If I Run by Terri Blackstock

Suspense. 305 pages. 5 stars

Synopsis:

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.

My Review:

HOLY FREAKIN’ COW, BATMAN! Okay, I’ve been hooked on Mrs. Blackstock’s work since my uncle first introduced me to her books a few years ago, and her Restoration series has always been my first love. They were amazing and I’ve always claimed them as my favorite of her books. All that changed when I picked up her latest read. I’m still spinning from If I Run. Imagine my utter disappointment, and complete denial, at learning If I’m Found doesn’t come out until MARCH OF 2017!! I’m DYING inside! Mrs. Blackstock has woven an incredible story and I am completely, wholeheartedly, and undeniably in love with her newest cast. The plot was intriguing from the get-go, Mrs. Blackstock’s specialty, but it only intensified the further into it I read! The chapters were short and the events fast-paced. The double point of view was a new element for me, in a Blackstock book anyway. And I must mention that she has written flawlessly in first person present tense–what I consider one of the most difficult feats for a writer. Dylan and Casey are endearing, as are the supporting characters. I’m so excited about the rest of this series and I can’t wait to travel through their eyes again! (Honestly, I CAN’T wait!!!!!)

It has no foul language and no gore. There are some hints at potential romance, but not much else. There is some violence–it is a murder mystery–but nothing appallingly graphic that I recall. Some blood at the crime scene and fighting in the climax. There are some thematic elements, but Blackstock handles them well. It is Christian fiction, so faith is an important part of the story, but I’ve never thought her books were preachy at all. I’d recommend high school age and up, but, again, it’s very tactfully handled, in my opinion.

More:

Book 2 in the series is If I’m Found (5 Stars)

Book 3 in the series is If I Live (4 Stars)

I have reviewed Book 2 and 3 on Goodreads. Follow the links to find more info on the books and then scroll down to see the reviews. Mine is among them.

This is a trilogy, so If I Live is the conclusion and there will be no more after it. I would not recommend reading these out of order.