First off, the thought of running a 250 mile race through the desert is scary enough! Throw in some sabotage, secrets, and some very suspicious people, and you have yourself a thriller. I loved the setting and how the plot unraveled over the days of the race, while also flashing back seven years to piece together what tragedy happened then to lead to the drama now. Overall, a very fun and fast-paced read.

Lots of action in this survivor thriller.

An elite runner, Adri, returns to do an ultra marathon in the Saharan Desert after years away from the sport. The race is 250 miles long under additional extreme circumstances and the goal is not only for her to finish, but to win. She knows most of the other elite runners on this course, but there's also a contingent of fun runners who won't be forced to endure the same rigid rules and conditions. It all starts out as expected, but then some of her friends are hurt or are being kicked out on some flimsy evidence and she wonders if there is more danger on the sand and weather or if it comes from someone else in the competition.

The story is told from a dual point of view -- two female characters, one is Adri and the other is Stella. The premise, while initially intriguing, ultimately felt contrived and the depth was just not there to turn this from mediocre to great. I'm not a runner, in fact a lot of extreme physical activity scares me, so I couldn't relate to any of the reasons for someone to want to do this. So much so that I really can't even believe the things those runners did and endured. I never connected with or liked any of the characters. The whole mystery thing with the killer part seemed so artificially inserted with the motivation quite lame. There were so many clues for all that led up to what was supposedly the big twist at the end so I found the conclusion predictable and way too tidy a wrap.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. There were two female narrators for the parts of Adri and Stella, and I honestly didn't care for either voice. They just didn't sound right for their characters to me. Also for specific spots, ie the podcast, the two male voices did a fine job. Unfortunately the production wasn't enough to really enhance my appreciation of the book.

I really like the extreme sports settings of this author's books (a mountain, the Arctic, and now, an ultra marathon through the desert) but there's issues with tension in all of them. They just don't maintain and heighten tension in the second half of the book, and the danger to the main characters never feels truly real. In Runner 13, the interpersonal relationships were also confusing (the main character's ex-husband is now engaged to the sister of the protagonist's former training partner? The dynamics were complicated). I would love to see a more rigorous genre edit of her work in the future because she's a good writer with unique settings, but something is preventing the thriller part of the books from ascending to a Ruth Ware/Lucy Foley level. Sorry to be critical, would really love to see this author level up with their next book!

As someone who has never been a runner, I approached *Runner 13* with a sense of curiosity, fueled by my admiration for friends who are passionate about the sport. To my surprise, I found myself completely captivated by the story, far exceeding my initial expectations.

The narrative follows Adri, a former ultramarathoner who stepped away from the sport seven years ago due to a scandal. Now, she is pulled back into the world of extreme racing as she participates in the grueling, invitation-only 250-mile ultra marathon through the Sahara Desert, aptly named “Hot & Sandy.” This race, orchestrated by a notoriously sadistic race director, sets the stage for a thrilling exploration of endurance, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit.

As the race unfolds, many runners begin to drop out—some succumbing to the intense heat, while others face more dubious fates. McCullough's writing is impressive, with vivid descriptions that bring the setting to life. The race evolves into a locked-room mystery of sorts, adding an intriguing layer to the already intense competition.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and it was exceptionally well done. I particularly enjoyed the podcast elements and the dual point of view, which enriched the storytelling experience. A special thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I've been eagerly awaiting the next book from this author and I'm so happy I had the opportunity to read it early! A very well-written, action-packed thriller! Definitely recommend and I can't wait to read whatever the author does next. Such a unique setting for this one - I love when thrillers bring something new and fresh to the genre. This one will have your adrenaline pumping for sure.

I found this book to be an enjoyable read. The story kept me engaged from start to finish and had some moments that really stood out. Overall, it offered an entertaining reading experience.

I am fresh off of a month of watching the Tour de France, so a thriller about an ultramarathon foot race seemed like just the thing to keep that intense, competitive spirit going.

Unfortunately, Amy McCulloch’s Runner 13 was not the book for me, although it is sure to be enjoyed by many others. My complaints about this novel primarily come down to the writing - it was just completely unable to hold my attention. This was one of those stories that I knew was going to be a long and tedious trek through the pages within the very first chapter. It is written in first person, but reads like third person - vague and detached with no real sense of intimacy.

Furthermore, I never got a really strong grasp on the setting. Being set out in the Sahara Desert for 250 miles, Runner 13 had the potential to be wildly atmospheric, but I was unable to get a real sense of the surroundings. It did not help that I felt or cared nothing for the characters, primarily because I was never let in enough to endear myself to them.

Runner 13 was a miss for me, but I am in the minority, as others have immensely enjoyed this book.

