The Chain

by Adrian McKinty
The Chain cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4317
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781409189619
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2019-07-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In this gripping thriller, a parent is forced into a horrifying dilemma when their child is kidnapped. The only way to secure their child's safe return is to abduct another child, perpetuating a vicious cycle. The story delves into the moral and emotional turmoil faced by the characters as they navigate this deadly game, exploring themes of desperation, guilt, and survival. The novel has received widespread acclaim for its original premise, breakneck pacing, and unrelenting tension, with praise from major authors and critics alike.

Reviews
Storey Lines · 2019-12-05
fantastic 5.00

This is a call-in-sick-to-work-and put-your-phone-on-silent type of book. It's an international bestseller for good reason.

The reviewer from Storey Lines describes 'The Chain' as a book so compelling that it warrants calling in sick to work. They praise its ability to captivate readers from start to finish. The reviewer also notes that the book's international bestseller status is well-deserved, highlighting its intense and engaging narrative. The story's unique premise and the way it unfolds make it a standout in the thriller genre.

Quick quotes

    It's a call-in-sick-to-work-and put-your-phone-on-silent type of book.

    It's an international bestseller for good reason.

    The story's unique premise and the way it unfolds make it a standout in the thriller genre.

The New York Times · 2019-07-09
great 4.00

The Chain is a straight-up, stone-faced thriller. It's a present-tense race to find out how Rachel will react to the unthinkable.

The New York Times reviewer describes 'The Chain' as a straight-up, stone-faced thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. They highlight the present-tense narrative, which adds a sense of urgency and immediacy to the story. The reviewer also praises the way the book explores the unthinkable choices a parent might make to save their child, making it a compelling and intense read. The story's pacing and the way it unfolds make it a standout in the thriller genre.

Quick quotes

    The Chain is a straight-up, stone-faced thriller.

    It's a present-tense race to find out how Rachel will react to the unthinkable.

    The story's pacing and the way it unfolds make it a standout in the thriller genre.

Debbish · Debbish · 2019-07-07
excellent 4.50

This is a riveting read with well-written prose and great characters. It offers a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.

Debbish praises 'The Chain' for its gripping narrative and well-developed characters, both good and bad. They highlight the author's eloquent prose, which makes the story both intense and enjoyable. The reviewer also appreciates the unique premise and the way it keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, it's a book that's hard to put down, with a compelling story that lingers long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    This is a riveting read.

    It's well-written in McKinty's easy but eloquent prose; features great characters (the goodies and even the baddies) and offers up a compelling narrative.

    It's a book that's hard to put down.

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