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The Blaine Trilogy #1
Fall from Grace
Adam Blaine arrives on the island of Martha's Vineyard to attend the funeral of his estranged father, Ben Blaine, a famous and charismatic writer who has served as patriarch of his clan for many years. A man fond of sailboats, good wine, and women other than his wife, Ben Blaine has left behind a string of secrets in addition to an emotionally distraught widow and his strangely aloof mistress, Carla Pacelli, a beautiful television actress who once had a drug problem.
As soon as Adam arrives, he discovers that Ben has disinherited his mother, uncle, and brother in favor of his lover, and begins to wonder if his father's death -- caused by an inexplicable fall from a cliff -- might be murder. Using his training as a CIA operative, Adam skillfully seeks to obscure the evidence suggesting that a family member may have killed his father, while at the same time fighting to undo the will, which favors the enigmatic Carla. As he walks this tightrope, Adam risks his freedom and perhaps his life, even as he unearths increasingly disturbing family secrets never meant to be discovered, and which cause him to question his understanding of his own life and everyone around him -- his beloved mother, uncle, and brother and, not least, Carla.
As soon as Adam arrives, he discovers that Ben has disinherited his mother, uncle, and brother in favor of his lover, and begins to wonder if his father's death -- caused by an inexplicable fall from a cliff -- might be murder. Using his training as a CIA operative, Adam skillfully seeks to obscure the evidence suggesting that a family member may have killed his father, while at the same time fighting to undo the will, which favors the enigmatic Carla. As he walks this tightrope, Adam risks his freedom and perhaps his life, even as he unearths increasingly disturbing family secrets never meant to be discovered, and which cause him to question his understanding of his own life and everyone around him -- his beloved mother, uncle, and brother and, not least, Carla.
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First published March 1, 2012
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About the author
Richard North Patterson
106 books677 followersRichard North Patterson is the author of fourteen previous bestselling and critically acclaimed novels. Formerly a trial lawyer, Patterson served as the SEC’s liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups dealing with gun violence, political reform, and women’s rights. He lives in San Francisco and on Martha’s Vineyard.
Macmillan.com Author Profile
Awards
Edgar Award, 1980, Best First Novel for The Lasko Tangent
Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, International Award, 1995 for Degree of Guilt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/richar...
Macmillan.com Author Profile
Awards
Edgar Award, 1980, Best First Novel for The Lasko Tangent
Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, International Award, 1995 for Degree of Guilt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/richar...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 422 reviews
July 30, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by author Richard North Patterson, and I have to say I really enjoyed his style as much as the carefully crafted mystery behind the death of a larger than life icon. The first ten-percent of the book is devoted to setting the scene, introducing the key players and their response to Benjamin Blaine’s demise. After that, the layers are peeled back, and pretty soon, there are a number of people who would either benefit from Ben’s death or had reason to wish for it.
I was quite impressed with how the depth of each character was slowly exposed, in a very realistic fashion. I could relate to the process of digging for the truth, comparing one person’s story against another, tracing alibies and fishing for motives. The process was as enthralling as the secrets that were ultimately revealed. A heavy story in some respects, but very gripping and hard to put down.
I was quite impressed with how the depth of each character was slowly exposed, in a very realistic fashion. I could relate to the process of digging for the truth, comparing one person’s story against another, tracing alibies and fishing for motives. The process was as enthralling as the secrets that were ultimately revealed. A heavy story in some respects, but very gripping and hard to put down.
April 25, 2017
You ever see a family, their interactions with each other and wish that you belonged to that family? Looks can be deceiving. Take the Blaines; Ben (the father), Clarice (mother), Jack (the uncle), Teddy (brother) & Adam (younger brother). This family has secrets on top of secrets and they're all about to be exposed because Ben Blaine was a maniacal, self-centered, egotistical and manipulative man. He's brought destruction to every member of his family and enjoyed doing so. Now he's died and to put the final nail in the coffin,he disinherits everyone except Adam. Instead he leaves him $100,000 and made him executor of his estate. He gives $1,000,000 to Jenny Leigh and the rest to his mistress (including the house and other possessions) Carla Pacelli.
The authorities are intervening because based on the evidence Ben was murdered. The family, minus Adam, is a suspect and they all hated Ben and many reasons to kill Ben. Adam needs to determine who murdered Ben and why.
