If I Run

Ruby Hunter #1

by Molly Black

FBI BAU Special Agent Ruby Hunter remains haunted by “The 13 Killer,” the serial killer who took everything from her—including her partner—before she put him away for good. Yet somehow, though behind bars, new bodies are showing up with his trademark 13 signature. Is he behind it? Will Ruby, still shattered, return to the force to confront him again?

“Molly Black has written a taut thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat… I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series!”
—Reader review for Girl Murder

IF I RUN is the debut novel in a new series by #1 bestselling mystery and suspense author Molly Black, whose books have received over 2,000 five-star reviews and ratings.

FBI Special Agent Ruby Hunter wants nothing more than to put the 13 killer, and her days in the FBI, behind her, and to try to pick up the pieces of her life. But he refuses to rot quietly.

Ruby realizes she must do the thing she dreads the visit him in prison. But he is diabolical and cunning, an expert at toying with his victims—and with her.

Separating fact from fiction, his delusion from real-life clues, will be key for Ruby. With a new victim’s life on the line, and time running out—and Ruby herself in danger—the stakes could not be higher.

But is Ruby walking right into his trap?

A complex psychological crime thriller full of twists and turns and packed with heart-pounding suspense, the RUBY HUNTER mystery series will make you fall in love with a brilliant new female protagonist and keep you turning pages late into the night.

Books #2 and #3—IF I TELL and IF I LIVE—are now also available!

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Crime

165 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2022

About the author

Bestselling author Molly Black is author of the MAYA GRAY FBI suspense thriller series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the RYLIE WOLF FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books; of the TAYLOR SAGE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising eight books; of the KATIE WINTER FBI suspense thriller series, comprising eleven books (and counting); of the RUBY HUNTER FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting), and of the CAITLIN DARE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Molly loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.mollyblackauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

BOOKS BY MOLLY BLACK

GRACE FORD FBI THRILLER

NEARLY MINE (Book #1)

NEARLY SAFE (Book #2)

NEARLY FREE (Book #3)

NEARLY GONE (Book #4)

NEARLY HIS (Book #5)

CAITLIN DARE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

COME GET ME (Book #1)

COME FIND ME (Book #2)

COME TAKE ME (Book #3)

COME CATCH ME (Book #4)

COME SAVE ME (Book #5)

RUBY HUNTER FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

IF I RUN (Book #1)

IF I TELL (Book #2)

IF I LIVE (Book #3)

IF I FORGET (Book #4)

IF I RETURN (Book #5)

MAYA GRAY MYSTERY SERIES

GIRL ONE: MURDER (Book #1)

GIRL TWO: TAKEN (Book #2)

GIRL THREE: TRAPPED (Book #3)

GIRL FOUR: LURED (Book #4)

GIRL FIVE: BOUND (Book #5)

GIRL SIX: FORSAKEN (Book #6)

GIRL SEVEN: CRAVED (Book #7)

GIRL EIGHT: HUNTED (Book #8)

GIRL NINE: GONE (Book #9)

RYLIE WOLF FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

FOUND YOU (Book #1)

CAUGHT YOU (Book #2)

SEE YOU (Book #3)

WANT YOU (Book #4)

TAKE YOU (Book #5)

DARE YOU (Book #6)

TAYLOR SAGE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

DON’T LOOK (Book #1)

DON’T BREATHE (Book #2)

DON’T RUN (Book #3)

DON’T FLINCH (Book #4)

DON’T REMEMBER (Book #5)

DON’T TELL (Book #6)

DON’T HIDE (Book #7)

DON’T BLINK (Book #8)

KATIE WINTER FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

SAVE ME (Book #1)

REACH ME (Book #2)

HIDE ME (Book #3)

BELIEVE ME (Book #4)

HELP ME (Book #5)

FORGET ME (Book #6)

HOLD ME (Book #7)

PROTECT ME (Book #8)

REMEMBER ME (Book #9)

CATCH ME (Book #10)

WATCH ME (Book #11)

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐
Genre ~ crime thriller
Series ~ Ruby Hunter #1
Setting ~ not sure
Publication date ~ book ~ November 15, 2022, audio ~ December 20, 2022
Est Page Count ~ 167 (p+ 31 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 6 hours 2 minutes
Narrator ~ Alison Beattie
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ FBI, murder

Ruby thought killings by “The 13 Killer” would be done since he's behind bars. But there seems to be a copy cat killer that's using his signature to kill innocent people.

