Plum Island: Booktrack Edition

By: Nelson DeMille

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 19 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

The hair-raising suspense of The General's Daughter... the wry wit of The Gold Coast... this is vintage Nelson DeMille at the peak of his originality and the height of his powers...

Wounded in the line of duty, NYPD homicide cop John Corey is convalescing in rural eastern Long Island when an attractive young couple he knows is found shot to death on the family patio. The victims were biologists at Plum Island, a research site rumored to be an incubator for germ warfare. Suddenly, a local double murder takes on shattering global implications - and thrusts Corey and two extraordinary women into a dangerous search for the secret of Plum Island....

©1997 Nelson DeMille (P)2010 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

“DeMille's Mike Hammer-like cop is a chuckle-provoking winner, and the plot cleverly combines biological hazards and shiver-me-timbers pirate legends. An entertaining mix from the big-selling DeMille.” ( Booklist)

“Heavy wisecracking keeps the fun flowing as DeMille cranks up a thrilling, entertaining plot.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

Wait for it... wait a while

While I enjoyed the banter of the wise-cracking protagonist and the general premise of the story, it does take a while for this thriller to... well... thrill. The build-up to the crescendo is basically a flat line that edges up slowly to the action-packed ending. Some of the character conflicts seem pointless and underdeveloped while others telegraph the plot.

Characters are well developed and Scott Brick does his usual brilliant performance in bringing them to life. But there just isn't a lot of edgy intrigue or suspense until the climax. Perhaps I am expecting too much. Even roller coasters have intermediate climbs and drops before that one big hill.

I will read more of the John Corey series, but only because I enjoy the witty main character. My hope is that the next ride is less flat in leading up to the climax.

Tense exciting great writing

If you could sum up Plum Island in three words, what would they be?

Tense great story

Who was your favorite character and why?

John Cory.. Smart tough and tender

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

John Corey

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Great story. Exciting ending. Tense to the end

Any additional comments?

Nelson DeMille is one of the best. I have listend to almost all his books

A good tale but stretched out too much

Enjoyed the story, but some sequences went on and on, longer than necessary to the plot. Having read/listened to other books in this series it was fun to hear the beginning.

different ways

Would you listen to Plum Island again? Why?

yes, I read the book sometime ago and I wanted to renew the story,

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Everytime I thought I knew which way the store was going, it went in a different way,.

A great introduction to a complicated character

What made the experience of listening to Plum Island the most enjoyable?

This is the first time we meet former detective John Corey, a tough, smart ass, wise cracking ex-cop. John Corey's perspective on life is jaded but hilarious.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Plum Island?

Great detail of the Long Island area. It's obvious the author is a sailor.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Scott Brick brings the right emphasis to this complicated character

Any additional comments?

Warning - once you read this book, you'll be wanting more John Corey.

Excellent Listen !

I am more than avid listener and listened to this via offer to listen to series. The reader was absolutely perfect, the story was good, the whole book was great to listen too, even liked the ending, which some authors disappoint me with. Going to go get me some more of this series. I am old Southern gentlemen but do love a true "New Yorker" with their pleasant, arrogant, gotta love it humor which the author and reader perfectly capture. You will not regret listening to this book. I would love to meet the author who has to have that "New Yorker" in your face I love you attitude.

Awesome Finish

Would you consider the audio edition of Plum Island to be better than the print version?

Audio brings book characters to life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

John Corey. Like his charisma.

What does Scott Brick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Brings book characters to life. Visualize the action and characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Non stop action of the boat chase/race to Plum Island for the discovery.

Any additional comments?

Good action story.

excellent reader

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

captivating, very engaging reader (Scott)

Who was your favorite character and why?

Besides the main character? Emma.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Did not listen to Scott before. This one is awesome though.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Terrific

It was a really long book, and yet there was no drag at all. Loved it from beginning to end. The narrator had the perfect voice and intonation for the tongue-in-cheek, sometimes sarcastic humor. Two thumbs up and then some.

Character is everything

It's the character, John Corey, and the excellent reading by Scott Brick that make this book good -- the story bogs down a bit with some silly action, but mostly it's a great introduction into the series and good enough to make you want to go forward with the rest (which I have done), and which are all better than this particular one. This establishes Corey and some other characters and does a good job of it ... but the next two are really compelling :-)