Posted on December 16, 2009 by Nayab Naseer

The Runner is one of Christopher Reich’s most popular novels. Christopher Reich here departs from his usual financial thrillers to author a gripping historical thriller set in the backdrop of Post World War II Germany.

Devlin Judge, an ex-New York City detective turned lawyer is on the hunt of Erich Seyss, an ex nazi soldier who has escaped from an American POW camp. Seyss is a former Olympic track star but responsible for many heinous war crimes. Seyss has murdered Judge’s brother that makes Judge to personally go in hunt of Seyss. Much of the novels is set on the chase, with Judge soon understanding that Europe awaits a grim future if he fails in his chase.

Reich has managed to write a fast paced thriller with myriad twists and turns, but his extensive descriptions of place and time fail to merge with the plot. The characterization is likewise detailed and complete, though some inconsistencies remain. Reich also sprinkles in historical descriptions of true life World War II personalities like General George Patton. Reich uses his overall sentiments to good effect in an effort to make the plot believable.

Overall, the Runner is a good read despite some implausible actions and coincidences.