If I Run by Terri Blackstock | Re:View

A gripping, thrill-inducing read that will captivate you with brilliant writing and twist upon twist.

Let's face it. You will likely lose sleep over this book. I know that I did. But it was actually a very fast read--one that I greatly enjoyed.

The most noticeable thing initially was the fact that Terri wrote in first person, present tense--with two points of view! Personally, I love this. Not every book should be written like this, but I think she made a fantastic choice. The present tense creates a sense of action and the first person perspective allows for more blow-by-blow action. I feel like Terri did a good job of keeping Casey and Dylan separate as characters on the page. The risk you run with two points of view in first person is that they start to sound the same (um, Allegiant anyone?), but I didn't get that feeling at all.

As for the plot, I liked it. It made me think of Safe Haven (at least the movie) but with its own twists. One of the only hesitations I had was a subplot that kicks in toward the 2/3rds mark (eh, maybe a little less). I won't say what it is to avoid spoilers, but it seemed a little too convenient for me - like something was needed to keep the action going and so "it" appeared. I didn't like how "unattached" to Casey (sort of) and Dylan it really was, though it did a great job of creating interest and keeping up the suspense. Yes, I realize all of that is vague...

@createexploreread

Casey and Dylan were intriguing characters. I feel like--which is usually the case for the first book in a series--we're only getting the top layer of them though. I mean, things are revealed and motivations run deep, but there's so much more I want to know. Along these lines, there really isn't a romantic element...at least not in the traditional sense. I have a feeling it's coming, and I'll be interested to see how Terri accomplishes it, but I honestly didn't miss it. I know, after this post that comment seems strange, but trust me, there is so much going on you won't miss it.

My end thoughts? A definite recommend from me. I already know it's going on my top books of 2016. Yes, it's an easy read. Yes, it may have been a little convenient in parts. And yes, it may be shorter than it could have been. But, in reality, I really enjoyed it and found myself literally talking out loud to the book and gripping the pages because I didn't know what was going to happen. That, in my book (um, pun intended?) equals a great read!

If you love suspense, mystery, intrigue, and just a good story--get this book.

Rating: 4.5*
Purchase: If I Run

Book Description
(from Terri)

Casey knows the truth. But it won’t set her free.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they have 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.

Also, check out this awesome video from Terri as she explains the thoughts behind creating If I Run.

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Casey doesn't fit the profile of a killer-but she's accused of murder. Don't miss @TerriBlackstock's newest book! http://bit.ly/1Qgw505

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.