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Running from Arrows

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One of Lacy's beaus has a bow. Unlike Cupid, his arrows kill. There's more than romance in the air this Valentine's Day! Running from Arrows is the fun, twist-filled, romantic cozy mystery romp you've been waiting for! Valentine's Day is coming up and Lacy is single. If that's not bad enough, she has a secret admirer. Is it the compassionate,haunted detective, the ruggedly handsome businessman, the suave maître de, the guy in her running group who likes to stare, or maybe someone who's not on her radar? She'll find out soon enough because he's invited her to dinner. Now the question isn't how long Lacy will remain single but how long she'll remain alive.  During the Sweetheart Run through the town of Cedar Mill a fellow runner is murdered and a notorious burglar called the Black Cat is found dead with an arrow sticking out of him. Somehow these strange murders are connected to the ladies of Run For It - Lacy the divorcee, Stax the quirky bookseller, and Ruby the old-time mystery novelist. They're back in a race against time to catch an invisible killer and exonerate an innocent man! If you love a delicious mystery dripping with romance, humor, and chills - and a Valentine's Day dinner no reader will ever forget - then buy Running from Arrows now and run it right to the top of your TBR pile! You'll want to tell all your friends about Running from Arrows , but whatever you do,  DON'T TELL THE SECRET OF THE SECRET ADMIRER.  Running from Arrows is part two in a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

302 pages, Paperback

Published January 6, 2019

4 people are currently reading
460 people want to read

About the author

T.C. Wescott

3 books90 followers

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5 stars
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20 (47%)
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8 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Nila (digitalcreativepages).
2,666 reviews223 followers
January 7, 2019
This was Book 2 in the series and it was much better the first one. The story had a smoother flow, with a completeness to the characters. They seemed to show emotions and play their tiny parts in solving the murder mystery.

The story by T. C. Wescott had the 3 sleuths, Lacy, Stax, and Ruby, trying to solve the 3 murders, two with an arrow, one with a knife along with the mystery of detecting the identity of the Lacy's secret admirer. Ruby was the brains in this trio while the others ran about like headless chooks, including the cops who allowed Ruby to steal the show with the final big reveal.

The plot was intricate, the murders seemed more complex, to the point that I felt the murderer really worked hard to set up the scenes of the murder. I was amazed at the hard work put in.

The book had a few niggles

The story was told with Lacy's POV, yet she was not the main murder-solver. The main character just ran around as per instructions. She did nothing much in this story, which was similar to the first book. I had more hopes from her in this book.

I like mystery within a mystery if it is connected to the main story. This had an escape room mystery where the trio had to solve clues and escape the room, which went on for pages, without it having a connection to the murder. I skipped those.

In the ARC I was given, the victim's boyfriend's name changed from Roger to Robert and then back to Roger. I was thoroughly confused.

Ruby's private investigator did more work than the cops, but he was not a character in the book, just a reference.

I couldn't bring myself to care about the rest of the characters in this town.

I would read this author's books only for the murder and the big reveal at the end, the WHO, WHY, and HOW as that captured my imagination in being different from the usual ways of murder.
Profile Image for Dora  (Swift Coffee Book Blog).
129 reviews24 followers
January 18, 2019
Full review: http://swiftcoffee.blog/2019/01/19/ru... (available from 19th January, 2019)

I enjoyed this book, too, though not as much as I expected I would based on the first in the series. The characters are more or less the same, and I like the ones that were introduced in this one (At least as characters. Some of them not as people.) The style is basically the same, so there's not much I can say about that. It might have been improved a little bit. I feel like it did, but I can't put my finger on what exactly makes me feel like this, so it remains a feeling.

These are the things I expected.

I'm not so sure about the story, though. After I read the ending, and learned everything about all the connections between the events, I thought it was pretty clever - but I was surprised it was clever, and I don't think that's so flattering. I mean, reading this book my interest kept going and coming back, because that's how much I didn't think about one storyline while reading about the other. There was also an escape room scene which could've been very interesting, had it some connection to the real mystery, but it really didn't have, thus making it simply a distraction from what would've been interesting. I still think I would've loved it, if it were a bit shorter - half a chapter, maybe one. Not more. I think this was in itself a very good story, but the pacing was a bit off in this one.

The other reason I wasn't so enthusiastic about this book (as the first one) is more subjective: half the book dealt with Valentine's Day stuff, and unfortunately that's something that I hate. This hype about V-Day, I mean. I hate that half the world goes totally crazy over it, that you must have a date, unless I don't know what, I hate how cheesy and not honest it is. So, obviously, I wasn't a big fan of the fact that the characters I otherwise like feel like this is such big an event. The scene where Lacy waits for the revelation who her 'secret admirer' is was one I felt like I was watching a movie straight out of Hollywood, and that's not something I like. At all.

