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Beach Wedding
A high-society wedding party stirs up new evidence in an unsolved murder in this thrilling stand-alone from the New York Times bestselling coauthor of James Patterson's Now You See Her and The Quickie.
Hamptons sand… Hamptons money… Hamptons murder…
When Terry Rourke is invited to the spare-no-expense beach wedding of his hedge fund manager brother, he thinks that his biggest worry will be flubbing the champagne toast. But this isn’t the first time Terry has been to the Hamptons.
As the designer tuxedos are laid out and the flowers arranged along the glittering surf, Terry can’t help but take another look at a decades-old murder trial that rocked the very foundations of the town—and his family. He soon learns that digging up billion-dollar sand can be a very dangerous activity. The kind of danger that can very quickly turn even the most beautiful beach wedding into a wake.
Hamptons sand… Hamptons money… Hamptons murder…
When Terry Rourke is invited to the spare-no-expense beach wedding of his hedge fund manager brother, he thinks that his biggest worry will be flubbing the champagne toast. But this isn’t the first time Terry has been to the Hamptons.
As the designer tuxedos are laid out and the flowers arranged along the glittering surf, Terry can’t help but take another look at a decades-old murder trial that rocked the very foundations of the town—and his family. He soon learns that digging up billion-dollar sand can be a very dangerous activity. The kind of danger that can very quickly turn even the most beautiful beach wedding into a wake.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2022
1219 people are currently reading
7978 people want to read
About the author
Michael Ledwidge
78 books442 followersMichael Ledwidge is the son of Irish parents and was born and raised in the Bronx. A graduate of Manhattan College, he is married and has two children.
As the co-author of a series of some of James Patterson’s most profitable books to date, Ledwidge has risen from an admired but, it’s fair to say, mostly unread author, to co-writing some of the most widely read books in the world. He’s made real money doing it, too, enough to change his life completely.
As the co-author of a series of some of James Patterson’s most profitable books to date, Ledwidge has risen from an admired but, it’s fair to say, mostly unread author, to co-writing some of the most widely read books in the world. He’s made real money doing it, too, enough to change his life completely.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
March 30, 2022
If I didn't know it, I would think I was reading a James Patterson book, and I haven't read one for years. The style (short chapters, rapid pacing) and the "feel" of it make it the perfect book for those who have come to appreciate Ledwidge's collaborations with Patterson in the past.
It the story of Terry Rourke, who, along with his wife and young daughter, travel to the Hamptons from Pennsylvania to participate in Terry's brother Tom's lavish wedding. It is soon revealed that Terry's family hails from the community, where their late father was an attorney who was well known for prosecuting the wife of a wealthy, powerful man who was murdered. The more Terry thinks about that time of his life, the more he wants to find out what really happened back then. However, that's going to throw him into the middle of something that people do not want revealed.
This is an entertaining novel with a few twists and enjoyable if you suspend a bit of disbelief. I got pretty irritated with Terry for his armchair sleuthing (he is a cop, but he wasn't acting in that capacity here) and neglecting his family and his brother to go off on this tangent. He took risks that were not necessary, and ignored warnings that he absolutely should have followed.
There are also a large number of characters that did not need to be included. I am not sure why we needed to be introduced to all of Terry's siblings and their spouses and their children when none of them factored into the story at all. The wedding activities seemed like boring filler because they just didn't further the storyline at all. I know, it gave them a reason to be in the Hamptons, but it made things muddy at times.
Overall, if you like a decently fast paced mystery with a James Patterson-esque feel, then this is an excellent choice for you.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
January 19, 2022
Michael Ledwidge brings intrigue and action to his latest crime novel,
Beach Wedding
, set mainly in Southampton, New York. Terry Rourke and his wife and daughter are spending a month at a luxurious home in Southampton on the beach. His oldest and wealthy brother is getting married and has invited the whole family to stay at the house prior to the wedding. The Rourkes grew up in a nearby middle-class neighborhood where his father, Sean, was an Assistant District Attorney 20 years ago. Sean’s last case was a murder trial that changed their lives forever when he lost the case and subsequently drowned. Terry, a Philadelphia cop, can’t resist looking at the old case while he’s in the town. But messing with the rich and powerful can be dangerous.
