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Sinister Coast Collection #4
The Desert Run
What does it take for an ordinary guy to do something extraordinary?
Meet Jake. He’s looking to use his new degree in Economics and Business Studies. But he can’t get a job and a mountain of student debt is threatening to overwhelm him.
And when the ordinary life he has planned doesn’t much impress the girl of his dreams, he starts to consider his best friend’s idea to get rich quick. After all, it’s only a little bit illegal, and they're smart enough to not get caught. . .
The Desert Run is an intriguing and suspenseful thriller charting how one young man succumbs to the siren call of adventure.
One little crime doesn't make you a criminal. Does it?
Meet Jake. He’s looking to use his new degree in Economics and Business Studies. But he can’t get a job and a mountain of student debt is threatening to overwhelm him.
And when the ordinary life he has planned doesn’t much impress the girl of his dreams, he starts to consider his best friend’s idea to get rich quick. After all, it’s only a little bit illegal, and they're smart enough to not get caught. . .
The Desert Run is an intriguing and suspenseful thriller charting how one young man succumbs to the siren call of adventure.
One little crime doesn't make you a criminal. Does it?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2017
About the author
Gregg Dunnett
33 books539 followersGregg Dunnett writes twist-packed psychological thrillers set where the land meets the sea – a habit born of years chasing waves as a windsurfing journalist and all-round beach-bum. His novels include the Amazon #1 bestsellers “The Wave at Hanging Rock” and “The Things You Find in Rockpools” (now in development for TV) and the Audible #1 hit “Little Ghosts”.
After twenty years on England’s south coast, Gregg, his partner María (who translates the books into Spanish), their two kids and a daft Labradoodle named Loki set off on another adventure – moving to Spain to draw artistic inspiration from the moody Cantabrian mountains and the wild Atlantic coast. Plus the food’s really good.
Grab two free thrillers – just search “Gregg Dunnett free books” in your browser.
After twenty years on England’s south coast, Gregg, his partner María (who translates the books into Spanish), their two kids and a daft Labradoodle named Loki set off on another adventure – moving to Spain to draw artistic inspiration from the moody Cantabrian mountains and the wild Atlantic coast. Plus the food’s really good.
Grab two free thrillers – just search “Gregg Dunnett free books” in your browser.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 11, 2017
Well I have to say without a doubt that Gregg Dunnet has smashed it again with his excellent thriller "The Desert Run".
In complete contrast to his very successful debut novel "The Wave at Hanging Rock", this gripping book has action, adventure, tension and excitement!
The story is told through Jake's very honest point of view. He and his flat mate Ben have racked up thousands of pounds worth of student debt. When Ben comes up with an idea of organising themselves on a drug run to clear their debts and set them up for life, what could go wrong? How will their lives change?
The engaging characters are true naive students with typical young attitudes that you can't help but like.
During the rough time at sea it was almost like I was in the boat with them so brilliant were the descriptions and narrative of the storm. There were at times in the first half of the book when I felt particularly tense and nervous as to whether they would succeed and I thought the ending was very apt to the plot and that the author conveyed this perfectly.
I'm afraid I don't have much knowledge of drugs etc so I trust the author with his facts and information - it's obvious there's been a lot of research carried out into drugs and drug running.
Fast paced, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable, I highly recommmend "The Desert Run" - Gregg Dunnet is a fabulously talented writer that I'm so pleased to have discovered. He could easily be compared to some of the more well known writers of this genre and I believe this book would make a brilliant film.
I do hope the author will be writing more entertaining books, and I wish him continued success for the future.
A fab 5 stars!!
In complete contrast to his very successful debut novel "The Wave at Hanging Rock", this gripping book has action, adventure, tension and excitement!
The story is told through Jake's very honest point of view. He and his flat mate Ben have racked up thousands of pounds worth of student debt. When Ben comes up with an idea of organising themselves on a drug run to clear their debts and set them up for life, what could go wrong? How will their lives change?
The engaging characters are true naive students with typical young attitudes that you can't help but like.
