Title: The Chain
Author: Adrian McKinty
First published July 9, 2019
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.8
Overview
You’ve just sent your child to school when your phone rings. It’s a frantic voice on the other end, informing you that your child has been taken.
But this is no ordinary kidnapping – you quickly learn that another family is going through the exact same thing. The only way to ensure your child’s release is to kidnap another child, and this vicious cycle will continue until someone breaks the chain.
If you fail to comply, your child will be killed. The clock is ticking, and with each passing moment, the stakes get higher.
Will you do whatever it takes to save your child, even if it means destroying another family’s life in the process? The Chain by Adrian McKinty is a heart-pounding thriller that explores just how far a parent is willing to go to protect their child.
About the Author
Adrian McKinty, an Irish author, was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and spent his childhood on Victoria Council Estate in Carrickfergus, County Antrim. Adrian pursued higher education by reading law at the University of Warwick and studying politics and philosophy at the University of Oxford.
In the early 1990s, he made his way to the United States, where he initially lived in Harlem, New York, and later settled in Denver, Colorado. Adrian began writing fiction and also served as a high school English teacher during his time in Colorado.
Currently, he resides in Melbourne, Australia with his wife and two children.
Editoral Review
Adrian McKinty’s new thriller, The Chain, is a gripping and suspenseful read that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. McKinty, a best-selling author known for his Sean Duffy series, has crafted a novel that combines complex themes and relatable characters to create a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
The Chain, which was first published on July 9, 2019, is a standout in the thriller genre, and it is no wonder why it has gained such a strong following since its release. The Chain follows the story of Rachel Klein, a divorced mother who wakes up to a nightmare scenarioher 13-year-old daughter has been kidnapped, and the only way to get her back is to kidnap someone else’s child and hold them prisoner until the ransom is paid.
Rachel finds herself part of a chaina group of parents who have had their children kidnapped by strangers and are forced to take part in the same sick scheme. As Rachel navigates this terrifying situation, she must confront her own demons and make impossible choices to save her daughter.
McKinty’s writing is polished and gripping, making it difficult to put the book down. The novel is fast-paced, and the tension builds with each turning page.
The characters are well-drawn, and readers will feel a connection with Rachel as she struggles to save her daughter. The settingthe suburbs of Bostonadds another layer of tension to the story, as the familiar landscape becomes fraught with danger.
The Chain deals with themes of family, sacrifice, and the power of fear. It delves into the dark side of humanity, exploring how far a person will go to protect those they love.
The novel also touches on broader issues of class and inequality, as the wealthy perpetrators behind the kidnapping scheme exploit the vulnerabilities of the less fortunate. The only potential flaw of The Chain is that some readers may find the premise of the novel a bit far-fetched.
However, this is easily forgiven once the reader becomes invested in the story and the characters. The Chain is a thriller that does not disappoint in its delivery of suspense and thrills.
Overall, The Chain is an excellent read that will leave readers breathless. With its strong pacing, engaging characters, and compelling storyline, The Chain is sure to be a favorite among thriller fans.
McKinty has once again proven himself to be a master storyteller, and The Chain is a novel that should not be missed. Rating: 4.5/5
