This was my first book by Nelson DeMille, the homicide detective John Corey series. Even though it is book 8 in the series it was easy to pick up the characters as a standalone. I didn’t care for the over the top cringeworthy personal relationships. The story moved a bit slow and predictable. Maybe Detective Corey should stay retired.

Thank you #NetGalley, #Scribner, #NelsonDeMille and #TheMaze for the readers copy for my honest review.

Enjoyed this one very much, another great suspense thriller from author Nelson DeMille. Never disappoints, highly recommend!

Review to come, I accidentally got this one and didn’t download before archive. Will read and update

I’ve read all the John Corey books and enjoyed most of them, generally the older books in the series. This one was disappointing.

As a longtime reader of Nelson DeMille, I was excited to read The Maze. It was not as great as his previous books. Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for providing me with an ARC of this novel for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This is a very interesting read and a definite page turner. I couldn’t put it down and I think you should pick up a copy and get yourself buried in the book too! Thanks for such a great book!

Finally got "round to" finishing this book. The main character 'John' is snarky, potty mouthed, and extremely arrogant. Probably not too far removed from anyone who has his credentials. Never quite sure if he is even likeable but some of his remarks can be funny. Almost over the top with "being in his head" comments. This book is a convoluted tale of corruption, under cover operations on top of operations and for the most part easy to follow. Quite different from the other 2 books of this author that I have read. I suppose you could say quite brilliant the way he has layered the characters and their machinations. You must stay right with it all the time or you will miss an important link to all the events he is investigating. Overall, a good read but beware of this character's "character". I read an advanced reader copy of this book and was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

The latest adventure of John Corey, one of Nelson Demille’s, and my, favorite heroes did not disappoint. As usual there is plenty to sink your teeth into, with an entertaining story and interesting characters as well as the expected John Corey humor. Although the ending did have a satisfactory conclusion, I felt the finale was a bit rushed and less satisfying than his previous books. While not quite reaching the same level as some of his other novels, I still rate this book highly and recommend it to fans of John Corey.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review. I have read several DeMille novels and while not my favorite this was still N enjoyable read. The John Corey character is one of my favorites so I was looking forward to reading this one. I found the pacing a bit slower than usual making it a difficult slow read. The action was slow to develop and I thought the suspense I usually get was lacking. Sorry but not one of my favorites.

While I loved Plum Island, my first experience with the irreverent John Corey, The Maze was sadly not anywhere near as interesting, captivating, or funny. The misogynistic internal comments stopped being funny and were increasingly crass and annoying. The mystery itself (based on a true as yet unsolved serial murderer) meandered everywhere, and the conclusion was “Meh.” Perhaps it is time for Mr DeMille to rest on the laurels of his prior novels.

"The Maze" by Nelson DeMille was a challenging read for me. Despite the promising premise and DeMille's reputable storytelling, I struggled to fully immerse myself in the narrative. Over time, I managed to finish it, appreciating its moments of intrigue and craftsmanship, but it didn't captivate me as hoped.

It took me awhile to finish this one. It was a good story just not really one for me but I can see why others would like it

I say this a lot, but I had no clue what to expect from The Maze by Nelson DeMille. I love going into books blind, because I feel like I have a better experience with the book.

Because of that, I had no clue that I was reading the 8th book in a series. Because of that, there were several things mentioned in the book that had happened previously in the series. Unfortunately for Nelson, this book didn't make me want to read the rest of the books. I just didn't like the MC enough to want to read more about him.

Main Characters who are kind of snarky and rude can be fun. I think Nelson was trying to channel John McClane from Die Hard a little too much. I didn't hate the book, but I also didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped I would. If I choose to recommend it, I will add the following caveat: Start with book one in the series, because if you start with book 8, like I did, you may not know what's going on. I, personally, don't like being confused, and not starting with book one was a little too confusing.

"The Maze" by Nelson DeMille presents a gripping narrative inspired by real-life events, following the pursuit of a serial killer targeting sex workers. John, the main character, infuses the story with his sarcastic wit, adding a layer of humor that resonates from the first chapter, providing a refreshing tone amidst the darkness.

