Reviews with content warning for Car accident - Run Time

As someone who has read many thriller/horror/mystery books, I thought Run Time was a breath of fresh air. Even though the concept isn’t exactly original, I was pleasantly surprised by how the author made it feel new and captured my interest.

One of my favorite features of this book is that there is a story within a story WITHIN a story. Though it can be a little confusing, I thought that this triple layer of storytelling that’s dispersed throughout the pages was genius. Trying to figure out how the pages of the movie script foreshadows what’s going to happen in the main plot was super fun.

The issue that kept Run Time from being a full 5 star read for me is that it felt like something bigger was going on for 75% of the book. Honestly I was a little disappointed when everything was revealed. The way Adele talks about what happened on her last movie set was hyped up so much just for it to be way less exciting. But, in retrospect that might be intentional for the ultimate reveal?

Overall, I really liked Run Time. If you’re looking for a creepy, atmospheric read with some Hollywood flair this book is definitely worth your time.

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thebookishnerd_'s review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I had high expectations going into this book, I love all things horror and reading about the acting industry. The premise seemed great and the first 100 pages kept me engaged and curious to see where things went. A story within a story, love it. However, around the midway point, the story became dull and repetitive. With the events happening to her, being the exact same as the script shown 10 pages before, I found myself skimming over it, knowing what happens already. Showing the script removed any tension because we knew how it was going to turn out. The latter part of the book felt so quick with everything being revealed, twist after twist. Some make no sense. The final big plot twist that was supposed to explain everything, even before the events of the book came out of nowhere. A complete left turn that felt flimsy. Overall, it was a decent read. I'd recommend if you want a quick easy read that will keep you interested. Maybe for those new to the genre. But not for the more seasoned thriller readers.

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kstericker's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

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sleeson's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

The narrators were great, however they could not save this novel. It was way too long. Too much of an intense build up for the silly ending that was revealed. I’m sad because I have enjoyed other novels by Howard. This one not a lot. Moderate cursing.

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