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Ruth Run
Cybercrime leads to a cross-country pursuit as an ambitious, misfit young thief exploits a hacked microchip to rob banks, and learns too late that the wrong people have been watching her.
Twenty-six-year-old Ruth excels at microchip design but decides to get rich the old-fashioned way: robbing banks. She becomes a cybercriminal and devotes five years to siphoning more than $250 million out of the banking system using a hacked firewall chip that she created and only she knows how to access. Then one night an alarm goes off and she realizes she’s been discovered.
Five hours later she’s on the run, chased across California and the West by a slew of government agents who see her as both a high-level national security threat and a potential intelligence asset. They’ll catch her dead or alive—whatever it takes to make sure no one else discovers what she knows. Each of these men is obsessed with the woman he’s hunting, certain he knows what makes her tick. But Ruth, always a step ahead, armed with her ironic wit and a reluctant dog, eludes their understanding; can she elude their capture, too?
A nonstop oddball thriller for the age of digital theft, Ruth Run introduces an irresistible new heroine and a fantastic new voice in contemporary fiction.
Twenty-six-year-old Ruth excels at microchip design but decides to get rich the old-fashioned way: robbing banks. She becomes a cybercriminal and devotes five years to siphoning more than $250 million out of the banking system using a hacked firewall chip that she created and only she knows how to access. Then one night an alarm goes off and she realizes she’s been discovered.
Five hours later she’s on the run, chased across California and the West by a slew of government agents who see her as both a high-level national security threat and a potential intelligence asset. They’ll catch her dead or alive—whatever it takes to make sure no one else discovers what she knows. Each of these men is obsessed with the woman he’s hunting, certain he knows what makes her tick. But Ruth, always a step ahead, armed with her ironic wit and a reluctant dog, eludes their understanding; can she elude their capture, too?
A nonstop oddball thriller for the age of digital theft, Ruth Run introduces an irresistible new heroine and a fantastic new voice in contemporary fiction.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 15, 2025
127 people are currently reading
13091 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
June 23, 2025
Taking off like a bullet from the very first word, Ruth Run was both fast-paced and addictive. From the distinct dual POVs to the epic game of cat-and-mouse, I was glued to the pages of this debut as these two original personas tried to outfox one another. A quick, easy rollercoaster ride that kept me on the edge of my seat, the dynamic between the pair was what had me reading this book in one single sitting. After all, not really a thriller but also too propulsive for straight-up suspense, I was almost completely won over by this near pitch perfect, unputdownable novel.
Why almost, you ask? Well, I was head over heels for Ruth in all of her brilliant, hardcore, feminist glory—until she lost me at the end. A strong, morally gray character who had an eye for revenge, I was 100% behind her decisions except for that last glaring one. I won’t go into specifics, but just know that it made me frown just when I was cheering her on. Just the same, her character matched up well with Mike—an icky approximation of a man who made me want to squirm—and LuAnn, who was Ruth’s ultimate rival in no uncertain terms.
Other than the last bothersome page, though, the only other “flaw” that I could find was the need to suspend all disbelief. It wasn’t because it was over-the-top, but more along the lines of how a Jason Bourne-type plot leans into adrenaline delivery. Hard-hitting and with palpable tension, this book is most definitely primed for the screen. And let me tell you, despite the last page, I would happily be seated in the very first row if it makes it to a theater near me. After all, who doesn’t love a cross-country chase that ends in revenge?
All in all, thanks to short chapters, non-stop action, and a couple of deft twists, I was duly impressed. I mean, it was that wonderful combo of unguessable and compelling. So as long as you love strong female main characters, a few evil villains, and a plot that will have you holding on for dear life, you’ll love this book as much as I did. I just wish I could give it the five glowing stars I was planning on before that last damning sentence. Despite that, however, I’ll still happily read whatever Ms. Kaufman comes up with next, including a sequel. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Twenty-six-year-old Ruth excels at microchip design but decides to get rich the old-fashioned way: robbing banks. She becomes a cybercriminal and devotes five years to siphoning more than $250 million out of the banking system using a hacked firewall chip that she created and only she knows how to access. Then one night an alarm goes off and she realizes she’s been discovered.
Five hours later she’s on the run, chased across California and the West by a slew of government agents who see her as both a high-level national security threat and a potential intelligence asset. They’ll catch her dead or alive—whatever it takes to make sure no one else discovers what she knows. Each of these men is obsessed with the woman he’s hunting, certain he knows what makes her tick. But Ruth, always a step ahead, armed with her ironic wit and a reluctant dog, eludes their understanding; can she elude their capture, too?
Thank you to Elizabeth Kaufman and Penguin Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: April 15, 2025
Content warning: stalking, religious extremism, gun violence, suicide, mention of: child sex trafficking, pedophilia
Why almost, you ask? Well, I was head over heels for Ruth in all of her brilliant, hardcore, feminist glory—until she lost me at the end. A strong, morally gray character who had an eye for revenge, I was 100% behind her decisions except for that last glaring one. I won’t go into specifics, but just know that it made me frown just when I was cheering her on. Just the same, her character matched up well with Mike—an icky approximation of a man who made me want to squirm—and LuAnn, who was Ruth’s ultimate rival in no uncertain terms.
Other than the last bothersome page, though, the only other “flaw” that I could find was the need to suspend all disbelief. It wasn’t because it was over-the-top, but more along the lines of how a Jason Bourne-type plot leans into adrenaline delivery. Hard-hitting and with palpable tension, this book is most definitely primed for the screen. And let me tell you, despite the last page, I would happily be seated in the very first row if it makes it to a theater near me. After all, who doesn’t love a cross-country chase that ends in revenge?
All in all, thanks to short chapters, non-stop action, and a couple of deft twists, I was duly impressed. I mean, it was that wonderful combo of unguessable and compelling. So as long as you love strong female main characters, a few evil villains, and a plot that will have you holding on for dear life, you’ll love this book as much as I did. I just wish I could give it the five glowing stars I was planning on before that last damning sentence. Despite that, however, I’ll still happily read whatever Ms. Kaufman comes up with next, including a sequel. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Twenty-six-year-old Ruth excels at microchip design but decides to get rich the old-fashioned way: robbing banks. She becomes a cybercriminal and devotes five years to siphoning more than $250 million out of the banking system using a hacked firewall chip that she created and only she knows how to access. Then one night an alarm goes off and she realizes she’s been discovered.
Five hours later she’s on the run, chased across California and the West by a slew of government agents who see her as both a high-level national security threat and a potential intelligence asset. They’ll catch her dead or alive—whatever it takes to make sure no one else discovers what she knows. Each of these men is obsessed with the woman he’s hunting, certain he knows what makes her tick. But Ruth, always a step ahead, armed with her ironic wit and a reluctant dog, eludes their understanding; can she elude their capture, too?
Thank you to Elizabeth Kaufman and Penguin Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: April 15, 2025
Content warning: stalking, religious extremism, gun violence, suicide, mention of: child sex trafficking, pedophilia
April 21, 2025
Meh
This book is told from two perspectives: Ruth, who developed a computer chip that allowed her to steal a millions, and Mike, the government agent who has been following her and now that she is on the run he is trying to hunt her down--or is he? As various other agencies get involved in the cat and mouse chase, who will be victorious?
My main problem with this book is that I had no idea why on earth Mike was so invested in what was going on with Ruth. We're thrown right into the story as Ruth is trying to get away, and I never could garner up many reasons to support one side or the other. I felt no connection to either of them and by the end I just wanted it to be over, I didn't care if she ultimately got away or not.
My favorite parts were when Ruth came up with clever ways to slip out of their grasp, but it didn't happen very often. You definitely have to suspend disbelief through most of this book because some of the things that happen are so over the top unbelievable I was rolling my eyes.
Overall, I was not very entertained by this book. Maybe you'll have better luck. It is a quick read with very short chapters to keep things moving.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This book is told from two perspectives: Ruth, who developed a computer chip that allowed her to steal a millions, and Mike, the government agent who has been following her and now that she is on the run he is trying to hunt her down--or is he? As various other agencies get involved in the cat and mouse chase, who will be victorious?
My main problem with this book is that I had no idea why on earth Mike was so invested in what was going on with Ruth. We're thrown right into the story as Ruth is trying to get away, and I never could garner up many reasons to support one side or the other. I felt no connection to either of them and by the end I just wanted it to be over, I didn't care if she ultimately got away or not.
My favorite parts were when Ruth came up with clever ways to slip out of their grasp, but it didn't happen very often. You definitely have to suspend disbelief through most of this book because some of the things that happen are so over the top unbelievable I was rolling my eyes.
Overall, I was not very entertained by this book. Maybe you'll have better luck. It is a quick read with very short chapters to keep things moving.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 23, 2025
Great debut novel!
Fast paced, well written book.
The writing style was unique.
Ruth is a strong and nerdy smart woman.
Ruth basically does what she wants to get her way.
She has much potential, but feels unseen.
I was disappointed with the ending.
Fast paced, well written book.
The writing style was unique.
Ruth is a strong and nerdy smart woman.
Ruth basically does what she wants to get her way.
She has much potential, but feels unseen.
I was disappointed with the ending.
Read
April 16, 2025Ruth says she loves food and wants money for food (?) so she hacks a microchip, gets a job where she can integrate her chip into a "product" (that part was a little hand-wavey) and then is able to siphon off money and stash it in off-shore accounts. She sets up a trip wire to warn her if the authorities are onto her. After that, the party is over and she's got to run. Run, Ruth!!!
I struggled to understand what motivated Ruth. (Food, really??? I think not.) I felt like she just stole money because she could. But my lack of insight into her was a huge stumbling block for me.
Then, there's Mike. He's creepily watching Ruth, but why? Is he law enforcement? Another grifter trying to steal from a fellow grifter?
I think my main problem with this book is that no one's motivation was clear or compelling to me.
If, like me, you need to understand the end, here's my take under spoiler protection:
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
I struggled to understand what motivated Ruth. (Food, really??? I think not.) I felt like she just stole money because she could. But my lack of insight into her was a huge stumbling block for me.
Then, there's Mike. He's creepily watching Ruth, but why? Is he law enforcement? Another grifter trying to steal from a fellow grifter?
I think my main problem with this book is that no one's motivation was clear or compelling to me.
If, like me, you need to understand the end, here's my take under spoiler protection:
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
May 17, 2025
That’s it?? …. Where’s the rest.
April 4, 2025
A cybercrime, a lot of money, and Ruth behind it all - she needs to run, hide, and get away so she can be rich.
Holy complex plot. Ruth stole a staggering amount of money and has been slipping it around to off-shore accounts, trying to amass as much as she can before she gets caught. We're pulled in right at that moment, when somethin in her intricate network has been tripped.
From there, I struggled. I never felt like we got to know Ruth - sure, she wanted money. She just wanted to be rich. She was good at moving around and running, but I never got the sense we knew her (and I struggled, honestly, to like her.)
Then we have this weird POV of this creepy guy who's been watching her. I felt so uncomfortable in his POV as he preened and gushed and just obsessed over her. As the plot got deeper and he was even more embedded, I got the ick every time we got his input and, although we needed that part of the details to know just how hunted Ruth was, he was just gross.
The rest was a rush. Because I didn't feel a huge pull to Ruth, I didn't quite feel the pull of the non-stop rush of the plot. It's an interesting story, one different than I'd normally read. If you like high action, pulse pounding reads - then you should definitely give this a try!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Holy complex plot. Ruth stole a staggering amount of money and has been slipping it around to off-shore accounts, trying to amass as much as she can before she gets caught. We're pulled in right at that moment, when somethin in her intricate network has been tripped.
From there, I struggled. I never felt like we got to know Ruth - sure, she wanted money. She just wanted to be rich. She was good at moving around and running, but I never got the sense we knew her (and I struggled, honestly, to like her.)
Then we have this weird POV of this creepy guy who's been watching her. I felt so uncomfortable in his POV as he preened and gushed and just obsessed over her. As the plot got deeper and he was even more embedded, I got the ick every time we got his input and, although we needed that part of the details to know just how hunted Ruth was, he was just gross.
The rest was a rush. Because I didn't feel a huge pull to Ruth, I didn't quite feel the pull of the non-stop rush of the plot. It's an interesting story, one different than I'd normally read. If you like high action, pulse pounding reads - then you should definitely give this a try!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
March 23, 2025
"..food can't buy money, but money can by food and most other things as well, like security of sorts and free time and maybe a good dog with a yard to play in."
Ruth is a lady on the run as she has a program (?) that has allowed her to steal multi millions of dollars from banks. At least I think that is what the deal was. It was a little hard for me to follow what she actually did and it seems like the feds were after her for that program that was reportedly in numerous of the federal programs but hadn't actually done anything in regard to that?? I didn't really feel attached to any of the characters but the plot did keep me engaged enough to want to see it to the end.
Ruth is a lady on the run as she has a program (?) that has allowed her to steal multi millions of dollars from banks. At least I think that is what the deal was. It was a little hard for me to follow what she actually did and it seems like the feds were after her for that program that was reportedly in numerous of the federal programs but hadn't actually done anything in regard to that?? I didn't really feel attached to any of the characters but the plot did keep me engaged enough to want to see it to the end.
April 6, 2025
#ad many thanks for the advance copy @simon + @lavenderpublicrelations #partner
& @prhaudio #partner for the ALC
4 hour read at 1.8x
Mixed review // Pub: April 15, 2025
Ohhhh hop in but you better buckle-up because you’re in for a treat with this one! Ruth Run by Elizabeth Kaupman is a fast-paced thriller that you won’t be able to put down. It’s also a hilarious read. Seriously giggled so much.
But then the story took a really disgusting turn. (See below it’s kind of spoil-ish but not - but is part of the twist - I’d say?!)
With super short chapters, this was a fast read/listen - besides all of that. Ruth and Thom are on the run. Ruth had found a bug and has been stealing money from banks digitally. She should have quit while ahead. She had plenty of millions, all set to retire.
But who is after Ruth and Thom? She had set up precautions, before anyone was on to her she would be eons ahead of them. But these people got to her apartment way too quick. Something isn’t right here.
This was a fun one. While some of the lingo went over my head, and while other parts were just ehhhhh - I feel the author did a great job of explaining all the tech and how things worked. It was kept to simple terms. I also enjoyed the beginning way more than the middle and end but meh.
You’ll be cheering for Ruth throughout. Thom was ready to turn himself in but Ruth talked him out of that. He’s also a character you will cheer for. But I did have to side-eye him for a bit. But he’s also not a major character in this story.
Mostly enjoyed this one. It’s a solid fun read. Will absolutely be reading this author again. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Having alternating narrators with the alternating POV’s made the audio absolutely perfect.
Recommend both reading or listening to this one. I did go back and forth between loving this and being bored, but I mostly loved it.
Can loyalty be bought?
———-TRIGGER & SPOILER———-
——- Warned you ——-
———-FINAL Warning ———-
Sexual abuse against children - even “evil” ones, is never okay. It’s not condoned in any way, I’m just saying bc thats how the character tried to explain it. There’s one gross character that may be triggering to readers but he gets what he deserves in the end. I won’t say what that something is.
Triggers: talks about sexual child abuse (no scenes of it, no details, just talk about someone doing it).
#RuthRun
& @prhaudio #partner for the ALC
4 hour read at 1.8x
Mixed review // Pub: April 15, 2025
Ohhhh hop in but you better buckle-up because you’re in for a treat with this one! Ruth Run by Elizabeth Kaupman is a fast-paced thriller that you won’t be able to put down. It’s also a hilarious read. Seriously giggled so much.
But then the story took a really disgusting turn. (See below it’s kind of spoil-ish but not - but is part of the twist - I’d say?!)
With super short chapters, this was a fast read/listen - besides all of that. Ruth and Thom are on the run. Ruth had found a bug and has been stealing money from banks digitally. She should have quit while ahead. She had plenty of millions, all set to retire.
But who is after Ruth and Thom? She had set up precautions, before anyone was on to her she would be eons ahead of them. But these people got to her apartment way too quick. Something isn’t right here.
This was a fun one. While some of the lingo went over my head, and while other parts were just ehhhhh - I feel the author did a great job of explaining all the tech and how things worked. It was kept to simple terms. I also enjoyed the beginning way more than the middle and end but meh.
You’ll be cheering for Ruth throughout. Thom was ready to turn himself in but Ruth talked him out of that. He’s also a character you will cheer for. But I did have to side-eye him for a bit. But he’s also not a major character in this story.
Mostly enjoyed this one. It’s a solid fun read. Will absolutely be reading this author again. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Having alternating narrators with the alternating POV’s made the audio absolutely perfect.
Recommend both reading or listening to this one. I did go back and forth between loving this and being bored, but I mostly loved it.
Can loyalty be bought?
———-TRIGGER & SPOILER———-
——- Warned you ——-
———-FINAL Warning ———-
Sexual abuse against children - even “evil” ones, is never okay. It’s not condoned in any way, I’m just saying bc thats how the character tried to explain it. There’s one gross character that may be triggering to readers but he gets what he deserves in the end. I won’t say what that something is.
Triggers: talks about sexual child abuse (no scenes of it, no details, just talk about someone doing it).
#RuthRun
June 25, 2025
I didn’t know what to expect with this story, but it grabs you by the arm and pulls you along for the ride at the very beginning.
Overall Story: 4/5⭐️ | Audiobook/Narration: 3.5/5⭐️
THOUGHTS💭: Personally, I love a good cat and mouse plot. In this story, we get that tenfold. Told in the dual perspective of Ruth and Mike, we have a cybercriminal on the run, a government agent tracking her down, and an array of characters she meets along the way. Now whether they’re helping her, or deceiving her, is up to Ruth to find out.
Ruth is a character I can see a lot of people rooting for. She knows herself and is quick to notice things in others— both good and bad. She may be a cybercriminal that has done some questionable things, but she still has lines she won’t cross. With her talent and infamous computer chip, she is seen as both a risk and potential asset to those looking for her.
I was invested in how she approached every situation thrown at her. She’s scrappy, clever, resourceful, and funny even. Ruth as a character perfectly aligns with the story’s pacing and delivery. Like the story, she’s on the move and figuring it out as the story goes along. There’s an enjoyable element of spontaneity that keeps the reader turning pages to see what happens next as everything is closing in.
There is one major thing that bothered me with this book……Mike! I wanted his character to be a little more fleshed developed. He’s not the only agent hoping to find her, but I would argue the creepiest. He’s the standard obsessed officer on the hunt, but we don’t get much explanation as to why. He has gone to great lengths to both encourage and protect Ruth. Is he doing this for himself? Or is this his way of keeping Ruth all to himself.
I know a lot of readers will enjoy this cross country cybercriminal chase. There may be some readers who might not feel as connected to the story since we are dropped right into the action. I typically lean into that category, but here I thought it’d worked well and the book was consistently engaging. It’s pace and character tone make this book feel tv/show and movie ready. I would compare it to the pacing and flow of The Flight Attendant!
Thank you to Penguin Press for this gifted copy.
Overall Story: 4/5⭐️ | Audiobook/Narration: 3.5/5⭐️
THOUGHTS💭: Personally, I love a good cat and mouse plot. In this story, we get that tenfold. Told in the dual perspective of Ruth and Mike, we have a cybercriminal on the run, a government agent tracking her down, and an array of characters she meets along the way. Now whether they’re helping her, or deceiving her, is up to Ruth to find out.
Ruth is a character I can see a lot of people rooting for. She knows herself and is quick to notice things in others— both good and bad. She may be a cybercriminal that has done some questionable things, but she still has lines she won’t cross. With her talent and infamous computer chip, she is seen as both a risk and potential asset to those looking for her.
I was invested in how she approached every situation thrown at her. She’s scrappy, clever, resourceful, and funny even. Ruth as a character perfectly aligns with the story’s pacing and delivery. Like the story, she’s on the move and figuring it out as the story goes along. There’s an enjoyable element of spontaneity that keeps the reader turning pages to see what happens next as everything is closing in.
There is one major thing that bothered me with this book……Mike! I wanted his character to be a little more fleshed developed. He’s not the only agent hoping to find her, but I would argue the creepiest. He’s the standard obsessed officer on the hunt, but we don’t get much explanation as to why. He has gone to great lengths to both encourage and protect Ruth. Is he doing this for himself? Or is this his way of keeping Ruth all to himself.
I know a lot of readers will enjoy this cross country cybercriminal chase. There may be some readers who might not feel as connected to the story since we are dropped right into the action. I typically lean into that category, but here I thought it’d worked well and the book was consistently engaging. It’s pace and character tone make this book feel tv/show and movie ready. I would compare it to the pacing and flow of The Flight Attendant!
Thank you to Penguin Press for this gifted copy.
May 6, 2025
Thank you to Lavender PR and Penguin Press #partner for the gifted copy to review. This one is available now!
Oh my, this was a super entertaining read that I devoured in one setting. This is a cat and mouse chase focused on the realm of cybercrime, and so much fun to read. I absolutely LOVED Ruth, a 26 yr old cybercriminal who has developed a chip that can slip into programs unknown, and as such she has now skimmed millions of dollars from banks into offshore accounts. Someone noticed though, and an alarm she set has now been triggered so she is currently on the run. I was rooting for her even though she was technically the ‘bad guy’ here but alas.
This is told in two POVs, Ruth’s and Mike’s, the FBI agent who has Ruth all wrong, and who might be a bit delulu, shall we say. I mean, several times I was chuckling during his chapters. I have not had so much fun with a book (and the audio only adds to the experience FYI) in a while. The stuff that happens to Ruth as well as the situations she finds herself in were both wild and perfect, and I enjoyed seeing how she was going to get herself out of them and figuring out if she was going to make it out of all of this alive and well. If you want to know any more, you’ll have to read this for yourself, which I highly recommend that you do.
Oh my, this was a super entertaining read that I devoured in one setting. This is a cat and mouse chase focused on the realm of cybercrime, and so much fun to read. I absolutely LOVED Ruth, a 26 yr old cybercriminal who has developed a chip that can slip into programs unknown, and as such she has now skimmed millions of dollars from banks into offshore accounts. Someone noticed though, and an alarm she set has now been triggered so she is currently on the run. I was rooting for her even though she was technically the ‘bad guy’ here but alas.
This is told in two POVs, Ruth’s and Mike’s, the FBI agent who has Ruth all wrong, and who might be a bit delulu, shall we say. I mean, several times I was chuckling during his chapters. I have not had so much fun with a book (and the audio only adds to the experience FYI) in a while. The stuff that happens to Ruth as well as the situations she finds herself in were both wild and perfect, and I enjoyed seeing how she was going to get herself out of them and figuring out if she was going to make it out of all of this alive and well. If you want to know any more, you’ll have to read this for yourself, which I highly recommend that you do.
April 8, 2025
Ruth is able to design a microchip that can slip into products without anyone knowing. She uses this to siphon money from banks into off shore accounts. She thinks she is a genius. However, someone has been watching her every move. When an alarm she sets is triggered, she realizes that someone is on her trail. So Ruth Runs.
This story has two points of view. One is Ruth as she is on the run and the other is the agent following her. What has she missed that the authorities are so close? This is a quick paced fun read. You will be rooting for Ruth all the way.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #ElizabethKaufman, and #PeguinPress for a copy of this book.
#RuthRun
This story has two points of view. One is Ruth as she is on the run and the other is the agent following her. What has she missed that the authorities are so close? This is a quick paced fun read. You will be rooting for Ruth all the way.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #ElizabethKaufman, and #PeguinPress for a copy of this book.
#RuthRun
April 21, 2025
Occasionally, a reader has the need to sit down with an unputdownable fast-paced thriller that does not involve serial killers. That same reader welcomes an opportunity to immerse herself in a wholly unrealistic but also funny and suspenseful financial caper involving our clever protagonist Ruth on the run with millions of dollars from creepy shadowy government agents. If that reader is you, I highly recommend this gem. Well done Elizabeth Kaufman! Thanks to Penguin Press and NetGalley for the DRC.
December 22, 2024
[NetGalley Read #20]
4.5 ⭐
"I reminded myself that life was about more than money; what money could buy also mattered."
Brilliant!
A well-written cat and mouse game of high stakes and colourful characters. Short chapters. Easy to read.
Sometimes a bit jargon heavy. But not too much that it distracts from the story.
While Ruth is a good (morally, a bit grey) character, I find it impressive just how absolutely detestable Mike is. He is a creepy, delusional, vain, very vain man who thinks of himself as some sort of a genius. I mean, Bravo! I haven't detested and enjoyed a delusional character in power like that since Cersei Lannister in A Feast for Crows.
[-------------SPOILERS-------------]
The story starts off as chaos. Ruth running away (or trying to, anyway) from the Agency for stealing millions from banks. Then comes Mike. Our second POV character. Mike is forty. Works for the Agency. Mike is one fucking creepy ass dude. He is also delusional. Fuck Mike.
Anyway, the story progresses at a nice pace as Ruth tries to dodge Agency's many attempts to capture her. Then comes Big John, the explosives truck, Idaho, and his family. Things take a dark turn from there as Ruth contemplates her life choices and becomes melancholic. Mike is going insane in this part of the story. Still delusional (maybe slightly less than before).
Third act is really satisfying. Ruth gets a dog and keeps moving in her van from this place to that place as she plays multiple people working for the Agency (Mike, Gideon, LuAnn). Mike's delusions are at an all time high.
Ruth's story ends at a bittersweet note. Mike gets what he deserves.
[-------------SPOILERS-------------]
Recommended. 👍
4.5 ⭐
"I reminded myself that life was about more than money; what money could buy also mattered."
Brilliant!
A well-written cat and mouse game of high stakes and colourful characters. Short chapters. Easy to read.
Sometimes a bit jargon heavy. But not too much that it distracts from the story.
While Ruth is a good (morally, a bit grey) character, I find it impressive just how absolutely detestable Mike is. He is a creepy, delusional, vain, very vain man who thinks of himself as some sort of a genius. I mean, Bravo! I haven't detested and enjoyed a delusional character in power like that since Cersei Lannister in A Feast for Crows.
[-------------SPOILERS-------------]
The story starts off as chaos. Ruth running away (or trying to, anyway) from the Agency for stealing millions from banks. Then comes Mike. Our second POV character. Mike is forty. Works for the Agency. Mike is one fucking creepy ass dude. He is also delusional. Fuck Mike.
Anyway, the story progresses at a nice pace as Ruth tries to dodge Agency's many attempts to capture her. Then comes Big John, the explosives truck, Idaho, and his family. Things take a dark turn from there as Ruth contemplates her life choices and becomes melancholic. Mike is going insane in this part of the story. Still delusional (maybe slightly less than before).
Third act is really satisfying. Ruth gets a dog and keeps moving in her van from this place to that place as she plays multiple people working for the Agency (Mike, Gideon, LuAnn). Mike's delusions are at an all time high.
Ruth's story ends at a bittersweet note. Mike gets what he deserves.
[-------------SPOILERS-------------]
Recommended. 👍
December 6, 2024
When 26 year old cybercriminal Ruth, who has skimmed millions of dollars from different banks realizes the authorities are closing in, she flees, but finds even more trouble on the road. Ruth Run is an aptly named, thoroughly enjoyable chase novel, propelled by the title character whose wit, intelligence and likability are off the charts. This off-beat, zany and unique story gets off to a quick start, and the frantic pace matches the pursuit by federal agents who have their own plans for Ruth. Some of the techie terms were a mystery, but that doesn’t distract from the straightforward plot, which kept getting better as the pages flew by. Loved every minute of this one, highly recommended!! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2025
Ruth is a 26 year old cybercriminal who has developed a micro chip to rob more than $250 million from banks over the last five years. She is on a cross-country trip to run after she realizes she has been discovered by various government agents who view her as a high-level national security threat and a potential intelligence asset.
This is a solid debut thriller if you enjoy a cat and mouse, high stakes chase story. The chapters are short and just over 300 pages, it's a very easy read to keep you engaged. Ruth is highly intelligent and likable and it's fun to see her escape each of the scenarios she finds herself in. Mike, our second POV is completely delusional and his obsession kept me hooked as well. There were a few unanswered questions and I do wish the ending were a little more neat.
This is a solid debut thriller if you enjoy a cat and mouse, high stakes chase story. The chapters are short and just over 300 pages, it's a very easy read to keep you engaged. Ruth is highly intelligent and likable and it's fun to see her escape each of the scenarios she finds herself in. Mike, our second POV is completely delusional and his obsession kept me hooked as well. There were a few unanswered questions and I do wish the ending were a little more neat.
June 19, 2025
Elizabeth Kaufman's debut novel Ruth Run arrives like a perfectly executed hack—unexpected, sophisticated, and utterly compelling. This cybercrime thriller introduces readers to Ruth, a twenty-six-year-old microchip designer turned digital bank robber whose carefully orchestrated life unravels when the wrong people discover her $250 million heist. What emerges is a cat-and-mouse chase across the American West that's equal parts technical thriller and darkly humorous character study.
Drawing from her extensive background in data networking and network security, Kaufman brings an authenticity to the technical aspects that sets Ruth Run apart from typical cybercrime fiction. This isn't a story where characters type furiously at keyboards while shouting "I'm in!" Instead, Kaufman meticulously constructs Ruth's methodology, from the initial microchip design to the banking vulnerabilities she exploits, creating a believable foundation for an extraordinary tale.
The Architecture of a Perfect Heist
Ruth's criminal enterprise operates with the precision of the microchips she designs. Over five years, she's used a hacked firewall chip—her own creation—to systematically drain money from vulnerable banking systems. Kaufman's technical expertise shines as she explains how Ruth identified weaknesses in legacy banking infrastructure, designed custom hardware solutions, and deployed them through legitimate channels.
The genius of Ruth's approach lies in its elegance and patience. Rather than dramatic smash-and-grab operations, she's built a sustainable "money farm" that generates steady, undetectable income. This methodical approach reflects Ruth's engineering mindset and establishes her as a formidable antagonist when the chase begins.
When her carefully constructed world collapses in a single night, Ruth's response reveals both her technical brilliance and human vulnerabilities. Her five-hour digital cleanup operation—deleting scripts, scrubbing logs, and destroying evidence—reads with the tension of a bomb disposal sequence.
A Chase Across the American Landscape
Once Ruth hits the road, Ruth Run transforms into a kinetic pursuit thriller that showcases Kaufman's ability to blend high-tech intrigue with distinctly American settings. From Sacramento truck stops to Idaho farming communities, Ruth's journey becomes a tour of overlooked corners of the contemporary West.
The cast of pursuers creates a fascinating study in masculine obsession. Mike, the government handler who's been watching Ruth since college, represents the most disturbing element—a stalker masquerading as a protector. His seven-year surveillance operation, conducted under the guise of recruitment, adds layers of violation to Ruth's predicament that extend far beyond financial crime.
Gideon, the lab technician who first demonstrated network vulnerabilities to Ruth, emerges as perhaps the most dangerous pursuer. His technical sophistication matches Ruth's own, and his manipulation of both her and the government agencies creates genuine uncertainty about his ultimate motivations.
The supporting characters, from Big John the undercover trucker to the Arnold family in Idaho, provide texture and depth to Ruth's journey. Kaufman's portrayal of the religious farming community shows particular nuance, avoiding stereotypes while exploring themes of redemption, judgment, and belonging.
Character Development: More Than a Clever Criminal
Ruth herself defies easy categorization. She's brilliant but socially awkward, methodical but capable of impulsive decisions, cynical yet surprisingly capable of forming emotional connections. Her relationship with Blobs, the aged shelter dog she adopts mid-flight, provides some of the novel's most touching moments while highlighting her fundamental loneliness.
Kaufman wisely avoids romanticizing Ruth's criminal activities. The protagonist's theft stems from a complex mixture of intellectual arrogance, economic anxiety, and emotional isolation. Her background—growing up poor with an absent father and deceased mother—provides context without excusing her choices. The author particularly excels at showing how Ruth's technical brilliance and social awkwardness interact, creating someone who can hack government networks but struggles with basic human connections.
The novel's exploration of Ruth's motivation evolves throughout the story. Initially presented as simple greed, her criminal activity reveals deeper themes about agency, security, and the desire to control one's circumstances in an unpredictable world.
Technical Authenticity Meets Narrative Drive
One of Ruth Run's greatest strengths lies in Kaufman's ability to make complex technical concepts accessible without dumbing them down. Her explanations of network vulnerabilities, microchip design, and digital surveillance feel both educational and integral to the plot. The author's professional background allows her to ground Ruth's abilities in realistic technical knowledge while maintaining the story's thriller pacing.
The novel's treatment of surveillance technology and government overreach feels particularly relevant to contemporary concerns about digital privacy and security. Ruth's discovery that she's been watched for years without her knowledge resonates with current anxieties about data collection and government monitoring.
Kaufman also demonstrates impressive understanding of criminal methodology and law enforcement procedures. The various agencies pursuing Ruth—from local police to federal cybercrime units—operate with believable jurisdictional confusion and competing agendas that add layers of complexity to the chase.
Areas for Improvement
While Ruth Run succeeds as both technical thriller and character study, certain elements feel less fully developed. The novel's pacing occasionally suffers from extended technical explanations that, while fascinating, sometimes slow narrative momentum. Some readers may find Ruth's internal monologues repetitive, particularly her frequent food fantasies and commentary on her pursuers' incompetence.
The romantic subplot with Nathan, the Idaho farmer, feels somewhat underdeveloped given its emotional significance to Ruth's character arc. While their brief connection provides insight into Ruth's capacity for normal relationships, the relationship itself lacks the depth needed to fully support its thematic weight.
Additionally, some secondary characters, particularly the various law enforcement officials, occasionally blur together despite Kaufman's efforts to differentiate them. The sheer number of pursuing agencies and agents creates confusion that sometimes detracts from the central chase narrative.
Final Verdict
Ruth Run announces Elizabeth Kaufman as a significant new voice in contemporary crime fiction. The novel successfully combines technical authenticity with compelling character development and maintains thriller pacing throughout its cross-country chase. While certain elements could benefit from further development, the book's strengths—particularly its unique protagonist and authentic portrayal of cybercrime—far outweigh its weaknesses.
For readers seeking intelligent crime fiction that respects both technical accuracy and character complexity, Ruth Run delivers an engaging and surprisingly touching story about a brilliant woman fighting for freedom on her own terms. Kaufman has created a memorable protagonist and established herself as an author worth watching in future releases.
Drawing from her extensive background in data networking and network security, Kaufman brings an authenticity to the technical aspects that sets Ruth Run apart from typical cybercrime fiction. This isn't a story where characters type furiously at keyboards while shouting "I'm in!" Instead, Kaufman meticulously constructs Ruth's methodology, from the initial microchip design to the banking vulnerabilities she exploits, creating a believable foundation for an extraordinary tale.
The Architecture of a Perfect Heist
Ruth's criminal enterprise operates with the precision of the microchips she designs. Over five years, she's used a hacked firewall chip—her own creation—to systematically drain money from vulnerable banking systems. Kaufman's technical expertise shines as she explains how Ruth identified weaknesses in legacy banking infrastructure, designed custom hardware solutions, and deployed them through legitimate channels.
The genius of Ruth's approach lies in its elegance and patience. Rather than dramatic smash-and-grab operations, she's built a sustainable "money farm" that generates steady, undetectable income. This methodical approach reflects Ruth's engineering mindset and establishes her as a formidable antagonist when the chase begins.
When her carefully constructed world collapses in a single night, Ruth's response reveals both her technical brilliance and human vulnerabilities. Her five-hour digital cleanup operation—deleting scripts, scrubbing logs, and destroying evidence—reads with the tension of a bomb disposal sequence.
