Cover Image: You Can Run

You Can Run

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This. Book. Wow!

This book kept me on the edge of my seat, swiping pages as fast as I could (even though I wanted to slow down just to savor the suspense). The characters, the mystery, all the threads and nuances, they all hooked me from the very first page, and didn't let go until the end. I highly recommend.

Many thanks to Kensington Publishing/Zebra and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

Was this review helpful?

You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti
Laurel Snow #1

Great introduction to a new series! Couldn’t put it down!

What I liked:
* Laurel Snow: FBI Special Agent, genius, focused, has trouble with emotions, lacks people skills, effective, loves her family, professional, intriguing
* Huck Rivers: Fish & Wildlife Captain, dog handler, search and rescue leader, ex-military, aloof, quiet, loner, intriguing
* Aeneas: Karelian Bar Dog, Huck’s K-9 partner, great dog
* Kate: divorced, loving mother of three girls, temporary employee of Laurel’s when she sets up her onsite office, potential friend for Laurel
* Laurel’s family: her mother Deirdre has a horrific backstory as does her uncle Carl, then there is her other uncle and his wife there to support the others – liked them all and hope to see more of them in the future
* Walter Smudgen: on loan to Laurel from local FBI office – there is potential for him in the series
* Monty, Ena and a few others that hopefully will show up later
* The slow growth of the relationship between Laurel and Huck – definitely has potential if the two are willing to take a chance and communicate
* The location – sounds beautiful
* The serial murderer aspect and how the killer was found
* The questions that remain about Dr. Abigail Caine and her father Zeke Caine – do wonder how they will be resolved
* That there is another book to look forward to

What I didn’t like:
* Exactly what I was meant not to like…and there were more than a few people, groups and events to dislike
* That there are still threads that were not tied off completely even though the serial killer was dealt with…not a cliffhanger but there is more to learn
* Having to wait for the next book

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in the series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Zebra for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

Was this review helpful?

Wow, this book really captures the reader and keeps you going throughout. It is quite a page turner I will say. It was a superb story regarding kick butt FBI Agent Laurel who tracks down serial killers. She works with a team of people, but more closely with Huck who has a military background. The romance between the two could be categorized as a slow slow burn. That was the only fault I found. This is book one in a new series and I'm so looking forward to reading the next one - it was that good.

Was this review helpful?

An explosive launch to a new series from the author. Laurel Snow is a child prodigy turned FBI profiler who hunts serial killers for a living.  When an urgent phone call from her mother brings her back home, she finds herself doing her job in her own backyard even as things get pretty up close and personal. 
A serial killer's dump site has been uncovered near Laurel's home by a landslide. Laurel's uncle Carl is the local police's only suspect and like all small towns the police chief resents the hell out of an FBI agent muscling in on his turf. Laurel and Huck the local Fish and Wildlife's officer assigned to this case are reluctantly joined at the hip as they chase down witnesses and clues.  The uncovering of his dump site seems to have galvanized the killer and the body count mounts even as the tension between the FBI, Fish and Wildlife and local police task force. 
This is the first time that Laurel has spent significant time in her hometown and her investigation seems to be hitting close to home as she unearths long hidden secrets about her own birth and becoming.  I really liked the insights into the killer's mind even as Laurel and Huck are hunting to find him before he can kidnap and kill one more woman. 
The cast of characters is fabulous, the plot tight and suspenseful and the adrenaline flowed as I got personally invested into catching and shutting down the killer.  The chemistry between Huck and Laurel is off the charts and I can't wait to see where the author takes this series next.

Was this review helpful?

This one is a trademark Zanetti amazing thriller with witty dialogue, a roller coaster mystery, and sizzling chemistry.

Also though, the characters are extra delightful. I love Laurel Snow so much and the interaction between her and Huck Rivers reminds me of the courtship/slow-burn romance of Temperance Brennan and Seeley Booth in the TV series Bones.