We hear from John, the killer, which makes me happy. But regarding the original killings, I do wish that we had more information on those instead of just references back to them. Maybe a prequel to this book would have helped, or maybe those killings should have been book 1 🤷

Ruby was a fine investigator and really wanted to get to the bottom of things when no one agreed with her. It was a super quick listen with plenty of action, but it doesn't bring anything new to the genre table. I probably won't continue on with the series..

Narration notes:
She did fine, but I'm wondering why we have a British narrator when most likely this takes place in the USA.

*Thanks to Hoopla for the bonus borrow, so I didn't have to use a credit.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

[Hannah Kimball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby is an FBI agent who is assigned a new case. When she realizes that it's a copycat case relating to the lucky 13 killer she caught some time ago. It's a race to get the copycat killer before he strikes again.

This was a fast, suspenseful, and fun read. The characters were believable, and so was the book.

[Carm]

** Update 10/15/24**
See my review of “If I Live” by Molly Black. I don’t have the patience to go down the rabbit hole again.

[Jessica Worley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book felt like it should have several books in a series preceding it, as the main character kept referring to an old case and old clues that the reader has no knowledge of. (This IS book #1, of this series, right???) I prefer my homicide thrillers to feed the reader clues along the way, so I can try to piece them together myself, but this author instead just randomly attached "old clues" from a case that we know nothing about, or had the main character randomly (and a little unbelievably) "remember" a detail from her past cases. It was very annoying to read, and very lazy writing.

At least it was a short book.

[Lovely Day]

DNFd at 73% at the first F word

A BAU agent, plagued by being the focus of a serial killer who killed her partner, is now searching for his copycat killer.

Content: there are descriptions of murder scenes and trying to understand the mind of a psychopath.

Language: 4 d, 3 abuses of God & Jesus, 1 bi, 1 ba, 4 h, 1F

[Kerryrosalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This wasn’t even 200 pages and even that was too long!

[Meesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to audiobook during my commute. I enjoyed it

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by Molly Black and I was pleasantly surprised- it was actually a really interesting novel. I don’t say that as a diss to her.. but more that I got it as a free book through Amazon and those don’t always pay off for me.

This, to me, felt like an episode of Law & Order or Criminal Minds- it may not have been completely believable (think absurd discoveries and the MC just having “gut feelings” about things or somehow figuring things out with little/no details) and there was definitely some cringey dialogue, but it was certainly entertaining. It drew me in from the very first page.

However, I will say that I didn’t love that it centered around a case that preceded this novel. If the reader is to be left without important details, I’d rather we eventually learn them later on. The way this was laid out, I felt like there was too much emotional turmoil that we never really grasped. Things were more hinted at rather than told to us. There were too many plot holes left that only a better understanding of the ‘Lucky 13’ case could’ve solved.

That being said, I really did enjoy this novel in much the same way I enjoy Criminal Minds and Law & Order- for the entertainment factor, not the realism- and have already downloaded the sequel.

[Patty U. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Finally we have a female authority figure that has not lost a sister to murder or missing for many years! It was a very refreshing book. Ruby Hunter is looking for a serial killer that closely resembles a killer already in prison. Trying to prove a connection between the two men is almost too much for Ruby. This book will grab hold of you and keep you enthralled till the last page. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Barbara Mcanally · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent thriller

It was hard to put it down. I never suspected John as the killer. The 13 identifier was very unusual and I thought it would be very difficult to eliminate suspects. I really enjoy the book.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending left me hanging and really wanting to read the next book. 13 and not 12?! Who is helping the killer? How has the killer had this kind of patience? This kind of intellect? It’s pretty amazing. Very detailed. Very intricate. Very disturbing. And very difficult to find the killer especially with the influx of information that didn’t pertain to the actual killings.

