The Lasko Tangent [Mass Market Paperback]

Richard North Patterson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 12, 1985

"Mr. Patterson is a natural storyteller....Fast moving...A handsome job."
THE NEW YORK TIMES
William Lasko is a self-made millionaire who's got an eye for wealth and influence, the ear of the president, and a talent for using both to get what he wants. Now the Economic Crimes Commission wants the corrupt, untouchable Lasko brought down--and U.S. Attorney Christopher Paget is tapped to take on the job.
To gather enough evidence to nail Lasko without alienating the White House, Paget's got to go by the book. But Lasko makes his own rules. And eliminating enemies is William Lasko's golden one....

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"Mr. Patterson is a natural storyteller....Fast moving...A handsome job."
THE NEW YORK TIMES
William Lasko is a self-made millionaire who's got an eye for wealth and influence, the ear of the president, and a talent for using both to get what he wants. Now the Economic Crimes Commission wants the corrupt, untouchable Lasko brought down--and U.S. Attorney Christopher Paget is tapped to take on the job.
To gather enough evidence to nail Lasko without alienating the White House, Paget's got to go by the book. But Lasko makes his own rules. And eliminating enemies is William Lasko's golden one....

About the Author

Richard North Patterson has been a San Francisco trail lawyer and a partner in the firm of McCutchen, Doyle, Brown & Emerson. He is now a full-time writer. His first novel, The Lasko Tangent, won an Edgar Allan Poe award and his five books, Degree of Guilt, Eyes of a Child, The Final Judgement, Silent Witness and No Safe Place have been top five New York Times bestsellers. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (July 12, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 034532532X
• ISBN-13: 978-0345325327
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.9 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,007,080 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

RICHARD NORTH PATTERSON is the author of The Spire, Eclipse and fourteen other bestselling and critically acclaimed novels. Formerly a trial lawyer, he was the SEC liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups. He lives in San Francisco and on Martha's Vineyard with his wife, Dr. Nancy Clair.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Glad I read it!, January 17, 1999

By 

Jackie Tortorella - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Lasko Tangent (Mass Market Paperback)

It was actually Degree of Guilt that led me to this book. I had heard it was great, and read over the reader's reviews. One reader said it's best to read The Lasko Tangent first, since that's where Christopher Paget is first introduced. The Lasko Tangent was pretty good, although I thought Degree of Guilt was much better. I'm now eager to read all Patterson's books--he has a great style, with intricate plots, excellent characterization and sophisticated dialog. I'd enjoy any recommendations from other readers who particularly like this author.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars CRISP BUT NOT TOTALLY SATISFYING, March 24, 2003

By 

Michael Butts "as i see it" (Martinsburg, WV United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lasko Tangent (Mass Market Paperback)

This is Patterson's first book, and in his introduction he offers an explanation for its inception. Christopher Paget appears in two later novels, "Degree of Guilt" and "Eyes of a Child" which are far superior novels than this one. Be warned, though---if you read "Degree of Guilt" first you'll pretty much know what happens in this book. Paget is a little overbearing and cynical in this one and not as likeable in his mature years. The pace is pretty effective, and the villains are appropriately nasty. I found the ending a tad bit too brisk; it just seemed to end.
RECOMMENDED IN ORDER TO ENJOY THE BETTER SEQUELS.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A light thriller for the beach!, August 23, 2010

By 

R Schmidt (Honolulu, HI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Lasko Tangent (Mass Market Paperback)

In The Lasko Tangent, prosecutor Christopher Paget of the Economic Crimes Commission is given the assignment of investigating possible stock manipulation of a company owned by the powerful and politically connected William Lasko. Paget begins to suspect Lasko of a darker side, but the political connections, reaching to the president, make this an awkward task. Paget isn't entirely likable, but he is certainly competent. And the bad guys are bad.

This is a light read for the summer beach, a waiting room, or an airline seat. Author Richard North Patterson writes well.