Anywhere You Run

by Wanda M. Morris

As Seen on The TODAY Show! Called One of the Best Crime Novels of the Year by New York Times * NPR * New York Post * Washington Post * Buzzfeed * South Florida Sun-Sentinel * Library Journal * CrimeReads From the award-winning author of  All Her Little Secrets  comes yet another gripping, suspenseful novel where, after the murder of a white man in Jim Crow Mississippi, two Black sisters run away to different parts of the country . . . but can they escape the secrets they left behind? It’s the summer of 1964 and three innocent men are brutally murdered for trying to help Black Mississippians secure the right to vote. Against this backdrop, twenty-one year old Violet Richards finds herself in more trouble than she’s ever been in her life. Suffering a brutal attack of her own, she kills the man responsible. But with the color of Violet’s skin, there is no way she can escape Jim Crow justice in Jackson, Mississippi. Before anyone can find the body or finger her as the killer, she decides to run. With the help of her white beau, Violet escapes. But desperation and fear leads her to hide out in the small rural town of Chillicothe, Georgia, unaware that danger may be closer than she thinks. Back in Jackson, Marigold, Violet’s older sister, has dreams of attending law school. Working for the Mississippi Summer Project, she has been trying to use her smarts to further the cause of the Black vote. But Marigold is in a different kind of she’s pregnant and unmarried. After news of the murder brings the police to her door, Marigold sees no choice but to flee Jackson too. She heads North seeking the promise of a better life and no more segregation. But has she made a terrible choice that threatens her life and that of her unborn child?  Two sisters on the run—one from the law, the other from social shame. What they don’t realize is that there’s a man hot on their trail. This man has his own brand of dark secrets and a disturbing motive for finding the sisters that is unknown to everyone but him . . . “ Anywhere You Run had me hooked from the first page... It’s a novel both tender and ferocious—an absolute stunner.” —Lou Berney, Edgar Award–winning author of November Road

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Historical

400 pages, Hardcover

First published October 25, 2022

About the author

Wanda M. Morris is a corporate attorney, having worked in the legal departments of some of America's top Fortune 100 companies. As an accomplished presenter and leader, she previously served as President of the Georgia Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel, in which she established a signature female empowerment program known as the Women's Initiative.

Wanda M. Morris is an alumni of the Yale Writers Workshop and a Claymore Award finalist for mystery writing. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. She is married, the mother of three, and she lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reviews

[Michael David (on hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful and intense tale of suspense and unjust.

The year is 1964 in Jackson, Mississippi…during the days of Jim Crow laws. Two Black sisters, Violet and Marigold, live together in the house they grew up in after their sister and both parents die.

Violet is raped by a white man named Huxley Broadus. She ends up killing him shortly after, and now she is in major trouble. Nobody in their town is going to let a Black woman get away with killing a white man, no matter what he did to deserve it. She decides to escape town with her white boyfriend, Dewey, but sneaks away from him in the middle of her trip so she can escape without him. She ends up in Chillicothe, Georgia and hopes to earn some money before moving on to another destination where she can feel secure that none of the authorities from Jackson will be able to find her.

Marigold finds herself in a different sort of trouble. She’s single, but discovers she’s pregnant. She doesn’t want to get married, and the baby’s father abandons her. When news of Huxley’s death and Violet’s possible involvement show up on Marigold’s doorstep, she realizes she is not safe there either. She decides to marry a man she doesn’t love, leave Jackson behind, and start a new life in Ohio…where segregation laws are different.

Violet and Marigold don’t have too much time to get comfortable in their new lives when they realize that they can run wherever they want…but troubles from back home will continue to follow them.

I read Wanda M. Morris’s debut, All Her Little Secrets, last year. I thought it was decent, but didn’t love it…mainly because the main character who everyone said was so smart made the worst and most irritating decisions.

Luckily that is not the case here. The characters felt real and raw, and I came to care about so many of them. The story is also much darker and pertinent in terms of the atrocities that faced Black people in the past (and still do today).

I found this to be a powerful and intense story that simmered as the POVs switched effortlessly between Violet and Marigold, along with a few other characters. While the suspense is palpable, it’s quiet at times, and that is what makes this book stand out in my opinion. Morris allows her characters to interact with others, explore, and gives us readers time to invest in them. Of course that means the reader might also get their heart ripped out when things don’t go the way they had hoped.

