Run to Me by Diane Hester

Run to Me Reviews

• 
  Brenda

  I cannot believe that this is the author’s first novel!
  
  Shyler O’Neil was walking her five-year-old son Jesse home from soccer..they were having some fun along the way, and throwing pebbles into the rushing water of the river beneath the bridge. Suddenly a group of youths appeared, and the horror of the next few minutes changed Shyler’s life forever.
  
  Two years later, divorced and alone, Shyler had retreated to the isolation of a cabin which was left to her by her late father, a place the family had camped at when she was a child. The isolation was complete, with the cabin totally enclosed in woods, and the nearest small town quite some way away. Shyler found a tentative peace working alone in her workshop, creating beautiful creatures and other pieces out of wood, a craft taught to her by her father. She would then barter her items at the local grocery store for food and supplies. Bill was happy to do this for the lady who was reserved, quiet and alone.
  
  When we met ten-year-old Zack Ballinger, he was trying to find food for his two younger foster brothers, Reece and Corey, in the hovel they called home. Their foster parents, the Leary’s, were out drinking and using up all the latest pay packet. In amongst the filth, dirty dishes, and unwashed clothing he found some stale cracker biscuits, plus some suspect cheese, but that’s all there was, and they were starving. The three of them were alone, and lonely, with various reasons for being fostered, but they had developed the closeness of brothers, and Zack, being the eldest, was determined to look after his younger ‘brothers’.
  
  But suddenly, with events moving extremely fast, Zack, Reece and Corey found themselves in trouble. It was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but it was a disaster waiting to happen. On the run for their lives, the three friends managed to stay one step ahead of the thugs, but how long would that last? They were only children after all…..
  
  When Shyler re-entered the picture, she was teetering on the edge of sanity, and upon seeing Zack, she was positive it was her son Jesse. The speed with which things went wrong was incredible, and once again, Zack was on the run, but with different companions this time. Would they escape? Things couldn’t be worse, the fear, the horror, the intensity of the situation!
  
  I absolutely loved this book from the very first page! The extremely fast paced, full on action had me in its grip, and just wouldn’t let go! I felt for the three boys, I sympathised with Shyler, and I loathed the bad guys!! The characters were well defined, very ‘real’, I felt like I was actually ‘there’…
  
  This is a thriller that I would highly recommend to everyone! And I will definitely be looking for more of Diane Hester’s work!
  
  Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Australia for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
  
• 
  Lisa

  THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU Diane Hester for a remarkable novel Run To Me I was hooked right from the prologue to the end finished it in record time for me 2 days the writing for a debut author was brilliant a gritty thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat right the way through.
  
  The Characters were believable especially Tragg who is the creepiest character in a thriller that made me cringe every time he was in the dialogue it had everything a thriller of this kind of novel should have loved the plot & storyline was brilliant i really cant believe this book was Diane Hester's first novel UNBELIEVABLE!!
  
  I did form a strong bond with Zack, Reece & Corey as they were all fostered my heart went out to them the ending was everything i could want & it DID NOT disappoint.
  
  I think Diane Hester will be an author to watch out for if this novel is anything to go by.
  
  All that is left to say is i LOVED LOVED LOVED this book.
  
  I have high praise for this author.
• 
  Tannaz

  So lovely, so beautiful , so eve. thing! I love the story and the challenge! thanks!
• 
  ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔

  This is excellent!
  
  When I saw this on Net Galley I requested to read and review it from Random House Australia.
  
  If you look at the book cover, its very inviting, so this caught my eye first. I hadn't heard of Diane Hester.
  
  I began to read the book, it opens with a Prologue. After reading that, I was literally gasping. In my mind I am screaming WHAT! WHAT! bloody hell.
  
  Then the story begins. Each page drew me in.
  
  While I took a break from reading to check emails, I thought I would seek out Diane Hester and see what other books she has. SHE HASN'T! can you believe this is her FIRST book??!! I can't believe it, its so professional, a best seller up there in the Thriller content in my view point anyway.
  I am still reeling from the shock after finishing this book that its so dam good.
  
