Customer Reviews

The Lasko Tangent

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

"The Lasko tangent" is a very well-written book. The plot is refreshingly novel and the story-line does not insult the intelligence of the reader, unlike some novels of late(read "the best laid plans"). In short, it is a compulsive read!

I just had to keep reading to see what happened next. Don't confuse this author with the other Patterson. Both are good but Richard North Patterson has depth to his stories that is fascinating.

THE LASKO TANGENT is Richard North Patterson's first novel, written in 1978 at the age of twenty-nine. It won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel, and Patterson later wrote two massively successful books featuring the same lead character in the early 1990s.

For a debut, THE LASKO TANGENT is extremely well written. Patterson is clearly a first-rate wordsmith, and you can see his talent virtually leap off the page. My major problem with this novel, however, is that the central character is not particularly likable. He is a young, rather arrogant individual who is hard to care for. Since he is the only fully developed character in the book, this creates a novel without much of a hero.

THE LASKO TANGENT also has remarkably convoluted storyline that focuses on a complex money laundering scheme. Although I ultimately found this plot quite clever, it is rather hard to follow in spots. The hero's job is never clearly defined or explained to the reader. I also found the ending of this novel abrupt and rather unsatisfying.

Ultimately, I recommend this book only for hardcore fans of Patterson. The prose is definitely first-rate, but I felt the characterization and plot were somewhat lacking. If you're new to Patterson, you may want to try his later novels first, such as DEGREE OF GUILT.

The story line was good. I say that with some reservation. The mistake Paget makes near the end of the book that almost blows his case is not believable. I read a large print library book, and I don't know if it was a beta copy or what, but I couldn't believe the numerous writing errors. The punctuation was terrible. There were many misplaced commas and quotation marks, even some misspelling. It was like something you'd expect from a first draft by an elementary school student. It didn't totally spoil my reading, but it was very distracting. I hope his later books are better proofed.

This is Richard North Pattersons first novel and is the start of many great stories from this intelligent author. I am slowly working my way through all his works.

I got a Kindle for a Christmas Gift. It is the best gift I ever got. On recommendations from friends, I downloaded this book. I have never read any of RNP books but I must say it was an excellent read. Exciting and full of mystery. I am about to read Degree of Guilt. Will let you know my thoughts on it.

Having read and loved most RNP books, I was surprised that I wasn't sucked in from the get go with this one. Still a good read though and recommended for RNP fans.