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I’d like to thank Mulholland Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: July 9, 2019
368 Pages
Synopsis:
Victim.
Survivor.
Abductor.
Criminal.
You will become each one.
Your phone rings. A stranger has kidnapped your child. To free them you must abduct someone else’s child. Your child will be released when your victim’s parents kidnap another child. If any of these things don’t happen your child will be killed. You are now part of the chain.
I started reading this about 7:00 p.m. yesterday and finished it about 2 1/2 hours later. I almost had an accident because I didn’t want to stop reading to take a pee break! Ahem. That’s probably a bit TMI. Anyway, it’s a little over two months until the publication date for The Chain and it’s already receiving a multitude of accolades from A list authors like Stephen King, Tana French, Don Winslow, Dennis Lehane, Alafair Burke, and Meg Gardiner. And for the most part the hype is well-deserved. I’m going to get my criticism out of the way first. Just by reading the synopsis you can probably guess that this isn’t the most believable of stories. The events that happen and the way characters react just wouldn’t happen in real life. But this is one of those books that you just have to let go of any expectation of plausibility and enjoy the ride. Speaking of the characters, they’re a little two-dimensional, in part because this is a plot driven story and I was unable to connect with any of them, but ultimately this wasn’t enough to spoil my enjoyment.
The plot is a non-stop roller coaster ride filled with nail-biting anxiety. The action begins on the very first page and never once lets up. The Chain is coming out July 9th which is great timing because it really is the quintessential beach/vacation read. I highly recommend this to fans of twisty thrillers. I’m now waiting to see if this is optioned by Hollywood.
johnrieber said:
Great review – this sounds like something my wife and I would love!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks John! It’s a quick, fun read. What I’d call a “popcorn” book.😁
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johnrieber said:
My wife is a fan of those – easy escape from the pressures of daily life!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
👍🏻👍🏻
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robertawrites235681907 said:
This is a clever idea, Kim.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s definitely original Roberta.☺️
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fragglerocking said:
Implausible with 2 dimensional characters 🤣🤣 yep sounds like it’ll be movie fodder. If I ever get through my meat & 2 veg books I’ll put it on the popcorn list 😂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😁It’s a quick, fun read Fraggle.😁
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Lorilin said:
I don’t usually read mysteries like this, but it sounds interesting! (Even if it’s not completely realistic…) Thanks for the rec. It’s going on my TBR. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That’s great Lorilin!☺️
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beetleypete said:
Sounds like it is made for a film adaptation. Not always a bad thing though, if they do it well.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Sometimes you need a fun quick read that doesn’t require a lot of deep thinking Pete.
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Diana said:
Great review, Kim. You have gotten me interested in this one. Glad to have found it available on NetGalley.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Diana. I hope you get a copy.🤞🏻
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mlbradford said:
“Didn’t want to stop reading” Whatever It Takes, eh?! 😉
It’s been too long since I read something “unputdownable” as they say
Nice, short and sweet Review – thanks, Kim! 🙂
Well, have you watched IT yet?
Dread It. Run From It. The Bradscribe Review Arrives All The Same.
And Now It’s Here:
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yeah. That’s taking reading to a whole new level.😁 I haven’t seen Endgame yet, and it looks like my husband and I are moving the end of May so I might not be able to get to it for a bit.
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mlbradford said:
Ooh, if only I had your reading-superpowers!
Sorry, I know how stressful moving house can be – hope it goes trouble-free for you both, Kim.
I will be posting some thots about Endgame’s plot-holes soon (will reserve it for you and send you the Link when you’re ready 🙂 )
Bless u
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m sooooo stressed right now!🤯I’m looking forward to your plot holes post though.
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mlbradford said:
So sorry to hear that – it does get overwhelming at times doesn’t it?
I am still IN AWE of the fact that you finished that last novel in just 2.5 hrs! You inspire me to read more, thus write more and get more things done!
You’re a SUPERSTAR, Kim, and I’m sure your other 44,000 Followers won’t hesitate to agree with me
BLESS U
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deesradreadsandreviews said:
I love your review… as usual xo ❤
I really want to read this! Great review!!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Deanna! You should definitely give this a whirl.🤗🤗🤗
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