Chapter 1: The Unraveling Mystery

In a Scottish port town, an old fertilizer factory is undergoing demolition when an astonishing find occurs: a mummified body encased in phosphate rock is uncovered, seated at a table with ten objects surrounding it. Who is this individual? What led to their demise, and what do these objects signify?

Fiona Erskine's novel, Phosphate Rocks: A Death in Ten Objects (Sandstone Press; 2021), intricately weaves together a narrative spanning five decades of factory life leading up to its closure. The narrative kicks off with the discovery of the mummified body in an elevator shaft, alongside an array of ten seemingly mundane objects. The protagonists, retired foreman John Gibson and Detective Inspector Rose Irvine, aim to piece together the significance of these items, which may provide clues about the deceased's identity and the circumstances of their death.

Upon seeing the objects at the police station, Gibson instantly recognizes them: a small ebony elephant with a sulfurous scent, a silver bullet, an Aberdeen keyring, an air horn, a striking Barbie doll, a nutmeg grater, broken sunglasses, a brass washer, an empty whiskey bottle with a hairy string, and a small oil can reminiscent of Aladdin’s Lamp. Each item acts as either a vital clue or a potential distraction, structuring the novel into ten parts—each featuring several chapters. These parts incorporate chemistry lessons and trigger Gibson's reflections on his former coworkers, gradually narrowing down the timeline of death and the identity of the mummified individual. As the duo delves into the significance of each clue, suspicion towards Gibson himself arises, mirroring DI Irvine's doubts; however, it is ultimately Gibson who uncovers the poignant truth behind this gripping enigma.

Chapter 2: Science Meets Storytelling

Erskine draws upon her extensive background as a chemical engineer, some of which was spent working at the actual fertilizer plant that inspired this tale. She adeptly combines informative content about the chemicals involved in fertilizer production with engaging narratives that challenge readers intellectually. Despite the occasionally somber tone, her keen observations and wit often evoke laughter. For instance, she vividly describes a chaotic scene involving “Angry Pat” on a demolition site, illustrating the miscommunication and escalating frustrations among the workers.

This meticulously crafted narrative captivates readers while prompting them to contemplate the dynamics of skilled versus unskilled labor and the true definition of expertise. The author characterizes her work as a blend of memoir, fiction, science, and mystery, offering a rich portrayal of a factory and its decline, alongside a tribute to the often-overlooked individuals who shaped its legacy.

If you have an interest in applied chemistry, the unique stories of those who toiled in the Leith fertilizer factory, or the innovative narrative style employed by Erskine, this compelling mystery will surely pique your curiosity.

NOTE: A hard copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest and unbiased review. Additionally, I earn micropayments as an Amazon Associate from qualifying purchases linked in this review.