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Publication Date: 14th August 2014 from Simon and Shuster.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy via netgalley.

From the author of the critically acclaimed “New” “York” “Times” bestselling Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell thrillers: The first in a nail-biting new series featuring Kick Lannigan, a young woman whose complicated past has given her a very special skill set.
Famously kidnapped at age six, Kick captured America’s hearts when she was rescued five years later. Now, twenty-one, she finds herself unexpectedly entangled in a missing child case that will put her talents to the test.

I’m a huge fan of Chelsea Cain’s Sheridan/Lowell books  so when I heard she was kickstarting a new series (yes that was on purpose!) I was extremely excited. For good reason it turns out, as this was probably the biggest page turner I have read this year so far. It engulfed me in two mad reading sessions (one of which I only stopped because my eyes would literally not stay open a moment longer) as I pretty much inhaled the whole tale start to finish.

Kick Lannigan has a dark past – when she was young she was kidnapped and lived a horror story for many years until she was rescued. These days Kick is pretty sure she can look after herself as she has spent years training herself in the art of self defence and offence. When the enigmatic Bishop arrives in her life and pretty much forces her to help him track down a child recently missing, she will need all these skills and then some in order to survive and perhaps save that childs life.

Chelsea Cain has always managed to walk the fine line between violence, thrills and spills and emotional resonance, whilst still making the story endlessly exciting, always compelling and never ever dull. This is no exception – if anything I would say that I already prefer the nuances and background in this new series. Kick is an amazing character to follow along with, as she manages her anxiety, tries to remain always clear headed in the face of adversity and still maintain an image of strength. Not always quite managing it, she is fascinating to behold. Add to the mix tough guy Bishop, who has demons of his own, and you have a partnership that just pops off the page and will hold you in the grip of reading madness until the final moments.

An intelligent fast moving plot barely gives you time to catch a breath, there is a dark heart here dealing as it does with child abduction and abuse, but still having that edge of hope and redemption as we see what true survival really is…and as we race towards the finale it is heart stopping stuff. The ending was perfect (although I need to ask about the 3 legged dog…Ms Cain?) and rounds off Kick’s first (one assumes) foray into a new life whilst leaving you desperate for more.

Perfectly done. Kudos

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When will there be more?

Highly Recommended for fans of Thriller’s with an edge.

Happy Reading Folks!