I am a John Corey fan. I love his quirky personality and dry humor. I found this story, however, to be a little disappointing. There wasn't much of the action and suspense that I expect from a Nelson DeMille story. John Corey decides to help the local police with an investigation in to a series of killings that took place on Long Island by going undercover at a private investigations firm. It is immediately apparent that the firm is filled with sleazy individuals and is a hot bed of very bad behavior. I felt it took too long to get to the climax of the story and I had a hard time sticking with it in the middle. Even though this isn't my favorite John Corey story, I'm glad I finished it and I'm looking forward to the next one.

As a longtime fan of Nelson DeMille, I was really excited when Scribners graciously granted me access to an ARC of DeMille's latest John Corey novel, "The Maze." I have been following DeMille's canon since the publication of
"By The Rivers of Babylon" many years ago, so the reader should keep in mind that I am not precisely unbiased in my assessment of "The Maze." Many of DeMille's novels grace my shelves, and he has seldom disappointed me.
"The Maze" is no exception. It features as its protagonist, an ex NYPD cop named John Corey, and the skillfully and colorfully drawn persona of this officer is at the center of any understanding of DeMille's present popularity. Corey is not simply a kind of throwback police officer (think of Clint Eastwood's portrayal of "Dirty Harry" for an analogous character) but is a kind of commentator on cultural matters, and his commentary, frequently hilarious but spot on, is often internal so that the reader witnesses the kind of self censorship that is seemingly so prevalent in our modern culture. While the events related in the novel are directly related to a real world crime that has yet to be solved, the story is really about this character, whose skillsets and attitudes clearly belong to an earlier America. John Corey, like Dirty Harry, is clearly a creature whose values and ways of reacting to his society are rooted in a very different vision of the past than that which today is often characterized as politically correct. If you allow yourself to appreciate John's views for what they are, you cannot fail to recognize parts of him in any number of men that you know. Love him or hate him, but he is a hard man to ignore. I left this book reluctantly, for it is refreshing and invigorating to peer at our society and its foibles through the unreconstructed eyes of a man like John Corey.

I hadn’t read DeMille in awhile and I’m wondering why. I liked the story and the main character John Corey is quirky and you never know what he is going to do next. I am going to be putting DeMille on my must read list. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

John Corey left the NYPD before the first book in this series, eight books ago, after he was shot in the line of duty. Since then he has fought various terrorists, home grown and international. This book starts with something that is much smaller potatoes - John getting a job with a rural Long island private investigation business. The pacing of this book is slower than the earlier books, but it is told in the first person by Corey, with all the irreverence we have come to expect in this series. The publicity for this book trumpets his un-PC commentary. Plus, his interest in age-inappropriate women continues - he turns up his nose at women his own age, but he pursues a twenty-something woman. Both appeared in the first book and all of them since, but they have gotten a little old twenty five years later.

Read the first book in the series, Plum Island, before reading this book. Books are usually better in order, and that's true here, too. If you have read the rest of the series, then this will be a fine addition, although it might be a little slower than what you expect.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very good book very action packed Glad he is still writing books Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this book

Another terrific John Corey book. Just suspend belief and enjoy. His character is well written and consistent throughout the series. A fun read.

I have been a long time fan of the John Corey series. I’ve enjoyed all the other books, but this one wasn’t enjoyable. I found it to be unnecessarily crass, repetitive and somewhat boring. I expect more action from a John Corey book. The majority of this book was build up and a very brief amount of action with very little resolve on the major crime that was constantly mentioned in the first part of the book. I’d assume to set up for the next book. I’m not totally writing off the series and if another book is released I’ll give it a shot, but this one was the worst of the series.

Twists and a turns. dead ends. backtrack. Just as in a Maze. Another stunner by Nelson DeMille. We’ll fleshed out characters and a unique plot. Won’t want to put this one down.

I’m a huge fan of John Corey novels and was excited to grab this one. The character is unique, quirky and you never know how he is going to respond in situations. I find myself laughing and wondering what he is going to get into next. There is no shortage of suspense and excitement in this story and I found myself unable to put it down. If you love his novels and this character, make sure to grab this one.

Say it isn't so! The time has come for John Corey and I to part ways. As a huge fan of the John Corey series, it saddens me greatly to say this, however, such is life.

While I have always loved the witty, dry sarcastic humor of John Corey, I'll admit that I had a hard time with the newest installment in this series. I just couldn't take the "humor" and though I laughed every once in a while, for the most part, I found the character John Corey to be offensive. I used to find him extremely funny, and perhaps he was, however, times change and now, John Corey comes off as a misogynistic pig. Truth be told, the issue could simply be that I've become more self and socially aware and John has not. Either way, I am now the wrong reader for this series.

The mystery itself also left much to be desired, though I enjoyed John Corey reuniting with Beth Penrose, his old flame.

While this book wasn't for me, there were several laughs thus, don't let my review sway you from reading this one.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster via NetGalley for the arc.

Nelson DeMille unashamedly, unabashedly knows his audience and he always delivers. And if his latest book is not, well, a peak performance piece, there is still a base level of entertainment totally worth the admission price. For DeMille’s – and ex-cop, ex-agent John Corey’s - latest, base entertainment is best we are going to get.

The Maze features the long-anticipated return of John Corey, wise ass smart guy numero uno. Following Corey’s previous outing, 2015’s Radiant Angel, the hero has left the federal agencies behind and explores a new plan: forced retirement. But for someone like John Corey, retirement ain’t all Budweisers by the Bay… unless of course that sounds like paradise. Enter Long Island Detective, and former flame, Beth Penrose who has a mission for the Scotch-drinking scallywag. A number of murders – all lady-of-the-night types – have been loosely linked to a sleazy PI firm on the Island. Beth’s lovely looks and open liquor cabinet convince John to infiltrate the agency in hopes to expose massive countywide corruption and bring the murder victims some justice. Easy, right? Right.

DeMille, and the reader, effortlessly slips into Corey’s pressed khakis and bulletproof-liver. John always provides a good read and DeMille spends plenty of time – okay, truthfully, way too much time – getting back into his pun-a-minute head. So much so that the true plot does not fully materialize into well past a third of the book. Once the criminal impetus is outlined, and John’s marching orders are actualized, DeMille then slips into a terrible pattern of repetition. Corey reviews his plans, both investigative and frivolous, over and over. And over again.

Even worse? The amount of inner dialogue and wheel spinning significantly reduces the overall narrative. The climax rushes into a surprising and not overly-gratifying end. Once DeMille gets deep into the mystery of The Maze, the story goes on auto-pilot and becomes a retread of Night Fall, one of DeMille and Corey’s best. If John Corey’s saga was a long beach, The Maze is that hot, soft sand you run right through in order to get to the cool surf, and good times, ahead.

The Maze, like its namesake, is full of questionable dead ends and tempting lines that lead to nothing more than feints. Sometimes there is excitement in getting lost. Other times, those paths are frustrating. DeMille succeeds in delivering an easy adventure albeit a weary one as those already well-trod trails are set upon again and again.

John Corey deserves the best of send offs. And perhaps it is not yet his time. After all, cool cats like John always need a place a scratch.


A raised glass of Dewar’s to Scribner for the advanced copy, a gift I am always thankful for.

What a thrilling read! John Cory is funny, arrogant and lacks impulse control. For the women, he is a lady killer. For the men, he is probably a much admired hero. The last book I read by this author was Plum Island and I had forgotten what his writing entailed. John Cory has a tongue in cheek humor, that is very entertaining. The book is action packed with plenty of scenes that had me chewing my nails and wondering how one person can be so ballsy. And, there is romance. In fact, Beth his leading lady, is just as devious as he is. Can you tell that I really, really enjoyed this book? I am going back to read the other 6 books in the series that I somehow missed out on (sucked into rom- com and literary fiction, and not enough time to read every book)
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner Publishing for the DRC. In exchange I am leaving an honest, heartfelt review.

I've been a John Corey fan pretty much from the beginning and I couldn't be happier to see him back. This may not be DeMille's best John Corey ever, but it's close enough. Okay, it is slow developing. R-e-a-l-l-y slow. At the 50% mark, almost nothing had actually happened. But hang in there. It does get better.

Still, here's what I'm left wondering.

Is it possible that John Corey is... well, a little out of style? What's the audience in 2022 for a wiseass American ex-cop who attacks everything as a lone wolf cowboy, resorts almost immediately to violence as his only problem-solving tool, and who is gleefully, aggressively misogynistic?

You couldn't make a Dirty Harry movie today. Can you sell a John Corey novel? I hope so, but I'm a long way from sure of it.

I have read all of the John Corey novels and absolutely love the character! The Maze did not disappoint - it had all the elements of Nelson DeMille's genius writing style. The danger loving detective was there in his full glory, with his fun, tongue in cheek humor.

This story was similar in style to a few of the previous DeMilles. There was a long set up to the "event", and then it all happens in the last chapters. Beth Penrose, a previous love interest appears in this story as the instigator of an investigative "scheme" that John Corey signs on to. Corey, of course, won't follow her directives exactly, and the "event" does not go as Beth may have planned, but as Corey seems fit, to fulfill his love of excitement and success.

I would have only changed a couple of things. I would have loved to have had a better idea of what the Maze actually looked like. I think I could have visualized the end of the book more accurately if I had somehow seen the Maze. And second, I get a little annoyed at Corey's fascination with his personal body part and would have left that part of the story out.

Highly recommend The Maze to all lovers of Nelson DeMille's writing, especially the John Corey novels.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Maze.

Nelson DeMille has always been one of my favorite writers, I love John Corey series, they are my favorite , the a cop with a alot of thoughts that he doesn't say out loud. lots of funny thought and true thoughts that he doesn't dare to say, If you enjoy Nelson DeMille , and the John Corey stories, you'll enjoy this book,. I hope to read more book of Nelson DeMille's

What a delight! Reconnecting with an old friend like John Corey, you know exactly what to expect and where you're going, but it doesn't make the ride any less enjoyable. The opening line made me laugh out loud (one of the best I've read imho), and I knew I needed to buckle up. I love characters who don't take themselves too seriously (and the authors who understand them). I don't remember laughing so much through the other John Corey adventures, but it's a definite plus in this one. I almost couldn't wait to finish it so I could pass it on to other readers. The one off note for me was the very last line, but hey nobody's perfect. Highly recommend!

Brilliant, impetuous, arrogant, sexual, and sarcastic-as-all-hell Detective Corey is back in all his splendor after an interminable 7-year absence. And what a return it is! Nelson DeMille’s The Maze delivers a classic John Corey thriller filled with intrigue, romantic entanglements, impulsive actions, exceptional detective work and pulse-pounding action. And sarcasm. Tons and tons of trademark Corey sarcasm. Making it, page for page, perhaps the most sarcastic thriller ever written. It’s glorious!

John Corey is back on Long Island to recover from wounds received in the line of duty, when two old friends step back into his life. Police Chief Sylvester Maxwell and Detective Beth Penrose would like Corey to take a position as a private investigator for Security Solutions, a local firm run by and staffed with former detectives. Looking for some action – both professionally and romantically – Corey agrees and begins a PI consultancy trial period. However, Corey is a brilliant detective and knows there’s more to this than a couple of friends wanting to help him find a fulfilling outlet for his energy and skill set. So he goes along with it and isn’t surprised to find out Security Solutions is into some shady business. Agreeing to be the inside man to help Chief Maxwell and Detective Penrose build and solve a case that is being stonewalled by the powers that be, he will invariably do things his way, leading to hurt feelings, sexual encounters, shootouts and criminals brought to justice. In other words, John Corey at his finest and in his natural habitat.

As a loudmouth, wise-cracking native New Yorker myself, I can more than relate to John Corey. He’s my kindred spirit. My role model. Someone most men want to be and many women want to be with. An inspiring individual that speaks my language and exemplifies what I aspire to be when I finally grow up. And since it’s likely not in the cards at my advancing middle-age to become a world-class detective and ladies man, having John Corey novels to read is the next best thing. A literary hero and fictional mentor through whom we can live vicariously. And while I may be fanboying a bit much here, it’s no exaggeration to objectively say that John Corey is one of the all-time great characters in the crime novel genre. If you know, you know. And if you don’t know, then I challenge you to sprint to your favorite bookstore and get a copy of Plum Island right freakin’ now. Seriously, get off your ass and go buy that book immediately. Guarantee you’ll be hooked and will proceed to read the next seven novels in the series, or your money back.

(Disclaimer: Best Thriller Books and Steve N will in no way, shape or form reimburse you for their free and brilliant recommendations. So don’t even think about it.)

While John Corey is undeniably the star of the show, don’t let that distract you from the fact that The Maze is an excellent crime thriller written by one of the all-time greats. The story is methodical, realistic, and a perfect balance of fun and anxiety-inducing. The characters are impeccably developed in a way that evokes strong feelings about what should happen to them. And the writing is tremendous, proving once again that Nelson DeMille must be at the forefront of any conversation about the Mount Rushmore of crime novel writers.

Simply put, The Maze is fantastic! It’s everything I was hoping it would be and more. I just ask Mr. DeMille to please not wait another seven years for John Corey to reemerge into our lives. The thriller genre is much better off with Detective Corey in our lives, solving mysteries, bedding women and exhibiting his trademark New York wit.

John Corey is back. The anti terrorist cop is jobless when bodies turn up on the beach near his home. An opportunity to work yet another dangerous mission

John Corey returns in Nelson DeMille’s latest thriller, “The Maze”. As usual, our snarky hero finds himself in tangled situations.
Another chapter in the Corey saga, not to be missed !

And he’s done it again. Nelson DeMille, best-selling author of 22 novels, has brought back John Corey for a long-awaited 8th appearance. A former NYPD detective, and a real dick at times, Corey is lodged at his uncle’s Long Island cabin. Following forced retirement from his position as a Federal Agent and still dealing with complications of ex-wives and ex-girlfriends, he receives a phone call and is offered a deal with benefits. As usual, he follows the advice of little John and finds himself in the midst of a mysterious web of murder, inspired and based on the unsolved Gilgo Beach murders. John Corey, and probably the author himself, has a sizeable ego and a sexist/macho personality. But he’s a member of Mensa—DeMille, not Corey, so the prose is sharp, sarcastic, and side-splittingly witty. It is precisely this, the writing, that draws me again and again to DeMille’s work. John Corey remains true to his character and is vulgar (but charming when needed) and able to schmooze his way into a friendship with the most corrupt of men and into the hearts (and lingerie) of unsuspecting females. Will there be a 9th book in this series? Knowing John Corey the way I do, I am pretty sure he’ll come again. It’s all good.
As a long time DeMille fan, I was ecstatic to receive an ARC of his new book "The Maze". Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for providing an advanced copy.