I can't say enough good things about Laurel, she captured my heart with her intelligence and bravery, and then kept me entertained because as smart as she is and as self-aware as she is, she can't read subtext and often has no clue as to how she affects people around her. This is a stellar series starter and I can't wait for the next book!

Was this review helpful?

Wow a fast paced read! This book introduced us to Laurel Snow, a child prodigy who is working for the FBI. We're then introduced to other characters whom I guessing will have recurring roles in the Laurel Snow series. This book fascinates me from the moment I read it, the mystery is intriguing and it kept me entertained. Was I disappointed by the lack of romance, well a little bit as I've been spoiled by Ms Zanetti by all her previous romance works. I dearly hope I didn't have to wait long for the next book as I really want to go back to this small town and all it's colourful characters.

Was this review helpful?

I am so excited for this new series by Rebecca Zanetti and this seems to be a new genre for her. It is a strong murder mystery with a hint of romance, and I just loved it. It had me guessing throughout the book as to who the murderer was, but I didn’t figure it out until right before the reveal. I always know Ms.Zanetti will write strong characters and Laurel was certainly that. She is an FBI agent temporarily assigned to her hometown in Washington State because bodies have been found and there are thoughts of a serial killer. Huck is a Fish and Wildlife agent and they are working together to solve these killings. Lots of great secondary characters and I cannot wait for the next book! Fabulous read!

Was this review helpful?

Well here goes my second attempt at this review. It’s a bad tech kind of day so forgive me if this version is shorter but hey you’ll never know will you?

You Can Run is a gripping, tense, edge of the seat, turn that page, thriller. The action is quick and morbid. The characters are rich and either the best or worst of humanity. Laurel is so not a stereotype. Yes, she’s socially awkward, as geniuses tend to be but it’s not from a lack of confidence or discomfort in her own skin. She’s just blunt and doesn’t have time for the boloney politeness we tend to use. When she determines an answer she has faith in her correctness. When she wants someone she goes for it. She’s also incredibly compassionate: with the victims, with her family, with her acquaintances. She doesn’t suffer fools though, aka Dr. Abagail Caine.

Huck is just as damaged as I like a good hero. In novels, these kind of men can always be loved back to wholeness (though I think we all hope but realize that’s not true in real life).

The serial killer’s actions are gruesome and in my mind much easier to deal with in the mind’s eye than on TV or movies. He’s prolific, escalating and way too close to Laurel and Huck’s home and circle of people. He’s got to be stopped and lucky for everyone he’s got two of the best people to take him down hot on his tail.

I loved the depth of the characters. Laurel, her hippy mom, her sullen uncle, her assistant and the assistant’s three teenage daughters. They’re all colorful and interesting.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of action and suspense.

Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Press Zebra and the author for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I love slipping into one of Zanetti’s romantic suspense thrillers. You Can Run is the first in the Laurel Snow series and has us on the hunt for a serial killer. You’ll want to grab a bottle of wine and curl up by the fire with this one. Zanetti delivers an intense case with plenty of twists and heat.

What a fantastic start to the Laurel Snow series. It begins when FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow is on her way back to Washington D. C. when her plans are diverted. She heads instead to her hometown of Genesis Valley, Washington. Remains have been found on Snowblood Peak and the local Sheriff is questioning her uncle.

Not dressed for the conditions but determined to view the scene, she shows up on the doorstep of Huck Rivers, a fish and wildlife officer who is skilled at navigating the surrounding wilderness. Their first encounter hooked me. He mistakes her for a city girl, and I love the grumpy hero trope. Huck is sexy, grumpy, skilled and a proud dog owner. Yep, I liked the surly officer.

Laurel Snow is quite the FBI profiler. We learn she isn’t assigned to any one office; she hunts serial killers, and she has made a name for herself.

This is her hometown, which introduced her mom and uncles into the mix. Her mom is this free spirit, tea drinking entrepreneur who pulls you into her kitchen and makes you feel at home. But she keeps her secrets close. She has some baggage that Laurel we need to uncover as we dig into this case.

The case is creeptastic with multiple bodies as we unearth the serial killer’s burial ground. Small-town dynamics make working the case difficult for Laurel, but she handles it well. She and Huck take point, and with each interview, we move closer to finding the killer. It was suspenseful with some unique characters, including a witness who shows a little too much interest in Laurel.

The romance was served on the side with sizzling chemistry and denial. The build up was well done and the characters’ actions felt genuine, even if someone needed a kick in the pants. I loved seeing them interact. From their first kiss to their first sexual encounter; the heat was off the charts.

Danger increased the closer we got to the truth, and we had some pulse-pounding moments. The case wraps up successfully as Zanetti sets up the series. I cannot wait to return to Genesis Valley and work another case with Laurel Snow. The next novel, You Can’t Hide, releases November 22, 2022.

Fans of romantic suspense, crime thrillers and strong detectives will want to start this series today. From her characters to her well-drawn tales, Zanetti is an auto-buy for me.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 Stars


Rebecca Zanetti has written many female lead characters that I have come to enjoy and love but I do feel that Laurel Snow is her best yet.


From her unique looks to the intricate way that her mind works Laura Snow is the stuff. A mind that thinks on a multitude of levels. A child prodigy going to college at the young age of 11 and becoming an amazing profiler for the FBI by her late 20s. A woman who knits booties and baby caps yet can think just like a serial killer. She doesn’t allow emotion to affect her the way that most people do which allows her to think and see things logically. She’s different and I loved everything about her.

Fish and Wildlife Officer Huck Rivers is a man of mystery, rules and routines. For someone who doesn't particularly care for most people is the first step in. His job is saving people. From climbing snow covered mountains to diving deep waters he’s the first to put himself in danger to save someone else’s life. Huck definitely broods and at times is downright nasty, yet he is a hero.


You Can Run is an amazing start to this new series. Rebecca Zanetti pulls the reader in from the very first pages and doesn’t let up. The story is dark and intense yet so intriguing that you can’t stop reading. I would definitely call this more of a thriller than a suspense. Laurel and Huck’s romance is a slow burn that I can’t wait to see develop over the series.
Mrs. Zanetti writes with such rich detail it’s like you can feel the cold coming through the pages. Genesis Valley is a beautiful small town with all the wonderful things that we love from a small town. It holds many secrets that I feel will continue to unfold as we come to know more of Laurel Snow.

Was this review helpful?

What a great start to a new series. This suspenseful thriller with a slow burn romance. There were so many twists and turns it kept me wondering. Laurel is quite unique. She is a Special Agent with the FBI who hunts serial killers and when one is killing women in her hometown she heads their to find the killer. What a roller coaster. Although the serial killer is found, there is more story left to figure out. Looking forward to discovering more about these characters.

Was this review helpful?

This is going to be an amazing new series! I absolutely love this book. The cast of characters are interesting and engaging. You cannot help but either really like or loth them. The ups and downs of the plot are so much fun. You will not be able to put this down. I cannot wait until the next one. AMAZING!

Was this review helpful?

Keeps you guessing until the end! Lots of twists and turns. Introduction to many characters. Huck is a bit hard to like. Laurel is smart and intriguing. This story is light on romance. I really wished for more romance. Excited to see what happens next!

Was this review helpful?

Fascinating edge-of-your-seat thriller!

Laurel is not your usual FBI profiler. With her eidetic memory and no-nonsense approach, she dives right into the middle of a serial killer case in her hometown. Having to work with the gruff Fish and Wildlife officer, Huck, proves to be both a blessing and a curse. Huck is the perfect balance to Laurel and I really enjoyed watching their romantic and professional relationships develop.

This is a serial killer story, so be prepared for the high body count. For my own sanity I had to skim through the brief sections that were told through the eyes of a couple victims, but most folks probably wouldn't have a problem with them. The investigation is riveting, with lots of secrets and more than a couple twisty surprises.

Ultimately, good wins over evil and there's a loosely acknowledged HEA for Laurel and Huck. If you like the Criminal Minds series or love to read crime dramas, you don't want to miss this excellent book. The vocabulary is quite broad, perfect for an armchair etymologist like myself, who really enjoys looking up new words. The characters immediately come to life, and the pacing was a terrific balance between the high-stakes action and the more contemplative character studies. I love this author and highly recommend this story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

A great book to start a new series! Interesting characters and lots of mystery and action. It kept me interested and anxious from page one!

Was this review helpful?

What is better than reading a new to you author and loving the book? Realizing that the book is the first in a new series. I have to admit I was pleased.

Contemporary suspense was all I read for quite a while and it's been too long since I’ve read one. I had forgotten how much I like this genre when it leans more towards the suspense and is light on the romance. This book had just the right mix for me. You have all the best elements: a little will they won’t teasing, check, a few dead bodies that we need to figure out who killed them, check, and some imminent danger, check. Then you throw in the hunk at the center of this one is part of a search and rescue department and has a search dog. And while the dog doesn’t get much of his personality in the story, he isn’t just there for show, he’s an essential part of the plot. (and in case you are fretting, no harm comes to the dog)

This centers around dead naked bodies showing up in the middle of winter in Washington state in Rebecca’s hometown. So the prodigy FBI consultant makes a trip home to investigate and ends up on a task force with local law enforcement and the wildlife officers. I really like Rebecca and the rest of her team and enjoyed watching them bond. There was just the right amount of difficult colleagues and suspects to bring tension to the investigation along with plenty of suspects,red herrings and a few twists.

I think this is the start of a promising new series that thriller and crime lovers will enjoy.

Was this review helpful?

I really loved that I had to get out a dictionary for this one - have one ready when you start reading. Also, I wouldn’t call this a romance. While she and Huck are a great pair, that’s not the focus here. This is more of an all-character mystery and character story. And that’s while it’s still great on a non-romance level. Rebecca’s ability to create characters that you love, even the dogs, is awesome. While reading, I was right there with Laurel trying to figure out the identity of the killer. There were some fun surprises that kept me looking for 1, 2, and even more wrongdoers.

I’m a huge fan if Rebecca’s stories. I think the reason Rebecca has so many people who read her books is that we all like to come back over and over to find out what happens with all of the remaining characters. I just wish I could read the next one with some of Laurel’s mom’s teas sitting by a fire overlooking a lake.

Was this review helpful?

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fast-paced, held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Was this review helpful?

YOU CAN RUN by Rebecca Zanetti
This story is a psychological thriller, with a lot of secrets and drama. Laurel Snow is a brilliant FBI profiler who was a child prodigy and is beyond great at her job. She is on her way back to DC when she gets a call from her mom and must fly home, as her uncle is being questioned in a serial murder case. Huck Rivers is the Fish & Wildlife officer in Genesis Valley, who has a history of being a sniper in the military. He is also helping work the case.
The more they unravel, the more bodies, questions, & trouble arises. This is a very well written story. I could not put it down after I started it. Laurel is a strong protagonist, as is Huck. The secondary characters are very well written too. There are plenty of twists and turns. This is a 5 star read.

Was this review helpful?

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.25 Hearts I am a huge fan of Rebecca Zanetti’s. I have never read a book I didn’t enjoy from her but some I like more than others and this is one of those.

Laurel is a FBI agent called to a scene in Washington and Huck is the local officer and her contact. I enjoyed Huck. He is a soldier and sniper. He is the ideal of the American Soldier. Laurel is a genius who started college before she was even a teenager and has multiple degrees but is not good with people (I kept picturing a female version of Sheldon Cooper).

Yes there is some romance to the story but mostly it is suspenseful with a lot of twists and turns and I love it when I don’t figure the “who-dun-it” out.

Zanetti really is one of the best in the business right now for almost every genre (romance, romantic suspense and paranormal). You can’t miss reading any of her stories.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?