, and wishes all these people would stop chasing him.  

But everything is about to get a whole lot worse.


My Opinions:   

I have read a number of books by this author, and loved them all.  John Hunt makes you believe in monsters, whether they are human, animal or alien.  His books make you wonder what is around that next corner.  Then he turns things around, and suddenly you are cheering for the monster.  Note that I never really cheered for the human one.

Be aware....this one gets bloody (mind you all John's books get bloody, so....).  The plot is good, the action non-stop, and the pace really fast, all leading to a quick read.   I probably could have done without the attempts at humor, and the ineptitude of the police force, and the ending, but I still loved it.

It's a great, fun, entertaining, and gory read.  What's not to love?


For a more complete review of this book and others (including why I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quote or two), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Irene Well Worth A Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyle is recently out of jail and already finding trouble. I'm not sure exactly what's wrong with Kyle but at the very least he has an impulse control disorder and anger issues. Kyle doesn't seem to know what's wrong with him either since he often can't believe the things he has done, but it doesn't stop him from doing worse. This time, there is more than the cops to worry about. When Kyle kills a girl he meets at the bar he has to run not just from the law but from the local biker gang who wants revenge. With the cops and the gang hot on his trail he wanders onto a property where strangers are always unwelcome and are generally never seen again should they choose to trespass.
There's lots of guts and gore through out and it's not just just the blood spilled by Kyle everywhere he goes. I raced through this book excited to find out who if anyone would survive.

I received a complimentary copy for review.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I would like to take a minute and thank NetGalley and John Hunt for an Ecopy to read and review.
Heart pounding and character driven “Murder Run” is exactly what someone needs if they want something to completely knock their socks off.
Kyle has always gotten himself into trouble his whole life, and everytime his family had been there to bail him out but now his trouble has caught up to him that not even God can bail him out of.
After stopping at a random bar in a podunk town he had never been to he awoke to a decapitated head in his lap. Unaware of what exactly went on the night before unleashes a series of events of bad, to worse, to holy God what the hell are you doing?! What I thought was going to be a sort of man hunt/ murder novel turned into something completely different a little over half way through. When I say it went into a completely different direction I mean it. It was a good twist because I didn’t know how Kyle or any of the characters left in the wake of his carnage were going to end but holy wow. It will leave you wanting more and I expect more hits from John Hunt in the future!
Happy Reading! x

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is up with Kyle that no matter what he does, his day just seems to go from bad to worse? He just stopped for a beer, against his brother’s fervent admonition to get himself home, and he wakes up in his car with the decapitated head of a woman in his lap. Kyle can’t remember what happened and when the police happen upon the scene, Kyle takes off. There begins Kyle’s not so great day! Kyle seriously lacks any impulse control and leaves behind him a swath of violence and murder. As his journey on the run heads towards Grayson land, we learn that there may be something far more lethal for Kyle to contend with. I admit that I didn’t see that twist coming, but somehow it works! This was a rollercoaster of a ride, thoroughly enjoyed, and hard to put down! The author, John Hunt, does a superb job of keeping the action moving. The characters are so well written, you even find yourself feeling slightly sorry for Kyle, and laughing at his complete disbelief that he just can’t seem to have a good day no matter what he does! Thanks to LibraryThing and the author for an early reviewers copy.

[MaryKaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book grabs you from the first page and absolutely does not let you go! I could not put this book down, so make sure you give yourself some reading time. I have not read any other books by this author, but I am sure I will in the future. This book has you on the edge of your seat at all times. Great read!!!!!!!

I received this book free from Goodreads for a honest opinion.

[Kisxela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting chasing story spiced with bloody violence. Many times I couldn’t decide if I should take the book seriously or rather read it as a satire of horror stories. The stupidity and simplicity of Kyle was smiling as I was horrified by his violence, yet I cheered on him to escape his persecutors again and again.

[Horror Sickness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyle is very stubborn and he does not take any of his brother’s advice. Well, maybe he should have.

Kyle decided to go to a bar that night instead of going straight home. The next day he woke up with a girl’s decapitated head on his lap. As he tries to piece together the memories of what happened last night, he will also have to run away from the police.

But this is just the beginning of a truly disturbing tale of monsters and guilt. If you think that first chapter is too much, buckle up for an intense, action packed story of a criminal running away and a journey through hell on earth.

A book that will not be for the faint of heart but I do believe fans of Richard Laymon will enjoy.

[Joseph B. Hoyos · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Murder Run” is the perfect Halloween read. It is a gory, horrifying homage to the slasher flicks of the 1980s. I read it in three days. I didn’t want to put it down. Rob Zombie and Quentin Tarantino should team up together and make this novel into a film.

My complete review will be posted in December’s issue of Gumshoe at www.gumshoereview.com.

[Gail McLaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Wow! What a great book! I loved it. Damm, that Kyle has to be one of the luckiest people ever! I highly recommend this book!