This was a fantastic sophomore effort, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more from Morris. I found this book to be gripping, powerful, heartbreaking, relevant, uneasy, and flawlessly paced. The author’s note is also touching, and extremely sad given how some things in our unjust world never seem to change.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 10/25/22.

Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some audios in which you feel that the narrators are the highlight of the story; or perhaps their performance in narration enriches the story. This is such an audio. “Anywhere You Run” is narrated brilliantly by Janina Edwards, Shayna Small, and Adam Lazarre-White. The two women’s voices are magic, soothing, and lyrical. Mr. Lazarre-White’s voice is authentically 1960’s deep south Mississippi. I was transported into these character’s lives and could not wait to get back to my audio.

In the summer of 1964, and the Jim Crow justice system in Jackson Mississippi leaves two sisters in nerve-raking state. Sisters Violet and Marigold find themselves in different problems.
Marigold, the older and more studious sister finds herself in trouble in a family way. This is not the time to be single and pregnant, especially when black. Violet, the pretty and dreamy sister, is raped by a white man and she kills him. Needing to escape Jackson, she uses another white man (her sort-of boyfriend) to escape. This white boyfriend thinks she loves him and they are running off to be together. Violet just needs to get out of Jackson before anyone discovers that she, a black woman has killed a white man. In 1965 Mississippi, women of color don’t fare well in the legal system.

Meanwhile, Marigold needs to find a way to make herself an honest woman and marries a man who is a bit of a stooge. She worked for the Mississippi Summer Project to help get the Black citizens to register to vote. Marigold dreams of becoming a lawyer.

The chapters are character driven, with the two sisters narrating their lives. Violet tries to keep in contact with Marigold, but in the 1960’s that’s not easy. Marigold worries for her sister yet has her own pregnancy issues.

Meanwhile, Violet escapes her privileged white boyfriend to start up a new identity to run from the law. When she eludes her boyfriend, she takes his wallet for money. What she discovers is that her boyfriend wants her back, or maybe just his wallet.

The third narrator is Mercer Biggs who is hired by the white boyfriend to find Violet. He just wants to find her so he can get paid.

Violet runs north as does Marigold, only in different times and paths. The two women are attempting to flee segregation. Through the sister’s narration, we learn of the internal struggles of decent folk, just trying to live their best lives and not be persecuted.

I was transported to the deep south of the Jim Crow era. What makes this special for me is that I felt that I was living their lives. I felt their pain and fright. I just LOVED their voices.

My only grouse, and it’s minor, is the ending. I felt it felt contrived. However, it’s a minor issue.

My rating is for the audio. I’m not sure if I would have enjoyed it as much if I read it. Some stories are better read!

[Catherine (alternativelytitledbooks) - still catching up! · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Many thanks to NetGalley, Scene of the Crime, William Morrow, and Wanda M Morris for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 10.25!**

And I ran, I ran so far away
I just ran, I ran all night and day
I couldn't get away-"I Ran (So Far Away)", A Flock of Seagulls

Wanda M Morris' sophomore novel artfully blends history AND mystery...and I simply could NOT put it down!

Violet and Marigold are two Black sisters, trying to make it from one day to the next....because living in Mississippi in the era of Jim Crow has been anything but easy. Their parents are dead and so is their sister Rose...but believe it or not, these two strong young women have even BIGGER problems to deal with than the aforementioned. Violet was raped by a white man, Huxley, and has now taken matters into her own hands to keep him from harming any other innocents...and leaves his body in the alley. Knowing she has to run (and run quickly) her white boyfriend helps to get her out of town and Violet thinks she will be safe in a small town with a family member in Georgia. She goes by Vera and tries to keep out of the limelight...but exactly how well DO the police communicate across state lines?

Marigold has her own host of troubles: she's working as a volunteer helping to get out the vote for Black people across the local community and has formed strong connections with some fellow activists: one in particular. He is attorney, he's white...and he has gotten Marigold pregnant.Marigold faces her fear and tells him the news, only to be met by his quick departure from the state. At home, Marigold's lackabout boyfriend Roger is practically begging her to get married...so with circumstances as they are, he no longer looks QUITE so bad.

