Harlan Coben’s newest crime thriller, Run Away, is now streaming on Netflix. The eight-part series follows a father’s desperate search for his missing daughter, pulling him into a dark world of secrets and murder. Starring James Nesbitt and Minnie Driver, this adaptation has drawn positive early reviews but presents the familiar, twist-filled formula that Coben fans know well.
What Run Away Is About
Simon Greene appears to have a stable life and a loving family. This changes when his eldest daughter, Paige, runs away from home. After six months of searching, Simon finds Paige busking in a city park, visibly struggling with drug addiction. Their attempted reunion turns into a public confrontation with her boyfriend, Aaron. After Paige runs off again, Aaron is found brutally murdered. Simon’s search for his daughter now overlaps with a homicide investigation, dragging him into a dangerous underworld and forcing him to uncover painful family secrets.
The story expands beyond Simon’s perspective. A private investigator, Elena Ravenscroft, played by Ruth Jones, is hired to find another missing young person, and her case unexpectedly connects to Paige. Simultaneously, a pair of young assassins are traveling and killing seemingly unconnected people on orders from a mysterious third party.
The Critical Reception and Cast Performance
Early reviews for Run Away are generally favorable. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series currently holds an 83% approval rating from critics, placing it among the better-rated Coben adaptations on Netflix.
A key strength noted by reviewers is the cast. James Nesbitt delivers a strong performance as the tormented father, Simon. One review stated he “carves out a real person” from the role, effectively portraying a relatable everyman in an extreme situation. Alfred Enoch is highlighted for his charismatic turn as Detective Isaac Fagbenle, with his dynamic with partner Amy Gledhill feeling authentic. Ruth Jones also receives praise for bringing an interesting, unconventional edge to the private investigator Elena.
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However, not all elements land perfectly. Some critics point out a melodramatic style in the filming and editing that can occasionally undermine the story’s intended grit. A common point of criticism is the underuse of Minnie Driver as Simon’s wife, Ingrid. Her character is largely confined to a hospital bed for much of the series, limiting her impact. The plot itself, filled with Coben’s signature twists, has been described by some as becoming increasingly ludicrous, relying on coincidences that may strain believability for some viewers.
Harlan Coben says of the series: “Run Away is an emotional roller coaster. I think maybe more than any other series we’ve done, it will keep you off-balance and guessing”.
How to Watch Run Away
Run Away is available to stream globally as of January 1, 2026. All eight episodes were released at once on Netflix, following the platform’s common pattern for limited series. You need an active Netflix subscription to watch it, as it is a Netflix Original.
The series was filmed in various locations across England, including Saddleworth Moor, Greater Manchester, and Liverpool. It is adapted by writer Danny Brocklehurst, a frequent collaborator on Coben’s Netflix projects.
