"Tantau’s writing style is nothing short of exceptional"
The Runaway Man is being described by early reviewers as a "must-read" for those who appreciate a well-written story over "thrill-a-minute action". Different to what's out there currently, The Runaway Man unravels the psychological intricacies of its protagonists and leaves readers wondering whether it is ever possible to break free from the past.
Reviews
"It's not a fast-moving story, a lot of it goes on in the heads of its characters but if, like me, you're a fan of excellent writing over thrill a minute action you'll really appreciate this. Outstanding."
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“Tantau’s writing style is nothing short of exceptional. Her vivid descriptions not only bring the New Zealand landscape to life but also provide insight into the internal struggles of her characters. For those who appreciate excellent writing and a narrative that lingers in the mind long after the final page, this book is a must-read.”
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"An enjoyable tale with a bleakish narrative feel that is heavily character-focused and a four stars read rating. It’s a study of how far you can run to escape your life and not be bound by the past."
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About The Writer
Kelley Tantau spends each day telling the stories of others. As a New Zealand-based journalist and writer, she has enjoyed the last seven years constructing life histories, factual articles, and entertainment reviews, and has now authored her debut novel The Runaway Man.
After spending her formative years writing short stories, plays, and poems, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Waikato, majoring in Writing Studies in 2016.
Five months before graduating, Kelley started her career as a community print journalist, writing articles of local and national significance for one of New Zealand’s leading news agencies. In 2023, she was named Best Senior News Journalist at the Community Newspaper Association Awards, and Joint Runner Up for Best Community Journalist at the NZ Voyager Media Awards.
She now resides in Paeroa with her husband, dog, and blind rabbit, and continues working as a community reporter for the award-winning local rag.