Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for accepting my request to read and review The Maze.

Author: Nelson DeMille
Published: 10/11/22
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) -- Mystery & Thrillers

Argh 432 pages hearing Charlie Brown's teacher: blah blah blah blah with swear words sometimes entwined and other times just spewed randomly. John Corey is back with book #8. I'm at a loss for words. John is roughly 40 and freely walks, talks, and thinks like at best a 15-year-old. When he is not talking about getting or wanting oral sex, he does elaborate on past escapades.

John and Beth apparently are reunited in book #8, and under normal circumstances I would ask why. The Maze is not a normal circumstance. Their relationship was full of I love you from her, him following up wanting sex, to her hiring him to work with prostitutes but not have thoughts or urges. There was a lot of bantering.

The story moved slowly. I wondered for a long time if I had been duped. I was not entertained. Two stars is generous.

Definitely not a favorite read for me.
I really like the character of John Corey and to say I was a bit disappointed with him in The Maze is a understatement. Having to say this is not what I was expecting to say in my review. The author had him saying (or, thinking) the most insane, sexist remarks and just general unnecessary things. Why???? Ok he’s a lady man. We get it. Definitely a hard read for me to get through.
With that said, I will be looking forward to reading the next book in the series just to see if I can get through it without much eye rolling and grimacing.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Maze is book nine in the John Corey series, but horror of horrors it’s the first book I have read in the series. I didn’t have any trouble picking up this book and taking off. John is a former NYPD detective who worked with the FBI and some federal agency that handles foreign dignitaries. Now in forced retirement from a partial disability sustained on the job, John is a wise guy sitting around waiting to die. A former girlfriend and friend pushes John to take a job with a sleazy PI firm and John’s hackles are raised as he knows there’s more to the story. The perfect blend of smart aleck, fearless, and vigilante John takes the hard way to justice in a wild ride of a thriller. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

This is the eighth and very last book in the John Corey series. I haven't read any of the others, but I was interested in trying one since Lisa Scottoline mentioned it on her Facebook page. I found this works well as a standalone. There was enough background information in the beginning that I felt that I was up to date with where John Corey was in his life.

First of all, I wasn't all that thrilled about John Corey's attitude. In a way, he comes across as a guy who gets along reasonably well with the ex girlfriends and wives in his life; however, the constant references about his sex life in the first chapter were over the top, and not at all amusing or interesting.

The story itself was pretty good, so overall I think this is a four star book.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I really enjoy Nelson Demille's book and am always excited to get my hands on a new one. But I didn't really like this one. John Corey was amusing in the past, with his HUGE ego (he is the BEST detective, lover, soldier, etc) and his cocky disregard for anyone else's ideas or viewpoint. But this time, it was just all too much.

Police Chief Maxwell and Holly Penrose, who we first met in Plum Island, again figure prominently in this story. Corey has been dismissed AGAIN from a job and is AGAIN passing time at his uncle's place when he is drawn into the investigation of a local PI firm who may be just a little too good, or a little too lucky, or a little too bent. Corey hires on as a consultant to help them get their operation working better and also find out exactly what else they are involved in.

Of course, he knows better than anyone else how to go about this task, and he disregards any and all warning signs and warnings and, once again, almost gets himself killed.

He doesn't really get the evidence that is needed to take down the corrupt officials and PI firm, but he DOES put them out of business.

This is the eighth John Corey book in the series. The book has 46 chapters and a total of about 377 pages.

The story is told from John Corey’s first-person perspective, and right away you will have an idea of Corey’s personality within the first few pages. Corey’s character is clearly a throwback to a different time, and while I think it is possible to write a compelling character with these kinds of thoughts, it felt to me like the author was trying way too hard to force this “politically incorrect humor” into the story. To me it made Corey seem more like a teenager than a seasoned homicide detective, and since the entire story is filtered through this perspective, it is difficult to enjoy the book if you don’t love this character.

Personally, I wasn’t the biggest fan of this one. I didn’t love the idea of taking real life unsolved crimes and incorporating them into this questionable plot, as it felt somehow disrespectful to the victims and the real detectives that worked on those cases. There wasn’t a ton of action, or clever plot twists, and you have to deal with a main character that just seemed like a forced caricature. Ultimately, your enjoyment of this book will likely depend on how you respond to John Corey, and if you totally love him, then for you that might make up for everything else.

I love the Nelson DeMille writing style and John Corey is a great character. I laughed a lot, like I always do with DeMille. The non-verbal conversations are spot on. If you are a John Corey fan, this book will not disappoint. The only challenge I had with this one is the story was a bit bland and not really believable. If you are looking for a light and easy read, this does the trick but lacking any real substance, it may not be for everyone.

The Maze is book six in the John Corey series. This is my first book to read in this series. I might have had a different opinion if I had read the previous books, but I did not find this one interesting or even entertaining. Nor did I appreciate the many references to drinking or his love life. Sorry but this book was not for me.

When I saw that Nelson DeMille had a book on Net Galley I knew I had to request it I love John Corey and couldn’t wait to read it. John Cory is offered a job with Security Solutions and his initial reaction is a definite hard no. He told the head slime ball at the company he would think about it only because Max referred him and not because he was really going to think about it. Later that night however he set up to have drinks with Beth and true to form the relationship begins a new and she convinces him that he should be an investigator but should investigate Security Solutions he decides to do it but it seems the deeper he gets the closer to home the more desperate concluding the investigation becomes. Will he make it out alive and him can he protect those he cares about? I have enjoyed these books since Plum Island and I saw in another review. Wrote the reviewer said John Cory was a bit crass when he talked about women that he should change with the times but I think it’s great that the author stay true to the character because we are not seeing the public persona of John Corey we’re seeing him in his every day life dealing with the underground and I certainly enjoyed this book and felt like I was visiting an old friend. I can’t wait to see if there’s another book because I absolutely love these books and highly recommend it. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate most of my review.

I hate writing negative reviews. It’s a very rare book that receives a two-star or less review from me. And to Nelson DeMille of all people- he’s been a best-seller forever!

But I didn’t enjoy this book. The Maze’s protagonist John Corey is a caricature of the anti-hero. Self-obsessed, hard-drinking, sex-driven and smartassed. Those are things we bad-boy-loving readers usually go for, but this guy is so over-blown it's kinda embarrassing. Plus also, where’s the action?! I was 87% through the book before anyone pulled a gun. And ultimately the murders are not solved, only punished for. I’m sorry Mr. DeMille, I’m take a pass on any more John Corey books.

This is my first Nelson DeMille book, and (obviously) my first in this character's series. Unfortunately, it did not work for me.

I mean, within the first few chapters, we're already talking about all the enemies he has and his paranoia that everyone is out to get him. Reading that for over 400 pages was excessive. I think the character had potential, but he probably should have actually retired a few books ago.

It's been 7 years since the last John Corey book, Radiant Angel, but our low brow hero of the hour has not aged for the better. In THE MAZE, John joins a security company to ferret out corrupt and criminal individuals. Along the way, we are treated to John's ever sarcastic, often vulgar and obscene, opinions on life and mankind. I've always loved Nelson DeMille's books, this one I just enjoyed. I'll read the next one too,but I'll not give THE MAZE a place of honor in my bookcase.

If you've followed John Corey in Nelson DeMille's series about the headstrong crimefighter, you're in luck. "The Maze" is more than 300 pages of Corey at his best - sarcastic, single and ready for trouble. I recommend the audiobook so you get a sense of the protagonist's dry wit and naughtiness. No matter the media choice, be prepared for a twisted tale. You know where you think the plot is going, but with DeMille, you can never be sure. Corey is reunited with an old flame who just happened to save his life in an earlier novel. He and Beth make a good pair, even though honesty is a stretch of interpretation for them both. Their story moves a bit slow in places, but the outcome is a true DeMille production. Let's hope this isn't the last we hear of this two gun-toting lovers.

The Maze Review

This book had some of the Demille wit I’ve missed with the last book. Saying the name of the previous book still brings disgust to my mind on how far removed it was from what I came to expect from a Corey book.

The 8th John Corey book in the series continues the decline of quality that Radiant Angel started. The story starts out slowly; a lot, I mean A LOT, of talking that could have been condensed down from the 60% or so of the book that it occupied. Repetition could have been removed to streamline as well - the repeated mentions of Plum Island, Kate and Walsh, etc, which would have moved the story along quicker.

Once the action finally starts, around 70%, sadly, it’s somewhat predictable since the reader has the first 60% of the book to let the mind wander as the eyes glaze over. A complaint of mine would be that there’s no solid conclusion after all of the buildup of the story but without an epilogue, the book ended sooner so I shouldn’t complain too much.

In summary, this story was dull, flat and boring with over half of the book having limited action with little to entice the reader before rushing along to a neat finish that leaves the story hanging. This isn’t the same Demille that wrote the first six Corey books and I’m going to have to quit him if this continues. I wanted to DNF this one at 10% out of boredom and lack of interest but kept reading because it’s an ARC.

Thank you to Scribner and Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC.

The author brings back John Corey from Plum Island in this book that focuses on a plot inspired the Gilgo Beach murders. The character, John Corey, is brought back into this plot by his ex-girlfriend Detective Beth Benrose after he was forced to retire from his last position as a federal agent. The book may appear to have a slow start to some, but if you haven’t read the sequels this will help the readers have the back history. I personally liked the book and love the John Corey series that started with Plum Island. I recommend the book and the author.

I’ve been a fan of Nelson DeMille’s work for a number of decades, but I must admit it’s been quite a few years since I last picked up one of his books. That being said, I couldn’t resist a new John Corey novel. Plum Island was the first of DeMille’s novels that I read so it was so cool to see the return of some familiar faces. The story is inspired by the real life/unsolved Gilgo Beach murders (aka the Long Island serial killer). It was so good to see John Corey back in action and in classic DeMille style, he weaves a complex tale full of twists and turns. I’d like to thank Scribner and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an eARC of The Maze.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-maze-nelson-demille/1137938568?ean=9781982185367&bvnotificationId=0ccf06b3-497c-11ed-9dbc-0ecef71c9621&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/219600122

Having heard good things about Nelson DeMille for years, I decided to give his work a try with this book. Maybe I started in the wrong place in the series, but unfortunately I’m not inclined to try any others. The problem is not that the protagonist, John Corey, is obnoxious, though that’s true; it’s that his compulsion to make an idiotic remark every five seconds just takes too long—and frankly makes the story boring. Even when the guy manages to deliver dialogue that isn’t flippant/rude/inappropriate, the text still drags needlessly, because now we get *both* versions: what he said, and an aside about what what he wanted to say but didn’t (usually because it would have compromised his chances with a woman). Instead of enjoying what was probably meant to be banter (though it was generally too mean-spirited or obnoxious to be amusing), I found myself wishing this jerk would just shut up and start solving a crime already.

10% of the way into the book, I was already having to force myself to plow ahead, because nothing showed any signs of happening. The one random thing that kept me going was that Corey happens to be reading a Nero Wolfe novel and makes references to it. Those old-school mysteries were fun, and I thought there might be entertainment value in seeing Corey react to Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin in The Rubber Band. In fact, his comments about the novels (unsurprisingly) seem limited to remarking that the title reminded him of the contents of his nightstand and observing that Nero Wolfe never seems to have sex. If Corey fancies himself an Archie Goodwin type, he’s very much mistaken. Archie Goodwin needles the cops and is often flippant, but he’s not actually a self-absorbed jerk. He manages to do productive things in between talking, and he even lasts more than 5 minutes without saying something moronic.

A third of the way through the book, there's been a lot of unnecessary talk and still no crime. By this point in a detective novel—especially if I’m putting up with an annoying narrator—I generally like the PI to have an actual case to solve and the investigation to be well underway. This story just takes too long to get going, and if you’re bored while waiting for a case to show up, you need someone better to hang out with than John Corey.

Thanks to Netgalley and Scribner for a digital advance review copy.

I’ve read a few of John Corey’s stories and really enjoy his internal dialogues, they are so much fun, sometimes crazy. The man thinks too highly of himself but is also aware of his weaknesses. His relationship with Beth was crazy, but that seems to be normal for him with women.

I liked the background of the unsolved murders and the three sort of friends coming together to investigate the criminal behavior of the people at the PI business. The cast of crooked cops and politicians seemed pretty extreme, but there were always the questions of who were involved and to what extent. The thing that always draws me in is Corey’s attitudes about himself and the women in his life, plus the danger that he seems to find impossible to resist. He almost seems to have a death wish, but somehow seems to survive every time.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance e-copy of “The Maze, a John Corey Novel”, by Nelson DeMille and to Scribner, Simon & Schuster, Inc. This is my honest review.

Nelson Demille is back with arguably his best character John Corey. Nelson has such a unique way of writing a thriller. Sarcasm and humor is mixed in so well with the thriller and mystery parts of the book. Readers who have awaited a new John Corey novel will not be disappointed. Loved this book and I hope he continues bringing him back for future novels. Highly recommended!

This is the eighth in the John Corey series. Since Nelson DeMille is such a popular, best selling author and I hadn’t read any of his books since Plum Island, the first John Corey installment, I wanted to read The Maze.

John Corey is retired from the NYPD due to being wounded in action and has worked for several federal agencies since. Now relaxing at his uncle’s house on the north shore of Long Island, he is approached by a former girlfriend and the local chief of police, a longtime friend, and encouraged to take a job with a private investigation firm. He wants no part of the job, but realizes there must be something more to this request and takes the position on a temporary basis to investigate just what is going on. Is this agency tied to the deaths of at least nine prostitutes in the area? And just what are some of the local police and politicians doing attending lewd “Thirsty Thursday” events at the agency?

I was really put off by the main character. Told from a first person POV, John does have a very funny, sarcastic sense of humor, but his misogynist, adolescent behavior and remarks made him insufferable. Oh, and he thinks he is the gods gift to women. The story dragged. It took to almost the halfway point for the plot to be revealed and nearly to the end for anything to really occur. A lot of time was spent with endless talk about what he was going to do and only in the last chapter did the reader see some action, albeit a bit unrealistic. There really wasn’t much of a mystery and it wasn’t fully resolved.