Reviews of Chase by Linwood Barclay

Here at Hachette Schools we’re big fans of Chase, Linwood Barclay’s thrilling first book for children. But don’t just take our word for it, here are a selection of reviews from children and librarians, completely gripped by this edge-of-your-seat suspense novel.

Nibha, year 6

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in thrillers. There’s suspense on every page and the book is really hard to put down. 100% recommend!

Kaysia, year 4

Just from reading the prologue I could tell this was going to be a fantastic book! Firstly, it’s easy to read and the story is the most unique I’ve ever read. I could picture the scenes. I think it could be an interesting story to share with parents. I’d like to know more about Emily so I’m hoping she’ll be in the sequel next year. I especially loved the cliffhanger ending and will definitely look out for the sequel.  I would recommend it to anyone from year 4 onwards.

May, year 4

Chase was a brilliant book. It was thrilling, unputdownable and mind-boggling. It was written so well I could see it all in my head, especially the station in the forest. It was full of surprises, so when I had to leave the book for a while I always remained extremely inquisitive, even panicky! I had a huge shock at the end.  Definitely one of the best books I’ve ever read. I absolutely can’t wait for book two!

Ryan, year 5

I found this book very suspenseful with the way it focussed at times on one character, then another. There were truckloads of surprises and plot twists, which were so brilliant I sometimes felt gullible. The characters are around my age and I felt I understood what they were going through. It’s been a great privilege to read this book, not just because it was pre-publication but because I know it will be such a success.

Jordan, year 5

This book was fantastic. Especially the way each chapter chose a separate character to work with. The pace was perfect, and I couldn’t stop reading. I loved how the pressure in the book kept me reading, and I think this book marks the beginning of an amazing series. I can’t wait to read the next book, since the resolution in this book was so brilliant. Each chapter got me sucked in more so than the previous, and I think this book will do very well.

Akshia, year 4

The book was really good because it was funny, puzzling and intriguing. I was not able to put it down because it was so thrilling. My favourite part was when the dog, Chipper, was able to communicate with Jeff and Jeff was told about his parents. The ending is absolutely wonderful and I really need to know what happens next!

Suhani, year 4

The book was very interesting, there was a lot of suspense. I was glued to the book, my eyes were stuck they could not stop looking. It was so intense it was like having a movie in your head. Everything in the world stopped, I was just so focused on the book that I forgot where I was and what I was doing. The characters are so real I felt I could almost talk to them. I am so into this book! The end took me by surprise. I’ve never read anything like it. I cannot wait to read the next book.

Oli, year 4

This book is fantastic and very cool. It has lots of suspense and a fantastic structure. I love this book! I would rate it 5 stars out of 5!

Jan, year 4

I’d rate Chase 5 out of 5 stars. It is really good. I like the way one chapter is written to focus on one character, the next another, and so on. Within the first couple of chapters I was hooked and knew I didn’t want to stop reading. I think it’s not bad considering it’s his first book for children!

Margaret, library assistant

Along with some children at school, I read this book especially to review it in time for its publication. Linwood Barclay is a very famous author for grown ups. This is his first foray into writing thrillers for a younger audience. As such it is fantastic!

It is well paced and thrilling right to the end. In fact it leaves you biting your lip wondering how quickly you can read the next instalment and sadly this is not till next year sometime!

Secondary school librarian

Already a massive fan of Linwood Barclay’s adult titles, I am delighted that he has embarked on children’s fiction. Chase is a FANTASTIC read.

I firstly want to applaud Linwood Barclay for writing a book that really does have everything: a solid, thrilling, fast-paced plot that grips from the start, with twists and turns, subtle humour, a tiny hint of possible romance and a story that flows along at such a perfect pace that you won’t want to put the book down. Secondly, I am so heartened that he has produced a quality read for pre-teens without including any bad language, sex or reference to sex, drugs or graphic violence. This is a book I will ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND with conviction and I think it is a perfect read for strong, mature boy or girl readers from about 9 years, but I think it will be enjoyed by year 7 right the way through to adults.

I hope, as well as the sequel planned for April 2018 release, that this is just the start of many more children’s books to come.

Make sure you get your copy now, and keep an eye out for the sequel! Available here.