A Chase Across the American Landscape
Once Ruth hits the road, Ruth Run transforms into a kinetic pursuit thriller that showcases Kaufman's ability to blend high-tech intrigue with distinctly American settings. From Sacramento truck stops to Idaho farming communities, Ruth's journey becomes a tour of overlooked corners of the contemporary West.
The cast of pursuers creates a fascinating study in masculine obsession. Mike, the government handler who's been watching Ruth since college, represents the most disturbing element—a stalker masquerading as a protector. His seven-year surveillance operation, conducted under the guise of recruitment, adds layers of violation to Ruth's predicament that extend far beyond financial crime.
Gideon, the lab technician who first demonstrated network vulnerabilities to Ruth, emerges as perhaps the most dangerous pursuer. His technical sophistication matches Ruth's own, and his manipulation of both her and the government agencies creates genuine uncertainty about his ultimate motivations.
The supporting characters, from Big John the undercover trucker to the Arnold family in Idaho, provide texture and depth to Ruth's journey. Kaufman's portrayal of the religious farming community shows particular nuance, avoiding stereotypes while exploring themes of redemption, judgment, and belonging.
Character Development: More Than a Clever Criminal
Ruth herself defies easy categorization. She's brilliant but socially awkward, methodical but capable of impulsive decisions, cynical yet surprisingly capable of forming emotional connections. Her relationship with Blobs, the aged shelter dog she adopts mid-flight, provides some of the novel's most touching moments while highlighting her fundamental loneliness.
Kaufman wisely avoids romanticizing Ruth's criminal activities. The protagonist's theft stems from a complex mixture of intellectual arrogance, economic anxiety, and emotional isolation. Her background—growing up poor with an absent father and deceased mother—provides context without excusing her choices. The author particularly excels at showing how Ruth's technical brilliance and social awkwardness interact, creating someone who can hack government networks but struggles with basic human connections.
The novel's exploration of Ruth's motivation evolves throughout the story. Initially presented as simple greed, her criminal activity reveals deeper themes about agency, security, and the desire to control one's circumstances in an unpredictable world.
Technical Authenticity Meets Narrative Drive
One of Ruth Run's greatest strengths lies in Kaufman's ability to make complex technical concepts accessible without dumbing them down. Her explanations of network vulnerabilities, microchip design, and digital surveillance feel both educational and integral to the plot. The author's professional background allows her to ground Ruth's abilities in realistic technical knowledge while maintaining the story's thriller pacing.
The novel's treatment of surveillance technology and government overreach feels particularly relevant to contemporary concerns about digital privacy and security. Ruth's discovery that she's been watched for years without her knowledge resonates with current anxieties about data collection and government monitoring.
Kaufman also demonstrates impressive understanding of criminal methodology and law enforcement procedures. The various agencies pursuing Ruth—from local police to federal cybercrime units—operate with believable jurisdictional confusion and competing agendas that add layers of complexity to the chase.
Areas for Improvement
While Ruth Run succeeds as both technical thriller and character study, certain elements feel less fully developed. The novel's pacing occasionally suffers from extended technical explanations that, while fascinating, sometimes slow narrative momentum. Some readers may find Ruth's internal monologues repetitive, particularly her frequent food fantasies and commentary on her pursuers' incompetence.
The romantic subplot with Nathan, the Idaho farmer, feels somewhat underdeveloped given its emotional significance to Ruth's character arc. While their brief connection provides insight into Ruth's capacity for normal relationships, the relationship itself lacks the depth needed to fully support its thematic weight.
Additionally, some secondary characters, particularly the various law enforcement officials, occasionally blur together despite Kaufman's efforts to differentiate them. The sheer number of pursuing agencies and agents creates confusion that sometimes detracts from the central chase narrative.
Final Verdict
Ruth Run announces Elizabeth Kaufman as a significant new voice in contemporary crime fiction. The novel successfully combines technical authenticity with compelling character development and maintains thriller pacing throughout its cross-country chase. While certain elements could benefit from further development, the book's strengths—particularly its unique protagonist and authentic portrayal of cybercrime—far outweigh its weaknesses.
For readers seeking intelligent crime fiction that respects both technical accuracy and character complexity, Ruth Run delivers an engaging and surprisingly touching story about a brilliant woman fighting for freedom on her own terms. Kaufman has created a memorable protagonist and established herself as an author worth watching in future releases.
June 5, 2025
Eh, where is the ending? I'm perfectly happy with books that don't tie everything up in a neat bow. I don't need HEA. I do need something other than her abandoning a dog and walking off the page.
The guys are SUPER creepy, (and when your interstate pedophile ilicits more reader engagement than your MMC? Problems.)
Ruth wasn't all that interesting. I didn't actually care that everyone was out to screw her over.
The guys are SUPER creepy, (and when your interstate pedophile ilicits more reader engagement than your MMC? Problems.)
Ruth wasn't all that interesting. I didn't actually care that everyone was out to screw her over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2025
I was attracted to read this book because of the technology angle (a hacked microchip) and because it is a road story in the Westerns US states. I also wanted to give this new author a chance.
The story starts in Silicon Valley where Ruth, a self made developer of microchips who has used her expertise for hacking into banks, is on the brink of being caught and therefore on the run. She is being chased by a federal agency (unnamed), and during her run across several states (mostly NV, UT, ID) she partners with an individual watched by Homeland Security for an unrelated crime.
It's a rather short book and a quick read. I loved the quick action and having a road atlas along me to follow the (real) places of Ruth's run. I also loved that a dog played a small role towards the end. I think some of the timelines didn't make sense given the distances - sometimes back and forth between cities - during the run. I was also somewhat bothered by the writing style, for some reason it didn't like it, and occasionally I didn't understand certain sentences. It must be me. The book is IMHO still worth its 3 stars, meaning " i liked it" and I'm happy I read it.
The story starts in Silicon Valley where Ruth, a self made developer of microchips who has used her expertise for hacking into banks, is on the brink of being caught and therefore on the run. She is being chased by a federal agency (unnamed), and during her run across several states (mostly NV, UT, ID) she partners with an individual watched by Homeland Security for an unrelated crime.
