The Maze

Former NYPD homicide detective John Corey returns as a private investigator looking into a series of murders in Long Island. The victims are sex workers whose bodies have been discovered in locations connected to an abandoned military facility. Working alongside his detective friend Beth Penrose, Corey must navigate bureaucratic obstacles and a complex web of clues. The investigation leads him through the dark corners of Suffolk County and into confrontations with dangerous suspects who may be connected to law enforcement. The case becomes increasingly personal for Corey as he races to prevent more killings while dealing with his own past trauma from previous cases. The abandoned military grounds serve as both a physical and psychological maze that must be untangled before more victims are claimed. The Maze continues DeMille's exploration of institutional corruption and the toll that violence takes on those who confront it. The novel examines how past and present collide in cycles of violence, while questioning who can truly be trusted with power and authority.

Readers report The Maze delivers fast-paced action and strong detective work through former NYPD homicide cop John Corey's investigation. They appreciate DeMille's signature sarcastic humor and Corey's witty one-liners, which provide relief from the dark subject matter. Many readers note the book captures the gritty atmosphere of Long Island and offers detailed insights into police procedure. Fans of the series say this entry maintains the quality of previous Corey novels. Common criticisms focus on repetitive dialogue, a slower middle section, and what some call excessive descriptions of clothing and locations. Several readers mention the plot feels formulaic compared to earlier books in the series. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (11,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (9,800+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (750+ ratings) "The perfect blend of humor and suspense" - Amazon reviewer "Too much filler, needed tighter editing" - Goodreads reviewer

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🔎 Author Nelson DeMille drew from his own experiences as a U.S. Army lieutenant in Vietnam while writing the military and combat scenes in "The Maze." 🏛️ The book's setting at Plum Island is based on a real government facility - the Plum Island Animal Disease Center - which has long been the subject of conspiracy theories and local legends. 🗓️ "The Maze" is the eighth book in DeMille's John Corey series, released in 2022 after a six-year gap since the previous installment. 🔍 The murder investigation in the novel involves the mysterious deaths of CIA agents, reflecting DeMille's recurring theme of exploring tensions between different U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies. 🌊 The Long Island Sound setting showcases DeMille's intimate knowledge of New York's coastal geography, as he has lived on Long Island for most of his life and frequently incorporates local landmarks into his works.