the anderson tapes is the debut crime fiction novel by lawrence sanders, published in 1970. the story is about the complicated burglary of an upscale new york apartment building by a gang of ex-convicts, who are unaware that the operation is under wiretap and camera surveillance by various agencies. the story also introduces the character of nypd police detective edward x. delaney who became sander's enduring protagonist in his "deadly sin" series of novels. the book earned sanders the mystery writers of america edgar award for best first mystery novel. the same year, it was adapted into a film, directed by sidney lumet, with sean connery in the title role.