Colleen Chi-Girl on GoodReads
5 STARS

Runner 13 puts new meaning into the words: "RUNNER" and "THRILLER". Everything about this novel was interesting, competitive, enlightening, thrilling, and pretty dangerous. I read this both on e-book as well as on Audible Audiobook (which I purchased because it is my preferred method of reading). You'll meet sympathetic characters and spiteful, nasty characters as well.

The FMC is Adri and her family includes her kind/caring, ex-husband, Pete, and their young son. The running world seems to be a small one in this novel, especially when it comes to the elite ultra-marathon runners who are challenged with an exhausting and dangerous race through the Sahara. Yes, as in the desert. Wind storms, no cell-phones, limitations, and the runners have to carry everything they need. The man behind it is evil and awful, but it made for a good backdrop full of tension and drama. You'll meet other meaningful people who are involved in the personal lives of some of the runners, the photographer, and the -ex. One of the coolest things on the audiobook version is a feature where there are 2 men who run a live-action podcast during this marathon. The male podcast narrators share coverage of events in the form of a break from the 2 female narrators (who are both outstanding) and are on "live", which brings humor, information, interest, and a great element to his new novel, Runner 13.

Runner 13 happens to be the lucky # given in the race to Adri, a competitive, seasoned, marathon runner, and this is not her first rodeo in any form. There are many twists and turns and it's fun to be along the ride (or run) with Adri and her competition.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author McCulloch, and the publisher for this fun and fabulous e-book. NOTE: I purchased the audible audiobook because it's even better to have the voices and M.C.'s doing the sound bits. Get it now!

Publisher's Blurb: An exhilarating thriller set against a 250-mile foot race in the Sahara Desert, where more than one ultramarathoner will be running for their lives. Seven years ago, Adri left the running world after a major scandal. She leveled an explosive, and as it turns out career-ending, accusation at one of the world’s most celebrated coaches—and then he died suddenly. Now, after years away from the limelight, she’s ready to race again. Adri is hungry for a challenge, and she’s picked one of the toughest events a 250-mile trek through the Sahara Desert organized by a mysterious and famously sadistic race director.

I thought this was a solid thriller! As a runner myself, I wondered how this would be engaging for 300 pages, because running can be pretty dull. So I was pleasantly surprised with how well paced this was. I think it had a few cheesy lines and moments, but the characters were likable and easy to follow. The end felt slightly rushed, but not enough to turn me off from the book.

I love the way this story makes you ponder just how much the body and mind can take. Our MC is an ultra runner and finds herself having to run from danger. I love that the author is an ultra runner themselves. It really made the effects of the plot line that much more believable.

#ad so much love for my finished copy @doubledaybooks #partner
& @prh.audio #partner for the ALC

🅡🅤🅝🅝🅔🅡 ❶❸
< @amymccullochbooks >
ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ

And oof! This author is just an amazing human - she used her real life marathon run in the Sahara desert as inspiration for writing this book. (Minus all the dying.)

“And, in his mind, diamonds are only made under extreme pressure. Otherwise they remain part of the dirt,” (p. 104).

Adrienne has just received a special invitation to one of the most selective marathons in the world. At first, she thought it had to be a joke - until she turned the invite over. What she saw on the back? It stole the breath from her lungs. She’s going to this race - it wasn’t a joke.

The race? Only ten people have ever finished it - and none of them were women.

Boone, the sadistic mastermind behind the event, has created a brutal, nearly impossible course. He’s not just the head honcho - he’s a twisted genius with a plan that pushes runners to their breaking point. And somehow, 34 runners have already dropped out before the race even starts.

But with half a million dollars on the line, what would you do to win?

Then there’s Stella - she’s here to document the race as a photographer. She also happens to be the race owner’s daughter… something she doesn’t like to advertise. Oh, and did I mention? She’s now engaged to Adrienne’s ex-husband. Yep.

Adrienne is Runner 13. The runner expected to either win it all - or crash and burn. And she has the number.

Let the race begin.

𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕄𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤:
The Pain Cave
The Sahara Shuffle 😂😂

Oof! The drama!! I devoured this book. It was an absolute blast to read. When I first discovered this gem of a book I knew I had to read it - and Amy DELIVERED. The setting? Perfect. The theme? Even better.

It entertains straight through to the jaw-dropping end.

🎧 I listened to the audiobook while following along, and let me just say - this is one of those stories you have to experience in audio! The narrators bring this to life. The podcast chapters were equally amazzzzing. Jill Winternitz and Sarah Durham deserve awards for this performance.

Netflix, Hulu, Fox - where you at?!
This book needs to be a movie or limited series. 🥳

TW:
Sexual assault
Cancer
Hit & Run
Suicide

Big fan! Dang. It was such an action-packed book from beginning to end. Think the Barkley Marathon, but make it a 200+ mile stage race with the racers being as intense as those who run Western States. The race director, Boones, is known to be nutty and changes up his races randomly to keep his runners on their toes. Kind of like Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell.

