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Locked & Chained
Ever since his father’s affairs came into the light, Benjamin has been seeking a way out of Philadelphia to start afresh. And he has everything lined up. One final job.
Having made a bet for his tickets, Benjamin knows that he has nothing to worry about. The rest of the money will be collected easily, and he will never have to see Philadelphia’s shores again. But when he arrives at his next surveying location, he realizes that his escape to Britain may not be lined with only his father’s mistakes, but potentially his own as well.
Upon seeing a tombstone with the present day’s date engraved, he knows that it’s tied with a murder. When he meets a group of unlikely lawyers and friends of the victim, who all speak of political jargon and good intentions, he wants nothing to do with them. But little does Benjamin know what secrets lurk and how easily he can be entangled in this mess.
Will Benjamin ever be able to free himself from the chains his past have him locked in? Or is the key lost forever?
Having made a bet for his tickets, Benjamin knows that he has nothing to worry about. The rest of the money will be collected easily, and he will never have to see Philadelphia’s shores again. But when he arrives at his next surveying location, he realizes that his escape to Britain may not be lined with only his father’s mistakes, but potentially his own as well.
Upon seeing a tombstone with the present day’s date engraved, he knows that it’s tied with a murder. When he meets a group of unlikely lawyers and friends of the victim, who all speak of political jargon and good intentions, he wants nothing to do with them. But little does Benjamin know what secrets lurk and how easily he can be entangled in this mess.
Will Benjamin ever be able to free himself from the chains his past have him locked in? Or is the key lost forever?
Unknown Binding
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About the author
McKenna Rowell
12 books34 followersMcKenna Rowell has a passion for storytelling. From fictional scenarios to historical events, she is constantly finding new stories to tell. She loves to tell stories of bravery and selflessness, and hopes one day that they can touch the hearts of many. When she isn’t writing, you can find her jamming out to music, exploring in her converted school bus, or spending time with her incredible parents and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 1, 2023
My favorite book. Need I say more?
Locked and Chained is a historical fiction murder mystery and will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Anyone who has read the Unmasked trilogy by McKenna Rowell will recognize many of the character's amongst this cast, however, it works as a stand alone as well.
I could rant about this character cast for hours, and I honestly probably have. They feel like family, and I'm sure they will feel that way to use as well.
Locked and Chained is a historical fiction murder mystery and will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Anyone who has read the Unmasked trilogy by McKenna Rowell will recognize many of the character's amongst this cast, however, it works as a stand alone as well.
I could rant about this character cast for hours, and I honestly probably have. They feel like family, and I'm sure they will feel that way to use as well.
July 17, 2023
ahhhhhh
ahhhhhhhhhh
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Sjjzslksroksqilvauojsauph
(Does all that count as a review? No? Awwww….fine)
I already knew I would love this book (IT’S ABOUT BENJAMIN LOCKE) and I was 100% correct. The amount of times I almost cried…….
Okok anyway, analysis things: the plot was cool and super twisty and very mysterious (as murder mysteries are wont to be). Ngl I was confused most of the time, but that happens a lot lolol. The ending felt a bit off, but tbh I don’t like endings in general anyway. And we loved the epilogue 😌 (we is me.)
The whole thing about Ben finding his new besties who actually cared about him — I just — 😭 currently that is my absolute favorite type of book theme ever and just — I love it so much. I love this book so much.
It’s also clean. Well there’s a couple British swears (“arse” and “bloody”) but I don’t live in Britain. I think hell is used but I can’t remember if it’s used metaphorically or as a swear. Either way, if there is swearing, it’s not a lot. Writing content warnings or whatever stress me out because WHAT IF THIS THING I MENTIONED ISN’T ACTUALLY BAD AND I’M JUST BEING OVERLY CRITICAL? Why am I shouting— let’s move on.
If you hadn’t already guessed, I loved the characters. Adam??? Amias??? Issac??? Meredith??? John??? Causing chaos together??? And obviously my boy Ben. Ben is best boi. Ben is Ben. #benjaminlockefanclub
Did I mention Benjamin Locke is amazing?? Yes? Ok good. I’m considering reading the Unmasked trilogy again now. Just all the parts with Ben bc I love him. Ok final thought: L&C is amazing ok goodbye
ahhhhhhhhhh
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Sjjzslksroksqilvauojsauph
(Does all that count as a review? No? Awwww….fine)
I already knew I would love this book (IT’S ABOUT BENJAMIN LOCKE) and I was 100% correct. The amount of times I almost cried…….
Okok anyway, analysis things: the plot was cool and super twisty and very mysterious (as murder mysteries are wont to be). Ngl I was confused most of the time, but that happens a lot lolol. The ending felt a bit off, but tbh I don’t like endings in general anyway. And we loved the epilogue 😌 (we is me.)
The whole thing about Ben finding his new besties who actually cared about him — I just — 😭 currently that is my absolute favorite type of book theme ever and just — I love it so much. I love this book so much.
It’s also clean. Well there’s a couple British swears (“arse” and “bloody”) but I don’t live in Britain. I think hell is used but I can’t remember if it’s used metaphorically or as a swear. Either way, if there is swearing, it’s not a lot. Writing content warnings or whatever stress me out because WHAT IF THIS THING I MENTIONED ISN’T ACTUALLY BAD AND I’M JUST BEING OVERLY CRITICAL? Why am I shouting— let’s move on.
If you hadn’t already guessed, I loved the characters. Adam??? Amias??? Issac??? Meredith??? John??? Causing chaos together??? And obviously my boy Ben. Ben is best boi. Ben is Ben. #benjaminlockefanclub
Did I mention Benjamin Locke is amazing?? Yes? Ok good. I’m considering reading the Unmasked trilogy again now. Just all the parts with Ben bc I love him. Ok final thought: L&C is amazing ok goodbye
September 13, 2025
McKenna is a GENUIS writer! Having read all but one of her books (getting to TBWPS super soon), I feel I can assure you that you can take my word for it haha 😄
Revisiting Benjamin Locke more than a year after reading the Unmasked trilogy was a special treat and this book did not disappoint!
I don't read murder mysteries that much but this was a great read even for someone who usually isn't into that genre! Highly recommend this, ESPECIALLY if you've read Unmasked and you want more! 🥰
Revisiting Benjamin Locke more than a year after reading the Unmasked trilogy was a special treat and this book did not disappoint!
I don't read murder mysteries that much but this was a great read even for someone who usually isn't into that genre! Highly recommend this, ESPECIALLY if you've read Unmasked and you want more! 🥰
December 24, 2023
Locked and Chained is an exciting adventure full of compelling characters.
This book is at its core a murder mystery set in 1775. Truthfully, I don’t care much for historical fiction or for murder mysteries. Those two genres are the entirety of this novel, but somehow, the author made me enjoy both. I cared about who the murderer was, and I spent a good bit of brain spice trying to piece it together. I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story that led up to the Revolutionary war.
As I read, I kept thinking about how well-written the characters were. Benjamin, Adam, and Meredith in particular. I found myself rooting for all the different characters. Benjamin grew tremendously throughout the story, and I really thought he was a perfect main character for this story.
Another massive positive was the writing style. It felt incredibly polished without ever becoming distracting. The author made this an easy read without being a simple read. It flowed really well, and I think this is what made me able to thoroughly enjoy a book that is so different from my typical genres.
Overall, this was an easy 5/5 for me!
This book is at its core a murder mystery set in 1775. Truthfully, I don’t care much for historical fiction or for murder mysteries. Those two genres are the entirety of this novel, but somehow, the author made me enjoy both. I cared about who the murderer was, and I spent a good bit of brain spice trying to piece it together. I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story that led up to the Revolutionary war.
As I read, I kept thinking about how well-written the characters were. Benjamin, Adam, and Meredith in particular. I found myself rooting for all the different characters. Benjamin grew tremendously throughout the story, and I really thought he was a perfect main character for this story.
Another massive positive was the writing style. It felt incredibly polished without ever becoming distracting. The author made this an easy read without being a simple read. It flowed really well, and I think this is what made me able to thoroughly enjoy a book that is so different from my typical genres.
Overall, this was an easy 5/5 for me!
July 4, 2023
I was lucky enough to read an early ARC of this book and let me tell you, if you thought Unmasked was good you’re in for a treat. As much as it pains me to say it (being Emily’s #1 fan), I think I enjoyed this book the most! It was so much fun to get to see Benjamin’s story before he came to be the Ben we know (and adore) from the trilogy. If you’re a fan of history, poldark, or even just a good murder mystery, this book is definitely for you!
September 6, 2023
McKenna Rowell does not only have a passion for storytelling, she has a talent for it.
On every page of "Locked and Chained" I have either an annotation saying "that writing is beautiful" or I have at least thought so while reading. And that's the whole truth. I'm not even entirely sure what made me think so. It just is. The way Rowell uses metaphors and describes the world of "Locked and Chained" just made my heart happy. You know when you read something and you can just imagine it like a movie? I like to call this "cinematic writing" and it is one of my favourite things ever because for me it helps the book come to life.
Anyone who has read the Unmasked Trilogy will probably find themselves mentally jumping up and down excitedly when reading the first and last chapters (*cough * me *cough *) just saying.
But even if you haven't read the trilogy yet (or are planning to after L&C), you will definitely find yourself enjoying this book.
The found family is just *chefkiss * and the characters (apart from the obvious or not so obvious bad guys) are all not only unique, but also very likable and I really enjoyed reading about them.
The murder mystery that is plot to this book is pretty much that: A mystery. Ngl, I had myself confused at many points, having to draw out a map of all the character-constellations. I also randomly stopped reading pretty much at the beginning of the book (I don't even know why), but I finished the last 200-300 pages in one day. I could quite literally not put it down.
I am very sorry for this long review, if you just want to have it short, here you go:
mckenna is amazing, this book is amazing go buy it right now, ok bye :)
On every page of "Locked and Chained" I have either an annotation saying "that writing is beautiful" or I have at least thought so while reading. And that's the whole truth. I'm not even entirely sure what made me think so. It just is. The way Rowell uses metaphors and describes the world of "Locked and Chained" just made my heart happy. You know when you read something and you can just imagine it like a movie? I like to call this "cinematic writing" and it is one of my favourite things ever because for me it helps the book come to life.
Anyone who has read the Unmasked Trilogy will probably find themselves mentally jumping up and down excitedly when reading the first and last chapters (*cough * me *cough *) just saying.
But even if you haven't read the trilogy yet (or are planning to after L&C), you will definitely find yourself enjoying this book.
The found family is just *chefkiss * and the characters (apart from the obvious or not so obvious bad guys) are all not only unique, but also very likable and I really enjoyed reading about them.
The murder mystery that is plot to this book is pretty much that: A mystery. Ngl, I had myself confused at many points, having to draw out a map of all the character-constellations. I also randomly stopped reading pretty much at the beginning of the book (I don't even know why), but I finished the last 200-300 pages in one day. I could quite literally not put it down.
I am very sorry for this long review, if you just want to have it short, here you go:
mckenna is amazing, this book is amazing go buy it right now, ok bye :)
November 7, 2023
This is a fantastic story and it sets the stage for the Unmasked trilogy. I loved reading Ben’s backstory. I also enjoyed getting to know some of other characters before you see them in Unmasked. We need Emily’s backstory now.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews