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Night Fall (Hardcover)

by Nelson DeMille (Author) "Bud Mitchell drove his Ford Explorer along Dune Road..." (more)
Key Phrases: Jill Winslow, Ted Nash, Bayview Hotel (more...)
3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (356 customer reviews)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
John Corey, former NYPD homicide detective, assigned to the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force in the pre-millennium 90's, makes a return appearance in a thoughtful novel offering an alternative to the government's "official" position on what really happened to TWA Flight 800, which crashed off the Long Island coast in the summer of 1996. Accompanying his wife Kate to a memorial marking the five-year anniversary of the crash, Corey's curiosity is aroused by what appears to be a concerted effort by Kate's fellow federal agents to keep him--and her--from investigating a case that appears to be closed. Corey's detecting skills lead him to two witnesses to the crash, who were enjoying an adulterous interlude on the beach at the time the plane went down--and videotaping their sexual escapades while what appears to be a terrorist missile attack takes place in the background. What ratchets up the tension in this capably written thriller is what the reader knows but Corey doesn't as he heads for a showdown with those responsible for the official cover-up as the clock ticks down to the morning of September 11, 2001. DeMille's deft touch with a riddle wrapped in an enigma--what really happened to Flight 800--makes his "what if" scenario a more than plausible theory; you don't have to believe in conspiracies or government cover-ups to find his latest engrossing, entertaining, and enlightening. --Jane Adams

Amazon.com Exclusive Content

Nelson DeMille on Night Fall: An Exclusive Essay

It was a true story, the explosion of TWA Flight 800 off the coast of Long Island in 1996, that inspired Nelson DeMille to write the fictional Night Fall. Read this Amazon.com exclusive essay for insight into the coincidences that made this tragedy a subject DeMille couldn't ignore.



From Publishers Weekly
Demille's latest is sure to be a #1 bestseller—but it's also sure to be controversial. The book is centered on an investigation of the July 1996 crash of flight TWA 800, "when... a big Boeing 747 bound for Paris with 230 passengers and crew on board, exploded off the Atlantic coast of Long Island, sending all 230 souls to their deaths." In July 2001, Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force detective John Corey, a brilliant, smart-ass detective last seen in Plum Island and The Lion's Game, accompanies his FBI agent wife, Kate Mayfield, to the fifth anniversary of the disaster. John, whose wife worked the crash in 1996, understands that Kate has brought him along because she doesn't buy the official finding of "mechanical failure" and wants him to mount his own investigation. There are 200 eyewitnesses who swear they saw a missile lift into the clear night sky and bring down the airplane, a charge dismissed by the CIA as an optical illusion. Though Corey is warned away from the investigation, like any good fictional detective, this only serves to spur him on. He uncovers evidence that a man and a woman, on the beach that fateful night videotaping their adulterous affair, inadvertently caught on tape the missile hitting the plane. The book is primarily about John tracking down the couple, but as the end nears, readers will begin to understand the perilous direction in which Demille is leading them. The pages will turn in a blur as a feeling of dread grows, until the end comes and one's worst fears are confirmed. Readers will think about this one for a long time.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

  • Hardcover: 496 pages
  • Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; 1ST edition (November 22, 2004)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0446576638
  • ISBN-13: 978-0446576635
  • Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (356 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #79,775 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Front Cover | Front Flap | First Pages | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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Bud Mitchell drove his Ford Explorer along Dune Road. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Jill Winslow, Ted Nash, Bayview Hotel, Liam Griffith, Long Island, Captain Spruck, New York, Sergeant Roberts, Dom Fanelli, Don Juan, Jack Koenig, John Corey, Coast Guard, Bud Mitchell, Mark Winslow, Anti-Terrorist Task Force, Marie Gubitosi, Staten Island, Old Brookville, Kate Mayfield, Roxanne Scarangello, Federal Plaza, North Tower, World Trade Center, Asad Khalil
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356 Reviews
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3.5 out of 5 stars (356 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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152 of 166 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Is This Book Just Fiction or Actually Fact ?, December 12, 2004
Nelson DeMille has managed a truly remarkable feat; to write a suspenseful, taut, interesting and engaging novel about the crash into the ocean off Long Island on July 17,1996 of TWA Flight 800. The book is written in memory of the two hundred and thirty passengers and crew members who perished in that midair explosion; in my opinion he uses the flexibility available to the author of a work of fiction to discuss the alternate theories of the crash and perhaps come closer to the truth than any other discussions that I have read.

The supposedly fictional device which Demille uses to allow him to develop a believable storyline is that a couple engaged in adultery were videotaping themselves on a deserted beach near the site of the crash and caught the flash of light streaking towards the plane from the ocean surface that was seen by so many eyewitnesses but discounted by various alternative explanations in the official version of what caused the accident. Of course, the couple immediately flees the scene and as Chapter One ends they are entering their motel room and arguing about whether they should erase the tape or turn it over to the authorities given the huge personal price each of them would undoubtedly pay if their affair was made public in such a sensational fashion. (The X-rated scenes were very explicit and quite lengthy.)

The story resumes five years later. The investigation has been concluded with an explanation (the explosion of volatile fuel vapors in the nearly empty middle fuel tank) that failed to satisfy not only the usual conspiracy theorists and but the many individuals such as myself who simply remained confused about several elements of the official version of the causes of the crash. John Corey, a former NYC homicide detective is now pursing "the second act of a one act life" as a contract agent on the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force. His second wife, FBI agent Kate Mayfield, who is also a member of the task force, asks John to attend the beachside memorial service for the victims of the crash. After the service, Kate decides to violate specific instructions given to all agents who worked the case never to discuss it with anyone except on a need to know basis and confides to John the reasons for her misgivings about the official conclusion. They discuss the seven major theories regarding the crash (death ray under development at Brookhaven Labs, underwater methane explosion, reflection of burning jet fuel, etc.); then conclude their evening in a manner that reminds John of "that X-Files episode where Mulder and Scully go ....".

Kate and John are obviously conflicted about John conducting his own unofficial investigation regarding the possible existence of a definitive videotape showing the crash; they realize that their discovery may not only ruin their professional careers but could possibly be life threatening if there really has been a cover up involving foreign terrorists and the clandestine operatives of US Government intelligence agencies. Of course, the reader knows that they will pursue the truth whatever the price they pay personally, both because that is the sort of individuals who they are and because otherwise DeMille wouldn't be able to tell his story. And have no doubts, this would have been a wonderful story even if it were totally fiction; the fact that the author did such a marvelous job of never contradicting the known facts concerning the crash makes it absolutely riveting. The discussion of the obvious flaws in many of the wild theories that have been advanced (e.g. a military coverup of a stray missile fired as part of the naval exercises being conducted in the area that night) on occasion added to my knowledge of the events and made the story quite plausible.

The fact that DeMille clearly had done a lot of research on the subject of the TWA 800 crash caused me to wonder how much of the material which he presents as fiction is actually disguised reality (in order to protect his sources). He states in his author's note that he has relied not only on published reports of the events but also on interviews which he has conducted with both investigators who worked on the case and eyewitnesses to the crash. Since the dissatisfaction of many of these individuals is well known, I strongly suspect that the anonymity which the disclaimer accompanying this work of fiction would provide for such individuals led them to be anxious to assist DeMille in writing a book which clearly is meant not only to entertain the reader but also to present an alternative theory of those events on the night of July, 17, 1996. (After all, how often has it been said "If only someone had their video recorder on that night"?)

I want to emphasize that this is not only an interesting speculative examination of the crash, but a really good police procedural. John Corey is an extremely interesting and entertaining character. His interaction with Kate is integral to the story, and some of the conversations with his former partner Dom Fanelli are priceless. (I really enjoyed the humor which Demille interjected into the story, both for the realism which it added to the character development and as a counterweight to the depressing nature of the subject.) As the story raced towards its conclusion (the general outline of which becomes obvious about fifty pages before the end), I was increasingly fascinated by how DeMile could end it without veering from the fidelity to all the publicly known facts which he had maintained throughout. I was not disappointed, although of course saddened both by the course of events and by the ambiguity that I knew would inevitably have to remain.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED both for readers who just like a good thriller combined with an excellent police procedural and also for those who continue to wonder what caused the midair explosion of TWA Flight 800.

Tucker Andersen
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59 of 69 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Night Fall - An Absolutely Riveting Read!, January 9, 2005
On July 17, 1996, Trans World Airlines Flight 800 departed New York City's John F. Kennedy international Airport en route to Paris, France, carrying 212 passengers and 18 crew members. It departed JFK at about 8:16 p.m. eastern time and was climbing through 13,760 feet when, 14 minutes into the flight it exploded and fell into the Atlantic Ocean approximately 9 miles off Long Island. All 230 people onboard were killed. This is fact.

Nelson DeMille's novel "Night Fall" is based on factual evidence. The author explores the controversy surrounding the cause of the disaster which the US government still officially attributes to a spark in Flight 800's center fuel tank. The FBI interviewed 154 "credible" witnesses - including scientists, schoolteachers, Army personnel and business executives - who described seeing a missile heading through the sky just before TWA 800 exploded. They reported a "streak of light" hitting the plane just before it blew up." Their testimony was disregarded. Today, more than eight years after the event, questions are still being raised about the accuracy of the findings - about a possible cover-up. DeMille's research is impressive. He stresses that the novel draws on published accounts, plus interviews with investigators and eyewitnesses to the crash. He says he has "tried to represent all sides of this controversy," but adds that he has taken "dramatic liberties and literary licence when there is conflicting evidence." This is, after all, a work of fiction. It is up to the reader to determine the level of believability.

Bud Mitchell and Jill Winslow, an affluent couple in their thirties, are in the middle of an illicit love affair. They're set for a romantic evening at the beach. It's a rare occasion when the two can get away from their respective spouses for an entire night. They find a cozy spot below a dune overlooking the ocean at Cupsogue Beach County Park on Long Island, bringing with them wine, a blanket and a video camera. Planning to make passionate love on film, Bud and Jill are excited by the thought of watching themselves later on the VCR. Suddenly a terrible explosion lights up the sky. The sound of a tremendous explosion follows. The couple flees, taking the camera with them, as police cars speed toward the scene, sirens blaring. In the car, on the way back to their hotel, Jill discovers that the camera has captured the entire event. She and Bud are no longer the main feature. The date is July 17, 1996.

Five years later, July 17, 2001, the crash of Flight 800 has been officially attributed to a mechanical malfunction. Kate Mayfield and her husband, John Cory, are both members of the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force. Together they attend the fifth year memorial service for TWA Flight 800's victims' families and friends. Kate was involved in the investigation and the case still haunts her. She has never been satisfied with the resolution and convinces John, an ex-NYPD detective, to take an interest in re-opening the investigation - on his own. Since they have been strongly warned by the FBI to stay away, the rogue, anti-establishment ex-cop becomes interested. When Kate introduces her hubby to credible eye witnesses and gives him a tour of the reconstructed airplane, his interest peaks. John is a superb detective and soon learns about a possible piece of crucial evidence that was never brought to light. He is determined to discover if it still exists, and in his search begins to see signs of a monumental cover-up.

Mr. Demille is at his best here, as far as storytelling goes.The plot is riveting, the theory intriguing, the characters at once exciting, energetic and believable, and the ending left me stunned. Powerful!! Unfortunately, the writing is not his best. The humor is good, but it does fall flat more than occasionally. Since John Cory is the smart aleck, he comes off as obnoxious at times. I have seen DeMille use dark humor much more effectively. The plot, and the research that went into the writing, the suspense, more than make up for the pedestrian narrative. I remember clearly the evening of the crash and where I was when I heard the news. I felt terrible pain for the victims and their loved ones, and have always been interested in the reports and findings. It appears that the author has been very troubled by the tragedy. His concerns come across loud and clear. A must read!
JANA
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22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Corey is back, and in top form! A fine detective novel., December 2, 2004
By Roger J. Buffington (Huntington Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)      
Night Fall is the latest political/detective thriller by my favorite author, Nelson DeMille. This novel features Detective John Corey, formerly of the NYPD, again dealing with terrorists and a mystery to solve. I am not going to get into the story for fear of dropping a "spoiler." Suffice to say, the story deals with the crash of Flight 800 and what might have caused it.

The John Corey character was the protagonist in "Plum Island" which I thought was one of the best detective novels I ever read. He continued in "The Lion's Game" which was also excellent. I thought that "Night Fall" moved at a snappier pace than "The Lion's Game" and frankly it really kept me turning the pages. The only reason that I deprived "Night Fall" of that fifth star is that I thought that "Plum Island" was even better. But this is an excellent, superb novel, and comes highly recommended.

DeMille, like a number of contemporary authors (Tom Clancy comes to mind) sometimes has a tendency to write a longer novel than necessary to tell a story. I personally thought that his novels "Up Country" and "The Lion's Game" were examples of this. Now, for DeMille lovers (like me) this is no problem because we cannot get enough of DeMille's always-excellent writing, but it may put off newcomers. Both "Plum Island" and now "Night Fall" avoid this issue. These are well-written, fast-paced stories with believable characters, a solid plot, and a storyline that moves quickly and effectively. "Night Fall" will not disappoint, and it is good to see DeMille return to a sparer, leaner form of writing. This is not to say that the novel lacks depth. Not at all. One of DeMille's strengths is that he makes his characters become real, and this is certainly the case in "Night Fall." And "Night Fall" also succeeds because the clues are there for the reader to pick up, and the reader can appreciate the ingenuity with which the protagonist, John Corey, deals with the mystery at hand--what brought down Flight 800. And other issues along with it.

This is a fine DeMille novel that the discerning reader will read, savor, and re-read.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a Conspiracy Theory Novel
Nelson Demille has done what alot of authors have failed to avoid: Sensationalism. Armed with solid data from the TWA 800 incident, the author presents both sides of the events... Read more
Published 10 hours ago by patrick brehm

3.0 out of 5 stars Great book/rotten, anticlimactic ending
First, let me say that, like the other 5 DeMille novels I've read, I couldn't put this book down, despite what I consider to be the biggest cop-out ending ever written. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Sisumom

1.0 out of 5 stars The Author Pulled Out A Gun And Shot The Plot To This Book In The Head
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!! ZERO STARS!!!

This book HAD everything going for it up until the last 6 pages. Read more
Published 4 months ago by W. Butler

5.0 out of 5 stars You can't put it down or go to sleep
I have read all of DeMille books but the ones I love the most are those books with his characters Kate and John Corey. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Patricia M. Shutek

2.0 out of 5 stars Meh
Just to lay the facts out, I usually like Nelson Demille's works. This book had a lot of promise. I found myself flipping through the pages following the story, waiting for some... Read more
Published 5 months ago by kravi

4.0 out of 5 stars "I've never, in all my years of law enforcement, seen so many credible witnesses given so little credence."
(3.5 stars) Imagining an alternative scenario to the one which the government formulated to explain the crash of TWA Flight 800 on July 17, 1996, shortly after it left JFK... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mary Whipple

1.0 out of 5 stars Great writing, great characters, cop out ending
I agree with nearly every other 1 star reviewer. After investing a lot of time reading this, I was holding out hope for a clever ending. But it felt very empty. Read more
Published 5 months ago by mruseless

1.0 out of 5 stars Worst ending ever
There are many reviewers who feel the same way as I do, but I really felt like I had to add my one star rating. It would be zero if possible. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Gregorio

2.0 out of 5 stars Lamest, limpest ending to a thriller
No spoilers here. I love John Corey, wisecracks and all. "Plum Island" is one of my all-time favorite books. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Loves to Knit

2.0 out of 5 stars Suspense but no conclusion
Once again Mark Twain's formula for an American crime writer of killing everybody off at the end is followed. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Mike B

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