The Maze

Written by Nelson DeMille

Narrated by Scott Brick

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille returns with a “genuinely thrilling” (The New York Times) suspense novel featuring his most popular character, former NYPD homicide detective John Corey, called out of retirement to investigate a string of grisly murders—inspired by the actual Gilgo Beach murders.

In his #1 New York Times bestseller Plum Island, Nelson DeMille introduced readers to NYPD Homicide Detective John Corey, who we first met on the back porch of his uncle’s waterfront mansion on Long Island, recovering from wounds incurred in the line of duty.

Six novels later, The Maze finds Corey on the same porch, having survived new law enforcement roles and romantic relationships—wiser and more sarcastic than ever. Corey is restless and looking for action, so when his former lover Detective Beth Penrose appears with a job offer, Corey has to once again make some decisions about his career—and about reuniting with Beth.

Inspired by the real-life Gilgo Beach murders, The Maze takes us on a dangerous hunt for an apparent serial killer who has murdered nine—and maybe more—sex workers and hidden their bodies in the thick undergrowth on a lonely stretch of beach.

As Corey digs deeper into this case, he comes to suspect that the failure of the local police to solve this sensational mystery may not be a result of their incompetence—it may be something else. Something more sinister.

Featuring John Corey’s politically incorrect humor and brilliant, unorthodox investigative skills, The Maze “finally gives DeMille’s readers the John Corey fix they’ve been craving,” along with the shocking plot twists that are the trademark of the bestselling author Nelson DeMille, “the master of smart, entertaining suspense” (Bookreporter).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Oct 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781797122281

Nelson DeMille

Nelson DeMille is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-two novels, seven of which were #1 New York Times bestsellers. His novels include The Maze, The Deserter (written with Alex DeMille), The Cuban Affair, Word of Honor, Plum Island, The Charm School, The Gold Coast, and The General’s Daughter, which was made into a major motion picture, starring John Travolta and Madeleine Stowe. He has written short stories, book reviews, and articles for magazines and newspapers. Nelson DeMille is a combat-decorated US Army veteran, a member of Mensa, Poets & Writers, and the Authors Guild, and past president of the Mystery Writers of America. He is also a member of the International Thriller Writers, who honored him as 2015 ThrillerMaster of the Year. He lives on Long Island with his family.

Reviews for The Maze

[Mari · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Not even Scott Brick's narration could save The Maze. I listened to over 2.5 hours of this mess and am giving it up because there are many, many, MANY other books and activities that are more worth the 13 hours remaining. When you realize you are dreading, rather than looking guard, to returning to a book, that says it all.

I loved the early John Corey books such as Plum Island and Nightfall but now Corey has just gotten worse in all the negative areas - how he views women, terrorists, etc. I did not need to know that he hasn't had sex in however long and if he's gong to harp on Kate possibly having an affair maybe he shouldn't be anticipating one with Beth. I didn't get far enough to find out how that went. I was too busy hoping either the Russians or middle east guys were able to put him out of my misery. My only regret is I couldn't give this book zero or negative stars.

[Emily Lassiter Branch · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I've loved so many books by Nelson DeMille, including his John Corey series, and so was anxious to dive into this latest installment. And while most of the elements of the previous books were still there, overall this one was a bit disappointing for me. It's a shame, because I'd hoped that a book that's loosely based on a series of actual murders would've been more compelling, but for me it just...wasn't. Much of my disappointment came from the repetitive nature of this one - so many points were made over and over and over, as though DeMille didn't think the readers would be able to retain the information previously given. And while John Corey isn't known for always making the smart decision in a dangerous situation, this time his poor decision-making skills felt really over the top. Keeping him politically incorrect is fine, the occasional error in judgement is fine and actually expected (and human) - but don't make him too-stupid-to-live, and this came dangerously close to that for me. None of these flaws kept me from finishing the book, and it did have it's entertaining moments. And honestly, had it been another author I'd probably have been more forgiving. But I've come to expect more from this one. But still - when his next book comes out I'll be anxious to see where he goes. Because he's Nelson DeMille, and I know how good he can be, and hopefully will be again.
Thanks to Netgalley and Scribner for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

[Julie Booth · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love Nelson demeal books and I love Scott brick narrations. John Corey who is the main character is a wise guy and a bit of a smart a**. In Scott brick knows how to make it sound so fun. I am going to look for more like this.

[Robert Conchie · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

One of the more disappointing DeMille novel. 12 out of the 14 hour are John Corey ranting in an annoying sociopathic manner.

[Laurel Girard · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Great premise, but I can’t get past the 1940 ish opening, like the guy is a modern day gumshoe.

[Angel White · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I haven't read any part of this series, and after reading this book I don't want to read any more of it.

This book was excruciating to get through. John Corey was absolutely horrid, and I could not stand any part of him. I also couldn't stand the repetition of his big plan and how full of himself he was. I get that he's a big bad cop and he's famous for the things he has done but I don't need to hear about it every other word. Nor do I need to read him constantly mentioning himself in the third person.

I have seen mixed reviews from readers who have actually read the previous books in this series and how they can't stomach this one either. That has to say something about where this series is going and I'm neither interested in going back no forward with it.

[Chris C · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Might be the worst of the John Corey series .... but that is still better than 95% of other author's best. If you have read the Corey books and enjoyed them you'll enjoy this one...just a little less.

[Pete S · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

John Correy sucks. He basically murdered two people because his side piece was suspicious. He never found any evidence, and the one murder he never solved. How is he not serving a life sentence? How is this guy the "hero"?

[Gary Brinkman · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I was so looking forward to this book as it has been forever since we got a John Corey novel. But I was incredibly disappointed. It almost seemed like someone else wrote this as it didn’t seem like the same character.

And the story was just not good. I lost count of the number it times John mentioned his big plan which seemed like a stupid plan, but he just kept going on and on about it. And I also do not recall so much inner dialogue from the character. It seems like that had more diarrhea the actual dialogue in the story.