During the rough time at sea it was almost like I was in the boat with them so brilliant were the descriptions and narrative of the storm. There were at times in the first half of the book when I felt particularly tense and nervous as to whether they would succeed and I thought the ending was very apt to the plot and that the author conveyed this perfectly.
I'm afraid I don't have much knowledge of drugs etc so I trust the author with his facts and information - it's obvious there's been a lot of research carried out into drugs and drug running.
Fast paced, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable, I highly recommmend "The Desert Run" - Gregg Dunnet is a fabulously talented writer that I'm so pleased to have discovered. He could easily be compared to some of the more well known writers of this genre and I believe this book would make a brilliant film.
I do hope the author will be writing more entertaining books, and I wish him continued success for the future.
A fab 5 stars!!
January 16, 2019
The Desert Run was a completely engaging story that drew me in from the start. It is told in Jake’s very honest, almost endearing POV. He was a “hero” that I didn’t want to, but just couldn’t help but root for because of the illegality of what they were doing by running drugs.
There was at times heart stopping tension and also times of honest reflection.
I listened to this story on audiobook and loved it. The narrator really brought the characters to life!
-4 Stars-
There was at times heart stopping tension and also times of honest reflection.
I listened to this story on audiobook and loved it. The narrator really brought the characters to life!
-4 Stars-
June 5, 2017
Mixed feelings
Not about the book, that was great, about the characters. You know what they are planning is wrong, as gets even more so. The moral part of you wants failure for there venture, but there's also that bit of you that wants them to succeed.
And yes, at that particular part of the story, I had been wondering about the Ben and Julia situation, on that you were correct Mr Dunnett.
Not giving owt away, as reviews that do that are annoying. Will say it's well worth a punt.
Not about the book, that was great, about the characters. You know what they are planning is wrong, as gets even more so. The moral part of you wants failure for there venture, but there's also that bit of you that wants them to succeed.
And yes, at that particular part of the story, I had been wondering about the Ben and Julia situation, on that you were correct Mr Dunnett.
Not giving owt away, as reviews that do that are annoying. Will say it's well worth a punt.
March 30, 2018
Was a little too predictable.
May 24, 2017
Fast paced
Loved it. Loved 'the wave' more but this one kept me reading non stop to the end. It's like you are a buddy and you feel for Jake. And sometimes you just want to give him one 'upside the head'. Good adventure.
Loved it. Loved 'the wave' more but this one kept me reading non stop to the end. It's like you are a buddy and you feel for Jake. And sometimes you just want to give him one 'upside the head'. Good adventure.
May 27, 2017
Gripping, exciting and well planned
I really enjoyed this, one of those books that keep you up reading into the small hours because you just don't want to stop. It was exciting, fun and well planned.
I thoroughly enjoyed Gregg's first book but I think this one is even better. Hurry up and write another please!
I really enjoyed this, one of those books that keep you up reading into the small hours because you just don't want to stop. It was exciting, fun and well planned.
I thoroughly enjoyed Gregg's first book but I think this one is even better. Hurry up and write another please!
October 4, 2017
Dover, England. Ben & Jake were enrolled at U of Brighton.
Several yrs. later the 2 graduated.
Jake completed a with a double major in: buss/econ.
He applied/interviewed for a job but didn’t get it. Now what?
Jake & Ben figured they could get a really good deal for some hash from Ahmed (Mo’s cousin, Moroccan, drug dealer).
It was a family affair.
Arriving by camels Youssef (dealer), Agafay (Youssef’s father), & Omar (Youssef’s brother) greeted Jake & Ben.
100 kilos of hashish.
So far; so good.
They were aboard the Dieppe-to-Newhaven ferry.
The 2 are now waiting for customs & the dogs to check them out.
The border patrol officer told them to have a nice journey.
Danny (drug dealer), called Paul, who was going to meet Jake & Ben & introduce them to Crazy Jimmy (contact) who is the drug negotiator/buyer, distributer.
$1,000 a kilo was his offer.
