“The Chemical Detective” is the debut novel by Fiona Erskine, introducing readers to Dr. Jacqueline “Jaq” Silver—a dynamic chemical engineer and explosives expert. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Slovenia’s snowy slopes, Jaq utilizes her expertise in avalanche control to ensure the safety of skiers and mountaineers. However, her routine work takes a perilous turn when she discovers discrepancies in a shipment of explosives from a multinational chemical company.
Upon reporting the irregularities, Jaq faces unexpected resistance. Her concerns are dismissed, evidence vanishes, and she becomes the target of threats and false accusations, including professional incompetence and even murder. Determined to uncover the truth, Jaq embarks on a high-stakes journey across Europe—from the Slovenian Alps to England’s Lake District, and into the haunting remnants of the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Throughout her quest, she confronts the dark underbelly of the illegal global trade in chemical weapons, all while evading both Slovenian and British authorities.
Erskine, drawing from her own background as a chemical engineer, intricately weaves scientific elements into the narrative. The novel offers readers insights into explosives, isotopes, and gravity, enriching the plot with authentic technical details. Jaq Silver emerges as a multifaceted protagonist—intelligent, tenacious, and refreshingly human, with personal complexities and vulnerabilities that resonate. Her portrayal challenges traditional action-hero stereotypes, presenting a credible female scientist navigating a male-dominated field.
The novel has garnered acclaim for its originality and engaging storytelling. It was shortlisted for the Specsavers Debut Crime Novel Award in 2020, reflecting its impact in the crime thriller genre. Critics have lauded its blend of suspense, action, and scientific intrigue, noting that while some plot points may seem far-fetched, the story maintains a realistic premise that keeps readers invested.
“The Chemical Detective” offers a thrilling blend of science, adventure, and moral complexity, making it a compelling choice for readers seeking an action-packed narrative grounded in real-world issues.
4 Comments
Joyce Beadnall · March 10, 2025 at 7:22 pm
This is a dramatic, complicated first novel. Fiona Erskine is an accomplished, talented author, who skilfully uses a range of techniques to create tension, fear, empathy and other emotions.
While I appreciate that some chemical information is essential to this complex, industrial plot, there was so much that at times it spoilt my enjoyment and I sometimes skipped these sections. I certainly wanted to know what happened to the characters – which kept me reading. There were many twists and turns -with unexpected surprises !
But unfortunately I don’t feel inclined to read the next book about Jaq de Silva. There were many chemical details and so many transitions to other parts of the world; at times I found it quite confusing.
Lynne Amos · March 13, 2025 at 12:04 pm
This is usually my favourite genre of book but I found this one a difficult read, so many scientific descriptions were a bit off putting but I suppose essential to the plot!
However there were lots of moments of high tension and it was written by a Teessider about Teesside which made me want to read right to the end, even though I didn’t really gel with the characters. Jaq was portrayed as almost superhuman at times and found no trouble hopping around the world, sometimes without your everyday travel documents and personal items.
The ending was satisfactory and it did make you feel that there was more to come from the main character which is backed up by further novels
Lynne Amos · March 13, 2025 at 12:27 pm
Great, I thought- a detective novel by a Teessider about the chemical industry in Teesside – just my cup of tea!
However I was a little disappointed. Lots of scientific jargon but only a little information about the people. I didn’t really gel with the characters , especially as Jaq seemed to have superhuman traits and could hop around Europe and the ‘Eastern Block’ without her personal belongings and travel documents!
The plot was intriguing, somewhat informative and it did come to a satisfactory conclusion. It also made you think there could be more to come and indeed there are a few more novels in the series – not that I’ll be rushing to read them!
Kathryn Hoey · March 13, 2025 at 2:49 pm
The Chemical Detective by Fiona Erskine is a very complex story with an abundance of highly technical terms and a fast moving, but at times, very confusing plot.
It was just not for me.
Comments are closed.