Ahoy there me mateys! Me introduction to this author was the novel dark matter, which I highly enjoyed. So when a local library had a copy of this standalone thriller, I snagged it.

While this novel was fast and fun it also felt rather average. The plot of the novel is that normal American citizens are going crazy and homicidal. One family, the Colcloughs, are determined to stay together and survive. So they run. I mean, I know that is the title, but basically they run the entire book.

The novel started off with an interesting prologue and then a lovely set-up. Then of course the author messed with me expectations in a good way with some loverly plot twists. And kept it up for about half the book. Then the pace slowed down and became less interesting. How many improbable situations can this family survive? Apparently all of them.

The main characters Jack and Dee were both kinda stupid in the beginning in terms of their takes on life and each other. Both did improve in the book which was nice. The kids, Cole and Naomi, were portrayed rather well except that they were mostly used as narrative device to kept the parents focused. I mean the kids slept through so much action it seemed absurd. I wanted the whole family to contribute to the quest for survival. I know Cole was seven but there have to be useful seven year olds. I like to think that I was helpful at that age and not only a hindrance.

And the description for why the Americans went crazy was kinda lame. However there was a twist at the end that I rather liked. Overall it was a good reading experience and I am willing to read another Crouch book. I just think this one was okay.

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