By James Patterson and Peter de Jonge
Little, Brown and Company
Hardcover, Paperback, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Audio CD (Unabridged) and Large Print Editions

Peter Mullen seems to have it all. Good looks. A brand new BMW motorcyle. And close to $200,000 dollars in the bank.

Not bad for a 21-year-old who's parking cars for rich people in the Hamptons.

But Peter's life is about to do a 180. And that hard turn leaves him dead in the water.

The Beach House Excerpt Jordan came out of his crouch and jumped into my chest, knocking me back into Frank Volpi, who had followed us into the garage. Volpi immediately grabbed my arms. He let Jordan take it from there. If the first punch didn't rebreak my almost-healed rib, the second definitely did. "You're under arrest for interfering with a police investigation and assaulting a police officer," said Volpi. He grinned as he cuffed me and dragged me out to the car. He didn't bother to read me my rights, and I got the message: I didn't have any. ©2002 SueJack Inc. Published with permission from Little, Brown & Co.

Jack Mullen is the complete opposite of his little brother. He's working his way through law school in New York City with big legal career dreams filling his head. He's also eager to please his father and grandfather with his accomplishments.

On the night his brother is found dead, his life takes a 180 just like his brother's. Did Peter really kill himself or is an elaborate cover-up in effect?

Jack finds his career isn't the most important aspect of his life after all. Nothing matters to him except finding out the truth. The truth could cost him his life, though, just like it did his brother's.

During his search for answers, Jack discovers his brother was a pawn in a sick game of sex and money. Legal justice has taken a backseat to the power of the rich players involved.

Jack decides true justice will have to come from his own hands. Not being the vigilante type, he enlists the help of his friends for a unique form of vengeance.

By the end of Jack's journey, lives will be lost, freedom will vanish and others will get away with the perfect crime.

Bookworm's Briefing
James Patterson fans will immediately recognize the fast-pace The Beach House takes right from the beginning. Patterson and Peter de Jonge created a thrilling novel with plenty of suspense. While the book has its share of violence, it's more centered around the little guy who fights the rich and powerful in a story of good vs. evil.