The Runaway

Shadows of Survival

The Runaway by Martina Cole thrusts readers into the gritty underbelly of East London in 2005, where danger lurks around every corner and trust is a rare commodity. Amber King, a young woman desperate to escape the violent grip of her family’s criminal empire, makes a daring break for freedom one stormy night. Fleeing with only a hastily packed bag and a forged bus ticket, she navigates shadowy alleyways and abandoned warehouses, determined to carve out a life beyond the reach of her ruthless kin. Cole’s signature prose crackles with tension, painting a world where loyalty is currency and betrayal can be fatal.

Crossroads of Fate

As Amber ventures further from home, she encounters an unlikely circle of allies: a disillusioned private investigator haunted by past failures, a streetwise nurse who treats her wounds without asking questions, and an ex-convict seeking redemption. Each brings their own scars and secrets, testing Amber’s fragile resolve and forcing her to confront the choices that led her into peril. From clandestine meetings in derelict pubs to high-speed chases through rain-slicked streets, every moment pulses with the urgency of a woman running not just for her future, but for her very survival.

Echoes of the Past

In this electrifying narrative, Martina Cole delves deep into themes of identity, loyalty, and the unbreakable bonds of family—both chosen and blood. Amber’s journey is punctuated by flashbacks to a childhood steeped in fear and manipulation, illuminating the powerful forces that drive her onward. Cole balances heart-stopping action with intimate character moments, building to a climax that will leave readers breathless as Amber confronts the ghosts she thought she left behind, and faces a choice that will define her destiny.

. Martina Cole is the bestselling British crime novelist revered for her unflinching portrayals of life on London’s gritty margins. With a background in social work and a lifelong fascination with the dark side of human nature, she brings authenticity and empathy to every page. The Runaway (Headline Book Publishing, 2005) exemplifies her talent for weaving suspenseful plots with deeply human stories of resilience and hope.