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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
I received this as a giveaway from Goodreads. Read this quickly on my vacation in the South Okanagan. It felt like a good choice given the heatwave at that time.
I haven't read many suspense/thrillers in recent years (maybe none at all) but I loved them as a young adult. I enjoyed Runner 13. The approach of adding past intel periodically to help move the current day plot along was appropriate and worked well to build the suspense (a little Ocean's 11 vibe). As I hit the halfway point, I was more interested in reading then doing any socializing with friends. This worked well as a beach read and as we moved through the plot I was unsuccessful in predicting the true culprit. Depth was added to the characters as we saw some growth, reflection and forgiveness.
I'm not a runner so I can't speak to the accuracy of those specifics but I certainly felt empathy as the gruelling environment took its toll. Some parts seemed a little surreal, but maybe that's just my ignorance about ultra-marathon.
I haven't read many suspense/thrillers in recent years (maybe none at all) but I loved them as a young adult. I enjoyed Runner 13. The approach of adding past intel periodically to help move the current day plot along was appropriate and worked well to build the suspense (a little Ocean's 11 vibe). As I hit the halfway point, I was more interested in reading then doing any socializing with friends. This worked well as a beach read and as we moved through the plot I was unsuccessful in predicting the true culprit. Depth was added to the characters as we saw some growth, reflection and forgiveness.
I'm not a runner so I can't speak to the accuracy of those specifics but I certainly felt empathy as the gruelling environment took its toll. Some parts seemed a little surreal, but maybe that's just my ignorance about ultra-marathon.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Fair warning: it took me a few tries to get into this audio book. I'm not sure if I was just not "in the mood" for this slow-build thriller, but I almost gave up. However, I gave it one last try, pushed through a few chapters, and then was HOOKED! Who knew the ultra-marathon world could provide the backdrop for such a salatious story of scandals and secrets.
This is one of those books where you'll either love the unique build up or you'll hate it.
I ended up throughly engaged while listening to the audio adaption, and I didn't want it to end.
This is one of those books where you'll either love the unique build up or you'll hate it.
I ended up throughly engaged while listening to the audio adaption, and I didn't want it to end.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
not in the mood for a female UK narrator... who was a bit boring sounded
This wasn't anything crazy good, but it is one of the better thrillers I've ever read. The ending isn't a shitty twist, the characters are compelling and consistent, the setting is great and described really well. I think setting a thriller within an ultramarathon is great, it gives so much additional tension to everything. And you can tell the author has experience with running (as she reveals at the end, she has run the Marathon de Sables which I believe also routes through the Sahara) which makes the book sing with detail and fidelity. I felt like I understood why someone would do something this crazy for the first time while reading Adrianne's POV! At times I did feel like the prose was a little overwrought or maybe theatrical with it, but it was minor and infrequent enough that it didn't jar me out of the book. If you're looking for that thriller experience I recommend this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Exceptional writing, up until the end when it just became twists upon twists, almost for the sake of it.
mysterious
medium-paced
ARC Received: NetGalley - Doubleday Books
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
If the Barkley Marathons had a dark twin, it would be Runner 13. A brutal ultramarathon set deep in the wilderness where the real danger isn’t just the terrain—it’s what’s waiting out there in the dark.
I loved the endurance aspect and how the physical and mental unraveling mirrored each mile. But while the concept hooked me, the execution didn’t quite push it far enough for me to rate it higher. Still, if you like survival thrillers with creepy undertones, this is worth the run. Would make a great audiobook during a long walk or commute!
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
If the Barkley Marathons had a dark twin, it would be Runner 13. A brutal ultramarathon set deep in the wilderness where the real danger isn’t just the terrain—it’s what’s waiting out there in the dark.
I loved the endurance aspect and how the physical and mental unraveling mirrored each mile. But while the concept hooked me, the execution didn’t quite push it far enough for me to rate it higher. Still, if you like survival thrillers with creepy undertones, this is worth the run. Would make a great audiobook during a long walk or commute!
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated