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.

Adrian McKinty

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Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Chain and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

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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Essay Topics

The Chain Essay Topics

The Chain

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Chain?

Reading Age

Book Details