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The Blaine Trilogy #3
Eden in Winter
Two months after the suspicious and much-publicized death of his father on the island of Martha's Vineyard, it is taking all of Adam Blaine's will to suture the deep wounds the tragedy has inflicted upon his family and himself.
519 pages, Library Binding
First published July 1, 2014
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895 people want to read
About the author
Richard North Patterson
107 books679 followersRichard North Patterson is the author of fourteen previous bestselling and critically acclaimed novels. Formerly a trial lawyer, Patterson served as the SEC’s liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups dealing with gun violence, political reform, and women’s rights. He lives in San Francisco and on Martha’s Vineyard.
Macmillan.com Author Profile
Awards
Edgar Award, 1980, Best First Novel for The Lasko Tangent
Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, International Award, 1995 for Degree of Guilt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/richar...
Macmillan.com Author Profile
Awards
Edgar Award, 1980, Best First Novel for The Lasko Tangent
Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, International Award, 1995 for Degree of Guilt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/richar...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
January 21, 2015
This is the final installment in a trilogy and the weakest. It mostly rehashes the first two. I am a longtime fan of Patterson's courtroom dramas and, unfortunately, there were precious few courtroom scenes in this book. There is an Epilogue to tie the story all together which made my teeth hurt it was so sweet and tidy. Happy I got this at the library rather than shelling out $$ for it.
July 7, 2014
The third in a trilogy of novels, "Eden in Winter" is part of a psychological family saga rather than the powerful courtroom drama more typical of the prolific Richard North Patterson. Although some reviewers have managed to read this as a stand-alone story, the plot seems much more gripping if the books are read in chronological order. "Loss of Innocence" introduces us to Benjamin Blaine as a young man, indicating the factors which mould his adult persona as a bestselling author, concerned to reveal injustice, generous to good causes, charismatic but capricious and cruel in his personal life . "Fall from Grace" reveals the complex mystery behind his untimely death, investigated by the son Adam who bears not only a startling resemblance to his father, but also some of his ruthlessness. In a "sins of the father" cycle, he has been damaged in the same way, but, unlike Ben, can he recover from this?
"Eden in Winter" begins with the inquest into Ben's death, dreaded by the Blaine family since two of them are suspected of his murder, and a third for concealing the truth. Much of the book is a psychological study of Adam coming to terms with the past, and dealing with his attraction to Carla Pacelli, who is carrying Ben's child and was the main inheritor in his will, cutting out the claim of Clarice, Ben's wife and Adam's mother.
Following on after two well-plotted page-turners, this seems the least successful book of the three, partly because, to make the story understandable to newcomers or those who have forgotten previous details, the author has to slot in massive information dumps, in the form of lengthy sections lifted verbatim from "Fall from Grace". In the process, these passages lose much of their original dramatic tension, since the context, initial build up and page-turning anticipation have been lost.
Adam's previously shadowy role as a CIA Agent in Afghanistan is revealed, but seems a little like padding in a thinner than usual plot. The author uses rather contrived ploys to "tell" rather than "show" the psychological states of Adam and Carla: periodic therapy sessions between Adam and Charlie, an obliging local shrink, and Carla's emails to Adam in Afghanistan, which she herself describes as self-absorbed. Perhaps it is hard for a British reader to appreciate the culture of the wealthy residents of Martha's Vineyard who indulge so readily in analysis and frank navel-gazing. Similarly, the fact that the style often seems stilted or bordering on mauve if not purple prose may be a cultural difference.
Without being able to explain the reason for fear of spoilers, I also found aspects of the denouement a little rushed and something of an anti-climax.
"Eden in Winter" begins with the inquest into Ben's death, dreaded by the Blaine family since two of them are suspected of his murder, and a third for concealing the truth. Much of the book is a psychological study of Adam coming to terms with the past, and dealing with his attraction to Carla Pacelli, who is carrying Ben's child and was the main inheritor in his will, cutting out the claim of Clarice, Ben's wife and Adam's mother.
Following on after two well-plotted page-turners, this seems the least successful book of the three, partly because, to make the story understandable to newcomers or those who have forgotten previous details, the author has to slot in massive information dumps, in the form of lengthy sections lifted verbatim from "Fall from Grace". In the process, these passages lose much of their original dramatic tension, since the context, initial build up and page-turning anticipation have been lost.
Adam's previously shadowy role as a CIA Agent in Afghanistan is revealed, but seems a little like padding in a thinner than usual plot. The author uses rather contrived ploys to "tell" rather than "show" the psychological states of Adam and Carla: periodic therapy sessions between Adam and Charlie, an obliging local shrink, and Carla's emails to Adam in Afghanistan, which she herself describes as self-absorbed. Perhaps it is hard for a British reader to appreciate the culture of the wealthy residents of Martha's Vineyard who indulge so readily in analysis and frank navel-gazing. Similarly, the fact that the style often seems stilted or bordering on mauve if not purple prose may be a cultural difference.
Without being able to explain the reason for fear of spoilers, I also found aspects of the denouement a little rushed and something of an anti-climax.
October 15, 2014
Patterson completes the Martha's Vineyard trilogy by returning to the present, and the inquest into Ben Blaine's death. Adam, having taken over the role of shepherd to his directionless family, tries his best to steer suspicion away from his family by sabotaging the evidence on file with the district attorney. Adam is also trying to make more sense of the revelations of his own family's inner deterioration, both recently and over the past decade. Making an effort to get a better understanding of Carla Pacelli, the woman whose pregnancy lies at the centre of the ever-evolving drama, Adam soon discovers a close-knit friendship with her, as they bond over their respective life stories. While juggling his covert job and the legal matters sure to bury his family, Adam is drawn closer to this forbidden fruit and all she offers. Could building something with Carla be Adam's best shot at getting back at Ben for all he's done, as well as the family that's left him to clean up their mess? Patterson concludes the Blaine story, somewhat unconventionally and in a somewhat anti-climactic manner, leaving some to wonder the impetus of the entire three-book series.
Perhaps it is the deeply analytical nature of this trilogy, or the complete turnaround taken in this writing style, but I am not as fond of this Patterson collection. While the middle book was outstanding and told a deeply reflective story, the first and third novels were less about the inner workings of the machine than a constant flitting from past to present. I felt little connection to these characters, even Carla, who bears all throughout the novel.While perhaps slightly harsh, I hope Patterson returns to the powerful political novels with which I am familiar. That said, it was a powerfully crafted and narrated book, worth examining for any reader seeking a deeper inner-look at family politics.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson for this novel and the entire trilogy. While not my favourites, they did force me to think outside the box in which I usually find myself.
Perhaps it is the deeply analytical nature of this trilogy, or the complete turnaround taken in this writing style, but I am not as fond of this Patterson collection. While the middle book was outstanding and told a deeply reflective story, the first and third novels were less about the inner workings of the machine than a constant flitting from past to present. I felt little connection to these characters, even Carla, who bears all throughout the novel.While perhaps slightly harsh, I hope Patterson returns to the powerful political novels with which I am familiar. That said, it was a powerfully crafted and narrated book, worth examining for any reader seeking a deeper inner-look at family politics.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson for this novel and the entire trilogy. While not my favourites, they did force me to think outside the box in which I usually find myself.
March 7, 2014
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I've always ignored Richard North Patterson's books before. I don't known why. Then I read the blurb for "Eden in Winter" and thought I should probably give Mr Patterson a go. I'm glad I did.
The plot is intricate enough to hold your interest for the full length of the novel, but not so complex that it ties your brain in knots!
The characters are well rounded and realistic, growing well within the story.
The writing flows beautifully, making for a very easy read.
I'll have to read another of Mr Patterson's novels before making my final judgement, but I think we're going to get along very well!
I've always ignored Richard North Patterson's books before. I don't known why. Then I read the blurb for "Eden in Winter" and thought I should probably give Mr Patterson a go. I'm glad I did.
The plot is intricate enough to hold your interest for the full length of the novel, but not so complex that it ties your brain in knots!
The characters are well rounded and realistic, growing well within the story.
The writing flows beautifully, making for a very easy read.
I'll have to read another of Mr Patterson's novels before making my final judgement, but I think we're going to get along very well!
December 29, 2014
Ho Hum! OK read when you are home in bed on a rainy day!
August 5, 2016
Forgive me please! I do not know where I been but I have only just recently come across New York Times best-selling author Richard North Patterson. Well better late than never as the saying goes. I am incredibly stunned at the twenty-one books that Richard has written. Eden In Winter is Richard's twenty-second novel. With my love of books just like some of my blog followers, I am always shopping and researching for new authors or authors like Richard that I have not heard of before. Richard North Patterson Eden In Winter is a fast-paced court room thriller. Threshing insights into the Blaine family with lavishing high drama. The Blaine family Benjamin Blaine, his wife Clarice,Adam and Teddy live in Martha's Vineyard in a rambling white house that was once owned by Clarice parents. Drama unfolds as Benjamin a womanizer has his mistress Carla Pacelli an actress living in the Martha's Vineyard guesthouse behind the Blaines family house. Carla career collapsed through alcohol and drugs and she is now trying to build a foundation for a new and different life. The plot hots up Clara is expecting Ben's baby. Ben knows he is going to die and decides to change his will. The worst nightmare is uncovered Ben falls from the cliff at the Martha's Vineyard or was it murder?. With a high-profile death the media pressure from a reporter working for the National Enqurier is on the Blaine families tail wanting statements and sets to question the mistress Carla. It seems that the reporter from the Enquirer gleefully knows something. Adam who works in Afghanistan is home to all to this horror of his father's death and gives his family each an alibi to keep to when they go to Dukes Country courthouse. I was glued to Eden In Winter all day Good Friday reading it in my pyjamas. Sensational story highly recommend. I hope many readers enjoy reading Eden In Winter by Richard North Patterson as much as I have.Review by ireadnovels.wordpress.com
February 20, 2015
So bad I gave up on the audio after listening, again, to an exact cut and paste job from the prior book in the trilogy which prior book I actually enjoyed. I was looking forward to continuing an ok story and so disappointed to find I was hearing it all over again. The foreshadowing of an affair so close to incestuous that the line is invisible made me ill to the point I couldn't stand to hang around to hear about its culmination. Oedipus is not my favorite story and seeing it develop in modern day, with the weak excuse that there is no actual blood relationship, was more than I could take. Not to mention the piggish main character is so mean to his mother you just want to smack him.
November 20, 2015
Thank goodness I made it through the book. It is a long, repetitive, boring, soap opera book. I would never have read this book if I hadn't read the two before, this is the last book of the trilogy, Fall from Grace, Loss of Innocence, were the first two. They were at least a two star read.
You can save yourself the trouble of reading the first two, since Eden in Winter, seems like it was copied and pasted from the two previous. I had made myself a promise that if I didn't like a book, I would quit reading it, and move on to something I enjoyed.
I didn't do that in this case and I paid for it.
You can save yourself the trouble of reading the first two, since Eden in Winter, seems like it was copied and pasted from the two previous. I had made myself a promise that if I didn't like a book, I would quit reading it, and move on to something I enjoyed.
I didn't do that in this case and I paid for it.
May 13, 2017
I didn't find this book as strong as the first two in the series although I did read it in 2 days....a lot of repetition which I know would have been more enjoyable if I had read the others when they were published rather than all three in one time. Full pages of previous scenes or conversations were repeated so that the new reader would be able to fill in the blanks. Also found the long psychology sessions a bit tiresome about Adam's feelings toward his father's last girlfriend, who has his baby after his father is killed. But overall, I really did enjoy the series.
January 19, 2015
I used to really enjoy Richard North Patterson's books which dealt with important issues, as well as keeping you on the edge of your seat. This book therefore was a huge disappointment. Written as a sequel to Fall from Grace, a third of it repeats word for word what happened in that book, a cynical way of making money from the previous story. It is sloppy, poorly written, with a truly awful sickly romance /happy families' end.
February 19, 2020
Disappointed 😞
Richard North Patterson has always been one of my three favorite authors, so I don't have to tell you how disappointed I was trying to read this book. After getting through 46% of this confusingly laid out book, I stumbled into a a ton of filler with two characters analyzing what's in their head; over and over. I rarely don't finish a book, but there are too many good reads than to waste my time on this one.
Richard North Patterson has always been one of my three favorite authors, so I don't have to tell you how disappointed I was trying to read this book. After getting through 46% of this confusingly laid out book, I stumbled into a a ton of filler with two characters analyzing what's in their head; over and over. I rarely don't finish a book, but there are too many good reads than to waste my time on this one.
July 14, 2014
Where the prequel, LOSS OF INNOCENCE, Unfolds as a character study, EDEN IN WINTER is Very much the Action-driven, secrets-unfolding, heart-in-mouth, Type of plotting. Seems like every page or so has a character lying or exposing a lie, Hiding a secret or uncovering one, and it all certainly maintains the reader's attention throughout.
July 17, 2015
Too repetitive
This book repeated far too much of the first book in the trilogy word for word. This book should have been written as a final chapter to book one rather than another book. I won't be fooled again.
This book repeated far too much of the first book in the trilogy word for word. This book should have been written as a final chapter to book one rather than another book. I won't be fooled again.
January 20, 2019
This series should have ended with book two. This book really doesn't serve much purpose, other than showing how shallow and far fetched an author can make their characters.
Quote:
There is no one safer than a dying man.
But no one in this country got rich by themselves.
Quote:
There is no one safer than a dying man.
But no one in this country got rich by themselves.
June 3, 2021
Can't decide if I was listening to a Richard North Patterson audio book or a Jacqueline Susann? Ugh
Too much melodrama .......
The only good book in this trio is the second in the series , "Loss of Innocence".
