The Beach House

By: James Patterson, Peter de Jonge

Narrated by: Gil Bellows

Length: 7 hrs

Publisher's summary

Jack Mullen is in law school in New York City when the news comes that his brother, Peter, has drowned in the ocean off East Hampton. Jack knows his brother practically grew up in the water, and that this couldn't be an accident. Someone must have wanted his brother dead.

But the police say otherwise. As Jack tries to uncover details of his brother's last night, he confronts a maddening barricade of lawyers, police, and paid protectors who separate the wealthy summer residents from local workers like Peter. Motivated by a hundred forms of grief, Jack rallies his hometown friends to help him find the truth of Peter's death - no matter how rich or corrupt the people who stand in their way.

Jack's relentless crusade puts him into a head-on collision with one of the most powerful and ruthless men in New York, a man who wipes out resistance with a snap of his fingers. As it unfolds that his brother was involved with some of the richest women and men in America - in ways Jack never imagined - his dream of justice fades. Only if he can somehow beat the rich at their own game will he be able to avenge his brother.

©2002 SueJack Inc., All Rights Reserved (P)2002 Time Warner AudioBooks, a Division of the AOL Time Warner Book Group

Critic reviews

"A slick, vastly enjoyable thriller." (Publishers Weekly)

Adventure and excitment

I really enjoyed this adventure mystery. It was exciting yet a little predictable with a few surprises sprinkled through out. I like plots laced with a little romance to spice it up just a bit like this one does. I am not so sure however that the title isn't a little misleading. It is a good listen though with vivid descritions that help the "reader" picture the situations nicely. I reccommend it.

well done

I enjoyed the story. Its a passion play with judicial undertones. Corruption of lawyers and police by wealthy evil men and women. Greed and misuse of power by extremely wealthy perverts.

Different, Yet Still Good

Although I love a good Alex Cross storyline or a Women's Murder Club adventure, it was fun for me to see Patterson break away from these characters and try his hand at an independent set of characters.

I enjoyed this book very much, thought that the narrator did a great job, and would recommend this book, even if you've never read Patterson before.

Godd book.

This is a great summer read. It was effective in making me forget everyday drudgery.

Mind Boggling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Beach House to be better than the print version?

Of course you feel as if you are apart of the story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Beach House?

Finding out about the pictures and the rape of the young boys.

Which character – as performed by Gil Bellows – was your favorite?

Mack, he was real had high moral and values.

If you could rename The Beach House, what would you call it?

Living A Lie

Any additional comments?

A Great Book

Very good listen

A great ending that was plotted. Everything about the ending was very satisfying and the whole book is a good listen.

I can recommend this book as a surprisingly good listen.

Surprise after surprise!

As with all James Patterson’s books, the story was very engaging with some “hold your breath” moments. I didn’t want it to end.

holy cow!!!!!

I get tired of Alex Cross, I can't get into the ladies, I hum and haw over Patterson and then he hits a home run with some story that grabs your heart and your attention. This book was soooo good! My wife and started listening in the morning while in bed and just stayed there and did nothing for most of the day cuz it was so absorbing. I don't mind a little cry and happy stuff mixed in with such an excellent plot. Loved the characters. Forget Alex Cross, Mr. Patterson. Bring us more people to cheer on.

Awesome Book!

Loved this book! Did not want to stop listening. The storyline is very real and I could see how the events that happened could happen in today's world.

Better then I anticipated

I usually do not like Patterson's books, they tend to be without much substance, however in this case I was pleasantly surprised. The story was interesting, the characters engaging.