John Corey

John Corey, NYPD homicide detective, is recovering from an attempt on his life.

Convalescing from three bullet wounds, he is supposed to be relaxing at his Uncle Harry's house in a rural seaside town. He retains his tough cop attitude, always has a gun nearby, and likes Budweiser beer. Since his injury, he is no longer healthy, and has trouble sleeping, eating and drinking. He is beginning to feel his age.

John's macho attitude, wisecracking and devil-may-care attitude dominates his personality. This adversarial approach to life and all its occupants may be a very well developed defense mechanism, but any emotional aspect to this character is seldom seen in this novel.

John is the narrator of the story and the undisputed hero. He is an experienced police officer with many homicide investigations in his resume, so it is not surprising he is well enough acquainted with the...