I did have an idea of who was doing the killing and I was right but it took me a while to get there.

[Word Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, quick read/listen. I listened to the audiobook version.

First, the narrator. This audiobook was well recorded and the narrator did an excellent job. After several bad books/narrations or AI voices (these amazon series books are getting horrible with using computer generated voices) in a row for a while this one was a great surprise change. The voices were distinguished well where you can tell who is speaking and are not done with over the top accents or voice changes (female narrator trying to do a deep male voice for example). As another reviewer said I did question why a British narrator was used for a book based in The States. I had to stop and think/remind myself this wasn’t in England a few times, but it wasn’t distracting and didn’t affect the story at all (besides, I love British narrators). I would definitely listen to another book read by this narrator. She did great. She did an excellent job conveying the tension and distress/emotions of the opening scene as well as the final action scene and the grief Ruby is dealing with.

The story is engaging and moves well. The pace is great to keep the story moving without being bogged down or full of unnecessary words/fluff/info. I actually wish there had been more background info. This needed a prequel/more background/ on the original case referenced. This was the only reason this wasn’t a 4 star bs 4.5 or 5. While there is some info, it could’ve benefitted from a little more detail around how her old partner died/what happened exactly, how she took down the killer, why he killed, etc since this story is based on that case and revolves around a copy cat and Ruby’s grief and struggles. The story follows an FBI agent who is still struggling with the death of her partner 3 years ago. When she sees a copy cat pattern of the killer she put behind bars who killed her partner in recent murders, she is determined to find the copy cat and the link for how the original killer is involved despite no one believing her theory.

Unlike most of these Amazon “suspense” series that are flooding the market now, this one was original in characters, plot, and details and didn’t have the same tired tropes we’re all sick of. Ruby is actually a good agent. I know, shocking since every author today seems to want to make heroes out of incompetent, just flat terrible excuses for law enforcement. This was also such a nice surprise. For the last 6-8 books in a row for me it’s been the same exhausting, annoying type of agent/cop. The one who is described as “brilliant and tortured” (look for it. It’s literally the same description on every series you see now), who is smarter than everyone, is the only one who can solve the crime, who breaks the rules, makes extremely poor choices, has a bad attitude, and constantly half a step away from being fired. For the love of all that’s holy, stop using this trope. Refreshingly, Ruby is none of these things. She’s actually a great agent who is clever, cares for others, and welcomes help and insight from others. Oh, and she makes choices that are believable and true to life. One point she actually thinks before barging in on a suspect remembering she did that once and it was dangerous and stupid. She doesn’t have animosity towards her colleges, boss, or new partner. She was thoroughly enjoyable and believable. She felt real and genuine.
Her new partner Gabe was also believable. While he was a little annoying in his doubts, when he finally realizes she’s on to something he immediately apologizes for doubting her and is 100% on her side to catch the killer and prevent more women from dying. He has her back even when he’s not 100% sold on her theory because he trusts her instincts. Plus, there wasn’t some weird romance undertone between them which was also refreshing. Too many times lately it seems mysteries/suspense books are too focused on a budding or established romance between the lead agents/officers and there’s little actual detective work or mystery/suspense.
The only characters I really couldn’t stand were Ruby’s boss and the rockstar. Too many times her boss seemed to be too naive and unintelligent to be a supervisor like he’d never been an agent or worked a murder. He didn’t really support her decisions or theories, but clearly cared for her. The rockstar, just annoying. She was weird, dumb, and well, annoying.
The characters were well developed and vastly different while being interesting and believable. It’s been a while since I was invested in a character(s) and cared what happened to them…or didn’t wish the MC to fall off a cliff. Each had their own backgrounds that shaped them without it being the main, overkill focus. The best thing was they were believable and likable.

