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.

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.

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.

Suspenseful / Dark / Gritty / Unnerving / Challenging

Adrian McKinty

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read The Chain | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Chain Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Chain Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “All the Lost Girls”

Part 1, Chapters 1-15

The Chain Part 1, Chapters 1-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 16-27

The Chain Part 1, Chapters 16-27 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 28-42

The Chain Part 1, Chapters 28-42 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Monster in the Labyrinth”

Part 2, Chapters 43-60

The Chain Part 2, Chapters 43-60 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 61-77

The Chain Part 2, Chapters 61-77 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Chain Character Analysis

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Themes

The Chain Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Chain Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Chain Important Quotes

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The Chain Essay Topics

The Chain

Before You Read

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