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyle Houghton is not the kind of man you want to meet. You most probably wouldn’t live through it. It is not that he intends to lose his temper, it’s just that he cannot control his impulses. He gets into a bar fight over a girl, and he beats the guy to the ground and kicks him to death. No control. That is why Kyle is right out of prison after being convicted of manslaughter.
The book begins with Kyle stopping for a beer- just one- but he drinks a pitcher or two. There is a girl in the bar who makes eye contact with Kyle who is a good- looking “Bad Boy” type. The two drive off to a quiet spot which proves fatal to the young lady. Which begins a deadly spree of murders that shock the small Ontario provincial town which is the setting of this exciting novel.
For at least two- thirds of “Murder Run” the story is that of a criminal investigation, with Kyle fleeing through the Ontario Woods’s, and the police cordoning off the area while they pursue him. Adding to this volatile mix is the father of the first murder victim, along with his biker gang buds, has started their own search and kill mission.
The author, John Hart, keeps the story moving swiftly, tightly weaving viewpoint together from the police to Kyle to the bikers as the noose draws tighter. Then, at about the 60% mark in me digital edition, Mr. Hart adds another element: a mysterious isolated house in the woods with a reputation of being haunted and also the lair of a beast who slays any intruders. Police story becomes horror story— but it works very well. The horror beast is really nasty , viewing humans as tasty, so real one almost finds oneself rooting for Kyle. Will the vicious human killer slay the inhuman killer?
Well, you just have to read the book to find out. Have fun...
Caution: I do not recall bad language ( but I was having fun reading the developing plot to notice) . Some sexual content. Lots of blood, gore and violence. I hesitated to award a five- sriracha rating, but what the H*** I like the book.Note: autocorrect fixed my mis- type of star , and I did not catch it, but sriracha is good because the book is hot.
Thanks to Net Galley for the advance reader copy fro “Murder Run”.

[Pattyh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the Author, John Hunt, for the sneak preview to his newest novel Murder Run.
This book will have you biting your nails till the very end. A young man is out at a bar and he meets a young woman - should be a nice evening - until the young man, Kyle, wakes up in his truck with a dead body. Kyle doesn't quite remember what happened, and he is on the run from the police.
Kyle's reign of terror continues in the Canadian wilderness where there are many people looking for him - the cops, the dead girl's dad, and some bikers seeking revenge.
When Kyle stumbles upon an isolated house, all he wants is some food and water. But the owners of this home are quite different - they don't have a driveway, there isn't easy access to this property, and there are rumors about this house and the owners. Stories that go way back - stories about monsters, missing people, and murder. Looks like Kyle will get more than refreshments here and there may be worse fates than police and bikers..
This book is just scary good - unexpected twists and turns - and well written with humor and lets say lots of gorey details. Spooky fun - 5 stars!

[Tanya Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yesssss this was so thrilling and interesting and GORY!

Kyle just gets lucky over and over again which was making me crazy but I seriously did not expect our little surprise Samuel on the Grayson property. Hearing his backstory and how he became apart of the family was really interesting and a much needed break from the suspense. And then, how the Chief drove away from Kyle with tears rolling down his cheeks... wow. Perfection. I wish we got a little more closure on the deaths of Tommy & Dave but this was overall a great read.

I will definitely be seeking out John Hunt’s other titles!

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Indy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the few books I’ve read that had a twist I truly could not see coming and had a hard time putting the book down after it happened. Partially because of disbelief, partially because it is an interesting twist I found myself wanting to know more about. The ending is not at all what I expected, and it does leave that disappointment of a lack of a “happy ending,” but happy endings aren’t always necessary, and I think John knew that when he was writing this book. It is gory, it is descriptive, but it was a good, easy (but not simple) read and I look forward to reading more of his books.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fast paced thriller kept me wanting to find out more and hoping justice would prevail. This book began as a normal story about a murder that begins a manhunt in a small town. It ends with something completely unexpected. It was ironic how lucky Kyle is throughout the story as the whole town is looking for him. I loved Samuel and his story of how he came to be. It was an interesting and unique story and I definitely enjoyed it!

Thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for a Kindle copy of this book.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.

[Aleigha · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW for sexual assault/rape and also the murder of a child.

If you're looking for a fast paced book with gory details and a twist no one could've seen coming then this is for you. This book had me wondering what could possibly happen next and what would become of Kyle and the town he was terrorizing.

This is the first book that I've read from John and can't wait to see what twists and turns his other books hold.

[Kelly Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard and Gritty

This book takes meback to the Miami Vice type violence of the 80's only more gorey, like Pulp Fiction. There is an element of humor that runs through, keeping the book from becoming too heavy but I would not want my teens, even 16 year old reading this. Its just too gritty.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder run by John Hunt.
Omg. What a read. This author must have one big vivid imagination. This is the first book I've read from jihn. I couldn't put it down. Sick and gory too. More like a horror. John's mind must be twisted. Please carry on. I hope there is more to come. I don't want this one to end. Kyles character. I really wanted something bad to happen to him. 5*.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrenaline pumping, action packed, not stop thriller with such a surprise ending. WOW this story had me from the first chapter. It felt like the book had two part. The first part is centered on Kyle and the second is centered on Samuel. Together they made for a heart stopping book. Excellent!

I read the book on NetGalley

[Candra Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing twists and turns

I started reading this book expecting one kind of story - a thriller. In the end, however, the book became a horror novel. The twists and turns in this book are completely unexpected- as is the ending. I, however, was not happy with who "won" in the end.
I won this book thru a goodreads.com giveaway

[Barry Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good thriller. It is gory and messy. Kyle is a mixed up evil man who needed to be caught. Will not say any more so That I will not give story away.
John Hunt is a great writer and look forward to reading more. The Doll House is another great read.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book 📖 kept me haunted from the beginning until the end. Good for me I began reading it on Halloween 🎃. Good work John Hunt!!!!

[Donna B. Maness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

Well that was certainly different, but in a good way. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I
would read more from this author.

[Taherch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I have found my new favorite horror author! Loved the story and the writing. I couldn’t put it down till the last page.

[LORRIE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing yet terror filled read