Well, that sounds like I didn't like this book at all, which is not true! I did, it's just so much easier to talk about the things that bother me... It's all in comparison to the first book, which I rated 4.5.

I will follow this series forward! (If there's any more books to come.)
Profile Image for Doward Wilson.
752 reviews18 followers
February 15, 2019
An engrossing tale of love & murder! Interesting characters and a tangled triple murder plot!
Profile Image for Anjana.
2,548 reviews60 followers
January 5, 2019
It is a small book, and can be read in one sitting but packs quite a lot into it. It is the second book in the series and though it can be read as a standalone feature, I highly recommend getting acquainted with the people by reading the first book. Their quirks may not seem too normal if they are encountered suddenly in this installment. 

It has been seven months since the last time the police dealt with murder. This time the situation is a little different. There is a 'cat burglar' on the loose and he sends advance notice as a challenge. The town is up in arms and waiting for him to make his move but somebody makes theirs instead. This one more than a little deadly for all concerned. The trio of ladies have more than one mystery to solve as well as put into action a plan that Lacy has come up with. This book felt more together than the last one, with the flow of the story seeming more natural. There were a few references to 'writing cozy mysteries' that made me chuckle a little. Overall I would have rated this book higher if not for a couple of things. Once again Ruby does most of the detecting, and although it makes sense in one way, everyone else is just blundering about while she has quite a few facts hidden up her sleeve and brings it out when its need is almost past or at the final reveal. That and the fact that I stumbled upon the culprit thanks to some well placed references meant that I missed the complete thrill of the reveal. The women and their banter as well as the plot itself (this book has lesser references to running and more to systematic clue solving) has gotten better and this makes me look forward to the next book in the series. 
Profile Image for Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews).
1,446 reviews32 followers
February 6, 2019
Great Cozy Mystery with delightful cast of characters!!!

Running from Arrows is the next book in the Running Store Mystery Series. Lacy is single, but she has a secret admirer who is sending her flowers. Of course, she is curious. She has several men in mind. Sparks tend to fly when she is around Luke, a police detective in town. That little mystery takes a back seat when several murders occur in town.

The three main characters, Lacy, Stax, and Ruby, are very likeable. Although the book is told from Lacy’s POV, the lady who steals the show is Ruby. She takes her detecting work seriously. Each woman is different. Lacy is quiet and reserved. Stax is sweet and quirky. Ruby is outspoken. However, they each complement each other.

I really enjoyed the mystery itself. There are really several different subplots going on. The murders, the identity of Lacy’s secret admirer, and a mysterious cat burglar. In some books, three mysteries might make the book confusing and hard to follow. That was not the case with this book. Each one will make sense in the end. I like a book to keep me guessing, and this one definitely kept me doing that.

This book had several different components. Of course, the mystery...However, there was romance in the air too. The two balanced each other out perfectly. I also loved that it was a very modern mystery, yet had shades of Agatha Christie, with Ruby taking the lead. This was a great read perfect for Valentine’s Day!



Profile Image for Andrea Guy.
1,482 reviews68 followers
February 21, 2019
Running From Arrows is the second book in a series, but not to worry, it works as a stand alone and its a great quick read for cozy mystery lovers, especially those of us that enjoy holiday themed books.

This book is full of quirky characters and can easily be read in one afternoon with a nice cup of your favorite hot beverage at your side.


I loved Ruby, Stax and Lacy. Three sleuths and they all bring something different to the table. Ruby is a former mystery writer, Lacy works in insurance and Stax owns a bookshop. So you have three very different people, but they work together well, even when things try to separate them. (Nope, I won't spoil things)

It also had more going on than just a murder mystery. Lacy has a secret admirer. So there is a romance angle going on too, but lets just say that secret admirer plays into the Cupid Killer mystery too.

I really loved that our three characters were a team when it comes to solving the mystery. I especially loved Ruby who felt like a more up to date Jessica Fletcher (you know, from Murder, She Wrote).

The ending blew me away, because I really couldn't figure out who the Cupid Killer was, and the way the killings took place was really unique.

This was a great read, and I cant wait to read the first book in the series.
736 reviews5 followers
February 18, 2019
I am not a favor of running but I am certainly a fan of this series. At least I hope it is going to keep going. Cupid's arrow causes the Black Cat to run out of lives and a case of mistaken identity causes the death of another. So many mysteries wrapped in pretty Valentine paper and sprinkled with glitter including the anonymous roses and notes for Lacy from a secret Valentine. I wasn't able to guess the admirer but I was able to figure out the killer but not the reason behind. Unlike Ms. Ruby, I did not piece together the puzzle behind the motive. I must say that after reading this mystery I would LOVE to find an Escape Room to put my mystery solving skills to work like Stax, Lacy, and Ms. Ruth. An excellent read!
438 reviews86 followers
February 15, 2019
It’s Valentine’s Day, and who knew Cupid’s arrows could be so deadly. With multiple murders and even more suspects, the ladies are in a race for their lives to figure things out before the killer can strike again.

