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Nora Carleton #2
Westport
In this follow-up to Central Park West , former FBI director James Comey takes readers into the world of high finance and corporate espionage. A red canoe sits abandoned on Seymour Rock, right where the Saugatuck River hits the Long Island Sound. The elegantly dressed corpse of a woman lies inside…. It’s been two years since Nora Carleton left the job she loved at the US Attorney’s Office to become lead counsel at Saugatuck Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund. The career change also meant a change of scenery, relocating her to Westport, Connecticut, fifty miles north of New York City. But it was worth it to get her daughter, Sophie, away from the city. Plus, she likes the people she works with. Especially Helen, who recruited Nora because of her skills as an investigator. Helen is certain that someone inside of Saugatuck is using the company’s secrets for their own advantage, undercutting Saugatuck’s investments and putting the company’s reputation at risk. So when Helen is brutally murdered, Nora suspects she may have gotten too close to an employee with something to hide. What Nora doesn’t anticipate is that she is about to become the prime suspect in the investigation into Helen’s death. Nora calls in her old colleagues from the US Attorney’s Office, Mafia investigator Benny Dugan and attorney Carmen Garcia. To clear Nora’s name, Benny and Carmen hunt for the evidence that Helen must have found before she died, damning enough to push her killer into action. Instead, they find that Helen carried secrets on every member of the firm and all of them had motive enough to murder. And as Benny sets out to interrogate the team at Saugatuck, Nora examines her history with the company to determine who set her up to take the fall. A suspenseful and intriguing tale of high finance and murder, Westport is the thrilling follow-up to Central Park West , continuing the saga of Nora Carleton and her investigative team. It further establishes author James Comey as “a bold new talent in the mystery genre” (Harlan Coben).
360 pages, Hardcover
First published May 21, 2024
506 people are currently reading
10025 people want to read
About the author
James B. Comey
13 books719 followersJames Brien Comey Jr. (born December 14, 1960) is an American lawyer who served as the seventh Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from September 4, 2013 until his dismissal on May 9, 2017. Comey was a registered Republican for most of his life, but has recently described himself as unaffiliated.
Comey was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York from January 2002 to December 2003, and subsequently the United States Deputy Attorney General from December 2003 to August 2005 in the administration of President George W. Bush. Comey appointed Patrick Fitzgerald to be the Special Counsel to head the grand jury investigation into the Plame affair after Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself.
In August 2005, Comey left the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and became general counsel and senior vice president of Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, Maryland. In 2010, he became general counsel at Bridgewater Associates, based in Westport, Connecticut. In early 2013, he left Bridgewater to become a Senior Research Scholar and Hertog Fellow on National Security Law at Columbia Law School. He served on the board of directors of HSBC Holdings until July 2013.
In September 2013, Comey was appointed Director of the FBI by President Barack Obama. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the FBI's investigation of the Hillary Clinton email controversy. His role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, particularly with regard to his public communications, was highly controversial. His decisions are viewed by some analysts as having possibly cost Clinton the election. Comey also received heavy criticism from Republicans, in part after it was revealed that he had begun drafting an exoneration letter for Clinton before the investigation was complete.
Comey was dismissed by President Donald Trump on May 9, 2017. Statements from Trump and the White House suggested that he had been dismissed to ease the "pressure" Trump was under due to the Russia investigation. On May 16 Comey released his internal FBI memo he had written after a February 14 private meeting with the president. It said Trump had asked him to end the FBI's investigation into Michael Flynn, the former National Security Advisor. The dismissal, the memo, and Comey's subsequent Congressional testimony were interpreted by some commentators as evidence of obstruction of justice and became part of a widening investigation by Robert Mueller, the Special Counsel appointed to probe Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Comey was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York from January 2002 to December 2003, and subsequently the United States Deputy Attorney General from December 2003 to August 2005 in the administration of President George W. Bush. Comey appointed Patrick Fitzgerald to be the Special Counsel to head the grand jury investigation into the Plame affair after Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself.
In August 2005, Comey left the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and became general counsel and senior vice president of Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, Maryland. In 2010, he became general counsel at Bridgewater Associates, based in Westport, Connecticut. In early 2013, he left Bridgewater to become a Senior Research Scholar and Hertog Fellow on National Security Law at Columbia Law School. He served on the board of directors of HSBC Holdings until July 2013.
In September 2013, Comey was appointed Director of the FBI by President Barack Obama. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the FBI's investigation of the Hillary Clinton email controversy. His role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, particularly with regard to his public communications, was highly controversial. His decisions are viewed by some analysts as having possibly cost Clinton the election. Comey also received heavy criticism from Republicans, in part after it was revealed that he had begun drafting an exoneration letter for Clinton before the investigation was complete.
Comey was dismissed by President Donald Trump on May 9, 2017. Statements from Trump and the White House suggested that he had been dismissed to ease the "pressure" Trump was under due to the Russia investigation. On May 16 Comey released his internal FBI memo he had written after a February 14 private meeting with the president. It said Trump had asked him to end the FBI's investigation into Michael Flynn, the former National Security Advisor. The dismissal, the memo, and Comey's subsequent Congressional testimony were interpreted by some commentators as evidence of obstruction of justice and became part of a widening investigation by Robert Mueller, the Special Counsel appointed to probe Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
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June 7, 2024
This book is the sequel to Central Park West but it works fine as a standalone.
*****
As an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Nora Carleton worked hard to prosecute criminals.
Two years ago Nora left the U.S. Attorney's Office to become the general counsel for a huge hedge fund called Saugatuck Associates, located in Westport, Connecticut.
The high-paying job allowed Nora to buy a large house in Westport, where she lives with her 8-year-old daughter Sophie and her mother Teresa. Sophie's father Nick lives nearby with his wife Vicki, and the situation is convenient all around.
Prosecuting criminals is a far cry from being a hedge fund attorney, but Nora was hired for that very reason. Nora's boss, CEO Helen Carmichael, uncovered chicanery at Saugatuck, and she needs a talented prosecutor to find out who's 'front running' the company: selling or buying just before Saugatuck does to take advantage of the way Saugatuck's trades will move the price.
Finding out who's front running and how - corrupt broker, systems breach, or bad Saugatuck employee - is a difficult task, but Nora knows how to chase down criminals.
Nora settles in at Saugatuck, where a culture of 'total honesty' is demanded by the company's 70-year-old founder, David Jepson. Jepson insists that Saugatuck employees be truthful at all times - no lying or gossiping or backstabbing allowed. In practical terms, the lower echelon employees abide by these rules, but the Management Committee (MC) - the senior leaders of the company - not so much.
Nora is making progress with the 'front running' investigation when her boss, Helen Carmichael, is brutally murdered. Helen's body is found in an overturned red canoe belonging to Nora.....
.....and when Detective Demi Kofatos comes to Saugatuck to interview Nora, the cop spots blood on Nora's car.
Nora soon becomes the prime suspect for Helen's murder, and one cop in particular, Captain Tom Dunham, is CLEARLY out for Nora's blood.
Nora knows someone is framing her for Helen's murder, and she calls her long time friend Benny Dugan, a legendary Mafia investigator at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan.
Benny hustles to Westport with Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Garcia, and they quickly set out to prove Nora's innocence.
