Plum Island: Booktrack Edition

By: Nelson DeMille

Narrated by: Scott Brick

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

CELEBRATING THE 20th ANNIVERSARY WITH A NEW FOREWORD BY THE AUTHOR

Wounded in the line of duty, NYPD homicide detective John Corey convalesces in the Long Island township of Southold, home to farmers, fishermen -- and at least one killer. Tom and Judy Gordon, a young, attractive couple Corey knows, have been found on their patio, each with a bullet in the head. The local police chief, Sylvester Maxwell, wants Corey's big-city expertise, but Maxwell gets more than he bargained for.

John Corey doesn't like mysteries, which is why he likes to solve them. His investigations lead him into the lore, legends, and ancient secrets of northern Long Island -- more deadly and more dangerous than he could ever have imagined. During his journey of discovery, he meets two remarkable women, Detective Beth Penrose and Mayflower descendant Emma Whitestone, both of whom change his life irrevocably. Ultimately, through his understanding of the murders, John Corey comes to understand himself.

Fast-paced and atmospheric, marked by entrancing characters, incandescent storytelling, and brilliant comic touches, Plum Island is Nelson DeMille at his thrill-inducing best.

Well Read Mystery, Overbearing Hero

What did you like best about Plum Island? What did you like least?

The plot and mystery is just fantastic. However, The hero is just a big smart ass with agiant ego. When I read this book years back, I loved it. Listening made John Corry overbearing and trite.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Demille's knowledge and skillful writing describing Long Island and Plum Island is captivating. The story is a clever mystery. The ending was dissapointing because Demille seemed to use extreme, unrealtisic violence to abruptly end the story, as if he was tired of writing.

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

Ive listened to many of his performances and he never dissapoints.

Do you think Plum Island needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

There are at least four novels that follow this one, all of them excellent.

Dated, macho, but a good yarn.

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

Probably. I think back to Mr. Demille's early books, and The Charm School really stands out. I thought it was great when I read it, way back when. It didn't have the constantly smartass John Corey dominating it, as he does here. I would try another one, but I have a feeling that I might quit early. Scott Brick, OTOH, does a great job with this character, and I have read other books that he narrates. He's fun to listen to, and I don't have the reservations about him that some do.

If you’ve listened to books by Nelson DeMille before, how does this one compare?

I kinda answered that in the first question. The Charm School was great, and Plum Island is not great. It is a good story, with a plot that holds your attention, and a few characters who also do. I really enjoyed Emma Whitestone, and was genuinely sorry to hear her go. But I do have concerns about Mr. Demille's habit of writing epic bestsellers, as I feel that he is shooting low, and just cannot outgrow his show-offy personality. He does research carefully, and he can write.

What aspect of Scott Brick’s performance would you have changed?

An unusual question. I don't believe I would change anything. The villain is repulsive, but that is who he is supposed to be. I liked the end, which left you wondering about whether Corey and Beth would get together. She would be good for him, maybe rein in some of his egregiously macho takes on the world. I liked her, too.

Did Plum Island inspire you to do anything?

No. Not inclined to search for buried treasure.

the least enjoyable book of the John Corey series

overall I really enjoyed this author. that being said I have to say 80% of this book was a little dry and I was pretty disappointed in the dialog between characters.

"Are the Cows?"

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I love reader Scott Brick and author's short story the "Book Case" is a huge laugh. I loved the movie "the General Daughter" and Scott reads it too so I was pleased to listen to it.

I love this character, but this author is not my 1st choice. It is too long so the suspense pace is gone for me. I wanted to buy all of the John Cory series as I love his sense of humor...so off the wall and sometimes corny, but you laugh with him. Character is worth the 19 hrs, but the story does not for me

Would you be willing to try another book from Nelson DeMille? Why or why not?

I don't think so, just too wordy for me. His stories are great for film. This story would be a great movie.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

I love all he reads as he changes his pace, accents, and speed to become the character. His female voice is good and not many male readers could pull it off. I wish he would do a Sandra Brown read.
He has 600 reads and I am working my way down.

Do you think Plum Island needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I have 9 more hours of this book and like the Generals Daughter by author, I have missed the action as the pace is too slow for me. Thanks to new 1.25x speed, it moves the pace up just enough to help the author's intent.

Very average and predictable, but still enjoyable

I picked this up on a recommendation of a family member, and while I lied to them about my feelings on it, I won't lie to you. The narrator does a good job of giving voice to this easy detective novel following a murder of employees of a research facility, but it telegraphs its solution pretty early on if you're used to this genre, and the only thing left was the details of the how, as why and who are given up pretty early on. Still though, the how was interesting enough to keep me engaged, and this wouldn't be a terrible companion on a long drive, but there may be others more worthy.