Terry is a likeable and determined character, but sometimes gets so wrapped up in his investigation that he can lose sight of other things. The author did a great job in bringing the Rourke family to life as well as the non-family characters. The characters were quite believable, and injected with a blend of attributes both good and bad.
The plot is well-developed and clever and the narrative is descriptive, bringing the locations to life. There’s also a bit of humor which relieves some of the tension from time to time. The pacing was just right and the writing style was smooth; even with relatively short chapters it draws the reader into the story. While it takes a while to get to the mystery as readers learn about the lives of the members of the Rourke family, the intrigue grows as the investigation falls into place.
Don’t expect much action until near the end of the novel. This is more about the investigation and the people involved in it and those affected by it as well as uncovering the mystery. I appreciated how the author showed the impact on many characters, not just the Rourke family. The action at the end is nerve-wracking and somewhat harrowing, and it includes a shocking surprise or two that I didn’t see coming. Themes include family, friendship, corruption, murder, money, and power.
Overall, this was suspenseful with a great mystery and compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. It is well worth the read and provides entertainment, thoughtful moments, and thrills. This is the third solo book that I’ve read by Ledwidge and I’m looking forward to reading more books by him.
Harlequin Trade Publishing – Hanover Square Press and Michael Ledwidge provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 15, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4 star review will be posted in the second half of January (per publisher guidelines).
Terry is a likeable and determined character, but sometimes gets so wrapped up in his investigation that he can lose sight of other things. The author did a great job in bringing the Rourke family to life as well as the non-family characters. The characters were quite believable, and injected with a blend of attributes both good and bad.
The plot is well-developed and clever and the narrative is descriptive, bringing the locations to life. There’s also a bit of humor which relieves some of the tension from time to time. The pacing was just right and the writing style was smooth; even with relatively short chapters it draws the reader into the story. While it takes a while to get to the mystery as readers learn about the lives of the members of the Rourke family, the intrigue grows as the investigation falls into place.
Don’t expect much action until near the end of the novel. This is more about the investigation and the people involved in it and those affected by it as well as uncovering the mystery. I appreciated how the author showed the impact on many characters, not just the Rourke family. The action at the end is nerve-wracking and somewhat harrowing, and it includes a shocking surprise or two that I didn’t see coming. Themes include family, friendship, corruption, murder, money, and power.
Overall, this was suspenseful with a great mystery and compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. It is well worth the read and provides entertainment, thoughtful moments, and thrills. This is the third solo book that I’ve read by Ledwidge and I’m looking forward to reading more books by him.
Harlequin Trade Publishing – Hanover Square Press and Michael Ledwidge provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 15, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4 star review will be posted in the second half of January (per publisher guidelines).
January 13, 2022
This fast paced and entertaining thriller by Michael Ledwidge goes under the title Beach Murder in the UK. Set in the Hamptons, it has Philly PD cop, Terry Roarke, with his pregnant wife, Vivian, and 3 year old daughter, Angelina, attending the glittering wedding of his hedge fund manager brother, Tom, who has rented an exorbitantly expensive exclusive beach hut for the summer. The entire Irish Roarke family, including brothers Finn and Mikey, sister Erin, with their families and their mother, are treated to every luxury, with events organised for them right up to the wedding. The location is no accident, Southampton is the place the Roarke family used to live and where it lost its hopes and dreams, when back in 1999, the wealthy Noah Sutton was murdered. Terry's late father, Sean, was the ADA who prosecuted Hailey, Noah's wife for murder, in a trial that attracted huge global media scrutiny.
It is not a place the Roarkes have happy memories of, and when Terry comes across a cache of information on the crime put together by the well known writer, the deceased Xavier Kelsey, he is determined to investigate and re-open the cold case murder mystery in memory of his father, knowing it will attract the wrath of the powerful Sutton family who will do anything to stop him. They are not the only obstacles, there are rumours that the current DA Nathan Wheaton is corrupt and will have to be forced to open the case, and the local police are thought to be in the pocket of the Suttons, including the Chief Dennis Tapley. Terry brings on board his father's old friend and partner, Mervyn Heller, and his co-worker as a life guard when he was a teenager, now a FBI agent Courtney Frazier, on his painfully haunting and dangerous inquiries.
Ledwidge writes a compelling thriller, packed with suspense and tension, and with numerous surprising twists and turns, not to mention a particularly traumatic revelation for Terry and his family. The beautiful and sunny Hamptons location provides the background for the darkest of deeds, and Tom's no expensed spared wedding celebrations give a glimpse into the lively Roarke family members and illustrate just how close they are. This is a compelling crime thriller that kept me engaged throughout and I think many crime, mystery and thriller readers will enjoy this too. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
It is not a place the Roarkes have happy memories of, and when Terry comes across a cache of information on the crime put together by the well known writer, the deceased Xavier Kelsey, he is determined to investigate and re-open the cold case murder mystery in memory of his father, knowing it will attract the wrath of the powerful Sutton family who will do anything to stop him. They are not the only obstacles, there are rumours that the current DA Nathan Wheaton is corrupt and will have to be forced to open the case, and the local police are thought to be in the pocket of the Suttons, including the Chief Dennis Tapley. Terry brings on board his father's old friend and partner, Mervyn Heller, and his co-worker as a life guard when he was a teenager, now a FBI agent Courtney Frazier, on his painfully haunting and dangerous inquiries.
Ledwidge writes a compelling thriller, packed with suspense and tension, and with numerous surprising twists and turns, not to mention a particularly traumatic revelation for Terry and his family. The beautiful and sunny Hamptons location provides the background for the darkest of deeds, and Tom's no expensed spared wedding celebrations give a glimpse into the lively Roarke family members and illustrate just how close they are. This is a compelling crime thriller that kept me engaged throughout and I think many crime, mystery and thriller readers will enjoy this too. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
April 19, 2022
Giveaway Win!
I grew up loving Lifetime movies and movies of the week, back in the nineties when I was way too young. And my favorites were always the ones that involved rich people(especially Susan Lucci). Rich people murdering each other and getting murdered is my jam. And not just in fiction, True Crime that involves rich people is my weakness.
Why??
Because if I'm being honest I feel less empathy for rich people. When bad things happen them I'm usually happy. Rich people are gross(not all rich people just most).
So given my love of high society murder Beach Wedding was right up my alley. Michael Ledwidge is James Patterson's "coauthor"(James Patterson doesn't write books anymore and everyone knows it) and it shows. The chapters were short(2-3 pages) and the action was nonstop. Beach Wedding read just like a Patterson novel.
Did I enjoy it?
Yeah. It wasn't the best book but it was fun. It also kept me from falling back into my reading slump. The story was fast paced and I wanted to know how the story would end....Although I did feel like "the twist" was a little outrageous(that's not necessarily a bad thing) and the ending was rushed.
Who would I recommend this to?
Readers who love James Patterson. If you like those then this book will probably keep you entertained.
I grew up loving Lifetime movies and movies of the week, back in the nineties when I was way too young. And my favorites were always the ones that involved rich people(especially Susan Lucci). Rich people murdering each other and getting murdered is my jam. And not just in fiction, True Crime that involves rich people is my weakness.
Why??
Because if I'm being honest I feel less empathy for rich people. When bad things happen them I'm usually happy. Rich people are gross(not all rich people just most).
So given my love of high society murder Beach Wedding was right up my alley. Michael Ledwidge is James Patterson's "coauthor"(James Patterson doesn't write books anymore and everyone knows it) and it shows. The chapters were short(2-3 pages) and the action was nonstop. Beach Wedding read just like a Patterson novel.
Did I enjoy it?
