This is what modern writing has come to: you write a book but just in case nobody reads it, you attach yourself to an author who is already out there selling titles like mad. I don't believe Patterson had much to do with this title at all except for adding his name to it in order for readers to know that behind the cover is another action-packed book. Peter De Jonge is in fact a good writer. Perhaps better than Patterson. But without the Patterson name on the cover, would his book have sold? Alas, I bought the book because of Patterson's name. De Jonge understands Patterson's readers: they want their story to be fast moving, and not laborious reading. The Beach House is both of these things. It may not be great writing, but at least you want to finish the book the minute you start reading it.