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.

The novel is currently available in hardback 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. Rumours about Plum Island range from animal research to nuclear research to chemical warfare testing.

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 December 2012.

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