Yeah. It wasn't the best book but it was fun. It also kept me from falling back into my reading slump. The story was fast paced and I wanted to know how the story would end....Although I did feel like "the twist" was a little outrageous(that's not necessarily a bad thing) and the ending was rushed.
Who would I recommend this to?
Readers who love James Patterson. If you like those then this book will probably keep you entertained.
January 20, 2022
Great story. Lots of unexpected twists and action.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A unique story that offers the reader a story from an unlikely storyteller, the son of a deceased DA, about an unsolved murder. Not just any unsolved murder, but one that reeks of secrets and coverups in the Hamptons. Now Terry wants to do something about it.
Ledwidge takes us on a wild ride that builds in suspense with each turn of the page. His creativity and storytelling ability set up the perfect crime and the race to solve it before it's too late. His character development is spot on with a multi-faceted cast.
Beach Wedding is a great read loaded with unexpected twists and grabs you as the surprise ending comes out of nowhere. Perfect for the mystery and crime buffs!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/beach-weddin...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A unique story that offers the reader a story from an unlikely storyteller, the son of a deceased DA, about an unsolved murder. Not just any unsolved murder, but one that reeks of secrets and coverups in the Hamptons. Now Terry wants to do something about it.
Ledwidge takes us on a wild ride that builds in suspense with each turn of the page. His creativity and storytelling ability set up the perfect crime and the race to solve it before it's too late. His character development is spot on with a multi-faceted cast.
Beach Wedding is a great read loaded with unexpected twists and grabs you as the surprise ending comes out of nowhere. Perfect for the mystery and crime buffs!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/beach-weddin...
February 15, 2022
Favorite Quote:
The running of the bullshitters.
My Review:
This book tickled my fancy as well as tripped my curiosity and held my rapt attention throughout with unpredictable and entertaining intrigue combined with lashings of amusingly wry and whip-smart wit. I fell right into this well nuanced and engaging tale and was huffing to keep up with the active storylines while my mind was racing with countless theories. Though totally unfamiliar to me, this prolific author has crazy good word voodoo and an impressive backlist. I’ve got some catching up to do.
The running of the bullshitters.
My Review:
This book tickled my fancy as well as tripped my curiosity and held my rapt attention throughout with unpredictable and entertaining intrigue combined with lashings of amusingly wry and whip-smart wit. I fell right into this well nuanced and engaging tale and was huffing to keep up with the active storylines while my mind was racing with countless theories. Though totally unfamiliar to me, this prolific author has crazy good word voodoo and an impressive backlist. I’ve got some catching up to do.
August 9, 2025
Not bad, but not really good. The characters are interesting, but the writing is awkward. It is written in the James Patterson style-short chapters so a lot of blank pages and very easy reading.
October 28, 2024
2.5 🌟 rounded down
First and foremost the author is supposedly from the Bronx and you would think a NYer would do enough due diligence to understand the geography he writes. There’s so many red flags 🚩 and errors made.
Anyways, the title is misleading. The Beach Wedding brought the MC to the Hamptons. I loved the backstory about the initial murder and the Patriarch.
The wedding serves as a backdrop to bring him back and forth to the East End and to move the plot forward timewise. He travels all over and trust me, as a LIer, I can tell you everywhere he went was FAR from where he was staying.
Suspend your disbelief as it’s going to unfold like a thin action movie. The murder mystery was intriguing but there’s tons of plot holes. I wish it was fully developed because it was a really good story.
I completely rooted for Terry Rourke and his family. He is very likable and I wanted him to win. Good v Evil and it’s still a good ending lol
I switched from reading to the audiobook just to finish the last quarter. I don’t recommend the audio, the narrator didn’t work for me.
First and foremost the author is supposedly from the Bronx and you would think a NYer would do enough due diligence to understand the geography he writes. There’s so many red flags 🚩 and errors made.
Anyways, the title is misleading. The Beach Wedding brought the MC to the Hamptons. I loved the backstory about the initial murder and the Patriarch.
The wedding serves as a backdrop to bring him back and forth to the East End and to move the plot forward timewise. He travels all over and trust me, as a LIer, I can tell you everywhere he went was FAR from where he was staying.
