Alchemy’s Reach by Chris Allen


Alchemy’s Reach
Title : Alchemy’s Reach
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : -
ISBN-10 : 9798886933147
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 194
Publication : Published August 18, 2023

Jennifer Murphy, deputy sheriff in a small town in New Mexico, has closed her heart to love. She throws herself into her job as well as running the ranch she and her brother, Ethan, inherited from their parents. Ethan’s wanderlust has taken him away in search of odd jobs. When he returns home, Jennifer entices him to stay for a while by telling him about Alchemy, a ghost town, once drowned by a reservoir, but now exposed by drought. Local barflies think there is treasure buried there. Others believe it is cursed. Intrigued, Ethan packs up his dog, Fi, and heads to the town. What happens at Alchemy will change Jen’s life forever, but will it open her heart to love?

Alchemy’s Reach Reviews

  • Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)

    MWSA Review

    Alchemy’s Reach is an easy-read mystery about a family that discovers its secret past when tragedy strikes. The story takes place in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Jen Murphy, a deputy sheriff, inherited the family ranch with her brother Ethan, whose wanderlust inspires him to investigate local lore about Alchemy, a nearby ghost town.

    It’s there that a few plot turns and twists take place, resulting in a murder and a suicide. Co-authors, Chris Allen and Patricia Walkow waste few words in this short novel to set the stage, solve the crimes, and consummate a romance.

    Despite the violence, this is a sweet story that ties up the loose ends of a family that had long struggled with understanding who they were. The plot is carried by ten characters, plus a comforting pet Labrador, Fi, who seemingly communicates with human-level intelligence. Readers who are looking for entertainment and a quick read that can be finished in one cold winter’s night, will find that Alchemy’s Reach fills that bill.

    Review by James Elsener (February 2024)

  • Cherie Melbourne

    An Ok read, I didn't get any feels for the main character in this story, she was very matter of fact and she didn't impress me. The suspense wasn't so great as it was pretty easy to work out who the killer was, the clue stood out and the motive wasn't hard to work out.
    I liked the story line, just not the execution.
    I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

  • Jodell Larimer

    Quite good for first collaboration. Nice misdirections and a believable ending and closure. Look forward to the next book from these authors.