  No wonder Random House has her contracted, is all I can say!
  
  This is a writer I am going to stalk. I can't wait for her next book.
  
  I do love a good well written psychological Thriller, one that keeps me guessing, one that keeps me on the edge of my seat, one that makes me want to do nothing else except READ until the END.
  
  As you can see, I haven't told you much about the storyline, read the blurb, if that doesn't draw you in, then buy the book. You won't be disappointed.
  
  I would like to thank Random House Australia and the author for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of this wonderful thriller.
• 
  Rowena Holloway

  A motherless Child. A childless mother. A killer willing to sacrifice them both. Run to Me is the exciting debut from Port Lincoln (South Australian) author Diane Hester. Originally from New York City, Hester manages to bring her passion for Northern Maine to life in this thriller with heart.
  
  When ten-year-old Zack Ballinger and his foster brothers witness a crime, the boys must escape into the wilds of Northern Maine. With only his street-smarts to rely on, and the killers closing in, Zack has no choice but to turn to Shyler O’Neil, a reclusive woman still traumatised by the tragic death of her young son. The question soon becomes not just will Zack and Shyler escape the killer, but is she Zack’s rescuer or greatest threat.
  
  Run to Me is so much more than an edge-of-your-seat chase through the beautiful and perilous landscape. The characters are drawn with sensitivity and the deft hand of a true story teller. This is not a novel for those who prefer their thrillers filled with political intrigue, high-tech weaponry and explosions. Run to Me unashamedly plucks at the heart strings while keeping them vibrating with tension. Be prepared to give up a day to reading because this is a true page-turner that left me wanting more from this talented writer.
  
  For an informative interview with Diane Hester go to
  http://rowenaholloway.com/interview-o...
  
• 
  Kazza

  An outstanding piece of writing. If you like suspense, taut psychological thrillers, with nail-biting action, then Run to Me is a must read novel to add to your TBR list for March 2013.
  In depth review as spoiler-free as possible, given it's length, at
  http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
  
  An advance reading copy was supplied to me in return for an honest review.
• 
  Karen

  Written with the distinct feeling of a movie treatment RUN TO ME takes the story of a young boy in extreme danger, and combines that with a woman traumatised and stigmatised by the death of her own young boy. There's a feeling of inevitability to the coming together of those two characters, and their stand against the bad guys.
  
  The threat to the boys (Zack is held with two other youngsters) is carefully crafted making it less confrontational, although the threat itself is clearly drawn out. The baddies are very bad in this book, and the contrast between them and the character of O'Neil is glaring - almost cinematic.
  
  Less convincing is the idea of O'Neil's opportunity for "redemption". In order to accept that aspect, for a start it wouldn't hurt to not seeing it coming from a mile away, but all the way along it is hard to shake the feeling that she could have been unfairly treated.
  
  There's nothing wrong with a thriller that sets up an expected plot trajectory, provided the reader has some connection with enough of the elements to want to go along for the ride. Perhaps it was the child at risk element, which felt manipulative, designed to trigger a reaction. Perhaps it was the woman on the edge, a child killer, and another designed reaction which was just a bit too much.
  
  Perhaps it's simply a dose of overt manipulation fatigue - but RUN TO ME wasn't a ride that was easy to hitch a seat on. It was too hard to shake the feeling of observer, rather than participant.
  
  
  http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
• 
  Elizabeth (Stuffed Shelves)

  This is a must read for anyone interested in psychological thrillers that will have you immediately hooked. The moment I started this book, I could not put it down. I followed Zack, Reece and Corey through their painful lives which is the main plot of this book. They're orphans living in terrible conditions at their most current foster house, with foster parents who abuse them and drink all the child support money away.
  
  Things start to look up when Mr. Westgate and Ms. Knowles show up at their front door and make promises of a brighter future with a new foster family who will love them unlike any other family has. Who would have thought these two people had an alternate agenda that will forever change the lives of these three boys.
  
  No one is who they appears to be. Especially when Zack runs into a woman, Shyler who acts as a stand in mother, her reasons are skewed but genuine. It will all come together when Zack finally confides in a doctor who seems like the must trustworthy character in the book.
  
