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55 pages 1 hour read

The Chain

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Adrian McKinty

The Chain

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Massachusetts • 2010s

Publication Year

2019

Publisher

Mulholland Books

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Chain by Adrian McKinty follows Rachel Klein as she navigates a sinister kidnapping scheme to save her daughter, Kylie O'Neill. After Kylie is abducted, Rachel learns she must pay a ransom and kidnap another child to keep the cycle going, all while avoiding law enforcement. Compelled by her daughter's safety, Rachel plunges into a moral and criminal crisis, determined to end the vicious chain. The book includes references to animal abuse, child abuse, drug abuse, kidnapping, violence, murder, and death by suicide.

Suspenseful

Dark

Gritty

Unnerving

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.0

148,660 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Adrian McKinty's The Chain is a gripping thriller praised for its relentless pace and fresh take on the abduction genre. Readers commend its intense suspense and emotional depth, though some critique its implausible plot twists and occasional predictability. Despite minor shortcomings, the novel is widely appreciated for keeping readers on edge.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Chain?

A reader who enjoys fast-paced thrillers filled with suspense and moral dilemmas would be captivated by Adrian McKinty's The Chain. Fans of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and Harlan Coben’s Run Away will appreciate its compelling plot and psychological depth.

4.0

148,660 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Rachel Klein/O’Neill

A new member of The Chain, a criminal organization, who becomes involved to save her kidnapped daughter, Kylie. She is intelligent and motivated by her love for her family.

The 13-year-old daughter of Rachel and Marty, who is kidnapped early in the story. She is resourceful and tries to outsmart her captors.

Rachel's ex-husband and Kylie's father, known for his charm and intelligence but somewhat simplistic view of things. He becomes involved later in the story.

Marty’s brother and Kylie's uncle, a veteran who helps Rachel due to his skills in breaking into places. He has a complex relationship with the law and struggles with a personal issue.

The couple who initially kidnap Kylie, driven by their own desperate circumstances within The Chain. They struggle with the moral implications of their actions.

The young child whom Rachel and Pete kidnap under duress to fulfill The Chain's demands. Her story highlights the emotional complexities of parental decisions in dire situations.

A math professor and survivor of The Chain whose daughter suffers lasting trauma. He assists Rachel by using his skills to trace calls and help identify The Chain's leaders.

One of the masterminds behind The Chain, known for her intelligence and manipulative nature. She has a background in law enforcement and complex family dynamics.

Ginger’s twin brother, who contributes to The Chain with his software skills. He is more rational compared to Ginger and shares a complex family past.

Ginger and Olly’s grandfather who renamed them. A former police officer, he is respected by the twins and linked to their complex family history.

The father of Ginger and Olly, who has a violent past and works in the FBI. His legacy impacts the twins long after his death.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Massachusetts • 2010s

Publication Year

2019

Publisher

Mulholland Books

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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