The Maze

By: Nelson DeMille

Narrated by: Scott Brick

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille returns with a “genuinely thrilling” (The New York Times) suspense novel featuring his most popular character, former NYPD homicide detective John Corey, called out of retirement to investigate a string of grisly murders—inspired by the actual Gilgo Beach murders.

In his #1 New York Times bestseller Plum Island, Nelson DeMille introduced readers to NYPD Homicide Detective John Corey, who we first met on the back porch of his uncle’s waterfront mansion on Long Island, recovering from wounds incurred in the line of duty.

Six novels later, The Maze finds Corey on the same porch, having survived new law enforcement roles and romantic relationships—wiser and more sarcastic than ever. Corey is restless and looking for action, so when his former lover Detective Beth Penrose appears with a job offer, Corey has to once again make some decisions about his career—and about reuniting with Beth.

Inspired by the real-life Gilgo Beach murders, The Maze takes us on a dangerous hunt for an apparent serial killer who has murdered nine—and maybe more—sex workers and hidden their bodies in the thick undergrowth on a lonely stretch of beach.

As Corey digs deeper into this case, he comes to suspect that the failure of the local police to solve this sensational mystery may not be a result of their incompetence—it may be something else. Something more sinister.

Featuring John Corey’s politically incorrect humor and brilliant, unorthodox investigative skills, The Maze “finally gives DeMille’s readers the John Corey fix they’ve been craving,” along with the shocking plot twists that are the trademark of the bestselling author Nelson DeMille, “the master of smart, entertaining suspense” (Bookreporter).

Critic reviews

"A string of deaths that has confounded federal and state law enforcement is the ideal backdrop for the latest Nelson DeMille thriller. It especially shines as an audiobook performed by Scott Brick. Brick’s on-point ability to time every phrase perfectly highlights NYPD Detective John Corey’s distinct personality. DeMille’s other characters are also well defined, particularly Detective Beth Penrose, whose romantic advances help bring Corey out of retirement. Another memorable character as portrayed by Brick is seductive secretary Amy Lang, who works for the detective agency that appears to be at the center of the murders. Brick ties the story together by enhancing the dialogue and maintaining a pace that keeps the book moving."

Fans of The Generals Daughter and The Bookcase

Well l was not sure this pre ordered book was ever going to get here. I can certainly see why the long wait, good humor is not easy to write when included in an adventure or mystery. This has it, so if you just want to rush to the end instead of really listening to our dry humored hero, you will miss out what makes this book a winner. Author is as always long winded and not like Michael Connelly, who got his start as a crime reporter and can knock out a book in 11 months. So again if you are impatient and don’t like details that you feel are boring, and are new to this author, then don’t start with this book. However, if you love good dialogue that paints a vivid picture and puts you right there in the scenes, then this book has been well worth waiting for. As a long best selling author, Mr DeMille, knows his audience, hence l think the long wait for him to put to word a good story and incorporate our hero’s career journey. This type of writing is so very hard to provide without it becoming an infomercial for previous books. Well done!
Of course, l would not have pre ordered this new John C. adventure if Scott Brick did not narrate it. Mr Bricks voice and inflections brings this character to vivid life, which got me hooked on the whole series l own.
Were my comments of help?

Another winner

Another great installment. Worth the wait and did not disappoint. So glad to see that John’s character is still an alpha male and has retained all of his politically incorrect charm.

De Mille humor not funny all the time

John Cory is funny, and that helps carry you through the story - that at times, simply bogs down. Sometimes his sarcastic humor clunks enough to distract from the story.
The book was ok but lacked essential character details and back stories. Pretty much Ho -hum. I won’t be listening to any more of DeMilles books for a while /sad to say even Scott Brick can’t bring credibility to this tired story line.

not my favorite John Cory story

I was disappointed in this book. I have really enjoyed all the other John Cory books. it felt flat and boring. the story was uninteresting along with his love Beth. didn't really care how it ended. usually I am waiting for John to get the bad guys. the bad guys weren't unlikable. the performance of John Cory was off. needs more NY

Never lived up to the hype

This was a tiring story that could’ve been abridged to a 45 minute short story. Not much happened until the last hour. John Cory disappointed in this work. Also wished that Scott brick had spoken to people on Long Island and gotten the town pronunciations accurate. Minor point. Disappointing overall performance and storyline.