  I was literally biting my nails throughout this whole book. Each chapter brought me closer and closer to completing the story that kept me on the edge of my seat. It's a thriller you won't forget. The story of three broken boys who just need someone to love them is heartbreaking, and keeps you reading in hopes of sleeping easier knowing if these boys get their happy ending or not. Without a doubt, 5/5 all the way.
  
• 
  Lauredhel

  Content Notes: children in danger, some child neglect/abuse, vivid description of PTSD symptoms
  
  This is an excellent nailbiter set in the woods of northern Maine. The shifting point-of-view was a bit confusing for me in the galley, but with proper scene breaks it should work well. I liked the moxie of the child protagonist a lot. What I particularly admire was the way Shyler's spirit and courage shone through while she was struggling with severe PTSD. The PTSD rang true to me, which is a tricky thing to pull off. It didn't suddenly evaporate conveniently when it needed to - it caused very significant problems - but she fought on.
  
  What I didn't like much was the romantic subplot. I don't think it was necessary to the story, except as a means to the Happy Family endgame, and I was really very squicked by the fact that the doctor's romantic pursuit arose from a meeting within a medical consultation in which Shyler, a very ill woman, had come to the doctor for help. The ethical issues of that situation are decidedly non-trivial, and these issues were completely ignored in the book. I can imagine many readers might be able to overlook this, but as a doctor myself this problem just kept screaming at me.
  
  Otherwise, though, this is a very competent debut, and I'd definitely pick up Hester's next book.
  
• 
  Mattie

  This book totally captured me from the first page. If you are looking for a psychological thriller that will want you reading more ... This is the book you want to add to your TBR list. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review. No compensation was received. This is an author that I will add to my list. Great character development and smooth and easy reading.
• 
  Diane Hester

  Ten years ago this very month I was deep into preparing the final edits of my debut thriller, Run To Me. In honor of that 10 year anniversary I re-visited the story and found I love it every bit as much as when I first wrote it.
  
  Run To Me will forever hold a 5 star rating in my heart, as much for being the heart-rending story of Shyler and Zack as being the first book I ever had published. Happy 10th anniversary Run To Me!
• 
  امیرمحمد حیدری

  این کتاب تحت عنوان «فرار کن» به‌ترجمه‌ی «علی قانع» در مجموعه‌ی رمان‌های پلیسی نشر «قطره» چاپ شده اما صفحه‌ی آن نسخه را نیافتم فلذا نسخه‌ی اصلی را ریت می‌کنم. کتاب زیادی تراش‌نخورده و شلم‌شوربا بود. اصلا جالب نبود.
• 
  Tash

  Reviewed for Confessions From Romaholics
  
  
  To see review at Confessions
  
  Run To Me is the debut novel from author Diane Hester and tells a potent story about love, grief and secrets. Two years ago Shyler lost her son Jesse in a robbery gone wrong. Blamed by her now ex-husband as the cause of his death despite the courts believing her story, she becomes a hermit up in Deadwood, a skiing town in Northern Maine where she spent time as a little girl. She is barely functioning as a human being but she is content to be where she is at. However, a little boy is about to walk into her life and bring changes for the better.
  
  Zach does not care about himself but he is worried for his little foster brothers, Reese and Corey, and makes sure he gets the brunt of any punishment from their foster parents who don’t care for the kids and use the state aid to get drunk. He hasn’t been loved by anyone in years and doesn’t trust anyone after his mother promised that she would come back for him after she got married to the guy he hated. However, that never happened as they were killed and he was stuck in foster care. So when two social workers knock on the door of the Leary’s home, his foster parents, he is suspicious because they have been stuck there for months. When they provide credentials and promises of taking them away from the Learys immediately, he gets slightly optimistic. He soon realises that he has led the other boys into something worse when he overhears the social workers.
  
  The social workers are not who they say they are, but criminals named Vanessa and Nolan, who work for someone. They want the kids to tell their associate Tragg where the briefcase is that Zach saw being hidden at the abandoned warehouse they play in, as they want its contents and the kids for nefarious purposes. Zach and the boys make a daring escape from the car and get into a truck heading to Deadwood to try and escape but there are consequences in store.
  
  Meanwhile, Zach is having his problems: Shyler cuts her hand and comes to the notice of the new local doctor, Chase, who recognises that Shyler has PTS and hasn’t been treated for it. Intrigued by the woman, he tries to find out more about her and comes up with a few dead ends despite trying to get her to open up. A call to her mother gets the address to the cabin where he discovers a destroyed cabin, a hysterical Shyler and a little boy he has never seen before. The little boy is Zach but Shyler is delusional and thinks that it is Jesse and she needs to protect him from the bad men who trying to kill him. Shyler is right about the guys who are after her and Zach. They are Nolan and Tragg brought in to help Vanessa … but how did Zach end up with Shyler?
  
  Zach knew he had to stay hidden once he got to Deadwood with Corey and Reese but escaping by causing an accident results in Corey getting hurt so they are left at the doctor’s office. Then Vanessa manages to get Corey and Zach on his own. By chance he finds Shyler and he decides to stay as she treats him with love and care. He does not get why she keeps calling him Jesse but goes along with it and calls her mum.
  
  Zach is not safe because the criminals want him back despite him disclosing where the briefcase is and when Chase makes a phone call and finds out that Shyler is out of her mind. Is Zach going to be safe and will be the boys be all right and will Shyler be able to get help to comprehend what is happening?
  
  I was captivated from the moment we meet Zach, the boy who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He has had a hard life and the things he goes through to keep his promise to Corey and Reese to find them a good home I found engaging. He is a little boy who lost his innocence too soon and it’s sad but luckily there is a happy ending for all the characters.
  
  4 couples
• 
  Joyce Stewart Reviews

  Run To Me
  DIANE HESTER
  5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  
  "Run to Me" had me hooked from the very start. It is an action packed nail-biting thriller.Gripping and intense, the fast-paced plot rocketed along keeping me on the edge of my seat. I very highly reccomend this book. It is such a great psychological suspense novel that is Very well written . I loved this book. It grips you on page one. The ending is fantastic and makes you smile. I started reading and just couldn't stop. Read it in one day because it is Unputdownable. Anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller this book is for you. Diane Hester writing is superb and her descriptions excellent. It is full of intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author paints a gripping and mesmerizing story in a very vivid and convincing way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.
  
  The book description gives a sneak preview: It's been two years since Shyler O'Neil's beloved son Jesse was killed - but his final moments are as vivid to her now as they were that dreadful day. Suffering from post-traumatic stress, and convinced she did not do enough to protect him, she retreats to an isolated cabin in the woods of northern Maine.
  
  Meanwhile, Zack Ballinger - a ten-year-old boy who has never known a mother's love - finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. He's seen too much and is now running for his life. Fleeing into the woods, Zack soon finds himself at Shyler's cabin. He'll take whatever help she can give - even though, for some reason, she keeps calling him Jesse . . .
  
  With the pursuers hot on their heels, 'mother' and 'son' go on the run. Protecting Zack may well be Shyler's one chance at redemption.
  
  Either that, or she is the child's greatest threat . . .
  
  Now, if that’s not enough to get your curiosity juices flowing, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it’s well worth reading .
  
  Run to Me had every element a good story should have. An intriguing plot, attention to detail, but best of all well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I really look for in a good book.
  
  Very appealing and alluring, this work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There is plenty of non-stop action in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly gripping and intense ride. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.In my humble opinion, I honestly think this would make a great movie. Five stars from me.
• 
  Sam Still Reading

  
  Run to Me is one of the more original thrillers I’ve read recently. Why? To start with, one of its heroes is a ten year old boy, Zack. Zack has had an awful life to date – rejected by his mother in favour of a new partner, multiple foster homes with neglectful carers and now he’s being chased by a group of people who think he saw something he shouldn’t. Add to that two younger foster brothers to look after, and Zack’s got a lot more on his plate than many adults.
  