Adrienne is sent an invite to "Hot & Sandy". a 250-mile ultra marathon stage race set in the Sahara Desert, hence the sand. At first she thinks it's a joke, because the invite also includes a big reason to race and win. The answer to who was driving the car "that" night. She finally gives in and registers for the race. When she shows up she gets her bib... 13. If you are superstitious or if you ride bikes number 13 isn't always the best of numbers. But in Boone's race a bib 13 means you are his pick to win. The atmosphere quickly turns into complete chaos when a body is found and the situation is deemed suspicious and this is even before the first stage.

The book is told in two different POVs; Adrienne and Stella. With a few podcast transcripts thrown in there to add in the flair. Both Adrienne and Stella have secrets, both are tough as nails, both are tied together but they just don't know all of it yet.

Runner 13 is filled with suspense, scandals and secrets. I freaking loved it. Amy is an ultra runner herself and I could tell that she has experienced some of the details (not the murder) that happens when you are pushing your body to the brink. I remember when I was seeing hallucinations during the night of my 101 miler, you really do believe it is real.

what a great mystery to figure out who was killing all of the runners . Loved the twist at the end. Loved that it was told in Adrianne and Stella point of views. Stella dad was interesting and behind the race. Thanks netgalley

One things about Amy McCulloch is that her settings will always deliver! I loved her last two thrillers because the setting is such a huge part of the plot- and this book is exactly the same. There is just something so eerie about being on your own with no one around to help! McCulloch knows how to write a thriller that’ll just suck you in.

I really enjoyed this!! I love how knowledgeable Amy McCulloch is about the locations and physical trials she puts her characters through. It makes me want to start running ultras (but not that badly...). Runner 13 flew by, and I loved the quick pace and the multiple POVs as we moved through the events of the race. My only wish is that the killer reveal was a bit more developed, I think I would have liked a bigger twist.

Amy McCulloch just rocketed right up my must-read ladder with Runner 13! I really enjoyed her previous two offerings but have to admit a book centered on running was sort of "meh" in my mind. If you know me, I refuse to run even if being chased, let alone in the Sahara dessert. But I trust Amy so far, and this was GREAT!! We have two really well written female leads and I loved both of them. Adri is an ultra-marathoner. Yes, it's a thing. They run in extreme conditions for up to hundreds of miles for, get this, FUN!! Yeah, who knew? Well, Adri hasn't raced in seven years due to an accident involving her son and an incident involving a coach. Stella is involved in the sport through her sister Yasmin, a runner who died. Yasmin's death is related to this same coach. Stella blames Adri. There is more to Stella's involvement than that, but no spoilers. Adri receives an invitation to race for about two-hundred miles in the Sahara Desert with the prize being answers to the incident involving her son from Boones, the mysterious person who "designs" this race. She reluctantly accepts and it is on!! Oh, and did I mention that Stella is newly engaged to Adri's ex-husband? Well Adri takes off through the Sahara and the bodies start dropping. Is someone out to make sure she doesn't finish? The setting is awesome!! Apparently, the author actually does or has done what she writes about so the descriptions come alive! Her previous books are set in extreme conditions, and those settings are characters unto themselves also! Oh, and I learned way more about how ultra runners can relieve themselves on the trail while running that I never asked for, but I'll just leave it at that! Well pick this book up for the storyline but stay for the atmosphere and vicarious run through the Sahara! You won't regret it! I am really hoping for more from Amy!!

Thank you to #NetGalley, Amy McCulloch and Doubleday Books for this much appreciated ARC! All opinions are my own!

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!

Amy McCulloch books make you an adrenaline junkie just like her. Reading this, I felt like I experienced marathon running in the Sahara, when in reality I’d be out of breath jogging to my mailbox. You are completely immersed in this world, with its real-life references and veiled references (Boones=Lazarus Lake). And the coolest part is that McCulloch has lived all of this; her experience translates to the page.

The story itself moves quickly, paced by the race at the center of the novel. There are red herrings galore, and I personally found myself surprised several times. The two voices we encounter, Stella and Adrienne, are both thoroughly fleshed out, engaging, and you will find yourself rooting for both of them, even somehow when they’re against each other. I do wish that Mariam had been a bit less flat, as I felt that most of the male characters had more depth than her.

Overall, another great adventure/murder mystery from Amy McCulloch.

This was a fun easy read - a perfect vacation book. Adrienne Wendell returns to Ulta marathon racing to find out who tried to hurt her son seven years before. This book was an entertaining page turner. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.

Amy McCullogh is truly skilled in writing nature thrillers where the environment is a character itself. I could feel the unrelenting heat and drought in this desert. I cannot wait for her next book!