But Jimmy also made a 2nd. offer to Jake & Ben.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Action thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Action thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookDaily; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Several yrs. later the 2 graduated.
Jake completed a with a double major in: buss/econ.
He applied/interviewed for a job but didn’t get it. Now what?
Jake & Ben figured they could get a really good deal for some hash from Ahmed (Mo’s cousin, Moroccan, drug dealer).
It was a family affair.
Arriving by camels Youssef (dealer), Agafay (Youssef’s father), & Omar (Youssef’s brother) greeted Jake & Ben.
100 kilos of hashish.
So far; so good.
They were aboard the Dieppe-to-Newhaven ferry.
The 2 are now waiting for customs & the dogs to check them out.
The border patrol officer told them to have a nice journey.
Danny (drug dealer), called Paul, who was going to meet Jake & Ben & introduce them to Crazy Jimmy (contact) who is the drug negotiator/buyer, distributer.
$1,000 a kilo was his offer.
But Jimmy also made a 2nd. offer to Jake & Ben.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Action thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Action thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookDaily; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 3, 2017
Action and adventure writing at its best.
Desert Run ...
Greg Dunnett
Action and adventure writing at its best.
Greg Dunnett is now easily on par with my favourite adventure writers Clive Cussler, Jinx Swartz and Jules Verne. I thoroughly enjoyed his first novel The Wave at Hanging Rock and was so pleased to find that his second novel is as good as the first.
He writes about everyday real life situations that have been extended into an action/adventure, he takes us from ordinary lives into something more....
Both stories are written in such a very visual way that when remembering the story after reading it I feel as if I have seen a film not read a novel.
Desert Run ...
Greg Dunnett
Action and adventure writing at its best.
Greg Dunnett is now easily on par with my favourite adventure writers Clive Cussler, Jinx Swartz and Jules Verne. I thoroughly enjoyed his first novel The Wave at Hanging Rock and was so pleased to find that his second novel is as good as the first.
He writes about everyday real life situations that have been extended into an action/adventure, he takes us from ordinary lives into something more....
Both stories are written in such a very visual way that when remembering the story after reading it I feel as if I have seen a film not read a novel.
September 28, 2017
Another cracking book by Mr Dunnett. This is one that you just don't want to put down. Fast moving adventure and tension which is so easy to read.
May 26, 2017
Wow! This was quite a ride...and I could almost feel the tension. Mr Dunnett knows how to build his characters and the story, and this adventure is no different. From a flat in England to the desert of Morocco, the story takes the reader into the world of drug running. Ben and Jake just want to make extra money fast, to pay off their student loans - in Jake's case. Ben seems to enjoy the thrill. Then an offer is made and a decision is taken and things will never be the same. How far can one trust the people you are working with though, especially in the drug running business? They find out in the middle of the night off the coast of Scotland. I really hope there are more books to come! I received an ebook copy of this book from the author, and I review every book I read. Enjoy!
May 28, 2017
It' s a fine line between excitement and crime
How easy it is, the beckon of adventure.....add in a shed load of money and an element of risk......an absolute blast of a story! Thank you Gregg Dunnett, you didn't let us down after The Wave at Hanging Rock, you just left us speechless again !
How easy it is, the beckon of adventure.....add in a shed load of money and an element of risk......an absolute blast of a story! Thank you Gregg Dunnett, you didn't let us down after The Wave at Hanging Rock, you just left us speechless again !
May 25, 2017
I found The Desert Run a down to earth and realistic tale of would be and then could be drug runners, and rather than going on too much about that scheme of things it dealt more with the way in which the first successful project was seen to an end and the outcome of the final downfall. An enjoyable enough read, but for me it was not as good or as complex as Wave at Hanging Rock. It almost felt like it was a story told in a hurry and close enough is good enough.
May 17, 2017
Good second novel.
Thus is a real gem of a book and certainly doesn't disappoint following the debut of The Wave at hanging rock.
Good characters in this book and a very plausible plot, and the ending is slighty cheesy but ......!!!
Thus is a real gem of a book and certainly doesn't disappoint following the debut of The Wave at hanging rock.