T.C. Westcott kept me guessing right up until the very end, and I love it when that happens!

No issues with the narration... well done, Natalie Naudus.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
19 reviews
February 16, 2019
I received this book from a goodreads giveaway.

This was a well written, enjoyable and light-hearted read with likeable characters. I haven’t read the first book in the series and after reading, I don’t think it’s necessary to do so. However, there was enough alluding to the events of the first book that I’m eager to pick it up.
Profile Image for Ruby The Romance Enthusiast.
428 reviews34 followers
January 31, 2019
This is another first time author for me. I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I had no clue this was a series. This one is about a woman named Lacy who seems to have a penchant for mystery and murder. The premise is clever I had recently read another book about “Cupid’s” and it prompted me to ask for this book.

I loved that you can learn about the inner workings of connected events. This is exactly what kept my interesting going. There’s a specific scene that includes an escape room which was all the more interesting since they keep popping up everywhere now, I haven’t had a chance to do one yet. But that scene makes me want to do one. Anyway, it had more connection to the real mystery.

The pacing isn’t too bad. I’d like it to have been a little faster. But maybe I’m just impatient. Some of the scenes felt a bit “Hollywood” but that could’ve been intentional due to the content of the book. All in all it’s a cute mystery with a little shot of love in there.

Ha. I made a pun!

I received the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Netgalley and the publisher.






Profile Image for Laura.
588 reviews
February 2, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

This is the second book in A Running Store Mystery series. It is a standalone book and can easily be read without reading the first book [Running with Scissors]. There are numerous references to events which occurred in the first book, but the author provides quick summaries of those events to catch you up [or remind you, if it's been a while since you've read the first book]. However, the first book does provide the back story of the main characters, which is a nice place to start as it is usually the characters which cause you to return to a cozy mystery series.

Here, the story centers around Valentine's Day. The town is holding a race in which Lacy is competing. At the time of the race, several people, including Staxx, are dressed up as Cupid and wearing masks. The mayor starts the race by shooting an arrow straight up at a target on a rooftop. However, up on the rooftop is a catburglar and Beverly, who is a member of Lacy's running group and dressed as Cupid. Both are found dead - Beverly by multiple stab wounds and the cat burglar by arrow. The cat burglar had been in Staxx's bookstore the day prior trying to warn her of danger. So, was Staxx the intended victim? Was the cat burglar mistakenly hit by the mayor's arrow? One thing is for sure, it is dangerous to be a part of Lacy's running group. Ruby again takes the lead in the investigation.

I really like the characters and there are some great heart felt moments in this story - especially with Ruby. I enjoyed Lacy's secret admirer story [it is Valentine's Day - so love is in the air] and her insecurities about someone finding her attractive but having the bravery to push herself towards what she wants - to be loved.

I thought the solution to the mystery was clever -- perhaps a bit too clever. Here's what I wish the author might consider for future books - I don't mind that Ruby is the lead investigator but her investigations seem to mostly occur behind the scenes while Lacy and Staxx bumble around. It would be nice if Staxx and Lacy were not so inept but actually contribute more on their own - instead of being directed by Ruby - and some of Ruby's investigating to occur in the narrative. Nevertheless, I look forward to continuing with the series.

I listened to this book -- the narrator, Natalie Naudus, was pitch perfect for this story.
Profile Image for Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman.
282 reviews9 followers
February 11, 2019
Won this Kindle book through Goodreads. Thank you.

I finished it but it dragged. Billed as a mystery, it started out only concerned with who was Lacey's secret admirer. It was Chapter Four before we finally had a dead body. Looking back, I suppose that gave Wescott time to character build. At the time though, it was tough to keep my interest. I hate Valentine's (too commercial). Then all of a sudden we have two murders! Wescott continues to mix in the mystery of the secret admirer (never saw THAT one coming - good job on that behalf) and the two murders. Add another murder while Lacy is at the restaurant.

Lacey and her friends go to an Escape Room to determine if the owner is a suspect in the first two murders or not. Wescott adds a mystery within the mystery. While not confusing, it was simply boring. I wanted to get on with the murders. I kept waiting for the tie in but there really was not one.

Character development was good. I did not like the tense of the novel. Lacey narrated the novel in the first person. That took some time getting used to. To be fair, that is probably just a personal dislike on my behalf. All in all, the novel felt more like a soap opera (all the different little stories within the story) rather than cozy little mystery novel.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,856 reviews
January 26, 2019
Single gal and running enthusiast Lacy has a secret admirer and a date with the mystery man on Valentine's Day. But several murders around town threaten to deter her romance and her life. Lacy and her friends Stax and Ruby must solve the mystery of the murders and the admirer before it's too late.

The second book in a series, "Running From Arrows" is a stand-alone novel with numerous references to the first book, which I did not read. I picked this book to read because I love a good mystery, and the title looked intriguing. While this book is entertaining, the characters never really grabbed me. I finished it mostly out of obligation, although a small part of me did want to see who did it. I doubt I'll read other books in this series or by this author, but this book is an easy read and a light mystery that's perfect for the beach or for readers who are looking for a quick, lighthearted read.
Profile Image for Mi-ch-elle.
103 reviews
July 19, 2019
Book 2 in the “A Running Store Mystery” series was a quirky short story mystery involving Cupid’s arrow(s) and Valentine’s Day.

Lacy, the main character, is placed in another mystery of both a double murder and figuring out who her secret admirer is. With the help of Ruby and Stax, the three set out to solve both mysteries before the Cupid Killer (so fondly dubbed) strikes again!

The plot thickens when another unsuspecting victim is killed on Valentine with an arrow. Will Lacy, Ruby and Stax catch the killer before it is too late?

Overall “Running from Arrows” was an easy read, and included many twist and turns. I didn’t expect the reveal of who the killer was nor who was Lacy’s secret admirer.

3.5 star

** I received a copy of “Running from Arrows” , Book 2 of A Running Store Mystery by T.C. Wescott via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#RunningFromArrows #NetGalley
Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
May 1, 2019
Audio book review
This is part 2 in the series. It’s a great mystery listen with some great characters.
Lacy is still single, but she has a secret admirer who is sending her flowers. Lacy is wondering who it is , is it the person that she thinks.
When Lacy and Luke are around each other there is an instant attraction. She has to put the attraction on the back burner when dead bodies start showing up .

There is lots of layers in this story .
Grab it and see who the secret admirer is . Who is the murderer ?

Natalie was great doing this second story in the series. Her voice is calm, strong and clear

Profile Image for Laura.
682 reviews19 followers
August 31, 2019
I read this title as a standalone and did not feel like I missed too much from the first book to enjoy it.

Lacy is puzzled over who her secret admirer could be. Especially with Valentine's Day approaching.
But, what puzzles her more is who is killing people around her.

A mystery with a bit of romance tossed in for good measure. The characters have a bit of quirkiness to them and the setting is described well enough that you almost want to go visit the small town. Well, so long as a murderer isn't on the loose!

I was provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Paula Dyches.
855 reviews17 followers
May 8, 2019
I really loved this mystery! Without giving anything away it has: love triangles, a secret admire, a spunky retired mystery writer, and a murderer running amuck being called the "Cupid Killer." What could be more fun? The narrator did an amazing job and was so much fun to listen to. If you like cozy mysteries then you'll love this one. 

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,867 reviews21 followers
February 26, 2019
This is the second book in the Running Store Series. Lacy, Ruby and Stax are back to solve this mystery. They are such great characters! The storyline is fun, intriguing, filled with mystery, and twists and turns. Natalie Naudus did an amazing narration. I enjoyed my listening. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily written this review.
Profile Image for Deedra.
3,932 reviews39 followers
March 26, 2019
Audible;This was a fun cozy mystery/Romance story. The Black Cat is expected to make his way to town to burgle. Before the weekend is over there is more than one body and quite a few thoughts on who dunnit. Natalie Naudus was a good narrator. I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.2k reviews164 followers
January 8, 2019
A good cozy mystery novella that can be read really fast.
The plot was good and the cast of characters likable.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
Profile Image for Valerie.
736 reviews14 followers
January 10, 2019
I liked the old time feel of this book. It reminds me of the old mysteries. I did think that Ruby was a bit pushy but that mellows out over time. I enjoyed it. #RunningFromArrows #NetGalley
Profile Image for Qui2.
1,164 reviews
October 31, 2019
I stopped reading this book. There was no character development, the plot was ridiculous, and when I listened to the audible, the narrator was awful. Moving on to a different book.
Profile Image for Grace Koshida.
755 reviews15 followers
April 7, 2019
It's getting close to Valentine's Day and runner Lacy has a secret admirer sending her roses and cryptic notes. She thinks he is one of 3 men: the handsome detective she met during her first murder case, a ruggedly handsome businessman/developer or the suave Maitre'd at a local Italian restaurant. Lacy will soon find out his identity since he has invited her out for a Valentine's Day dinner.

During the annual Sweetheart Run, a fellow run leader goes missing while on the trail. Then another runner in a cupid's costume is murdered and the notorious burglar called the Black Cat is found dead with an arrow sticking out of him. Are these murders and the case of the missing runner all connected? Lacy, with the help of her friends, quirky bookstore owner Stax and retired mystery novelist Ruby are determined to catch this killer and exonerate an innocent man!

This was a quick read and another fun entry in the Running Store mystery series.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and BooksGoSocial with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
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