Review of
Plum Island, a novel by Nelson DeMille.
I am
reviewing the hard back version of this novel, published by Little Brown and
Company, 528 pages, cover price £8.99, ISBN 978-0316642378. Genre – Crime fiction.
Hardback
currently available from amazon from 0.01p used, paperback from £5.75 new or
used 0.09p.
**The Plot**
NYPD
homicide detective John Corey has moved to Southold on Long Island to recuperate
from near fatal injuries he sustained in the line of duty. John’s uncle Harry, a long term resident of
the area has let him use a holiday home he owns there. John has spent many holidays in Southold and
consequently knows quite a few people in the neighbourhood.
Just
offshore lies Plum Island a government funded research centre. Plum Island is securely guarded and no one
really knows what goes on there. John
makes friends with married couple, Tom and Judy Gordon. The couple work as research scientists on
Plum Island and although relative newcomers are mixing socially with local
people.
When the
Gordons are found shot at their home, John is asked to act as a consultant by
the local law enforcement office. He is
shocked to find that his friends have been murdered and is happy to help
out.
His rather
maverick style of policing does not sit well with local big wigs, especially as
he upsets the head of security on Plum Island, and he is soon removed from the
case. John cannot leave things as they
are and embarks on an investigation of his own. He is determined to solve the mystery of his friends’
murders and uncover the events that led up to their killing.
John Corey’s
investigation leads him into a complicated web of mysterious events, further
killings, and archaeology, local historic events, all of which culminate in a
surprising and unexpected outcome.
**My
Thoughts and Conclusion**
This was the
first book I had read by Nelson DeMille and it most certainly will not be the
last!
The novel is
fast paced and the character of John Corey is remarkably well drawn, he is a
complicated man, a wise-cracking city cop with a soft centre. He comes over as a fairly sensitive character
that hides behind his innuendoes and sharp one liners. There are a great many
other characters within the story but they are by no means superfluous and do
not detract from the plot. The dialogue
is crisp, sharp and very well delivered.
I found this
novel to be really gripping and fast paced and I would happily re-read it. The plot is a complex one and there enough
twists and turns to keep the reader interested and absorbed.
In my
opinion, this is crime fiction at its best!
I am
awarding Plum Island a 5* rating and would recommend the book to others who
enjoy a fast paced crime novel.
Thank you
for reading.
©brittle1906
N.B. My
reviews may be found on other sites under the same user name.
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