While not knowing Dolly Parton as a singer or a celebrity, I have heard her speak on a few occasions. The writing in this book does appear to follow Parton's voice, rather than sounding like Patterson wrote most of the content, but I may also be 100% wrong; who knows apart from the writers?
Also, having no idea if this story follows the pattern of Dolly Parton's early days, she does pen an excellent story as we enjoy the Annie Lee adventure as she chases her dreams around Nashville. She's told to give up and go home by a former superstar, but her talent, quick tongue and life choices ensure that she stays for the ride.
The opening chapter, short, like all James Patterson books, makes you wonder whether the story is going to end in success or failure. Her enemy or friend, Ethan, always appears to be one step ahead in trying to help her friend and guide her along the way.
Not knowing the country music song and artist references didn't affect my reading of this novel, so not liking country music is not a reason to bypass this story. Should you already be a James Patterson regular reader you will know the format and style of the book and this one doesn't disappoint.
I was given a copy of this book and enjoyed the story and without giving away the ending here, you'll be pleased to have read to the very last word. I initially struggled to understand how a highly talented country singer could try to organise gigs in bars without even carrying a guitar, but the explanation informs the reader of why events led to their resulting situations.

A woman with a past she wants to keep secret at all costs chases her dream of singing her songs for anyone who will listen. Making her way to Nashville with her thumb out and only a back pack to cradle her few belongings she discovers that dreams do come true when the bar where she manages to sing a few of her songs is owned by the queen of country music. The man that introduces them is besotted from the first note of her angelic voice and struggles with the secrets she keeps. Danger follows her like a bad smell and her past will not leave her alone. It's a great story, with incredible songs, a dark tragic past that haunts all three characters and a love that can heal all wounds, if they are willing to take the chance.

When a book starts with a young woman throwing herself out of a fourth storey hotel window you know you are in for a roller coaster ride of a read. The story begins eleven months before AnnieLee Keyes jumps from the balcony. We know she is running away, trying to escape her old life but we do not know why. Small hints and clues are hinted at which slowly build up as the story progresses adding to the suspense. AnnieLee wants to be a country singer /song writer so travels to the most obvious location - Nashville. Here sleeping rough with only pennies to here name she fights for her dream. As she makes friends with the famous Ruthanna and a guitar player - Ethan Blake her life seems to be on the up. Unfortunately her past will not stay in the past and the danger seems to only increase every time she gets closer to achieving her dream. Only at the very end do we find out why she has been running but, by then is it too late?

A star on the rise – singing of a hard life.

A girl on the run – trying to lose a past and find a future.

She’s come to Nashville to claim her destiny but will the darkness follow.

Every country song tells a story.


I didn’t hesitate to request this ARC on NetGalley when I saw it. Not because of the fantastic blurb but purely for Dolly Parton. She is my absolute Queen and seeing her co-writing with James Patterson I thought this was going to be a book that blew me away.

Unfortunately, it didn’t quite go that far, however, that isn’t to say I didn’t thoroughly enjoy it because I absolutely did! I think this will be a book that divides opinion and that will fully depend on which author you’re a fan of. For me, it lacked the thriller aspect I think I’ve come to expect from Patterson, but I can happily admit I was here 110% for Parton!

It was a well written and fast paced story and packed with wonderful characters that all had interesting back stories of their own that complimented the overall storyline. The plot was somewhat predictable, so again, if you’re reading as a JP fan you might find it doesn’t quite pack the usual punches.

At the end the reader will find a songbook of 12 songs that are used throughout the novel and which Dolly has written and is releasing as an accompanying album for this book. Now, that I am truly excited about!! I would highly recommend this book, if you are a Country music fan this book is for you. However, if you’re reading as a fan of James Patterson, I think you’ll be disappointed.

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and this is my honest review.
I was really intrigued by the idea of a collaboration between Dolly Parton and James Patterson, I assumed he would be the main writer and she would provide the ‘country’ authenticity. I feel like I actually had that the wrong way around, this feels very much like a Dolly Parton novel that James Patterson has provided a thriller twist for. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it but if it’s a thriller you’re looking for then I don’t think this is the book for you! This is definitely more of a follow a girl as she makes it in the country music business in Nashville novel. I think the thriller element actually distracted from the story, I would have liked to have known more about AnnieLees backstory throughout the novel rather than just finding out at the end but it was still enjoyable.

🏃🏻‍♀️ A Fight For Survival 🏃🏻‍♀️

The night she needed to save herself... rewind to eleven months earlier... Following the life of AnnieLee who is on the run trying to free herself and make a better life, whilst endeavouring to make it in the world of music. On the path to potential success comes many testing times for AnnieLee.

Not your average James Patterson thriller, but a great partnership with Dolly Parton. From the beginning you get Dolly's input. Great read, look forward to reading more.

Definitely not a thriller.
A young singer/songwriter on the run from her past trying to become famous which defeats the object of hiding from the past as the past will find you easily.
The best thing was the short chapters that James Patterson books are famous for.
Lots of song lyrics throughout the book which I found useless without the music.
Lots of it unbelievable for me.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

Not what I’d usually choose or read but as a big Dolly Parton fan I couldn’t wait to read!
Would be amazing to read while listening to the album!

