“The Dark Runner” by Gilbert Luke McLeod is now available for purchase

“The Dark Runner” by Gilbert Luke McLeod was proudly published by the Citi of Books. This is not just the tale of one man’s physical journey, but a profound exploration of the connections between people, the impact of fate, and the possibility of redemption for all those whose paths cross his. This poignant book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retail sites.

Gilbert Luke McLeod was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to California in the 1950s, where he later attended Los Angeles State College (now California State University, Los Angeles). There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on Life and Physical Sciences. His academic background laid the foundation for his lifelong curiosity about the world, but it was his career in public service that truly shaped his life. McLeod served for over 25 years with the Los Angeles Police Department, where he gained invaluable experience and insight into human nature and the complexities of urban life.

After retiring from law enforcement, McLeod turned to writing, using his rich life experiences as inspiration for his work. He and his wife, along with their family, have lived in Chino, California, for the past 43 years, where they have built a home rooted in strong family values. Throughout his life, McLeod has remained deeply committed to his family, emphasizing the importance of close bonds and support. “Family is very important to me. Hopefully, any success I have will light the candle of imagination in one of my heirs,” he has said, reflecting his hope to inspire future generations with his creativity and perseverance.

Now, as a writer, McLeod blends the lessons learned from his years in law enforcement with his passion for storytelling, offering readers a unique perspective on both the human condition and the world around him. His life’s journey—from his work as a police officer to his transition into writing—demonstrates a deep commitment to service, creativity, and the enduring importance of family. Through his work, McLeod aims not only to leave behind a legacy of personal achievement but to ignite a spark of imagination in the next generation.

“The Dark Runner” tells the powerful story of Kuntamba, an African man from a village near the source of the Niger River, who embarks on a long and perilous journey before the first light of dawn. His mission is to visit his elder sister, who lives 300 miles away in the coastal town of Monrovia. Kuntamba is a man of legend, known throughout the region as a holy figure who travels not by the usual means, but by running—a skill that has earned him respect and reverence. But when he finally arrives at his sister’s village, he is confronted with devastation. The once-thriving community is in chaos, and the shelter that was once home to his sister is now nothing but ashes.

Kuntamba turns toward the ocean, where he uncovers the heartbreaking truth: his sister has been captured by slavers and sold to the captain of an American ship. In a desperate bid to save her, he offers himself in exchange for her release, along with nine other women who had also been taken. He doesn’t fully understand the forces driving him, but a deep, inexplicable impulse propels him forward—a sense that he is bound by destiny to play a part in something much larger than himself.

His journey takes him across the seas to North America, where he encounters a series of individuals whose lives are intertwined with his own in ways he cannot yet comprehend. As he moves through their stories—of suffering, redemption, and transformation—Kuntamba begins to realize that his mission is not only to rescue his sister, but to fulfill a deeper calling. The novel weaves together themes of sacrifice, survival, and the uncharted power of human spirit, drawing readers into a narrative that transcends time and place.