The First Deadly Sin [Mass Market Paperback]

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

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