Plum Island cover

Plum Island

John Corey • Book 1

by Nelson DeMille

Narrated by Scott Brick

4.34 ABR Score (69.3K ratings)
★ 4.07 Goodreads (59.8K) ★ 4.39 Audible (9.5K)
19h 43m Released 2010 Thriller

Why Listen to This Audiobook?

Scott Brick delivers DeMille's wisecracks so deadpan you'll forget you're 19 hours deep in a bioweapon conspiracy.

  • Great if you want: crime procedural that escalates into Cold War-style paranoia
  • Listening experience: slow build with a dry, sardonic undercurrent throughout
  • Narration: Brick's authoritative baritone suits Corey's cocky, unflappable voice
  • Skip if: long setup before the conspiracy clicks into gear frustrates you

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About This Audiobook

Recovering NYPD detective John Corey finds his quiet convalescence on Long Island shattered when two marine biologists are brutally murdered on their back deck. The victims worked at the mysterious Plum Island Animal Disease Center, a government facility with shadowy connections that extend far beyond veterinary research. As Corey reluctantly joins the investigation alongside federal agents, the case spirals from a seemingly straightforward local homicide into a conspiracy with international ramifications. The detective must navigate bureaucratic cover-ups, dangerous adversaries, and his own physical limitations while uncovering secrets that powerful forces will kill to protect.

Scott Brick delivers a masterful performance that captures both Corey's sardonic humor and the escalating tension of DeMille's intricate plot. His narration brings authentic grit to the street-smart detective while seamlessly shifting between multiple characters and maintaining the story's breakneck pace across nearly twenty hours. The Booktrack Edition enhances the listening experience with subtle sound effects and musical elements that complement rather than distract from Brick's compelling delivery. The audio format proves ideal for this conspiracy thriller, allowing listeners to absorb the complex web of clues and red herrings while Brick's skilled pacing builds suspense to its explosive conclusion.