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A Cooper & Quinn Mystery #4
Dark Chemistry
Everyone is entitled to a voice, but has a protest group turned to murder to make themselves heard?
A fatal stabbing in a local park appears to be a mugging gone wrong – but Detective Charlie Cooper suspects there’s more to this murder than meets the eye. The victim worked at a local pharmaceutical plant, where protesters against the company’s manufacture of vaccines are becoming increasingly vocal. The victim was the CEO’s nephew, and soon a clear message is sent – stop making vaccines, or more blood will be shed.
Lab Technician Leo McCarthy loves his job at Lighthouse Pharmaceuticals. Processes and procedures, scientific testing, black and white – all things Leo’s difficult mind can understand. But when his friend is murdered, Leo’s world is thrown into a type of chaos he thought was long behind him.
A police procedural tale that tackles one of society’s most dividing issues, Dark Chemistry is the fourth in Catherine Lee’s page-turning Dark Series. Cooper and Quinn are back in another rollercoaster mystery, and this time murder isn’t the only thing rocking Cooper’s world.
A fatal stabbing in a local park appears to be a mugging gone wrong – but Detective Charlie Cooper suspects there’s more to this murder than meets the eye. The victim worked at a local pharmaceutical plant, where protesters against the company’s manufacture of vaccines are becoming increasingly vocal. The victim was the CEO’s nephew, and soon a clear message is sent – stop making vaccines, or more blood will be shed.
Lab Technician Leo McCarthy loves his job at Lighthouse Pharmaceuticals. Processes and procedures, scientific testing, black and white – all things Leo’s difficult mind can understand. But when his friend is murdered, Leo’s world is thrown into a type of chaos he thought was long behind him.
A police procedural tale that tackles one of society’s most dividing issues, Dark Chemistry is the fourth in Catherine Lee’s page-turning Dark Series. Cooper and Quinn are back in another rollercoaster mystery, and this time murder isn’t the only thing rocking Cooper’s world.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2017
94 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Lee
26 books90 followersAustralian author of fast-paced, mostly clean, crime fiction.
The Detective Charlie Cooper Mysteries tackle some topical issues with crimes at their heart, set in Sydney, Australia.
The Getaway Bay Cozy Mysteries feature a charming collection of eccentric locals and visitors working their way through the alphabet of cozy crimes.
Missing, featuring Detective Bonnie Hunter, picks up where Charlie Cooper left off.
The Detective Charlie Cooper Mysteries tackle some topical issues with crimes at their heart, set in Sydney, Australia.
The Getaway Bay Cozy Mysteries feature a charming collection of eccentric locals and visitors working their way through the alphabet of cozy crimes.
Missing, featuring Detective Bonnie Hunter, picks up where Charlie Cooper left off.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 15, 2017
When Detective Charlie Cooper and his partner, Detective Joe Quinn were sent to the site of a murder, the initial thought of a mugging gone wrong didn’t sit well with Cooper. And when they discovered where the victim had worked, his gut instincts told him that he was right. The front of the pharmaceutical plant which made vaccinations, had a group of “anti-vaxxers” chanting and holding up placards. They had been there for around six weeks, and although peaceful, the police had been keeping an eye on them.
When Cooper and Quinn met Ellie in the lab, along with her helper Leo, Cooper felt Ellie wasn’t telling him all she knew. And he couldn’t work out why. She was devastated at her colleague’s death, and Leo was sad because Ellie was upset, plus his friend had been killed. But Leo had problems talking to people – his Asperger’s meant he didn’t interact very well. His connection to Quinn was therefore a surprise to Cooper and the other police on the team.
Would Cooper and Quinn be able to discover what was going on? Was the stabbing death connected to the pharmaceutical plant or was it a coincidence? Cooper didn’t think so!
Dark Chemicals is another brilliant episode in the Cooper and Quinn series by Aussie author Catherine Lee. #4 in the series, I already have #5 lined up ready to go soon 😊 Filled with a gripping tension that meant I couldn’t put it down, Dark Chemicals satisfies everything in the crime/mystery genre that I love. I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Leo - I hope he puts in an appearance in upcoming books! Highly recommended.
