book cover of The Man Who Ran
 

The Man Who Ran

(2025)
A novel by

 
 
When Jake Graystone becomes addicted to poker, he decides to abandon his family and indulge his new-found craving without restraint. Running away to a northern city on Christmas Eve, he discovers the Arcadia Casino and starts to play. With the help of a rare gift for reading his opponents, he quickly gains fame and fortune.

One year later, again on Christmas Eve, Jake is challenged to a heads-up match by a player called the Undertaker. When his adversary tilts him, Jake finds himself on the run again. With the help of a German Shepherd and a homeless friend, Jake outfoxes the gunman who pursues him - until one fateful night when they come face to face.

The Man who ran is a Christmas thriller with magical elements. It is a page turner that charts a healing journey as riveting as the ones walked by Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol) and George Bailey (It’s a Wonderful Life). It is a tale that looks with empathetic imagination at issues of addiction and homelessness.

I didn’t want to put this down. A heartwarming story that would be great as a film. I hope this book reaches addicts and helps turn their lives around.
Angela Lee

If you like Christmas, you’ll absolutely treasure this book.
Jimbo Sun

A thoroughly gripping, enjoyable read that tugs on all the right emotions.
Jules Loveland



Genre: Inspirational

Used availability for Mark Stibbe's The Man Who Ran


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