Suspend your disbelief as it’s going to unfold like a thin action movie. The murder mystery was intriguing but there’s tons of plot holes. I wish it was fully developed because it was a really good story.
I completely rooted for Terry Rourke and his family. He is very likable and I wanted him to win. Good v Evil and it’s still a good ending lol
I switched from reading to the audiobook just to finish the last quarter. I don’t recommend the audio, the narrator didn’t work for me.
January 15, 2022
I have to admit firstly, the only reason that I wanted to read this book was that I knew of this author as he had co-written the Michael Bennett series with James Patterson and I am also all for giving the co-writers stories ago. Beach Wedding was amazing and such a great read and if you are familiar with the Michael Bennett series, you could see bits and pieces coming through the writing of Beach Wedding and also gave you an insight into what Michael had brought to the series. For example, Michael Bennett's family is Irish and a big family, and therefore the family in Beach Wedding The O'Rourkes had Irish blood but were Irish-American and a big family. The other thing I loved was that despite this book being set in the Hamptons area and an amazing mansion to die for, the family - even the bride's upper-English family all had down-to-earth energy about them. Beach Wedding starts with the brother Tom's wedding, here has rented out the biggest house in the Hamptons and created an extravaganza for himself but also as an F-U to the town that turned their backs on their family about twenty years prior. The book mainly focuses on one of the brothers Terry O'Rourke who followed in his father's footsteps and became a police officer. Being in this town has brought back memories of the last case his Dad worked on "The Death of Noah Sutton". While checking out the mansion, he has found the last manuscript of Xavier Kelsey who was writing before he died a book about the death of Noah Sutton. This is Terry's chance to finally finish what his father started, but will he be ready for the can of worms and pandora's box he is about to crack open? Find out in this fast-paced murder mystery that is also written in a similar style to JP's with the short chapters and fast-pacedness. I am now looking forward to reading Michael's other books. PS - this is also published under Beach Murder - depending on which country you purchase the book from, one of those UK/US title changes.
September 9, 2021
This book started with an interesting plot and a likable narrator, but by the end it was just muddled with too many characters in the mix. So, my enthusiasm tended to wane as more and more twists and characters were added.
Ledwidge is a great mystery writer but I wish he had simplified.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
Ledwidge is a great mystery writer but I wish he had simplified.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
March 3, 2022
Finished reading: February 5th 2022
"There are reasons why some people leave the place they were born and raised and never come back. Usually, they're very good reasons."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Hanover Square Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
July 26, 2022
Just dumb enough to be awesome. Perfect summer read. Ledwidge out Pattersoned Patterson.
March 10, 2022
Well done audiobook. Intricately layered story.
September 23, 2021
If the book jacket looks like a Patterson title and reads like a James Patterson thriller, then it must be by the prolific James Patterson, right? Nope, it isn't, but it is by an author who co-wrote 13 (or thereabouts) suspense thrillers with Patterson, and it turns out he's a good author in his own right.
This was an extremely quick-paced mystery/thriller set in the Hamptons, where the family gathers for the wedding of his wealthy brother. But before the big day arrives, events occur that set his brother Terry (the narrator) to further investigate a murder his dead father tried and lost. The action is fast and the dialogue snappy, and while the characters tend to be slightly drawn, they are appealing, and I was drawn into the action. Sure, it's a little predictable, but it had a few good twists along the way.
If you are a fan of James Patterson and can't wait two days before his next title is released [ha!], then give this a try. Seriously, I am not a big fan of Patterson but enjoyed this and would consider reading more books by this author. This is also recommended for readers of Andrew Gross and Harlan Coben, and for reading on a plane or a beach.
Thanks to the publisher for the digital advance copy. To be published in February 2022.
This was an extremely quick-paced mystery/thriller set in the Hamptons, where the family gathers for the wedding of his wealthy brother. But before the big day arrives, events occur that set his brother Terry (the narrator) to further investigate a murder his dead father tried and lost. The action is fast and the dialogue snappy, and while the characters tend to be slightly drawn, they are appealing, and I was drawn into the action. Sure, it's a little predictable, but it had a few good twists along the way.
