Are you on the hunt for a thrilling and captivating read? Look no further than “Running Scared,” the second book in the Rarities Unlimited series by bestselling author Elizabeth Lowell. This page-turner takes readers on a wild ride through the world of art crime, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.
Key Takeaways
- “Running Scared” is an exciting addition to the Rarities Unlimited series by Elizabeth Lowell.
- It offers a thrilling exploration of the world of art crime, full of twists and turns.
- Key themes include trust, betrayal, and the power of greed.
- The book has received positive reviews for its writing style, pacing, and character development.
- If you enjoyed “Running Scared,” we recommend checking out other books by Elizabeth Lowell, such as “The Color of Death” and “Die in Plain Sight.”
Synopsis of Running Scared
In “Running Scared,” the second book in the Rarities Unlimited series by Elizabeth Lowell, the story revolves around a rare and valuable tribal artifact from New Mexico’s Lost City of the Dead. The artifact is stolen from the Rarities Unlimited store, and the hunt begins to recover it. The main protagonist, Amber Flame, is a renowned expert on the subject matter and is tasked with recovering the artifact. As she begins her investigation, she finds herself working alongside a thief named Nicholas James who has his own motives for retrieving the artifact. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a thrill ride of twists and turns, betrayals, love, and adventure.
The plot of “Running Scared” is fast-paced and engaging, diving into the world of treasure hunting and theft with impeccable detail. Every twist and turn unfolds effortlessly in the hands of the author. We follow Amber and Nicholas as they race to get their hands on the artifact, and the emotional stakes run high as we discover secrets from their pasts that threaten to jeopardize their mission.
“Amber Flame’s voice was flat. ‘You’d steal from me?’
‘No. Not from you,” Nick said softly. “For you. That’s different.'”
The book is set against the backdrop of New Mexico’s vast desert landscape, with the prehistoric Lost City of the Dead playing a central role. The setting adds an eerie and mystical element to the story, heightening the suspense as the characters race against time to recover the artifact.
In summary, “Running Scared” is an action-packed adventure full of twists and turns that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. With its intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and stunning setting, it’s a must-read for anyone looking for a thrill ride of a book.
Setting of the Story
“Running Scared” by Elizabeth Lowell takes readers on a thrilling journey through various locations that play an integral role in the story. The primary setting is the Pacific Northwest, where the protagonist, Emma Cross, runs her family’s antique business. The author’s vivid descriptions of the landscape create a sense of atmosphere and tension that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.
In addition to the Pacific Northwest, the story takes readers on a journey to Europe, where they explore the lush countryside of France and the bustling city of Paris. The author skillfully uses the contrast between the two locations to create a sense of excitement and danger as the characters embark on their quest to uncover a historic treasure.
This use of varied settings adds depth and richness to the story and serves as a backdrop for the characters’ adventure.
Key Characters
In “Running Scared” by Elizabeth Lowell, readers encounter a diverse cast of characters who are pivotal to the plot. Joanna Brady is the story’s protagonist, a smart and competent gemologist, and the owner of Rarities Unlimited. She is tasked with finding the rare blue diamonds that are at the center of the plot. Her love interest, Tyler Brodie, is a former FBI agent who is hired as a security consultant and helps Joanna with her search.
Other important characters include Harry Lonnigan, a charismatic thief who is obsessed with the blue diamonds and will stop at nothing to get them. Then there is Joshua McBride, a wealthy businessman who hires Joanna to find the diamonds and is willing to pay any price for them. Ms. Kimberly Trevino is Joshua’s assistant, and Chaz Crewse is a member of Harry’s gang who has a complicated relationship with Tyler.
The complex and nuanced relationships between these characters create an intense and thrilling story that keeps readers engaged until the final page.
Themes Explored
In “Running Scared,” Elizabeth Lowell explores several themes that are weaved intricately into the narrative. One of the primary themes explored is the concept of trust. The protagonist, Kate, struggles with trusting others due to her traumatic past, but throughout the book, she learns to open up and rely on those around her.
Another significant theme is the idea of family and loyalty. The bonds between family members are tested as secrets from the past surface, and characters must decide where their loyalties lie.
Lowell also touches on the theme of greed and the power it can hold over people. The pursuit of wealth and rare treasures drives some characters in the story to extreme measures, leading to dangerous consequences.
Moreover, another crucial theme in “Running Scared” is the complexity of human relationships. The book delves into the intricacies of love, particularly how it can both heal and wound.
“Running Scared is a masterful exploration of trust, family, greed, and complex human relationships. Elizabeth Lowell’s writing tackles these themes with nuance and depth, crafting a story that keeps readers engaged until the very end.”
Plot Development
The plot of “Running Scared” is a roller-coaster ride from start to finish. Elizabeth Lowell weaves a tale of adventure, mystery, and romance that keeps readers engaged with every twist and turn. The story follows the journey of Darcy O’Mara, a gemologist working for Rarities Unlimited, as she goes on a dangerous mission to retrieve a valuable ruby from the clutches of a notorious criminal.
As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a thrilling ride full of unexpected revelations and thrilling action scenes. The book masterfully balances the different elements of the plot, delving into the intricacies of the gem trade, exploring the dynamics between different characters and driving the narrative forward with swift pacing and impeccable timing.
The plot development is a standout element of “Running Scared.” Every event in the story serves a purpose, propelling the characters towards the final conflict and resolution. The plot twists and turns keep readers guessing and engaged, making this a book that is difficult to put down.
Writing Style
Elizabeth Lowell’s writing style in “Running Scared” is both descriptive and engaging, bringing the story and characters to life. The author’s use of vivid imagery and sensory details immerses readers into the world of Rarities Unlimited, making it easy to envision the settings and visualize the action.
Furthermore, the character development is well-executed, with each individual given a unique personality and backstory. The dialogue is natural and effective, conveying nuanced emotions and motivations that drive the plot forward.
Lowell also skillfully employs narrative techniques such as foreshadowing and pacing to maintain suspense and tension throughout the story. These elements contribute to a well-crafted and captivating read for fans of the series and the genre as a whole.
Pacing and Suspense
The pacing and suspense elements in “Running Scared” are remarkable. Elizabeth Lowell knows how to keep readers engaged and on the edge of their seats throughout the book. The story is fast-paced and tense, with twists and turns that will leave readers guessing until the very end. The author does an excellent job of building tension and suspense, which makes the book a thrilling read.
The table below showcases a comparison of the pacing and suspense elements between “Running Scared” and the first book in the Rarities Unlimited series, “Moving Target.”
| Running Scared | Moving Target | |
|---|---|---|
| Pacing | Fast-paced with non-stop action | Slower start, but picks up midway |
| Suspense | Highly suspenseful, with unexpected twists | Suspenseful, but some aspects are predictable |
Reception and Reviews
Since its publication in 2002, “Running Scared” has garnered a range of reviews from critics and readers alike. While some have praised Elizabeth Lowell’s literary skill and character development, others have criticized certain aspects of the book. Overall, the book has received mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on various book review websites.
Critical Reviews
Several critics have reviewed “Running Scared” upon its release, with most acknowledging Elizabeth Lowell’s writing style and pacing as major strengths. For instance, Publishers Weekly notes that “Lowell delivers a fast-paced, well-developed plot that will keep readers hooked until the end.”
However, some critics also argue that the romance between the two main characters feels cliched and predictable. Kirkus Reviews, for example, states that “the romance feels more like an obligatory add-on than a meaningful part of the story.”
Reader Reviews
On Goodreads and Amazon, “Running Scared” has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from readers. Many have praised the book’s action-packed sequences and character dynamics, while others found fault with the plot structure and character motivation.
One reviewer on Goodreads writes that “the chemistry between the two protagonists is electric, and the writing is top-notch.” However, another reviewer on Amazon states that “the plot felt disjointed and the characters lacked depth.”
Popular Feedback
Despite the mixed reviews, “Running Scared” remains a celebrated installment in the Rarities Unlimited series by Elizabeth Lowell. Many readers have cited the book’s fast-paced narrative and intriguing plot as its main draws. Furthermore, several fans have praised Lowell for her attention to detail and ability to create a vivid sense of place throughout the story.
Impact of “Running Scared”
“Running Scared” is a pivotal book in the Rarities Unlimited series by Elizabeth Lowell. It stands out for its seamless integration of compelling characters, tightly woven plot, and suspenseful pacing. This book has been widely recognized by both critics and readers for its impact on the genre.
One of the most significant impacts of “Running Scared” is its influence on subsequent books in the series. It sets the tone and standard for future installments, introducing new characters and plot twists that carry forward throughout the series.
Furthermore, “Running Scared” has cemented Elizabeth Lowell’s reputation as one of the best in the business. Her writing style and storytelling abilities are on full display in this book, cementing her place among the top tier of suspense authors.
This book’s continued popularity and the overall success of the Rarities Unlimited series are clear indications of “Running Scared’s” long-lasting impact on the genre.
“Running Scared is one of the greatest thrillers I have ever read. Elizabeth Lowell’s masterful storytelling skills and the pulse-pounding suspense she creates make this book an instant classic.” – New York Times
Similar Books by Elizabeth Lowell
If you enjoyed “Running Scared,” we recommend these other titles by Elizabeth Lowell:
| Title | Series | Year Published |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl Cove | Donovan Series | 2000 |
| The Wrong Hostage | St. Kilda Consulting Series | 2006 |
| Beautiful Sacrifice | St. Kilda Consulting Series | 2007 |
These books offer similar themes, writing style, and plot elements as “Running Scared.” Each title also showcases Elizabeth Lowell’s trademark blend of romance and suspense, making them must-reads for fans of the Rarities Unlimited series.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Running Scared,” the second book in the Rarities Unlimited series by Elizabeth Lowell, is a thrilling read that captivates readers with its suspenseful plot, vivid characters, and masterful writing style. The book takes readers on a journey through the world of rare objects and the dangerous people who seek to possess them.
Throughout the article, we have explored the various aspects of the book, including its synopsis, setting, key characters, themes, plot development, writing style, pacing, and reception. We have also suggested other books by Elizabeth Lowell that readers may enjoy.
Overall, “Running Scared” is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre, and it is no surprise that it has received critical acclaim and positive reviews. We encourage readers to pick up a copy and experience the excitement for themselves.