Despite being part of a series, the book adeptly provides enough backstory for standalone reading, ensuring new readers can immerse themselves in the plot seamlessly. However, the "lovey-dovey" scenes feel contrived and overly sentimental, diminishing the overall intensity of the narrative. Furthermore, the story occasionally feels drawn out and excessively verbose, testing the reader's patience as the plot unfolds.

As John delves deeper into the investigation, suspicions arise regarding the local police's failure to solve the mystery, hinting at darker forces at play. While the book offers moments of intrigue and humor, its pacing and verbosity may deter readers seeking a more streamlined thriller experience.

I have never read any of Nelson Demille’s best selling novels, and after reading The Maze, I am not inclined to read any others in the future. This work in the John Coerynseries centers on the retired NYPD detective’s investigation into a series of murders inspired by the real-life Gilgo Beach murders. The book is repetitive and the action drags. Although he has impressive investigative skills, the main character is an offensive misogynist who spews crude, sexist humor. I had difficulty finishing the book.

I am a DeMille fan but his book was a big disappointment. The storyline started with promise. It was enough to make me want to keep reading. The threat of action i.e. the Russians were after John and he had to carry a gun. Speaking of mazes, his love life and history of women was a winner. As the story slowly unfolded, it became difficult to track. By Chapter 5 I became bored. There was no closure in his personal life i.e. his marriage to Kate, which was mentioned frequently. The ending was predictable. The basement and the chase in the maze – before it happened I knew who his enemies were. I hope his next book will bring us back to the old DeMille style.

Like very book I've ever read that Nelson De Mille wrote, this one was 5 stars all the way. One of the best authors I've ever found!

A good read for fans of action-packed thrillers with a humorous twist. This book is a fast-paced ride through the world of an ex-cop with a knack for solving crimes in his own unique style.

Thank you to NetGalley, Scribner and author Nelson DeMille for the opportunity to review the advance copy of this book.

Book Review: The Maze by Nelson DeMille

The Maze is book eight in the John Corey series. In this novel John Corey is in his uncle’s beach house again recovering from wounds he received in his last investigation when he’s approached about assisting with a local case.

The Maze finds John Corey recovering from wounds he received in the line of duty. He is currently between wives and girlfriends after wife number two moved to Washington D.C. and his affair with his former partner fizzled out after their case ended. Now he’s on three-quarter disability and recovering in Uncle’s Harry’s beach house while he contemplates his next move. When former girlfriend Detective Beth Penrose and local chief Sylvester Maxwell hear he is in town they immediately corner him about helping with a local murder and corruption case involving a private investigation firm. John’s mission is to infiltrate the group made up of ex-law enforcement to find out the extent of their crimes and their connection to the deaths of sex workers.

Let me preface this by saying I’m a John Corey Superfan. I’ve read the entire series and I’ve loved all of them but in The Maze he barely resembles the character I’ve loved for the previous seven books. It’s like ChatGP took a bunch of Nelson DeMille books and dated frat boy jokes used them both to create more than 400 pages of total nonsense. When I say the jokes are dated and unfunny let’s just say there is a “Bermuda triangles” joke about nude beaches that is the peak level of humor. Literally nothing happens in the first eighteen chapters except a baffling second chance romance with the detective Beth Penrose (he dumped her for wife #2 and she literally never mentions it) and there isn’t even a inkling about what he’s supposed to be investigating until the book is almost at the halfway mark. The book would have been so much better if it was just a short story that took place the last fifteen percent of the book because that’s where all the good stuff happens. The pacing, mystery and action are poorly laid out and the whole thing just seems like an excuse to get John into two sexual relationships at the same time plus hang out with strippers.

There is very little to recommend about this book. Read the previous seven and pretend this one doesn’t exist.

Read The Maze a while ago and forgot to add a review. First book I’ve read by this author and found the book to be well written, fast paced and believable. The main characters have a past and need to work together to solve and expose the criminals behind murders, disappearances and possibly drug dealing and trafficking. Well worth the read.