The writing was superb. It kept me suspended until the very end. The ending was a let down because I suspected it from the beginning.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. I have to say that it was the cover and description that I fell for...because sometimes I'll put "Christian" titles down on my list (unfair, I know.) In this case, it was good, and I enjoyed it a great deal. Super suspenseful, good plot and well developed characters. I didn't love that there was a cliffhanger end (mainly because I've had 3 this month like that..sigh)...but it's very likely I will read the next title in the series.

"...one step ahead of the shoe shine
Two steps away from the county line..."

From the start of this one, those lyrics from Simon & Garfunkel's "Keep the Customer Satisfied" ran through my head in this fast-paced, exciting book that I read in a single day (partly because it's only 318 pages long and mostly because it was very hard to put down).

You see, Casey Cox is a woman on the run; her DNA has been found at the scene of the stabbing murder of her best friend Brent, a journalist. In truth (or truth as she tells it), she really was at the scene - meeting him at his apartment at lunchtime at his request - but what she found was his bloody body. Believing her story wouldn't be convincing to the police, she ran away in hopes of finding a new identify and a new life. She's also trying to escape some haunting memories of her own youth - memories that comprise another reason to be wary of talking to the police.

Enter Dylan Roberts, a former Army cop with three deployments and a nasty case of PTSD who'd love to get a job on the local police force. Turns out he also was a good friend of Brent, and when Dylan attends the memorial service, because of his background he's hired to track down Casey (with approval from the time-challenged local police). As the chase ensues, chapters shift from Casey's perspective to Dylan's; in most instances, I'm not a big fan of that technique - nor of first-person writing - but they really do work well here.

Despite her efforts to stay off the grid, Casey leaves a trail that's almost amazingly easy for Dylan to follow. The closer he gets to finding her, though, the more he begins to realize there's far more to her story than he's being led to believe - bringing into question what happened to Brent, who actually did him in and why.

Meantime, a second story line comes into play as Casey - who now has a new identity - tries to get her new act together in an Atlanta suburb. A new friend, it seems, has a daughter who went missing a couple of years earlier. In the course of her new job, Casey inadvertently uncovers clues that could mean the daughter is still alive. Risking the loss of her precious anonomity, she sets out to learn the truth. The book comes to a riveting conclusion that brings closure to one of the two story lines (but I won't reveal which).

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book - but with two reservations. The first is that there's a doozy of a cliffhanger ending. This is the first of a two-book series (which I knew ahead of time and, under those circumstances, certainly expected some carryover business). But this goes far beyond that, literally forcing readers to get the next book ("If I'm Found") if they want closure. And not knowing that was gonna happen till the end of this one made me very grumpy.

The second is that it's in-your-face clear from the beginning that this book belongs in the category of Christian fiction (which I didn't know at the time I accepted a review copy from the publisher based on what sounded like a great story). Mind you, I have nothing against organized religion; in fact, I consider myself to be somewhat of a student of it. Over the years, I've enjoyed, and learned much from, books on the history and beliefs of faiths from Baha'i to Judaism to the Society of Friends to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

What I do not want to read about, however, is some character's "search for the God I used to believe in" or, God forbid, proselytizing. Both are in here from the beginning, though thankfully, not in large doses (with a couple of exceptions). Still, it's more than I want to encounter, and I firmly believe potential readers should be made aware of this ahead of time.

If I Run was my first exposure to Terri Blackstock's writing, but it certainly won't be the last! The storyline grabbed me immediately and the never-ending suspense kept me riveted to the last page.

Casey Cox finds her best friend, Brent, dead. She is covered in his blood as she tries to revive him, and, as best friend's, there is DNA evidence of her everywhere. She fears that Brent has been murdered because of something in her past that he was looking into for her. Knowing from past experience that she can't trust the police, she knows they will try to pin his murder on her, so she runs.

Dylan Roberts has just returned home from war suffering PSTD. He, too, was friends with Brent, and Brent's parents hire Dylan to find Casey and bring her back to face justice. But the more Dylan investigates, the more he's certain that everything is not as it appears. Too much doesn't match up. Everything he's learning about Casey tells him she didn't kill Brent. But then, who did and why? Can he find Casey? Can he bring Brent's killer back? Will Casey be on the run forever?

The story is told alternating between Casey's voice and Dylan's. It works well, and the reader comes to care for both characters. The writing is fast-paced and there's a good sideline story as well. All in all a very satisfying read. This is book 1 in a new series and I definitely want to follow up on this!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction for allowing me to read and review this book!

This book has a riveting plot. However the ending keeps you hanging. Hopefully the next book gives us closure. Who is Casey? A killer? Just someone trying to stay alive?

received in exchange for a honest review.

