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The Chase
A thrilling, rollercoaster ride of a short story, from #1 ebook bestseller Paul Finch.
Plus, get an exclusive first look at the opening chapters of Paul’s new book, ‘The Killing Club’ - out in May 2014.
The darkest things happen at night…
What happens when you witness a horrific crime? Do you stay and help? Or do you flee? And what do you do when the perpetrator sets their sights on you…?
Hold onto your seats in this terrifying, thrill-ride. Previously published as ‘Him!’, and now included alongside a sneak peek of Paul’s new novel, ‘The Killing Club’, for the first time.
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2014
138 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Paul Finch
206 books470 followersPaul Finch is a former cop and journalist, now full-time writer. Having originally written for the television series THE BILL plus children's animation and DOCTOR WHO audio dramas, he went on to write horror, but is now best known for his crime / thriller fiction.
He won the British Fantasy Award twice and the International Horror Guild Award, but since then has written two parallel series of hard-hitting crime novels, the Heck and the Lucy Clayburn novels, of which three titles have become best-sellers.
Paul lives in Wigan, Lancashire, UK with his wife and children.
He won the British Fantasy Award twice and the International Horror Guild Award, but since then has written two parallel series of hard-hitting crime novels, the Heck and the Lucy Clayburn novels, of which three titles have become best-sellers.
Paul lives in Wigan, Lancashire, UK with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 22, 2015
Alexandra sees a traffic cop shot and killed and runs for her life with the murderer right behind her. With adrenalin surging and trying to gain distance, she spends several harrowing hours in the dark running through the woods.
And what she stumbles upon changes everything.
This is a very short story in which the tension begins on page one and escalates page after page. This was like a roller coaster ride. You hold your breath going up and just when you think you can relax, you begin the harrowing plunge down.
I am usually not big on short stories as I normally find them feeling incomplete. Not so with this one. I was riveted throughout.
Short story ... short review. 5 stars. The end!
And what she stumbles upon changes everything.
This is a very short story in which the tension begins on page one and escalates page after page. This was like a roller coaster ride. You hold your breath going up and just when you think you can relax, you begin the harrowing plunge down.
I am usually not big on short stories as I normally find them feeling incomplete. Not so with this one. I was riveted throughout.
Short story ... short review. 5 stars. The end!
January 12, 2017
it was ok but not a book I would want to re-read again
July 28, 2016
The Chase is a short story that literally took me no time to read. This is mainly because it was that gripping that it had me racing through the pages to see how it was going to finish.
Alex is on her way home from a sales meeting but has to take a detour due to an accident, from this point on her evening goes down hill very quickly.
It's hard to say to much about the story line itself with it only being a short read and I don't want to give anything away. All I will say is that the author manages to grip the reader from beginning to end with a fast paced plot that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Brilliant read and highly recommended. Also a great introduction to a new author if like me you haven't read any of his other books, which after this I certainly will be reading more.
Alex is on her way home from a sales meeting but has to take a detour due to an accident, from this point on her evening goes down hill very quickly.
It's hard to say to much about the story line itself with it only being a short read and I don't want to give anything away. All I will say is that the author manages to grip the reader from beginning to end with a fast paced plot that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Brilliant read and highly recommended. Also a great introduction to a new author if like me you haven't read any of his other books, which after this I certainly will be reading more.
January 30, 2020
Mit „Die Jagd – Kurzthriller“ präsentiert Paul Finch Teil 2 der Reihe "Mark Heckenburg - Kurzthriller".
Es beginnt rasant, ziemlich vielversprechend. Man ist sofort im Geschehen und fiebert mit wie es Alexa, die Protagonistin wohl schaffen soll, sich zu retten. Der Kurzthriller lässt sich gut lesen und man liest immer schneller. Doch dann kommt auf einmal das Ende. Tja, insgesamt ist es somit doch etwas dünn und das Ende ist mir viel zu offen.
Was ich persönlich etwas komisch fand. Der Kurzthriller enthält eine andere Leseprobe des Autors mit gleicher Länge. Alles nur Marketing für seine anderen Bücher?
Es beginnt rasant, ziemlich vielversprechend. Man ist sofort im Geschehen und fiebert mit wie es Alexa, die Protagonistin wohl schaffen soll, sich zu retten. Der Kurzthriller lässt sich gut lesen und man liest immer schneller. Doch dann kommt auf einmal das Ende. Tja, insgesamt ist es somit doch etwas dünn und das Ende ist mir viel zu offen.
Was ich persönlich etwas komisch fand. Der Kurzthriller enthält eine andere Leseprobe des Autors mit gleicher Länge. Alles nur Marketing für seine anderen Bücher?
November 5, 2014
I downloaded this book when I saw it free for Kindle. I had tried to read another of Paul's books a while ago but I didn't really like it so I thought I'd try this.
This short story doesn't waste much time bringing on the action. When a woman is stopped by a traffic policeman on a lonely English country road late at night, things suddenly get complicated and terrifying for her.
Without spoilers essentially the book takes after it's name plot-wise, she is chased and hunted. It's a fast paced plot with the main character running for her life. You can imagine the sheer panic and terror.
Just when you think it's all nice and calm again the book does a backflip. It's a good short story for those that like a crime thriller.
It's not brilliant, it's not awful, it's okay, readable, worth the time reading. I will be reading more of Paul Finch as I've heard good things about his writing.
This short story doesn't waste much time bringing on the action. When a woman is stopped by a traffic policeman on a lonely English country road late at night, things suddenly get complicated and terrifying for her.
Without spoilers essentially the book takes after it's name plot-wise, she is chased and hunted. It's a fast paced plot with the main character running for her life. You can imagine the sheer panic and terror.
Just when you think it's all nice and calm again the book does a backflip. It's a good short story for those that like a crime thriller.
It's not brilliant, it's not awful, it's okay, readable, worth the time reading. I will be reading more of Paul Finch as I've heard good things about his writing.
December 31, 2015
This started off really good, but then it went off, and ended with what the heck? But not in a good way. I have finished this not having a clue what the middle or outcome was.
December 12, 2014
Quite good, just wish it was a little longer.
April 14, 2015
Mit diesem Kurzthriller konnte mich Paul Finch zu 100% überzeugen!! Dieses E-Book , ist rasant und durchgehend spannend. Es lässt sich sehr schnell lesen.
Kann ich nur empfehlen!! :)
Kann ich nur empfehlen!! :)
May 22, 2018
"Tense, action-packed short story"
A well-constructed story that rattles along at a frantic pace. Hard to put down; it demands to be read in one sitting.
A well-constructed story that rattles along at a frantic pace. Hard to put down; it demands to be read in one sitting.
May 31, 2019
Packed with heart-stopping, page turning action. Did not see the end coming at all!!
Quick read which can be devoured easily in an hour (or less for fast readers).
Quick read which can be devoured easily in an hour (or less for fast readers).
September 24, 2023
It was a good short story, although I feel like the middle section dragged a bit. It could have been a couple paragraphs shorter.
June 25, 2025
If you're a fan of high-octane thrillers that don't let up, The Chase is your next obsession. Paul Finch knows how to write a cat-and-mouse game that actually feels dangerous, and this one had me flipping pages faster than my brain could process the twists.
The premise is simple but chilling: a serial killer escapes from a secure hospital transport, and what follows is a relentless manhunt across the UK. Enter DC Lucy Clayburn—fierce, clever, and determined to stop the bloodshed before it spreads.
What I loved most was the pacing. Finch doesn’t waste time on fluff—every chapter pushes the plot forward, ratcheting up tension like a well-oiled machine. There’s grit, grit, and more grit. You can feel the grime of the back alleys, the cold sweat of a breathless chase, the weight of moral decisions in a system where justice doesn’t always move fast enough.
Lucy Clayburn is a compelling lead—tough but human, competent without being cartoonishly overpowered. The emotional stakes are real, especially as the killer becomes more reckless and the body count climbs.
