The Chemist

by Janson Mancheski

The Chemist blends chameleon-like into everyday life. He is charming, intelligent, and a sociopath. His liquid sedative allows him to kidnap any victim he chooses, day or night, leaving no trace or clues behind.

Lt. Cale Van Waring heads the Special Crimes Unit for the Green Bay PD. Three female victims have already vanished, with one headless body recovered from Lake Michigan. There are no suspects, no crime scene,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1950316238
• ISBN13: 9781950316236
• Release Date: April 2023
• Publisher: Chemist Publishing House
• Length: 344 Pages
• Weight: 1.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

From Steve at J. Kaye's Book Blog

"The Chemist" by Janson Mancheski, is the first book of the suspense thriller Cale Van Waring series. Lt. Cale Van Waring is the head of Green Bay's major crime unit, which consists of two, Van Waring and his longtime friend and partner, James "Slink" Dooley. Along with almost retired police officer Anton Stazek, this trio is on the trail of a serial abductor and killer, named by the press as "the Nowhere Man" but by himself as "The Chemist." In this action-packed and well-written book, the police have no clues. "The Chemist" has perfected a chemical mix to knock unconscious his victims, who are young and blond, and a method of abducting them in their cars. He has enlisted the aid of his old college roommate, a Liberian prince who worships Pazuzu, the king of the demons of the wind, who takes the girls out of country. The big break came on a tip given to him by a gang member of the Latin Kings, one of the drug gangs of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Janson Mancheski's "The Chemist" is a well-paced book. He has set up the series well by giving us enough character depth of Van Waring, Dooley, and Stazek, and the relationships these men have with family, co-workers, and their environments, both on duty and off. These men have flaws and that makes them more human and makes this book a very enjoyable read.

The Chemist is a great mix of skill and entertainment

The Chemist by Janson Mancheski is every book club President's dream: a book rich with a great story, engaging characters and the kind of backstory that sparks conversation. Every year there comes a group of authors that make you say "I can't wait until their next book." Mancheski has been added to that list. Truly a job well done.

Missing Girl Mystery with a Twist

You never know what you're going to get when you're asked to review a book, and in this case I was definitely not disappointed. I really enjoyed Mr. Mancheski's debut novel. Van Waring is a tough detective with a stubborn streak and a little bit of a softer side, and he's often too smart for his own good. This missing-person mystery had a unique twist that you don't see often... it wasn't just about some psycho taking girls (but I don't want to give away too much). I liked that the book didn't only focus on the case, but on the relationships between the characters. My only complaint is that I thought the bad guy deconstructed a little too quickly... I would have liked to see a little more cat and mouse once Van Waring got on the right trail. But on the plus side, at the end of the book even the detectives don't know the full story, and I like the possibility that creates. There's a lot of competition in the world of suspense, but I think Mancheski has a good shot at success. I, for one, look forward to Cale Van Waring's second adventure!

A sample of good things to come from Mancheski

There are far too many sick, perverted people in the world. "The Chemist" is a mystery following Detective Cale Van Waring as he's hot on the trail of a serial abductor and murderer who has been targeting girls throughout the Lake Michigan area. The chemicals his fugitive uses are all Waring has to go on, and he must figure out the puzzle in before more girls die by this psychopath's hands. The first of many Detective Waring mysteries, "The Chemist" is a sample of good things to come from Mancheski.

Chilling Read!

There are just something's that produce horror into the hearts of mankind far more than anything else, and abduction heads the list. In this new work by author, Jason Mancheski, the work of evil is used in such a way that even the detectives are baffled. Over the course of two years several young girls are missing and despite hard police work there are no clues or leads as to what has happened to them. Detective Cale Van Waring who heads the investigation, wrestles deep within himself. He knows that it is just a matter of time before this evil force strikes again, and it appears he is helpless to stop it. When another young woman turns up missing they desperately try to find some clues. Finally they get a break as they discover that a new version of date-rape drugs and chemicals are probably being used to subdue the victim. It is said that evil minds often use brilliant ideas and this killer has found the perfect way to drug his victims right out in the open and steal them away. Creepy! As the story moves along it becomes more critical for Detective VanWaring as the woman in his life turns up missing and time is about to run out for her. Will he save her in time? Are there other forces at play working with "The Chemist?" perhaps even more evil than the abductor? What is behind the abductions? Truly evil wears many faces. Author, Janson Mancheski, has written a tale of horror that is laced with all the elements of a true life experience. He takes you into the mind of the abductor, giving you a clear view of his hideous thoughts, his deceiving ways, and his complete absence of regard for human life, other than the use it can be to him. It is sickening, yet fascinating at the same time. It makes you wonder how anyone could have no feelings except pleasure at the pain of another human being. And you shake your head knowing there are people in our world that would look at such a man as a hero. What a thought! Our author also gives enough information on Detective Cale Van Waring, his life, his inner emotions, to bring the character to life. We are shown some of his short-comings, his personal life, and his deep desire to solve the case. His team of detectives, his captain, and the workings of the investigation all were well worked into the story, allowing you to become part of the happenings. In this work, Mr. Mancheski gives us a glimpse into the frustrations of those who are confronted with hideous crimes and have little if any leads to stop the horror. The story brings to light the battles that go on behind the scene, and how some are won and some are loss. We always want crimes solved immediately, and this book definitely shows the battle that goes on to do just that. This is a real page-turner of a read. The twisted mind of "The Chemist," will remind you that there are those out there who plot harm and destruction for their sheer pleasure. What a scary reminder that is. If you are a fan of serial killer reads, detective stories,