Synopses & Reviews
“Patterson grabs the reader by the scruff of the neck and holds him until the very last page…The Spire might just be his best to date.”—Tucson Citizen
Mark Darrow grew up in small-town Ohio with no real advantages. But thanks to Lionel Farr, a professor at a nearby college, Darrow became an excellent scholar/athlete and, later, a superb trial lawyer. Now Farr offers his protégé a job as his alma maters new president, which Darrow accepts. But being back on campus opens old wounds. Sixteen years ago, on the night of his greatest football triumph, Darrow found the body of a black female student at the base of the college bell tower, known as the Spire…
“Intriguing…we cant read fast enough to reach the finale.”
—San Francisco Chronicle
Darrows best friend was charged with the murder, and was sent to prison for life. But Darrow is about to discover that the case against his college friend left crucial questions unanswered. Despite his new obligations—and his deepening attachment to Farrs beautiful though troubled daughter—Darrow begins an inquiry into the murder and is soon convinced that the real killer is still at large…and that his own life is surely at risk.
“gripping…A page turner with multiple twists and a well-earned conclusion at once shocking and inevitable.”—Richmond Times Dispatch
Review
DEGREE OF GUILT
“A page-turner.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Compulsively readable.”—People
“One intense courtroom clash after another...An intelligent and gripping thriller.”—The Washington Post
“Flamboyant and entertaining.”—The Boston Globe
“Electrifying.”—The Cleveland Plain Dealer
“One of the years best thrillers…Superb characterizations and intense dialogue make this utterly compelling reading.”—Library Journal
“Absorbing.”—Publishers Weekly
ECLIPSE
“Passionate…exciting [and] eye-opening, page by page.”—Washington Post
“Compelling and credible…guaranteed to rouse you to thought.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch
“This stellar legal thriller both informs and entertains… Patterson has exerted all his considerable skill in creating a nightmare atmosphere that will cling to readers long after the last page is turned.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A satisfying fable that pits a hero who deeply believes in the rule of law against a violent, lawless regime that holds all the cards.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Nearly flawless—by the time you realize how well Patterson is writing, you are already caught up in this novel.”—San Francisco Chronicle
“Suspenseful—pervasive danger as real as the actual reality.”—New York Daily News
“A terrific legal thriller populated by rich, well drawn characters [Patterson] magnificently brings to life. Not to be missed.”—Providence Sunday Journal
“Fascinating.”—Booklist
“[A] compelling legal thriller, reminiscent of Exile. Patterson once again brings a timely, controversial subject—Americas dependence on foreign oil—to the forefront in this…engrossing read.” —Library Journal
THE RACE
"An electrifying page-turner.”—Seattle Post-Intelligencer
“Patterson has redefined himself as a writer willing to take risks.”—USA Today
“Absorbing and suspenseful.”—Publishers Weekly
“Required reading.”—New York Post
“With verve, intelligence, passion and humanity, Patterson tells an important story—and one that may find a place with Advise and Consent and Seven Days in May on the shelf of honored political thrillers.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch
“Absorbing…timely…a gripping read.”—Booklist
“Will get your blood boiling…”—Grand Rapid Press
“A timely, fast-paced political yarn....Highly recommended.” —Library Journal (starred review)
“A slick new entertainment…Frank Capra idealism meets Karl Rove reality.”—Entertainment Weekly
EXILE
“Torn from the headlines…Exile delivers.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Artful…compelling.”—USA Today
“Astonishing, hugely entertaining.”—Bill Clinton
Synopsis
Mark Darrow grew up in a small Ohio town with no advantages beyond his intelligence and athletic ability. Thanks to the intervention of Lionel Farr, a professor at Caldwell College, Darrow became a great trial lawyer. Now Farr asks his protg for a life-altering favor -- a scandal has threatened Caldwell, and he wants Darrow to consider becoming its new president. Darrow accepts, but returning to his alma mater opens up old wounds. It's been sixteen years since he discovered the body of Angela Hall at the base of the bell tower known as The Spire. His best friend, Steve Tillman, was convicted of the crime. Back at Caldwell, Darrow suspects that the case against Steve left crucial unanswered questions. Darrow starts investigating, and is now certain that the real murderer is still at large. And when another mysterious death occurs, Darrow realizes that his own life is at risk.
Synopsis
Both a razor-sharp thriller and a poignant love story, this twisting tale of psychological suspense is Patterson's most compelling novel in years. Now available in a tall Premium Edition.
Synopsis
“Patterson grabs the reader by the scruff of the neck and holds him until the very last page…The Spire might just be his best to date.”Tucson Citizen
Mark Darrow grew up in small-town Ohio with no real advantages. But thanks to Lionel Farr, a professor at a nearby college, Darrow became an excellent scholar/athlete and, later, a superb trial lawyer. Now Farr offers his protégé a job as his alma maters new president, which Darrow accepts. But being back on campus opens old wounds. Sixteen years ago, on the night of his greatest football triumph, Darrow found the body of a black female student at the base of the college bell tower, known as the Spire…
“Intriguing…we cant read fast enough to reach the finale.”
San Francisco Chronicle
Darrows best friend was charged with the murder, and was sent to prison for life. But Darrow is about to discover that the case against his college friend left crucial questions unanswered. Despite his new obligationsand his deepening attachment to Farrs beautiful though troubled daughterDarrow begins an inquiry into the murder and is soon convinced that the real killer is still at large…and that his own life is surely at risk.
“gripping…A page turner with multiple twists and a well-earned conclusion at once shocking and inevitable.”Richmond Times Dispatch
Synopsis
Mark Darrow grew up in small-town Ohio with no real advantages. But thanks to Lionel Farr, a professor at a nearby college, Darrow became an excellent scholar/athlete and, later, a superb trial lawyer. Now Farr offers his protégé a job as his alma maters new president, which Darrow accepts. But being back on campus opens old wounds. Sixteen years ago, on the night of his greatest football triumph, Darrow found the body of a black female student at the base of the college bell tower, known as the Spire…
Darrows best friend was charged with the murder, and was sent to prison for life. But Darrow is about to discover that the case against his college friend left crucial questions unanswered. Despite his new obligations—and his deepening attachment to Farrs beautiful though troubled daughter—Darrow begins an inquiry into the murder and is soon convinced that the real killer is still at large…and that his own life is surely at risk.
About the Author
RICHARD NORTH PATTERSON is the author of Degree of Guilt, Eclipse, The Race, Exile, and more than a dozen other bestselling and critically acclaimed novels. Formerly a trial lawyer, he was the SEC liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups. He lives on Marthas Vineyard and in San Francisco and Cabo San Lucas with his wife, Dr. Nancy Clair.