The Chemist - Based on a True Story [Kindle Edition]

Chris Blewitt (Author), Jason Merrick (Illustrator)

Book Description

Charlie White leads a simple life in 1920's Philadelphia as a chemist at the Dupont Corporation. One day, as he's walking home from work, he is approached by two men and is forced into the world of bootlegging, corruption and murder. When tragedy strikes, Charlie must decide whether to continue his double-life or tell the world his story before it's too late. The Chemist is based on a true story during Prohibition.

Short Story - 7500 words/40 pages
Interview with Anne Helmenstine - PhD from chemistry.about.com follows the story.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Prohibition may seem like an unlikely catalyst for a work of suspense
fiction, but Chris Blewitt makes it work--flawlessly. From the exciting
opening chase scene down city streets, to the ending's shocking
revelation, The Chemist is a terrific work of historical short fiction
guaranteed to make you want to finish it in one sitting." --Michael Robertson - Author of Regret (writing as Dan Dawkins)

About the Author

Chris Blewitt is also the author of Deep Rough, a thriller about Augusta National and the Masters.  Deep Rough has been the #1 Kindle book in the categories of Sports, Golf, and Sports Gambling.  Chris also just released The Lost Journal.  Look for it on the Kindle on 11/1/11.  Chris is a salesman, husband, father of three and lives just outside of Philadelphia.  Learn more @ chrisblewitt.com.

Product Details

• File Size: 187 KB
• Print Length: 31 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004YQC3P6
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,432 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Chris Blewitt--The Chemist May 9, 2011

By Katrina Parker Williams

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Chris Blewitt has written a riveting short story titled The Chemist, which is based on true events. Inspired by an article "The Chemist's War," written by Deborah Blum, a writer for Slate Magazine, who recounts the government's poisoning of alcohol during Prohibition as a means of deterring people from drinking the illegally made liquor, Blewitt has created an enthralling short story that places the reader at the center of this controversy and allows the reader to experience the events as if he or she was there in the thick of it.

Blewitt's story is set Philadelphia in the 1920's during Prohibition. The main character Charlie works as an industrial chemist for the Dupont Corporation. The story opens with an intense chase scene, causing Charlie to end up in the hospital. He is then forced to make a decision that, if agreed to, would set his brother free of prison. He doesn't realize his decision would have dire consequences until too late, his life as well as the lives of hundreds of others being changed forever. The story ends with his desire to rectify the problem that he has helped to create.

At the end of the short story, Blewitt offers an interview with Anne Helmenstine, a scientist and scientific writer, who explains how moonshine was made during the 1920's. She notes that certain types of alcohol can be used for human consumption while other types are poisonous. She adds that during Prohibition government officials, as a means of deterring bootleg alcohol consumption, added poisonous substances to the alcohol.

Blewitt's short story, The Chemist, is a very interesting and informative read, revealing some of the horrors of consuming bootleg liquor during Prohibition, incidents that were not widely reported on during that time.... This story is a must-read for history buffs. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Chemist April 26, 2012

By jocharanna

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This was an engaging story that felt fully developed, full of facts that I never knew. Solid character development and eloquently written.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Story April 17, 2012

By R. Schaefer

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This was a very good book - well written and a great story based on an interesting part of our history. This book is not long, but is a great, quick read.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Government Secrets January 4, 2012

By S. Warfield TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

"The Chemist" by Chris Blewitt is a short story about the days of Prohibition when the government added poison to alcohol to teach the people who were drinking it a lesson. Charlie is the main character who is sucked into doing things he doesn't want to do by two men who follow him and force him into committing crimes he otherwise wouldn't do in exchange for getting his brother out of prison. Little does he know who they are.

Before reading this short story I had never heard of this government practice. At the end of the story, there is a short piece by Anne Helmenstine about the different kinds of alcohol for consumption and those that are not. This definitely gives you something to think about from nearly a century ago.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting and informative read. May 1, 2011

By Michael Robertson

Format:Kindle Edition

Prohibition may seem like an unlikely catalyst for a work of suspense fiction, but Chris Blewitt makes it work--flawlessly. From the exciting opening chase scene down city streets, to the ending's shocking revelation, The Chemist is a terrific work of historical short fiction guaranteed to make you want to finish it in one sitting. -- Michael Robertson, author of Regret (writing as Dan Dawkins)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story January 29, 2013

By J. R. Reed

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Brief but very interesting. The story flowed well and was easy to read. I guess not totally surprising that the governmentagents woud go that far!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for teens April 16, 2012

By John Baarda Sr.

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This ebook is a historic novel about a time in American history. A time when a country tried to change the habits of its citizens. Fast moving and well written.

Buy, read/listen, rate and write your review, your opinion is important, as it gives many others a clue as too an ebook.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good story, makes you think June 22, 2011

By tlill6

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This story makes you think about what it was like in prohibition times. A man down on his luck finds a way out with a simple proposal from a couple of shady characters. There is a cool twist to the story as well that I really liked. It's made even better knowing it's based on a true story. Good read, wish it was longer.

More About the Author

A writer as well as a reader, I am always perusing the virtual bookshelves looking for the next great novel. I enjoy reading thrillers and mysteries of popular authors like John Sandford, Lee Child, Harlan Coben, T. Jefferson Parker, and Vince Flynn. There are also some new authors that have caught my eye like Michael Wallace, Dan Dawkins, Cheryl Bradshaw and J. Carson Black. I've even inspired my 14-yr old nephew, Jake, to write & publish his own short story, Third Time's the Charm. I'm a history buff which brought about the writing of The Chemist, The Lost Journal and the newly released Foxworth Academy. As a golf enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoyed writing Deep Rough. A 10-handicapper, I am still trying to get my handicap back in the single digits like it was at one time (5.5) before kids!

Feel free to send an email to [e-mail] or follow me on Twitter @cblewitt.