If you are a fan of James Patterson and can't wait two days before his next title is released [ha!], then give this a try. Seriously, I am not a big fan of Patterson but enjoyed this and would consider reading more books by this author. This is also recommended for readers of Andrew Gross and Harlan Coben, and for reading on a plane or a beach.
Thanks to the publisher for the digital advance copy. To be published in February 2022.
February 19, 2022
Beach Wedding is a stand alone mystery about reconciling the past and bringing justice into the present. Terry is a police detective who is back in his home for his brother's wedding. He just may have a chance to right a wrong from his family's past.
I really enjoyed this mystery. There were a few twists that I definitely didn't see coming. It kept me interested and I couldn't put it down. I really liked Terry's character. It was refreshing to read about a police detective who has a normal marriage and relationship with his family. The tortured divorced detective persona gets old after a while. I also loved that he was a journalist before he became a cop. It added a lot of depth to his character. I wish this wasn't a stand alone, because I would love to read another mystery with Terry leading the investigation. I highly recommend this one!
I really enjoyed this mystery. There were a few twists that I definitely didn't see coming. It kept me interested and I couldn't put it down. I really liked Terry's character. It was refreshing to read about a police detective who has a normal marriage and relationship with his family. The tortured divorced detective persona gets old after a while. I also loved that he was a journalist before he became a cop. It added a lot of depth to his character. I wish this wasn't a stand alone, because I would love to read another mystery with Terry leading the investigation. I highly recommend this one!
July 1, 2022
Gave up and skimmed the last one hundred plus pages. Guess it is time to return to reading actual literary fiction. This book may have had a convoluted plot; but there was so sense of character or location. Just a story to pass time that could be better spent.
September 25, 2024
This wasn’t a terrible legal thriller, but it also wasn’t terribly interesting either.
January 22, 2023
I received a copy of this book free in exchange for my honest review. I found this to be very close to the writing style of James Patterson which I like. Overall a good read. Fast paced once I started I finished it very quickly. I enjoyed the writing style and concept of the story.
March 1, 2022
Beach wedding was a good audio book. The characters held my interest. The chapters were really short which helped the book go fast . A must listen for anyone who likes fiction
January 3, 2022
The Hamptons, Murder, secrets, lies, cold cases, pay offs , a who done it .
March 27, 2022
I quite enjoyed this novel. Having never read a book written solely by Mr. Ledwidge, I like his writing style and the shirt chapters with a quick pace. Hope he becomes as prolific as his mentor, James Patterson.
March 6, 2023
Legit no bookmark needed!
January 4, 2022
Terry Rourke is supposed to be in the Hamptons, sipping champagne and enjoying all of the festivities of his brother's impending wedding, but instead of doing that he finds himself drawn to an old case of his father's. That case effected his family in ways they have never fully recovered from, and left a lasting impact that is still easily felt. As unexplainable things start happening, old secrets start to come to light, Terry starts to become suspicious. Things aren't adding up and they are somehow tied to that old case... and he is bound and determined to get to the bottom of it!
Beach Wedding is a thoroughly engaging read, one that you will have a hard time putting down once your eyes find the words. It's an action-packed, dramatic, and mind puzzling tale, that should not be missed! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Beach Wedding is a thoroughly engaging read, one that you will have a hard time putting down once your eyes find the words. It's an action-packed, dramatic, and mind puzzling tale, that should not be missed! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
November 6, 2021
Having moved from Hamptons townie to hedge-fund millionaire, Tom Rourke spares no expense for his wedding; the mansion where it is held rents for “five” a month—that’s five hundred thousand dollars. Tom’s brother Terry, a Philly police officer, and his family are a bit exhausted by it all but doing their best to relax into the pampering. Those plans are upended when Terry is drawn back into a past injustice. The father of the Rourke clan was the head assistant DA for the county when Noah Sutton, a member of the local elite, was murdered. The man’s wife, Hailey, was brought to trial, a case that drew even international attention and ended with the Rourkes as local outcasts.
Terry seeks to make locals eat their words and to find justice for the murdered man, a mission that puts him and his family in danger and takes twists that will keep readers puzzled till the satisfying, unexpected conclusion. Ledwidge (coauthor with James Patterson of Now You See Her and The Quickie) shines in portraying the simmering culture clash that is life in rich towns as well as the best parts—love, humor, protectiveness—of life in close clans.
The Patterson connection sells this, but it’s also good for fans of Jane Harper’s The Survivors, which features a long-ago killing in a Tasmanian beach town.—Henrietta Verma, First Clue
For more reviews of crime fiction, subscribe to First Clue https://www.getrevue.co/profile/First..., our weekly newsletter.
Terry seeks to make locals eat their words and to find justice for the murdered man, a mission that puts him and his family in danger and takes twists that will keep readers puzzled till the satisfying, unexpected conclusion. Ledwidge (coauthor with James Patterson of Now You See Her and The Quickie) shines in portraying the simmering culture clash that is life in rich towns as well as the best parts—love, humor, protectiveness—of life in close clans.
The Patterson connection sells this, but it’s also good for fans of Jane Harper’s The Survivors, which features a long-ago killing in a Tasmanian beach town.—Henrietta Verma, First Clue
For more reviews of crime fiction, subscribe to First Clue https://www.getrevue.co/profile/First..., our weekly newsletter.
February 15, 2022
I had previously read Michael Ledwidge’s collaboration series (Michael Bennett) with James Patterson and I was curious to see how how a stand alone novel by just himself would be. Based on the description of Beach Wedding, I was hoping for a novel that would be filled with beautiful beach imagery (especially the wedding!) and a drama filled mystery. Unfortunately that wasn’t what I got.
The lead character, Terry, is exactly the type of main character that you would expect from a James Patterson or Harlan Coben novel. He’s a family man with a beautiful wife that he adores and all around good guy. I do get tired reading about these types of characters since they bore me and I tend to roll my eyes reading about their wonderful lives. I like reading about characters that have a bit of flaws and aren’t seen as perfect people.
The mystery was lacking to me. I was intrigued on what had happened in Terry’s youth that caused his family to be isolated by the town. The novel had Terry running around all over, talking to different people and by the end of the novel I was confused by all of the characters.
Sadly a miss for me.
Thank you to Netgallery and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The lead character, Terry, is exactly the type of main character that you would expect from a James Patterson or Harlan Coben novel. He’s a family man with a beautiful wife that he adores and all around good guy. I do get tired reading about these types of characters since they bore me and I tend to roll my eyes reading about their wonderful lives. I like reading about characters that have a bit of flaws and aren’t seen as perfect people.
The mystery was lacking to me. I was intrigued on what had happened in Terry’s youth that caused his family to be isolated by the town. The novel had Terry running around all over, talking to different people and by the end of the novel I was confused by all of the characters.
Sadly a miss for me.
Thank you to Netgallery and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2022
This story tells a great tale of what can happen between townies and rich people. This is a story that starts at a wedding on the beach and then goes on to tell a story of what happened in the past. Then we get to know what is happening again during the 30 days before the wedding. This has a lot of suspense and a murder is solved. I love that the chapters are short. I love the characters. I loved Tom and Viv. There were some surprises in the story. I received a copy of this book from Harlequin for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
March 23, 2025
This book was interesting enough to keep reading, but I did not care for the writing style. And there was so much detail given to things that did not really matter to the story and so little detail on things that would have enriched the plot in my opinion. I kept reading because I assumed there would be a twist, and there was, delivered in a classic cartoon bad guy monologue where everything is confessed. It just didn’t hit the mark the way I hoped it would.
March 4, 2022
Really enjoyed this one!
December 24, 2022
And here I thought this was going to be a fluff read (based on the title). Thoroughly enjoyed the read, as I was led down the rabbit hole. Now, on to try some more of this author’s books.
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