Beach Road

by: James Patterson

Published by: Little, Brown, and Company (May 1 2006 Release)

Reviewed by Kim Reis

Three men are shot and killed in the Hamptons. Dante Halleyville, a talented basketball player who decided to go to college instead of heading straight to the NBA after high school, is the prime suspect.

Friend and defense attorney Tom Dunleavy is one of the people who are trying to figure out what happened that night. He convinces Dante to turn himself in only to realize Dante is already guilty in the minds of most residents of this elite community, including the police. Tom recruits his former girlfriend Kate Costello, also a lawyer, to help him clear Dante in the Trial of the Century.

Every few chapters the point of view shifts to another character, giving us yet another person's view of the situation. This left me feeling a little confused. I also never managed to feel any empathy toward any of the characters. I don't think this is one of Patterson's best.

Armchair Interviews says: Recommended for Patterson fans, but others may want to try one of his other books.