When Cooper and Quinn met Ellie in the lab, along with her helper Leo, Cooper felt Ellie wasn’t telling him all she knew. And he couldn’t work out why. She was devastated at her colleague’s death, and Leo was sad because Ellie was upset, plus his friend had been killed. But Leo had problems talking to people – his Asperger’s meant he didn’t interact very well. His connection to Quinn was therefore a surprise to Cooper and the other police on the team.
Would Cooper and Quinn be able to discover what was going on? Was the stabbing death connected to the pharmaceutical plant or was it a coincidence? Cooper didn’t think so!
Dark Chemicals is another brilliant episode in the Cooper and Quinn series by Aussie author Catherine Lee. #4 in the series, I already have #5 lined up ready to go soon 😊 Filled with a gripping tension that meant I couldn’t put it down, Dark Chemicals satisfies everything in the crime/mystery genre that I love. I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Leo - I hope he puts in an appearance in upcoming books! Highly recommended.
November 7, 2017
Another fascinating episode in the lives of Cooper and Quinn, both very likable cops neither of whom is an alcoholic or tragically single after a brutal divorce. Thank goodness. Cooper does have a wife who is addicted to prescription drugs, but that's a separate story.
In Dark Chemistry the duo try to solve a number of murders which may or may not be related. The issue of whether childhood vaccination causes Autism is front and centre and interestingly one of the adult characters is on the spectrum. It was fascinating to see how he dealt with daily issues, notably by hiding in wardrobes when life got too hard!
Catherine Lee writes excellent books with a good story, lots of murders, well written police procedure and a satisfying conclusion. Better still is reading the series in order and seeing the development of the main characters and their personal stories. Hopefully Cooper and his wife will be solving their issue in the next book. I look forward to it:)
In Dark Chemistry the duo try to solve a number of murders which may or may not be related. The issue of whether childhood vaccination causes Autism is front and centre and interestingly one of the adult characters is on the spectrum. It was fascinating to see how he dealt with daily issues, notably by hiding in wardrobes when life got too hard!
Catherine Lee writes excellent books with a good story, lots of murders, well written police procedure and a satisfying conclusion. Better still is reading the series in order and seeing the development of the main characters and their personal stories. Hopefully Cooper and his wife will be solving their issue in the next book. I look forward to it:)
September 25, 2019
In this fourth outing for DIs Cooper and Quinn, a worker at a large pharmaceutical company has been found murdered in a local park. The detectives suspect his death is not a random mugging but is linked to something he knows about the company. They need to find out whether it's something to do with company making vaccines for children and the anti-vaxxers protesting outside their gates or with the development of a promising new anti-obesity drug or something else entirely.
There are many twists and blind alleys before Cooper and Quinn before the truth comes out but it eventually all comes together with the help of Leo, a young autistic lab assistant. This was a quick and entertaining read in this engaging series. The detectives work well together and show their softer side in dealing with Leo, although Cooper's has a bit of work to do helping his overworked wife sort out her problems.
There are many twists and blind alleys before Cooper and Quinn before the truth comes out but it eventually all comes together with the help of Leo, a young autistic lab assistant. This was a quick and entertaining read in this engaging series. The detectives work well together and show their softer side in dealing with Leo, although Cooper's has a bit of work to do helping his overworked wife sort out her problems.
November 7, 2017
Dark Chemistry is book four of the Cooper and Quinn Mystery by Catherine Lee. Detective Sergeant Charlie Cooper was having a morning off with his family when he and his partner Detective Senior Constable Joe Quinn caught a new murder case. The readers of Dark Chemistry will continue to follow Detective Sergeant Charlie Cooper and Detective Senior Constable Joe Quinn investigation. Also, the readers of Dark Chemistry will also observe what happens at home with Cooper and his wife.
I love reading Dark Chemistry. I love reading all the books in the Cooper & Quinn Mystery series. I fell in love with Catherine Lee's main characters Detective Sergeant Charlie Cooper and Detective Senior Constable Joe Quinn after reading Dark City. I enjoy the way, Catherine Lee portrays and intertwined her characters throughout Dark Chemistry. I especially enjoyed the interaction between Sergeant Charlie Cooper and Detective Joe Quinn. Catherine Lee does know how to engage her readers with the characters and the plot of Dark Chemistry.
