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)

1983 mini-series

I enjoyed watching this movie when it was on TV in 1983. I also enjoyed listening to the book.

sometimes hard to take, but so good overall.

The racism and injustice were hard to hear, but the writing was very good and the story kept my attention.

Great book

I sincerely enjoyed this book. For anyone who grew up in the South especially during the Jim Crow era it is a must read. The narrator did a wonderful job.

Great Story, Narration is Slow and Un-Inspiring

This is an excellent story. Pretty straight-forward and decently written. The problem is the narration. It's slow and clumsy. I felt like the narrator did not read this book ahead of time. You will need to speed it up at least .5 to get a decent rhythm going. If you don't you'll most likely not finish it.

Excellent book

I rarely write reviews - even on books I like - but this is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. It is not a fast-paced thriller, but there is definitely a slow burn tension.I could not put it down. I highly recommend it.

Want more!

My heart rate would increase and I’d have to resist the urge to skip ahead because I could hardly stand the suspense.

Absolutely splendid!

I came across this book quite by accident, just randomly perusing Audible one night. I feel as though I stumbled across a buried treasure. This is terrific story rendered all the more enjoyable by Mr. Hammer's perfect narration. I am a native of a small Georgia town myself and I found that both the writing and the narration completely captured the pace, perspectives and prejudices of early-to-mid 20th century rural Georgia. All of the characters were vivid, well-formed and truly fit the story.

I've never read or listened to a Stuart Woods work before but was blown away by Chiefs. Loved every minute of this story. One of the best of the many, many Audible books I've listened to over the years.

My one complaint is that the audio engineering of this work is not good; lots of jump-cut edits and captures of the narrator pausing for a breath or drink.

Phenomenal!

Great performance of an outstanding book! I was anxious through most it. Loved the suspense and storyline. I wouldn't want to divulge any other details!

A outstanding classic

Chiefs is one of the best recorded books I know. I have listened to it three times and it always keeps my interest. The sub plot of racial injustice in the south during the mid 20th century is an important aspect of the story. This performance is one that all audio books should be measured. Outstanding in every way.

The First Ever mini-series, “ CHIEFS “

IT WAS GREAT RELISTENING TO CHIEFS ! It’s been years sense I saw the mini series in the 70s. Always assumed this was Stuart Woods first published novel,.I love books and movies that span decades. Also I loved the guy who read the book . Awesome ! Chiefs will leep you on the edge of your seat- a real suspenseful page burner.