As she grapples with the implications of that decision...a white man shows up at her door...and he's looking for Violet. Can Marigold start a new life in Ohio AND protect her sister from forces determined to hunt her down? Will Violet be safe in Georgia...or will she need to risk everything, yet again, to escape to the promise of a safer life in Ohio? And WHAT exactly was happening in that mysterious photo that Violet found in her boyfriend's wallet...and does it implicate even MORE danger and even a deadly motive still in store?

After skipping Morris' first novel, I wasn't sure how I would feel about this one, since historical thriller is a bit of a new genre for me. HOWEVER...after reading this book...I find it so hard to believe that I waited THIS LONG!

Historical fiction is always tricky for me, because it normally ends up feeling overly contrived, cliché, or drier than a piece of burnt toast. What Morris does with such effortless ability, however, is to thrust the reader headlong into the time period with JUST enough detail to keep you immersed, but not enough to feel overwhelming. JUST enough character development to keep things interesting and to keep you guessing. JUST enough characters to keep the plot tumbling and turning without feeling overwrought...and of course, JUST the right number of twists and turns to keep this firmly in the mystery/thriller vein.

The narrative is perfectly balanced between the Marigold and Violet, and both women were compelling, multi-faceted, and interesting characters whose choices were rarely cut and dried. The undercurrent of hate and vitriol against Black people in a huge way at the time (and yes, today as well) was both a subtle motivator for some of their decisions and a limiting factor with others. I really felt as though I got to know both women in such a short period of time and was sad to have to leave them.

This book may be 4oo pages, but it certainly didn't feel it! This is one of those stories you'll be mulling over when you're not read, guessing, pondering, and thinking about what's going to happen next whenever you aren't reading. Although I was intrigued by the premise from jump, I NEVER would have guessed I would be so caught up in this book and I didn't want it to end..this was a huge sleeper hit for me in 2022! 🥇

Although I won't tell you where Marigold and Violet end up, you can bet the next place I'LL be running is ANYWHERE Wanda M Morris wants to take her readers next! 🏃‍♂️

4.5 stars

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Wow, what did I just read? This book was so intense. It is about two black women, who are sisters. The year is 1964 and Violet and Marigold are from Jackson, Mississippi. Violet has killed the white man who raped her. Marigold is unwed and pregnant and after telling her boyfriend she is expecting he hightails it out of town. Both women decide to escape Jackson to different locals and what ensues is a taut story that had me gripped from the start.

The story itself is well told and the writing engaging. Even though there is a well thought out plot I found the book to be very character driven. I really cared about what happened to these women and when they hurt, I hurt too. I felt their suffering and wished I could fight the injustices they faced with and for them. The chapters coming from each character's point of view make it easy to feel each woman's pain and feel it I did.

Ms. Morris sure can write historical fiction well enough to give the reader a sense of time and place. I so enjoyed this sad yet ultimately hopeful novel. With great pacing, a suspenseful storyline, and a powerful message this is one amazing book. I will have to read All Her Little Secrets by this author as a character from that book is in this one too, but this book is definitely a stand alone.

This title is currently available for purchase.

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1964 and Lyndon Johnson has just signed the Civil Rights Act into law. But life in Jackson, Mississippi hasn’t changed. When three men, two of whom are white, are murdered for helping Mississippians register to vote, it seems that Jackson is business as usually despite the new law.

It is within this world that Violet Richards has recently been assaulted by a white man named Huxley Broadus. But after the police refuse to investigate, Violet takes the law into her own hands leaving Huxley dead. Knowing that there’s no way to avoid Jim Crow justice in Jackson, she decides to run with the help of her white boyfriend. After arriving in Chillicothe, Georgia, however, Violet realizes that the small town may not be as safe as she had hoped. Because someone is hunting her.

Unknown to Violet, her sister Marigold is dealing with her own problems. With dreams of going to college and becoming a lawyer, she instead finds herself unmarried and pregnant with the police at her door looking for her sister. With few options, Marigold believes her only choice is to run as well. But has she made the right choice? Or has she inadvertently made one that will leave her in just as much danger but also far from home?

