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Audiobooks > Thrillers >  Suspense > The Beach House
The Beach House Audiobook, by James Patterson Play Audiobook Sample

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3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 (3.00) - 44,267 customer ratings
The Beach House Audiobook, by James Patterson Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: James Patterson, Peter de Jonge Narrator: Gil Bellows Publisher: Grand Central Publishing Audio Length: Release Date: November 2005 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781594833687
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Plot Summary

Jack Mullen and his younger brother Peter grew up within spitting distance of the Hamptons in New York. Jack was no stranger to the multi-million-dollar homes of millionaires who had vacation houses on the ocean. His girlfriend's father owned one in Amagansett worth over $40 million and threw an annual get-together for friends and close associates to the tune of $200,000 a pop.

Jack and Peter knew the area, including the house, intimately. Jack dated the owner's daughter. Peter worked as a temporary for the valet service and parked cars for the parties, among other odd jobs.

It wasn't until Peter's battered and bruised body washed ashore the morning after the latest party that both of their lives took a drastic change. Jack lost his only brother, and Peter -- well, Peter was dead. The police called it an accidental drowning. Jack's and Peter's friends soon figured out otherwise. They knew it was murder, no matter what the police ruled. By the time the law got around to an inquest, money and threats of murder had intervened as well.

Only the foolish would go up against the wealth, power and influence of the upper crust involved in this incident. Only the fearless would tackle the police who were the pawns of those who held the true power. Only a bright young law student like Jack and his cronies, who believed in justice and fairness, would set out to accomplish the impossible.

James Patterson's unique writing style has been described as a "rapid-fire, in-your-face, you-better-keep-reading-or-else format."

"The Beach House" is precisely that.

Patterson ranks so high on contemporary best-seller lists that it has been estimated he earns royalties on one out of every 15 hardcover books published in the United States. He's that popular. He does stick to a proven formula in his writing, and he works with collaborators in order to turn out as many books each year as he does. His chapters are short. So are his paragraphs, sentences and words. Nevertheless, his books keep readers and listeners coming back for more.

When it comes to book collaborator Peter De Jonge, who worked with Patterson on "The Beach House," Patterson has called De Jongue a "much better wordsmith" than he is.

James Patterson and Peter de Jonge are the authors of "Beach Road" in addition to "The Beach House." De Jongue previously worked for the Associated Press and was a contributing reporter for the New York Times Magazine.

Publisher 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.

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Quotes

  • “James Patterson knows how to sell thrills and suspense in clear, unwavering prose.”

    - People

  • “So inviting that it practically reads itself.”

    - New York Times

  • “Taut, spare prose…A delicious, fast-paced read quite worthy of its place on bestseller lists.”

    - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

  • “Vintage Patterson, with plenty of action, villains with hearts blacker than obsidian, and a working-class hero who pulls himself up by the bootstraps. Patterson and de Jonge previously coauthored the inspirational golf romance Miracle on the 17th Green, but this new game of money, mayhem, and murder clearly suits them to a tee.”

    - Amazon.com, editorial review

  • “A stirring thriller filled with nonstop action…An invigorating tale.”

    - Midwest Book Review

  • “Slick, vastly enjoyable…Smooth as a vanilla milkshake…This is smart, market-savvy, populist entertainment.”

    - Publishers Weekly

  • “[Patterson] certainly doesn’t fail to thrill, and readers will be turning the pages until the end.”

    - Booklist

  • “Gil Bellows of Ally McBeal epitomizes the twenty-something angst and grief experienced by narrator Jack Mullen…Bellows’ voice has just enough of a tough-guy edge to it to make his narration believable and compelling. A good story with many twists, The Beach House is a great story to curl up with.”

    - AudioFile

Awards

  • A #1 New York Times bestseller
  • A USA Today bestseller

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Customer Reviews

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  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Worst Patterson book I have read. I thought the ending was downright awful, even wrote to him to let him know what I thought about it. (He didn't write me back.) Sloppy, seemed to have been written by one of his "co-writers" instead. I quit being a die-hard Patterson fan after this book. "

    - Debie, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " james Patterson is a genius this book is awesome "

    - Codey, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It's a fast read,and perfect for, well, the beach. Characters are a little flat and rely on typical stereotypes: Corrupt wealthy Hampton folks, promising hard working boy from poor town who has made it big as a lawyer,and the bold, bossy, dream girl from the office. The one thing that I did love about this book, was how I was left with this hopeless feeling of, "How are the heroes gonna win now?" at every turn of the page. You won't feel any intellectual reward for having dug into this book, not that there's much to dig into, but it is an entertaining way to speed time up on those long road trips, or days at the beach. "

    - Jonathan, 2/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " You can tell James Patterson wasn't the primary author. "

    - Jamie, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great story, similar to A River Runs Rhrough It, a story of 2 brothers, one responsible and successful, who defends the more impulsive, and troubled, brother. "

    - Linda, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " love james patterson, for a quick read. "

    - Teresa, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " excellent patterson can co author a book regardless of who wrote it. "

    - Carol, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Fast pace. Page turner "

    - Shirley, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of his better books with a twist that I never saw coming! Thoroughly enjoyed reading! "

    - Michelle, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 4.5 Stars. I had a hard time putting this book down. It was very fast-paced. Great escape book. I've liked every James Patterson book I've read, but this is currently my favorite by him. "

    - Nancy, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It had a very captivating first few chapters, then it drug on for awhile, then good again, then started dragging again, then good again. I think it finished good. "

    - Ed, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I only read this book because it was referenced in the movie The Vow when Rachael McAdam's character said it was her favorite book. Not so much! It was somewhat suspenseful, but I found the characters not of my liking. "

    - Laurel, 1/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved this book .. Loved how the rich and powerful were brought to Justice... Can't wait to read another Patterson Book. "

    - Lori, 12/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Easy read. Sort of a waste of time. "

    - Tina, 11/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A slow beginning, but it picks up somwhere in the middle and becomes a classic James Patterson adventure "

    - Roni, 9/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A decent page-turner to read to pass the time. "

    - Claire, 9/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not bad, not extraordinary, but an enjoyable "read" as an audiobook. It is definitely the kind of book to read when you feel like having absolutely no challenge to your brain. It is particularly good for multitasking, because when you miss pieces of this book, you're really not missing much. "

    - Angela2932, 1/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Whenever we take long road trips, I inevitably load up on some Patterson CDs. They're mostly 6-8 hours, move briskly, and contain enough recursive storytelling that a stop for pie or donuts along the road won't break the story. It's not great art, but it's often deft storytelling. "

    - W., 12/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A fast read with some interesting twists. Typical Patterson and co-author fare. "

    - Nancy, 12/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved the book- kept me on edge. "

    - Maria, 10/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Read it at a Beach House when my Kindle got washed into the ocean by a unanticipated wave. A guilty pleasure meant to be? Loved it.... "

    - Mitchell, 8/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Great story, unbelievable ending, stretches the imagination just a bit. "

    - Lindsay, 7/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " As most all James Patterson books, this is solid writing and solid entertainment, but also quite a bit different from most of the books I've read by him. I'd definitely recommend this one to anyone interested in Patterson or courtroom suspense-drama's. "

    - Arni, 5/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Typical James Patterson -- which is why I keep coming back. "

    - Sherry, 4/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I'd heard from someone that this was a 'great' book. I disagree. It gets one star for being a fast read and not taking up too much of my time. I have come to the conclusion that I'm not a James Patterson fan. "

    - Dustin, 1/12/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love his books. Nice twists and turns, kept you guessing. "

    - Krista, 10/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " different from his usual suspense books.... but good "

    - Dee, 9/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Click to read my Review here "

    - Meg, 7/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book was awesome.. very captivating. Enjoyed it from beginning to end. "

    - Lv, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Awesome thriller. Great ride leading to a mind-blowing ending. You'll never guess who dunnit! Honestly in my top 10 books ever! "

    - Jason, 5/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I enjoyed this book until the end. I absolutely hated how it ended. I was upset about it for days afterwards. "

    - Krst83, 5/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Jack arrives at the station for the weekend at home on Long Island and is greeted by a crowd telling him his younger brother is dead. He knows it was murder, but it's being covered up as an accident or suicide. Another book I couldn't put down until finished. "

    - Nana, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Pretty rough subject matter for me. I couldn't really recommend it. "

    - Jan, 5/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good Summer light reading. Fast easy chapters that keep the plot moving along. "

    - Wendy, 5/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was a pretty good book, I didn't expect it to go where it went though. Quite surprising. "

    - Amanda, 4/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was a great quick read. Liked this one more than the other Patterson that I read. I would recommend to others for a good vacation/weekend read. "

    - Amanda, 4/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " same fast paced, excitement-packed, short chapters as his detective fiction. I really enjoyed it for a good, exciting quick read. "

    - Michelle, 4/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The story was good but I am surprised that he never continued on one avenue that I thought would have been a part of it. However this was a great read! "

    - Kristy, 4/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Here's a good vintage Patterson mystery unlike the junk he seems to write now. Good, fast paced page turner that draws you in. Perfect for a summer read! "

    - Heather, 3/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " You can tell James Patterson wasn't the primary author. "

    - Jamie, 3/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " what can I say I really enjoy reading JP. not his best but certainly quick and good! "

    - Susan, 3/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I enjoyed reading this while I was home sick. I couldn't predict the ending which is always good, and it was a contemporary mystery with some romance, so how could it miss? "

    - Helen, 3/19/2011

About the Author

James Patterson is one of the most popular writers of all time, with more than 375 million copies of his books sold worldwide. He holds the record for most New York Times bestsellers and is the author of the two most popular detective series of the past decade, the Alex Cross novels and the Women’s Murder Club. Patterson has won an Edgar Award, the mystery world’s highest honor, and his novels Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider were made into feature films. His lifelong work to promote books and reading is reflected in his website ReadKiddoRead.com, which helps parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians find the very best children’s books for their kids. Patterson is a recipient of the Los Angeles Times’ 2015 Innovator’s Award.

About the Narrator

Gil Bellows is a Canadian film and television actor best known for the roles of Tommy Williams in The Shawshank Redeption, Billy Thomas in the television series Ally McBeal, and as CIA agent Matt Callan in the television series The Agency.