Fall from Grace: A Novel

Author brings to life characters and setting that enrich an engaging plot. I admire the author's style and subject choices. (This is not the first book of his that I've read. In fact, I seek him out.)

Gripping thriller of a family in turmoil following the death of thier matriarch. The cause of his death is a puzzle leaving the reader anxious to discover the true reason when three possibilities exist. The changing of his last will is also a mystery which keeps the pages turning to enjoy his son's endeavours to solve the puzzle.

Entertaining, informative and thought provoking-along with well developed characters-what more do you need? This book was an opportunity for self reflection-what is seen is not all there is to any story; real life or fiction.

Entertaining, informative and thought provoking-along with well developed characters-what more do you need? This book was an opportunity for self reflection-what is seen is not all there is to any story; real life or fiction.

I was quite surprised to read some of the negative reviews on this site. Are we reading the same book? OK, I admit to being biased in favor of Richard North Patterson, but despite that, this is a very engaging novel. Adam Blaine is a sympathetic character who is in the difficult position of upholding his father's will, which will damage his mother and brother. He has to find a way to save them from financial ruin and can only do that by uncovering some ugly truths about all the members of his family. I suspected what had happened to cause Adam to leave home ten years earlier and not speak to his father again but there were some surprises at the end as well. I liked the way he gradually unpacked the story alternating between current events and flashbacks. The memories of what happened in the past with Jenny were particularly heartbreaking and I found it understandable why Adam would not go to see Jenny right away. The relationship between Adam and Carla, his father's lover, was the most interesting and poignant one in the book. As is his style, the author was able to tie up the loose ends while leaving future relationships hopeful, but still with some questions. This was an interesting and quick read with some incredibly well written dialogue, which is North Patterson's greatest strength.

This book held my attention throughout the read - I hated to seen the book end. Patterson, as in his other novels, weaves story lines
and words in a way that makes one think as well as enjoy. I'm waiting for his next novel.

Richard North Patterson is among the 6-7 authors whom I read regularly. His plots are always well designed and the development of his characters is second-to-none. This tale is full of interesting sub-plots with a great surprise near the end.

Love Pattersons books. He always weaves several stories and blends them into one. You don't see it coming until close to the end. Keeps you turning those pages and losing sleep. Keep them coming!!!

I read each new book from Richard North Patterson eagerly, and would generally always give a 5-star rating. This time, I am relieved I’ve finished reading the book.

The problem is that I didn’t like or identify with any of the characters, including the protagonist. I also don’t like books where most of the book consists of finally revealing what the narrator knew from the start. Yes, I needed the mysteries to be solved so I plowed through to the end, and yes, I was surprised by some of the twists at the end.

But in the end, I don’t really care about anyone in the book. It’s a tempest in a teapot, with no consequence - emotional or memorable - to me at all.