Rescue Run

“John Winn Miller’s latest wartime thriller RESCUE RUN has everything I love in a story: nonstop adventure and intrigue, characters to root for, ratcheting tension, all wrapped in a tangled story of political gamemanship, spycraft, and military action. Truly a wonderful discovery! You should discover it, too!”

—JAMES ROLLINS, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER OF TIDES OF FIRE

“Miller’s WW2 novel Rescue Run satisfies on many levels. His keen journalist’s eye catches sharp details of place and time that add layers of verisimilitude to this piece of nail-biting historical fiction. Fans of Alan Furst novels will feel right at home.”

—MIKE MADEN, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF TOM CLANCY AND CLIVE CUSSLER NOVELS

"RESCUE RUN: CAPT. JAKE ROGERS’ DARING RETURN TO OCCUPIED EUROPE by John Winn Miller is a thrilling sequel in the World War II maritime Peggy C Saga series. This novel stands out for its unique portrayal of World War II through the eyes of ordinary sailors thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Miller’s meticulous attention to detail vividly brings to life the daily experiences and struggles of his characters. The story is rich with historical authenticity, describing tense action and high drama against realistic settings. The novel’s intricate details and characterizations make the tale both entertaining and insightful, capturing the essence of different countries, nautical adventures, and social-political clashes. Fans of historical fiction and World War II narratives will find RESCUE RUN hard to put down. It's a compelling read that appeals to both nautical novel enthusiasts and those new to the genre, offering a gripping mix of history, action, and human spirit.”

—MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

“In this follow-up to The Hunt for The Peggy C (2022), Miller juxtaposes the two opposing forces (Nazis and the rescuers) wonderfully well through the use of clear, economical prose that manages to convey pathos and high adventure in equal measure. Careful, specific attention to detail, as in descriptions of the clothing worn by the resistance fighters and the German soldiers (“an SS officer’s gray wool cap with white piping around the crown, the Nazi eagle and skull on the front, and a silver bullion chin cord strapped across the shiny black Vulkanfiber visor”) lend a powerful authenticity to the harrowing world that Miller creates. Miriam Maduro, the beautiful Jewess whose imprisonment inspires Rogers’ incredible acts of bravery, is no damsel in distress; she’s just as heroic as he is, disguising herself as a Red Cross medico named Hedda ten Boom in a bold attempt to help as many concentration camp prisoners as she possibly can before she’s captured herself. Stark depictions of Miriam’s confinement are harrowing and stand on their own without resorting to sentimentality. When Miriam gets an opportunity to deliver an act of retribution, Miller renders it without moralizing or commentary. Indeed, action never fails to reveal character throughout this brisk thriller. A fast-paced and immersive wartime adventure yarn.”

—KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Rescue Run is everything you want in a WWII historical thriller. Miller’s intensive research shines through as he skillfully weaves real historical figures into a fictional story made all the more intense. I was thoroughly entertained throughout with the story’s many twists and turns, none of which I saw coming, and I write national security fiction for a living! As I raced through this page-turner of a story, I kept thinking, ‘Someone needs to make a movie out of this story,’ because it is that good. I can’t wait to read the next one! Buy Rescue Run for yourself, and for everyone you know who just loves a great story.”

—J. R. OLSON, CO-AUTHOR WITH DAVID BRUNS OF THE COMMAND AND CONTROL SERIES

“RESCUE RUN is a page-turning adventure that will sweep you from the high seas to the Low Countries and beyond during WWII. In this thrilling novel, a veteran merchant marine captain leads a diverse group of Allies across occupied Europe on a desperate escape mission. They face brutality, betrayal, and hopelessness as they are pursued by the SS, Gestapo, a ruthless bounty hunter, and French gangsters. John Winn Miller has done his research and crafted reality into a wonderful fast-moving novel.”

—H. W. “BUZZ” BERNARD, MULTI-AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE WHEN HEROES FLEW SERIES

“Based on real World War II heroes, and profoundly researched from cover-to-cover, Rescue Run is every bit as riveting and essential as anything in Clive Cussler’s body of work. Rescue Run, the second installment in author John Winn Miller’s Peggy C Saga series, delivers on visceral entertainment value, but goes the extra mile when it comes to historical heft. Real-life bios about major and minor characters are included, as well as historical notes about key chapters. Fans of naval war history will be especially gratified, as Miller delivers fascinating detail about the construction and plight of Liberty ships, so-called “plastic armor,” corvettes, and more. Also included are chilling insights into German psych-ops (“To give the Jews a false sense of hope, Gemmeker allowed them to take educational classes, play in the camp orchestra, engage in sports, and travel outside the camp to purchase groceries or clothing with special camp currency”). It’s easy to imagine Rescue Run as the basis for the next big studio World War II mini-series, ala Master of the Air or The Pacific. In the meantime, for fans of World War II naval fiction, Rescue Run is simply essential reading.”