If I had one quibble, it’s that some of the supporting characters felt a bit like stock cutouts—but honestly, the sheer momentum of the story more than made up for it.
Final thoughts: The Chase is a gritty, smart police procedural with thriller-level energy. Think Luther meets Line of Duty with a dash of Criminal Minds. Highly recommend for anyone who likes their crime fiction fast, fierce, and full of pulse-pounding tension.
The premise is simple but chilling: a serial killer escapes from a secure hospital transport, and what follows is a relentless manhunt across the UK. Enter DC Lucy Clayburn—fierce, clever, and determined to stop the bloodshed before it spreads.
What I loved most was the pacing. Finch doesn’t waste time on fluff—every chapter pushes the plot forward, ratcheting up tension like a well-oiled machine. There’s grit, grit, and more grit. You can feel the grime of the back alleys, the cold sweat of a breathless chase, the weight of moral decisions in a system where justice doesn’t always move fast enough.
Lucy Clayburn is a compelling lead—tough but human, competent without being cartoonishly overpowered. The emotional stakes are real, especially as the killer becomes more reckless and the body count climbs.
If I had one quibble, it’s that some of the supporting characters felt a bit like stock cutouts—but honestly, the sheer momentum of the story more than made up for it.
Final thoughts: The Chase is a gritty, smart police procedural with thriller-level energy. Think Luther meets Line of Duty with a dash of Criminal Minds. Highly recommend for anyone who likes their crime fiction fast, fierce, and full of pulse-pounding tension.
March 3, 2022
Alex was on her way home when she found herself lost down winding roads in an attempt to get around the traffic of the motorway, with a sat-nav that was broken, even more so since she threw it aside in frustration. After an altercation with a traffic cop, she drives away, but returns, knowing he will know exactly where she is and how to get to where she needs to be. But she arrives to see the cop murdered, and as she drives past, the killer turns on her, the only witness.
Alex finds herself running for her life, trying to hide, get away, or simply just survive. This is an action packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you are not sure when Alex is safe – at times she appears to have finally lost her chaser, and they will reappear from nowhere, trying to gun her down. There is not a moment of respite, a minute when you think she will be fine, because it is as soon as Alex lets her guard down that she finds herself running once again. If you want to inject a little suspense into your day, this book is one you should read. It is not too long, perfect for an hour break. You could not possibly read this in sections, for if you were to put this book down, you would be reaching for it again within a few minutes. The tension will keep you reading, if not concern for Alex’s wellbeing or curiosity over how the story will play out.
Alex finds herself running for her life, trying to hide, get away, or simply just survive. This is an action packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you are not sure when Alex is safe – at times she appears to have finally lost her chaser, and they will reappear from nowhere, trying to gun her down. There is not a moment of respite, a minute when you think she will be fine, because it is as soon as Alex lets her guard down that she finds herself running once again. If you want to inject a little suspense into your day, this book is one you should read. It is not too long, perfect for an hour break. You could not possibly read this in sections, for if you were to put this book down, you would be reaching for it again within a few minutes. The tension will keep you reading, if not concern for Alex’s wellbeing or curiosity over how the story will play out.
June 29, 2020
A rarity: a good crime short story!
Crime is not a genre that lends itself to short fiction. Most attempts are weak and unsatisfactory. But here Paul Finch knows what works and sticks to it: a fast paced chase in the middle of a Northamptonshire night. It's frenetic and bloody and prefect for the format, and the edition I had included the opening chapters to Paul's excellent novel, the killing club.
Crime is not a genre that lends itself to short fiction. Most attempts are weak and unsatisfactory. But here Paul Finch knows what works and sticks to it: a fast paced chase in the middle of a Northamptonshire night. It's frenetic and bloody and prefect for the format, and the edition I had included the opening chapters to Paul's excellent novel, the killing club.
March 30, 2019
Way too short. (3 and 1/2 ★)
This very brief read kept my nerves on edge. I see now why it's titled "The Chase." It certainly kept me going. As I read, I was thinking out scenarios in my mind as to what I would do in a similar situation. While this is truly a good read, it seemed to end much to soon. I want more.
This very brief read kept my nerves on edge. I see now why it's titled "The Chase." It certainly kept me going. As I read, I was thinking out scenarios in my mind as to what I would do in a similar situation. While this is truly a good read, it seemed to end much to soon. I want more.
August 22, 2019
Who do you trust?
An interesting read but a little too far fetched for me. Would you go back to a police officer for directions after he had just tried to blackmail you into having sex with him. I just found that a little too hard to believe. The chase element of the book was quite exciting though.
An interesting read but a little too far fetched for me. Would you go back to a police officer for directions after he had just tried to blackmail you into having sex with him. I just found that a little too hard to believe. The chase element of the book was quite exciting though.
April 24, 2021
Excellent short read
A saleslady, coming from a conference, gets lost. She speeds down the road, and is pulled over by a cop. He tried to get her to have sex. She turned the tables on him. Then she came back to ask for directions. Saw the cop murdered. That is when the story begins.
A saleslady, coming from a conference, gets lost. She speeds down the road, and is pulled over by a cop. He tried to get her to have sex. She turned the tables on him. Then she came back to ask for directions. Saw the cop murdered. That is when the story begins.
February 24, 2022
Alexa, trying to avoid a congested motorway, is pulled over by the police for speeding. The officer offers her an alternative to being fined but rejects the offer and she finds herself fighting for her life. She is chased through the night looking for safety and finding none.
A short sharp novel that was enjoyable to read.
A short sharp novel that was enjoyable to read.
July 23, 2019
Short story - very quick read. Not impressed and couldn't wait to get to the end. Unbelievable storyline. Alex, the central character, must have superhuman powers to survive all the action she participates in. Lots of over the top violence. One to forget
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2022
This is the best short story I have read in a long time. This story kept me on the edge of my seat and I could not stop reading until I finished... I honestly started this book before bed and stayed up until I finished it! What a great suspense cat/mouse chase book!! Loved it
January 1, 2024
The Chase is what book blurbs would call a “high-octane thriller.” To me, Finch is a horror author, a very good one—but if his thriller novels are as tight as this short story I may have to move those further up my TBR pile.
April 11, 2024
Don't get lost on country roads
No gps, no phone, and very late at night, she was lost and speeding. A cop car appeared& she thought she was saved. Not so fast. I seldom like short stories but this was pretty good. I rate this a 4.4.
No gps, no phone, and very late at night, she was lost and speeding. A cop car appeared& she thought she was saved. Not so fast. I seldom like short stories but this was pretty good. I rate this a 4.4.
August 23, 2018
I loved this short read. Packed with tension, a great plot, the author is an excellent writer.
My only wish is that is was a longer story.
My only wish is that is was a longer story.
December 31, 2018
Action-packed ride.
December 21, 2019
Too short a story! 😀
January 22, 2020
Exciting quick read
A nice attention getting though fairly simple (not a bad thing) story to get the heart racing for a pleasant 30 minutes.
A nice attention getting though fairly simple (not a bad thing) story to get the heart racing for a pleasant 30 minutes.
August 6, 2020
Ein Kurzroman und deshalb leider recht kurz.
Wäre das Ende nicht zu abrupt erfolgt, wären 4 Sterne fair gewesen.
Wäre das Ende nicht zu abrupt erfolgt, wären 4 Sterne fair gewesen.
May 28, 2021
Hard to put down
Fast paced action thriller. Makes me want to know more about characters. Short story waiting for follow-up. Would read more.
Fast paced action thriller. Makes me want to know more about characters. Short story waiting for follow-up. Would read more.
December 22, 2021
Fast paced quick read ,loved it
September 15, 2022
Looking for more
Great read. I finished it quickly and went looking for the next chapter. The story was easy to follow even through the plot twists.
Great read. I finished it quickly and went looking for the next chapter. The story was easy to follow even through the plot twists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews