Charles Salzberg: Man on the Run


“When I walk into a room, any room, I immediately know two things: where the exit is and exactly where everyone is standing.”

By the quote above some would think it’s stated by a police officer, private investigator, or perhaps an operative. In fact, it’s the master burglar Francis Hoyt. He’s known for his skill, stealth, and ability to steal from under the noses of law enforcement and defeat the best security systems.

“…I’m interested in human behavior. Why people do what they do. What it says about the human condition.”

These are the words of Dakota Richards, former journalist and budding crime podcaster. She’s not interested in the murder stories, she wants to know about the other types of criminals and has her sights on Francis Hoyt.

“My friends in the department used to call me the Human Truth Machine… I’ve learned a lot. I can read people. I know what they’re thinking.”

Charlie Floyd is a retired state investigator who arrested Hoyt the one time he was caught. All he wants is to put Hoyt permanently behind bars, and to keep Richards safe. She has no idea how dangerous Hoyt is.

So, here’s the basic setup: Hoyt is approached to rob a mafia bank, Richards is pressuring him to appear on her podcast, and Floyd just wants to catch the bastard and put him away.

Man on the Run is quite the book. Charles Salzberg has written an interwoven tale of menace and charisma in which the situation could easily implode. Well recommended.

Second Story Man is the first book about Francis Hoyt and I reviewed it in 2018. Please Click Here to read it. Also, have a look at the review of Salzberg’s book Canary in the Coal mine that I reviewed last year.

~ June Lorraine Roberts

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6 responses to “Charles Salzberg: Man on the Run”

  1. I came across your review of Charles Salzberg’s “Man on the Run,” and I must say it sounds like an exhilarating read 📚🏃! Your review offers great insights into the book’s intriguing plot and the main character’s journey. I’m always on the lookout for a thrilling story, and your recommendation has certainly put this one on my radar. Thanks for the great review! 🌟👍

  2. This book seems very interesting. I’m saving it for reading. And I love the quote, sounds intriguing to me.
    Thank you for recommending it, June!
    Have a great day!

  3. This does sound intense, June. The characters sound really interesting, too, and I like the premise. I can see some real possibilities for high-octane moments, too.

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