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On a beach at dusk, while Bud Mitchell and Jill Winslow conduct their illicit love affair in front of a video camera set to record each steamy moment, a terrible explosion suddenly lights up the sky. Grabbing the camera, the couple make their getaway, as approaching police cars speed toward the scene.
Five years later, the fate of TWA Flight 800 has been attributed to a mechanical malfunction. But for John Corey and his wife Kate Mayfield, both members of the elite Anti-Terrorist Task Force, the case is not closed. Suspicious of a cover-up, they set out to find the one piece of evidence that will prove their theory—that at least two other people are determined to keep hidden: a videotape of the unbelievable truth.
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"With inspired writing and the tension-inducing talents of a true master, Nelson DeMille delves into one of the most mysterious tragedies in recent history -- TWA Flight 800. In a career marked by great books, DeMille has written his most entertaining and skillful novel to date with NIGHT FALL."
-Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code
"DeMille's latest is sure to be a #1 bestseller... Readers will think about this one for a long time."
-Publishers Weekly
"This real-life tragedy hands DeMille perhaps his finest plot ever, one that involves real feeling, and will have you squirming and calling out at various dangers."
-Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"WILDLY ENTERTAINING… THOUGHT PROVOKING… Told with attention to detail by a witty narrator… DeMille tries to examine the investigation from every side… What he produces is a novel that is somehow bigger than its whole."
-Daily Oakland Press
"DEMILLE'S INTENSE THRILLER… IS A BOOK PEOPLE WILL TALK ABOUT… Another pleasure is that Corey these days is funnier."
-New York Daily News
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- A Main Selection of Book-of-the-Month Club®
- Click here to read selected pages of Nelson Demille's handwritten first draft of Night Fall (PDF).
Letter from Nelson
A note to my readers who have already read NIGHT FALL. [Stop here if you have not yet read the book]
I've gotten thousands of very nice emails from people who've read and enjoyed NIGHT FALL, and I appreciate the favorable response to my book. I wish I could reply to everyone, but since that's not possible, let this note serve as my reply and thanks.
Many people have asked me if I've heard from any family members of the victims of Flight 800, and in fact I have, through this website, and by other means. All the family members have been positive about the book and most expressed thanks for bringing this tragedy again into the public debate.
A few readers, it should be noted, found problems with the ending. NIGHT FALL is based on an historic incident, and for me to come up with an unambiguous resolution to a mystery that is still not resolved is not possible, logical, or realistic.
This would be like writing a fictionalized account of JFK's assassination, then naming the killer or killers. Actually, Oliver Stone did that in his movie, JFK, and got properly criticized for changing history. Hollywood can and does alter history, but most novelists won't do that. Unfortunately, because of movies and TV, the line between fact and fiction has become blurred in the minds of some people, and Americans have been conditioned to expect a "Hollywood ending," even in books. Life, however, has no Hollywood ending, and the TWA 800 tragedy has no neat wrap up.
A minor point: a few people have chided me for saying in one scene in the book that the sun was setting over the Atlantic Ocean.
Many thanks to the observant readers who pointed out this error. I'm glad you're paying attention. Look for the correction in the paperback edition.
I always welcome constructive criticism, and many readers in the past have found errors, which I was able to correct in later editions.
Several ladies have emailed asking if I'm like John Corey, and if so would I consider... I'm blushing as I recall their suggestions. No, I'm not like John Corey. He's a figment of my imagination. Nelson DeMille is actually way cooler than John Corey. Also, I'm head over heels in love with Sandy…at last.
I've been contacted by a number of conspiracy theorists who believe my premise that TWA 800 was brought down by a missile, not a mechanical malfunction.
I myself don't know if it was a missile or a malfunction, and I teeter back and forth, so, no, I don't want to join any groups or organizations that subscribe to the missile/cover-up/conspiracy theory. I'm just a novelist. But I do hope that NIGHT FALL will again stir the public debate about TWA 800.
