Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they’ve failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.
But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up.
Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?
Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices: the girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.
Before I start I'd like to say my review will contain a very small spoiler. Not one that will affect the who-done-it aspect, but one that tells you a small fact about the end of the book which I wasn't aware of prior to reading it. So either keep reading, or go purchase the book and then come back and read my review:)
All right, so as usual with a Blackstock book, it starts out with a line that immediately links your hands to the page, unwilling to put the book down. And while I did find the story intriguing from page one, I struggled to truly get into the characters' heads as it is written in first person present. This lends itself to the feeling of the hero and heroine narrating their story to you. I am a fan of third person, deep POV and thus found it took me some time to connect with Casey and Dylan. That being said, the story is well paced with a secondary plot and characters that are as compelling as the main thread. I found myself flipping through the book, enjoying every word even though I knew exactly what was happening. There wasn't so much of a who-done-it aspect as there was simply good story-telling.
It wasn't until the last page that I took issue. ***SPOILER MOMENT***
While the secondary story neatly wrapped up, this book is only the first of what will be a series. I have no idea how long of a series--or even that it was a series--because no where does it indicate that is the case. However, Casey's story does not end on the last page. She simply drives off into the proverbial sunset with several loose ends that still need tying. I liken it the first episode of a current television drama. You've met the heroine and potential love interest. You've learned why she's on the run and who the Big Bad is. You understand why she must continue to run--and along the way apparently help other people--but her story will span other episodes until finally her Big Bad is put away. And I would have been okay with that...IF I'd have expected it.
I'm still not sure exactly what to think. It was a long read for it to have the feel of only an episode at the end. However, I do think it's smart of Blackstock to use what could prove to be a fresh set-up for readers. My only caveat is that I wish the book would have been marketed as such as it would have prevented a frustrating moment when I hit the last page. My expectations were left unmet, and that could have so easily been fixed by a number on the cover or a sentence in the back cover blurb.
However, I cannot fault the story itself. Blackstock is an amazing writer, and now that I know what to expect from this series, I'm sure I'll be picking up the next book. I happily give If I Run 4 out of 5 stars and you can purchase it here.
Happy reading, friends!
I've been wanting to read this book. Thanks for reviewing!
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