Dive into the shadowy streets of New York City with the Commandment series, a captivating quartet of crime fiction novels by Lawrence Sanders that blend gritty mysteries with unforgettable characters. From cunning investigators to morally complex villains, this series hooks you with its thrilling plots and vivid storytelling, making it a hidden gem for fans of suspense.
With a knack for weaving tales of crime, lust, and betrayal, Sanders invites readers to unravel mysteries alongside unique sleuths like the sharp-witted Dora Conti and the tenacious Joshua Bigg. Ready to step into a world where every clue pulses with danger? Let’s explore the Commandment series!
How Commandment Began
Lawrence Sanders, a former magazine editor turned bestselling novelist, launched the Commandment series in 1978 with The Sixth Commandment. After his Edgar Award-winning debut, The Anderson Tapes, Sanders was inspired to craft a new series rooted in New York City’s gritty underbelly. His goal? To explore human nature’s darker corners through the lens of crime, using the Ten Commandments as a thematic backbone for his mysteries.
Sanders’ transition to full-time fiction writing at age 50 fueled his bold, unapologetic style. The Commandment series reflects his fascination with urban life and moral ambiguity, delivering stories that feel both timeless and distinctly tied to the bustling, chaotic energy of 1970s and 1980s New York.
The Heart of Commandment
The Commandment series comprises four novels, each a standalone mystery tied by its New York setting and thematic nod to the Ten Commandments. The Sixth Commandment (1978) introduces Samuel Todd, a field investigator probing the enigmatic Dr. Thorndecker, whose research into human longevity hides dark secrets. In The Tenth Commandment (1980), Joshua Bigg, a 5’3” law firm sleuth, tackles a case of greed and betrayal that tests his wits.
The Eighth Commandment (1986) shifts to Mary Lou “Dunk” Bateson, a towering numismatist unraveling the theft of a priceless Greek coin amid a scandal-ridden family. Finally, The Seventh Commandment (1991) follows insurance investigator Dora Conti as she investigates the murder of a wealthy jeweler, navigating a web of lust, corruption, and deceit. Themes of morality, power, and human flaws pulse through each book, elevated by Sanders’ sharp dialogue and richly detailed settings.
Sanders’ style is both gritty and playful, blending hard-boiled detective vibes with a tongue-in-cheek wit. New York City isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character, its streets alive with danger and intrigue. Whether it’s the seedy bars of Manhattan or the opulent penthouses, the setting amplifies the series’ exploration of society’s undercurrents.
Why Commandment Resonates
The Commandment series carved a niche in crime fiction with its bold characters and morally complex narratives. Fans praise Sanders for crafting investigators who feel human—flawed, relatable, and fiercely determined. While less flashy than his Deadly Sins series, Commandment’s focus on diverse sleuths and intricate plots earned it a loyal following among mystery enthusiasts.
Its legacy lies in its ability to balance entertainment with introspection, inviting readers to question morality while enjoying a thrilling ride. Decades later, the series remains a testament to Sanders’ storytelling prowess, offering a gritty yet accessible entry point into classic crime fiction.
- Publication Years: 1978–1991
- Number of Books: 4
- Setting: New York City
- Author: Lawrence Sanders
Ready to unravel a mystery with Dora Conti or Joshua Bigg? Grab The Sixth Commandment and step into the electrifying world of Commandment’s crime-filled New York!