Filled with lessons about the origins of race relations and voting rights in America, Anywhere You Run unfortunately fell a little flat to me as a psychological thriller. Unlike Wanda M. Morris’s debut novel All Her Little Secrets, which also explores being a black woman in America and has a riveting legal thriller plot, this one was missing the overriding suspense. Perhaps because this one takes place in the past, it feels more like historical fiction mixed with an extremely slow burn mystery and less like a thriller, despite the chase that takes place toward the end of the novel.

For some positives, however (as there definitely were some excellent aspects hence my rating), I think the value of this book is in illuminating the world that a young, black woman in the 1964 Jim Crow South had to survive. With descriptive writing that makes you feel the tension Violet and Marigold are experiencing, the characters are vivid with deep, well-studied backgrounds. The multiple points of view gives us insight into not just the protagonists but the antagonist as well, which humanizes him somewhat. While I still can not put myself in either woman’s shoes, I feel honored to learn more about what they may have experienced had this story been real.

Ultimately, I found myself being swept up by the book despite finding it a hard slog in the beginning. About halfway through, however, it picked up and gave me some excitement. It just lacked the major twist associated with a thriller, in my opinion. Morris did create a world I felt I could step right into, which in itself is an amazing achievement. Perhaps it should have been slated as a different genre? Then I might not have felt mildly disappointed after finishing this read. Rating of 4 stars.

Trigger warning: rape, racist language, spousal abuse, abortion, miscarriage

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, so it seemed inevitable that it would wind up in my reading pile.

I think what compelled me to read it, even though its storyline was based in the past, is how eerily similar it is to today’s recent events.

Why aren’t we learning from our past? Moving on? Embracing differences.

The story takes place during the Jim Crow era in Mississippi and rural Georgia. President Lyndon Johnson has just signed the Civil Rights Act, but nothing has changed.

The story centers around two Black sisters on the run. Violet is running because she has killed a white man who brutalized her and went unpunished. Consequently, she must flee Jackson, and her sister, in the hopes that she can outrun her past. But when Violet decides to leave, assuming a new name (Vera) she skips out with the wallet of a white man and some evidence of a crime (she is unaware of this) that nobody wants anyone to see.

As readers, we can only imagine what danger will follow her!

And then…

There is Marigold (her sister).

Why is she running?

Even though she dreams of being a lawyer, she finds herself pregnant and in an abusive, loveless marriage. So, now she is running from that abusive husband.

The narrative is told in two parts and alternates between the sisters’ perspectives.

Then there are also Rose’s diary entries sprinkled throughout. (Rose was their older sister who died eight years before in an accidental death.) A reminder of innocence lost.

And then…

Another POV…

Mercer Buggs, a small-time player from Jackson who is hired to find Violet and report back.

Eventually paths will cross and blood will spill.

But…

Who will survive?

This is a story about dysfunctional family relationships, lack of small-town justice and prejudice.

And it is a…

Poignant Page-turner.

Courage is found in confronting the past and facing it. Part crime novel and character study.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you know when you have found the right words to express the strong feelings in your heart? That's my quandary. Let me express my thanks to the author, Wanda K. Morris, and the publisher, William Morrow, for an Advance Reader's Edition if this work. I won't be giving away details if this book as it will be released in October and I hope as many people as possible will be pre-ordering and keeping it in their want to read lists. I hope it us enough to say that I finished this book emotionally charged and touched in ways that only a few other memorable books have done. Please, please read this!

[DeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 sister stars

This is my second read from this author. I find her writing style very readable, and she creates great pacing and suspense. This one is mostly set in the south in the mid-1960s when racial unrest was at a fever pitch as voting rights were a rallying cry. Northerners came south to join the movement to try to get people registered to vote and violence was a daily occurrence.

The story focuses on two sisters and the ghost of their older sister. Violet is running out of town (Jackson, MS) to escape a violent incident. She makes it to a small town in Georgia and surprisingly makes friends and finds a wonderful man who adores her. Will her past come back to haunt her though?

Marigold is in trouble and decides that marrying the man who has been chasing her and moving north is her ticket out of town. We follow both sisters and I really hoped for the best. Danger seems just around the corner and both women face new trials.

