Rating: 
Summary: Not the best James Patterson novel.
Review: Jack Mullen is studying law in New York City when he receives the shocking news his brother has drowned in the ocean off East Hampton. Jack knows his brother couldn't have drowned since they both grew up in and around the water.When arriving in the Hamptons Jack prepares to collect information surrounding his brother's death, but the police are less than accommodating. As Jack begins to question the drowning he finds secrets about his brother that are shocking, and more disturbing still are the secrets of those associated with his brother. Jack is convinced his brother was murdered, and in his crusade to avenge his brother's death he will come face-to-face with a ruthless and powerful man, and man powerful enough to destroy you with the snap of his finger. Jack realizes the only way to bring a killer to justice is to beat the rich at their own game, even if it kills him. 'The Beach House' is an easy read, although not the best work from James Patterson. The novel lacks the gritty, dark tone of his previous novels, and while the legal thriller plot keeps the page turning, it does not sustain the suspense of his Alex Cross, or his Murderer's Club books. Fans looking for the usual James Patterson thrills will be disappointed with 'The Beach House.' Nick Gonnella
Rating:
Summary: Too over the top and a bit disappointing
Review: I always enjoy James Patterson books, and I just wasn't a fan of this one. Aside from the main character, the personalities in this book were not very believable. And there is never a satisfying answer for how or *why* the murdered brother became involved in such a risque lifestyle. The plot is suspenseful, but as the story plays out, it actually loses its edge. The story's premise and various scenarios being played out in my mind were actually more intriguing than the plot that unfolded. There wasn't even much to "guess." From the very begininng, we know who the bad guys are and that they are involved in a bad way. The only mystery is in exactly how they were involved. And once we find that out, it's just not a satisfying plot. It was a very unfulfilling and unrealistic explanation to the reasons for this murder. Just a little too over the top for me personally. This book is a good, easy beach read. I love the short chapters and it certainly held my attention. The courtroom scene played out on national tv was very clever. A murder mystery in the rich and exclusive high society Hamptons was a great premise with a let down plot. I think James Patterson just went down the wrong avenue on this one.
Rating: 
Summary: This book is great!!!!!!
Review: Another great book from James Patterson! What a great read! It is fast paced, the characters are wonderful.....some you will love and be cheering for and others you will dislike from the beginning! I really loved the book and hope he writes another one with Peter De Jonge.
Rating: 
Summary: No relaxing on the beach in the Hamptons
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: The Perfect Summer Read
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: The Beach House By: James Patterson
Review: Peter Mullen was a valet at the most exclusive East Hampton party. During a break, he was advised to go to the beach by an anonymous perfumed note. He thought he'd get lucky. Instead, he lost his life.
When his body washed up on the beach, the authorities called it suicide. Jack Mullen (Peter's brother) knew it wasn't true. His brother would never go swimming in a stormy tide, much less kill himself during a work break. Mullen's family and other Montauk "townie" friends demand and investigation. However, the authorities are less than cooperative, preferring to protect Barry Neubauer, the wealthy CEO who hosted the party that fateful evening.
Jack risks his future law career to find answers regarding Peter's death, but his inexperience is no match for Neubauer's counsel. When Jack's friends are threatened, the covered-up murder is confirmed.
Rating:
Summary: Audio was awsome
Review: I had the pleasure of hearing this story on CD while I drove alone from Bakersfield, CA to Redding, CA., a 9 hour drive. It was such an intoxicating story. I had to make myself stop once in a while to take a break from driving, but couldn't wait to get back to it. My sister borrowed it on her return trip to San Francisco. She had the same review. Great suspense story, and the sound effects just added to the suspense and realty.
Rating: 
Summary: If it were a movie, it would be direct to video.
Review: To start, allow me to say that I'm a longtime Patterson fan. I love the Alex Cross and Lindsay Boxer series; I love the characters, I think they're well-rounded, and I generally enjoy the stories a great deal. So I was really, really disappointed with The Beach House. The characters are cardboard cutouts (and there are too many of them), the narrative is rushed, and many of the plot developments require more ability to suspend disbelief than I apparently have. Patterson seems to be in a rush to get to the climax, which is patently ridiculous and surpassed in absurdity only by the hasty, tacked-on denouement. Also, Patterson should leave the legal penny dreadfuls to John Grisham and L. Scott Turow; he was out of his element here. Maybe it's time for Patterson to go on hiatus; Big Bad Wolf, the latest Alex Cross novel (and, again, I loooooooooove Alex Cross), suffered from many of the same symptoms as The Beach House. I hope he gets back on track soon.
Rating:
Summary: The BEST Patterson EVER
Review: I have read every single Alex Cross book that has been published and I am a big fan. I like the Women's Murder Club books but not quite as much. I grabbed this one as a change of pace from those characters. I read the book in a little over 24 hours. You just have to keep reading. TIP: Do not start reading unless you have a lot of free time becuase you will not want to stop.
I RARELY give a book 5 stars but this one does deserve it.
Rating:
Summary: Suspense in the Hamptons
Review: I was reluctant to read a book co-authored. I feel a lot are doing this to get the secondary writer started. I was surprised. I enjoyed the book and felt the mingle of the two writers were a sincere delight.I would recommend it to anyone that has enjoyed Patterson in the past would enjoy this book.
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