Good characters in this book and a very plausible plot, and the ending is slighty cheesy but ......!!!
May 15, 2017
Harrowing, gripping, dark yet ultimately optimistic at the end. Nicely done, closer to four stars than three. More gut-wrenching than I like, but well done.
May 16, 2017
Hugely enjoyable
Well rounded characters that you care about .I read the end so fast I had to re-read it. Brilliant storytelling
Well rounded characters that you care about .I read the end so fast I had to re-read it. Brilliant storytelling
May 16, 2017
As usual with Gregg Dunnett, not how I expected it to end. Look forward to his next book
May 14, 2017
Exciting thriller.
Almost as good as the Wave At Hanging Rock, this thriller took me for adventures I'd never dreamed of. Good read.
Almost as good as the Wave At Hanging Rock, this thriller took me for adventures I'd never dreamed of. Good read.
October 1, 2017
This novel fails to decide if it's humoristic or tragic. It's both, but it didn't make me laugh or cry. In my opinion the pace is to slow. I couldn't relate to the main character and therefore couldn't feel for him whe things turned dark.
But I guess everyone wo ever tried to smuggle drugs or who has a sailng boat will enjoy it.
But I guess everyone wo ever tried to smuggle drugs or who has a sailng boat will enjoy it.
June 20, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars!
This is one of those books u can read in a day - it has a simple and down to earth writing style, and draws you in.
Yes the central focus is a man's infatuation with a girl and yes the dream section and descriptions of carving out paddle boards go on a bit, but overall this is a great book.
Who cares if it's a true story or not?! The last few chapters had me whizzing through to see what happened next.
Perfect for a quick and enjoyable read on holiday or tanning in the park. Or while your kids watch Despicable Me for the 100th time.
Will definitely read another by the author.
This is one of those books u can read in a day - it has a simple and down to earth writing style, and draws you in.
Yes the central focus is a man's infatuation with a girl and yes the dream section and descriptions of carving out paddle boards go on a bit, but overall this is a great book.
Who cares if it's a true story or not?! The last few chapters had me whizzing through to see what happened next.
Perfect for a quick and enjoyable read on holiday or tanning in the park. Or while your kids watch Despicable Me for the 100th time.
Will definitely read another by the author.
May 3, 2024
A good read
I’ve read enough novels by this author to predict how his books will end. This one wasn’t really “gripping” as much as it was just interesting to see how Jake & Ben were going to pull off their plan. Only 3 stars because the ending was predictable, as this author kind of only goes one direction when ending his books. Someone always comes out unscathed despite everything coming to a head. It was still a good read, I liked the characters & actually rooted for them. I’d recommend it as something to read casually, I was drawn in but the story does get a bit sluggish in the middle.
I’ve read enough novels by this author to predict how his books will end. This one wasn’t really “gripping” as much as it was just interesting to see how Jake & Ben were going to pull off their plan. Only 3 stars because the ending was predictable, as this author kind of only goes one direction when ending his books. Someone always comes out unscathed despite everything coming to a head. It was still a good read, I liked the characters & actually rooted for them. I’d recommend it as something to read casually, I was drawn in but the story does get a bit sluggish in the middle.
January 13, 2021
Absolutely fabulous read!
This is a novel that had me totally hooked from the start. The author made it feel as if it actually happened and you are there part of it.
The story of 2 undergrad students, who as normal are in debt, who go to Morocco on holiday. Then the thoughts come about of a way of clearing the debts involving a bit of drug smuggling. Not to be condoned of course, but it makes for a really good way to pass a couple of hours or so as the thrills unfold. Witty as well as serious, a well written insight into this world. Loved it!!
This is a novel that had me totally hooked from the start. The author made it feel as if it actually happened and you are there part of it.
The story of 2 undergrad students, who as normal are in debt, who go to Morocco on holiday. Then the thoughts come about of a way of clearing the debts involving a bit of drug smuggling. Not to be condoned of course, but it makes for a really good way to pass a couple of hours or so as the thrills unfold. Witty as well as serious, a well written insight into this world. Loved it!!
June 17, 2017
I read Gregg Dunnett's first book, The Wave At Hanging Rock, and gave that 5*. If anything, this is even better.
The subject matter is completely different and maybe slightly controversial. Jake is being crushed under a mountain of debt when his best friend comes up with a way to clear it all in one illegal act.
The story moved on at a fast pace and demonstrated all too easily how a single bad choice can lead on to deeper and darker problems.
Well worth a few hours of your time!
The subject matter is completely different and maybe slightly controversial. Jake is being crushed under a mountain of debt when his best friend comes up with a way to clear it all in one illegal act.
The story moved on at a fast pace and demonstrated all too easily how a single bad choice can lead on to deeper and darker problems.
Well worth a few hours of your time!
January 6, 2018
Too drawn out. Not enough action. Too much, in my opinion, filler description and narration. Not a book I will ever open again. I definitely would not recommend this book to any hard hitting thriller readers. I was being generous when I gave it a three star rating. Should have given it a two star rating.
October 31, 2017
A thrilling story about students smuggling drugs to clear their debts. It's a well paced thriller with key tension points that make you want to carry on reading late at night.
As the author says, it ends with the event that kept you on the edge of your seat from the beginning. It's the only way these things can end.
As the author says, it ends with the event that kept you on the edge of your seat from the beginning. It's the only way these things can end.
November 14, 2017
This thriller left me dry-mouthed, heart-pumping, cringing at what might be coming next but unable to tear myself away. Glad I didn't! I really enjoyed this new author.
By the way, I got a free copy of the book with the caveat I wrote an honest review... so here it is!
Read it. And I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
By the way, I got a free copy of the book with the caveat I wrote an honest review... so here it is!
Read it. And I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
December 12, 2017
Amazing
It's amazing to me that I could actually want drug runners to succeed. But it was such a great book, with such varied characters, that it was impossible not to root for them thru their adventures. It's a fun, well written book and I look forward to Gregg Dunnett's new book. Having read two of his books now I will read anything he writes in the future.
It's amazing to me that I could actually want drug runners to succeed. But it was such a great book, with such varied characters, that it was impossible not to root for them thru their adventures. It's a fun, well written book and I look forward to Gregg Dunnett's new book. Having read two of his books now I will read anything he writes in the future.
March 17, 2018
Another great read by Gregg Dunnett..
Having read two of Gregg's books I thought I'd give this one a read & I wasn't disappointed, great characters, great friendships & a great read, as with his other two books I couldn't put it down, looking forward to anymore he writes in the future...
Having read two of Gregg's books I thought I'd give this one a read & I wasn't disappointed, great characters, great friendships & a great read, as with his other two books I couldn't put it down, looking forward to anymore he writes in the future...
July 11, 2019
Another great, fun, interesting and exciting to read story by Gregg Dunnett. One night I was up until 6am because I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next!!! I have been consistently impressed with how very different each of his novels has been. And there are always a few twists along the way you don't see coming!
April 6, 2020
An exciting if surprising read
Didn't get any idea from the title, but once you start reading it you realise why it's called The Desert Run. A clever idea that reaches a shocking conclusion. The author clearly has a good knowledge of sailing, as the book reaches it's page turning end.
Didn't get any idea from the title, but once you start reading it you realise why it's called The Desert Run. A clever idea that reaches a shocking conclusion. The author clearly has a good knowledge of sailing, as the book reaches it's page turning end.
August 13, 2020
What a ride!
Two college buddies, one in debt to his eyeballs, make a decision that will alter their lives completely. Just a one and done, trip to and back from Morocco with a load of hashish, enough to get them both out of debt and a little extra. What happens to these dudes is startling and eye opening. Great adventure!
Two college buddies, one in debt to his eyeballs, make a decision that will alter their lives completely. Just a one and done, trip to and back from Morocco with a load of hashish, enough to get them both out of debt and a little extra. What happens to these dudes is startling and eye opening. Great adventure!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews