The Kill Chain

Jamie Sinclair #6

by Nichole Christoff

Security specialist and PI Jamie Sinclair shoots for the stars in this breakneck thriller. Her enemies shoot to kill. “[Nichole Christoff] understands how to keep her readers riveted from beginning to end.”—USA Today

In Jamie Sinclair’s line of work, there’s no such thing as too careful. Not when clients like Madeline Donahue come knocking on her door. Madeline claims a disgruntled robotics engineer is blackmailing her boss—an eccentric tech billionaire—and holding the computer systems of their satellite and space payload company hostage. With U.S. government secrets at stake, Madeline wants Jamie to protect her as she pays the ransom. But is it really ransom? Or personal payback?

The late-night dead drop starts off badly, and gets worse quickly when Jamie is framed for murder and more. Now, with the U.S. government trying to bring her down—and a team of hired guns aiming to take her out—Jamie is on the run, fighting to force a deadly conspiracy from the shadows. She’ll have to move fast to get that target off her back—and to keep those she loves from becoming the weakest link in a powerful enemy’s kill chain.

Genres: Mystery

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2018

About the author

Nichole Christoff is a writer, broadcaster, and military spouse who owes Jane Austen, James Thurber, and Raymond Chandler for her taste in fiction.

She's also the award-winning author of the 6-book Jamie Sinclair series, including The Kill Shot, a Daphne du Maurier Award Finalist, and The Kill Box, a Library Journal "Best Books 2015" pick.

When Nichole isn't at her desk working on her latest novel or teaching genre writing at a midwestern university, she's out in the woods with her ornery English Pointer.

Nic loves to connect with students, writers' groups, and readers' groups just like yours. You can invite her to your meeting, classroom, or conference to chat about writing, books, Jamie, and more.

Find Nichole online at www.nicholechristoff.com where you can sign-up for her free seasonal newsletter, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NicholeChristoff, on Twitter at @NicChristoff, on Instagram @nicchristoff, or drop her a note at nic@nicholechristoff.com.

Reviews

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting thriller that uses human nature to build a story full of suspense and danger, with many twists and turns you just don't see coming. The style of writing is direct and clear, yet provides good visual images. This is probably the most entertaining book of the Jamie Sinclair series that I have read. It seemed like a very quick read, but that's because once I started reading I couldn't put it down. I had to skip a meal, but read this book in one setting. Now I am going to read it again!

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jamie Sinclair, the daughter of a US Senator and former two star General, is a PI in Washington DC. She is hired by a woman who introduces herself as a PhD engineer and who needs her to accompany her to pickup some work. She agrees. This leads Jamie into the kill chain, and she is the one the FBI is looking into as the chief person of interest. The plot is complex and there is sufficient action to hold the interest of most. All in all, a most satisfying read. Thanks to Net Galley and Alibi for an ARC for an honest review.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things got very sticky, very fast for Jamie in this one. At first glance the new case that Jamie takes on seems nothing big, but then it all goes to crap fast. It's bad enough that things turned bad quickly, but then there were so many hidden strings connecting them all, it was hard for Jamie to trust anyone. I did find it a bit odd the one person that Jamie did trust, but he came through each time Jamie needed info and more. By the end of the book you are sort of scratching your head with just who the bad guys are, but really don't care because big changes are coming for Jamie, ones you've been hoping for, for a long time.

[The Book Breeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the striking cover to the last page this book delivers.  The non-stop action revealing another turn in the maze with no end in sight as Jamie struggles to find out  why she was framed.  

I love this series and have from book one THE KILL LIST.  Every book has sent me on a white-knuckle adventure with action, romance and humor.  I had THE KILL CHAIN on preorder when the publisher offered me a copy for review.   I jumped on it.  Oh, I will still buy the book to support the author but I am delighted that I was able to return to the world of Jamie Sinclair a little sooner than I expected.  Now I have to wait for the next one.  *Sigh*

If you haven't already, I high recommend you dive into the series.

[Christen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dang! I like each of these books more and more. In the last book, I was convinced that Mark would keep showing up, but he was nowhere to be seen. It only took about 5 pages for this book to become a wild roller coaster ride. Holy smokes! In the past books, it usually took a while for the story to really start up. But this one was 100 miles an hour from the start.

One of the things I really enjoy about reading this author's books is the amount of well-researched detail. I had no idea there was a national arboretum. I had not heard about the plight of mountain lions in the west. I have no idea whether the described technology really exists or not. But reading the neighborhood descriptions is just like being back in DC.

This book was perhaps a bit more philosophical than the others. Are those are the top of any profession destined to be alone? What sacrifices and blindness and risks do we take for those we love? Jamie's friends and family demonstrate their love for her in so many different ways in this book. If you haven't read the previous ones, start now.

This book alludes to previous interactions between Jamie and others. But each of the books in this series is a standalone, and you can jump in here.

Caution! Don't start reading it too late at night or you may have a hard time getting enough sleep. It's tough to find a good place to stop in the middle.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in the P.I. Jamie Sinclair series by Nichole Christoff. I have read the entire series and can wholeheartedly recommend the series and author. In this book, Jamie is asked to assist in a money drop by a new client. This seems simple, but Jamie is concerned about the logistics. She goes along on the drop only to have everything fall apart. Jamie was raised by her father, the general and has had an unusual upbringing. She has weapon and fighting skills that most P.I.’s may not have. Her father is now a Senator and rumored to be considering a run for the President of the United States. Jamie’s love interest is Military Police Officer Adam Barrett and they have walked a fine line of romance while trying to keep Jamie’s business from causing trouble for both of them. Jamie soon realizes that she has been set up to take the fall…but for what? A truly wonderful book #6 in the series. I would usually recommend that always start with the first book in a series, but you could start with this one as Ms. Christoff gives enough background that you would not be lost. But, you would be missing out on a great series with a kickass female who knows how to take care of herself and those she loves. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

PI Jamie Sinclair cautiously accompanies new client Madeline Donahue to a ransom drop. Madeline claims that her super-high-tech employer's company is being digitally held hostage by a disgruntled former employee. However, the drop goes wrong, Madeline ditches her, and Jamie finds herself being interrogated by government officials who don't believe her version of what happened. In trying to uncover the truth, Jamie finds herself framed for murder and goes on the run. She has to figure out what's really going on and why, all while trying to fly under the radar so she's not arrested for a crime she didn't commit.

This was my first time reading a Jamie Sinclair novel (although it is the sixth and currently last in the series), and I loved it! Jamie has the air of a jaded private investigator and former military child, but she's still really likable and you root for her from page one. The action was non-stop, the plot line twisted and turned but was still believable, and the overarching character arcs were interesting as well. On top of everything, it was pretty clean! Very minimal swearing and none of the worst words, no sexual content, and even the violence wasn't overly descriptive. I'll be going back to the beginning of the series to read more Jamie Sinclair adventures, and I'll be hoping for more in this series to come! Thanks to NetGalley for the free ebook.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alibi and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Kill Chain. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Security specialist and P.I Jamie Sinclair has a new client, a woman who has hired Jamie to protect her as she pays off a ransom. As things go sideways, leaving Jamie vulnerable and suspicious of the U.S. Government, will she be forced into hiding while she tries to clear her name and protect those she loves?

Hacking and threats to national security are commonplace in reality, so I was not all that surprised to see these issues take center stage in The Kill Chain. I like the character of Jamie Sinclair, but this book showed a weakness in her character that did not seem realistic. Usually cautious and careful, Jamie allowed herself to be taken advantage of in a way that was not in keeping with her normal behavior. The daughter of a politician, Jamie simply would have known better. The Kill Chain was a fast paced thriller, but was missing something that would make it stand out in a genre full of similar books.

[Nicole Kelleher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read books recommended to me by strangers, and sometimes I even have time to read the books assigned by my neighborhood book club. But most of the time, I love to find new titles by authors I’ve met via Twitter. Such was the case with Nicohole Christoff’s THE KILL CHAIN, 6th in the Jamie Sinclair series.

Usually, I download the first book in the series, but THE KILL CHAIN was a recent release, so I thought, sure, I’ll give it a chance. Christoff’s story drew me in from the beginning and kept up a relentless, action-packed, fast-paced story the entire way through. She expertly provided just enough backstory to keep me from feeling like I was reading the 6th book in series. I’m looking forward to reading more by Nichole Christoff, and soon!

Side Note: If you are a seasoned writer, or simply an aspiring one, make sure to check out chapter 19 for a superb example of writing action scenes. I felt like I was flying off the balcony myself!

[Diane Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie Sinclair has been hired by a client who claims her company has been hacked. According to her client the hacker has come back for a second piece of the pie in the form of a cash ransom. Said ransom has to be delivered in person, that night, leaving Jamie not much time to check the client out. Before Jamie knows it she is being shot at and on the run from a murder charge.

I liked this book better than the last one I read, which I gave a 4* rating. The Kill Chain is part of a series, but I think it could easily be read as a stand alone. This book grabs you from the first page and keeps you hanging on. How on earth will Jamie get herself out of this mess? There were a lot of twists in the plot. I figured out some of it, but not until right at the end. I will be watching for the next book in the series. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

[Sparkymom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me so happy! I read the description knowing I was going to love it regardless but reading the relationship between Jamie and Adam would remain in a state of limbo for one more book. I'm so glad I was wrong. As usual, Jamie does most of her investigating on her own, but Adam is always there on the fringes. The situation Jamie finds herself in puts her seemingly at odds with Adam, but we all know how much he loves her and would therefore never truly be against her. The story had an interesting and thought provoking plot that kept me guessing and made me practically unable to put it down. I loved the addition of Rappaport to the usual characters, and I was over the top excited about the ending! This is one of my favorite series, and I will always be ready for more.

My thanks go to Net Galley for granting me an ARC.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe Ms. Christoff heard me when I lamented about how unheroine like the heroine, Jamie Sinclair, was behaving in previous books. There is no damsel in distress in The Kill Chain. Instead we find Jamie duped by a client and set up for murder, treason, and espionage. She, somewhat unrealistically, travels across country to try and save herself and uncover the truth while evading capture and providing an exciting read. And while Adam does make an appearance, it is in a supporting role, where he should be. Glad to see Jamie back where she belongs: in charge!

A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Alibi in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have now read all of the books in this series so far and, whilst I enjoyed this one, I think it will be my last. At least we didn’t have steamy erotic scenes with two different men, whilst Jamie’s love affair with Barrett kept suffering from severe interruptus over and over again. This was getting really annoying in the previous books. The story was good enough in this, with a complex plot, but somehow not enough actual tension. So, overall OK but not really gripping.

[Jo Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Although #6 in a series, this book can easily be read as a standalone. In fact, it was the first in the series that I read.

Jamie Sinclair is a private investigator who takes a seemingly simple assignment and finds herself in hot water. Nothing is as it seems to be and Jamie finds it difficult to know whom to trust. The book has a lot of well-written action scenes and a satisfying conclusion. I plan to read more books in the series.

[Book Him Danno · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kill Chain is a quite action pack thriller that is well paced and readers will not put it down. The characters are great and fit to the moment they are in.
This is a must read for all Thriller, suspense readers.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Random House Alibi for the advance copy

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kill Chain is the latest installment of the Jamie Sinclair series by Nichole Christoff. The reader is hooked in the first few fast paced pages. Lots of edge of your seat moments. Other than a few personal tidbits The Kill Chain is a stand alone story. I was given an early copy to review.

[Ruth Barrineau-Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of The Kill Chain as part of a contest which in no way affected my review. I thoroughly enjoyed The Kill Chain though I was confused at times because I'd not read the previous books in the series. I was drawn to the characters, especially Jaime, Barrett, and Rappaport, as well as the exciting twists and turns. I definitely recommend this book and have purchased the first in the series to catch up.

[Judy Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

fast paced story with well developed characters.suspense, intrigue and love. a puzzle that the pieces keep you guessing

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 in the Jamie Sinclair series has characters we have come to know and love and understand their issues.

Jamie finds herself a fugitive on the run. Set-up for a murder, espionage charges Jamie can't count on Barrett's help this time.

The fast-paced plot is loaded with twists and turns along with exciting scenes and unique experiences.

Definitely a book you don't want to put down. I loved the ending.

I hope this isn't the last episode in the Jamie Sinclair security professional series!!!

I volunteered to read an ARC from Alibi (Random) through Net Galley. I also purchased a copy.

[Mike Zinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally wrote a review of this book, that wasn’t about this book. I was a bit confused since all of the Jamie Sinclair books are titled “The Kill” something. Anyway, I read The Kill Wire an immediately ordered all the previous books from Amazon. I just finished this one - and I have to say that the one thing wrong with these books is that I have to wait for the next one. I’ve kinda gotten used to waiting a year for the next Lee Child or Craig Johnson novel, but I got spoiled when I discovered theseJamie Sinclair books - and I just don’t wanna wait!!!! They are that good - and to top it off, they just keep getting better. This is the best yet from start to finish. There is no letup and the characters are all great. I’m being evasive, because I don’t even want a hint of a spoiler. You MUST read these books. By the way, I have shared these all with my wife as read aloud books, and she totally agrees.

[Michele Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The full Jamie Sinclair series is a suspenseful and wonderful ride! These books captured me so completely that I had a very hard time putting them done. There are currently 5 of them and I read all 5 in less than a week and a couple of them in one day each! The characters are well defined and real with flaws and determination to do what is right! Jamie is successful but full of self doubt that she is good enough. I highly recommend them!

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I jumped into this book in the middle of the series, having never read any of the other books. Maybe if I'd read the other books, maybe it would have made more sense. The Jamie Sinclair in this book seems a little confused about who she wants to be. Is she a kick-ass PI and security specialist who works with "normal" high profile clients? Is she an international spy who unravels global conspiracies? In this book she's a mix of both, and I'm not sure it works.

[ELAINE CHARAPP · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

This book is so boring I did not finish it.
I will not waste my eyes or time to read any other books by this author.

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is another phenomenal book in the series. I absolutely loved it and found myself turning pages just as quickly as possible. This novel is filled with non-stop action and a tightly woven plot that kept me guessing until the very end.

Jamie is a security specialist that is taken in by the wrong person, leading to all kinds of problems for her, which then pits her against Barrett, her sort of boyfriend, as Barrett is a military police officer. What else could he do but arrest her if there's a warrant out for her arrest? Jamie went to great lengths to avoid this, with crazy results.

This novel is a must read for fans of the genre. The author is on my must read authors' list and, if you are a mystery/thriller fan, she should probably be on yours as well.

[Illustrious Illusions · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kill Chain jumps right in with action and suspense. Jamie is a great character and you'll want to read the other books either before or after reading this one :)

The plot is tight and compact making it a quick read the tis easy to follow, but there are a few twists and turns that will keep you guessing.

[Mark Easter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relief. No Book 5, The Kill Wire, mush and slush, but a return to the Jamie, Barrett, and plots we line up to read and place at the top of the to-be-read-next list. Sandoval is a no show; yay! If I heard him say "babe" one more time, I was going to retch. In The Kill Chain, Jamie confronts significant threats to national security, confounds a clueless FBI, and is co-opted by moguls and mercenary spies. In between, she once again bumps up against her relationship with The Senator, her dad, and, finally, sorts her feelings for Barrett (maybe?). Wow, did that without giving anything away. If, like me, you enjoyed books 1-4 but hated book 5, you will be pleased with The Kill Chain.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea this book was part of a series when I requested it, now I have to go back and read all the previous books ! Because I liked this book so much. What a great, strong female lead character. Tough, smart, resilient. This book was fast paced and I read it in a day. Definetely different than most mysteries that are out there. Very glad I asked to read this book , I enjoyed it very much.

[Jana Gundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always am ready to read a good romantic suspense. This book was everything I could ask for and I will definitely read more when she writes them!