Central Park West: A Crime Novel - book cover
Thrillers & Suspense
  • Publisher : Mysterious Press
  • Published : 30 May 2023
  • Pages : 384
  • ISBN-10 : 1613164033
  • ISBN-13 : 9781613164037
  • Language : English

Central Park West: A Crime Novel

A Newsweek and Reader's Digest most-anticipated read of 2023. 

In the thrilling first crime novel from the former director of the FBI, a murder investigation reveals deadly connections between high-ranking politicians and the mafia.


The gripping crime fiction debut from former FBI director James Comey takes readers deep inside the world of lawyers and investigators working to solve a murder while navigating the treacherous currents of modern politics and the mob.

When a years-long case against a powerful mobster finally cracks and an unimpeachable witness takes the stand, federal prosecutor Nora Carleton is looking forward to putting the defendant away for good. The mobster, though, has other plans. As the witness's testimony concludes, a note is passed to the prosecution offering up information into the assassination of a disgraced former New York governor, murdered in his penthouse apartment just days before. It's enough to blow the case wide open, and to send Nora into a high-stakes investigation of conspiracy, corruption, and danger.

Drawing from the author's decades in federal law enforcement, including his years in Manhattan as a mob prosecutor and later the chief federal prosecutor, Central Park West is a fast-paced legal thriller with an intriguing plot enriched by real-life details and experiences. That unique perspective gives the novel much of its allure, but it's the unforgettable characters, shocking twists, and courtroom scenes as authentic as they are dramatic that will leave readers looking forward to more from this bold new talent in the genre.

Editorial Reviews

"A nonstop thrill ride! Central Park West is a masterful blend of legal thriller, police procedural and psychological drama. And it's populated with some of the best heroes and most evil villains to come along in years. Bravo!"
― Jeffery Deaver, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Lincoln Rhyme series

"Central Park West is a truly outstanding debut novel, a sophisticated and engaging legal thriller that grabs the reader from the opening scene and doesn't let go until the surprising ending. In between the author weaves an intricate and stylish story with vivid characters, playing out in a brilliant New York setting. Comey knows exactly how things work at the FBI and DOJ, and Central Park West opens a door into a fascinating and complex world of tradecraft, criminal investigation, political corruption, legal wrangling, and murder. I loved this book―highly, highly recommended! "
― Douglas Preston, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of the celebrated Agent Pendergast series

"James Comey's intimate knowledge of law enforcement makes Central Park West a winning legal thriller, but the book is so much more than an insider's account. Memorable characters, a gripping plot, and breathless pacing combine for a truly outstanding debut―one that announces a bold new talent in the mystery genre."
― Harlan Coben, New York Times #1 bestselling author of I Will Find You

"James Comey combines his insider knowledge of every level of the justice system with a natural storytelling voice to create a winning debut in Central Park West. More books, please."
― Alafair Burke, New York Times bestselling author of Find Me

"I loved this novel. Could not put it down. Central Park West is a smart, nuanced legal thriller that truly delivers. It's a modern ‘good guys vs the bad guys' story in which nearly all of the good ‘guys' are actually strong, smart, steely women. It's a smart and satisfying read that I could not recommend more highly."
― Nicolle Wallace, host of MSNBC's "Deadline: White House" and New York Times bestselling author of Eighteen Acres

"Hard to believe Central Park West is a first novel. It reeks of authenticity and the plot goes like a train. The courtroom scenes are tense and the cast o...

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