In The String, a novel by Caleb Breakey, readers are introduced to Markus Haas who works as a policeman at Trenton University. None of his usual duties included dealing with a sociopath who calls himself the "conductor" and who has now become part of his life. The conductor has drawn Markus into his evil and diabolical game. Not participating is not an option. Caleb has too much to lose. Not knowing who he can trust, he is certain he has to stop the conductor one way or another. Can he do it?

There is a great deal that happens in this complex and gripping page turning psychological thriller. The conductor is a ruthless villain who is obsessed with power and control. His victims are put into life altering situations. Masterfully paced and filled with spine tingling suspense, tension mounts rapidly. There are unexpected twists throughout. Haunting and memorable, this book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book was a very different read than what I expected. It was very intricate and suspenseful. The mystery and suspense were well written.

Whoa! I was not prepared for this book. I started reading it on vacation. After reading one chapter, I put it away until I got home. I was afraid it might give me nightmares. I stayed up late to finish it one night, because I wanted to go to bed knowing that good had won out over the evil. It is one of the creepiest books I’ve ever read. The villain is EVIL.
The “Conductor” is a master manipulator who gets masses of people to do what he wants them to do, even stuff they wouldn’t normally do, by threatening great harm. He forces people to make unbearable decisions. It’s awful.
The ray of light in this dark book is that there are a few people who stand up for their beliefs. There are unexpected twists. It’s interesting and horrifying. This is NOT the book for everyone but some will find it fascinating. It’s very different and unique.
Thanks to Revell for providing me with a complimentary e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Chilling and utterly compelling.

The Conductor was a truly disturbed individual, a madman who blackmails others into doing reprehensible things in a sick game he calls “the string”. It took me a few chapters to really get into, but it wasn't long before I was sailing through the pages, completely sucked in, and not wanting to put it down.

My heart was constantly racing and my anxiety was high. Time moved by without me noticing and there came a point where I couldn't stop for anything. I simply had to ignore “real life” things in order to finish this pulse-pounding read.

The String was an unpredictable and masterful thriller from author Caleb Breakey. It'll make the reader ponder what they'd do if they were put into a situation like this. I highly recommend it and can't wait to see what comes next!

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

A strange man has created a group of people that he uses to involve more people and work towards an unknown end. Markus Haas has been “recruited,” but he aims to stop the man and break The String.

I was intrigued by the description of the book, and once I started reading it, I didn’t want to stop. The characters, action, and plot all came together and made for a great read, one that keeps you reading because you don’t want to wait to see what will happen next.

The descriptions of people are subdued, and most of the characters seem like people you’d meet everyday. Their personalities are gradually revealed, so you get to learn more about them as the story progresses. As they face problems, you get an opportunity to wonder what you’d do if you were in their shoes. Though being in their exact situation isn’t something you want to think about, you do start looking at how you would react if someone tried to coerce you.

I really enjoyed this book. Though I wanted to find out how it would turn out, I didn’t want it to end. I hope that there is more like it on the way.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Psychological Thrillers are my favorite genre ever!!! I love the chase for the bad guy and the noose getting tighter and tighter on the characters where they have no choice but to listen and do what is asked. The String by Caleb Breakey is a wonderful story. The first chapter is little confusing, and I had to read it two times to move past it, but after that, the novel took off. And I mean, it took off and didn't stop. I kept flying through the story and didn't want to put it down. I wanted the Conductor caught. Who was he? I had a couple of suspicions, but the novel kept barreling ahead. Breakey did exactly what I expected and wanted. The characters' lives were in danger, and the climactic moment kept rushing toward me. This story was original but reminded me of a Steven James' novel with its format and the main character of Haas reminded me of Patrick Bowers on some level. While the plot did keep my attention glued to the page, the ending was a little bit of a letdown. I can't say why because then it would be a spoiler. You have to read and see if you agree with me. Overall, The String was a well-crafted and original story that leaves me begging for the second book in the series. Fans of Steven James and Lynette Eason should pick this book up. BUT as a word of caution, if you like safe suspense like Colleen Coble, Irene Hannon, or DiAnne Mills, this novel, I believe, might not be the one for you.

I received a complimentary copy of The String by Caleb Breakey from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.