Run, Run, Baby is a terrifying retelling of abuse that left me bewildered and emotionally raw. The author's ability to paint invoke torment and terror was striking and comparable to masters of horrors such as Stephen King and Vincent Price.

I am literally shaking while trying to type this review. Right from the jump, we meet Chole who is clearly suffering from PTSD and trauma. She is disassociating and trembling and you want nothing more than to wrap her in your arms and keep her safe.

Her parents are monsters. Not since A Child Called It, have I read such physical and mental abuse that was so disturbing that it affected me so heavily. As a true crime aficionado, my rose-colored glasses have long since been removed and the knowledge that child abuse continues without enough outside intervention is not lost to me. If you are unfamiliar with real cases such as Gabrial Fernadez I implore you to research as this story may be a work of fiction, but the unspeakable behavior and mistreatment of children is very real and far too often is not stopped before tragedy occurs.

Chole's trauma has literally broken her young mind resulting in reality and imagination to blur. There will be times where you may be incredibly confused as to what you are reading only for the connections of the imaginary representations to come to light later while your stomach turns, blood boils, and eyes leak from sadness.

The last chapter presents an unexpected plot twist that will leave you conflicted. There is no Happily Ever After just disappointment, horror, and sorrow at the loss of innocence and humanity.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.