Great story with lots of tension, secrets, love and obviously country music!
Will be purchasing the book and album as presents!

I love Dolly and love JP’s writing and collaborations so am just going to say this was not for me and was a dnf at 15% but am sure many will love it

The prologue immediately captures your interest and I was desperate to know how the protagonist had ended up in the situation described. She is immensely likeable - a grifter, talented, unafraid of hard work, but with an innate insecurity and vulnerability about her that makes it very easy to see why people are drawn to her. Some because they want to help her achieve her dreams, others because she is an easy target to exploit.
It becomes clear early on that there is something in her past that is dangerous - what that might be isn't explicitly stated, but the threat is evidently very real and this becomes a more major part of the plot as the narrative develops.

The main characters are likeable and their personal stories come to the fore as the story winds its way forwards, but the information is drip fed and perfectly paced to keep the reader engaged at all times and the back stories never distract the reader's attention from the main plot. As all good thrillers should, the pace picks up towards the end and everything is tied up neatly by the end of the book. I must confess to having galloped through the last few pages so quickly that I had to go back and re-read them to make sure I'd got everything straight in my head!

I haven't yet had a chance to listen to the songs Dolly Parton created for the book, but my advice would be to listen to the album as the songs appear in the book. Although James Patterson is more well known as an author, it seems to be Ms Parton's influence which is the driving force of the book and it felt very much like one of her songs - vulnerable, but feisty heroine at risk from those around her and determined to chart her own course in life. If you're a fan of the music, I have no doubt you'll be a fan of the book too!

I have never read anything by James Patterson, but I am a huge Dolly Parton fan. Therefore, I decided to take a chance on this book and I’m glad I did! I enjoyed the slow build-up of the mystery of Annie Lee’s past, and I loved the lyrics sprinkled throughout the book.

Annie Lee (aka Rose) is tough, driven, and talented. She goes to Nashville to chase her dreams and make it big as a songwriter and singer. While I don’t really relate to her aspirations or her life experiences, I do admire her courage and determination.

Ruthanna had a great deal in common with the Queen of Nashville herself, including her heart for putting books in the hands of children. I fell in love with her instantly. Who doesn’t love Dolly?!?
Ethan and Jack were both endearing and sweet. I liked them both almost instantly. Ethan was a true storybook hero.

I struggled at the beginning of the book with not being able to relate to the storyline and losing my interest. That being said, it did get better, and after that, I could barely put it down. This book is a little like watching a country music special/movie, so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. I hear Dolly is releasing an album to accompany all of the lyrics in this book, and I can’t wait!

What you get when you mix a successful writer with a natural storyteller is a well crafted novel with a fascinating story!
AnnieLee is hungry for a taste of fame and fortune. Her natural talent as a country singer is not in question, but her talent is tainted by secrets from her past. Arriving in Nashville, she overcomes poverty, homelessness and a strong sense of independence, to secure one singing appearance, with a borrowed guitar.
With a host of characters and a prologue that keeps the reader guessing, this is a real roller coaster read.

If you are looking for a book which gives you a real sense of the author, then I don't think you could ask for a better book than Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton. This book was a whole lot of fun and a whole lot of country. Whether you are a country music fan or not, there can't be many people on the planet who don;t know who Dolly Parton is, and I have to say that this book encapsulates the passion that she always shows towards her music, wrapped up in a book which is dripping with authenticity and a whole lot of intrigue. It's a book which had me hooked from the very dramatic and unexpected opening, right through to the heart pounding conclusion, and all the rhinestone and rhythm embellished pages in between. Parton and Patterson were always going to be an intriguing pairing but this is one book that left me with a very satisfied smile on my face.

This is the story of AnnieLee Keyes, a young women who fights her way to Nashville and who undergoes a number of undeniable challenges in order to make her dream of becoming a country music star come true. Homeless, and with a clearly troubled past, she begs her way into opportunities, catching the eye of Nashville superstar Ruthanna Ryder along the way. AnnieLee is determined, feisty and shows a whole lot of bravado that she doesn't always feel. Her story may feel like the typical rags to riches tale, a kind of Cinderella story as it were, but believe me it is much deeper and darker than Disney could have imagined. I liked AnnieLee. Wanted to see her come good. Celebrated in her successes and shook my head as some of the strange, almost seemingly self destructive decisions she made in the name of her pride. But Dolly Parton has written her in such a way that I really did get behind her, believed in her journey, even if it wasn't typical of most wannabe starlets who make their way to the city. She did fall into a whole lot of luck, but backed up by undeniable talent, something which struck a cord with Ruthanna.

Now if you were looking for that all glamour, super famous face of country type character that will put you in mind of the author herself that is Ruthanna. For all her success, all of her fortune, she is actually very down to earth, even though her lifestyle may not feel like it is. She was a very likeable character, quite sympathetic and with an emotional side that often comes to the fore. She recognises something in AnnieLee, not just her talent, but something more, and thought it takes a while to come to the fore, the story is quite emotional and made me warm to Ruthanna even more. She is surrounded by musicians and business men, even when retired as you'd expect, but there is a whole heap of respect and love there which shines through in the story.

Now this is not a straightforward thriller as you may be expecting, given James Patterson's involvement in the book. There is an element of darkness and tension in the story, largely linked to AnnieLee's past, but rather than being infused with a constant sense of threat, the story often lets us, and AnnieLee, fall into a false sense of security, where the pursuit of her music career overtakes everything and we can forget, for a while at least, that tense opening sequence. But then something will happen, something dark and full of dramatic tension and darkness which brings that undiscovered mystery, that thing which AnnieLee is at pains, literally, to conceal, right to the forefront of our minds. You can likely guess what a part of it could be, but I certainly wasn't expecting just how dark the authors would take it. It doesn't feel out of place, but it does add a stark contrast to the glamorous life AnnieLee is on the brink of achieving.

The book is oozing with all the splendour and colour of the country music scene. If you are fan you'll be delighted to hear there is a soundtrack to accompany the book. If you aren't, and I'll admit it's a genre of music that isn't entirely in my comfort zone, you'll still feel yourself pulled into the heart of Nashville. As a non follower, I can't think of a person more synonymous with modern country music than Dolly Parton, and every minute of her experience and love for music is poured into the book, giving it an overwhelming sense of place. It feels both glamourous and understated at the same time, taking us from open mike nights to full on high profile music tours. With characters I can absolutely imagine are drawn from real life, even if only in part, there isn't a part of this book I didn't enjoy.

If you want an often fun, sometimes intense, character led story that is oozing authenticity, has a touch of old fashioned romance, and a whole lot of music, then this could well be the book for you. It made me smile and it is more definitely recommended.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

a collaboration between dolly parton and james patterson and they dont let you down.... an up and coming country and western singer arrives to make her mark in Nashville , pennyless and broke she needs to sing for her supper and she finds a place to do just that, though she doesnt take advantage and at night she sleeps under the stars aware from any danger....


its not before long that she gets noticed and taken under the wing of another famous country and western singer but Annielee keyes past is about to catch up with her in a violent way....

its not a bad collaboration between these two but it was the 2nd half of the book that hooked me so much i couldnt put it down...fingers crossed for more from these two

A young girl is looking for a future so she can escape the past. She is taken under the wing of retired singer Ruthanna. A rags to riches story, hoping the past doesn't catch up with the future. Some interesting characters that add extra depth to the story. Looking forward to hearing the music that Dolly has written to accompany the book release.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel.
I was disappointed....the cover bears the names of two greats in their respective fields so this novel was already ahead of the rest. Sadly, this was not too be. I got bored at the midway point and nearly gave up. I trudged on and the end arrived and that was it. No spoiler alert just no great revalation or fast pace action just a tepid ending.
I admire both individuals named on the cover but inside did not live up to their combined talents.

Wow!! Just Wow!!
Gripping, addictive, touching, brilliant!! This is a book that's hard to put down, a real human story, against the backdrop of country music, and country music culture. Very American yes, but also accessible to anyone with a love of music and life!
AnnieLee Keyes has to get away from her home town fast, hitching a ride to Nashville. She is fiery, gutsy, and determined to sing. Her character is fantastic, admirable, vulnerable yet you would never want to mess with her. You'd want her as your friend for sure! Her journey is fascinating and gripping!! I felt so immersed in this book and didn't want to let go at the end, the story is still with me, and cannot rate highly enough!! This deserves way more than 5 stars!!! Looking forward to Dolly's album with all the music which is already in my head.
The writing is fantastic, with the spirit of Dolly Parton in every page, and professional writer James Patterson making it slick!
A must read for 2022!!
Loved it!! My favourite book this year!
Thank you so much NetGalley for the chance to read early. Much appreciated!

Honestly, I'd read Dolly Partons shopping list so of course I was excited for this.

Mixing Pattersons gritty storytelling with Dollys glitter, glamour and unique experiences, this is a truly unique collaboration that resulted in a brilliantly entertaining story about fame, dreams and darkness. Following a young girl just trying to make it, and by chance and a lot of luck gets a meeting with the Queen of Country - but she soon discovers that fame and glory comes with greed, enemies and a lot of danger. This story was definitely more about the rising star and her journey than the thriller/crime aspects of the story - which did leave me feeling a bit disappointed but if the description had changed slightly I think I'd rate it slightly higher.

I'm very much looking forward to re-reading this with the accompanying album at some point, Iove mixed media that compliments each other so I'm very intrigued to revisit this again.

I enjoyed reading this book. Solid one with good plot, interesting characters and country music industry in background. Additional gem - songs lyrics, yummy 😁

Fans of Country music and Dolly Parton will love this collaboration with James Patterson. Telling the story of Annie Lee who arrives in Nashville with a dream to become a star the novel is interspersed with lyrics to the album by Dolly that's going to accompany this novel on publication. An easy read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown Company for the advanced copy.