The Chain

By Adrian McKinty

Book Overview

When a mother is targeted by a dangerous group of masterminds, she must commit a crime to save her kidnapped daughter--or risk losing her forever--in this "propulsive and original" award-winning thriller (Stephen King).

It's something parents do every morning: Rachel Klein drops her daughter at the bus stop and heads into her day. But a cell phone call from an unknown number changes everything: it's a woman on the line, informing her that she has Kylie bound and gagged in her back seat, and the only way Rachel will see her again is to follow her instructions exactly: pay a ransom, and find another child to abduct. This is no ordinary kidnapping: the caller is a mother herself, whose son has been taken, and if Rachel doesn't do as she's told, the boy will die.

"You are not the first. And you will certainly not be the last."Rachel is now part of The Chain, an unending and ingenious scheme that turns victims into criminals--and is making someone else very rich in the process. The rules are simple, the moral challenges impossible; find the money fast, find your victim, and then commit a horrible act you'd have thought yourself incapable of just twenty-four hours ago.

But what the masterminds behind The Chain know is that parents will do anything for their children. It turns out that kidnapping is only the beginning.

"McKinty is one of the most striking and most memorable crime voices to emerge on the scene in years. His plots tempt you to read at top speed, but don't give in: this writing--sharply observant, intelligent and shot through with black humor--should be savored."
--Tana French

"A masterpiece. You have never read anything quite like The Chain and you will never be able to forget it." --Don Winslow

"Diabolical, unnerving, and gives a whole new meaning to the word "relentless". Adrian McKinty just leapt to the top of my list of must-read suspense novelists. He's the real deal."
--Dennis Lehane

"Pairing an irresistible concept with a winner protagonist, The Chain promises to be your new addiction once you succumb to the first enticing page."
--Alafair Burke

"A grade-A-first-rate-edge-of-your-seat thriller. I can't believe what went through my mind while reading it." --Attica Locke

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031653126X
• ISBN13: 9780316531269
• Release Date: July 2019
• Publisher: Mulholland Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.31 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 5.9" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

crazy

This book threw me for a loop. I did not want to put it down. It was so good.

Unreal

Some kidnaps your child and you then kidnap another person's child? A chain of kidnappings? Unbelievably scary to think things like this may occur. But the resources she comes up with and the way things fall into place....

Very Good

Couldn't stop reading

A gripping thriller ride

Trigger warnings: drug abuse, kidnapping, violence Rachel Klein's ordinary day is upended when she receives a threatening call informing her that her daughter is kidnapped and she must follow disturbing instructions to save her. Forced into a scheme known as The Chain, she must pay a ransom and abduct another child to ensure her daughter’s safety. As Rachel becomes entangled in this ruthless system, she faces unimaginable moral dilemmas, discovering that the real horror is just beginning. Rating: 4/5 Breakdown: Here’s the revised summary: 1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 4/5 – The plot of “The Chain” was captivating right from the start and kept me thoroughly engaged. It was a well-told story, though at times it felt like two separate books. I enjoyed it, especially the continuation, but it did have that split feel. 2. **Characterization:** 3.5/5 – The characters were generally believable, thanks to their reactions and development. However, some of the side characters felt a bit one-dimensional, and a few mentioned characters had backstories that didn’t quite seem relevant. 3. **Writing Style:** 4/5 – Adrian McKinty’s writing style was fantastic. It kept me hooked with its smooth flow, though there were a few abrupt transitions and moments that could have used more detail. Overall, it was really well done. 4. **Originality:** 4/5 – The book is quite unique and stands out on its own. While it’s based on a real concept, it takes a fresh approach. I appreciated how the book acknowledged its origins and made it its own. 5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** 5/5 – This book was an emotional roller coaster. It truly lives up to its description as “Jaws for parents.” It’s a top-notch thriller, and the ending was fantastic.

Actually thrilling

So different from all that I’ve read before. A little disturbing. You never know what’s going on while you’re just living your life. Really took me for a ride.

What a fun read

Had me hooked from the beginning, hated having to put it down. The twists were amazing and the concept was so real. Loved every bit of it

A fun read

It’s a good thriller not over complicated and kind of predictable but very enjoyable and easy to get into

It is just OK

It was corny and cliché but it somehow kept me interested. Very predictable. It's an interesting concept but could be better written. I would check out more of his work, but would be cautious.

Get this book!

I finished this book in 2 days. It had me hooked from the beginning and I just had to know what was going to happen next! Do yourself a favor and get this book! I promise you will enjoy it.

Terribly written.

Worst book I've read in a long time. Very disappointing from author I really liked.

Did Not Finish

Adding this to my "Did Not Finish" shelf. Seemed more for middle schoolers than young adults; another story where if it was written by a different author it could have been an impressive story. Too corny to be even slightly enjoyable.

Amazing thriller

This book was exactly what I expected. It was very predictable but the author did a great job keeping you interested. It was a quick read for me & I have recommended it to a lot of my friends!