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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Too slow, but you keep reading to see how it ends!!
My husband and I both Love most of Stuart Wood’s books, recommend Deep Water particularly
Read when originally came out and saw the TV movie with Charlton Heston. Very tough to put down.
I remember seeing the movie years ago and the book was even better. Totally enjoyed the read and would suggest its purchase to anyone.
I have been a fan of Mr. Wood for years. Reading this book, I read the Kindle version, however was hard work. I gave it three stars, but it is not in the same class as his Stone Barrington series.
C.C. Curry
this was the best books I have read in a long time. could not put it down, well written I whish I could give it ten stars.
A story that still apply today.
This is a novel dealing with three police Chiefs in the fictional town of Delano, Georgia. The first Chief of the city was Will Henry Lee, Grandfather of Will Lee who later becomes the President of the USA as Wood’s books as the story line progresses. Will Henry begins an investigation into the disappearance of young boys and murder of the same which led to a well respected resident in Delano. Will Henry is killed by a deranged person before anything can be done in the murder investigation leaving only some vague notes in his desk. A subsequent Chief, Sunny Butts, who is himself a no-good finds the notes and starts an investigation but disappears along with the City’s motorcycle he is riding while conducting an investigation at suspects home. William Henry Lee III or Billy Lee, Will Henry’s son and father to Will Lee the later hero of Woods’ books, grows into a man and enters politics. Following the missing Sunny Butts a new Chief, Tucker Watts, a Negro, (unheard of at the time) is given the job and has a lot of problems. Billy Lee runs for Governor and is having problems of his own. Watt has a secret problem that ties him all the way back to the killing of Will Henry, the first Chief. In the end will Watts solves the crimes? What happens leads to the success of Wood’s writing career. This story was made into a three part mini series for television. Read the book then find the video if you can . Both are excellent.
Read this book years and years ago and it’s one I’ve kept to read again someday. It’s that good. Great characters that will turn up in future books…….but is a stand alone in that you don’t have to read the next one about the Will Lee character. And outstanding read!
Well written, but BORING. Nothing ever happens. Pace is not slow: it is glacial.
Terrific read in the same mode of Harper Lee’s “To kill a mocking bird”
Read this book years ago and I still think it’s the author’s best. Very original. Sort of a police procedural but also about a family.
I did not expect to really like this book. The surprise came in the rhythm of the pace. A southern setting, unfolding at a southern pace. The look back at a shameful history was especially poignant given our present unpleasantness.
Great Read by one of my favorite authors. Believable story line!
I remember seeing the mini series years ago but with many movies and TV so much is left out. The book connects all the dots and just gives you the feeling you are there and watching everything unfold with all the characters. The book spans about 50 years, 3 police Cheifs, 1 serial killer, racial descrimination, the Klan, and an aspiring political figure. Mr Woods really knows how to lay the ground work and give an insight on all the characters even the minor ones.
disturbing
One of the best books Stuart Woods has written! I could not put this book down, keeps you guessing until the end.
Stuart Woods is an exceptional writer who makes you want to keep reading until the end, then you’re sad that it’s ended!
i like reading about medical procedures and this book is interesting and informative.
I have read many of this author’s books. This was good. His later ones were better but this was interesting.