Nick Petrie is back this year with another great adventure starring Peter Ash. If you’ve never met Ash, you’ll quickly learn he is a troubled former Marine Recon Lieutenant. He’s got problems, we all do, but Peter Ash is never afraid to lend help to those in need. The Runaway is a perfect example of the completely flawed and brilliant character that Petrie has brought to life.
Things start off in a busted ass gas and grocery in Podunk Montana. A young girl by the name of Helene, working a dead-end job on the register, is trapped by terrible luck and a manipulative sheriff’s deputy. While contemplating life’s lemons, in walks a gentleman to fill up his tanks for a long road trip. Could he be Mr. Right, or Mr. Right now? Doing anything to get out of the god forsaken town, Helene hitches a ride and ditches Coldwater, Montana. She has a tough time trying to read the mysterious Roy Wiley, her supposed savior until his career choices become apparent.
As far as Peter Ash goes, he’s got a knack for being there for people when they are in need. Helene is a prime example as Ash finds her on the side of a road, broken down. While rendering assistance, the marathon of fighting begins for Ash and Helene. Peter is on the run from a relentless group of people that Helene wants nothing to do with, and he’s just biding his time and trying to not eat a bullet. While working through dangerous country attempting a daring rescue, Ash must be wary of all law enforcement as they supposedly associate with Wiley. Helene fights for her life while Peter fights with her sociopath tormenter repeatedly. Who decides who lives and who dies?
The excitement of the challenge Ash faces bleeds from the first page and doesn’t end until the last. With that being said, Petrie made me hate Roy Wiley and I loved it. The amount of emotion he allows you to feel for the characters is amazing in this one. The landscapes and tremendous action are classic Peter Ash and quite possibly the best one yet. Ash has always been in unique locations, the great outdoors, amazing river and mountainous views, and Petrie constantly paints masterpieces.
Follow Chris on Twitter or contact him via the site.
Purchase The Runaway
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)
Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen
