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

- The Chain by Adrian McKinty is notable for being inspired by the author's financial struggles and a true crime case study that highlighted the concept of a chain letter being used in criminal activity.
- The book was a significant turning point in Adrian McKinty's career, as it earned him widespread recognition and landed him a movie deal with Paramount Pictures even before its publication.
- Before writing The Chain, Adrian McKinty had considered quitting writing due to financial difficulties, but encouragement from his agent and the success of the novel revitalized his career.

**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.

**Kylie O’Neill**  
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.

**Marty O’Neill**  
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.

**Pete O’Neill**  
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.

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

**Amelia Dunleavy**  
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.

**Erik Lonnrott**  
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.

**Ginger/Margaret/Mushroom**  
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.

**Olly/Oliver/Moonbeam**  
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.

**Daniel/Red**  
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.

**Tom**  
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.

Adrian McKinty

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Before You Read

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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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The Chain

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