Rating: 
Summary: I thought this book was great.
Review: I've read all the DeMille I can get my hands on, and this one was one of my favorites. It's the first book in a set of two, The Lion's Game as its companion book (and which is a smidge better than this one, even!).I like DeMille because at his best, his characters are smart and sassy, and the stories are cohesive, with serious subject matter presented with a touch of the absurd; the seriousness doesn't become so grave so as to obliterate any enjoyment of the story or his use of words. This story exemplifies exactly what I mean... once you begin reading, it's like riding over rapids. The water just rushes on, makes you laugh, and occasionally you stop, startled, when something bumps a bit more than you expected. In this particular story, our main character (NYC investigator Paul Corey) is recovering on Long Island from some gunshot wounds, and he gets involved in the local double homicide of two scientists who work on Plum Island, a contagious disease research center right off of the coast. Of course, Paul is (in his own mind at least) smarter and savvier than any of the local yokels, even the pretty detective Beth Penrose, who's in charge of the investigation (although properly, she's not local, either). The fact that the scientists worked with some of the most lethal pathogens on earth rises all sorts of speculation that they were being evil and subversive to assist some less-friendly nation with the wiping out of the human race, but Corey in all his infinite and dubious wisdom, uncovers an alternative theory that's much less lethal -- at least for greater mankind -- but all the more intriguing for those who love history and treasure hunts. I enjoyed this book. Most voracious readers would, too.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyed it lots!
Review: Mister DeMille crafts a wonderful 1st-person mystery surrounding
an NYPD detective on . . . strategic leave. He shares his view, the tale, as the murder mystery draws links to the dangerous
research center Plum Island (the real life place where the world's most lethal viruses, bacteria, and whatever are kept--a few miles off Orient Point, Long Island New York---standing up
to the elements of the sea. Thank God the latest hurricanes haven't been a factor. Can you imagine managers facing a power outtage used duct tape as a sealant? And that's a reality...But let's get back to fiction.) Mister DeMille's detective is witty, enjoyable, sarcastic, and lucky. He does dabble in a romantic type ordeal. But it's more a comical read when the man shares
"then we did it."
Fun book.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Escape Read
Review: My first DeMille novel, probably wont be my last. Telling a story from the first person or occasionally modified where the character refers to himself has its limitations, but DeMille seems to do it right. He was able to keep my attention so that I finished this 574 page book in about two days. This is a murder mystery with a strongly human side (I found myself quite saddened by the loss of a character I liked) and a humorous side (often just too much but I have known people like this, full of sarcasm and bad puns, people who love to tease people that annoy them, very New York). Detective John Corey is sort of Columbo with more muscle. Though he he's recovering from a gunfight that almost ended his life, he seems to have more than enough testosterone to do deeds of daring do, along with his courageous female associate. The assortment of nasty people and bad guys is also well drawn. Social commentary is strong in this book: DeMille's characters, especially Corey, are able to verbalize what a lot of people feel about bureaucrats, scientists, power trippers, social climbers, and various other characteristics that indicate that many people are missing the point of living a normal human life. If you like a good escape for a while with a few choice barbs thrown in, this book is for you. Some of the action is fairly graphic
Rating: 
Summary: O-O-O--READ ON
Review: Needless to say, I enjoyed the cassett tapes of his book read by David Duke. I thought his voice was perfect and it made me feel like I was right there in the story living out the story as he read it. Now is that a reader or what? Coupled with the grand master's story by DeMille, you have a formula that cannot be beat. DeMille, if you are out there you should have Duke read all of your books. I absolutely loved the story. Can't you see Cory, the seen it all, lived it all, been everywhere and know it all trying to stay away from the underworld of crime while he recuperates. It just cannot be done. So, it was only natural for someone to come along and breakup his boring rest period. Had it not been friends of his, he still would have jumped at any chance someone may have teased him with to flex his "I am superior" detective muscles. Corey brings a bit of lightheartedness to the story that may not have been able to be obtained without him. He also brings a good bit of detetive savvy along as well. During a time when we are undergoing so much attention about chemical and bioterrorist warfare, this book could not have been better timed. I learned a lot about some of the horrors of bio-chemical warfare. Let us never forget. I must say, however, I was really surprised that right at the beginning of this story upon finding the scientists dead, Demille wrote that the scientists had to be up to some harry-carry. DeMille quickly moved the story along to prove that these scientists were not selling the USA out to the enemy but were seeking fortune through another less threaten route. I learned a good bit about lost/found treasures and how one can become the rightful owner.