  One of the other main characters is Shyler; a reclusive woman who retreated to a cabin in the remote Maine woods after her son was killed in a mugging gone wrong. Shyler can’t stand to be around children and rejects any attempt at help, even from the local doctor. She lives a life carving wooden figurines in exchange for food and services. As we read on, we find that Shyler’s version of events may not be correct...
  
  The narrative is fast paced for the majority of the novel, as Zack tries to keep his brothers safe. When he teams up with Shyler (who thinks he is her dead son), the action becomes even more cut throat as they try to save themselves. Shyler’s mental state deteriorates during this time, becoming more paranoid, and it’s difficult to see if she will redeem herself (even though you will hope that she does, she’s a likeable character). I found myself wondering if Shyler’s version of events was in fact real at times.
  
  Hester’s ability to devise a masterful plot comes out in the chase scenes. Her characters make use of every opportunity and resource available to them to defend themselves. I also liked how the environment was used to remind Shyler of the traumatic loss of her son and how the action seemed to suspend itself as she tried to confront her demons.
  
  I would have liked to know a little more about why the ‘baddies’ (namely Vanessa, Nolan and Tragg) wanted Zack and his brothers after supposedly observing something in a warehouse. It would have been interesting to know a bit more about Lazaro and what he and his colleagues were up to.
  
  Dr Chase Hadley was an excellent supporting character and added a bit of normality to a plot where everyone else had something to run from. His incredible patience made him quite desirable!
  
  I also enjoyed the ending to the book – quite fitting with the hope of redemption. I’d be very interested to see what Diane Hester brings out next!
  
  Thank you to Random House Australia for the eARC copy.
  
  
  http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
• 
  Dale Harcombe

  Four and a half stars
  From the prologue where Shyler’s son Jesse dies, after she is ambushed by thugs I was hooked. I stayed hooked as the story moved two years later to three boys, Zack, Reece and Corey who are being fostered by two people who should never have the care of children. 10 year old Zack attempts to take care of the two younger boys, but soon finds out that what looked a good idea at the time has only got all three boys into more trouble. His attempts to help them all only lands him in a worse situation. He ends up running for his life. You just feel that sooner or later Zack and Shyler are going to connect. But Shyler has some mental health problems and cannot stand to be around any child. She prefers her isolation and living in the cabin in the woods. When an accident occurs as she is carving wood sculptures, she is forced out of her isolation and meets the new young doctor Chase who has moved from Boston to take on a practice and care for his father who is in a wheelchair. All these characters will find their lives changed in ways they did not expect.
  This is a book of fast paced, page turning action that sucked me in completely. I liked Shyler- a woman with issues but creative, strong and resourceful. I also liked Chase and the young boy Zack, who Shyler comes to believe is her son Jesse. The setting in the wilds of Maine was well done. The villains were suitably villainous. There is a bit of the f word and other language. But given the evil characters the villains are that is to be expected.
  I took every chance I good to get back to the book, which I was amazed to learn is a debut novel. Wow! Towards the end I was turning the pages faster and faster. My one quibble was when the doctor drops his mobile. Later he mentions he is looking for it. But the reader never learns that he finds it, until suddenly Chase produces it from his pocket and makes a phone call from it later. Just a minor point in what was a suspenseful novel and one that will draw many readers in as it is a riveting read. With this book, almost impossible to put down, I will be very keen to read another book by this author.
  
• 
  Vicki M

  Run To Me by Diane Hester is expected to be released on March 1, 2013. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy for my Kindle. Shyler O'Neil is is a broken woman. She is living with the guilt of not being able to save her beloved son. Zack Ballinger is a ten year old foster child with a tough exterior. A case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time leaves Zack in grave danger, but also at Shyler's doorstep. The two broken souls whom have had more of their share of tragedy and hard times end up thrown together, on the run and fighting for their lives. Posing as a mother and son, they have the odds stacked against them. Ruthless gunmen, mental illness, physical ailments and dangerous con men are just a few of the dangers they have to deal with. But at the center of this gritty novel is a story of strength, survival and true love. This book kept me captivated ... made my heart pound ... and I could not put the book down. It is a brilliant book filled with heroism and undying love. I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller!
• 
  Jo

  Wow this book starts with a bang and the suspense carries through to the end, the characters are brilliant, especially Shyler.
  
