The Second Deadly Sin

By: Lawrence Sanders

Narrated by: Marc Vietor

Lawrence Sanders's masterpiece, The First Deadly Sin, set a standard for today's novels of psychological suspense. Now, retired Captain Ed Delaney returns to a distinctly urban milieu of paranoia and impulsive violence to solve a brutal murder that shocks New York's unshockable art world.

The victim is Victor Maitland. Long-considered one of the world's greatest artists, he excelled in capturing the beauty of life on canvas. In private, he destroyed whomever he pleased: his wife, his son, his mistress, his dearest friends and family. Fittingly, Maitland has paid for his sins. But in a world where self-delusion is rewarded, where greed triumphs, and where murder is just another art, who else will pay the price?

Prolong the suspense: follow the further crime-solving career of Edward X. Delaney.©1977 Lawrence Sanders (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Almost as good as the First

I liked this story and the shorter length was about right. My only complaint is that I was awaiting one final twist that never occurred. It made sense to me if "envy" is the sin referred to. As it turned out, the "perp" seemed more to suffer from avarice. Maybe the numbering system for the sins varies. All that nonsense aside, we once again had great character development and a well-conceived plot. If you enjoyed the first, you will enjoy the second. I'll keep listening.

Dated language makes a good story less effective

This detective story is about 35 years old, and the dated language from the late 70s waters down a good mystery with good characters, making it almost seem like a cliche. Sadly, while it might have made it a better novel when it was published, it means that it doesn't stand up as well over time. The winning piece in the package is the performance, a narrator who brings a really believable voice to Chief Edward X. Delaney - but it's not enough to bring the audiobook above a 3 out of 5.

Gold. Solid Gold!

Read this about 40 years ago. Loved the story then, and even more now with the excellent narration. If you like vintage whodunits, this “read” won’t disappoint.

Love the Edward X Delany stories.

This was a great read. I liked this book better than the first one and it had a better conclusion than the first book.

Not as good as the first DS, but worth the buy!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I've read the first deadly sin, and this one doesn't compare to that one! Although it was a good mystery novel, to me there were no twists, turns, no room for guessing. Straight to the point and more practical than theological or psychological as the first one. But very good buy and more variety of interesting characters and personalities! Enjoy!