The Chemical Code by Fiona Erskine

Dr. Jaq Silver is unstoppable, unbeatable and unbreakable. She blows things up to keep people safe and uses her knowledge of chemistry to solve problems which are insoluble to lesser mortals. She would probably hate being described as an alchemist, but there is something magical about Jaq’s command of the natural world. My favourite moment from The Chemical Code is when she crosses over a polluted lake using a drainpipe as a tightrope. She knows she can reach the other side in time to prevent a major disaster because she has done the complex calculations - in her head!

Jaq has a human side. In her early years she suffered emotional abuse by members of her family, and she has never recovered from the pain it caused. Officially Jaq is in Brazil on business, but really she is motivated by revenge for a cruel wrong done to her during her teenage years. To Jaq her grandmother's legacy means nothing compared to her desire to destroy those who took away what she valued most. However, mysterious criminals are determined to get their hands on Jaq’s inheritance, and she is forced to fight off their attacks while she is pursuing her target. The pace of the action is very fast. I read the novel in a sitting because I could hardly wait to find out how Jaq was going to escape the latest trap.

There are many fascinating characters in The Chemical Code. I especially liked Grace, the rookie cop who never gives up. I also found Frank very interesting, because I was never sure whose side he was on. Fiona Erskine includes many useful chemical and technical details to explain the events. They are lightly handled and added to my enjoyment of the book. Serious issues such as environmental pollution and financial corruption are featured with sensitivity, understanding and detailed knowledge. I was given a copy of The Chemical Code in return for an honest review, and I can honestly say it is a terrific adventure story with a serious side.