Thriller set in Serbia, Chernobyl – The Chemical Detective by Fiona Erskine

Submitted: 3rd April 2019

A thriller with an explosive premise

Thriller set in Serbia, Chernobyl – The Chemical Detective by Fiona Erskine is an explosive read – Dr Jaq Silver. Skier, scientist, international jet-setter, explosives expert. She blows things up to keep people safe.

The author of this thriller has a good background for her chosen subject matter – After studying Chemical Engineering at University , she now travels internationally as a professional engineer.

In the novel, Jaq stumbles across a problem with a consignment of explosives when working on avalanche control. She raises the issue of safety but is told in no uncertain terms to leave well alone . But she doesn’t – and she narrowly escapes death only to be framed for murder. If that’s not enough,m she then has to escape police custody if she is to have any chance of finding the key to the mystery.

BookTrail Travel to The Chemical Detective locations

BookTrail the locations in the novel

Setting: A chemical-infused road trip from the UK to Chernobyl!

BookTrail Travel to The Chemical Detective locations

Bookreview

Susan: @thebooktrailer

I can honestly say I’ve never read a book quite like this before. And I don’t mean that in a bad way! Now if you think a book about the chemical industry is not for you, Think again as this is a thriller with plenty of reactions, explosive content and a real insight into someone who works in that industry.

It covers some ground as well – all the way from Teeside across Eastern Europe via Slovenia and all the way to Chernobyl. There’s an air of international espionage and danger throughout. Very good to have a woman as the main character too! I felt this gave it an added danger as well as a unique starting point as these industries have traditionally been more male dominated. The author does work on Teeside for a chemical company and so you know you’re going to get a very unique insight. There was a fair bit of chemical language dotted throughout which I didn’t always get, but it didn’t spoil the plot at all. Chemical buffs will no doubt get an added layer of thrills.

The whole idea of a chemical detective, a woman who blows things up to keep people safe is very compelling. This is a series I understand so bring it on! The entire mystery, the chase across so many locations towards Chernobyl was exciting and felt dangerously thrilling. The story of Chernobyl is integrated into the plot and there’s a nice author note at the back explaining the background of the 1986 incident and the workings of the chemical industry.

Unique and a thriller with a difference!