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Chase
Is there such a thing as a second chance in life? And if there is, what price would anyone pay to take that second chance?
David and Amy Carson will be given that elusive second chance but it will require them to plumb the very depths of their souls and their beliefs. As they and their eight-year-old daughter, Daisy are preparing for a dream holiday in America, they have no idea of the maelstrom of evil and madness they are entering.
They've heard nothing of the series of child abductions and murders that have plagued the area they intend to visit. They know nothing of the crazed Cult that has spread terror throughout the state they are all looking forward to seeing.
Nothing can prepare them for the violence, terror, and depravity they are to face. As they travel along the highways of Colorado they are pursued not just by the forces of an unimaginable evil but also by the darkness within themselves.
When the final confrontation comes, they will discover things about themselves they never wanted to know and never dared to imagine...
Cover Design: Michael Knight / Mass Illusion
David and Amy Carson will be given that elusive second chance but it will require them to plumb the very depths of their souls and their beliefs. As they and their eight-year-old daughter, Daisy are preparing for a dream holiday in America, they have no idea of the maelstrom of evil and madness they are entering.
They've heard nothing of the series of child abductions and murders that have plagued the area they intend to visit. They know nothing of the crazed Cult that has spread terror throughout the state they are all looking forward to seeing.
Nothing can prepare them for the violence, terror, and depravity they are to face. As they travel along the highways of Colorado they are pursued not just by the forces of an unimaginable evil but also by the darkness within themselves.
When the final confrontation comes, they will discover things about themselves they never wanted to know and never dared to imagine...
Cover Design: Michael Knight / Mass Illusion
234 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 2017
23 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Shaun Hutson
115 books536 followersBritish horror novelist, including horror and urban thriller novels.
His novella Slugs was made into a movie, although Hutson didn't like the movie. He also appeared in two horror movies himself.
Hutson is a Liverpool F.C. fan.
His novella Slugs was made into a movie, although Hutson didn't like the movie. He also appeared in two horror movies himself.
Hutson is a Liverpool F.C. fan.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 24, 2018
This book may look at first glance to be thin but it has 52 lines to a page & 12-15 words to a line so it lot thicker .
Fancy a quite family holiday in Colorado in RU camper van driving across America well that's what David & Amy Carson along with their eight year old over exited daughter are due to take. A second chance on failing marriage.
A quit peaceful holiday were nothing happens but ...
A insane mad man is killing children setting fire to them alive & doing a dance as they burn cutting out their tongues & rapping them in barb wire for entertainment there perfect holiday.
Now the Chase is on .....This is SICK Shaun you have gone too far this disgusting
This a book about the terrible sadness that you have in grief & the loss of faith in God .When you have lost your faith you have nothing but anger and agony left. This bit morbid and depressive shows how many times belief in God into days society is not responsible for all those things like this.
24 Hour wonder no.2
Fancy a quite family holiday in Colorado in RU camper van driving across America well that's what David & Amy Carson along with their eight year old over exited daughter are due to take. A second chance on failing marriage.
A quit peaceful holiday were nothing happens but ...
A insane mad man is killing children setting fire to them alive & doing a dance as they burn cutting out their tongues & rapping them in barb wire for entertainment there perfect holiday.
Now the Chase is on .....This is SICK Shaun you have gone too far this disgusting
This a book about the terrible sadness that you have in grief & the loss of faith in God .When you have lost your faith you have nothing but anger and agony left. This bit morbid and depressive shows how many times belief in God into days society is not responsible for all those things like this.
24 Hour wonder no.2
May 14, 2019
I usually enjoy a good book with a cult. Who knows why? I’m wired wrong, I guess. But there it is. Shaun Hutson’s book Chase is one of the rare exceptions. While not bad, it left me quite frustrated.
The two biggest issues had to do with plot.
1. Nearly the whole sequence of events which make up the thrilling middle and ending part of the book were entirely avoidable by going to either the police or the press. The reason for not going to the police is flimsy. There was never a reason given to not go to the press. And the protagonists has plenty of opportunity to do either. The fact that they are instructed a few times in the book to go to the police and that they see the press is aware of the events they get swept up in only made more frustrated with them.
2. The book has a twist ending that is meant to surprise and shock. Only problem is I that saw it coming from about half way in. I spent the last half of the book silently groaning “get on with it already” in my head.
Beyond these two points, the book was relatively well written. The protagonists seemed real. I would have personally liked more detail on the cult and why they had their usuals beliefs. It’s seems like a book of this length should have done some more story weaving on that point.
Finally, this wasn’t a problem with the book, but readers should be aware that much of the first half of the book is very hard to get through, especially if you’re a parent. In fact, it’s down right brutal. Bad things happen to kids in detail that will upset a lot of people. Just be warned.
The two biggest issues had to do with plot.
1. Nearly the whole sequence of events which make up the thrilling middle and ending part of the book were entirely avoidable by going to either the police or the press. The reason for not going to the police is flimsy. There was never a reason given to not go to the press. And the protagonists has plenty of opportunity to do either. The fact that they are instructed a few times in the book to go to the police and that they see the press is aware of the events they get swept up in only made more frustrated with them.
2. The book has a twist ending that is meant to surprise and shock. Only problem is I that saw it coming from about half way in. I spent the last half of the book silently groaning “get on with it already” in my head.
Beyond these two points, the book was relatively well written. The protagonists seemed real. I would have personally liked more detail on the cult and why they had their usuals beliefs. It’s seems like a book of this length should have done some more story weaving on that point.
Finally, this wasn’t a problem with the book, but readers should be aware that much of the first half of the book is very hard to get through, especially if you’re a parent. In fact, it’s down right brutal. Bad things happen to kids in detail that will upset a lot of people. Just be warned.
November 14, 2017
This new book from Hutson was published late October and I've read it in around two weeks. It is a short book-just over two hundred pages. I am a fan of this author though he has gone through different styles and genres over the years. I've not read all of his books but I've been trying to catch up with his early horror novels for which he is most well known.
This book like some of his 90's novels is not full-on supernatural horror. It is mostly a disturbing thriller until the halfway point. From there until the end there are a number of striking and gruesome horror moments which feel like classic Hutson.
I think he writes the main characters well, and their personal tragedy how they move on with this. It is a little slow moving early on, but once into part 2 of the book the story moves along well and I did have to read the last 30-40 pages in one sitting. Also Hutson certainly does throw in a few very nasty scenes which do make the reader uncomfortable I can tell you. For some though, that might be why they read a Hutson novel.
So while not a long novel, not what some may consider a real horror novel, it is a good well enough written ride which blends some of the thriller and horror styles Hutson had worked with over the years.
This book like some of his 90's novels is not full-on supernatural horror. It is mostly a disturbing thriller until the halfway point. From there until the end there are a number of striking and gruesome horror moments which feel like classic Hutson.
I think he writes the main characters well, and their personal tragedy how they move on with this. It is a little slow moving early on, but once into part 2 of the book the story moves along well and I did have to read the last 30-40 pages in one sitting. Also Hutson certainly does throw in a few very nasty scenes which do make the reader uncomfortable I can tell you. For some though, that might be why they read a Hutson novel.
So while not a long novel, not what some may consider a real horror novel, it is a good well enough written ride which blends some of the thriller and horror styles Hutson had worked with over the years.
August 8, 2017
Hutson at his absolute best. You are taken on an amazing journey of terror, horror, and survival in this latest book by Shaun.
I read the manuscript version of this book in March 2017 as I designed the cover. The book hit home for me on so many levels. I absolutely loved it!
I read the manuscript version of this book in March 2017 as I designed the cover. The book hit home for me on so many levels. I absolutely loved it!
December 13, 2017
Going by the blurb, I went into this thinking that the main characters child gets abducted when they go to America, and they basically do all they can to chase down leads, well not so!! I don't think this is a spoiler because it happens very early on in the book, but look away if you don't want to know........ their child dies in a car crash and it's only David and Amy that go to America on the holiday. While there they hear about the child abductions. When they pull into a rest stop they hear banging and noise coming from a boot of a car. They open it up to find a dead child and one still alive. They rescue her and flee. That's where the chase part comes in, they are being chased in order to get the child back!!
I very nearly DNF this because it wasn't what I though it would be! It was very slow going for the first half of the book and didn't live up to what I expected. Then when they go to America it started to pick up and the action took off, but it still felt....wrong. I felt like things were just too convenient for them, and not in a good way because they do have an awful time! But they are driving away with the child and yet still manage to pull into the exact place that the kidnappers use, and so are chased again. Then they pull into a place to get their RV fixed and are found again, and it felt like it kept going like that. It just was a little unbelievable.
Character wise, I didn't connect with any of them. I didn't really like David or Amy and I don't know why. My heart did break for them when they lost Daisy but that didn't even make me like them. They just felt one dimensional.
In all, this felt like 2 different books, the first half was slow and boring, then the second half was more action packed. While it wasn't my favourite book, I did still enjoy. This is my first book by this author, and even though this is a 3 start read, I think I'll check out something else by him.
The narrator was ok. She didn't really have too many tones and needed to work on her cadences, but she was clear and easy to follow.
I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
I very nearly DNF this because it wasn't what I though it would be! It was very slow going for the first half of the book and didn't live up to what I expected. Then when they go to America it started to pick up and the action took off, but it still felt....wrong. I felt like things were just too convenient for them, and not in a good way because they do have an awful time! But they are driving away with the child and yet still manage to pull into the exact place that the kidnappers use, and so are chased again. Then they pull into a place to get their RV fixed and are found again, and it felt like it kept going like that. It just was a little unbelievable.
Character wise, I didn't connect with any of them. I didn't really like David or Amy and I don't know why. My heart did break for them when they lost Daisy but that didn't even make me like them. They just felt one dimensional.
In all, this felt like 2 different books, the first half was slow and boring, then the second half was more action packed. While it wasn't my favourite book, I did still enjoy. This is my first book by this author, and even though this is a 3 start read, I think I'll check out something else by him.
The narrator was ok. She didn't really have too many tones and needed to work on her cadences, but she was clear and easy to follow.
I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
August 9, 2018
I've been a fan of author Shaun Hutson since the 80's, when I picked up a copy of SLUGS off a Walgreens rack spinner at an impressionable age. The gory violence and sex on display inside that lurid cover blew my young mind and I would go on to somehow convince my mom to buy each book I found with Shaun's name on the cover.
Shaun's latest novel, CHASE, is chock full of his trademark gruesome gory violence. It revs along at a breakneck pace and his prose is extremely cinematic, which I'm a big fan of, with the events on the page unfolding inside your imagination as if they were playing out on the big screen. CHASE is also a hard book to describe; it reminded me of a weird version of WICKER MAN, only taking place on the lonely highways of Colorado.
It's also a gut punch of a novel. Without giving away any spoilers, this book deals with violence against young children, and it does so unflinchingly. I'm a father to two young daughters and there were a couple of passages that were really tough to get through. Shaun does a great job with the characters in CHASE and you find yourself rooting for them throughout.
There's a few gaps in logic throughout the plot and the hardcover edition, although beautifully done, could have used another edit as there were quite a few mistakes. All in all though, CHASE is another corker from author Shaun Hutson and is well worth your time. Recommended.
Shaun's latest novel, CHASE, is chock full of his trademark gruesome gory violence. It revs along at a breakneck pace and his prose is extremely cinematic, which I'm a big fan of, with the events on the page unfolding inside your imagination as if they were playing out on the big screen. CHASE is also a hard book to describe; it reminded me of a weird version of WICKER MAN, only taking place on the lonely highways of Colorado.
It's also a gut punch of a novel. Without giving away any spoilers, this book deals with violence against young children, and it does so unflinchingly. I'm a father to two young daughters and there were a couple of passages that were really tough to get through. Shaun does a great job with the characters in CHASE and you find yourself rooting for them throughout.
There's a few gaps in logic throughout the plot and the hardcover edition, although beautifully done, could have used another edit as there were quite a few mistakes. All in all though, CHASE is another corker from author Shaun Hutson and is well worth your time. Recommended.
August 17, 2024
A slow burn novel punctuated with some incredibly vile violence. It's a strange one as I'm not entirely sure I enjoyed it, but Chase was engaging enough to keep the pages turning.
David and Amy are a couple bound by grief. A grief that envelopes the reader, but their constant bickering and sarcasm towards each other alienated me.
When Chase worked, it was glorious. Several scenes were so packed with tension that the air crackled. This was offset by a couple of moments that were completely unbelievable. I can't really divulge for fear of spoilers, but if you are aware of a situation and people are advising you to report certain events, then maybe act upon it. It made no sense for David and Amy to ignore the warnings. If you find a victim of abhorrent violence, maybe take them to the police. Don't just pack them up in your RV and carry on your road trip.
The book focused a lot on the road trip and very little on what turned out to be the main plot point. A strange choice. It's just as well these moments have nerve shattering, gag reflex inducing bursts of gore, and violence to break the slow burn. The later plot developments were intriguing, I'd like to know a lot more of the whys and wherefores to be honest.
It's an enjoyable story but not the best Hutson I've read.
David and Amy are a couple bound by grief. A grief that envelopes the reader, but their constant bickering and sarcasm towards each other alienated me.
When Chase worked, it was glorious. Several scenes were so packed with tension that the air crackled. This was offset by a couple of moments that were completely unbelievable. I can't really divulge for fear of spoilers, but if you are aware of a situation and people are advising you to report certain events, then maybe act upon it. It made no sense for David and Amy to ignore the warnings. If you find a victim of abhorrent violence, maybe take them to the police. Don't just pack them up in your RV and carry on your road trip.
The book focused a lot on the road trip and very little on what turned out to be the main plot point. A strange choice. It's just as well these moments have nerve shattering, gag reflex inducing bursts of gore, and violence to break the slow burn. The later plot developments were intriguing, I'd like to know a lot more of the whys and wherefores to be honest.
It's an enjoyable story but not the best Hutson I've read.
October 11, 2023
I randomly found this book at my local bookstore and bought it on a whim not knowing anything about it. It was okay, I just didn't love it.
First the positives; it was well written and the main protagonists felt real and I think the author did a good job with how some people deal with grief. And who doesn't like a creepy cult story from time to time.
The not so positive side is that it had some pacing issues, felt drawn out and I couldn't read more then a chapter or two at a time (and they aren't long chapters) it didn't grip me enough to keep reading.
And then ... SPOILER ...
... when they find the child they don't go straight to the hospital/press/authorities (this I get considering where they found the child, but still), instead they clean her up and decide to take her home? Uh pretty sure by doing the former they are getting rid of evidence that the authorities would need. It was super annoying and made it hard to care what happened to them because it was their own stupid fault.
I would probably read something else by this author, as the other reviews seem to like his other work better.
First the positives; it was well written and the main protagonists felt real and I think the author did a good job with how some people deal with grief. And who doesn't like a creepy cult story from time to time.
The not so positive side is that it had some pacing issues, felt drawn out and I couldn't read more then a chapter or two at a time (and they aren't long chapters) it didn't grip me enough to keep reading.
And then ... SPOILER ...
... when they find the child they don't go straight to the hospital/press/authorities (this I get considering where they found the child, but still), instead they clean her up and decide to take her home? Uh pretty sure by doing the former they are getting rid of evidence that the authorities would need. It was super annoying and made it hard to care what happened to them because it was their own stupid fault.
I would probably read something else by this author, as the other reviews seem to like his other work better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2021
Chase By Shaun Hutson
Long time fan but sad to say that Mr. Hutson seems to have lost his MOJO, Chase is not a great book the story plods a long for the first 100 pages or so and then when we do get to the meat of the story it's just rinse and repeat.
I didn't connect with the two main characters and if anything found them largely irritating, the story is ok but nothing that's not been done before, and for most part the choices these two made were dumb and unbelievable one would just go straight to the police and not continue on.
We get a twist of an ending but Hutson telegraphs it from so far out you will guess it from about half way through the book.
It is writing well as one would expect from such a seasoned author but good writing cant save poor characters and an unbelievable story.
I love Shaun and will continue to read his work but this one was just not for me.
Just about worth your time and hard-earned cash pick it up in a sale or second hand.
Long time fan but sad to say that Mr. Hutson seems to have lost his MOJO, Chase is not a great book the story plods a long for the first 100 pages or so and then when we do get to the meat of the story it's just rinse and repeat.
I didn't connect with the two main characters and if anything found them largely irritating, the story is ok but nothing that's not been done before, and for most part the choices these two made were dumb and unbelievable one would just go straight to the police and not continue on.
We get a twist of an ending but Hutson telegraphs it from so far out you will guess it from about half way through the book.
It is writing well as one would expect from such a seasoned author but good writing cant save poor characters and an unbelievable story.
I love Shaun and will continue to read his work but this one was just not for me.
Just about worth your time and hard-earned cash pick it up in a sale or second hand.
October 26, 2017
The latest Hutson is a book of two halves. I was almost ready to give up after the first hundred pages, which feature two unlikable characters arguing, sniping and bitching at each other over and over again. It gets very tiresome very quickly.
But then they finally land in the US and we get Shaun firing on all cylinders in a sort of cross between Race With the Devil and Sam Peckinpah.
It's vintage Hutson and the action is non-stop throughout the extended climax and it totally makes up for the slow moving first half.
But then they finally land in the US and we get Shaun firing on all cylinders in a sort of cross between Race With the Devil and Sam Peckinpah.
It's vintage Hutson and the action is non-stop throughout the extended climax and it totally makes up for the slow moving first half.
April 4, 2018
I love a horror tale and Mr Hutson writes some of the best. An English couple are on a driving holiday in remote USA but the trip will bring them face to face with forces they could not have ever envisaged. Their dream holiday, tinged with tragedy even before they set off, becomes a nightmare roadtrip.
After rescuing a young girl from two killers the couple flee to keep the girl safe – the killers are in pursuit and they know the area far better than the holidaymakers.
Chilling and as nasty as I had anticipated – great listening.
After rescuing a young girl from two killers the couple flee to keep the girl safe – the killers are in pursuit and they know the area far better than the holidaymakers.
Chilling and as nasty as I had anticipated – great listening.
February 26, 2018
This book was not what I was expecting.It was so slow and repetitiv I nearly gave up.The characters were all unlikable.I felt that there was a good story in there,but it just didn't come through.Kathy Mathers gave a lackluster narration.Some parts seemed right but most were monotone.I really wanted to like this book.I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
January 18, 2018
Much better than Monolith. A return to form. A few proofreading problems which I've reported. Worth watching the interview where he talks about it. He talks about how he wants unpredictable twists, which he does achieve.
December 9, 2018
A truly disquieting novel. Macabre and horrific detailed descriptions of torture and murder of children by a twisted cult left me numb. For those who plan to visit America, my advice is AVOID COLORADO!!
June 9, 2019
Chilling
First novel of Shaun's I've read. Nicely structured and well written. The story is delightfully grim with well rounded characters. Kept me on edge till it's excellent climax.
First novel of Shaun's I've read. Nicely structured and well written. The story is delightfully grim with well rounded characters. Kept me on edge till it's excellent climax.
December 5, 2018
Ten minutes into the book and there is a graphic, pages-long description of the torture and mutilation of a child.
No thanks.
No thanks.
January 9, 2019
Good story but not a great book
Whilst I enjoyed the book it did not really consume me. Sudden but good end but not as chilling as KNutson other books.
Whilst I enjoyed the book it did not really consume me. Sudden but good end but not as chilling as KNutson other books.
May 14, 2019
torturing little children for shock value didn't cut it with me,it reminds me so much of the 1976 film Race With The Devil
September 19, 2020
Wasn't fussed about this one. Didn't feel invested in the characters
December 17, 2022
brilliant
he has done it again. another great read that keeps you gripped from start to finish. thank you shaun, our adopted scouser.
he has done it again. another great read that keeps you gripped from start to finish. thank you shaun, our adopted scouser.
July 9, 2023
Really didn’t enjoy the story, but it kept me guessing enough to finish it. Characters made some pretty strange decisions & language was repetitive. Was kinda hoping for more of a supernatural twist.
December 31, 2017
I wasn’t sure about this, but the last act really nailed it for me. As you’d expect from Shaun Hutson it’s extremely violent, really lean and fast paced. It’s reminiscent of the town vs country horror movies of the 70s (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Hills have Eyes and especially Race with the Devil), but Hutson makes the protagonists a vacationing English couple which works really well. It also draws a bit on Hutson’s early novel Relics (no had thing). I polished it off in a little over a day and enjoyed the ride, but it’s really not for the faint hearted.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews