Running Scared
Running Scared is a gripping romantic suspense novel by Lisa Jackson, first published in 2000 under her pseudonym Lisa Crofton before being reissued under her own name. Known for her ability to weave intense emotional stakes with chilling thrills, Jackson delivers a story that blends a mother’s fierce protectiveness with a dark mystery rooted in the past.
The novel centers on Kate Summers, a single mother who has built a quiet life in the small town of Hopewell, Oregon, with her fifteen-year-old son, Jon. Kate’s world revolves around keeping Jon safe, but she harbors a secret: Jon isn’t biologically hers. Years ago, desperate to escape a shadowy past, she adopted him under murky circumstances, fleeing Boston with a new identity. Now, as Jon begins experiencing strange, almost psychic visions—glimpses of danger and death—Kate’s carefully constructed life starts to unravel.
The plot thickens with the arrival of Daegan O’Rourke, a rugged stranger with his own troubled history. Daegan is searching for the son he never knew he had, a child born to a woman from his past who was murdered shortly after giving birth. His quest leads him to Hopewell, where he suspects Jon might be that child. As Daegan gets closer to Kate and Jon, the tension escalates—not just from his pursuit, but from an unseen threat tied to the boy’s origins. Someone else is watching, someone who knows the truth about Jon’s birth and is willing to kill to keep it buried.
Jackson excels at building suspense through layered characters and a relentless pace. Kate is a compelling protagonist—flawed, determined, and haunted by guilt over the choices she’s made. Her bond with Jon drives the emotional core of the story, while Daegan’s conflicted presence adds a mix of romance and mistrust. The supernatural element of Jon’s visions heightens the stakes, hinting at a legacy of secrets that ties the characters together in unexpected ways.
The novel explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child, all while delivering the twists and turns Jackson’s fans crave. The rural Oregon setting amplifies the isolation and paranoia, contrasting with the violent echoes of Boston’s underworld. Though some readers note the romance can feel rushed amid the suspense, the plot’s momentum keeps the pages turning.
Running Scared is a quintessential Lisa Jackson thriller—dark, fast-paced, and emotionally charged. It’s a story about running from the past, only to find it catching up with deadly consequences. If you’re a fan of her other works like Left to Die or Absolute Fear, this one’s a solid addition to her catalog, showcasing her knack for blending heart-pounding danger with human connection.
You can buy Running Scared by Lisa Jackson with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4j2WKAf
The novel centers on Kate Summers, a single mother who has built a quiet life in the small town of Hopewell, Oregon, with her fifteen-year-old son, Jon. Kate’s world revolves around keeping Jon safe, but she harbors a secret: Jon isn’t biologically hers. Years ago, desperate to escape a shadowy past, she adopted him under murky circumstances, fleeing Boston with a new identity. Now, as Jon begins experiencing strange, almost psychic visions—glimpses of danger and death—Kate’s carefully constructed life starts to unravel.
The plot thickens with the arrival of Daegan O’Rourke, a rugged stranger with his own troubled history. Daegan is searching for the son he never knew he had, a child born to a woman from his past who was murdered shortly after giving birth. His quest leads him to Hopewell, where he suspects Jon might be that child. As Daegan gets closer to Kate and Jon, the tension escalates—not just from his pursuit, but from an unseen threat tied to the boy’s origins. Someone else is watching, someone who knows the truth about Jon’s birth and is willing to kill to keep it buried.
Jackson excels at building suspense through layered characters and a relentless pace. Kate is a compelling protagonist—flawed, determined, and haunted by guilt over the choices she’s made. Her bond with Jon drives the emotional core of the story, while Daegan’s conflicted presence adds a mix of romance and mistrust. The supernatural element of Jon’s visions heightens the stakes, hinting at a legacy of secrets that ties the characters together in unexpected ways.
The novel explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child, all while delivering the twists and turns Jackson’s fans crave. The rural Oregon setting amplifies the isolation and paranoia, contrasting with the violent echoes of Boston’s underworld. Though some readers note the romance can feel rushed amid the suspense, the plot’s momentum keeps the pages turning.
Running Scared is a quintessential Lisa Jackson thriller—dark, fast-paced, and emotionally charged. It’s a story about running from the past, only to find it catching up with deadly consequences. If you’re a fan of her other works like Left to Die or Absolute Fear, this one’s a solid addition to her catalog, showcasing her knack for blending heart-pounding danger with human connection.
You can buy Running Scared by Lisa Jackson with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4j2WKAf
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