The Edgar Award-winning mystery that launched the career of bestselling novelist Stuart Woods.In the bitter winter of 1920, the first body is found in Delano, Georgia; the naked corpse of an unidentified teenager. There is no direct evidence of murder, but the body bears marks of what seems to be a ritual beating. The investigation falls to Will Henry Lee, a failed cotton farmer newly appointed … cotton farmer newly appointed as Delano’s first chief of police. Lee’s obsession with the crime begins a story that weaves through the decades, following the life of a small southern town and the role of three police chiefs in unraveling the crime.
Chiefs is the best kind of thriller, where the investigation plays out against the drama beneath the surface of a seemingly placid community, seething with the pressures of race, love, hate, and; always; political power, extending from the town fathers all the way to Washington, DC.
Includes a new foreword by the author on the twenty-fifth anniversary of its publication.
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A well written story of politics and law enforcement in the early 20th century South. The characters are well developed and believable.
I first read Chiefs decades ago, before I was published myself. It has proven to be one of the books that has most influenced my writing. Chiefs begins early in the twentieth century and follows the careers of three police chiefs in a small Georgia town. The stories of the chiefs are intensely personal, incredibly compelling, and give insight into how small towns work. There is an overarching story of a serial killer that begins early in Will Henry Lee’s days and isn’t solved until the well into the third chief’s time of duty. It’s shocking and will keep you on your toes.
The chiefs themselves aren’t always what you might expect and that’s one of the reasons I consider this a great novel. This epic is laden with detail that enriches the story. I just reread it and t is as absolutely riveting as it was the first time through.
One of the best books I have ever read. It’s an oldie but goody
Great view into the social system of the south across several generations. Chiefs is very different from Wood’s Stone Barrington books (which I love) but left me wishing there were more like Chiefs as well.
This was spellbinding read. Enjoyed it so much, I was very happy that they turned it into a TV movie. It’s a story of 3 different men who become police chief of this small southern town. It spans a lot of years to the ultimate climax of who was kidnapping and murdering young men. Each man in turn followed the clues to the very end.
You won’t regret not reading this book nor watching the movie. Both are excellent and hold your undivided attention.
Cannot go wrong with first books written by this author.
This is such a classic. It has been years since I first read this generational mystery, and I still remember how much I enjoyed this police mystery.
Well-written, good characters.
One of the best books I’ve ever read .
Stuart Woods’ best ! Wonderful characters, deep story line and depth. Sorry I waited so long to read one of his firsts.
Maybe his best work
I have read this book at least twice. I just love it!
This book was written some years ago and even was made into a television show. It takes place in a southern area of the USA and recounts a crime not solved for years. Several police chiefs come and go and as the south starts to change, one is even a black man. Excellent story line that won’t let you go. Justice WILL be served ultimately.
This is the best book Mr. Woods ever wrote. Too bad it was his first. He just cannot top the intensity and suspense in this book. The movie was also excellent.
The very best book this author has ever written. Then, after this masterful story, he created the Stone Barrington series. I read a few, but they were so silly. He portrayed the characters as if they were keystone cops. I do highly recommend Chiefs. It was so good, I read it twice.
I’ve read almost all of the Stewart Woods books and I thoroughly enjoy them all. They keep your interest and tell a good story.
Excellent book that’s well worth the time.
Love Woods Barrington series, have tried to read them all…..
Loved the story, didn’t want it to end. Best kind of book.
Great first book.
Love it