I’ve been reading Nelson deMille books for a long time – I first met Detective John Corey last century (!) when I read and enjoyed Plum Island (1997). And I have often enjoyed a bit of wisecracking from my protagonists (think RBP’s Spenser). I REALLY enjoyed Plum Island and Lion’s Game – and Nightfall? Wow, an all-time favorite. But since about 2015 (Radiant Angel, The Cuban Affair, and The Deserter), I have been increasingly annoyed by the books, particularly by John Corey. One thing about Robert B. Parker’s Spenser is that yes, he did some wisecracking, but he ALSO could be serious and he made some excellent social commentary while chasing bad guys and solving mysteries. 

Now here we are in 2022, and I happily accepted the opportunity (thanks to Scribner and NetGalley) to read The Maze, the latest (#8, I think) in the John Corey series – in return for my honest review. I was debating whether to start this book or the latest from Scott Turow, and I chose The Maze, thinking it might be just what I needed to take my mind off the news…

Nelson, it’s not you, it’s me. I think. Or maybe it’s John Corey. I was only in Chapter 1, a paltry 2% into the book, and JC says, “I haven’t had sex in so long I can’t remember who brings the handcuffs,” followed rather quickly by “I try not to have impure thoughts, but my dick has been unemployed longer than I have.” <sigh>. I see where this one is headed, and I just cannot bear it. Again, I love thrillers with a male protagonist, even enjoy the wisecracks and politically incorrect stuff, and sex is always good when it fits the story. But the truth is I just don’t like John Corey and frankly I don’t care if he gets through the  “dangerous hunt for an apparent serial killer who has murdered nine—and maybe more—prostitutes and hidden their bodies in the thick undergrowth on a lonely stretch of beach.” I’m sure there are many fans of deMille, John Corey, and serial killers who will like it. Just not for me. DNF. Two stars (and one of those is for good memories of earlier efforts by NdM. Bring on Scott Turow!