Pacific Beat [Import] [Paperback]

T. Jefferson Parker (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: St Martin's Paperbacks; New Ed edition (1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0006472419
• ISBN-13: 978-0006472414
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)

More About the Author

T. Jefferson Parker is the bestselling author of numerous novels, including Storm Runners and The Fallen. Alongside Dick Francis and James Lee Burke, Parker is one of only three writers to be awarded the Edgar Award for Best Novel more than once. Parker lives with his family in Southern California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Early Work By T. Jefferson Parker!, June 9, 2007

By 

bobbewig (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Pacific Beat (Mass Market Paperback)

Having read many of Parker's more recent books, I decided to read Pacific Beat, which was his third book written in 1991. This book clearly demonstrates that even early-on in his career Parker had a strong talent for creating intricate plots, rich characters, lots of atmosphere and believable, tough prose. Pacific Beat is a story of murder and corruption in Newport Beach, CA, and, in typical Parker fashion, has some interesting plot twists and a surprising ending. Two factors, however, kept me from giving this book a 5-star rating (and almost caused me to lower my rating to 3 1/2 stars). One, and the bigger of the two factors, is that it is a little too long and tended to drag at times. For me, this problem would have been overcome, if it was about 50 pages or so shorter. The second factor is that a few of the surprises seemed a bit too contrived. While not Parker's best book (which to me is Where Serpents Lie), Pacific Beat is worth reading.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-written, characters, description, plot., March 22, 2000

By 

SandyCeren - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pacific Beat (Hardcover)

A beautifully written sensitive portrayal of characters and relationships woven into a good story. One of the best in this genre. Parker has hooked me.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read, not a great read. I'd give it a 'B' or a 'B+', November 22, 2005

By 

DWD "DWD's Reviews" (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Pacific Beat (Mass Market Paperback)

So, why not an A?

For my tastes, it was a little too dark and a little too slow. Sometimes it felt like some of the plot twists were forced on the reader by way of surprise information (to the reader) that all of the characters already knew about, such as the many connections between the land developer and the local politicians.

On the other hand, I was surprised by the ending which, despite the slow parts in the rest of the book, just flew by.

Strong character development, good use of false leads. Solid, solid work.