Devoured this. It was fast paced, full of intrigue and suspense. And the two main characters you feel for and want to see beat the odds.

casey is the good person. She is sweet, honest, hard working and kind. She is in a bad situation and it began before finding her best friend dead. It started when she found her dad all those years ago and didn’t believe he killed himself. this doubt has kept her going and also kept her in danger. She doesn’t know who to trust or turn to so when she stumbles upon her bestie she runs. Except this time she is running from someone who believes her.

At first Dylan doesn’t believe Casey. He sees her as the one that killed his best friend and bringing her in helps him get a job on the police force and will help him move forward. He has come back from War with memories that haunt him and to some this is impeding. For Dylan he acknowledges his issue and is working on overcoming it all. He is a strong and honest character. He wants to learn the truth and as he uncovers it he tries to not only find Casey but get her to trust him. He sees that she is in danger and sees who she is in danger from and is now in a rock and hard place.

Watching these two dance around and be on each others side but not really is fascinating. Seeing Dylan slowly unravel what is really happening and work on gaining the trust of Casey while keeping others off her tail is intriguing and the story is just captivating. When you read what is going on you are in shock. The story is twisty and alluring. Characters draw you in and the plot intrigues and keeps you wanting more and wanting to unravel the truth. A truly intriguing and alluring story that has you captivated from the beginning as you follow these two amazing characters and how their lives intertwine and how one brings life to one and has the other feel less alone. So looking forward to the next.

I'm not a big Christian Lit book but honestly it wasn't until the last 30% of the book that I even realized it was. This is a good mystery with interesting characters. It ends on a bit of a cliff hanger but the second book in the sequel If I'm Found was released March 2017.

Casey has been scared since she found her father dead. She knew it wasn't a suicide but the police didn't listen. When Casey finds her friend Brent dead she knows she has to run. If she stays knows she will wind up like her father.

Dylan Roberts is Brents childhood friend and when he finds out that he was murdered he wants to help in anyway he can. When Brents family asks him to find Casey he takes the job. Keegan the police chief is supposed to be helping him but seems to be blocking him from certain evidence. As Dylan starts to suspect there is more to this case another body is found.

This was a well written book and a great mystery, my biggest complaint is that it seemed that the Christian theme seems almost an afterthought in this book. It was thrown in toward the end and really would have been a better book without it. It seemed too forced - it didn't need to be pushed as hard as it was and it may have worked better had it been scattered throughout the book. It was almost a surprise toward the end which threw me off. I also have a problem with books stopping on such a big cliff hanger and then not releasing the sequel for almost a year. Luckily I found this book just as the sequel was put out.

The suspense aspect of If I Run was very well executed indeed, but the preachiness aspect of it didn't mesh with the storytelling. Some plots don't lend themselves to proselytizing and this was one of them. I think the rushed non-ending of the book was basically because the author wrote herself into a corner.

A wild rollercoaster of a suspense filled read and as always, Ms Blackstock weaves messages from the gospel into the story. Looking forward to the second book of the series since IF I RUN ended with a bit of a cliffhanger.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I think we are automatically programmed to think that those who run are guilty, without really giving it a second thought. Terri Blackstock may change this line of thinking with this thrilling tale! After the first chapter you will be hooked, and once you really get into the storyline, you just may change your mind about Casey. I found myself reading and reading until I finally came to the point where it described her reasoning in detail. And even then I couldn't stop. I had to find out how the story ended! Spoiler alert - there is a cliffhanger here! The next book in the series is a MUST!

Ms. Blackstock is a masterful story teller. The POV of Casey and Dylan were perfectly mapped out. Dylan's persistence and ability to stick to the facts made him the easily likeable hero. He was perfect for Casey's story, and I don't think another character type would have brought as much excitement to the story. In addition, Casey needed Dylan. She needed someone who would see her for who she really was/is. I loved all the little add-ons that were added to Casey's storyline. Little blurbs that let you know Casey was just a person, a person who still had a heart and a willingness to help others. This made her character relatable and more believable.

Perhaps the best part of the book to me was the way Ms. Blackstock incorporated the gospel. You will not finish reading this book without knowing about Jesus and God's love. It can be so difficult to weave this message in seamlessly and Terri did it beautifully. I hope it will speak directly to readers hearts!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An engaging read about real life corruption within the police force. The story begins with the main character, Casey running away from a murdered body. We quickly find out that she did not commit the murder, but that it was set up to look like she did, so she is on the run. I enjoyed the story and found it easy to read. The alternate plot was a bit too convenient, but it didn't take away from the story. I will definitely read book #2!

When you pick up a book and the first line is, "There's blood on the bottom of my shoes," you know it's going to be good.  From the first sentence I was hooked and completely immersed myself in If I Run by Terri Blackstock so much that I finished it in one day.  Yes, it's that good.

One of the biggest draws to this story is the writing.  This is the first book I've ever read by Terri Blackstock and I promise you it won't be the last.  She is a wonderful writer!  By the time you read the first paragraph you are intrigued.  I found myself craving to know more about this character.  Who is Casey Cox?  Why she is at a crime scene?  Why is she washing blood off her hands?  Who's blood is it?  Did Casey Cox commit this crime?

Since If I Run is written from Casey's point of view, it really draws you into her dire situation.  At first you don't know what to think (did she really do what she's accused of?) but as the story progresses the truth begins to emerge and things are not what they seem.  Dylan Roberts is the other first-person point of view in the story.  Dylan is hired to find out the truth and bring justice to his best friend's family but the more he digs the more he realizes that he might be after the wrong person.

What really spoke to me about this story was how true to life it was.  This could really happen to any of us which is a scary thought that sticks with you throughout the story.  The character development is also wonderful!  You fall in love with Dylan and Miss Lucy, the Godly older woman that befriends Casey, and you start to hate the people that you realize are responsible for this entire ordeal.

I couldn't put this book down even if I had wanted to!  You feel what Casey feels all the way up to the end which had my heart-pounding.  Incredible writing!

This book is part of a series but if you choose to read If I Run as a standalone book I don't think you would be disappointed.  The main story line is not quite finished but there is a subplot that has resolution.  I think if the author would've left the subplot a cliffhanger I would've been less satisfied.  Still, I would recommend picking up the sequel, If I'm Found which was just released March 21st, to see what happens to Casey Cox.  I do plan on picking it up myself.  I want to see if Casey Cox is ever found!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

ARC generously provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up. Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, 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. (less)

I have to admit that this one started out a little slow for me, however by the end I was hooked and cheering on the characters. I cannot wait to read the next one.

Crazy awesome! I loved every minute. This book has fantastic characters and a great mystery with lots of plot twists. It's refreshingly clean, and for once no romance (also refreshing). I loved getting to know Casey and Dylan as they unravel the mysteries in this book. I can't wait to read the next one!

Great book! Full of suspense and action. My only disappointment is that the ending leaves you hanging. You have to wait for Book 2 in the series and hopes it finalizes things for Casey and Dylan.
Casey is running for her life as she is being framed for killing her best friend. Her DNA was found all over the murder scene. Dylan is hired as a private investigator by the victim's parents to find the killer (Casey).
Dylan is suffering from PTSD and this case just may be what he needs to help him overcome his depression.
The characters are well written. I would recommend this book. If you've read Terri Blackstock's book previously, you won't be disappointed. If you haven't read any of her books, it's time you did.

This book is extremely slow and no connections were made at all between the characters. Tons of issues in this book and it was way to much. Mom has OCD, dad killed himself, corrupt cops, a war hero that has PTSD, a kidnapping. Just was over the top and not realistic and then added some religious stuff in it but didn't really have any connection to the story.

This is not the first suspense novel from Terri Blackstock I've read. I love her writing. But she really blew me away with the book. I actually started reading the second book of the series If I'm Found, but then got the opportunity to read this book from NetGalley so decided to read this first. I'm really glad I did. It lays down so much foundation for the premise of the series.

I don't usually enjoy first-person narratives but this book couldn't have been written any other way. Blackstock uses the advantages from the first-person narrative to create an enticing, intriguing, falling-off-the-edge-of-your-seat drama that captivates from page one.

Her characters are amazing. Because it's written from the perspective of Casey, the reader feels a lot of sympathy, love, and admiration for her. She's on the run, accused of a murder she didn't commit, but she can't help her loving, compassionate nature and ends up helping someone else. From Dylan's perspective, the reader sees and falls in love with the methodical, analytical, but also compassionate mind and heart of a true detective despite his battles with demons from days past.

Dylan's faith, even in the midst of his own emotional battles and the police department's corruption/cover up/betrayal, is note-worthy and very real. His struggles with depression and PTSD is gut-wrenching and raw.

I can't wait to dig into If I'm Found. My mind is reeling with what's going to happen next!

I received a digital advance reader copy from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

We first meet Casey Cox as she is leaving all she has ever known behind, fleeing after she finds her friend Brent Pace murdered in his home. She knows that if she stays, she will be arrested for his murder and probably killed before she can exonerate herself. She's had experience...her father "committed suicide" when she was 12 years old. And she knew something then that she knows now-both deaths were murders and connected. So she runs. Dylan Roberts is hired by Brent's parents to find Casey, believing her to be the killer. Dylan uses all his military skills to follow her, and in the process comes to admire her resourcefulness. Is Casey a good person as everyone says or a cold-blooded murderer?

What a wonderful start to the series. It does end on a cliffhanger but I am ok with that. The reader gets involved in the story right from the start and you become obsessed with the book. Great read.

First of all, I have to start off this review by saying that this book was responsible for pulling me out of the biggest reading slump I have ever experienced. This novel promised a fast-paced dose of mystery and suspense, and Terri Blackstock definitely delivered just that and so much more. It is a deceptively light read that ends up rooting itself in important and thought-provoking topics—very relevant in society today—packing more of a punch both emotionally and intellectually.

From the very start, the reader is thrown right into the middle of the action, and is fluidly swept up into this story of suspicious murders, dubious police work, and a heart-pounding, multi-state chase. With vividly portrayed characters and using two strong narrative voices to unfold this saga, it is a novel that pulls the reader in and hangs on through the bittersweet, cliffhanger ending.

In this novel, we follow Casey Cox and Dylan Roberts in a dual narrative as the mystery unravels and the chase gradually weaves their individual storylines together. Casey unexpectedly walks into—and becomes a part of—a crime scene when her best friend is murdered. With traces of her found all over this scene, she is immediately pegged as the sole person of interest in the murder. Having experienced previous unfair treatment at the hands of law enforcement officials, Casey realizes that her best chance at unveiling the truth, and even at staying alive, lies in her ability to escape—take herself completely off-the-grid.

Dylan Roberts has just returned home, tired and broken from his time serving in the army. Suffering from PTSD, he is finding it incredibly difficult to settle back into this style life that he has been so disconnected from. On top of his inner demons, he struggles against unfair treatment as he tries to find work again—many companies refusing to hire someone in an unreliable and fragile mental state.

Dylan seemingly gets a break when he is employed by the family of the murder victim to track down Casey and take her into custody; something that should be fairly straight-forward for him given his level of experience. However, he ends up facing off with an exceedingly clever girl who always seems to be a few steps ahead of him no matter what he does. And if that weren’t enough, when the information that he has been supplied begins to not add up with what he uncovers on his own, and the people he trusts start to look more like the villain they portray Casey to be.

This is a very character-driven novel, and Blackstock does a wonderful job of making each and every character an important element to the plot. Even those with smaller roles to play are distinctive and memorable, adding a strong foundation of realism to the narrative as a whole. Some secondary characters end up contributing a great deal to the overall plot, as well as creating some intriguing subplots—mysteries within a mystery.

Casey has definitely earned a place on the list of my all-time favorite female leads. She is resilient, intelligent, and brave from the very start, but she also displays weakness and fear, making her a highly relatable character. It would be hard not to fall in love with her, and cheer her on as she tackles obstacle after obstacle, and proves time and time again that she is an utterly selfless individual. She evolves a lot throughout a short period of time, and gains a great deal of personal strength and faith in multiple aspects of her life.

Dylan is another exceedingly intelligent and strong character. He has been through war in Afghanistan and is now fighting a war of his own—the inner turmoil that has been created from the horrors he has witnessed. Nevertheless, he pushes through, and devotes himself to the job he has been given, remaining independent and focused on what he takes away from his investigations, not just what one party would happily force him to believe. Casey and Dylan are very similar. Both broken, but not beyond repair. Both dealing with their own hardships, but never forgetting to remain true to themselves and do what they believe is right.

As far as the actual text itself, I found the writing to be very solid. I really enjoyed Blackstock’s style—it flowed very well throughout, even with the changing perspectives. Having more than one narrator and managing to give them each a distinct narrative voice can be very difficult, and Blackstock completely nailed it with her portrayal of Casey and Dylan. Both characters had clearly unique voices and personalities, and there was never a feeling of choppiness as the perspectives changed.

I found this to be such an engrossing read I could hardly put it down, and I did in fact end up reading it in one day. The end to every chapter is written in a way that isn’t necessarily a major cliffhanger, but leaves you craving more all the same. This is an adult novel, but the writing does tend to feel a bit more like a young adult novel. However, in my personal opinion, that does not detract from the story at all. In fact, it makes it accessible to a wider audience.

This is a novel that I would highly recommend, particularly to people who enjoy an exciting mystery and skilled characterization. I absolutely tore through this book, dying to know what would happen next and what the fate of these characters—both lovable and not so lovable—would be. I was completely sucked in from the first few pages.

The plot never slows down, with Blackstock masterfully creating some amount of suspense at the end of each chapter. It is an addictive read that is also quite intellectually stimulating and very full of substance. Teeming with love, loss, pain and ultimately hope, this is a novel that shows the unbelievable strength, courage, and faith that a person can have in the face of adversity.