  Shyler is truamatized and has withdrawn from the world, due to the tragic death of her son. Shyler’s character is very sad and Hester did an amazing job articulating Shyler’s thoughts.
  
  Zack the secondary character has suffered during his short life. Zack has grown up in foster homes and is mature beyond his age, yet there is a small child within him who yearns for a home and mother’s love. So he holds on to Shyler even after learning that she has problems of her own.
  
  The novel is written from the perspectives of Shyler, Zack and Dr. Chase Hadley. I couldn’t help but smile at that name! While Zack and Shyler are dealing with their own hells, Dr. Hadley is stuck in between them and offers to help.
  
  The suspense through out this book is woven majestically through every twist and turn.
  
  In my opinion Diane Hester is definitely an author to watch.
  
  Highly recommended. 4 stars
• 
  Natasha Ewendt

  From the heart-stopping start, Run To Me is a compelling, edge-of-your-seat read. The story lures you in from the first page to the last. The suspense is tight throughout and cleverly plotted to keep you constantly wondering what’s going to happen next. It’s fascinating to watch all the storylines intertwine and come together in the end. Expertly written, it has heartrending moments and well-drawn, sympathetic characters with intriguing layers that make the end pay-off all the more satisfying. The author has a special gift to be able to tell the story from the viewpoint of all the major characters, from vulnerable Shyler, troubled young Zack and the good doctor to the cold villains. I’m thrilled that this Random House Australia novel has now been released in the US, UK and Canada and can’t wait to read more of Diane’s aptly and brilliantly branded “thrillers with heart”.
• 
  Sandy Vaile

  Wow, at the end of the prologue I was on the edge of my seat and the suspense just didn't let up. Not only was the writing and editing of a high quality, but I giggled in places and even cried. Everything I look for in a great story!
  
  The characters were well developed with traits I could sympathise with as well as complex and beliveable flaws, and some really creepy bad guys. The internal battle of Zack was heart wrenching, but his strength only made me love him more. And the ending...well, you'll have to wait and find out!
  
  This book is definitely worth a read. I'll certainly be eagerly waiting for Diane's next release.
• 
  Carey Greene

  I thought this book started out a little slow...but the further I got into the more involved I got...the children in this book are very endearing and you find yourself rooting for them..and hope all turns out well...the handling of Shyler's mental illness was handled well and you end up hoping that things turn out well for her....because of the rough time she has coping with the death of her son and putting up with everyone who didn't believe her...good book to read.
• 
  Peggy

  ~~~RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW~~~
  
  
  
  The cover of the book is captivating and an attention grabber. Once you start reading you are just captivated from start to end. There is no putting this one down. You will keep turning the pages to try and figure out if she did or didn't. But just when you have it all figured out, it's not what you think! Diane Hester knows just how to keep her readers intrigued and reading!
  
  
  
• 
  J. Ewbank

  Now this book by Diane Hester is what I call a very engaging book. You simply cannot put it down without wanting to get back to it. The characters are real and the plot keeps your attention focused on the next page and what is going to happen. What a good read! Enjoyed it.
  
  J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" and "Wesley's Wars"
• 
  Carla Caruso

  Fast-paced, lovely short chapters, and snappy sentences - reads just like a thriller film! You'll fall for the characters, Shyler, Dr Chase and Zack, too. Plus, gorgeous setting. Fab debut for this author. Will look out for further offerings from her!
• 
  Suzie

  Best book I've read in a long time. Once you start you can't stop. An original story line, not one where you wonder if you have read something similar. Will definitely be watching for the next book she writes.
• 
  Claire

  I lost my reading mojo earlier this year. But this book brought it back with a vengeance! I'm so glad I bought this from Di when she spoke to our Book Lovers Club way back at the start of the year. I just wish I hadn't left it so long before I read it!
• 
  Isabel Storey

  Almost at one sitting, sniffles at the end.