The First Deadly Sin

The First Deadly Sin was Sanders’ second novel and the first of his Edward X. Delaney ‘Deadly Sins’ series. When a councilman is found dead, killed with a blunt object, leaving no clues or motive behind, Delaney returns to work from a leave of absence caring for his sick wife. But before Delaney can track down the killer another man is murdered in the same way. As the investigation moves forward Delaney realizes the killer just may be untouchable. The novel was the basis of the 1980 film starring Frank Sinatra as Delaney and Faye Dunaway as his wife. It was originally slated to be produced by Roman Polanski, just before he fled the country, and the production was taken over by Brian G. Hutton. Bruce Willis also makes his acting debut in this film, as an extra.Lawrence Sanders, one of America's most popular novelists, began his publishing career at the age of 50, and went on to author more than twenty-two bestsellers before his death in 1988. The First Deadly Sin was published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons in 1973. The original dust jacket has a $8.95 price on the front flap.