Many people have asked me if I've heard from the government since NIGHT FALL was published.
No, I haven't, except for a guy named Ted Nash who emailed and said he wanted to meet me at Cupsogue Beach some evening.
Thank you again for all your comments. Again, sorry I can't reply personally, but I read every email.
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Here are some of the letters that readers have sent to Nelson DeMille about NIGHT FALL:
If you have not yet read NIGHT FALL, please note that some of these letters from readers contain plot spoilers.
From Linda:
I just finished this book and had to write and tell you ... EXCELLENT - EXCELLENT-EXCELLENT. I absolutely adore your John Corey character and have been hooked on him since I read Plum Island.
I was running out of pages to read and couldn't figure out how you would wrap the ending. As you said in your acknowledgments - it was perfect.
Please let us have more John Corey. I hope you don't wait too long for your next book to come out, but I guess that's why your books are so good. You don't churn them out again and again without much thought like some authors do.
Thank you again Sir for one terrific read.
From Michael:
I know you can't respond to all your e-mails but I had to write. I just finished Night Fall in 9 days. Which is a record for me. I have read all your novels and am continuing to update my library with your works. Night Fall was fantastic! I could not put it down. A toast to you sir. I don't really have a favorite of your novels. I like them all. Night Fall was just great, i really thought i had the ending figured out but i was not even close. Keep up the great works and i thank you for Night Fall.
From Jenny:
OH MY GOSH! I have to agree, this is by far the best work you have created. I bought the book four days ago, and just finished it. I was late for work this morning, because I could not put the book down. I have read all the books I can find written by you, including both editions of Mayday. John Corey is my favorite character, because he is a character!
The last few chapters, getting ready for the meeting, I did not put together where this story would end, (or pause) because I hope that there will be a sequel. I knew, from reading the book, and jogging my memory that the TWA 800 tragedy took place in 1997. The sentence spoken by Dom, in reference to it being the "second Tuesday in September, better go vote", did not put my mind where the story concluded. When I did put it together, my heart sank again, as it always does in remembering that black day.
Your candor and truthfulness in your writing is what makes me an avid fan of your work. I learned more about Vietnam from you, than I did in my High School classes. Your perspective sparked my interest to learn, and mourn that senseless loss of life. We once again find ourselves in a similar situation. I believe in the cause, fighting for the safety of America and all it stands for. It is just so hard to swallow the daily knowledge of lives lost. Is this a war that can be won?? I don't know.
Take Care. Looking forward to more of your work.
From Eric:
Dude, you're hurting me! I just finished Night Fall, and realize I have to wait for the next John Corey book before you tie together Flight 800, The Lion's Game and 9/11! You're cruel! I can't wait that long!
Seriously, it was a very good book, an absolute page turner, but to leave your loyal fans hanging like this.....
Congrats on a great book. Argggghhhh....
From Ellie:
I just finished Night Fall and it was nothing less than excellent. Bravo, keep up the great work. As retired law enforcement, please don't bury Corey. You have him nailed perfectly. I love his humor and wit coupled with his experience and instincts. Mayfield is also great.
My Best and congratulations.
From Phyllis:
Mr. DeMille, WOW !!
I could NOT put Night Fall down. It's absolutely your best book yet. Well, it's a little
racier than your other books, but nevertheless, it's terrific. I just greatly enjoyed it.
From Avrumi:
I just wanted to thank you again for the book signing you did in Barnes and Noble, Freehold NJ. It was the first time I had been to any meet the author and I enjoyed very much. After you signed my copy you said "I hope you enjoy it" and I'm happy to report that I enjoyed it tremendously. Now of course I'm looking forward to your next novel; and of course the meet the author that comes with it.
Best wishes from a loyal fan
From Carl:
Mr. DeMille,
I have always enjoyed your books and can't wait for the next ones.
But Night Fall is the first one of your books that I have read from cover to cover and continuously.
I couldn't wait for the next page to unfurl.
This is a disturbing portrait of our government and the people in power.
Continue the insightful writing.
From Gretchen:
Wow! What can I say? Just, as per usual, a wonderful book. As I began to read I kept saying to myself, 'why hasn't he mentioned 9/11?.' I checked the publication date thinking I had missed something and by the 4th chapter, it hit me.
My husband & I were at Windows on the World on 9/9. Less than 48 hours later I was home in Ohio, cooking spaghetti and meatballs in the morning, watching the Today Show. As I read the final pages I could hardly breathe knowing what was coming and wondering how you would have it end. You did a magnificent job of weaving the story with the time frame etc. I'm sure you've heard it all! And I really love your characters. The humor is just so much fun.
No matter what we believe or feel it's great to live in a country where you're free to write!!
THANKS for a great book and a lot of thought provoking material.
From Narelle:
Hi, I just want to congratulate you on the finished product of Night Fall, which in my opinion was a great book. I hadn't read your books before Plum Island came out. I got Plum Island free when buying more than 5 books in one order from Doubleday Books. I enjoyed it and have waited endlessly for more books. The John Corey books are my favourite and I hope Night Fall isn't the last, I notice you ended the book with the WTC tragedy. If you need a storyline maybe you can use this further. Thank you for a great read, I couldn't put it down I read it in 2 hours. I bought it yesterday and I'm reading it for the 3rd time. So congrats for the book!!
Anxiously waiting for the next book (so hurry up)
From Jack and Linda:
It was great to meet you last night at the Barnes and Noble in Freehold NJ. My wife and I really enjoyed the evening as well as getting an autograph copy of your new book. My wife made the comment to you that we consider you the best of our contemporary writers. It is always a pleasure to pick up and start reading one of your books. We have even listened to a couple of your books on CD (Spencerville & Up Country) when we travel by car on long trips. The one question I wanted to ask but time did not allow is, why there has not been a movie made of Plum Island? It's a great story with interesting characters, especially John Corey of course. In my mind Dennis Leary would be perfect as Corey. They both have that smart ass, Irishman-type personality.
Again thank you for coming to Freehold and giving us the opportunity to meet you. It was a pleasure.
From Russ:
Once again I eagerly anticipated your latest release, and once again I was not disappointed. Sometimes I think my wife hates when you release a new novel because she knows she will not hear me speak for the next day or so.
Night Fall was excellent... definitely one of your best. (And now that I've finished it, my wife has started to read it... although she'll take much longer and will put it down when the kids or I try to start a conversation.)
Thanks for another entertaining read. I didn't want it to end. I was glad to see on the website that you already started on another novel. I'll have to begin eagerly anticipating that one now. I've never been one to read novels twice (in fact Charm School is one of the very few that I've reread) but I think I am going to fill the time before your next is released by rereading some of your older novels. I'm going to start with either The Talbot Odyssey or By the Rivers of Babylon.
Thanks again.
From Nicole:
Just wanted to let you know that the only thing my soldier in Iraq has asked for is "the new Nelson DeMille book!" He told me that I could read it first, but to "hurry up and finish" so we can talk about it via email.
Thanks for another first class piece.
From Becky:
I loved, loved, loved Night Fall! I've read everything you've written and think this might be the best you've written yet.
Please keep writing.
From Eileen:
Dear Mr. DeMille:
Thank you for providing an insight into a tragedy that I personally overlooked, attributing the unfortunate incident to have been an "accident." Never in my recent memory can I recall a book that affected me in this manner. My heart beat quickly and I clearly saw parallels to cover ups from my childhood, youth, and adulthood, reappear clearly. Your depiction was incredible and hardly came off as a "fiction" read.
You are an author that I have sadly overlooked; but this mistake is now corrected.
Thank you for a wonderful 24 hrs.
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