Carol Fitzgerald wrote a lovely tribute to the late Nelson DeMille in the September 20th Bookreporter Weekly Update newsletter, and she encouraged readers to share their own thoughts about Nelson and his work. It is clear from the comments we compiled here that this beloved author will be missed, and his numerous books will be cherished for many years to come.
Alice: Once again I'd like to thank you and the entire Bookreporter team for the exceptional work you do. The first book I read by Mr. DeMille was THE CHARM SCHOOL. Straight away I was captivated. My type of book: a thriller. When it came to PLUM ISLAND, well, that was a bit of a challenge to get through, but only because I had to keep stopping due to the fact that I was laughing so hard. A great read. I may be a few books behind (it's not so easy being a senior citizen), but I've definitely read most of his books. He will be missed!
Anonymous: I've read most of Nelson's books over the years, and he was a “must read” author. One standout was THE LION’S GAME. In it, a jet lands at JFK, and all the passengers are deceased. The terrorist who is on board gets off and travels up and down Interstate 95 killing people.
This was the last of my vacation reads. I was in Hilton Head and flying home from Savannah early on a Sunday morning, so I booked a hotel room close to the airport. I was reading, and the killer was practically outside my hotel! I called my mom at home on Staten Island and told her how spooked I was. By this time, I had barricaded the door to my room. She suggested that I stop reading (not possible) and get some sleep. After a very long conversation, she hung up and went to bed. I think I passed out after 2am.
When I left for the airport, I checked carefully and immediately turned my car in without the mandatory fill-up because gas stations were too dangerous. I finished the book on the plane ride home. I walked in exhausted, and my mom laughed that I could get so caught up in a book (she wasn't a reader). He will be missed.
Barbara G: My introduction to Nelson DeMille was THE CHARM SCHOOL. I was totally drawn into his writing and the originality of the plot. He may be gone from our physical world, but his many books will live on for generations of readers. What an incredible legacy!
Barbara S: I am saddened that there will be no more pleasurable hours of reading Nelson DeMille novels. But not before I reread the ones I have, as I already have been doing. I found the irreverent John Corey in PLUM ISLAND and continued through that shocking ending of NIGHT FALL, followed by the rest of the series. I had already loved THE GOLD COAST, which I then gifted to a friend who had yet to discover the fun of DeMille. THE GOLD COAST was, to this retired English teacher, a treasure with its fascinating parallels to one of my favorites, THE GREAT GATSBY. What skill! Both my husband, a Vietnam vet, and I found UP COUNTRY to be a great read as well. Yes, Carol, I echo your sentiments: “A legend has left the room.”
Dorothy: I was very sad to read that Nelson passed away. I have read all of his books, and I always bought his new releases as soon as they came out. He is one author I am going to miss very much. I hope his son will continue to write and follow in his footsteps. Rest in peace, Nelson!
Eleanor: Your eulogy was beautiful. It made me cry, which says something about your writing. As I read THE GOLD COAST many years ago, I thought, “That man has a great sense of humor.”
Jane: I have enjoyed Nelson DeMille’s books for a long time. THE CHARM SCHOOL was one of my favorites, as was UP COUNTRY, the sequel to THE GENERAL’S DAUGHTER. Thanks for writing about him.
Jeanne K: Such very sad news about Nelson DeMille, and a tremendous loss to his children, family and the literary world. Like you, I can’t remember which of his books I read first. He was such a brilliant, talented author. The last book I read was BLOOD LINES, which was co-written with Alex, and it was outstanding. How wonderful that they were able to collaborate and write together. My sympathy and thoughts go out to his children and family.
Jeanne T: I looked up the definition of a good storyteller: gets the reader involved, maintains strong characters, puts forth energy. I sat back and decided that the definition of a good storyteller is Nelson DeMille.
I have been a reader of the diverse and electrifying work of this amazing writer for many years. Diverse in characters like John Corey, John Sutter, Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor, who are all so different but so well developed. Electrifying in the plots that take the reader along every step of the way and concluding with the reader feeling as smart as the characters.
Alex DeMille, you learned from the best. CARRY ON your father's treasure of works!
John: THE CHARM SCHOOL started my love affair with reading when I was in the Air Force in the late ’80s. I read his prior works immediately and couldn’t wait for his next release. This is devastating. He meant so much to me.
Lisa: The thought of never reading another book of his leaves me very sad. I looked so forward to the day that his next book would come out, and I’d devour it in two days. I did not know him personally, but I sure would have loved to. Rest in peace.
Roberta: The first book of Nelson DeMille’s I read was THE GOLD COAST for a library book club. After that I was hooked. My favorites were the John Corey books. Smart-aleck protagonists are my favorite. So sorry to hear of his passing. I am thankful that his novels gave me many hours of joyful reading.
Susan: I was saddened to learn of Mr. DeMille’s death. Your article did him justice. My husband and I were great fans of this wonderful writer.
Vinnie: Wonderful tribute to Nelson! THE GOLD COAST was my first experience a long time ago, and I just finished THE MAZE.