The story itself was an interesting twist on a serial killer/copy cat. While it had some of the normal elements you always see, they were presented in a creative way with enough new feeling detail it didn’t feel like the same old story. It was engaging and not overloaded with unnecessary detail. The opening scene was definitely tense, believable, heart racing and wrenching at the same time. It definitely grabs your attention from the start. The ending felt a little rushed when Ruby figures out the pattern and who the next potential victims will be, but not so much so that it felt out of left field or like leaps were made with story missing. There are some slow parts but they are brief. The perpetrator was a nice twist I hadn't already guessed beforehand. The story was wrapped up well while still leaving a clear segue into the next book. This story didn’t have a cliffhanger ending, but it did leave a clear opening for the story to continue. There is a clue at the end that sets the tone for what’s to come that the agents don’t see yet, but feel as if something is there just out of grasp yet. It was a well done plot and executed well. I will continue the series and reading Molly Black to see what happens next as well as what else she has out there.

The writing flowed easy and the conversations between characters were not clunky, disjointed, fake/forced feeling, or juvenile. The dialogue felt realistic and easily conversational. There were a couple parts it felt awkward, but not distractingly so or like a high schooler wrote it. There wasn’t overly fluffy descriptions or thesaurus overload. All of which I feel is too common lately. It was well done. Since I listened to the audiobook I can’t say if there were any typos or errors, but the way it was read didn’t feel like there were. The only thing that didn’t seem to fit or have anything to do with the story was the title. I can kinda see it with her grief and an allusion to her past, but it’s a stretch. I feel like there was definitely a better title choice out there, but overall that’s a small issue.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it if you want a good, little, quick suspense read/listen with a quick moving, interesting plot with believable, realistic, likable characters who are good agents/villains/witnesses. Looking. Forward to book 2.

[Maryann Hornbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlucky 13

First off, I’ve got to say, I’ve read a dozen of these types of titled books that no matter how hard I try I can’t connect the title to the book. Just an observation!

As for this book, I love the story line. I am not smart enough to follow all Ruby’s thinking but since she is, I followed along.

It seems we have a serial killer who loves the number 13. And although Ruby has already put him away, in isolation for good, it seems he’s still out there doing his dirty work. Ruby’s former partner was killed during the capture of this killer. So she get a new partner who doesn’t seem a good fit for her. He doesn’t always follow her directions.

As the deaths begin rising Ruby is convinced her last villain is behind all of them. Of course no one else believes it since he’s locked away without communication with the outside world. But Ruby begins finding the similarities and the hunt is on for his protege.

Lots of thinking and deducing in this book. I really liked it.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gripping read

Ruby knew that after her partner Asher was murdered that things would never be same again. She has been given a new case & partner but the murders are too close to the last case. Ruby knows that there is a copycat out there but can she persuade her new partner to see what she does? Will they be able to catch before more young women are murdered?
A great read
Ruby is a tough woman she might be small in statue but she has guts. Losing Asher really broke her and I really do hope that she can heal from his passing.

[Avid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exciting. Chilling. Stress inducing. This is a high-level thriller as a serial killer who has been captured and remains in prison. He seems to be orchestrating murders leaving behind his unique calling card a copycat wouldn't know the details to.

Our lead crime analyst, who eventually put him behind bars, is convinced it is him, but not every sees it her way. Several attacks occur, leaving behind dead bodies. Is she looking for clues to make them fit, or is there a connection?

