Liz Loves Books.Com.

Adam Blaine returns to his childhood home to bury the father he despised. Here, reunited with his equally relieved and long-suffering family, he becomes aware of the suspicious circumstances surrounding his father’s death. A death that, Adam will soon discover, is born of a long-hidden truth, and a chequered family history that may not be as black and white as he thought.

I am a huge fan of Richard North Patterson – for me, at least so far, his definitive works are Degree of Guilt and the linked Eyes of a Child – whose stories haunt me still. I have had “Fall from Grace” on my shelf since its release but for some reason had not gotten around to it. It wasnt until I was having a chat to the lovely Andrew from Jo Fletcher Books that I realised it was part of a trilogy – for which, having finished it, I am extremely grateful.

This is family drama, a hint of legal drama and a mystery all wrapped up in one but with less of a political leaning than Mr Pattersons more recent novels. Perhaps heading back more to his roots when such stories as the ones mentioned above and others such as Silent Witness were born. For me this is the heart of this writer – and whilst his political novels are all excellent and frankly, taught me a lot, I prefer this style more. (Although I must give a nod to “Exile” as one of the best books I have ever read)

The trademark character depth is here, Adam Blaine returns home after his Father’s death having been away for a decade and cutting all family ties. As he heads into the maelstrom of some unexpected developments, not least of which is being made his Father’s executor, he begins to realise that there are hidden depths to his family that not even he was aware of.

The thing this author does with aplomb is explore the hidden intensity of relationships – those things that we can never know about our parents, or each other, the secrets hidden and the lasting, often poignant resonance of the things never said. As Adam realises its very possible his father was murdered, he is bound and determined to discover the truth – and save his family from more heartache. Having cut himself off in an effort to be a better person, he may find he is more like his Dad than he would like to admit..

The Blaine family as a whole are fascinating  – absolutely fascinating. Clarice Blaine seems cold, but is she really or has she been made that way? Ben, Adam’s Brother is a gentle soul – or is he? Adam himself is a bit of an enigma – I hope to find out more in the next books as I still don’t feel I know him well.

Its all about the characters – and the setting. Martha’s Vineyard comes to life here, a beautiful but insular place to live, where fame and wealth seem the key to being accepted and yet its real artistry is in its landscapes. A character in its own right, the descriptive prose gives excellent visual cues and you can place the characters right there. Wonderfully done.

Very enjoyable, highly addictive and for me, putting the author right back on my radar, I recommend this whole heartedly. Very soon I will find out what is next for the Blaine’s and those caught up in their world, can’t wait to do so.

Happy Reading Folks!