The Chemist's Shop

By: Richard Brumer

Narrated by: Dave Cruse

Pharmacology professor Miklos Rosen (now Michael Ross) retires from the world of academia in 1970 and opens a community pharmacy in a peaceful upstate New York town. He puts the horrific tragedies of his past behind him and finds serenity in his new life. That is, until he recognizes a customer as former Nazi SS officer Hans Stern. Michael looks into Stern's cold steel-blue eyes, clenches his fists and boils inside, remembering how his three young daughters were taken from him and gassed, and his wife, Ilona, was tortured, raped, and stripped of all dignity by Stern 25 years earlier in Auschwitz. Face to face with this evil being, Michael forces himself to stay calm. In that moment, he experiences two opposing but related feelings. One is anger, the other exhilaration. He could not protect his family then, but he can avenge their deaths now. It wasn't just about killing Stern. That would be too easy. His death had to be slow, painful, and diabolical, and it begins with a game of chess with Stern as the unwilling pawn.

©2015, 2017 Richard Brumer (P)2018 Richard Brumer

Critic reviews

"Due to my love of thrillers embossed with real world possibilities, I purchased this book based on the intriguing premise. Now, after consuming the material over a nice quiet weekend, I can happily attest that it was a superb read. Dr. Ross is a gravitating protagonist due to the conflict of his character. For the author to tailor him as a healer, only for opposing actions to arise, sets the book up for an elucidating psychological study as well. I at once sympathized with him and questioned what I would have done in the same situation once he meets Hans and begins to slowly unravel the moral fibers that were so adhered to in his life prior. Also, the story begins in a fascinating manner during WWII; vividly foreshadowing events to come. That’s one of my favorite aspects of this author’s writing. It is a complicated and illuminating character study swathed inside a unique tale that traverses the line between justice and vengeance. If anyone else is looking for a stellar novel that knows how to keep you entertained and piqued throughout, you definitely can’t do better than this one. I, for one, can’t wait to read more from this talented author." (E.A. Gray)

Almost a 5

This book was almost a 5 ... until the very last sentence of the book. What a cheap way to end what otherwise was a great read for so many reasons. I hesitate to pick up any more of Brumer's books for fear of another unsettling surprise ending. Reminds me of Shirley Jackson's LOTTERY, which though critically acclaimed and in every college literature survey course, was in the same cheap category.

Interesting read

I’ll admit that I didn’t know much about concentration camps and Nazi officers, aside from what I learned in school years ago. But this book taught me a lot of things. I enjoyed the story very much, especially the emotions of the lead character. It was very believable and engaging. Such a well written book and I also enjoyed the narrator. I didn’t love the ending, if I’m being honest, but that’s okay!

If you are student of history do not miss this audible

I was on the shelf about preordering this book but decided to go ahead since the majority of the book takes place in the US. The chemist is such a logical person who keeps his family alive in his memory. He comes across this old x-N. The Nazi

The Chemist’s Shop Customer review October 17, 20

The Chemist’s Shop
Customer Review October 17, 2021-By L.R.
“Just because the war ended, the suffering never does.
I am a high school Holocaust educator always looking for literature that will capture the interests of my students while teaching them the history of the Holocaust. The Chemist’s Shop does both. The story is engaging from the very beginning and the author imbeds important and interesting historical information without being professorial. I was drawn into the mind of a tortured soul asking myself what I would do if I had been in his shoes. A good book draws the reader in and encourages self-reflection. Twenty-four hours after finishing the book, I still can’t stop thinking about Michael Ross; he is in my head. The ending was completely unexpected and left me sitting with my mouth open. There’s so much to talk about. Justice? Not sure. Poetic justice? No way.”
(Available as Paperback, e-book and AUDIOBOOK)

Intriguing and Well Written

I really enjoyed The Chemists Shop. it is very well written book. I found the story intriguing and stayed up late to finish it. The ending really surprised me and kinda saddened me. The narrator did a great job. I highly recommend.