This book is really mysterious all the way to the end. Patterson throws curve balls throughout and leaves you thinking it's one person then changes your mind to think it's someone you least expect. While the real killer will stun you.
The authorities are intervening because based on the evidence Ben was murdered. The family, minus Adam, is a suspect and they all hated Ben and many reasons to kill Ben. Adam needs to determine who murdered Ben and why.
This book is really mysterious all the way to the end. Patterson throws curve balls throughout and leaves you thinking it's one person then changes your mind to think it's someone you least expect. While the real killer will stun you.
October 10, 2014
Patterson moves away from his traditional legal and political thrillers to bring readers the first in a trilogy of stories about a wealthy New England family. Ben Blaine is dead and the family has gathered for his final farewell. His younger son, Adam, returns after a decade's hiatus, only to discover that this is more than a funeral. A new and controversial will leaves everything to Ben's apparent mistress and Adam's one-time flame. Questions surround Ben's death, a fall from a cliff; could it have been aided rather than suicidal? Adam begins to investigate, asking questions surrounding much about Ben's final year and those with whom his path crossed. Layered with flashbacks and present-day narrative, Patterson examines the family politics of this well-to-do group and the dysfunction that entails, including heartache, malice, and even betrayal. A clear departure from his past work, but well worth the time and effort of a curious reader.
As I return to this novel a few years later, I was able to take a little more from it. My interest in Patterson's work is long-standing and with this recent trilogy, I thought it best to read them as a collection, to get a better feel for the arcs sure to arise in them, as well as this new perspective the author is attempting to investigate. He keeps the characters strong and lets the reader fill in some of the nuances the narrative leaves open, while also showing a darker and somewhat more pensive side of Patterson's writing abilities. While it is less vibrant than his usual novels, I am curious to see how he will build on this foundation in the coming two novels.
Kudos Mr. Patterson for this new flavour!
As I return to this novel a few years later, I was able to take a little more from it. My interest in Patterson's work is long-standing and with this recent trilogy, I thought it best to read them as a collection, to get a better feel for the arcs sure to arise in them, as well as this new perspective the author is attempting to investigate. He keeps the characters strong and lets the reader fill in some of the nuances the narrative leaves open, while also showing a darker and somewhat more pensive side of Patterson's writing abilities. While it is less vibrant than his usual novels, I am curious to see how he will build on this foundation in the coming two novels.
Kudos Mr. Patterson for this new flavour!
May 19, 2012
I'm a fan of Richard North Patterson, and he can do so much better. Yes, I was drawn into the story and stuck with it until the (not-so-surprising) end, but now that I've finished it, I have the sense that he just mailed it in...and I feel like I need a shower.
This is the story of an estranged son, drawn back to his broken family due to the circumstances surrounding the death of his wealthy father. Was it a result of natural causes? Or was it an accident? Suicide? Murder? Have you read this one before?
Old relationships are revisited, reuniting the son with his mother, uncle, brother, and former lover, and introducing him to his father's recent mistress. While these characters are developed well enough, I just never found myself caring much about any of them...and if I'm not caring about the central characters in a work of fiction, I'm usually not going to be recommending it. This one gets two stars simply because I didn't abandon it altogether.
Patterson himself says in his notes that he always wanted to write a book based in Martha's Vineyard, and I think he simply came up with this little idea for a story, placed it in that locale, and stretched it into something that looks like a novel. I'll give him a mulligan, and hope that his next effort rises closer to the level of the books of his I enjoyed so much: Degree of Guilt, Eyes of a Child, and Protect and Defend, to name just a few.
This is the story of an estranged son, drawn back to his broken family due to the circumstances surrounding the death of his wealthy father. Was it a result of natural causes? Or was it an accident? Suicide? Murder? Have you read this one before?
Old relationships are revisited, reuniting the son with his mother, uncle, brother, and former lover, and introducing him to his father's recent mistress. While these characters are developed well enough, I just never found myself caring much about any of them...and if I'm not caring about the central characters in a work of fiction, I'm usually not going to be recommending it. This one gets two stars simply because I didn't abandon it altogether.
Patterson himself says in his notes that he always wanted to write a book based in Martha's Vineyard, and I think he simply came up with this little idea for a story, placed it in that locale, and stretched it into something that looks like a novel. I'll give him a mulligan, and hope that his next effort rises closer to the level of the books of his I enjoyed so much: Degree of Guilt, Eyes of a Child, and Protect and Defend, to name just a few.
February 23, 2013
Yes I'm rating and reviewing without having read. At least without fully completing it. I think i'm justified having read 70% of this to say: No More.
This was my first exposure to R.N. Patterson and I have a hard time believing that had this been his first novel it wouldn't also be his LAST. I'm not done with this author but i am absolutely done with this book.
The setup was a very traditional whodunit mystery; Agatha Christie would be so proud! Death, could it be suicide? Money, old and new. Celebrity and notoriety. A recently revised will. The surprising beneficiaries. My God man, the recipe's ingredients were all here! Why didn't Patterson stir it up??
Oh and the follow-thru. The follow-thru was just so dull. And repetitive. Frequently repetitive. Very repetitive and often repetitive.
The main character--his name forgotten and unimportant--essentially goes from door to door asking the same questions of different people who have the SAME personalities and responses. The characters were as gray, lifeless and drab as the corpse, the tone and the settings.
I'm filing this under NOT FOR ME. There are simply too many great books and too little time to devour them to spend any more in this direction.
Moving on...
This was my first exposure to R.N. Patterson and I have a hard time believing that had this been his first novel it wouldn't also be his LAST. I'm not done with this author but i am absolutely done with this book.
The setup was a very traditional whodunit mystery; Agatha Christie would be so proud! Death, could it be suicide? Money, old and new. Celebrity and notoriety. A recently revised will. The surprising beneficiaries. My God man, the recipe's ingredients were all here! Why didn't Patterson stir it up??
Oh and the follow-thru. The follow-thru was just so dull. And repetitive. Frequently repetitive. Very repetitive and often repetitive.
The main character--his name forgotten and unimportant--essentially goes from door to door asking the same questions of different people who have the SAME personalities and responses. The characters were as gray, lifeless and drab as the corpse, the tone and the settings.
I'm filing this under NOT FOR ME. There are simply too many great books and too little time to devour them to spend any more in this direction.
Moving on...
January 18, 2014
Always love a book about a famous author with secrets hidden. Benjamin Blaine is a famous author who mysteriously falls off of cliff to his death. Accident? Suicide? or ... Murder??
His son, Adam Blaine, comes back after throwing away his family ten years earlier, for the funeral of the man that pushed him away. Ben's will comes to light, and reveals a game set in motion by the author himself. Adam has to discover what really happened to his father, before his family loses everything they have.
Good mystery set in Martha's Vineyard, Adam Blaine makes for a questionable narrator at times, as the reader is constantly questioning his loyalty. Some twists at the end, made for a good read, but not sure how I really liked how one of the storylines ended up... a little too twisted for my taste.
His son, Adam Blaine, comes back after throwing away his family ten years earlier, for the funeral of the man that pushed him away. Ben's will comes to light, and reveals a game set in motion by the author himself. Adam has to discover what really happened to his father, before his family loses everything they have.
Good mystery set in Martha's Vineyard, Adam Blaine makes for a questionable narrator at times, as the reader is constantly questioning his loyalty. Some twists at the end, made for a good read, but not sure how I really liked how one of the storylines ended up... a little too twisted for my taste.
April 1, 2012
Richard North Patterson is one of my favorite authors. I loved "Eyes of a Child" and "Final Witness." I felt he had a way of writing courtroom thrillers that kep t me on the edge of my toes. Then he decided to write some political and international based thriller books to talk about his views. It went downhill fast. I almost made a decision not to read him anymore because it was so boring. Mr. Patterson wrote a courtroom book about two years ago, "In the Name of Honor" then I decide that I could continue with him.
The new book is basically a two man story between Adam Blaine and his recently deceased father, Ben. This is a psychological based book that is supposed to help you explore human nature and how we deal with each other as a family. However, this book takes too long to develop. Richard North Patterson's new book is better than what he has been writing but it's not the same level as some of his earlier works. I would recommend this book if you are into family struggles and the dynamics of family's hidden secrets.
The new book is basically a two man story between Adam Blaine and his recently deceased father, Ben. This is a psychological based book that is supposed to help you explore human nature and how we deal with each other as a family. However, this book takes too long to develop. Richard North Patterson's new book is better than what he has been writing but it's not the same level as some of his earlier works. I would recommend this book if you are into family struggles and the dynamics of family's hidden secrets.
February 13, 2012
Adam Blaine returns home after being estrainged from his father for years. Now he's there for his father's funeral.
Soon after the funeral, Adam learns that his famous novelist father changed his will and excluded his wife and Adam's brother, Teddy, who is gay. Instead, the estate goes to an actress thirty years younger that he (Benjamin). Another chunk of money goes to Jenny Leigh, a struggling writer and former friend of Adam.
Adam had been away in Afghanistan working for the CIA. He's now in the position that he's the executor of his father's estate and that would exclude his mother and brother.
Police want to know how Ben died. He went off of a cliff on his property but was it suicide, or a fall or murder. Since Adam's brother and mother are excluded from the will, there are questions that they may be guilty of Ben's death.
I didn't really care for the characters in this story and felt there was lack of character development. However, the author did his job in making me curious about how the story would end.
Soon after the funeral, Adam learns that his famous novelist father changed his will and excluded his wife and Adam's brother, Teddy, who is gay. Instead, the estate goes to an actress thirty years younger that he (Benjamin). Another chunk of money goes to Jenny Leigh, a struggling writer and former friend of Adam.
Adam had been away in Afghanistan working for the CIA. He's now in the position that he's the executor of his father's estate and that would exclude his mother and brother.
Police want to know how Ben died. He went off of a cliff on his property but was it suicide, or a fall or murder. Since Adam's brother and mother are excluded from the will, there are questions that they may be guilty of Ben's death.
I didn't really care for the characters in this story and felt there was lack of character development. However, the author did his job in making me curious about how the story would end.
January 20, 2018
I thought; "What a great book!" I really do not see what all the negative reviews are about. I found it engaging, relative to the situations that seem to be the norm these days for a large percentage of the population and the key, as in all of his books, is found in the end notes where the author explains the concept for his book and acknowledges his help. As for the story itself I found it interesting seeing the interactions between all the players and exactly how they meshed in the process of the tale. While I was curious as to who actually did it I did not try to define it from the outset, being content to see the evolution. As in most of Richard North Patterson's books, while the book is a story in itself, it should not be taken in isolation but read in context with it's partners. THIS gives the true understanding of the story. To those who say this will be their last book of RNP that they will read please take the time to reconsider. Full marks to one of my favourite authors!
May 11, 2012
Unlike most of Richard North Patterson's novels, this book is shallow and trite. There is no depth to the characters or the plot. The 'secrets' are obtuse, there is no smooth transition from one paragraph to the next and no details except the one graphic sex scene.
The entire book reeks of the author needing to quickly publish another best-seller.
It is more than frustrating to read, it is annoying. Anyone with half a brain can deduce early in the pages not only the murderer but also the reasons for the main 'living' character to have left 'Dodge'.
My final reaction: When did Hollywood contact the author for this 'screenplay' - before or after he wrote it? Because that is all it is - a screenplay to be developed by any director in Hollywood.
The entire book reeks of the author needing to quickly publish another best-seller.
It is more than frustrating to read, it is annoying. Anyone with half a brain can deduce early in the pages not only the murderer but also the reasons for the main 'living' character to have left 'Dodge'.
My final reaction: When did Hollywood contact the author for this 'screenplay' - before or after he wrote it? Because that is all it is - a screenplay to be developed by any director in Hollywood.
October 16, 2012
Richard North Patterson (Ohio Wesleyan University Battling Bishop!) is a seasoned professional who brings psychological intrigue into many of his books. My previous experiences were his political stories, so I enjoyed the different approach of a murder mystery in his latest, "Fall from Grace." Patterson introduces us to the moneyed life on Martha's Vineyard as Adam Blaine arrives after learning that his father Ben has died. Did he jump, was he pushed, or was it an accident? What caused him to craft that outrageous will? Strong emotions surface as Adam works his way through the tangled mess the Blaine family has become. Patterson writes with urgency and pulls you into this gripping novel, spitting you out in the end with several unexpected twists.
August 14, 2012
Every so often i need to rip through a nicely paced mystery and RNP is usually pretty reliable. Though i kept the pages turning I found this one disappointing. Its a paint by numbers 'prodigal son returns to solve mysterious death and uncover old family secrets', in which the big reveals come as no great surprise. Similarly the characters are pretty one dimensional, which is funny as there are repeated references to people as archetypes. Also funny that nearly every character has a secret, but even still, nobody is interesting.
April 13, 2012
3.5 I first started reading this author many years ago when he wrote mystery suspense. I remember being blown away by Eyes of a Child. He than started writing political novels often with a moral dilemma and I absolutely loved his Protect and Defend. In Fall from Grace he writes about the psychological peeling of a narcissist, the sons who hate him, a murder or suicide and the secrets of a sorely dysfunctional family. Found this novel to be absolutely fascinating.
April 25, 2022
A complex story of murder and the complicated relationships of a family.
An estranged son is made executor of his deceased father's estate...one in which the will disowns his brother and mother in favor of a mistress and the estranged son's previous girlfriend. The story's protagonist is the estranged son, who sets out believing his father was murdered and finds himself thinking it was his brother or mother.
This story was intriguing from the start. It is all about the truth, family ties, and lies. I did not quite see the ending until close to it. The twists and turns include a fatal summer day of the past and the involved lies with which all have unknowingly lived.
An estranged son is made executor of his deceased father's estate...one in which the will disowns his brother and mother in favor of a mistress and the estranged son's previous girlfriend. The story's protagonist is the estranged son, who sets out believing his father was murdered and finds himself thinking it was his brother or mother.
This story was intriguing from the start. It is all about the truth, family ties, and lies. I did not quite see the ending until close to it. The twists and turns include a fatal summer day of the past and the involved lies with which all have unknowingly lived.
July 31, 2021
Repetitive whodunit that just didn't pull me along with it. I'd rather read Agatha Christie.
October 28, 2025
Loved the twists and turns.
April 3, 2012
Great plot: father dies [murder/accident/suicide?] and estranged son returns home after 10 yr. absence. Father's will names actress girlfriend to inherit almost everything leaving out his wife and oldest son. Returning son is named executor and proceeds to discover the reason of the will, cause of death, and unearth all the family secrets. On top of this it takes place on Martha's Vineyard, one of my favorite places.
So why did it fail for me??? It started out 'great guns' and I thought this is going to be one of his best. Unfortunately it sunk in Cape Cod's sand quick and I had to force myself to keep reading. It did pay off because the last fourth of the book really came together and was very good. That part could have gotten a 4 star rating but the rest of the book just wasn't up to par. [whatever that is for Patterson since I either can't stand his books or really enjoy them]. Maybe I should have given 3 stars just for keeping his politics out of this book!!!!
So why did it fail for me??? It started out 'great guns' and I thought this is going to be one of his best. Unfortunately it sunk in Cape Cod's sand quick and I had to force myself to keep reading. It did pay off because the last fourth of the book really came together and was very good. That part could have gotten a 4 star rating but the rest of the book just wasn't up to par. [whatever that is for Patterson since I either can't stand his books or really enjoy them]. Maybe I should have given 3 stars just for keeping his politics out of this book!!!!
April 5, 2012
A Goodreads giveaway win! Adam Blaine returns after 10 years receiving word of his estranged father's death. As executor of the estate, he is torn between executing said will leaving his mother and brother disinherited. Realizing that his death may be the result of murder, he begins to unravel the secrets of everyone involved while reliving the past he had chose to leave behind. The ending unwraps leaving the reader satisfied but wanting a bit more - more so what the future holds for the Blaine family.
An enthralling mystery with all the trials and tribulations one would expect of a dysfunctional family with more than its share of "skeletons."
I really enjoyed his writing style - characters felt authentic. Interestingly enough, I got the feeling of where the scenes were going and wasn't disappointed. Intrigued to read his other novels - a great introduction to his work.
An enthralling mystery with all the trials and tribulations one would expect of a dysfunctional family with more than its share of "skeletons."
I really enjoyed his writing style - characters felt authentic. Interestingly enough, I got the feeling of where the scenes were going and wasn't disappointed. Intrigued to read his other novels - a great introduction to his work.
December 7, 2015
Audio version, and the narration wasn't strong - I tried not to let this influence my feelings about the book itself, but maybe it did.
Mostly, I found the characters in this book flat. The MC is apparently some super-cold spy, but then he spends most of the book whining about his mommy and daddy issues. Women were only valuable for their sex appeal or reproductive ability, gay characters (one and maybe another) are treated as weak or driven to cruelty by their sexuality, and overall, the MC treats everyone else in the book as if they're stupid while doing nothing too intelligent himself. So... not too enjoyable, obviously.
And the writing wasn't all that strong. Repeated words (visceral) and imagery (the sun as a disc sliding into the ocean) and no really vivid, memorable language to make up for it.
Mostly, I found the characters in this book flat. The MC is apparently some super-cold spy, but then he spends most of the book whining about his mommy and daddy issues. Women were only valuable for their sex appeal or reproductive ability, gay characters (one and maybe another) are treated as weak or driven to cruelty by their sexuality, and overall, the MC treats everyone else in the book as if they're stupid while doing nothing too intelligent himself. So... not too enjoyable, obviously.
And the writing wasn't all that strong. Repeated words (visceral) and imagery (the sun as a disc sliding into the ocean) and no really vivid, memorable language to make up for it.
September 11, 2012
Richard North Patterson is possibly my favourite thriller writer and I read all his books as soon as they come out. This is quite different from his previous books; not a political thriller, but more of a quiet (relative to his usual stories), relationship novel. It does have a possibly murder in it but it is more about a character than plot. I didn't like it as much as many of his other books, which is probably in part because I read him for a certain type of story. If I try to ignore this and assess it as a good beach read, then it was, in fact, very enjoyable! And good on him for trying something new.
June 1, 2012
Heavy and burdensome at times. The Fall from Grace is founded on lies, lies and more lies. I thought early on that I had it figured out - never dreaming the real reasons would be darker. Reminiscent of his book "The Spire" perhaps because of the sexual tones. Good book in keeping you guessing, but definitely not a favorite of his and wouldn't recommend it as a first time read of this author. Very little action - all dialogue. I didn't like any of the characters and overall left me with an "ick" factor.
December 10, 2012
I love Richard North Patterson! Usually his books are very wordy and can drag on, but they are worth reading. This one wasn't wordy at all and it didn't drag on. It tells the tale of a family and the father that everyone hated. His ultimate death makes them all come to grips with the hold he had on the family. And they must confront the love and hate they had for him. Very quick and good read!
July 5, 2013
An outstanding novel woven from the threads of family dysfunction and legal gymnastics, and mixed with a dash of espionage. I had forgotten how meticulously Patterson crafts plots and characters. He's back on my "must read" list.
August 11, 2012
my favorite kind of read - fast paced, exciting, mystery, murder(?), intrigue, family secrets.
February 5, 2013
This book shows how family problems do not necessarrily make for good reading. Even a mostly favorable outcome leaves the reader exhausted and less than fulfilled. 5 of 10 stars
June 11, 2016
Not my cup of tea. Took forever for me to listen to it and I kept falling asleep.
June 27, 2016
Intriguing procedural fronted by a almost attorney w a secret life. All about the mystery. Can't wait to read the rest in the series.
November 26, 2024
This is about as milquetoast as it comes.
I'd be surprised if you didn't see the twists coming from about the 3rd page.
Detective stories without actual detectives as the lead are always interesting. How can the author make it believable that a layperson can do the sleuthing? In this instance our main character happens to be a CIA operative (which perceptive readers will figure out at about page 2 and non-perceptive readers will have the bomb dropped on them on the penultimate page). And frankly if that's the quality of the CIA, I'm slightly concerned for America's future. There's no way Adame Blaine is representative of the same organisation that has toppled more governments in the last 50 years than there are broken McDonald's Soft Serve machines. How our operative lets his mother hold such a blatantly crucial "secret" though the book beggars belief.
The breadcrumbs or rather giant chunks of cob loaf that are scattered through the story are so glaring and obvious as to be annoying. He did a year at legal school, he left the love his life and family in one fell swoop ten years ago and has never spoken to his father again or been back, his mother has a secret she just can't tell him about why she agreed to a post-nup, the father's illicit lover is also hiding a secret bump, the uncle has always seemed like more of a father to him but we're repeatedly told how much he looks and acts like his father. The list goes on.
Towards the end of his career Shakespeare wrote a play called Cymbeline, where he seemed to chuck a whole bunch of tropes from other plays in just to get something out. This feels much like Patterson's Cymbeline. I've never read any of his other works but it certainly feels like he's just chucked various plot devices from other stories into a blender. Or another analogy would be when you add all the colours from your palette to the canvas and all you're left with is just a poo brown.
The saddest part of the whole book for me was how the Herreshoff name was dragged into this poor work. Nathanael Herreshoff is arguably America's greatest yacht designer, he and his family deserve far more recognition than they get. This is the first time I've ever seen their names in a work of fiction and what an unfortunate book it is for them to finally be recognised.
I'd be surprised if you didn't see the twists coming from about the 3rd page.
Detective stories without actual detectives as the lead are always interesting. How can the author make it believable that a layperson can do the sleuthing? In this instance our main character happens to be a CIA operative (which perceptive readers will figure out at about page 2 and non-perceptive readers will have the bomb dropped on them on the penultimate page). And frankly if that's the quality of the CIA, I'm slightly concerned for America's future. There's no way Adame Blaine is representative of the same organisation that has toppled more governments in the last 50 years than there are broken McDonald's Soft Serve machines. How our operative lets his mother hold such a blatantly crucial "secret" though the book beggars belief.
The breadcrumbs or rather giant chunks of cob loaf that are scattered through the story are so glaring and obvious as to be annoying. He did a year at legal school, he left the love his life and family in one fell swoop ten years ago and has never spoken to his father again or been back, his mother has a secret she just can't tell him about why she agreed to a post-nup, the father's illicit lover is also hiding a secret bump, the uncle has always seemed like more of a father to him but we're repeatedly told how much he looks and acts like his father. The list goes on.
Towards the end of his career Shakespeare wrote a play called Cymbeline, where he seemed to chuck a whole bunch of tropes from other plays in just to get something out. This feels much like Patterson's Cymbeline. I've never read any of his other works but it certainly feels like he's just chucked various plot devices from other stories into a blender. Or another analogy would be when you add all the colours from your palette to the canvas and all you're left with is just a poo brown.
The saddest part of the whole book for me was how the Herreshoff name was dragged into this poor work. Nathanael Herreshoff is arguably America's greatest yacht designer, he and his family deserve far more recognition than they get. This is the first time I've ever seen their names in a work of fiction and what an unfortunate book it is for them to finally be recognised.
July 12, 2021
This book was a page turner from the beginning to the very last page. You definitely don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, even if you live there. No one knew the secrets their dad had. While none were surprised to learn he had been having an affair they were very surprised to learn that his wife and oldest so were left outgoing the will, second son Adam made the executor of the estate, the new squeeze was left with the family home and that it was mom’s family home that the dad had purchased and had his wife sign a post nuptial handing the house over to him giving him all rights. The second son has been over seas for the past ten years the family hadno idea Adam has been active CIA and now that he is home he will be able to work with quiet work methodically gathering information himself to discover if anyone killed his dad or if he killed himself. The police are about ready to arrest a family member at the same time Adam is gathering the last of the information he needed to fill in all his blanks. He now knows what happened beyond any doubt the police cannot arrest his brother v
June 29, 2018
I need a character I like
I read each new book from Richard North Patterson eagerly, and would generally always give a 5-star rating. This time, I am relieved I’ve finished reading the book.
The problem is that I didn’t like or identify with any of the characters, including the protagonist. I also don’t like books where most of the book consists of finally revealing what the narrator knew from the start. Yes, I needed the mysteries to be solved so I plowed through to the end, and yes, I was surprised by some of the twists at the end.
But in the end, I don’t really care about anyone in the book. It’s a tempest in a teapot, with no consequence - emotional or memorable - to me at all.
I read each new book from Richard North Patterson eagerly, and would generally always give a 5-star rating. This time, I am relieved I’ve finished reading the book.
The problem is that I didn’t like or identify with any of the characters, including the protagonist. I also don’t like books where most of the book consists of finally revealing what the narrator knew from the start. Yes, I needed the mysteries to be solved so I plowed through to the end, and yes, I was surprised by some of the twists at the end.
But in the end, I don’t really care about anyone in the book. It’s a tempest in a teapot, with no consequence - emotional or memorable - to me at all.
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