This one was quite engrossing, and I was drawn into the story. I would recommend this one if you like good storytelling. I’ve been thinking about it after I’ve finished it, always the sign of a good book for me!

My thanks to Scene of the Crime/William Morrow for the opportunity read and honestly review this one.

[J.D. Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The suspense will set your heart thumping, the story will break it. A compelling thriller with powerful historical detail.
—J.D. Barker, NY Times bestselling author of A Caller's Game

[Katie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Having now read two books written by Wanda M. Morris, she's going in the automatic read category for her future books. I love what she is bringing to the fiction genre. Her last book, All Her Little Secrets, had thriller elements. Anywhere You Run is more suspenseful and with the story taking place during the Jim Crow era in Mississippi, there's historical content as well. Both worthwhile reads with substance. There's actually a bit of a tie-in with the books but you can certainly read each as a standalone novel.

In 1964, twenty-two year old, Violet Richards, is forced to flee her Jackson, Mississippi home she shares with her sister, Marigold. She's on the run from the law but given she's a Black woman in the South, successfully leaving will require a plan of action and some luck.

With people looking for Violet, Marigold doesn't feel safe either and makes the decision to get out of town ASAP. She too better come up with a plan as she is pregnant and unmarried. With the two sisters attempting to start over, they might have a whole mess of trouble coming their way.

I didn't want to give away too many details about the plot because the reading experience is enhanced if you just let everything naturally unfold. There's an edge of your seat type feeling as you read and you feel protective over the sisters because just knowing basic history, a person of color was never able to truly feel safe so that's in the back of your mind the while time.

The historical content was worked seamlessly into the story. There's one scene in particular that has stuck with me and it involves one of the women buying a dress but not being allowed to try it on first or have the option of returning it. The idea is the garment would somehow be "soiled" if touched by a Black person. And that's an injustice I don't recall ever hearing about back when I was in school and we learned about the Civil Rights Era. At the age of 40 something I still have a lot to learn and I'm thankful this book gave me the opportunity to do so.

Many thanks to Book Club Girl, Netgalley, and William Morrow for providing me with an advance digital copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.

[Rachel L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place in 1964, this is the story of two Black sisters who are both running from something. Marigold wants to attend law school, but finds herself in a loveless marriage. Violet has suffered a brutal attack and killed the man in revenge. Now she's on the run from the law. Both sisters leave Mississippi, but what they don't know is a man is following both of them.

I really enjoyed this book, my first by Wanda M Morris. I was told after I read it, it's sort of a prequel to her other first book and I'll need to read that asap. This book is definitely more under the suspense/crime category than an actual mystery but it was thrilling all the same. It's amazing how some people can just make all the wrong choices without ever really meaning to, but then seeing how it all plays out in the end. I couldn't put this book down I was looking for reasons to listen to the audiobook whenever I could.

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 stars
This was advertised as a historical thriller but I found it to be very light on the thriller elements. Instead this read like a more character driven historical fiction novel.
I appreciated the racial themes and exploration with this story, but I did not find a personal connection to the main characters. I would primarily recommend this ones to historical fiction readers.

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[megs_bookrack]

I love that this is going to give us the history behind one of the characters in All Her Little Secrets. So freaking stoked to get my hands on this!!

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bestselling and talented Atlanta author Wanda M. Morris returns following her smashing debut All Her Little Secrets (Showtime) 5 stars —with a gripping, powerful, emotional sophomore novel, ANYWHERE YOU RUN.

The 1964 murder of three civil rights activists in Mississippi provides the backdrop for the novel. Part family drama; women, southern, historical, literary fiction; and part mystery/suspense thriller. You will be on the edge of your seat until the conclusion.

Beautifully rendered and meticulously researched, Morris takes us back to 1964 in the Deep South, where we meet two African American sisters, Violet and Marigold Richards, trying desperately to survive.

The novel explores racism, evil, rural small southern injustices, and family/sisterhood. Sadly, not a lot has changed over the years, which is heartbreaking and relevant today.

Both sisters are the only ones left in the family and are desperate to leave Jackson. However, they are forced to stay by the fear of wandering out in the world without their parents.

Set in the Jim Crow South in Jackson, Mississippi, Violet kills a white man, Huxley, who was trying to defend herself due to being raped.

She had gone to the police regarding the attack days earlier, and they did nothing. She knows that as a Black woman, she will not be treated fairly during this time. She must escape with her wealthy white boyfriend, Dewey Leonard.

However, after she abandons him in Birmingham, Alabama, to catch a bus to Chillicothe, GA. He wanted to marry her like that was going to happen.

Dewy later hires Mercer to find her. She has no clue about the danger ahead and the person following her.

Marigold had dreams of going to college and law school. She was the smart one.

Violet was the pretty one who made fast decisions. She had no dreams. She left without her sister but would call and explain when she got settled and send for her.

Marigold works for the Mississippi Summer Project to help Blacks register to vote. After news of the murder brings the police to her door, Marigold sees no choice but to flee Jackson too. She heads North seeking the promise of a better life and no more segregation.

She winds up in Ohio after quickly marrying her crazy boyfriend, having become pregnant by another man. But has she made a terrible choice that threatens her life and her unborn child?

Two sisters are on the run, one from the law, the other from social shame. Will they make it back together again reunited, and if so, what will happen next?

Oh, the strength of sisters and the power of redemption. From tragedy to triumph. A novel of love, loss, and survival.

Rich in detail, these parallel stories of hiding and pursuit lead to a satisfying conclusion. Told from alternating Violet and Marigold's POVs equally compelling, with a chapter from Dewey Leonard and about thirteen chapters from Mercer Buggs.

These sisters experienced so much loss, fear, and pain when all they want is the freedom to live their lives.

Raw, intense, and heartbreaking! Heart-pounding emotion, well-developed characters, and a gripping plot make ANYWHERE YOU RUN an exceptional must-read! The author is a gifted master storyteller, writing with passion and wisdom. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Move this to the top of your TBR list, now.

"God will not let you falter when He has set you up to soar."
—Violet Richards Anywhere You Run

A special thank you to #WilliamandMorrow and #NetGalley for a gifted e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I also pre-ordered the audiobook (HarperAudio), narrated by Janina Edwards, Shayna Small, and Adam Lazarre-White.

Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 25, 2022
Oct 2022 Must-Read Books

[MicheleReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 1964 murder of three civil rights activists in Mississippi sets the stage for this incredibly powerful book. Sisters Violet and Marigold are two Black sisters living together in their family home in Jackson, having overcome great loss in their lives. But everything quickly changes when Violet is taken to the brink and kills Huxley, the white man who has raped and continually taunted her. She is forced to escape her small hometown with the aid of her boyfriend, a white man who not only loves Violet but also wants to rebel against his racist father. Violet does not love him and runs away while on the road. She heads to Chillicothe, Georgia and changes her name. Violet (now Vera) lives in fear that the Jackson police will find and arrest her. Marigold, who has been working to help Black area residents register to vote, also finds herself in a difficult situation. She is pregnant by one of the attorneys she works with, and he quickly disappears after she tells him. Hoping to keep her good name, she marries her boyfriend Roger, who she is not in love with and knows that he is a bad choice. Marigold and her new husband move to Cleveland and soon discover that someone who is looking for Violet is following her. As the two sisters face unimaginable predicaments, they are determined to help one another and live the lives they know they deserve.

Anywhere You Run is the second novel by author Wanda M. Morris. I thoroughly enjoyed her debut novel All Her Little Secrets. It was a fast-paced, entertaining mystery thriller. This, her second book, is so much more. It's a tense, riveting story that will grab you from the beginning. It will appeal to both fans of historical fiction as well as mystery thrillers. Books about racial injustice in the Jim Crow era are heartbreaking to read but are important to remind us of a tragic time in history, especially since it was not very long ago. The real-life tragedy of the Freedom Summer Murders helped convey the unimaginable horrors that occurred during these terrible times. The fictional sisters felt very real, and through them, Morris has told a valuable and memorable story. I highly recommend reading this book and look forward to what comes next from this talented author.

Many thanks to William Morrow / HarperCollins and Book Club Girl Early Reads for the opportunity to read Anywhere You Run in advance of its release.

Rated 4.5 stars.