The readers of Dark Chemistry will learn about the problems medical professionals have with description medications. Also, the readers of Dark Chemistry will learn about the challenges and issues that suffers from Asperger syndrome have in the workforce. Dark Chemistry highlights the different way you can help staff who suffers from Asperger syndrome in the workplace.
I recommend this book
I love reading Dark Chemistry. I love reading all the books in the Cooper & Quinn Mystery series. I fell in love with Catherine Lee's main characters Detective Sergeant Charlie Cooper and Detective Senior Constable Joe Quinn after reading Dark City. I enjoy the way, Catherine Lee portrays and intertwined her characters throughout Dark Chemistry. I especially enjoyed the interaction between Sergeant Charlie Cooper and Detective Joe Quinn. Catherine Lee does know how to engage her readers with the characters and the plot of Dark Chemistry.
The readers of Dark Chemistry will learn about the problems medical professionals have with description medications. Also, the readers of Dark Chemistry will learn about the challenges and issues that suffers from Asperger syndrome have in the workforce. Dark Chemistry highlights the different way you can help staff who suffers from Asperger syndrome in the workplace.
I recommend this book
January 23, 2024
‘It was a cool day for early February in Sydney, but Charlie Cooper didn’t mind a bit.’
Detective Charlie Cooper and his partner Detective Senior Constable Joe Quinn are called to Macquarie Fields in south-western Sydney. A man’s body has been found in a local park. He’s been fatally stabbed, and while it could be a mugging gone wrong, Charlie Cooper isn’t sure. Cooper and Quinn quickly determine that the murdered man worked at a nearby pharmaceutical company, Lighthouse Pharmaceuticals, where his uncle is the CEO. Lighthouse manufactures vaccines, and has attracted a group of anti-vaccination protesters. The protesters have been there for over a month, but they’ve been peaceful. So far. The pharmaceutical company is also working on a weight loss pill, and apparently early tests have been encouraging.
The scene is set for an intriguing police investigation, as well as an exploration of pro and anti-vaccination views.
One of the most interesting characters in this novel is Leo McCarthy. Leo has Asperger’s which impacts on how he processes information and communicates, but not on what he observes. Leo works with Ellie Cook, herself a central character. If I tell you more about the story, I’ll inadvertently spoil it.
This is the fourth novel in Ms Lee’s Dark series, and it is every bit as satisfying as the first three. Ms Lee combines action and controversy, as well as providing well developed characters to propel the story forward. I enjoy the way in which the story unfolds: characters are deftly introduced with just enough information to gauge who they are and where they might fit in. There are several different strands within the story: both possibilities and (perhaps) a red herring or two. And Charlie Cooper, his family and Joe Quinn continue to develop.
I finished this novel satisfied (mostly) with the ending, but immediately wanting the next instalment. Book 5 is ‘coming soon’, according to Ms Lee’s website. If you’ve not previously read any books in this series, I strongly recommend starting at the beginning. While the story is self-contained and can be read as a standalone novel, the Cooper and Quinn backstory is important. Trust me.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Detective Charlie Cooper and his partner Detective Senior Constable Joe Quinn are called to Macquarie Fields in south-western Sydney. A man’s body has been found in a local park. He’s been fatally stabbed, and while it could be a mugging gone wrong, Charlie Cooper isn’t sure. Cooper and Quinn quickly determine that the murdered man worked at a nearby pharmaceutical company, Lighthouse Pharmaceuticals, where his uncle is the CEO. Lighthouse manufactures vaccines, and has attracted a group of anti-vaccination protesters. The protesters have been there for over a month, but they’ve been peaceful. So far. The pharmaceutical company is also working on a weight loss pill, and apparently early tests have been encouraging.
The scene is set for an intriguing police investigation, as well as an exploration of pro and anti-vaccination views.
One of the most interesting characters in this novel is Leo McCarthy. Leo has Asperger’s which impacts on how he processes information and communicates, but not on what he observes. Leo works with Ellie Cook, herself a central character. If I tell you more about the story, I’ll inadvertently spoil it.
This is the fourth novel in Ms Lee’s Dark series, and it is every bit as satisfying as the first three. Ms Lee combines action and controversy, as well as providing well developed characters to propel the story forward. I enjoy the way in which the story unfolds: characters are deftly introduced with just enough information to gauge who they are and where they might fit in. There are several different strands within the story: both possibilities and (perhaps) a red herring or two. And Charlie Cooper, his family and Joe Quinn continue to develop.
I finished this novel satisfied (mostly) with the ending, but immediately wanting the next instalment. Book 5 is ‘coming soon’, according to Ms Lee’s website. If you’ve not previously read any books in this series, I strongly recommend starting at the beginning. While the story is self-contained and can be read as a standalone novel, the Cooper and Quinn backstory is important. Trust me.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
April 13, 2020
Emotion, drama, and weapons - not a great combination.
Things to know up front: This is the fourth main book in a series. Reading the previous books will help you understand the main characters and their back stories a little better. There is some violence as well as adult language.
Australian police detectives Cooper and Quinn are called out on what at first glance appears to be a mugging gone wrong. There is something about it that tells them that there is more to the story. As they dig deeper, they come face-to-face with a family owned pharmaceuticals company and a myriad of protesters.
The basis of the dispute between the company and the protesters is well-balanced, in my opinion, giving voice to all the sides of that issue.
Things to know up front: This is the fourth main book in a series. Reading the previous books will help you understand the main characters and their back stories a little better. There is some violence as well as adult language.
Australian police detectives Cooper and Quinn are called out on what at first glance appears to be a mugging gone wrong. There is something about it that tells them that there is more to the story. As they dig deeper, they come face-to-face with a family owned pharmaceuticals company and a myriad of protesters.
The basis of the dispute between the company and the protesters is well-balanced, in my opinion, giving voice to all the sides of that issue.
March 16, 2019
A fast paced novel read in one sitting about a homicide in Macquarie Fields in south west Sydney, Australia. The 310 pages just whizzed by, leaving this reader to wonder more about some of the characters than the storyline itself. This reader thought the author put all the emphasis upon the storyline and forgot about some of the character development in the story. Another reader pointed out that 'if you wanted to know more about the characters, then it would be best to start from book one' (it's a series), but after reading that, it did stand as a story on its own. The character, Leo, was a charming little fellow with Asperger's disease and that character lifted the story from 3 stars to 3.5 but, it stayed overall as a 3 STAR rating for me.
February 13, 2025
Dark Chemistry
Really enjoyed reading this book just as much as the previous three and highly recommend that you read it as well. Looking forward to the next in this series.
Really enjoyed reading this book just as much as the previous three and highly recommend that you read it as well. Looking forward to the next in this series.
May 5, 2017
Does vaccination cause autism? Catherine Lee does not try to give a final answer.
Cooper and Quinn need to find out if one of the protesters against vaccination is capable of murder.
The most interesting character in this novel is Leo. I don't personally know anybody with Asperger's, but I guess that he's described really well.
There are some lengths in the middle, but the end is really suspenseful.
Cooper and Quinn need to find out if one of the protesters against vaccination is capable of murder.
The most interesting character in this novel is Leo. I don't personally know anybody with Asperger's, but I guess that he's described really well.
There are some lengths in the middle, but the end is really suspenseful.
April 30, 2017
This is the 4th in the Cooper & Quinn FBI series. Cooper & Quinn are asked to investigate the death of the nephew of the CEO oi a pharmaceutical company. Is this just a simple mugging gone wrong or something more? Copper’s gut says it’s more. Are the leaders of the group of protesters responsible & why are they there? They don’t have any children that may be affected by vaccinations.
What is Ellie hiding in her developments of a weight loss pill? Charlie Cooper feels there is more than what she is telling. Also can Leo, her assistant, tell them more. Leo loves his job & working with Ellie who understands him & adheres to the system they have in place that if Leo has red label he doesn’t want to talk. Quinn soon develops a rapport with Leo & when Ellie tells Leo that if something happens to her he must go to Quinn, this is what he does, but can Quinn find out what is troubling Leo?
Once again Catherine brings something controversial into her novels. This time it’s is about the rights of parents to decide to vaccinate their children or not.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy supplied at no charge by the author
What is Ellie hiding in her developments of a weight loss pill? Charlie Cooper feels there is more than what she is telling. Also can Leo, her assistant, tell them more. Leo loves his job & working with Ellie who understands him & adheres to the system they have in place that if Leo has red label he doesn’t want to talk. Quinn soon develops a rapport with Leo & when Ellie tells Leo that if something happens to her he must go to Quinn, this is what he does, but can Quinn find out what is troubling Leo?
Once again Catherine brings something controversial into her novels. This time it’s is about the rights of parents to decide to vaccinate their children or not.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy supplied at no charge by the author
May 1, 2017
I loved this book. The 4th instalment of the Cooper and Quinn series did not disappoint at all. I love the way Catherine introduces her characters, especially when dealing with a lot of them. You get to know as much as you need to know, but it's also enough to know if you are going to like them, hate them, or love them. I fell in love with Leo!! I just wanted to adopt him. I love that Catherine was able to give me this character that made me feel a range of emotions.
Not one to shy away from controversial topics, I was trapped in the same journey as Copper and Quinn, though, as a mum who believes in vaccinations, it also angered me where I was supposed to be. What I love the most about Catherine's stories is that I don't try and predict the story. I'm taken along the journey with her characters. My mind doesn't think outside of her characters, and I love that. I love that I can be kept inside her world and stay there till the end.
Because of the above, the ending had me on edge, my adrenalin kicked in, and at one point, I had to cover my eyes. I was completely caught up in the moment. I thought Dark Secrets was Catherine's best, but she really topped it with this story.
Thank you so much for this brilliant story!
Not one to shy away from controversial topics, I was trapped in the same journey as Copper and Quinn, though, as a mum who believes in vaccinations, it also angered me where I was supposed to be. What I love the most about Catherine's stories is that I don't try and predict the story. I'm taken along the journey with her characters. My mind doesn't think outside of her characters, and I love that. I love that I can be kept inside her world and stay there till the end.
Because of the above, the ending had me on edge, my adrenalin kicked in, and at one point, I had to cover my eyes. I was completely caught up in the moment. I thought Dark Secrets was Catherine's best, but she really topped it with this story.
Thank you so much for this brilliant story!
May 4, 2017
Once again Catherine Lee has come up with a beauty. A thriller that sucks you in like a pool of quicksand, once you’re in you have to get to the bottom of it, there is no holding back.
This, the fourth novel in the series, is where Cooper and Quinn are sort of no longer characters in a fiction novel, but have become real life people. The evocative writing style gives you the impression as if you’re sitting with them in the car or next to them at the table. It also gives you a firm idea of the sacrifices real life policemen and women (and maybe even more so their families) have to make to bring justice to victims and their families.
As usual Catherine brings some food for thought into her narrative. This time about vaccinations, and the fervent opponents of the practice. At the same time giving you an insight into autism and the various forms it can take like Asperger's syndrome.
Apart from this being an excellent crime novel you also get to learn something.
Finally a special mention to Leo, one of the most outstanding characters I’ve ever come across in a novel, reading about him alone is more than worth buying this book.
This, the fourth novel in the series, is where Cooper and Quinn are sort of no longer characters in a fiction novel, but have become real life people. The evocative writing style gives you the impression as if you’re sitting with them in the car or next to them at the table. It also gives you a firm idea of the sacrifices real life policemen and women (and maybe even more so their families) have to make to bring justice to victims and their families.
As usual Catherine brings some food for thought into her narrative. This time about vaccinations, and the fervent opponents of the practice. At the same time giving you an insight into autism and the various forms it can take like Asperger's syndrome.
Apart from this being an excellent crime novel you also get to learn something.
Finally a special mention to Leo, one of the most outstanding characters I’ve ever come across in a novel, reading about him alone is more than worth buying this book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews