Really rather disappointing for DeMille. I know he writes long books, but this one meandered along, and could have been just as effective with 200 pages fewer. The story never really grips you in the way other DeMille books do, and that it took me four weeks to read rather than the usual week with his books, tells you that it was an also ran. ( )

(1990)Huge book/707 pgs. Couldn't finish it. Had no rooting interest in any character although DeMille is very readable. Story about rich lawyer living on exclusive section of Long Island who is wooed by new rich Mafia boss. Their rich neighbors don't approve. Why do I care?From Publishers WeeklyWhat happens to a priggish, WASPy, disillusioned Wall Street lawyer when a Mafia crime boss moves into the mansion next door in his posh Long Island neighborhood? He ends up representing the gangster on a murder rap and even perjures himself so the mafiosostet lc can be released on $5 million bail. That's the premise of DeMille's ( The Charm School ) bloated, unpersuasive thriller. Attorney John Sutter has problems that would daunt even Fitzgerald's Jay Gatsby. His marriage is crumbling, despite kinky sex games with his self-centered wife, Susan, who's the mistress of his underworld client Frank Bellarosa. The IRS is after Sutter, and his law firm wants to dump him. As a sardonic morality tale of one man's self-willed disintegration, the impact is flattened by its elitist narrator's patrician tones. A comic courtroom scene and some punches at the end, however, redeem the novel somewhat.

Nelson DeMille is a master at what he does! At over 600 pages, this one took a while to read, but it was well worth it. I have the paperback, and read the authors foreword after the novel, and was glad I did. I got a very Gatsbyesque feel from the beginning of the book, and then he started making Gatsby references, so I knew my mind was in the right place, haha. Then after reading the authors foreword, he describes this book as The Great Gatsby meets the Godfather on the Gold Coast, which was really right on!
All in all, this novel wasn't what I expected going in, as it is pretty different from all the other DeMille's I have read. But different doesn't always connote negatively, and this book proves that. John Sutter is a wonderful character, and Mr. DeMille always provides his main characters with a razor wit, which I love. Excellent excellent read by an excellent excellent author. Reinforces why Mr. DeMille is one of my favorite authors, hands down. ( )

DeMille has the uncanny ability to spin stories that include a wise cracking character that often makes you laugh out loud (presuming you appreciate sarcasm that is). While no Hemingway or Steinbeck, his stories are fun, and often surprising and keep you glued to what comes next. The balance of action, thrills and comedy is a lovely equation and this is one of my favorite DeMille books due to the laughs! ( )

Loved this book! John Sutter was the best. ( )