The First Deadly Sin

The First Deadly Sin" was my introduction to author Lawrence Sanders' work. He is a gifted writer who uses his craft brilliantly. This extraordinary novel and mystery thriller is not plot-driven, although the storyline is unusually exciting and does move at a fast pace. Sanders' excellence is demonstrated through the fleshed-out, realistic characters he creates. He allows the reader to gain access to the most personal aspects of his two main characters, their thoughts, obsessions and behavior. Police Captain Edward X. Delaney, Commanding Officer of New York City's 251st Precinct, and Daniel Blank, a young business executive, a mountain climber, who has an extreme penchant for order, and strange sexual fantasies, are the primary focus of this unique mystery. The case deals with solving a series of bizarre murders, and understanding the intimacy that exists between the killer and his victim; between the detective and his suspect. Sanders takes his time developing these characters, along with the many interesting secondary figures necessary to the novel, but he does not slow the plot or sacrifice it in any way with his study of these two men.Captain Delaney takes a leave of absence to care for his hospitalized wife of 30-plus years. During his leave, a murder is committed. One fall night, while Delaney is waiting for his wife's operation to conclude, a Brooklyn councilman is murdered most savagely in the middle of the 251st Precinct. Delaney goes to the murder scene to investigate; detective work is his real passion. He soon becomes entwined in vicious local politics and a major power play for control of the City. The Police Commissioner wants Delaney to conduct a secret investigation of the murder, while he is on leave. The Mayor is backing the assignment. As soon as Delaney accepts the offer, another senseless and violent murder is committed, with all signs pointing to the same killer. And he keeps killing. One of his victims is a cop. Pressure is on and Delaney is at his best under pressure. Tension builds as Delaney discovers the killer's identity, but has insufficient legal evidence to bring him in, or even to request a search warrant of the man's apartment. I could not put this book down. I will say that it is a long and involved novel, which I always enjoy, especially when the writing is so good. Others, however, may prefer a thriller that moves at a faster pace and cuts to the chase quickly. Lawrence Sanders is not a writer that these readers would appreciate. I am sorry I have come upon his work so late - but in this case the old adage proves true - "Better late than never!" I highly recommend this book & happily give it 5 Stars. Now on to book two, "The Second Deadly Sin."JANA

"The 1st deadly sin" is the first book in Lawrence Sanders' series featuring Captain Edward X. Delaney. Delaney has to stop a serial killer who appearently has no motive to kill, and whose victims bear no relation whatsoever one to each other. What is worst, at first there are no clues about the murderer. Paciently, beginning with bits and tiny pieces of evidence, Delaney has to find the killer before he strikes again. This is my first Sanders book. I found it a thriller totally different from what I were used to read. Sanders' writing style is (was) unique. He doesn't rush, he's not eager to go to the end of the book. Sanders is good with descriptions (something unusual to writers of this genre of books). He describes his characters at lenght, not only physically but also psychologically (and there are many characters in this book). For example, the first 100 pages of the book are only background to Captain Delaney's and Daniel Blank's (Blank is anoher important character) lives.I would say that Sanders' style is the complete opposite of another author I like, James Patterson. While Patterson's chapters are very brief and his thrillers are fast-paced, Sanders like to completely develop his book, giving the impression his story is always under his total control. Captain Delaney is "The Cop", with capitals. He lives for his job and the job is his life. Sanders' way to make Delaney more human and less machine was to give Delaney a problem in the family (read the book and you will understand). Anyway, do like Captain Delaney, take your time and read the series. Grade 8.7/10

This is one of the most intellectual, intriguing, and compelling novels I've ever read. Although we know what's going on in the story (ie. who the killer is), Sanders provides us with an in-depth look inside the minds of both cop and killer. Never wanting to put it down, I've readily accepted the fact that Sanders is (was) one of the greatest mystery writers of the last quarter-century. Intensely visual, right down to every sandwich on the menu, this is truly a classic. Be prepared to spend every free moment you have reading this Sanders masterpiece.

I think this book is an awesome, awesome story. Very compelling. Like all the other LS books I have read, you really feel like you get inside the character's mind. His style, which is witty with a great attention to detail, is at its best. I have read this book over and over. Note: I found it rather odd that in the movie version, Frank Sinatra was chosen to portray Edward X. Delaney. Talk about miscasting!!

In an age when mediocrity often pervades the popular literary genre known as the "thriller", it is always refreshing to come back to Lawrence Sanders' "The First Deadly Sin". With this engrossing story of New York police chief Edward X. Delaney's quest to catch a serial killer, Sanders showed that a writer doesn't have to sacrifice eloquent expression at the expense of creating an engrossing story. "Sin" is a detective story, a romance, and a psychological thriller rolled into one. His characters are beautifully rendered, and it is in the descriptions of physical surroundings and especially the killer's thought processes that the book truly comes into its own. This is a novel that is superb entertainment and a satisfying read.