Runner 13 is an adrenaline-charged, high-stakes thriller that pushes both its characters—and readers—to the brink. Set against the blistering backdrop of a grueling 250-mile ultramarathon through the Sahara Desert, Amy McCulloch delivers a gripping tale of survival, redemption, and buried secrets that refuse to stay hidden.

Adrienne Wendell is a protagonist you can't help but root for—flawed, haunted, and fiercely determined. Once a rising star in the ultrarunning world, she’s now running not just for the finish line, but for answers about a dark past she’s never been able to outrun. McCulloch crafts a race like no other, where the physical strain is matched only by the psychological torment, and every mile brings fresh danger.

Boones, the elusive and enigmatic race director, adds an almost mythic layer of mystery to the story, while the ever-shifting course and brutal challenges ratchet up the tension with each passing chapter. The Sahara itself feels like a living, breathing antagonist—scorching, unpredictable, and utterly unforgiving.

What elevates this novel is McCulloch’s intimate knowledge of ultrarunning. Her descriptions pulse with authenticity, from the rhythm of worn-out legs to the mental games athletes play when exhaustion takes over. And as Adri peels back layers of betrayal, trauma, and ambition, the thriller veers into darker psychological territory—with explosive twists that catch you off guard.

Fast-paced, emotionally charged, and packed with suspense, Runner 13 is both a survival thriller and a story about reclaiming power in the face of guilt and fear. If you’re looking for a thriller that leaves you breathless—both from the action and the emotional intensity—this is the one to beat.

Meet Adrienne “Adri” Wendell, a former ultramarathon champion who’s making a comeback after a seven-year break. McCulloch, drawing from her own experience of completing the Marathon des Sables, weaves a thrilling and suspenseful story.

McCulloch masterfully combines psychological suspense with the grueling physicality of ultramarathon running. The novel explores themes of resilience, guilt, and the search for personal redemption. And the ending a real treat!

Thanks to NetGaley for the advance copy!

Amy McCulloch writes some of my favorite suspense/thriller novels! She’s a master at infusing her plots, settings, and characters with her unique mountaineering and running experiences, creating nailing biting adventures that are impossible to put down.

Runner 13 pulls you into its pages from the very first page, immersing you in the world of ultrarunning. There’s a chilling aura of unease that’s instantly palpable, despite the vivid descriptions of the Saharan Desert’s heat. I loved reading about each runner and learning their “why”, and also the entire concept of pushing people to the very end of their limits. The short chapters, changing POVs, and the podcast interludes made for a fast-paced plot, while the different twists and reveals kept me guessing until the end.

My favorite part about all of McCulloch’s books is how she takes her own lived experiences, ones most people will never have themselves, and makes them accessible. Through her words, I’ve summited Mount Everest, traveled to the bottom of the world, and raced hundreds of miles across a desert. She’s an autobuy author for me and I can’t wait to see where she takes me next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Runner 13 starts off as a story of an ultramarathon across the Sahara desert. Adrienne Wendell used to be a highly regarded runner who could seemingly outrace anyone and everyone. But when her running career ended when her son was hit by a car during one of her races. She couldn't fathom being out running when her family needed her the most. She also accused her famous coach of sexual assault, a claim which was later dismissed. Now, years later, she decides to run again after receiving a an invite to a famed "ampersand" race, the Hot & Sandy. The race organizer promises her answers about who targeted her son and who might still want revenge against her for ruining her coach's career. Amy McCulloch is the master of making the setting a character. In Breathless the reader feels the struggle of the mountain climbers and in this book the reader can feel the gritty sand and the heat of the desert as the runners try to keep going despite all signs telling them to stop. Fascinating book, can't wait for her next one. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I read primarily thrillers and am fascinated by the ultrarunning community (reading/watching things about it...not actually participating. I'd die!), so when I came across Runner 13, I HAD to read it. It absolutely did not disappoint!

I did feel that it started off a little slow for my taste, but by about 30-40% in, I couldn't put it down. I'm not familiar with all the big ultrarunning events but I do feel that there was some inspiration taken from the Barkley Marathons as I could see some parallels with some of the documentaries I watched. The author did a great job in capturing the spirit and dedication of the runners in the novel. Not only are they running an insanely difficult and dangerous race, but now they have to deal with a possible murderer on their heels as well. The emotions depicted were intense and I could feel the pain that Adrienne was going through as she fought for each step. The twist at the end completely got me and I never would have figured it out. I was way off base!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars, rounded up.

Runner 13 kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m not a runner, but I could almost feel myself running with Adrienne. If you want a book that will truly suck you in, this is the one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.

This is an incredible heart pounding story of survival. Boones has invited runners to compete in his race. Each runner is promised a special reward that can only be granted if they win. This race will not only test their endurance but will also put their lives at risk. If you love reading about corrupt and evil, revenge driven, along with strong characters then you will differently love this book.

Everything about this book was so interesting including the characters, the plot, and the setting. It was chilling knowing that there was someone targeting the runners but not knowing who or when they would attack next. Just when I thought I had figured out who everyone was and their involvement in the situations of the story, a shocking twist would be revealed that would make me second guess the characters intentions. I had predicted a part of Stella’s secret but when it was all revealed I was surprised by the true extent of her secret.

My favorite character was Adrienne. Her determination and grit for surviving and was what i loved most about her character. I was so worried for her throughout the book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.