Runner    by Patrick Lee Order:  USA  Can Minotaur, 2014 (2014) Hardcover, CD, e-Book      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Patrick Lee exploded on the thriller scene with a series that began with The Breach - an unusual and extraordinarily fast paced mix of horror and science fiction, filled with violence and shocking twists and turns of plot. He has surpassed himself with Runner. Ex-Special Forces Sam Dryden has drifted through life since the loss of his wife and daughter five years before, living in El Sedero, a small coastal town in Southern California. He's plagued by insomnia which often results in his running on the boardwalk in the middle of the night. One night, while jogging, he runs into twelve-year-old Rachel, who is pursued by trained assassins. Sam helps her and soon they are both in flight from the authorities. Rachel only remembers her imprisonment during the previous two months - she escaped after learning that her captors were about to kill her. And though it is a black op, her pursuers are able to marshall the full force of the U.S. government against the girl. Soon Sam is being sought as public enemy number one, accused of being a terrorist. Patrick Lee quickly introduces readers to Martin Gaul, who orchestrates the plot to kill Rachel, and will take any draconian measures necessary to succeed - what can such powerful forces fear from a child? There's also a physician who treated Rachel, Holly Ferrel. She helps Sam, but Rachel doesn't trust her. Readers eventually learn what the real Rachel can do, as does Rachel herself and her hero and savior, Sam Dryden. Will it change his paternal feelings for her? It's a doozy of a plot, filled with violence, near escapes, betrayals and shifting allegiances - Patrick Lee at his best. Don't miss this one! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more SF books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews