Review (and a Giveaway!): If I Run by Terri Blackstock

Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer . . . but her DNA is all over the crime scene, and she’s now a fugitive. Don’t miss Terri Blackstock’s next page-turner, If I Run. Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than Dylan has, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. 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.

Oh. My. GOODNESS.

Just. WOW.

This book is perhaps the best suspense novel I’ve ever read.

And I don’t say that lightly. I’ve read a lot of suspense novels. I’ve loved a lot of suspense novels. I will love a lot of suspense novels in the future. But If I Run… there’s just something really special about this one.

In fact, I can already guarantee that it will make my “best of 2016” list.  I can also guarantee that it will top my list of recommended reads for suspense fans from here on out.

What makes If I Run so unique?

Well, for starters, the voice is different than what you find in a typical suspense novel. If I Run is written in the present tense, first person, and alternates between the perspectives of the two main characters – Casey and Dylan. It’s certainly different from Terri Blackstock’s usual style.  But, wow, does it ever work! The present tense amps up the tension, putting the reader right in the center of the action. I felt as though it was happening right that minute, not as though I were hearing about it from the narrator after the fact.

I literally could not put this book down except when I was forced to do so by trivial things like, oh, an eye exam or driving across town.  In fact, I debated pulling out my Kindle and continuing to read during the lag times of the eye exam… but considering that I’m basically blind once my contacts are removed, I figured it would be a lost cause. Although… I maybe could have increased the font size enough on the screen…to, you know, one letter per page.  😉  It’s also a good thing that eye exams don’t involve a blood pressure check because my heart was pounding through most of this book! So much tension and twists and suspense… I’m sure my pulse was sky high lol.  In the best possible way!

The dual perspectives give both characters such vivid dimension, and it’s no surprise that I fell in love with them both.  Casey – love her heart – though she’s a fugitive on the run, her personality just won’t let her stay in the background and avoid people who need a friend. She touches lives at every stop… which unfortunately works in Dylan’s favor as his search for her progresses.  But through Dylan and his persistent research into Casey’s life, we see even more intricate facets of her character.  Here, Blackstock has definitely mastered the art of showing the reader the details rather than telling – and it makes the story all the tighter.

Bottom Line: I just don’t even have adequate words to explain how much I loved this book.  I feel like I’m just gushing (probably because I am), but I’m still so floored by If I Run.  The ending…. oh goodness, I need the next book in the series immediately.  NEED.  I may not be able to relax until I’ve read all three lol.  (Pull it together, Carrie….) Ok. Let’s try this again. Bottom Line? If I Run is a stunning thriller that needs to be at the top of your to-read list. Part The Fugitive, part its own identity, it is a masterfully-crafted book that will leave you breathless… and frantically stalking the Googles for any word on a sequel.  To quote Dylan Roberts himself, “Casey Cox is smarter than the average fugitive.” And you’re invited to tag along.

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)

My Rating: 5 stars / In a class by itself

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• A copy of If I Run
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Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on February 16th. The winner will be announced February 17th on the Litfuse blog.

Plus don’t miss out on the special $4.99 digital pre-order pricing, now through February 15. Pre-order the book through your favorite e-book retailer; details here.

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