👍 It's worth a read.
📚📚📚

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a light-weight detective story, filled with silliness (beyond the unlikely criminal geniuses demanded by the genre). The FBI agents repeatedly do really stupid things, including ones they discussed among themselves. Black has cranked out several dozen stories of this type, which explains her lack of attention to realism or detail. This one wasn't bad, though it employs the 'long story' format of stretching it out over several books... a format Cornwell exhausted years ago.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special Agent Ruby Hunter arrested a notorious serial killer known as ‘Lucky 13’ it but cost her a partner. Ruby has had trouble connecting with a new partner to the extent that there is a pool going as to how long the new guy lasts. A new series of bodies have Ruby convinced there is a connection to the original killer. Is this new guy a copycat, disciple or a pawn. Thrills, chills and action packed story.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading this first book of the Ruby Hunter series, it's engaging, thrilling, and fast-paced, and once you start reading it you just can't stop. It's chilling to think that serial killers can manage to get supporters for their evil thoughts and actions, hopefully, this remains in the fiction area not in real life. Well done Molly!
I thank the author for the ARC.

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

An FBI agent is convinced incarcerated serial killer is behind a string of brutal murders. Her new partner is dubious but she is determined to get to the bottom of things.

This book was okay. Ruby is not especially interesting nor is Gabe, the new partner. The cases are not all that interesting either.

[Donna Patora · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I Run

This story is about a female FBI agent investigating a case much like noone she had solved years ago. The case of a "13 murderer". He had stabbed people 13 times, murdering them. Now he was just in prison for life. The new murderer was killing in the same way. She and her partner investigated the recent crimes. This is a good mystery.

[Beth Lechman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in The ruby Hunter FBI series. Agent ruby Hunter arrested a serial killer called The Lucky Thirteen murderer. He is still in prison when bodies start showing up with the exact same signature. She is convinced it is a copycat but the real killer is pulling the strings. Now all she has to do is prove it and find the killer before 13 more bodies show up.

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Enjoyed It!

Detective Ruby Hunter has just put a serial killer in gaol for good, but suddenly it seems as if he is still at work when other bodies are found bearing all the hallmarks of the killer in gaol. Ruby has to work out how the new killer is communicating with a man who is allowed no contact at all with the outside world. A good start to a new series.

[Joseph R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting story that was believable for the most part and held my attention. I liked the way the author kept my interest throughout the story byways giving me little buts of information made me think of how this fit into finding out who was the villain. i recommend this book to everyone that wants action and suspense at the same time.

[Sherlyn K. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intriguing, interesting, page flipping, suspenseful story through until the very end. Also filled with some smashing twists and turns. Plus you are left with an open mouthed tidbit at the end leaving you in wonder until book 2.
"If I Run" is a wonderful starter for this new series if the rest of them are all as great as this book is.

[judymellinnetzero.net · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was good until it wasn't

I started this book with enthusiasm but that quickly faded. For example, one victim had a beautifully furnished and decorated home based on photos from decorating magazines, yet she was a server in a diner. Then some possible future victims came to light but there seemed to be no details of why. I don't think this author will stay on my reading list.

[William (Mr. Bill) Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I Run

This book started a little slow for me. I stayed with it because I like FBI thrillers. I think part of my problem was lack of familiarity or history with the character. So it took awhile to get up to speed. Perhaps I missed a previous book, but it indicates Book 1. The actual story is really good. I'm glad I finished the book.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely readable, but I have read a few of Black's books at this point and it feels like they are all just Silence of the Lambs fan-fiction... They're not bad but they just tend to center around a female agent with a complicated relationship with a serial killer who may or may not be incarcerated.... just feels a little overdone after a while. That being said, the writing isn't terrible.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much better book by Molly Black than "Once He Sees" (also by Molly Black). This book, "If I Run", is much better written, more believable in the detective work, and read much better. The killer was revealed a bit too smoothly for me but getting him/her was handled in a way my interest was kept engaged.

[Alejandra Rosas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. This was my first read by Molly Black and I’m hooked I’ll be picking up more by this author. A serious page turner, can’t wait to grab more of the Ruby series. I really enjoyed the random additions of her old cases, nuggets for the future books I hope.

[Danica · Rating 3 out of 5]

For about 85% of the book I was like this just feels like backstory, when does the excitement start? It did, it was ok, easy read, and good narrator but I am looking forward to #2 more as I hope there won't have to be so much character development and instead just plot.