Kick Lannigan survived the unthinkable. At the age of six, she was kidnapped and taught to hide and evade from any strangers, particularly law enforcement. Her rescue five years later was heralded as a miracle but Kick is determined to never again have to rely on another person to save her. She's become proficient in a variety of defensive and offensive tactics, honing her skills daily. She is also obsessed with child abductions... and now a mysterious man named "Bishop" offers her a chance to do something about her obsession.

Chelsea Cain is renowned for her dark, gritty tales featuring Archie and Gretchen so I couldn't resist trying her new series. Unfortunately, ONE KICK is exactly the sort of book that is not geared towards me. I appreciate the fact that Chelsea Cain delves into the world of human trafficking and child pornography, showing readers that these are definitely not victimless crimes and I hope readers who are unfamiliar with either topic will read ONE KICK.

However, as a social worker, I have seen some of the devastating effects of human trafficking and childhood traumas on both adults and children. It was impossible for me to enjoy the strange, twisting storyline because I couldn't get past the fact that Kick has some very serious issues. Her numerous therapies over the years have clearly been unsuccessful as the unhealthy obsessions and the relationship with Bishop demonstrate.

Two of the secondary characters, however, appeal to me and I would like to read more about them. James, Kick's best friend, and Frank, the detective who rescued Kick, both are flawed but their love and concern for Kick makes them quite likable. I like how Frank has remained active in Kick's life, offering her unconditional support. James has his own tale to tell and I will be curious to see how Chelsea Cain handles his character in future books in the series.

ONE KICK is a gritty, twisted, and dark thriller where anything can and does happen. Chelsea Cain's characters are flawed and perhaps this is what appeals to her numerous fans. I only wish I could have enjoyed it more as I truly love the fact Chelsea Cain is willing to tackle such a difficult topic.

Book Summary

From the author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell thrillers: The first in a nail-biting new series featuring Kick Lannigan, a young woman whose complicated past has given her a very special skill set.

Famously kidnapped at age six, Kick captured America’s hearts when she was rescued five years later. Now 21, 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 13.

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, ONE KICK announces the arrival of a blistering new series by a stunning talent in the thriller realm.