Plum Island (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Nelson DeMille |
| Products | Fiction book |
Plum Island is a 1997 novel written by American author Nelson DeMille. It marks the first appearance of detective John Corey, who returns as the protagonist in the 2000 follow-up, The Lion's Game.
Plot
Set in 1997, the story follows NYPD detective John Corey as he recovers from gunshot injuries at his uncle's waterfront residence on Long Island's North Fork. As the busy tourist season winds down, Corey observes the local community and is soon approached by police chief Sylvester Maxwell to assist with a murder investigation. The victims—Tom and Judy Gordon—worked at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, a facility rumored to be involved in biological weapons research, and were discovered shot on their dock. Corey infers that the assailant was nearby due to the accuracy of the shots and notices that certain items, including a boat chest, are missing from the scene.
Detective Beth Penrose from Suffolk County arrives to take charge of the investigation and challenges Corey’s unauthorized involvement. Despite initial friction, they join forces and encounter FBI agent George Foster along with Ted Nash, who claims affiliation with the Department of Agriculture but is recognized by Corey as a CIA operative. These officials propose theories involving stolen lethal pathogens and financial incentives connected to the Gordons' employment.
Corey observes media sensationalism exaggerating the Gordons' roles and detects underlying conflicts among the investigative team. After gaining permission to enter Plum Island, he witnesses suspicious conduct from government personnel. During an orchestrated tour of the research facility, staff provide rehearsed accounts suggesting that the Gordons were undercompensated employees who allegedly pilfered a vaccine to profit independently.
The case concludes with Frederick Tobin, a local winery proprietor, identified as the murderer motivated by financial gain.