—BEST THRILLERS

“John Winn Miller’s Rescue Run is just what you should be looking for if you love fast-paced, action-packed espionage thrillers. Weaving an intriguing plot, Miller offers non-stop nerve-wracking action, featuring an exciting and dynamic cast. The tone, storyline, and ingenious plot twists had me on the edge of my seat. Giving the scenes a tremendous dramatic touch, Miller accompanies the narration with humor. I could not help laughing at some of Rogers’ escapades in Amsterdam. The evocative depictions and Miller’s accurate references to World War II history captured the mood and setting of the scenes, taking me back in time to the mid-twentieth century. The reading experience felt like watching an amazing spy thriller movie. I would love to see Rescue Run on the big screen. Adventure, thrills, action, suspense, humor, and so much more in this page-turner. I loved it.”

—READERS’ FAVORITE

“In Rescue Run, award-winning investigative reporter and foreign correspondent John Winn Miller expertly utilizes his first-hand experience to construct a truly chilling tale. Historical adventure readers have much to admire and enjoy in this exciting second installment.”

—INDEPENDENT BOOK REVIEW

“Once all the pieces are in place, and the chase is on, this entertaining book moves with the intensity of a classic WW2 movie.”

—U.S. REVIEW OF BOOKS

“This historical action adventure kept me on my toes as twist after twist is revealed from its pages… A well-rounded tale that will appeal to readers who enjoy World War II action tales.”

—LOVEREADING

Marketing Plan for "Rescue Run" by John Winn Miller

1. Pre-Launch Phase (6-12 months before release)

a. Develop a Strong Online Presence:

• Website: Create a dedicated website for "Rescue Run" featuring a blog, character profiles, historical insights, and a countdown timer for the release date.

• Social Media: Establish profiles on major platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok) and regularly post updates, teasers, and historical facts related to the book.

b. Build an Email List:

• Newsletter: Start a monthly newsletter offering exclusive content such as sample chapters, author insights, and behind-the-scenes looks at the research process.

• Lead Magnets: Offer a free eBook or a detailed character map to entice visitors to join the email list.

c. Cover Reveal:

• Event: Host a live online event for the cover reveal. Partner with book bloggers and influencers to widen reach.

• Teasers: Share partial glimpses of the cover on social media leading up to the reveal.

2. Launch Phase (3-6 months before release)

a. Advance Reader Copies (ARCs):

• Distribution: Send ARCs to book reviewers, bloggers, and influencers in the historical fiction and thriller genres.

• NetGalley: List the book on NetGalley to garner early reviews.

b. Media Outreach:

• Press Release: Distribute a press release announcing the book launch, highlighting praise from James Rollins and other notable figures.

• Media Kit: Prepare a comprehensive media kit including the press release, author bio, high-resolution images, and book excerpts.

c. Social Media Campaign:

• Countdown: Initiate a countdown campaign with daily posts highlighting different aspects of the book.

• Hashtag Campaign: Encourage readers to use hashtags (#RescueRun, #WW2Thriller, etc.) and share their excitement for the book.

• Contests and Giveaways: Host contests and giveaways for signed copies and other related merchandise.

d. Author Appearances:

• Virtual Events: Schedule virtual book tours, live Q&A sessions, and interviews with popular booktubers and podcasters.

• Local Events: Arrange book signings and readings at local bookstores, libraries, and historical societies.

3. Launch Day

a. Social Media Blitz:

• Launch Posts: Share a series of posts across all platforms announcing that "Rescue Run" is now available.

• Live Stream: Host a live stream event to celebrate the launch, interact with readers, and answer questions.

b. Email Campaign:

• Announcement Email: Send an email to your list announcing the book's availability with direct purchase links.

• Reminder Email: Follow up with a reminder email a week later for those who haven’t purchased yet.

c. Promotions:

• Discounts: Offer a limited-time discount for the eBook version to encourage early sales.

• Bundles: Create bundles with the first book in the series ("The Hunt for the Peggy C") for a special price.

4. Post-Launch Phase (1-6 months after release)

a. Continue Engagement:

• Content Creation: Maintain regular content updates on the blog and social media, sharing insights, fan art, and reader reviews.

• Book Clubs: Encourage book clubs to pick "Rescue Run" as their monthly read by offering discussion guides and author Q&A sessions.

b. Soliciting Reviews:

• Review Campaign: Prompt readers to leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other book retail sites.

• Review Reminders: Send periodic reminders to your email list encouraging reviews.

c. Long-Term Marketing:

• Ads: Run targeted ads on Amazon, Goodreads, and social media platforms to reach readers interested in historical fiction and WWII thrillers.

• Partnerships: Collaborate with historical societies, WWII museums, and educational institutions for events and promotions.

d. Award Submissions:

• Competitions: Submit the book for relevant literary awards and competitions to gain additional recognition.

5. Metrics and Adjustments

a. Track Performance:

• Analytics: Use website and social media analytics to track engagement, website traffic, and sales conversions.

• Feedback: Collect feedback from readers and reviewers to understand strengths and areas for improvement.

b. Adjust Strategies:

• Flexible Approach: Be prepared to adjust marketing strategies based on what is working best. Increase investment in high-performing channels and tweak underperforming ones.