Meanwhile, Nora discovers that the victim Helen had secret files on all the members of the MC, with damaging information on each person. So Benny gets together with Saugatuck's chief security officer, Laslo Reiner, and together they interview the senior people at Saugatuck, to try to identify Helen's killer.
The MC seems loaded with churlish men, like Chip and Jeffey Jepson, the founder's sons, who think they can get away with anything;
Louis Lambert, who believes he should have Nora's job and angles to get it;
Arty Falcone - who has a reputation for groping women; and more.
There's some drama before the killer is unmasked, and this is the most exciting part of the book
I enjoyed James Comey's previous suspense novel, Central Park West, but this one was a little disappointing. The 'honesty' culture at Saugatuck Associates struck me as phony; I don't love modern suspense plots composed largely of questioning one suspect after another (though I'll admit it worked okay for Agatha Christie); and I thought the story lacked excitement.
I still consider Comey a talented mystery writer, and I'd read more of his books
Thanks to Netgalley, James Comey, and Mysterious Press for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
June 3, 2024
Nora Carleton has left the US Attorney’s Office and is now working at a hedge fund in Westport, Connecticut. When Helen, her friend and colleague, is found murdered all of the clues point to Nora. The hedge fund puts an emphasis on honesty, but not surprisingly its employees are hiding some pretty scummy secrets. And it turns out that Helen had some secrets of her own.
As with the first book in this series, the author proves to be really good at legal fiction, and is adept at dialogue. Because of the new setting, there is less emphasis on the inner workings of the FBI and US Attorney’s Office, and I missed that insider knowledge. However, I did enjoy the plot and its twists. Even though I figured out the bad guy early on, their reveal still had surprises. I also liked the characters including Nora, her mother and some colleagues from her former career. I’m looking forward to the continuation of the series (or really anything else the author wants to write). 4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
As with the first book in this series, the author proves to be really good at legal fiction, and is adept at dialogue. Because of the new setting, there is less emphasis on the inner workings of the FBI and US Attorney’s Office, and I missed that insider knowledge. However, I did enjoy the plot and its twists. Even though I figured out the bad guy early on, their reveal still had surprises. I also liked the characters including Nora, her mother and some colleagues from her former career. I’m looking forward to the continuation of the series (or really anything else the author wants to write). 4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
May 24, 2024
This is book two focusing on Nora Carleton, but I didn’t read the first book and wasn’t lot and enjoyed this one. I enjoyed it enough that I will be looking up the first book. I listened to the audiobook and really thought the narrator did a great job especially with voices for different characters. It really brought the whole story to life. It was a fun mystery, I think it was technically a thriller, but I didn’t find it quite thrilling enough to think of it like that. I did figure out who the bad guy was really early, but I still liked the mystery quite a bit. Nora is the head counselor for a rich hedge fund. She is caught off guard when her friend and boss was murdered and left in Nora’s canoe. Nora is quickly the prime suspect, but luckily she has friends talented in law and investigation who drop everything to come and support her. I hope there is a new adventure with Nora and her friends after this. There were definitely some blooming relationships that would make another book interesting.
May 22, 2024
James Comey has penned another intriguing mystery featuring Nora Carleton. In his first novel, Central Park West, Nora was working in the US Attorney's office in NYC. Now she's lead counsel at Saugatuck Associates in Westport, Connecticut, the world's largest hedge fund. She was recruited two years earlier by her friend Helen Carmichael, Chief Operating Officer for Saugatuck, who suspects someone in the company is using insider information to make early trades, known as 'front running.' When Helen is found dead, it becomes obvious someone tried hard to set Nora up as the guilty party with circumstantial evidence. Nora calls on her friends to help her prove her innocence and, perhaps while they are at it, unearth the real culprit in this world of high finance.
Comey does a credible job of creating a well-rounded cast of characters and of course his stories benefit from his vast knowledge of legal and courtroom matters. Nice twist to the plot brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. Where will Nora work next? Can't wait to see!
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Comey does a credible job of creating a well-rounded cast of characters and of course his stories benefit from his vast knowledge of legal and courtroom matters. Nice twist to the plot brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. Where will Nora work next? Can't wait to see!
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
August 25, 2025
James Comey, former director of the FBI (among other things), has published his second crime novel and the good news is...there's been some improvement. This follow-up contains decidedly less name-dropping, and brand-dropping, and no one's quite as dopey as they once were.
Our central character, Nora Carleton, has left her job as prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan to make a lateral move to in-house attorney for a hedge fund in Connecticut. This transition was meant to bring more money, better schools for her young daughter and, at least it was believed, far less danger. However, when her mentor, a woman with whom she once shared a kiss, is discovered beneath Nora's canoe with her throat slit, such hope dies a quick death.
Comey, in his Author's Note, tells us he once served as General Counsel for a large investment firm in Westport and brings that experience to bear in these pages to create a believable environment peopled by the odd ducks and eccentric practices one is likely to find in rarefied financial circles. There is, unfortunately, still a bit of work to do on crime scenes; he remains uncomfortable with the aftermath of violence and tends to give it all the short shrift. Equally, you will not find him ensconced in a killer's mindset or overly familiar with those relatively twisted intents and motivations. So, we're not quite a crime novelist yet.
But he's on the road to it, and that's worth noting.
Our central character, Nora Carleton, has left her job as prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan to make a lateral move to in-house attorney for a hedge fund in Connecticut. This transition was meant to bring more money, better schools for her young daughter and, at least it was believed, far less danger. However, when her mentor, a woman with whom she once shared a kiss, is discovered beneath Nora's canoe with her throat slit, such hope dies a quick death.
Comey, in his Author's Note, tells us he once served as General Counsel for a large investment firm in Westport and brings that experience to bear in these pages to create a believable environment peopled by the odd ducks and eccentric practices one is likely to find in rarefied financial circles. There is, unfortunately, still a bit of work to do on crime scenes; he remains uncomfortable with the aftermath of violence and tends to give it all the short shrift. Equally, you will not find him ensconced in a killer's mindset or overly familiar with those relatively twisted intents and motivations. So, we're not quite a crime novelist yet.
But he's on the road to it, and that's worth noting.
May 2, 2024
After really enjoying James Comey’s first novel , Central Park West, I was looking forward to seeing what he had in store for us next. Westport was another great read, full of twists and unlikeable characters. While I did guess whodunnit early on, it did not take away from my enjoyment. This book can easily be read as a stand-alone book.
Nora Carleton returns in Westport, now the chief counsel for a hedge fund company in Westport. When here close friend and boss, Helen, is found murdered, Nora is the prime suspect. She is being set up but by who and why? a good thing Nora has friends in high places to help prove her innocence.
I loved the legal aspect of this story, obviously the author knows a thing or two about this world. It was an interesting storyline, and I loved tye character of Benny Dugan. Please have more of him in future books.
Thanks to Penzler Publishers for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on May 21st.
Nora Carleton returns in Westport, now the chief counsel for a hedge fund company in Westport. When here close friend and boss, Helen, is found murdered, Nora is the prime suspect. She is being set up but by who and why? a good thing Nora has friends in high places to help prove her innocence.
I loved the legal aspect of this story, obviously the author knows a thing or two about this world. It was an interesting storyline, and I loved tye character of Benny Dugan. Please have more of him in future books.
Thanks to Penzler Publishers for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on May 21st.
January 4, 2025
“Westport” is James Comey’s follow-up to his first novel “Central Park West”, and much like its predecessor, carries many accolades and fanfare. It has received a whole lot of critical acclaim and strong word of mouth recommendations, including Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and several renowned bestselling authors. Not a bad way to start oof your writing career.
James Comey brings a strong background of experience to his first crime novel. He has been a prosecutor, defense lawyer, general counsel, and served as Director of the FBI. If that doesn’t help give you an inside edge of knowledge and understanding of the criminal, judicial, and political world, I don’t know what does.
But can he write a good novel? The good news is yes. Not only can he write a very good one, but he has now proven that he can do it again for a second time.
“Westport” is a worthy, and in some ways stronger, follow-up to “Central Park West”.
The book begins two years later with the same protagonist, Nora Carleton, now living in Westport, Connecticut, with her daughter, Sophie, and mother, Teresa. Nora left her job at the U.S. Attorney’s office in New York City to become the lead counsel at Saugatuck Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund. She was recommended for the position by her daughter’s father’s father-in-law, who also pays for Sophie to attend an excellent private school to make things easy for co-parenting and living close together. Nora is fine with the arrangement and with a few exceptions likes the people she works with at Saugatuck’s.
That is until things go bad one evening when a well-dressed woman is found dead in an abandoned red canoe with her throat slit.
The deceased woman is Helen Carmichael, Nora’s boss, and it was Nora’s canoe that she was found dead in. When the investigating detective, Demi Kofatos, interviews Nora, blood is also found on her car which adds to appearance of Nora’s involvement in murder.
Things unravel fast for Nora as she becomes the primary lead in the investigation. She realizes that someone’s trying to frame her, but why? Has she made an enemy at the company? She knows of at least one person who wants her job, but would he kill for it? Then there’s the secret investigation that she and Helen were working on to find out who was possibly stealing from the company’s hedge funds. Could someone have discovered what they were doing? Were they getting close to finding the guilty party?
Nora realizes that if she gets arrested and charged with murder, it will have a severe impact on her daughter that will not be able to be erased. It’s time to protect herself and call for help. Before she knows it, her old colleagues from the U.S. Attorney’s office arrive - Benny Dugan, her old partner and investigator, and Carmen Garcia, her previous boss and lawyer. Their goal is to keep Nora out of jail while finding the real killer and bringing that person to justice.
It’s up to them to stay a step ahead of the police investigation, which includes a police chief who wants to see Nora charged in a rush for judgment as well as an old conflict with Benny from when they worked together in the past. They also have to stay ahead of killer who is helping make the case against Nora tight and impossible to prove her way out of. It looks like Nora’s days are numbered…
There’s more I could share with the synopsis, but I really don’t want to give too much away regarding the plot so that you can have the pleasure of finding out for yourself. Self-discovery makes this book even better.
As I mentioned with my previous review of Comey’s first novel, he again masterfully combined characters, plotting, setting, with his law enforcement and legal background to create a savory and breathless reading experience. I enjoyed this one quite a bit, even more than his first for two reasons.
First, because of the awesome characters. He introduced them in the first book and I grew to admire, respect, and love them. Then, in the second book, he puts them in dire circumstances and forces them to work together to save their own. It makes for an emotional focus that only gets stronger as he peels the mystery one layer at a time.
Second, the mystery is much more personal than the first novel. I loved the parallel plotting of the two court cases in the prior novel and it really worked. Comey created a complex focus around the courtroom legal proceedings and the mob culture. At the same time, he carefully started revealing his primary character backgrounds and family relationships. Those histories and conflicts created empathy for them that Comey brilliantly builds on and amplifies even more in the second book. The investment in the first book pays off in the second because Nora’s freedom is at risk and the villain she most likely knows and works with rather than an outside influence. You needed the first book to set-up the second to create a successful one two punch.
Comey’s pacing and delivery were absolutely gripping throughout, and there were several surprising twists and turns along the way. This was a great read for those who love the mystery / crime genre with a real sense of authenticity and addictive storytelling. This book was so good that I read it in 24 hours. Not that I recommend that approach; I just wanted to share what an amazing read it was for me.
As I mentioned in my review of his first book, Comey knows his stuff and he spins a marvelous crime novel that combines elements of Michael Connelly (investigation), David Baldacci (suspense), and John Grisham (storytelling). I kid you not. Those three are my personal favorite mystery/suspense writers and I have no problems standing behind that. However, what I really enjoyed most about Comey’s first novel is not that he was able to bring in aspects of three of the best gold standard writers in this genre, but that he was able to do it in his own way. His own voice. His own plotting. His own pacing. And his own unique and colorful characters. He took what the greats have done and added his own twist. His own unique voice. He brings a freshness to law enforcement investigations and legal courtroom activities, as well as mixing in small-city politics.
Not only did I enjoy his complex storylines and pacing, I was also drawn to his characters and relationships which were layered with depth, history, and quality. Besides being drawn wholeheartedly to Nora, I continued to be enamored with Benny Dugan, her FBI partner, and Teresa, her mother. Benny was the good guy who does bad things on the job and trying to rebuild his family from mistakes he made in the past. Teresa gives the best advice, love, and support, that any mother or family member can give. And I absolutely (careful of spoilers), without a doubt, loved the developing relationship between these two characters. I didn’t see it coming, but Comey made it seem like a natural fit.
I also appreciated how Helen’s backstory was peeled away, one layer at a time, during the investigation process. It revealed a very complex, intelligent, and analytical character that was multi-dimensional, as well as providing the mystery a bigger impact. I would also be remiss if I didn’t throw a shout to police detective Demi Kofatos, who played a key role in this one, trying to perform an independent investigation while having to hold-off her biased captain hell bent on railroading Nora with the charges. Demi kept a cool head with a focus on doing what was right. She was also hinted at as being more, even a potential love interest, and I hope to see more of her again.
Overall, this novel involved a multitude of characters, several connecting storylines, and a lot of moving parts. Just the kind of novel I enjoy; one in which you peel the onion one layer at a time like a challenging Sudoku or Connections puzzle. Everything from the very first page to the end was a thrilling roller coaster ride, with several dramatic emotional outcomes along the way.
This is an absolutely strong 4.5 out of 5 stars rating. A more than worthy read. I cannot recommend it enough and even though it’s very early in the year, I have a strong feeling that this will end up on my top ten favorite reads list for 2025. Yes, it’s that dang good!
James Comey brings a strong background of experience to his first crime novel. He has been a prosecutor, defense lawyer, general counsel, and served as Director of the FBI. If that doesn’t help give you an inside edge of knowledge and understanding of the criminal, judicial, and political world, I don’t know what does.
But can he write a good novel? The good news is yes. Not only can he write a very good one, but he has now proven that he can do it again for a second time.
“Westport” is a worthy, and in some ways stronger, follow-up to “Central Park West”.
The book begins two years later with the same protagonist, Nora Carleton, now living in Westport, Connecticut, with her daughter, Sophie, and mother, Teresa. Nora left her job at the U.S. Attorney’s office in New York City to become the lead counsel at Saugatuck Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund. She was recommended for the position by her daughter’s father’s father-in-law, who also pays for Sophie to attend an excellent private school to make things easy for co-parenting and living close together. Nora is fine with the arrangement and with a few exceptions likes the people she works with at Saugatuck’s.
That is until things go bad one evening when a well-dressed woman is found dead in an abandoned red canoe with her throat slit.
The deceased woman is Helen Carmichael, Nora’s boss, and it was Nora’s canoe that she was found dead in. When the investigating detective, Demi Kofatos, interviews Nora, blood is also found on her car which adds to appearance of Nora’s involvement in murder.
Things unravel fast for Nora as she becomes the primary lead in the investigation. She realizes that someone’s trying to frame her, but why? Has she made an enemy at the company? She knows of at least one person who wants her job, but would he kill for it? Then there’s the secret investigation that she and Helen were working on to find out who was possibly stealing from the company’s hedge funds. Could someone have discovered what they were doing? Were they getting close to finding the guilty party?
Nora realizes that if she gets arrested and charged with murder, it will have a severe impact on her daughter that will not be able to be erased. It’s time to protect herself and call for help. Before she knows it, her old colleagues from the U.S. Attorney’s office arrive - Benny Dugan, her old partner and investigator, and Carmen Garcia, her previous boss and lawyer. Their goal is to keep Nora out of jail while finding the real killer and bringing that person to justice.
It’s up to them to stay a step ahead of the police investigation, which includes a police chief who wants to see Nora charged in a rush for judgment as well as an old conflict with Benny from when they worked together in the past. They also have to stay ahead of killer who is helping make the case against Nora tight and impossible to prove her way out of. It looks like Nora’s days are numbered…
There’s more I could share with the synopsis, but I really don’t want to give too much away regarding the plot so that you can have the pleasure of finding out for yourself. Self-discovery makes this book even better.
As I mentioned with my previous review of Comey’s first novel, he again masterfully combined characters, plotting, setting, with his law enforcement and legal background to create a savory and breathless reading experience. I enjoyed this one quite a bit, even more than his first for two reasons.
First, because of the awesome characters. He introduced them in the first book and I grew to admire, respect, and love them. Then, in the second book, he puts them in dire circumstances and forces them to work together to save their own. It makes for an emotional focus that only gets stronger as he peels the mystery one layer at a time.
Second, the mystery is much more personal than the first novel. I loved the parallel plotting of the two court cases in the prior novel and it really worked. Comey created a complex focus around the courtroom legal proceedings and the mob culture. At the same time, he carefully started revealing his primary character backgrounds and family relationships. Those histories and conflicts created empathy for them that Comey brilliantly builds on and amplifies even more in the second book. The investment in the first book pays off in the second because Nora’s freedom is at risk and the villain she most likely knows and works with rather than an outside influence. You needed the first book to set-up the second to create a successful one two punch.
Comey’s pacing and delivery were absolutely gripping throughout, and there were several surprising twists and turns along the way. This was a great read for those who love the mystery / crime genre with a real sense of authenticity and addictive storytelling. This book was so good that I read it in 24 hours. Not that I recommend that approach; I just wanted to share what an amazing read it was for me.
As I mentioned in my review of his first book, Comey knows his stuff and he spins a marvelous crime novel that combines elements of Michael Connelly (investigation), David Baldacci (suspense), and John Grisham (storytelling). I kid you not. Those three are my personal favorite mystery/suspense writers and I have no problems standing behind that. However, what I really enjoyed most about Comey’s first novel is not that he was able to bring in aspects of three of the best gold standard writers in this genre, but that he was able to do it in his own way. His own voice. His own plotting. His own pacing. And his own unique and colorful characters. He took what the greats have done and added his own twist. His own unique voice. He brings a freshness to law enforcement investigations and legal courtroom activities, as well as mixing in small-city politics.
Not only did I enjoy his complex storylines and pacing, I was also drawn to his characters and relationships which were layered with depth, history, and quality. Besides being drawn wholeheartedly to Nora, I continued to be enamored with Benny Dugan, her FBI partner, and Teresa, her mother. Benny was the good guy who does bad things on the job and trying to rebuild his family from mistakes he made in the past. Teresa gives the best advice, love, and support, that any mother or family member can give. And I absolutely (careful of spoilers), without a doubt, loved the developing relationship between these two characters. I didn’t see it coming, but Comey made it seem like a natural fit.
I also appreciated how Helen’s backstory was peeled away, one layer at a time, during the investigation process. It revealed a very complex, intelligent, and analytical character that was multi-dimensional, as well as providing the mystery a bigger impact. I would also be remiss if I didn’t throw a shout to police detective Demi Kofatos, who played a key role in this one, trying to perform an independent investigation while having to hold-off her biased captain hell bent on railroading Nora with the charges. Demi kept a cool head with a focus on doing what was right. She was also hinted at as being more, even a potential love interest, and I hope to see more of her again.
Overall, this novel involved a multitude of characters, several connecting storylines, and a lot of moving parts. Just the kind of novel I enjoy; one in which you peel the onion one layer at a time like a challenging Sudoku or Connections puzzle. Everything from the very first page to the end was a thrilling roller coaster ride, with several dramatic emotional outcomes along the way.
This is an absolutely strong 4.5 out of 5 stars rating. A more than worthy read. I cannot recommend it enough and even though it’s very early in the year, I have a strong feeling that this will end up on my top ten favorite reads list for 2025. Yes, it’s that dang good!
December 31, 2024
На мен първата книжка ми хареса повече.Тук някак си всичко ми беше предвидимо,а и не се случва кой знае какво.Историята започва с едно убийство,но вместо да разследва,главната героиня е разследваната,а старите и приятели ще и помогнат,за да излезе истината наяве.Наподобява Гришъм.
May 11, 2024
This, the second in the former FBI director's series featuring U.S. Attorney Nora Carleton, takes her from her high-stakes, high-pressure New York job to posher-than-posh Long Island Sound, where she's been named lead counsel at Saugatuck Associates, the world's largest hedge fund. Joining her is her young daughter, Sophie. The hedge fund leaders are a quirky bunch, but they seem to like and appreciate Nora - especially one friend, Helen Carpenter, who recruited her - so all's right with the world.
Until it isn't. One not-so-fine day, a fisherman finds a dead body in a canoe, and it's Helen. Of course, Nora is devastated; but when evidence puts Nora in the role of prime suspect, she - together with her New York friend and investigator, Benny Dugan - realize that someone is out to get Nora as well by framing her for Helen's murder.
Nora's work with Helen included sleuthing in hopes of determining who, if anyone, inside the company has been using top-secret company information to make lucrative trades on his or her own, thus undercutting the company's profits. Beyond that, though, there apparently was more - much more - to Helen than met Nora's eye. In fact, she'd been collecting "dirt" on all the firm's top brass - giving more than one person at the firm good reason to want her dead and gone.
The investigation offers plenty of action that ensured my reluctance to put the book down; that said, it was fairly easy to make an educated (and ultimately accurate) guess early on as to the culprit's identity. I was also a little annoyed at Nora's actions near the end - a bit uncharacteristic in my mind - but overall it was a well-crafted adventure I thoroughly enjoyed. I certainly look forward to seeing more of Nora, Benny and (hopefully) a couple of other intriguing characters. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review this one. Well done!
Until it isn't. One not-so-fine day, a fisherman finds a dead body in a canoe, and it's Helen. Of course, Nora is devastated; but when evidence puts Nora in the role of prime suspect, she - together with her New York friend and investigator, Benny Dugan - realize that someone is out to get Nora as well by framing her for Helen's murder.
Nora's work with Helen included sleuthing in hopes of determining who, if anyone, inside the company has been using top-secret company information to make lucrative trades on his or her own, thus undercutting the company's profits. Beyond that, though, there apparently was more - much more - to Helen than met Nora's eye. In fact, she'd been collecting "dirt" on all the firm's top brass - giving more than one person at the firm good reason to want her dead and gone.
The investigation offers plenty of action that ensured my reluctance to put the book down; that said, it was fairly easy to make an educated (and ultimately accurate) guess early on as to the culprit's identity. I was also a little annoyed at Nora's actions near the end - a bit uncharacteristic in my mind - but overall it was a well-crafted adventure I thoroughly enjoyed. I certainly look forward to seeing more of Nora, Benny and (hopefully) a couple of other intriguing characters. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review this one. Well done!
August 22, 2024
Поредицата дотук не успява да премине 3-тата звезда. Коми, освен юрист и бивш шеф на ФБР, знае да пише. Нямам представа дали го прави с екип помощници, както е практика при известните личности, станали писатели. Както при филмите, в американската художествена литература се вкарва някаква държавно-наложена (по комунистически/демократически) линия, задължително да има "дайвърсити", което много много често е неуместно и стои странно. Тук също е натрапчиво, предвид образа на главната героиня. Иначе Коми успява да очертае сполучливо крайностите и налудничавостта на съвременния корпоративен живот, който уж се стреми към максимална рационалност, но зад завесите на заседания, стилизирани имейли и красиви офиси, прозират същите човешки слабости и ирационалности.
January 14, 2024
My biggest surprise while reading the first Nora Carleton thriller, “Central Park West,” was how well written the female characters all were — intelligent, balanced, clever, brilliant, complicated, not petty or overly emotional, and engaging. It’s a talent that James Comey continues in “Westport.” (I was also amazed at the knowledge in “Central Park West” that a special frappuccino order can track you across the world; alas no frappuccino tracking in this book). Comey explains that he was a general counsel for a legal firm in Westport, Connecticut, which is why this thriller is now set 50 miles away from New York City.
It’s two years later and Nora is no longer at the Organized Crime Division of US Attorney’s Office for Southern Manhattan; she’s been recruited by CEO Helen Carmichael to be lead counsel (although mostly for her investigative skills) at Saugatuck Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund that prides itself on having more smart and truthful people than weasels, but whose insider secrets seem to be leaking out from a minority member. Helen is a major secret keeper herself and she is also the dead body in the first few paragraphs, with Nora becoming a suspect as the story unfolds.
Nora enlists the help of her former Mafia investigator, Benny, and attorney Carmen Garcia, also a former colleague from Manhattan. As mentioned, Comey excels in fair female representation and the lead detective, Demi Kofatos, is competent and believable instead of being an adversarial mope, although her male ex-NYPD boss might fit that description.
Comey’s FBI expertise is also on display again as he explains the evolution of forensic techniques and clarifies the legal ramifications of proper procedure in a murder case. His corporate experience is equally invaluable when explaining things like front-running trades. Comey is an author whose past life definitely helps him develop realistic plot lines. The story is action-packed and the character team deserves another future thriller! 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO The closest are Helen’s hazel eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But city boy Benny complains about “too many trees” in rural Maine.
Thank you to Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
It’s two years later and Nora is no longer at the Organized Crime Division of US Attorney’s Office for Southern Manhattan; she’s been recruited by CEO Helen Carmichael to be lead counsel (although mostly for her investigative skills) at Saugatuck Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund that prides itself on having more smart and truthful people than weasels, but whose insider secrets seem to be leaking out from a minority member. Helen is a major secret keeper herself and she is also the dead body in the first few paragraphs, with Nora becoming a suspect as the story unfolds.
Nora enlists the help of her former Mafia investigator, Benny, and attorney Carmen Garcia, also a former colleague from Manhattan. As mentioned, Comey excels in fair female representation and the lead detective, Demi Kofatos, is competent and believable instead of being an adversarial mope, although her male ex-NYPD boss might fit that description.
Comey’s FBI expertise is also on display again as he explains the evolution of forensic techniques and clarifies the legal ramifications of proper procedure in a murder case. His corporate experience is equally invaluable when explaining things like front-running trades. Comey is an author whose past life definitely helps him develop realistic plot lines. The story is action-packed and the character team deserves another future thriller! 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO The closest are Helen’s hazel eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But city boy Benny complains about “too many trees” in rural Maine.
Thank you to Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
March 2, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Penzler Press for this ARC of James Comey’s upcoming release? Westport.
Although, there is often a sophomore-slump when it comes to a second book, that was definitely not the case with Westport. I enjoyed Central Park West and Westport equally. Both filled with good strong characters and great stories.
Nora, general counsel at a hedge fund company built on painful honesty and truthfulness, finds herself the suspect in a co-worker’s murder. Joined by her investigator friend, Benny, she’s finds there is a lot more deceit than truth at the company. About the business and the murder.
James Comey has written another hit you won’t want to miss. I loved Nora, Benny and Teresa, Nora’s mother. Loved the relationship between Teresa and Benny.
Although, there is often a sophomore-slump when it comes to a second book, that was definitely not the case with Westport. I enjoyed Central Park West and Westport equally. Both filled with good strong characters and great stories.
Nora, general counsel at a hedge fund company built on painful honesty and truthfulness, finds herself the suspect in a co-worker’s murder. Joined by her investigator friend, Benny, she’s finds there is a lot more deceit than truth at the company. About the business and the murder.
James Comey has written another hit you won’t want to miss. I loved Nora, Benny and Teresa, Nora’s mother. Loved the relationship between Teresa and Benny.
May 24, 2024
“Westport” by James Comey is a very well written mystery that keeps you interested until the end. The story takes place in Westport Ct. where the world’s largest Hedge fund is located. The main character who was a former US attorney becomes the primary suspect in her bosses suspicious murder. With the authors extensive expertise in financial crimes he creates a compelling story with lots of conspiracy, corruption & danger.
Thank you NetGalley & Penzler Publishers for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley & Penzler Publishers for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 13, 2024
This book was a murder mystery set in the small coastal town of Westport. Nora works for a large hedge fund- Saugatuck Associates. One of her colleges turns up dead and all the evidence points to her, but she maintains her innocence.
In the end there are a couple of surprises. Not a suspenseful page turner, but it kept me reading to see how it ended.
In the end there are a couple of surprises. Not a suspenseful page turner, but it kept me reading to see how it ended.
December 22, 2024
Obligatory read, trying to make this town feel a little more interesting before a long winter break here. Not particularly riveting, but very Westport — take that as you will
I actually would not recommend this, it was not very good. I just don’t care about corporate stick-up-the-ass shit, even when murder is involved. The characters hinged so heavily on tropes too. Yeah, it’s very Westport
I actually would not recommend this, it was not very good. I just don’t care about corporate stick-up-the-ass shit, even when murder is involved. The characters hinged so heavily on tropes too. Yeah, it’s very Westport
May 28, 2024
Meh. Boring characters, predictable ending. Disappointing story. I’m not sure why it’s getting high reviews. IMO
August 18, 2024
No mystery here. It stinks.
December 29, 2024
Starts well, loses momentum. Punchy language. Too drawn out and predictable. Some editing misses!
June 1, 2024
4 1/2 Stars
Former Director of the FBI James Comey returns with the follow-up to his debut fiction novel CENTRAL PARK WEST. WESTPORT contains some characters from that first story but can be fully enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.
Two years earlier, Nora Carleton left a top job with the US Attorney’s Office to enter the private sector. She relocated with her mother and eight-year-old daughter Sophie to Westport Connecticut for a high-paying job as lead counsel with the world’s largest hedge fund, Saugatuck Associates. The primary reason for landing this new opportunity was based on a recommendation from a friend of the family named Helen Carmichael who was the COO at Saugatuck.
Nora admit to having a crush on Helen and they actually shared a brief kiss prior to her first interview --- but both agreed it was not right to pursue things with Nora’s candidacy for the lead counsel role which. She got the role at the end of her first round of interviews and has settled in nicely to life at a company built on full transparency and honesty and she held a seat on the board there with the Managing Committee. David Jepson was the owner and CEO and three of his children --- Miranda, Chip and Jeffy all sat in board positions as well.
At the top of the novel we see a completely different narrative whereby a man named Ernie Sosa is taking his boat to work off of the nearby Long Island Sound when he comes upon something out of place. A red canoe is washed up on the deadly Seymour Rock. He stops to investigate and when he pulls the canoe away uncovers the body of a woman, her throat slashed and bleeding from a head wound. He has no idea who she is and calls it into the local Westport P.D. This wealthy suburb is not used to crimes like murder and this discovery was quite shocking. What will be even more devastating is when the police report to Saugatuck Associates that the murdered woman was their COO Helen Carmichael.
What makes the matter that much worse for Nora is the fact that the red canoe found covering Helen’s body belonged to her --- even though everyone knew she often loaned it out to whoever needed it. When the police, under the direction of Detective Demi Kofatos, reports this to Nora and then drops her off at her car in the company lot they both notice the rear bumper of Nora’s car smeared with what looks like blood. The police impound the vehicle for forensic testing --- but Nora has a sneaky feeling that the blood will match Helen’s and that someone is setting her up to take the fall for this murder.
The first thing Nora does is reach out to her old colleague Benny Dugan, a well-known Mafia investigator. His gruff and very New York City demeanor and way of speaking is quite contrary to the Westport suburbs and is a very welcome addition to the narrative. He starts conducting his own investigation under the lead of attorney and friend Carmen Garcia in an effort to clear Nora of potential murder charges and try and find out who might have wanted Helen dead. When Nora’s home is broken into as soon as the investigation begins it becomes apparent someone is setting her up. When the police eventually search Nora’s home they discover the murder weapon --- a knife originally from Helen’s own home --- filled with her blood and placed in one of Nora’s utensil drawers.
Like an Agatha Christie mystery, WESTPORT provides many suspects and possible motives for murder. The top reason is uncovered when Helen’s administrative assistant turns over a set of personal files Helen had been compiling on her own and kept locked in her office. These files had the folders with the names of every Saugatuck board member on them and each contained plenty of information that could have sunk each and every one of them. From rape to acts of perversion as well as other criminal misdemeanors, Helen had something to hold over the head of everyone important there with the exception of Nora. Now, it was up to Benny and head of corporate security Laslo to work together and interview everyone with a file to push the right buttons.
All of the family members were given motive as well as the head of IT, a man named Rob who was a wheelchair bound war hero, and the secondary counsel named Louis who openly held a grudge against Nora for getting the position he thought he deserved. Every chapter, every meeting with a potential suspect changes the direction of this taut and well-plotted novel and Comey gets to show off his firsthand knowledge of both criminal investigations as well as the trade industry. The finale is a winner and WESTPORT plays out like THE FIRM set in the world of international trade and investments in all the best ways.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Former Director of the FBI James Comey returns with the follow-up to his debut fiction novel CENTRAL PARK WEST. WESTPORT contains some characters from that first story but can be fully enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.
Two years earlier, Nora Carleton left a top job with the US Attorney’s Office to enter the private sector. She relocated with her mother and eight-year-old daughter Sophie to Westport Connecticut for a high-paying job as lead counsel with the world’s largest hedge fund, Saugatuck Associates. The primary reason for landing this new opportunity was based on a recommendation from a friend of the family named Helen Carmichael who was the COO at Saugatuck.
Nora admit to having a crush on Helen and they actually shared a brief kiss prior to her first interview --- but both agreed it was not right to pursue things with Nora’s candidacy for the lead counsel role which. She got the role at the end of her first round of interviews and has settled in nicely to life at a company built on full transparency and honesty and she held a seat on the board there with the Managing Committee. David Jepson was the owner and CEO and three of his children --- Miranda, Chip and Jeffy all sat in board positions as well.
At the top of the novel we see a completely different narrative whereby a man named Ernie Sosa is taking his boat to work off of the nearby Long Island Sound when he comes upon something out of place. A red canoe is washed up on the deadly Seymour Rock. He stops to investigate and when he pulls the canoe away uncovers the body of a woman, her throat slashed and bleeding from a head wound. He has no idea who she is and calls it into the local Westport P.D. This wealthy suburb is not used to crimes like murder and this discovery was quite shocking. What will be even more devastating is when the police report to Saugatuck Associates that the murdered woman was their COO Helen Carmichael.
What makes the matter that much worse for Nora is the fact that the red canoe found covering Helen’s body belonged to her --- even though everyone knew she often loaned it out to whoever needed it. When the police, under the direction of Detective Demi Kofatos, reports this to Nora and then drops her off at her car in the company lot they both notice the rear bumper of Nora’s car smeared with what looks like blood. The police impound the vehicle for forensic testing --- but Nora has a sneaky feeling that the blood will match Helen’s and that someone is setting her up to take the fall for this murder.
The first thing Nora does is reach out to her old colleague Benny Dugan, a well-known Mafia investigator. His gruff and very New York City demeanor and way of speaking is quite contrary to the Westport suburbs and is a very welcome addition to the narrative. He starts conducting his own investigation under the lead of attorney and friend Carmen Garcia in an effort to clear Nora of potential murder charges and try and find out who might have wanted Helen dead. When Nora’s home is broken into as soon as the investigation begins it becomes apparent someone is setting her up. When the police eventually search Nora’s home they discover the murder weapon --- a knife originally from Helen’s own home --- filled with her blood and placed in one of Nora’s utensil drawers.
Like an Agatha Christie mystery, WESTPORT provides many suspects and possible motives for murder. The top reason is uncovered when Helen’s administrative assistant turns over a set of personal files Helen had been compiling on her own and kept locked in her office. These files had the folders with the names of every Saugatuck board member on them and each contained plenty of information that could have sunk each and every one of them. From rape to acts of perversion as well as other criminal misdemeanors, Helen had something to hold over the head of everyone important there with the exception of Nora. Now, it was up to Benny and head of corporate security Laslo to work together and interview everyone with a file to push the right buttons.
All of the family members were given motive as well as the head of IT, a man named Rob who was a wheelchair bound war hero, and the secondary counsel named Louis who openly held a grudge against Nora for getting the position he thought he deserved. Every chapter, every meeting with a potential suspect changes the direction of this taut and well-plotted novel and Comey gets to show off his firsthand knowledge of both criminal investigations as well as the trade industry. The finale is a winner and WESTPORT plays out like THE FIRM set in the world of international trade and investments in all the best ways.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
October 5, 2025
This being early October 2025 and James Comey is in the news, I figured I'd read one of his novels that just happened to be laying around the house. Although this is #2 in a series, it can be read standalone.
I'd call this book "cozy-mystery adjacent"
If a cozy mystery is defined as (from Gemini AI)
A cozy mystery is a subgenre of crime fiction characterized by an amateur sleuth solving a crime, typically in a small, intimate, and charming setting, without graphic violence, sex, or foul language. These stories often have a lighthearted, witty, and humorous tone, emphasizing the puzzle and the characters' personal relationships over the brutality of the crime itself, with a satisfying and neat resolution where justice is served.
Amateur sleuth - sort of, main character is a former US Attorney, now General Counsel at a hedge fund
Small, intimate, charming setting - sort of, it takes place in a wealthy suburb of NYC, the eponymous Westport and within the offices of Saugatuck, the hedge fund. So, small and intimate and semi-charming. Definitely not the mean streets of LA.
Without graphic violence, sex or foul language -- definitely true on the first two counts, not at all on the profanity of which there is plenty - given that some of the characters are ex-NYC cops. But the dialog is at times gruffly sharp.
Lighthearted, witty, humorous - Again, sort of - the hedge fund management committee is eccentric, there's a darling 8 year old girl, a loving grandmother, and dishes getting washed. No serial killers or dark pathologies.
Emphasizing the puzzle and the character's personal relationships - Most definitely. The whole plot is driven by all the suspects and how they related to each other. Many interviews by the investigators roll out clues to the killer chapter-by-chapter. The good guys are likeable characters.
Chapters are short (4-5 pages each) and the book qualifies as a decent page-turner though not of the heart-stopping suspense variety - just well-paced and engaging.
Because Comey had background in both the public law enforcement sector as well as investment management, the book reads like he knows what he is talking about.
3.5 stars in my opinion - not 4 stars because this is basically an airport bookstore read. Serviceable, but disposable and not exactly Margaret Atwood-quality writing. Nevertheless, expands one's view of James Comey beyond what you might read in the headlines. I doubt I'll be reading the others in the series unless stuck in an airport without alternatives.
I'd call this book "cozy-mystery adjacent"
If a cozy mystery is defined as (from Gemini AI)
A cozy mystery is a subgenre of crime fiction characterized by an amateur sleuth solving a crime, typically in a small, intimate, and charming setting, without graphic violence, sex, or foul language. These stories often have a lighthearted, witty, and humorous tone, emphasizing the puzzle and the characters' personal relationships over the brutality of the crime itself, with a satisfying and neat resolution where justice is served.
Amateur sleuth - sort of, main character is a former US Attorney, now General Counsel at a hedge fund
Small, intimate, charming setting - sort of, it takes place in a wealthy suburb of NYC, the eponymous Westport and within the offices of Saugatuck, the hedge fund. So, small and intimate and semi-charming. Definitely not the mean streets of LA.
Without graphic violence, sex or foul language -- definitely true on the first two counts, not at all on the profanity of which there is plenty - given that some of the characters are ex-NYC cops. But the dialog is at times gruffly sharp.
Lighthearted, witty, humorous - Again, sort of - the hedge fund management committee is eccentric, there's a darling 8 year old girl, a loving grandmother, and dishes getting washed. No serial killers or dark pathologies.
Emphasizing the puzzle and the character's personal relationships - Most definitely. The whole plot is driven by all the suspects and how they related to each other. Many interviews by the investigators roll out clues to the killer chapter-by-chapter. The good guys are likeable characters.
Chapters are short (4-5 pages each) and the book qualifies as a decent page-turner though not of the heart-stopping suspense variety - just well-paced and engaging.
Because Comey had background in both the public law enforcement sector as well as investment management, the book reads like he knows what he is talking about.
3.5 stars in my opinion - not 4 stars because this is basically an airport bookstore read. Serviceable, but disposable and not exactly Margaret Atwood-quality writing. Nevertheless, expands one's view of James Comey beyond what you might read in the headlines. I doubt I'll be reading the others in the series unless stuck in an airport without alternatives.
October 30, 2024
Very meh. I think the mystery was technically interesting, but the writing was so bad it made it uninteresting. There was no tension, no rush to know what happens next, and no character development. I felt like I knew nothing about any of the characters and the payoff of the ending was also meh. It wasn’t a terrible read? But I wish I had spent the time reading something else.
January 16, 2024
This is the second Comey mystery and I love them both. Comey has taken his knowledge of the complicated financial markets and wrapped a compelling mystery around them. As he did in his earlier book, Central Park West, but Comey wrote this as a stand alone. Despite pulling some of the characters into this book, the reader will have no difficulty diving into this book. In fact, I’m sure many readers will return to the earlier novel since this one is so compelling and readable.
Though this novel takes place in the complex world of hedge fund billions, centered around a murder. Comey very quickly pulls the reader into the heart of the mystery with the suspicious death of a woman in the first pages. There are numerous red herrings, all of which make the reader think.
His characters are totally likable and I love the fact that there is closure. I know I am looking forward to revisiting them in the next Comey novel. This is a great read which I highly recommend.
Thank you Netgalley for this enjoyable, well written novel.
Though this novel takes place in the complex world of hedge fund billions, centered around a murder. Comey very quickly pulls the reader into the heart of the mystery with the suspicious death of a woman in the first pages. There are numerous red herrings, all of which make the reader think.
His characters are totally likable and I love the fact that there is closure. I know I am looking forward to revisiting them in the next Comey novel. This is a great read which I highly recommend.
Thank you Netgalley for this enjoyable, well written novel.
July 1, 2024
This book/plot had the potential to be great, or at the very least a juicy, cheesy whodunnit, but the writing made it so intolerable. I’m shocked the editor didn’t do more to make Comey appear as a better writer. The book tells rather than shows, and has incredibly cringey lines. Id liken reading this book to watching a potentially interesting TV show that was shot on an iPhone and shakes while you were watching. The writing is the shakey camera- so distracting and undermines the story/character development. I wanted to know who did it, so I plowed through to the end, but would not recommend
August 23, 2024
Disappointing. Comey’s first book was surprisingly good because it has great courtrooms scenes. This one did not. It hinged on plot twists that were very weak. It also was a little too insider for me. Maybe the third one will be better but I won’t waste time on it if I learn there are no courtroom scenes.
August 25, 2024
The book I just finished reading is the second in the series and it had the same nonstop action and great character development. I really like books that have courtroom drama and the ending I would never have t seen coming.
June 11, 2024
This is James Comey’s second novel featuring Nora Carleton, I had the pleasure of reading book one on a blog tour so was looking forward to this one. This can easily be read as a stand alone novel, you don’t have to have read the first book as Nora was working in the US Attorney’s office in NYC. But now she is lead counsel at Saugatuck Associates in Westport, Connecticut, the world’s largest hedge fund. Nora had been recruited by Helen Carmichael who was Chief Operating Officer for the company, she suspected someone was doing some front running, using insider information to make money on the side. It’s two years since Nora had started the job and they didn’t seem any nearer to finding who the culprit is.
But then Helen is murdered, and someone is making it look like it’s Nora that has committed the murder. But all the evidence is circumstantial. But who would want to frame Nora? And why? Nora calls in her friends to investigate, and to try and find who the murderer is. When some files are found that Helen had made on employees, they aren’t short on candidates.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, I loved the relationship with Nora, her mum Theresa, and 8 year old Sophie. There were some really fun parts which made me laugh. Along with the more serious investigation being done to find who has been doing what.
The characters are all well rounded and believable both the likeable and unlikeable ones, along with the legal matters which the author clearly knows about through his previous work. I really hope Benny Dugan appears in the next books. The plot flows well with short sharp chapters, keeping the reader engaged all the time. With a nice twist that came at the end although I suspected earlier who I thought had committed the crimes. I just hadn’t got the full picture. But all the ends were tied up nicely.
I look forward to see what Nora does next. This is another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me, as I couldn’t put it down until I had finished it, even if that meant 3 in the morning.
But then Helen is murdered, and someone is making it look like it’s Nora that has committed the murder. But all the evidence is circumstantial. But who would want to frame Nora? And why? Nora calls in her friends to investigate, and to try and find who the murderer is. When some files are found that Helen had made on employees, they aren’t short on candidates.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, I loved the relationship with Nora, her mum Theresa, and 8 year old Sophie. There were some really fun parts which made me laugh. Along with the more serious investigation being done to find who has been doing what.
The characters are all well rounded and believable both the likeable and unlikeable ones, along with the legal matters which the author clearly knows about through his previous work. I really hope Benny Dugan appears in the next books. The plot flows well with short sharp chapters, keeping the reader engaged all the time. With a nice twist that came at the end although I suspected earlier who I thought had committed the crimes. I just hadn’t got the full picture. But all the ends were tied up nicely.
I look forward to see what Nora does next. This is another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me, as I couldn’t put it down until I had finished it, even if that meant 3 in the morning.
July 16, 2025
Westport was a delightful surprise for me. James Comey is a new author I've discovered, and after reading this book, I immediately picked up his other two novels, FDR Drive and Central Park West. Even though Westport is part of a series, it reads seamlessly as a standalone, which is nice since I’m unintentionally reading them out of order.
The story revolves around Nora, a lead who finds herself caught in a gripping whodunit following the shocking murder of her boss and mentor, Helen Carmichael. Comey skillfully builds suspense, guiding readers through a web of potential suspects until the final twist—a suspect you genuinely don’t see coming—hits you like a gut punch.
What I appreciated most was the pacing and structure of the narrative. Each character’s backstory is revealed at just the right moment, and there is never a sense of information overload. Comey provides exactly what you need to remain engaged in the mystery, no more, no less.
If you enjoy tightly written thrillers with intelligent characters and a satisfying twist, I highly recommend Westport. I’m looking forward to exploring more of Comey’s work.
The story revolves around Nora, a lead who finds herself caught in a gripping whodunit following the shocking murder of her boss and mentor, Helen Carmichael. Comey skillfully builds suspense, guiding readers through a web of potential suspects until the final twist—a suspect you genuinely don’t see coming—hits you like a gut punch.
What I appreciated most was the pacing and structure of the narrative. Each character’s backstory is revealed at just the right moment, and there is never a sense of information overload. Comey provides exactly what you need to remain engaged in the mystery, no more, no less.
If you enjoy tightly written thrillers with intelligent characters and a satisfying twist, I highly recommend Westport. I’m looking forward to exploring more of Comey’s work.
June 19, 2024
What a fantastic read! When I read @comey first book Central Park West and knowing James Comey’s background, I immediately just become engrossed and I felt exactly the same with Westport. The knowledge that is flooded within these pages makes it such an incredible read.
I love that we have the return of Nora, such a brilliant character. However.. things take quite the interesting turn! Is she being framed or has she committed the offence… I thoroughly enjoyed the build up throughout and it was so tense and fast paced. I feel like although Nora was caught up in a murder investigation, she kept a positive mind and juggling life as a mother and with her job.
Benny, a well known Mafia Investigator, is such a standout character for me in this and I really hope we see more of him. I really like his attitude, determination and sarcasm. He’s definitely a likeable character.
Through all the build up and investigating of potential suspect(s), I feel like the reveal was great and it all just tied up nicely for me. I definitely hope we see more of these characters and I’m looking forward to hopefully a third book in this series or just anything that James Comey writes. Fantastic author!
I love that we have the return of Nora, such a brilliant character. However.. things take quite the interesting turn! Is she being framed or has she committed the offence… I thoroughly enjoyed the build up throughout and it was so tense and fast paced. I feel like although Nora was caught up in a murder investigation, she kept a positive mind and juggling life as a mother and with her job.
Benny, a well known Mafia Investigator, is such a standout character for me in this and I really hope we see more of him. I really like his attitude, determination and sarcasm. He’s definitely a likeable character.
Through all the build up and investigating of potential suspect(s), I feel like the reveal was great and it all just tied up nicely for me. I definitely hope we see more of these characters and I’m looking forward to hopefully a third book in this series or just anything that James Comey writes. Fantastic author!
June 17, 2024
This is my first read by the author as it was recommended by a friend. The plot was very generic, however I found Nora underwhelming in this book especially given her history. She was very naive given where she was coming from in kept screaming ‘oh come on’. The investigation was rushed and given the authors background I was looking for more excitement. None the less it was a good read, I enjoyed it
July 14, 2025
Comey Is An Even Worse Author Than He Was an FBI Director!
I had hoped that Comey would have learned enough from the criticisms about his mediocre first novel to improve his writing skills in this book…but I was wrong!
To keep this review brief, I’ll just say that while the plot concept of Westport had potential, Comey’s writing skills in it were insufficient to keep my interest throughout almost the entire book. This is because the book was virtually devoid of credible and surprising twists and turns, and the few Comey intended to be surprising wound up being both uninteresting and, even worse, predictable. And, as for Comey’s character development skills…fugettaboutit!!!
Do yourself a favor and don’t waste your time and money on this wannabe mystery by this wannabe bestselling author.
I had hoped that Comey would have learned enough from the criticisms about his mediocre first novel to improve his writing skills in this book…but I was wrong!
To keep this review brief, I’ll just say that while the plot concept of Westport had potential, Comey’s writing skills in it were insufficient to keep my interest throughout almost the entire book. This is because the book was virtually devoid of credible and surprising twists and turns, and the few Comey intended to be surprising wound up being both uninteresting and, even worse, predictable. And, as for Comey’s character development skills…fugettaboutit!!!
Do yourself a favor and don’t waste your time and money on this wannabe mystery by this wannabe bestselling author.
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