Rating:
Summary: great beach book
Review: Nelson DeMille at his ultimate best. Will not disappoint. This book combines biological warfare with pirate treasure. Great book to bring along on the beach. Fast page turner! Hard to put down. Can't wait to read another DeMille book. JOhn Corey is a funny character and unforgettable.
Rating:
Summary: Wonder author
Review: Nelson Demille is the best! I have read them all! My favorite is The Charm School.
Rating:
Summary: Just read it for the third time, keeps getting better
Review: Nelson DeMille is the only author in America whose work I will buy in hardback sight unseen. He is the only author whose work I will read over and over again and seemingly enjoy more each time. This one has it all: DeMille's alter-ego engaging wit in the flesh of detective John Corey and a tremendous plot that involves murder, a fascinating treasure hunt that dredges up the history of Captain Kidd and a very plausible end-of-the-world terrorist scenario. DeMille also creates some of the best villains in fiction. I can't decide who I wanted to dismember more: Frederick Tobin or Paul Stevens. This is absolutely a great read that was funny, engaging, suspensful and ended up being a great history lesson along the way. Take it on vacation and you may not want to leave the room.
Rating:
Summary: Best Beach Read Of My Summer
Review: Nelson Demille tells this story of a New York City homicide detective on leave and vacationing on the north fork of Long Island who is abruptly thrown into a murder investigation with wit, sarcasism, and ease. His laid back style of writing allows the reader to feel as though Demille is telling the story to him in a simple conversation. The story is very despcriptive, however, does not drag into unneccesary details. Demille's descriptions of the scenery of the wine country and all parts of the eastern end of Long Island were intricate and detailed. Although, I personally, am a resident of Mattituck and know every town, store, and restaurant Demille mentioned, I'm sure a reader who is from across country could imbibe the fresh, farm-loving, vineard-filled elements of Long Island through Demille's story. Though, suspenseful and riveting, I found that some scenes could sometimes drag on, i even nodded out a few times, although that may have just been the sun making me sleepy. JOhn Corey's adventures in Plum Island were main parts of the story and for the most part kept my interest, sometimes falling into repetitive plots and suggestions but usually one of john corey's smart... comments would liven the situation up. Overall, the combination of Demille's humor, the suspenseful murder investigation, and Detective Corey's love affairs make the book a delightful and light summer read.
Rating:
Summary: Good murder mystery
Review: Ok, I have to sound sexist here, but I don't mean too. I enjoy DeMille's works a lot more than I do the several mystery books I've reviewed by women authors. Perhaps it is a point of view thing. 'Plum Island' wasn't as good as "The General's Daughter" and "Up Country" in my opinion, but it is a very good mystery and very well written. Are men just better writers for men and women just better for women? Or is DeMille just a master and some of the others I've read just plain good? I don't know, but I know that I can't get enough of this guy's writing, and I've been sharing his paperbacks with my mother, who burns through them as well. If I have any complaints about this book, and where I found it fell short of being as good as the others, is that the ending had a little too much violence. I don't mean this in the way of description, I just found the antagonist's actions to be too much over the edge. He wasn't developed enough as a character for me to believe he'd act as he did. However, the skill at with which DeMille handles the protagonist is enough to keep this book at a "5" and it still comes with a strong recommendation.
If you enjoy mysteries, cop/detective novels and suspense, this book will not disappoint.
Rating:
Summary: Probably the most fun novel ever.
Review: People keep complaining, that DeMille lost his gift after writing The Gold Coast. That is certainly not true. Plum Island is probably the least "important" book he wrote, but it's a pleasure to read. It's a very nicely crafted tongue-in-cheek thriller that makes you laugh your head off. The witty dialogue is simply stunning if you don't expect literature. And you get a 100-page finale that's really dark and satisfying on top of that. If you are a female reader I'd consider Plum Island a *** (3 stars out of five) book, because it's a book full of men's humor and male characters. - Although, surprisingly, my girlfriend seemed to enjoy reading it as much as I did.
|
