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Kate Anderson #1
Dared to Run
In an elite FBI academy, Kate Anderson, a new college grad, is stalked and terrorized by a corrupt deputy sheriff. Unable to stop the harassment because of his powerful connections and threats to her family, Kate is forced to try desperate measures to protect herself and her grandparents. As her terror increases, she discovers an underground network of women helping victims escape abusive men.
Meet Dirty Sally, Sister Anne, and a trucker nicknamed The Black Angel,—women who orchestrate Kate’s escape. When the deputy is shot, Kate is accused of the crime, and goes on the run rather than risk an unjust conviction.
Take a high-tension ride with Kate through Missouri and Georgia as she avoids capture, relying on friends, the network, and grit to stay one step ahead of the law. With a bounty on her head, will Kate evade the marshals? Can she keep up the disguise? Will she ever see her family again?
Meet Dirty Sally, Sister Anne, and a trucker nicknamed The Black Angel,—women who orchestrate Kate’s escape. When the deputy is shot, Kate is accused of the crime, and goes on the run rather than risk an unjust conviction.
Take a high-tension ride with Kate through Missouri and Georgia as she avoids capture, relying on friends, the network, and grit to stay one step ahead of the law. With a bounty on her head, will Kate evade the marshals? Can she keep up the disguise? Will she ever see her family again?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
213 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 29, 2022
Dared to Run surprised the heck out of me. It was not at all as I expected, it was not at all as I had hoped. It was so much more! I could no more have predicted the next move or the next character, or the next setting as I could predict this week's lottery number. These tangents were not some mystery writer trying to be clever for clevers sake, these were just weird, wonderful and so random. Oh, wait, this was not some comedic tour de force, there were some serious issues and some tragic events.
Kate Anderson, a recent hire for the state of Missouri Department. of Probation and Parole as a bond investigator has the great misfortune to temporarily hook up with a stalker. A very well connected stalker, a deputy sheriff. From the prologue we can see that Kate has been raised to realize she will will always be smaller than the boys, so she has to be tougher and smarter. It's that smarter part that comes into question when it pertains to men.
Kate does all she is supposed to do as a victim, she takes all precautions she can, she makes sure all who should be notified are notified, and she takes legal moves that are stymied by her stalker taking the same moves. Kate is not the ingenue heading into the basement.
Yet, there is a group of intriguing women ranging from a bar owner, to a truck driver to a nun who who have her number, who see all the signs. Kate will have to run, and this group of women who have her number are part of an underground removing women from dangerous situations. They are gently preparing Kate for the day she will have to run for her life. Instead, Kate finds herself having to run for her freedom.
Life on the run suits Kate in many different ways, she seems younger and freer the longer she is on the road. But all good things must come to an end, and rarely is the beginning of the end so very strange with Dolly impersonators and goth girls. Remember, I did say there were some very random events and people.
I felt there were missing parts to this book. Incidents and people referred to but never explained, some of them seemingly important.
The characters are what make Dared to Run so entertaining. Women being terrorized by men with no good recourse is what makes this book so important. The downright occasional weirdness is what makes this book so readable.
Kate Anderson, a recent hire for the state of Missouri Department. of Probation and Parole as a bond investigator has the great misfortune to temporarily hook up with a stalker. A very well connected stalker, a deputy sheriff. From the prologue we can see that Kate has been raised to realize she will will always be smaller than the boys, so she has to be tougher and smarter. It's that smarter part that comes into question when it pertains to men.
Kate does all she is supposed to do as a victim, she takes all precautions she can, she makes sure all who should be notified are notified, and she takes legal moves that are stymied by her stalker taking the same moves. Kate is not the ingenue heading into the basement.
Yet, there is a group of intriguing women ranging from a bar owner, to a truck driver to a nun who who have her number, who see all the signs. Kate will have to run, and this group of women who have her number are part of an underground removing women from dangerous situations. They are gently preparing Kate for the day she will have to run for her life. Instead, Kate finds herself having to run for her freedom.
Life on the run suits Kate in many different ways, she seems younger and freer the longer she is on the road. But all good things must come to an end, and rarely is the beginning of the end so very strange with Dolly impersonators and goth girls. Remember, I did say there were some very random events and people.
I felt there were missing parts to this book. Incidents and people referred to but never explained, some of them seemingly important.
The characters are what make Dared to Run so entertaining. Women being terrorized by men with no good recourse is what makes this book so important. The downright occasional weirdness is what makes this book so readable.
May 12, 2021
Dared to Run was not the novel I thought it would be, but it was still a fun read. I had expected Kate Anderson to be a law enforcement officer and the story to be about her tracking down criminals. Kate is part of the legal system, but rather than an officer, she is a “bond investigator from Missouri Probation and Parole.” In Kate's case, this means she often represents people accused of crimes. She meets with judges and negotiates the level of their bonds. This is an interesting position, one I was unfamiliar with prior to reading this novel. But Kate's career isn't where she gets into trouble. She is involved with a man who is abusive. This situation is difficult because he is a well connected deputy sheriff who will not leave her alone. As the book progresses, Kate's situation gets worse and she is forced to go underground, hence the title – Dared to Run.
There are many tense moments in the story, but what I liked the most in the book were the characters Kate encountered as she ran. There are people who help abused women hide from their abusers, sometimes using illegal, but necessary means. There are also fun country people, who are warm and kind. There are also quirky characters, such as Dolly Parton impersonators at a funeral. I found her relationships with these side characters to be fascinating.
There are a number of plot issues that remain unresolved when this novel ends, because this is the first book in J. J. Clarke's Kate Anderson series. I look forward to reading the next one.
There are many tense moments in the story, but what I liked the most in the book were the characters Kate encountered as she ran. There are people who help abused women hide from their abusers, sometimes using illegal, but necessary means. There are also fun country people, who are warm and kind. There are also quirky characters, such as Dolly Parton impersonators at a funeral. I found her relationships with these side characters to be fascinating.
There are a number of plot issues that remain unresolved when this novel ends, because this is the first book in J. J. Clarke's Kate Anderson series. I look forward to reading the next one.
November 16, 2024
Well written, with some distinctive characters, and the plot was solid and made sense. I liked Kate Anderson, the MC. She had a nice combination of character traits and an interesting "fatal flaw"--an attraction to men whom she sensed were dangerous. And the so-called underground network that exists to help women fleeing their stalkers was interesting and educational. I had no idea such a system existed but I'm glad it helps many women.
However, I never really felt the dread and animosity I wanted to feel for the stalker, O'Dell. I'm not sure if it was because he was introduced too soon in the book or if he wasn't shown to be evil enough. I had to go back to the beginning a few times and read about what he'd been doing in his stalking "procedures." Perhaps the reason was some information gaps that left out scenes that would have explained the situation more clearly.
The book contained some continuity issues too. Characters popped in and out, locations changed frequently, and some scenes didn't feel relevant to the main plot. It was a bit of a challenge to keep track of the plot progression.
However, I never really felt the dread and animosity I wanted to feel for the stalker, O'Dell. I'm not sure if it was because he was introduced too soon in the book or if he wasn't shown to be evil enough. I had to go back to the beginning a few times and read about what he'd been doing in his stalking "procedures." Perhaps the reason was some information gaps that left out scenes that would have explained the situation more clearly.
The book contained some continuity issues too. Characters popped in and out, locations changed frequently, and some scenes didn't feel relevant to the main plot. It was a bit of a challenge to keep track of the plot progression.
January 27, 2021
J.J. Clarke’s Kate Anderson mystery series set in small-town Missouri is a good read. Dared to Run has a great mix of professional law enforcement, memorable and realistic characters, comedy, mystery, and suspense. A perfect read for these cold winter’s days, or any days for that matter.
January 7, 2021
Dared to Run is a book with some very good writing, a compelling story, and interesting characters. Everything you need for an enjoyable read. This is the first book in the Kate Anderson series. Book two is already available and readers who want to know what happens next (and there are a bunch of continuing issues and allusions to additional information we don’t know yet) can immediately look for Dared to Return and keep reading. J.J. Clarke has created an interesting narrative.
The story spans several years, starting with a prologue (oddly written in the first person, while the rest of the book is in a comfortable third person) where we meet the feisty Kate as a young girl, fighting with a group of bullying boys. Unfortunately, Kate’s life is destined to be littered with bullying – and worse – boys. This is Kate’s central identity – she has been stalked and assaulted by men. She fights back, but she is haunted by these experiences. Still, she seems to keep up a positive attitude and she has a big heart throughout, which makes her far more than just a tragic or pathetic figure.
Ms. Clarke creates an assortment of supporting characters, including Kate’s best friend and social foil, Susie, who flits in and out of the story, but always steals her scenes. The women in the underground railroad network and their accomplices, her new boss, who is an attraction but also a problem, and the county judge who torments her, all add spice to the Kate Anderson stew (or pie, since Kate learns to bake as part of her escape plan).
The individual scenes are mostly very well written, making the reading experience easy and pleasant. Ms. Clarke captures the emotions and voices of her characters very well. I enjoyed the read. At times, however, the plot moved in jerks, bouncing from scene to scene without as much connection and explanation as I would have liked.
Despite some minor issues (including some gaps in the plot that I wish had been filled in, but perhaps that was by design), this was an enjoyable and engaging read. I would recommend the Kate Anderson series, particularly for readers looking for a strong female protagonist. The prose is free from profanity or graphic violence, making it appropriate for young readers, for whom I would particularly recommend it.
The story spans several years, starting with a prologue (oddly written in the first person, while the rest of the book is in a comfortable third person) where we meet the feisty Kate as a young girl, fighting with a group of bullying boys. Unfortunately, Kate’s life is destined to be littered with bullying – and worse – boys. This is Kate’s central identity – she has been stalked and assaulted by men. She fights back, but she is haunted by these experiences. Still, she seems to keep up a positive attitude and she has a big heart throughout, which makes her far more than just a tragic or pathetic figure.
Ms. Clarke creates an assortment of supporting characters, including Kate’s best friend and social foil, Susie, who flits in and out of the story, but always steals her scenes. The women in the underground railroad network and their accomplices, her new boss, who is an attraction but also a problem, and the county judge who torments her, all add spice to the Kate Anderson stew (or pie, since Kate learns to bake as part of her escape plan).
The individual scenes are mostly very well written, making the reading experience easy and pleasant. Ms. Clarke captures the emotions and voices of her characters very well. I enjoyed the read. At times, however, the plot moved in jerks, bouncing from scene to scene without as much connection and explanation as I would have liked.
Despite some minor issues (including some gaps in the plot that I wish had been filled in, but perhaps that was by design), this was an enjoyable and engaging read. I would recommend the Kate Anderson series, particularly for readers looking for a strong female protagonist. The prose is free from profanity or graphic violence, making it appropriate for young readers, for whom I would particularly recommend it.
May 26, 2021
So, I have to be honest. I love a good PG-13 mystery/suspense/thriller! I love the action and suspense and intensity without all the graphic violence, and not so scary that I can’t sleep! That’s what I feel like like I got with Dared to Run.
Dared to Run is a solid mystery/suspense novel! It definitely gave me the “Don’t want to put it down!” feeling. It kept me on my toes, I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next!
My biggest issue with the book was that I wanted more! The beginning felt a little bit rushed, I felt like I was missing something, and I ended up going back and re-reading the first chapter to help me get a better grasp on the characters. There were also some areas that I wished Clarke would have gone a little more in depth with. I think it would have helped me feel a little more connected with Kate.
I really enjoyed reading Dared to Run. Sadly, it left me with one heck of a cliff hanger, now I have to wait to find out what happens next! I should have known it was going to when I was about 20 pages away from the end and completely stressed out about what else still needed to happen! But somehow I totally missed it!
Really good read! Especially recommend for people who like a little mystery, but don’t want anything too dark. Check it out, ya’ll!
Bookwormhairstylist.com
Dared to Run is a solid mystery/suspense novel! It definitely gave me the “Don’t want to put it down!” feeling. It kept me on my toes, I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next!
My biggest issue with the book was that I wanted more! The beginning felt a little bit rushed, I felt like I was missing something, and I ended up going back and re-reading the first chapter to help me get a better grasp on the characters. There were also some areas that I wished Clarke would have gone a little more in depth with. I think it would have helped me feel a little more connected with Kate.
I really enjoyed reading Dared to Run. Sadly, it left me with one heck of a cliff hanger, now I have to wait to find out what happens next! I should have known it was going to when I was about 20 pages away from the end and completely stressed out about what else still needed to happen! But somehow I totally missed it!
Really good read! Especially recommend for people who like a little mystery, but don’t want anything too dark. Check it out, ya’ll!
Bookwormhairstylist.com
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February 29, 2020J.J. Clarke's Dared to Run, the second book in her Kate Anderson series, tells the story of a young court officer who is stalked and then accused of shooting her stalker. She flees, afraid that she will be unjustly convicted. The story tells of her life on the run and its very unexpected conclusion.
Set in Missouri and Georgia, Clarke's book includes a wide variety of down-home likable characters, most of all Kate herself. The quirky plot twists and comical scenes kept me on the edge of my seat.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced engaging story of a young heroine facing what seemed like insurmountable odds. I highly recommend this delightful book.
Set in Missouri and Georgia, Clarke's book includes a wide variety of down-home likable characters, most of all Kate herself. The quirky plot twists and comical scenes kept me on the edge of my seat.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced engaging story of a young heroine facing what seemed like insurmountable odds. I highly recommend this delightful book.
December 29, 2020
Kate was a investigator but she had one problem . The cousin of the police chief who was a good cop had this thing for Kate. He eventually started stalking her. She did have a protection of order on him but once she got into police work she had to drop it. If she didnt she wouldnt be able to work in the police force. Because you have to have a gun for work. Protection orders cant be given to her because you were not allowed to own a gun if you have a protection order. Kate decides to run and hide to get away due to the fact that he was shot and killed one night. She was the top suspect. Did she really do it or was someone setting her up?
June 27, 2021
Snappy, witty and oh so clever! Meet Kate Anderson. She's one of the good guys. J. J. Clarke skillfully leaves each chapter foreshadowing the next. Readers will find an interesting and sometimes humorous peek behind the scenes of the U. S. court system. There's also an element of romance. ("She found herself sitting on his lap entwined in his arms. They fit together like perfect puzzle pieces.") Just when you think you've figured out a plot twist (and there are plenty of those), you'll be thrilled to find that you didn't figure it out at all.
February 15, 2021
What a Chase!
Kate is a law enforcement officer who is running from the law cause of her past. Then begins her run and chase journey, where there is non-stop gripping action with an unexpected ending. I loved the protagonist's portrayal and the absorbing storyline.
Kate is a law enforcement officer who is running from the law cause of her past. Then begins her run and chase journey, where there is non-stop gripping action with an unexpected ending. I loved the protagonist's portrayal and the absorbing storyline.
July 11, 2020
this is a great read for a of summer fun. this is a story with a different plot and a valuable topic to think about. A well written fast moving story with very interesting characters,
July 15, 2021
Dared to Run: A Kate Anderson Mystery, by J.J. Clarke, was a quick, enjoyable read with a few points of contention.
What becomes immediately clear is that the author has an expert knowledge of law enforcement. She is well versed in the inner workings of a parole office, and this lends an air of authority to the book. The only problem is that she knows it so well that there is a lot left out for the non-expert. Some more explanation of what a probation officer / investigator does was needed for those who do not have such an extensive background. I would have enjoyed a detailed explanation of the job, as it would have deepened the story for me.
I loved the underground network in the book. Its role and its purpose were noble and lent a solid grounding to the novel. After all, who doesn’t like a good secret society in a mystery? But it was the growth and development of Kate’s character, a strong female lead who is often too stubborn for her own good that captures the reader. Unfortunately, her transformation in the later parts is too often shown through the eyes of a supporting character. Speaking of which, while I was invested in the story, I did wish the author filled out the characters a bit more; we learned how much they loved Kate, but little else about them other than that.
Lastly, while I did enjoy the book, I was a little disappointed by the delayed start to the mystery. It really begins about 60% of the way through the book, which seemed like way too much of a buildup.
What becomes immediately clear is that the author has an expert knowledge of law enforcement. She is well versed in the inner workings of a parole office, and this lends an air of authority to the book. The only problem is that she knows it so well that there is a lot left out for the non-expert. Some more explanation of what a probation officer / investigator does was needed for those who do not have such an extensive background. I would have enjoyed a detailed explanation of the job, as it would have deepened the story for me.
I loved the underground network in the book. Its role and its purpose were noble and lent a solid grounding to the novel. After all, who doesn’t like a good secret society in a mystery? But it was the growth and development of Kate’s character, a strong female lead who is often too stubborn for her own good that captures the reader. Unfortunately, her transformation in the later parts is too often shown through the eyes of a supporting character. Speaking of which, while I was invested in the story, I did wish the author filled out the characters a bit more; we learned how much they loved Kate, but little else about them other than that.
Lastly, while I did enjoy the book, I was a little disappointed by the delayed start to the mystery. It really begins about 60% of the way through the book, which seemed like way too much of a buildup.
November 6, 2021
First, I want to thank J.J. Clarke for providing me with this I book so I may bring you this review.
Dared to Run a Kate Anderson Mystery by J.J. Clarke is for you to enjoy law enforcement themed book.
Matthew Anderson did a great job capturing a beautiful picture of Missouri for the cover design. Josh Lucchesi is also to be commended for his work on the cover design and graphics.
It put a smile to my face how appreciative J.J. Was to so many people who helped her along in this journey to make this I book happen. You can tell she has a good heart.
Dared to Run is the first book in the Kate Anderson Mystery Series.
J.J. Left me totally speechless in utter shock within the first paragraph of the prologue! It was just unspeakable the three young boys ganging up on young Kate and attacking her like that! Oh and I was livid how Kate’s father handled the situation. I would have handled it differently. However, It was that incident that made her a stronger woman.
I loved Kate’s boss’s name Reese (my sister’s married name and my fave candy). I enjoyed learning about his backstory. I loved the flirtatious banter back and forth between Reese, Kate and Susie. It made for fun reading.
Ohh I laughed when Reese got reprimanded by the judge as I was on Kate’s side the whole time. Just reading that scene made me feel uncomfortable.
I had a good chuckle at the name of Kate’s dog! She named him Sick’em! The story behind the name was quite interesting.
Dared to Run a Kate Anderson Mystery by J.J. Clarke is for you to enjoy law enforcement themed book.
Matthew Anderson did a great job capturing a beautiful picture of Missouri for the cover design. Josh Lucchesi is also to be commended for his work on the cover design and graphics.
It put a smile to my face how appreciative J.J. Was to so many people who helped her along in this journey to make this I book happen. You can tell she has a good heart.
Dared to Run is the first book in the Kate Anderson Mystery Series.
J.J. Left me totally speechless in utter shock within the first paragraph of the prologue! It was just unspeakable the three young boys ganging up on young Kate and attacking her like that! Oh and I was livid how Kate’s father handled the situation. I would have handled it differently. However, It was that incident that made her a stronger woman.
I loved Kate’s boss’s name Reese (my sister’s married name and my fave candy). I enjoyed learning about his backstory. I loved the flirtatious banter back and forth between Reese, Kate and Susie. It made for fun reading.
Ohh I laughed when Reese got reprimanded by the judge as I was on Kate’s side the whole time. Just reading that scene made me feel uncomfortable.
I had a good chuckle at the name of Kate’s dog! She named him Sick’em! The story behind the name was quite interesting.
March 13, 2021
In this story, we learn that Kate Anderson is a bond investigator. What’s a bond investigator? I was hoping that the story would tell me that. But, as I kept on reading, it kept me wondering. You often see her in the courts and training in some boot camp. Was she a cop? A lawyer? What?
The writing in it is good, but it certainly takes a while to read this plot laced with complexity and minute detail. I expected to be more into this, but mostly I was just trying to understand what was going on. It would seem that Kate is being stalked. That’s about all I got in this. A whole lot of nothing happens—nothing really interesting anyways.
Just couldn’t get into. I tried, I really tried, but I just couldn’t
The writing in it is good, but it certainly takes a while to read this plot laced with complexity and minute detail. I expected to be more into this, but mostly I was just trying to understand what was going on. It would seem that Kate is being stalked. That’s about all I got in this. A whole lot of nothing happens—nothing really interesting anyways.
Just couldn’t get into. I tried, I really tried, but I just couldn’t
August 5, 2022
Great book
I enjoyed this book very much. Just wasn't very long and then it ended with a cliffhanger. Don't like cliffhangers as then you have to buy the next book if you want answers. Kate is on the run after being set up for the murder of a deputy. There are gaps of years about her being on the run. We don't get answers as to her whereabouts or what she was doing. Overall a great read.
I enjoyed this book very much. Just wasn't very long and then it ended with a cliffhanger. Don't like cliffhangers as then you have to buy the next book if you want answers. Kate is on the run after being set up for the murder of a deputy. There are gaps of years about her being on the run. We don't get answers as to her whereabouts or what she was doing. Overall a great read.
August 4, 2024
A sheriff seems to be able to do what he wants! Till he is killed!
Women have a hard time getting protected from their so called male loved ones! Domestic violence should be taken off the books! Pure and simple it is assault ANF battery! Kate did not kill the idiot! Fun to see the powers that be try to catch her!
Women have a hard time getting protected from their so called male loved ones! Domestic violence should be taken off the books! Pure and simple it is assault ANF battery! Kate did not kill the idiot! Fun to see the powers that be try to catch her!
October 2, 2023
Cruel
I refuse to read an author that kills the dog, no matter the plot. It was cruel and unnecessary. To add insult to injury, you even described the way the poor puppy died. Do better.
I refuse to read an author that kills the dog, no matter the plot. It was cruel and unnecessary. To add insult to injury, you even described the way the poor puppy died. Do better.
April 22, 2024
good thriller
This story snagged you from page one. So many twist and turns. Can't believe that the main character Kate could allude the FBI that long.I wasn't prepared for cliff hanger at the end. I thought she would clear her name.
This story snagged you from page one. So many twist and turns. Can't believe that the main character Kate could allude the FBI that long.I wasn't prepared for cliff hanger at the end. I thought she would clear her name.
January 22, 2025
Had me hooked at the start
Wow. Kate meets Mr. Wrong and becomes her stalker. Tense but very interesting, especially the great people you meet. When Kate is accused of murder she goes on the run. She knows just the people to help her out. I can't wait to read the next ons.
Wow. Kate meets Mr. Wrong and becomes her stalker. Tense but very interesting, especially the great people you meet. When Kate is accused of murder she goes on the run. She knows just the people to help her out. I can't wait to read the next ons.
December 5, 2021
I had to stop
I got to chapter 7 before giving up. I'm a!l for fast paced stories but this was just stupid..
Not for me
I got to chapter 7 before giving up. I'm a!l for fast paced stories but this was just stupid..
Not for me
January 29, 2022
A tad disjointed - ok overall
April 1, 2022
profanity abounds
Deleted at 9%. I don’t do profanity. If your vocabulary is so small that all you can come up with is profanity then enlarge your vocabulary!
Deleted at 9%. I don’t do profanity. If your vocabulary is so small that all you can come up with is profanity then enlarge your vocabulary!
June 3, 2022
A decent book that was just the right amount of thriller without keeping me up at night. An engaging read that I wanted to see to the end.
June 3, 2022
This was an engaging read that left me wanting more. Check out my entire review https://informedescapist.com/dared-to...
July 12, 2022
Great book.
August 16, 2025
This is a Detective story with a new take, well for me anyway. I found this to be engrossing and page-turning, with the odd humor thrown in. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews