The primary aim of the "Snowflake Summaries" blog category is to showcase the creative writing of great authors. I use Randy Ingermanson's 'Snowflake' method to create these summaries. Here's a brief description of the one-sentence, one-paragraph, and one-page summary method.
Hopefully, these posts will motivate you to read great fiction and to write your own novel, whether your first or your fifteenth.
The first great novelist I'll start with is Lawrence Sanders. Here's a short biography.
The First Deadly Sin, by Lawrence Sanders
**”The First Deadly Sin” by Lawrence Sanders** is a gripping and intricate crime thriller that follows the investigation of a series of brutal murders in New York City, intertwining deep personal dramas with intense detective work.
### One Sentence Summary:
In **”The First Deadly Sin,”** NYPD Captain Edward X. Delaney is drawn out of semi-retirement to track down a calculated serial killer using an ancient weapon, amidst personal challenges and a city gripped by fear.
### One Paragraph Summary:
**”The First Deadly Sin”** centers on NYPD Captain Edward X. Delaney as he faces a cunning and elusive serial killer who strikes seemingly at random in New York City, using an ice axe as his signature weapon. The novel unfolds with Delaney, who is on leave caring for his seriously ill wife, being coaxed back into service by the urgency of the crimes and his deep sense of duty. As he digs deeper into the case, Delaney employs his old-school detective skills and psychological acumen, uncovering chilling details about the killer’s motives and methods. Meanwhile, his personal life is equally fraught with challenges as he navigates his wife’s deteriorating health. The narrative masterfully combines elements of police procedural with psychological thriller, exploring themes of justice, obsession, and the moral complexities of the human psyche.
### One Page Summary:
**”The First Deadly Sin”** by Lawrence Sanders is a compelling mix of psychological thriller and detective noir, set against the backdrop of a 1970s New York City. The story begins when a series of violent murders starts to terrorize the city, each victim found struck by an ice axe, with little else to connect the cases. The NYPD is under pressure to solve the crimes quickly, but leads are scarce, and the police force is stumped.
Enter Edward X. Delaney, a seasoned NYPD Captain, known for his intellectual approach to crime solving and his success in cracking difficult cases. Currently on leave to take care of his wife, Barbara, who is battling a severe illness, Delaney is reluctantly drawn back into the fray by his sense of duty and the intriguing nature of the case. As he starts to work the crime scenes, Delaney’s methodical and thorough approach uncovers subtle clues that others have missed, gradually piecing together the profile of a killer whose crimes are as meticulous as they are horrific.
Delaney’s investigation leads him into the darker corners of the city and of the human mind, as he delves into the psychology of the murderer, discovering disturbing truths about the killer’s past and psyche. Sanders skillfully portrays Delaney’s inner turmoil and dedication, juxtaposing his professional life with his personal life, where he grapples with his wife’s illness and the emotional strain it places on both of them. This dual narrative enhances the depth of the character and the story, enriching the reader’s engagement with Delaney’s quest for justice.
Throughout the novel, Sanders utilizes a detailed, rich narrative style that brings 1970s New York to life, complete with its gritty, tense atmosphere—a city on edge, mirrored by the psychological tension of the chase. As Delaney closes in on the killer, the suspense intensifies, leading to a climactic confrontation that is both thrilling and intellectually satisfying.
In conclusion, **”The First Deadly Sin”** offers more than just a murder mystery; it is a profound exploration of the themes of sin, redemption, and the moral complexities that lie within each person. Sanders not only crafts a narrative that is engaging and suspenseful but also poses significant questions about law, justice, and humanity. Delaney’s journey through the novel is not only about catching a killer but also about understanding the deeper darkness that can drive human actions, making it a standout story in the realm of crime and mystery literature.
The Pencil Driven Life 