Sidney Lanier Chance is lured out of
self-imposed exile still angry about unfounded accusations of
bribery that ended his career as a small town police chief. When
he takes on a new role as private investigator, at the behest of
ex-cop friend Jax LeMieux, he becomes mired in the case of an
old chemical dump that has contaminated the water supply in a
small community near Nashville. Also a former National Parks
ranger, Sid doggedly pursues the polluter, but somebody is out
to halt his investigation. People related to the case turn up
murdered, and someone blows up the guest house behind Jaz's
mansion. Is the man responsible for the toxic spill dead or
alive? Is Jaz's problem related to Sid's investigation or the
abduction of her housekeeper's grandson? And are the people
responsible for fouling Sid's reputation somehow involved in
this troubling case?
What the reviewers are
saying:
(links to full reviews in red)
"Chester Campbell’s
latest, THE SUREST POISON, introduces a new character, PI Sid Chance and his side kick Jaz
LeMieux...Chance
is a great character, 59 years old, Viet Nam vet, ex cop and relentless.
Campbell’s work here is his best yet and the book has a natural rhythm that
moves the story along at a nice pace. The people who populate the book are
realistic and nothing feels forced, it's as if Campbell is just telling their
story without embellishing, which I found refreshing. A top rate mystery by a
gem of a writer."
Jon Jordan, Editor, Crimespree
Magazine
"The kind of fiction writing that
those with a penchant for Lawrence Block can enjoy...Mystery readers who like
solid whodunits without cliches, easy answers, and stereotypical female
characters will love Chester D. Campbell's THE SUREST POISON!"
"The action and suspense grab you
from the first page and holds on to the end! If you like tough-guy crime-buster
stories, then you will enjoy the new Sid Chance Mystery series...Armchair
Interviews says: Exciting and well-done first in a new series."
"The Surest Poison is a
terrifically timely mystery about one of the most pressing problems of our era.
Campbell's characters throw off sparks throughout, making it clear that the
flint is really there. This may be fiction, but Campbell sets his tale squarely
in the real world we all share."
Timothy Hallinan, author of The
Fourth Watcher
"Mr. Campbell does a masterful job of plotting, and
tells us a tale that keeps the pages turning. The best part of the book, though,
is the cast of characters he has assembled and the atmosphere their interactions
create...I'm looking forward to the further development of Sid, Jaz, and The
Five Felons and Miss Demeanor Poker club (you'll have to read the book)."
"Campbell’s
crafted a mystery that seems easy to solve, but instead has plenty of twists and
turns...He also uses the story to inform readers about some of the dangers
regarding landfills and waste sites, a perennial environmental problem that
plagues many small towns and poor communities across the nation...(Sid Chance)
seems destined to generate excitement and anticipation for future adventures.
"I want to recommend Chester Campbell's newest to you
all. THE SUREST POISON showcases Chester's newest protagonist, Sid Chance who
was with the Special Forces in Vietnam...(He is assisted) by a character I LOVE; Jaz LeMieux, wealthy ex-cop who has done a little
bit of everything in her life, and done it with flair. Mr. Campbell, in my opinion, continues to develop his
craft and just keeps getting better and better. I highly recommend this book."
Kaye Barley review on DorothyL
"The pairing of Sid and Jaz makes
for a dynamic investigative team. Both have their own unique talents and skills
to bring to the table, and their chemistry as a team is appealing. Campbell
delivers a tough-to-solve mystery, with plenty of red herrings and enough twists
and turns to keep the reader turning pages."
Christy Tillery French, Midwest
Book Review
"A puzzle packed with surprises,
The Surest Poison draws the reader in quickly. But reader beware, and
strap yourself down. The suspense is relentless."
Ben F. Small, author of The
Olive Horseshoe and Alibi on Ice
"The reader is treated to a good old-fashioned
detective story--and that is intended as very high praise--with swear words at a
minimum, any violence not of the graphic variety, instead a more subtle but no
less lethal kind, interspersed with ominous threats, some vague and some
pointed."
Gloria Feit, Crimespree Magazine, Midwest Book
Review
"Hired to find the company responsible for a 1995 chemical spill that poisoned
the land and water of Ashland City, TN, PI Sid Chance discovers delving into the
past dredges up old enemies and danger. By the author of the Greg McKenzie
series (The Marathon Murders)."
"Even though there are many different events happening at once, (Campbell)
allows the reader to stay with him throughout the story and not make us lost or
confused. I would recommend this story to any mystery lovers out there who like
the twists and turns of a good mystery; an excellent read!"
"Chester D. Campbell has created
two new characters with a lot to interest the reader. I hope this is just an
introduction to a new series. If so, I can't wait for the next book."
"Chester Campbell turns in a workman-like job with a good number of twists and
that should keep your inner armchair detective on the edge of his/her seat.
Campbell has some nice turns of phrase that convey a lot with a few words:
'Bailey launched his short, chubby body through the door like a well-dressed
groundhog storming out of hibernation.' You can just see the guy, can't you?"