It's a rather short book and a quick read. I loved the quick action and having a road atlas along me to follow the (real) places of Ruth's run. I also loved that a dog played a small role towards the end. I think some of the timelines didn't make sense given the distances - sometimes back and forth between cities - during the run. I was also somewhat bothered by the writing style, for some reason it didn't like it, and occasionally I didn't understand certain sentences. It must be me. The book is IMHO still worth its 3 stars, meaning " i liked it" and I'm happy I read it.
June 12, 2025
ARC Review--3.5 stars, rounded to 4
Publication date- 4/15/2025
Meet Ruth--a tech hacker on the run from unknown assailants as they try to decode her chips placed allover the world. Hydrant Mike--the man responsible for apprehending Ruth, but who is also responsible for creating Ruth. This cat and mouse thriller alternates perpsectives between the two characters creating a dynamic story.
Overall I enjoyed this thriller. It was a quick and easy read. Ruth was very relatable and I found her ides unique to try to evade being caught. Mike on the other hand I could not believe would let some of the things happen that did throughout the book--some things just seemed very outlandish and unbelievable.
Publication date- 4/15/2025
Meet Ruth--a tech hacker on the run from unknown assailants as they try to decode her chips placed allover the world. Hydrant Mike--the man responsible for apprehending Ruth, but who is also responsible for creating Ruth. This cat and mouse thriller alternates perpsectives between the two characters creating a dynamic story.
Overall I enjoyed this thriller. It was a quick and easy read. Ruth was very relatable and I found her ides unique to try to evade being caught. Mike on the other hand I could not believe would let some of the things happen that did throughout the book--some things just seemed very outlandish and unbelievable.
May 25, 2025
3.5 stars
What a fresh take on the digital heist thriller, with a smart and strategic loner of a woman trying to stay one step ahead of a lot of potential enemies. The writing is crisp and often funny & wry. The author made interesting choices regarding Ruth's frenemies, adversaries and people she meets along the way; I was caught off guard-- in a good way-- a few times. The pacing is what keeps me from giving this four stars. The story sprints out of the gate, but slightly downshifts in the middle. Plot points in the slower portions do pay off at the end so definitely stick with it. I look forward to Kaufman's next novel.
What a fresh take on the digital heist thriller, with a smart and strategic loner of a woman trying to stay one step ahead of a lot of potential enemies. The writing is crisp and often funny & wry. The author made interesting choices regarding Ruth's frenemies, adversaries and people she meets along the way; I was caught off guard-- in a good way-- a few times. The pacing is what keeps me from giving this four stars. The story sprints out of the gate, but slightly downshifts in the middle. Plot points in the slower portions do pay off at the end so definitely stick with it. I look forward to Kaufman's next novel.
December 17, 2024
Omg, this book was awesome! I could not put it down! The story took so many twists and turns I thought I was doing a salsa! I lost track of why the protagonist was heading out west, but it didn’t matter because it was just so exciting to see what happened next. I rooted for her the entire time and at the same time didn’t understand her one bit. This book was so well written and held me captive for the past 150 pages. It didn’t take long to become the unputdownable page turner. The ending surprised me. I was hoping for the happy ending, and it was, just not the one of a hopeless romantic. It ended realistically though, so I guess there’s that. Very well written! The author did a fantastic job and I can’t wait to read their next one!
April 14, 2025
Publishing April 15
I feel like this started out a little bit like Ruth took a page from Office Space - she's created a microchip that's well above my level of tech understanding, and is engaging in some moderate levels of criming when one of her accounts is triggered, letting her know that she's been found out.
Unfortunately for Ruth, she's partnered up with possibly the dumbest of co-workers in this heist. So she's got some very loose ends to wrap up before she skips town. And in this process, she discovers that a different moron from a previous job just might know about her thievery.
There are some truly weird moments in this one, like I almost felt as if the author wasn't sure what direction to go, because there are some awfully disturbing side characters and stories.
And then, abruptly, it ends. And I shouldn't have been surprised because there was WAY weirder stuff going on, but I did hope for some resolution at the end.
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP The Penguin Press | Penguin Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
I feel like this started out a little bit like Ruth took a page from Office Space - she's created a microchip that's well above my level of tech understanding, and is engaging in some moderate levels of criming when one of her accounts is triggered, letting her know that she's been found out.
Unfortunately for Ruth, she's partnered up with possibly the dumbest of co-workers in this heist. So she's got some very loose ends to wrap up before she skips town. And in this process, she discovers that a different moron from a previous job just might know about her thievery.
There are some truly weird moments in this one, like I almost felt as if the author wasn't sure what direction to go, because there are some awfully disturbing side characters and stories.
And then, abruptly, it ends. And I shouldn't have been surprised because there was WAY weirder stuff going on, but I did hope for some resolution at the end.
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP The Penguin Press | Penguin Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
April 12, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for an advanced reader copy of Ruth Run in exchange for my honest review.
What a fun game of cat & mouse! Looking forward to more from this author.
What a fun game of cat & mouse! Looking forward to more from this author.
June 22, 2025
This is a fast paced exciting read.
March 31, 2025
This was an odd book. I really enjoyed the first half of this title. I felt like Ruth and Mike were going to be two interesting characters, one running and one chasing. Yet about halfway through the book I just stopped being engaged by the story. What Ruth was doing was really muddled. Was she a good guy or a bad guy just was never truly clear. What was clear was that Ruth is exceedingly smart, and she finally was trying to get back some power for herself in this crazy situation.
Thank you to Penguin Group The Penguin Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
Thank you to Penguin Group The Penguin Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
May 22, 2025
Fast and furious, that's the pace of this book. After stealing hundreds of millions of dollars by using a chip that she created, we go on the run with her.
May 31, 2025
I listened on audio and it was a decent story line. I thought it was a little slow in spots and I’m not sure I liked the ending. Overall, a decent read.
Read
June 22, 2025the beat sort of never dropped
July 10, 2025
I love a heist adventure. I love seeing justice served. But somehow, a female author managed to write a book that glorifies the stalker man over the clever woman.
Sigh.
Sigh.
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