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)

Another excellent job

I am a fan of Nelson Demille and it doesn't hurt that one of the best narrators, Scott Brick reads most of his work online. I listened to most of the John Corey books before they released Plum Island to audio and it was referenced quite often by the author in retro comments. Really pleased with this one and happy I got it. You will not be disappointed if you get this one. Promise!

Distracting Personality Traits

Would you try another book from Nelson DeMille and/or Scott Brick?

This was my first read for this author and crime solver. I would probably not read this author again. I found the main character to be distracting in his vulgar descriptions of every woman, and interaction with any woman he encountered. Could have been a good story, I just didn't see the point of his diatribe.

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

The story line held my interest.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Sounded like an old time Chicago mobster. The voice and style was older than the placement of the story in time.

Could have been shorter

Some interesting New York history. The phrase "and so on" was way overused. I probably won't re-read it, but it was entertaining enough to keep me reading to the end.

Infantile jerk

If I had been a character in this story, I to would have tried to murder John Cory.

A Long Island Thriller

Officer John Corey is minding his own business recovering from nearly being fatally shot while on the job in NYC. He's staying at his Uncle's home on Long Island, when he gets dragged into a murder investigation of two of his friends, who happen to be research scientists at the titular Plum Island a government research facility for some very deadly diseases. Mr. Corey works with local detective Beth Penrose to solve the murders and figure out what went missing on Plum Island.

I really like this book, but it's a little long. I think cutting a few hours off the book would tighten up the story.

There is a great variety of characters in the story, from by the book Detective Penrose, to Police chief Max, to the staff on Plum Island, to the locals on the North Fork of Long Island. They're all interesting characters and all help develop the story. The mystery is good and there are some good twists and turns throughout the story that keep the reader/listener engaged. Officer Corey is a likeable character and Scott Brick brings his sarcastic personality to life through his fantastic performance. Brick also does a good job with the other characters, but his performance with John Corey is the icing on the cake.

I liked this book enough, even though I thought it could have been tightened up a bit. It's a good story, and I want to see where the series goes next. I've kept the review vague so as not to spoil any characters or plot details that occur, as there are some good twists with some characters that I don't want to give away.

Fun read. First in the John Corey series

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

Twists and Turns

Any additional comments?

I read the later two John Corey books-The Lion and The Lion's Game. I enjoyed them so much that I circled back around to Plum Island. It was very good.

Ok-not the best listen

Rather silly, but it moved at a pace that kept me interested. Good narrator.

A great way to start off a series.

Any additional comments?

I saw more of these "John Corey" books coming out and wanted to jump on the train, but started here from the beginning. I'm glad I did. The story is great, the narration is great, and I'm excited to read more about John Corey. I don't think he'll take the place of Harry Bosch as my favorite bad "a" detective, but I think he'll be a good second place. He's tough, ballsy, and just grumpy enough to upset all the right people, and some of the wrong ones. A trait I feel a good detective would really have. If you like good detective novels with some action thrown in, then you'll like this book.

Just discovered DeMille

What did you like best about this story?

The story had a good twist. It was interesting to follow the logic of the case. John's attitude and wise cracking was very enjoyable.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Scott Brick is one of my favorite readers.

John Cory on top of his game!

My favorite John Cory story. Clues are there, but can you figure them out? Scott Brick is masterful in his rendition of this tale.