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.
Trained as a marksman, lock picker, escape artist and bomb maker by her abductor, Kick could not return to the life of the average young girl after her release. So, in lieu of therapy, she mastered martial arts, boxing, and knife throwing; learned how to escape from the trunk of a car, jimmy a pair of handcuffs, and walk without making a sound—all before she was thirteen.
Kick has trained herself to be safe. But then two children go missing in three weeks, and an enigmatic and wealthy former weapons dealer approaches her with a proposition. John Bishop uses his fortune and contacts to track down missing children. Not only is he convinced Kick can help recover the two children—he won’t take no for an answer.
With lives hanging in the balance, Kick is set to be the crusader she has always imagined herself. Little does she know that the answers she and Bishop seek are hidden in one of the few places she doesn’t want to navigate—the dark corners of her own mind.
A heart-stopping, entertaining thrill ride, OneKick announces the arrival of a blistering new series by a stunning talent in the thriller realm. -- Simon and Schuster
Chelsea Cain has written some fantastic thrillers in the past, but sadly, I haven't read one of her novels for some time. I hate when I get behind in series, and while I've a little more flexible with having to read every book... in order, I admit that I stopped reading Ms. Cain's books because I missed too many. However, her latest novel ONE KICK is the first in a new series, and I thought now is the perfect time to start reading her again!
ONE KICK tells the story of Kick Lannigan, a young woman who had a very troubled childhood. She was kidnapped at six years old by a child pornography ring and help captive for the next five years. She was eventually rescued by the FBI, but her life was never the same.
Her abductor taught her many skills like shooting, bomb making, and lock picking; and after her escape, she continue to hone self defense skills like martial arts, boxing, knife throwing, anymore. Kick was determined to never be a victim again! When two children go missing in a short period of time, Kick is approached by a former weapons dealer named John Bishop. Bishop is a wealthy man with a mysterious past who uses his money and contacts to track down missing kids, and he wants Kick's help in finding them. Kick is reluctant at first, but she begins to trust Bishop, and together they work to find the abductors.
Kick's search takes her back to a very difficult time in her life. She is forced to visit places she was once held captive and meet again with her abductor. In addition, her life is at risk as she gets to close to uncovering the truth behind this powerful childhood pornography ring.
ONE KICK is a terrific "kick-off" to a new series (I know! I couldn't resist the pun!) I absolutely loved this book! Not only was it a suspenseful mystery, but it was also action-packed. I also really enjoyed that the characters were so interesting, especially Kick and Bishop; and I loved the dynamics between the two. And the ending.... well, let's just say it left me scratching my head... in a good way. This book was really well-written and I honestly can't think of anything about it that I didn't enjoy.
I think it's very important for the main character in a crime series to be intriguing and Kick definitely fit the bill. She was tough as nails and certainly trained for a life in crime-fighting; however, she was also extremely complex because of her childhood. She was basically used by a child pornography ring, and her images are still the top-viewed ones on the Internet. She can never really escape from the past. In addition, Kick has a difficult relationship with her mother who trashed in on her fame, as well as a very complicated relationship with her abductor who is dying from kidney failure.
I also really appreciated the character of Bishop. He was handsome and smart, but he also had a very mysterious past. I loved how this character was never quite what he seemed, and like Kick, I wasn't sure what to make of him. I have a feeling that Bishop will be back in future installments of this series, and I have to admit his character is definitely one of the reasons that I'm anxiously awaiting the next book.
The mystery aspect of ONE KICK was outstanding. I loved the many twists and turns, and the scenes were action-packed and suspenseful. I probably shouldn't admit this, but I often times don't love action scenes and get bored with them. However, in the case of ONE KICK, I thought the writing was stellar and I appreciated her descriptions. I've alluded to the fact that the ending was a good one, and I'm still reeling from it!
All in all, ONE KICK is a must-read for fans of thrillers and suspense books. Ms. Cain definitely has mad writing skills! Highly recommended!
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.
Wow, Kick sounds like one tough character! This sounds like the perfect start to a new series.
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