Customer Reviews

The Beach House

5 star:		(93)
4 star:		(80)
3 star:		(74)
2 star:		(66)
1 star:		(88)

 

 

I've read all of James Patterson's novels and have come to expect the sort of high quality, high entertainment stories that he is known for writing. That being said, many readers have been disappointed by some of his latest work, most notably 'Violets Are Blue', which received lukewarm reviews. It is important to understand, however, that Patterson is pumping out three books a year and each has made for a worthy read. Not many other novelists can make that claim. As for 'The Beach House,' as long as readers begin knowing what to expect, they should finish feeling satisfied.

Patterson's rapid-fire prose and lightning quick 2 to 3 page chapters are present, which makes the story pass quickly. The main character, Jack, is an admirable protagonist who draws the reader's affection. The surrounding cast helping Jack to find justice for his murdered brother may remind some of the Women's Murder Club of 1st to Die and 2nd Chance. Perhaps the best character is Macklin, Jack's aging but still fiesty grandfather who weighs in with his strong opinions on just about everything.

Basically, this book is typical Patterson. Those looking for a deeply involved plot or courtroom scenes that rival those of Lescroart or early Grisham will surely leave negative reviews here. However, those looking for an entertaining story to pass a day at the beach or by the pool will get their money's worth. The book is even called 'The Beach House' - an apt title for the perfect summer read.

i just finished Patterson's new book, The Beach House. I breezed through it in a couple days and thought I'd post my initial feelings here.
I only recently came across Patterson's books and have only read 1st To Die (which I thought was a little far fetched, but a fast entertaining read), Pop Goes the Weasel, and Roses are Red. I enjoy his short, fast moving chapters and sustained energy.
That said, I was quite eager to be the first on my block to get a sneak peek at his new thriller. Unfortunately, this book is no blood and guts thriller. It*s more of a murder mystery... which isn't necessarily a bad thing, if it didn*t have a completely hoakie plot. I thought this book was a poor representation of what Patterson is capable of. It's still a fast paced read but the plot seemed to me to be completely unrealistic and loosely held together with random afterthoughts. Most of the characters seemed to have multiple personalities, doing things way out in left field with little or no explanation. I found myself scratching my head a lot, thinking "where's the logic in that?" or "what are the chances this would happen like this?" (no one sees a character in 5 months and then suddenly in the middle of nowhere group A stumbles across him/her and 10 minutes later in a different middle of nowhere group B finds him/her).
Many times when reading a good book, you remember peculiarities throughout the story and find them neatly tied together at the end. I didn't have that feeling with this book. As I stated earlier, it seemed to be patched together with afterthoughts.
If you don't care whatsoever about logic or realism, you might like this book. It moved along well enough and wasn't boring or hard to read... but there*s no way I would recommend paying hardcover price for it. I'm a big fan of the other Patterson books I've read but this one frustrated me. Wait for the paperback.

Not that he's not a competent writer of great murder mysteries in his own right, of course.

The formula of this book is no different than any other by this author or any in the genre. Someone's murdered, someone's going to investigate it, the person investigating it is going to have an edgy flirtation with the person who comes along to help with the investigation (usually a cop or PI) and using creative and completely illegal means, the original crime will be solved.

In this case, the victim is the brother of the main character, the "bad guy" is richer than words can describe, the love interest a female PI, and, as always, the police are inept and can't see a crime where one exists.

It's all about as formulaic as most of the reviews (seriously - how many book endings have literally "shocked" you?) but it's what Patterson does best. I've found these are great books to read on flights and while waiting in airports - great way to capture your attention, kill a few hours of time, and enjoy a storyteller's ability to draw you into their world where good eventually wins.

The dust jacket leads off with the claim that the authors have "written THE beach read of the season...", so let's start by acknowledging this is an entry in fun summertime reading, not classic literature. That said, Patterson and de Jonge have collaborated to amuse and entertain for a most pleasant afternoon read. Take out the blank and half-blank pages, and what's left barely extends beyond page 200, so it is a fast run through. The short (typically 3-page) chapters add to the hustle of the pace; and the story per se kept our attention to the very last page. So you should find your pages turning in a pretty big hurry.

The plot is essentially a mystery, though not one about who got killed (Peter Mullen, a likable 20-year old who spends much of his time in bed, with company); nor who did it (we find that out pretty quickly); nor will the police catch the bad guys. Rather, it's almost a morality tale where the older brother, Jack Mullen, a recent law school graduate, devotes a year or so to solving the whole crime, proving the finding of the original coroner's inquest to be faulty (bought and paid for); and then pursuing justice as best he can with a little help from his friends and relatives. A little romance along the way just helps our feet curl up more sand.

We find as good a plot as Patterson has dreamed up in a little while, and before it's all over, we get bowls full of corruption, greed, big money parties and mansions, lust and illicit sex, romance, justice and injustice. The ending should satisfy just about everybody's idea of what's fair, but the suspense that leads us there makes the book tough to put down.

What more can one ask for fun at the seashore?!?!

THE BEACH HOUSE reveals the secret lives of the rich in this story of revenge with a finale that's a bit far-fetched but Patterson/de Jonge don't fail in their attempt to keep the pages turning. Short chapters for quick pick ups. The rich run the town and think they can get away with murder. Memorial Day weekend at one of the richest zip codes on earth, The Hamptons. Peter Mullen is a free-spirited young man who dropped out of high school and parked cars for one of the area's richest families, the Neubauer's. Arriving late for his job at the first major party of the season he got right to work. After the rush of the arriving guests has stopped Peter is given a note on pink scented stationary that suggests a clandestine meeting on the beach. Peter thinks he knows who the note is from and does not hesitate to head down to the beach. The next morning Peter is found dead on the beach, the Neubauers and their friends insist that he drowned. But Peter's older brother Jack (a law-school student) knows that Peter was beaten to death. But why and how can he prove it? As he is searching for the truth Jack uncovers Peter's secret life and the reason Peter could afford to pay cash for the brand new 130-horsepower BMW K1200 motorcycle and why someone might want to silence him. Jack's father (who never really got over the death of his wife years ago) dies of a heartattack over the loss of his son. Jack, with the help of a private investigator (of the female persuasion who becomes a love interest), plus Macklin, his elderly grandfather and some of their friends, set out to prove that Peter was murdered and that billionaire Barry Neubauer caused his demise. Revenge is sweet. There are crooked cops, medical personnel that are paid for their testimony, sexual scandal and blackmail involved.

Will the good guys overcome? Read it to find out.

Peter Mullen is dead, found on a beach in the Hamptons. Was it an accident or murder? His brother, Jack, sets out to prove it was murder and that wealthy summer residents in the Hamptons are covering it up. The story is irresistible and races to a surprising conclusion. The "trial" that finally comes to pass is a little hokey, but satisfying. Jack is an excellent central character, but his grandfather, Mack, was my favorite. This story is reminiscent of early John Grisham novels. A smart young man takes on the rich and powerful. Oh, and there is a sweet love story thrown in for good measure. A fast and entertaining summer read.

Peter Mullen, a mere townie among the Hampton wealthy, is found murdered near the beach house of a local billionaire. The rich not only own the golden Long Island sands, but also the judges and juries. Jack Mullen, a law student, seeks justice for his brother. Politics, threats and violence block his quest. Jack and friends pursue a more creative means of gaining vengeance.

James Patterson & Peter De Jonge have spun a very creative yarn. There are several surprises and some fun twists and turns. The book breaks the speed limits with Patterson's traditional 100+ chapters.

Two key characters blunt total satisfaction with this tale. The victim is a true bum - a dropout with a number of unethical characteristics. His only redeeming value is the love of his brother. Jack - both the protagonist and narrator - has a whiney and self-serving voice. It actually becomes irritating as the action plot intensifies. It is challenging the reader to mourn the victim or root for the heroic brother, the plot is only enjoyable at a very high level - class warfare between the rich and poor.

Yes, "The Beach House" is a good summer read as you bake at the pool or seashore. However, it crashes on the reef on emotion and satisfaction

Was very disappointed in this book. I have read all of James Patterson's books and look forward to his next one. I felt this book was very boring and slow moving.

I have read every book James Patterson has written and thoroughly enjoyed each one. That's why I was so surprised with Beach House. The print was large with lots of space between lines--and plenty of end of chapter pages with just three lines. Has Patterson joined the league of other writers who after writing may best sellers, just write books to fulfill their contract? I hope not.
If you want a very fast read with one-dimensional characters and a non-plausible plot and ending--then this book is for you.

Call me crazy but I gave this one 5 stars. It was so good I found myself thinking about it when I was at work! I just love Mr. Patterson's style of writing and the short chapters make you feel like you're flying through the book. It was a great read and I hope this is only the beginning of more. Read it you won't be sorry.