Review posted on MicheleReader.com.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Wanda M. Morris might be the only author where I have read their debut and then immediately read their sophomore novel not too long after it came out. Anyone who knows me knows I am terrible at actually getting to the books I'm dying to read, so I am pretty proud of myself that I got to Anywhere You Run (almost) right away. Just like with All Her Little Secrets, this book is set in the south and has a mystery/suspense element, but instead of being contemporary like her debut, it was more like historical fiction. In Anywhere You Run, Morris brings to life what it meant to be a black person, especially a black female, in the 60s. It broke my heart in so many ways, but I loved the passion and determination of our MC Violet. I thought the story was incredibly suspenseful at times and it had a very unsettling quality as well which based on what it is about, was to be expected.

There are 3 main viewpoints in the novel which are the sisters Violet (AKA Vera) and Marigold, and then a man named Mercer, as well as diary entries from V & M’s dead sister Rose that Violet reads. I loved the way this broke up the story and I was delighted the audiobook had a narrator for each of them. Janina Edwards, Shayna Small & Adam Lazarre-White all really impressed me with their narration and I thought the audiobook was executed perfectly. Edwards and Small really brought through the emotions that Violet and Marigold were feeling and helped me connect to their characters all the more. Anywhere You Run was an incredibly powerful story, and every time I read Morris, I am even more attached to the way she writes. The only thing that I will say is I thought there were a couple of loose ends which is what brought my rating down just a touch. Even so, Morris is a force to be reckoned with and she is an autobuy author for me which is something that will never change.

Thank you to the publishers for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[NILTON TEIXEIRA · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author.
I do own a copy of All Her Little Secrets, which remains unopened since.
I was expecting to love this book, which is more like a historical fiction rather than a thriller or crime fiction.
The story is not bad, but the writing was very repetitive and the development of the storyline wasn’t gripping, except for the last 25%, where some events looked like to have been inspired by Quentin Tarantino.
I did love the characters, though. But I needed more.

[Giovanareadshere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I can take a deep breath and wipe my tears after reading this book. This book was goood! After reading “All Her Little Secrets” around the same time last year, I knew I had to pick up this book from the library and the audiobook. The pace of this book was addictive, and I was glued to this book every night. The end was definitely… surprising and bittersweet; it made me stop and have a short cry thinking about my ancestors and how relatable and familiar this story is without giving any spoilers away.😭

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Wow. What an incredibly unique read. As someone who has never read this sub genre before I was a little unsure about what to expect. Turns out I should not have been hesitant. The perfect balance of historical fiction and domestic thriller, this was an all absorbing story of two sisters both running from their past. This is an intense and raw read, rooted in the very scary reality of what it meant to be a black woman in the Jim Crowe South.

[BookmarkedByAlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why have I waited sooo long to pick up a book by this author?? I want all of her books now.
While I wouldn’t categorize this as a thriller per se, it definitely was super suspenseful and I couldn’t wait to get to the end to find out Marigold and Violet/Vera’s fate.
This was historical fiction, suspense and even had a sprinkle or two of romance in it as well. This was an awesome way to end 2025!💫

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot possibly do this book Justice by writing a review. My words would fail me and not serve Wanda Norris well.

The book started off with a bang 💥 and took me on a wild ride through distance and emotion that broke my heart and lifted my spirit.

[Shelby (catching up on 2025 reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌾 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 🌾

𝗔𝗻𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗥𝘂𝗻
𝗕𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗠. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀
𝟰𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮

🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸:
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝘆𝗻𝗮 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗟𝗮𝘇𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗲-𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲, 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀
𝟵 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝟰𝟵 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ • 5/5 stars

I fell in love with Wanda Morris after reading her debut, All Her Little Secrets, earlier this year. When I saw she had a new one coming out, I couldn't wait to read it!

I'm pleased to announce that this was even better than the last (which I also rated 5 stars)! 🙌

Anywhere You Run follows two sisters, Violet and Marigold, living in Jim Crow Mississippi. Having lost their other sister and both their parents, the sisters are all that's left of their family.

When Violet is the victim of a heinous crime at the hands of a white man, she knows she's not going to get the justice she deserves -- certainly not in the 1950s South -- so she takes justice into her own hands. Knowing she must flee, Violet takes off and forges a new life, a new identity, far away from Mississippi.

Meanwhile Marigold finds herself in her own bit of trouble, and winds up in a dangerous situation herself. Out of options, Marigold joins her sister in an attempt to escape.

Will the sisters be able to outrun their problems? Or will they follow them anywhere they run?

💭 What I love most about Morris's writing is the underlying themes of inequality, racism, sexism, etc. Like with her debut, this one also tackles difficult issues. Yet unlike the first one, this one is set in the 50s, so the prejudice, racism, and brutality is even more prevalent. I find it important to read about difficult themes, as it seves as a good reminder of what humanity is capable of.

I read most of this in print, but I listened to parts via the audiobook, which was very well-narrated by a talented cast.

I highly recommend both books by Wanda Morris! 💕 She's firmly planted on my autobuy list.

Thank you @marensreads for sending me a copy for my b-day 🎂

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[LaToya Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Minette Cummings · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sentimental cliched melodramatic tripe written in a 5th grade writing style. NYT was WRONG!

[ReadingWryly · Rating 5 out of 5]

With social horror we expect one element of society (in this case race and gentrification) to be compared metaphorically to some aspect of horror, be it ghosts or monsters, or what have you. This isn't social horror in that sense, it's just strait up, real life, historical horror.

Because this is set in the 1960s Jim Crow south, it can be difficult to read. This isn't a thriller either, in the way that Morris's last book was. It is a harrowing, character-focused story about family, healing, and finding joy even when the cards are stacked against you.

Morris begins with a crime that sheds light on the time and place on a macro level, and weaves that narrative throughout the story, while also focusing on sisters Violet and Marigold on a micro level, as we learn the implications on their lives. It's easy to root for these sisters. While different, they are both strong and determined women, and the story is told through both of their perspectives (as well as one other) so we get to know them well.

It was not what I was expecting going in, but I feel like I am better for having read this novel. It is an important story to tell and to read about, and very well written.

[Suzette Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love AA Historical Fiction and consider this is a wonderfully riveting, fast paced story. I appreciated the heroines' personal journeys, their growth and the challenges they faced and overcame. The story is well written, well researched, and rings true with its era. However, I couldn't stomach a horrific occurrence near the end. and wished there had been a different possibility. (No spoilers offered, just read). Again, what occurred rings true and accurate for the era in which the story takes place. Yet, it dampened the taste of victory and joy I experienced for Marigold and Violet. Ms. Morris is a brilliant writer & I remain a fan, nonetheless.

[noosha · Rating 2 out of 5]

not a thriller at ALL i can no longer trust a single book karin recommends. killing hank was awful and unnecessary and too sad, minus one star for that BULLSHIT

[ᒪᗴᗩᕼ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4½⭐

MOODS
➨ Historical 1964
➨ Jim Crow South
➨ Mystery Thriller
➨ Two sisters…on the run for different reasons

This book was really quite good. The middle was a tad slow-ish but other than that it held my attention and stirred my emotions, plus that ending…didn’t feel like it came out of nowhere with a bunch of crazy twists. The author kept things real and captured the tumultuous times with candor and heart.


➨ Narrated by: 🎙️ Janina Edwards, Shayna Small, & Adam Lazarre-White 📣 The narration was performed perfectly.


Total Score 8.50/10 | Opening-8 | Characters-8.5 | Plot-8.5 | Atmosphere-8 | Writing Style-8.5 | Ending-9.5 | Overall Enjoyment- 8.5

[tre be · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⤴️

Wow! The growth! The suspense, characters, and overall story was amplified in Wanda’s follow-up. Not only did she shake it up a few notches, but she brought back some backstories of notable characters from AHLS!
These two sisters - Marigold and Violet - are both on the run for different reasons, to escape the trouble each has wound up in. Both stories were equally compelling and kept me on anxiously waiting to see if they’d get caught up in more serious harm. I loved the sisters and their perseverance to escape danger at all costs. They were fueled by hope and bravery, not fear. The story behind the man hunting them was just as exciting. Everyone had a great story to tell!
The book contained all of the allure of the 60s! I felt like I was watching it play out on the screen because of the vivid details. I loved the soulfulness and deep Southern vibes throughout.
The narration flowed as smooth as honey and added even more depth to this unputdownable story! I honestly wanted more! Wanda Norris has quickly become an author to watch! Highly recommend!