Chiefs

By: Stuart Woods

Narrated by: Mark Hammer

Length: 17 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1919, Delano, Georgia, appoints its first chief of police. Honest and hardworking, the new chief is puzzled when young men start to disappear. But his investigation is ended by the fatal blast from a shotgun. Delano's second chief-of-police is no hero, yet he is also disturbed by what he sees in the missing-persons bulletins. In 1969, when Delano's third chief takes over, the unsolved disappearances still haunt the police files.

Author Stuart Woods' riveting novel spans three generations while also probing deep into Southern small-town attitudes and behavior. The residents of Delano, with their reluctance to disturb a familiar social order, provide the perfect backdrop for this tale of dark secrets and murder.

Over 40 years ago, Woods found a battered chief-of-police badge in his grandmother's house. It had belonged to his grandfather, who had been shot in the line of duty. The story of the lawman's death inspired Woods to write Chiefs, which won an Edgar Award and was made into a popular TV miniseries.

©1981 Stuart Woods (P)2006 Recorded Books LLC

Critic reviews

"A riveting story of the Deep South that mixes murder mystery with political intrigue." (Publishers Weekly)
"A fascinating, compelling tale." (The New York Times)
"The homey wisdom of [Hammer's] voice, coupled with Woods's engaging story, makes this audiobook memorable." (AudioFile)

I loved this book! I remember the TV Mini Series.

Loved the Narrator who read the book. Love Stuart Woods! Keep writing Mr. Woods. Great!!

Awesome

Where does Chiefs rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Among the top. I loved the entire series.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I wanted to see how it all turned out and how everyone fit together in the end

Which scene was your favorite?

I'm not sure as it's been a while since I listened to it. I do however keep envisioning the family home through the years

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The past never leaves, it just becomes the future

Do not miss this book!

What made the experience of listening to Chiefs the most enjoyable?

The performance of the narrator and the wonderful story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Chiefs?

Three stories interlinked together and the ending was the most memorable of each.

What about Mark Hammer’s performance did you like?

He could do a British woman's accent and an deep African American Southern man's accent in the same conversation with ease. Gold medal.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

?

Any additional comments?

This book was very gripping and hard to stop listening to. I am sad it ended.

Six Stars!

I've read Stuart Woods for many years. I prefer his early work and Chiefs is his best. And, yes, I give it 6 stars...if you're looking for a great story to enjoy, this is it!

Fantastic story!

Compelling from beginning to end. I highly recommend it. I just wish the producers would stop putting chapter announcements so close to the end of a chapter. We need a beat before the next chapter. It destroys the storytelling rhythm

One of my all time favourites

This is the first Stuart Woods book that I've read but it won't be my last. Lots of action and suspense. I highly recommend this book.

Masterful

I listen to many but review few. This is an extraordinary book. Compelling book evoking numerous emotions over 50 years

My favorite Stuart Woods - by far

This book is full of complex and interesting characters - good and bad. Great story - you can sense that Woods had a personal connection with this early work. This book was written in 1981 but it holds up. Credit worthy - yep!

Best Ever

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, good story and narrator Mr Hammer is the best

What did you like best about this story?

setting and different characters

Which scene was your favorite?

all

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, I walk and listen, so walked over eight miles to finish this book

Any additional comments?

Stuart Woods....best....

I adored the narrator.

Would you listen to Chiefs again? Why?

Do you remember the film PRINCESS BRIDE? It was as if I was sick in bed, and my grandfather was sitting next to me, telling me a riveting tale.

The plot, while slow at first, takes its time to grab you, then I just couldn't stop.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Chiefs?

Finding out Tuckers Secret.

Which scene was your favorite?

The prison mess hall with the New York reporter...awesome!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Every small town has its secrets, and will do anything to keep them.

Any additional comments?

Not sure how I found myself listening to this title, but I am ever so glad I did. highly, highly recommended!