> Skip to content
Play sample
  • Published: 4 June 2024
  • ISBN: 9781761347269
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 480
  • RRP: $22.99

The Chase




WINNER OF THE NED KELLY AWARD FOR BEST CRIME FICTION 2022

An electrifying cat-and-mouse thriller set in the Nevada desert from an author described as ‘one of Australia’s finest new gen crime writers’ (SMH).

‘Are you listening, Warden?’
‘What do you want?’
‘I want you to let them out.’
‘Which inmates are we talking about?’
‘All of them.’

When more than 600 of the world’s most violent human beings pour out from Pronghorn Correctional Facility into the Nevada Desert, the biggest manhunt in US history begins.

But for John Kradle, this is his one chance to prove his innocence, five years after the murder of his wife and child.

He just needs to stay one step ahead of the teams of law enforcement officers he knows will be chasing down the escapees.

Death row supervisor turned fugitive-hunter Celine Osbourne is single-minded in her mission to catch Kradle. She has very personal reasons for hating him – and she knows exactly where he’s heading . . .


‘Candice Fox’s new book further cements her position as one of the world's most original thriller writers . . . I was blown away by the clever twists and quirky characters, all overlaid with Fox’s characteristic dark humour.’ Reader’s Digest

‘Her most assured solo crime novel to date and it is masterful.’ Sydney Morning Herald

‘An action-packed, constantly surprising, suspenseful read . . . hard to put down.’ Herald Sun

  • Published: 4 June 2024
  • ISBN: 9781761347269
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 480
  • RRP: $22.99

About the author

Candice Fox

Candice Fox is the author of ten internationally bestselling crime novels and the winner of three prestigious Ned Kelly Awards. In fact, she is the only author to have been shortlisted for that award for every single novel. She has also co-written seven New York Times bestsellers with James Patterson, the world’s bestselling thriller writer. Her new solo novel, Devil's Kitchen, will release in March 2024, and her latest collaboration with James Patterson, The Murder Inn, comes out in February 2024.

In 2022 Candice’s fourth book, Crimson Lake, was adapted into a major ABC TV series, called Troppo, with series two currently in production.

A meticulous researcher, Candice has interviewed a serial killer on Death Row, been to prison three times (for work purposes) and while on honeymoon in the US took a road trip to famous crime scenes looking for clues. She has also dined with a former President of the United States, filmed a cameo role in her latest screen adaptation and, as a volunteer for WIRES, has rescued countless wild animals.

She lives in Sydney.

Also by Candice Fox

See all

Praise for The Chase

These are some of the most carefully-crafted, well-groomed pages Candice Fox has produced. Breathless and compelling to the end, The Chase is a strong contender for thriller of the year.

Simon McDonald, bookseller

With a plot that barrels forward at warp speed, taking hair pin turns and keeping readers in a constant state of urgent suspense, The Chase is the kind of book that is so propulsive that you almost can’t help yourself from speed-reading it in a single sitting. This is the kind of action-packed crime caper that is impossible to put down because there is never a dull moment.

Sarah McDuling, Booktopia

The Chase is her most assured solo crime novel to date and it is masterful.

Sue Turnbull, Sydney Morning Herald

The Chase is an action-packed, constantly surprising, suspenseful read and this reviewer found it hard to put down.

Vittoria Bon, Herald Sun

Discover more

Article
Award-winning and shortlisted books of 2022

Discover the best Penguin Random House books of 2022 with this list of award-winning and shortlisted titles this year.

Article
2022 Ned Kelly Shortlist Announced

The Ned Kelly Awards recognise and celebrate the very best crime writing has to offer. See which Penguin Random House books have been shortlisted this year...

Video
Candice Fox The Chase - Mind of a Criminal

Candice Fox talks about what it is like to write a criminal character.

Video
Candice Fox The Chase - Touring a Maximum Security Prison

Candice Fox talks about how she felt touring a maximum security prison.

Video
Candice Fox The Chase - Interviewing a Death Row Prisoner

Candice Fox talks about visiting and interviewing a prisoner on death row.

Video
Candice Fox The Chase - Growing Up Surrounded By Crime

Candice Fox talks about growing up with her parole officer father and her true crime obsessed mother.

Article
The Chase book club notes

Track down your reading group to discuss Candice Fox's latest thriller.