Customer Reviews

The Beach Club

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the style of Joseph Wambaugh's classic novel, "The Choirboys," comes "The Beach Club" by Richard Paloma. As a member of the local Writers Group, I was thrilled with the opportunity to review an advanced reading copy.

Paloma's novel is an intriguing police ride-a-long through the fictional East Bay city of Eden Valley, California newly plagued by a serial rapist. More than a look at department politics and procedures, readers are invited into the investigations, antics and lives of the swing shift officers, affectionately dubbed "the Beach Club."

Officer Vincent Patrone, Detective Ray Depietro, and fellow swing shift officers are endangered not only by the perils of the street, but by departmental politics and their choices for on and off-duty activities. Personality and depth are displayed as they clash with "The Regime" of aspiring chief of police, Lt. Alex Santos and his henchmen while searching for an elusive sexual predator.

Throughout the book, Officer Patrone has to contend with his personal demons; sympathy for victims after the attacks, feelings of helplessness after responding to a suicide attempt, an escalating affair with a woman he met on-duty, and the of guilt of adultery. Navigating this rocky terrain and looking to understand his feelings, Patrone, befriends Father Tony, a local priest.

Lightening the harsh realities of being on the job with slightly twisted humor, the shift finds amusement at the mishaps of a canine unit, the hilarious drug testing of a suspicious substance, a miscommunication of international proportions at a ball game, and a final prank on arch nemesis, Santos. Yet the "Beach Club" officers tackle incidents of fleeing felons, auto theft, arson and the vexing pursuit of the rapist like a championship team.

Powerful action scenes combine with strong displays of police wit and humor. Paloma effectively ties in anectdones and subplots leading to a fast paced and surprising conclusion.

It's a quick and enjoyable read.

By the way, a sneek peek at a chapter of his next book promises another page turner.

This book was amazing!! I had absolutely no idea what happens inside the world of a cop. Mr. Paloma took me right to the scene of every crime,all through the book. I truely felt that I was right there. It was a joyful and easy read.

It is always interesting when a story is based on the experiences and knowledge of the author and Mr. Paloma has done an outstanding job in
using his to bring his storyline to life.
There is a sexual predator loose in their fair California city and the swing shift, known as "The Beach Club" is heading the investigation. The city is afraid, the Mayor is up at arms and they are being hindered by a Lt. Alex Santos, an administrator who is pursuing his own interests in future promotions and plans to find this predator and take all the credit, no matter how he has to do it.

The story takes you into the heart and minds of several of the officers; it shows the inner turmoil that often plagues them in their personal life and also in their line of duty, giving you an inside look into the workings of the department, the unity and disunity of the officers, and the stress that is put on their families. It also allows you to take a seldom glimpse into their minds and helps you realize the part they play in helping us live in security. Thank you!

I enjoyed this work, not only for the informative value, but also for the great mystery storyline that it has. It held my attention and I was surprised at who the culprit was. The ending was excellent, heart thumping and moving at the same time. All in all a great read and I recommend it.
Shirley Johnson/Reviewer

The Beach Club, Richard Poloma's first book, reminds me of Joesph Wambaugh's early police novels.

The swing shift at the Eden Valley police department, while actually highly functional, is at the mercy of a back-stabbing lieutenant, Alex Santos. The Beach Club is the nickname given to the swing shift, and refers to disciplinary time off given from Santo's, and spent cooling their heels on the beach.

The story begins with an attack by a serial rapist with a changing M.O. As the story begins to flow, Richard has developed a cast of characters with excellent results.

There is the usual dysfunction within the police department, and the lives of the characters. No story would be complete without the local after-hours hangout, the womanizing, and tension between staff officers and detectives, and the police management.

Richard has spent over fifteen years in law enforcement in San Francisco and the San Joaquin Valley. If you're a fan of Wambaugh, you would probably like this book.

Richard's website is http://www.richpaloma.com
Published by Helm Publishing

Excellent reading, Mr. Paloma's book grabs from the begining and keeps you until the end. Very informative on the conflicts and camaraderie of fellow officers. You feel like you are actually "there" Very tastefully done.