Too much melodrama .......
The only good book in this trio is the second in the series , "Loss of Innocence".
July 20, 2021
At least it’s a resolution
Okay,but so much of it is lifted word by word from the last book. Glad everybody’s happy. Adam, the lead character, can finally get the stick out of his —-!
Okay,but so much of it is lifted word by word from the last book. Glad everybody’s happy. Adam, the lead character, can finally get the stick out of his —-!
August 5, 2014
I think this is the first time I've given a book a '1'. Usually just quit reading them.
Terrible book . . . boring.
Terrible book . . . boring.
June 22, 2015
Couldn't even finish this. Not worth the time when there are so many other great books waiting to be discovered.
March 4, 2017
RNP tells a good story, but his earlier work was more interesting and plausible. This trilogy seems strained, repetitive, and overly emotionally entangled. But not un-enjoyable.
July 26, 2017
If you like family sagas, this one is for you. Talk about a dysfunctional family--this one is a doozy.
October 29, 2020
I nearly made it to page 100, my book club’s cut-off when we say life’s too short to waste on books like this.
November 6, 2017
Well, this is embarrassing. I thought the novel was the sequel to Fall From Grace. But it turns out it’s the third and final novel in the series. Which helps to explain what I thought was how Patterson was handling the difficult issue of sequels in a different way: Whenever a past event is referenced early on in the novel he plugs in a segment of info that appeared in Fall From Grace. I think that’s what happens; don’t have FFG with me so can’t do a detective comparison. Well, whatever: It definitely solves the issue of catching up the reader. A written version of the TV shows that open with “Previously on....” I’m not sure all that I missed by not seeing the middle volume but the arc of the story is clear. Adam Blaine is in and out of Afghanistan (CIA) and still trying to ensure that no one in his family is charged with the murder of his father. He’s used his covert skills (in Fall From Grace) and now is dealing with the fact that he’s in love with his dead father’s former mistress, who is pregnant. And trying to prevent an aggressive journalist from exposing his past actions. It’s a good read. You might even like it better if you read the three books in order.
August 11, 2019
A truly massive trilogy of books of which this is the final installment. This book finally wraps it all up but probably raises as many questions as it answers.The path to resolution is rocky, slippery and convoluted and the author draws you in so completely you find yourself alternately feeling sorry for, understanding, and being frustrated by, the main character, Adam.But is he really the main protagonist? There are so many pen portraits contained not only in this book but the whole trilogy that one gets a sense of either being related to the characters or living very close to them. It at times comes perilously close to being the "typical american" story but manages to evade the gung-ho element. You MUST read the books in order though as each fits like a jigsaw and out of context would deplete the richness of the tale. A very deserved five stars both for this book and also the whole trilogy.
February 11, 2019
Very Baldacci-esque one from Patterson. Its theme could be taken from that old song "I am my own grandpa." The third in the Blaine triology on Martha's Vineyard. Benjamin Blaine dies; his son Adam comes home from Afghanistan. Except it turns out Adam is not really Blaine's son - his uncle or Blaine's real son, Jack, are accused of murdering Benjamin, is really his father, and Benjamin was having an affair with Carla Pacelli who is pregnant with Benjamin's son. Adam is now attracted to Carla, just to keep in all in one totally screwed up family.
July 14, 2020
I'm glad I read Fall From Grace before this, because otherwise this book wouldn't have had the impact it did. It's a good book, with the most complex interpersonal relationships imaginable. I can see why the author credits several people, including a psychologist, for helping him craft it.
The book was a little long on soul searching, though, and got a little slow. And having that whole CIA operation in the middle seemed a little out of place for such an introspective read. I really liked the dialogue; the characters are intelligent (if messed up), and it shows in their conversations.
The book was a little long on soul searching, though, and got a little slow. And having that whole CIA operation in the middle seemed a little out of place for such an introspective read. I really liked the dialogue; the characters are intelligent (if messed up), and it shows in their conversations.
November 14, 2023
This is third in series but the middle one is prequel to first so this book although the third is a sequel to the first. Rather than assume the reader has read the first (Fall From Grace) there are many sections of this book that are repeats of the first. I have not checked but it seems to be that the sections are literal copies from the first book. That gets repetitive. But you still should read Fall From Grace first.
A lot of pscyho analysis to try to make sense of a screwed up family. I think the author was just looking for a lazy reason to write another book that takes place on MV.
A lot of pscyho analysis to try to make sense of a screwed up family. I think the author was just looking for a lazy reason to write another book that takes place on MV.
January 4, 2026
Definitely not one of Mr. Patterson's best reads. Having read most of his books, I found this one to be somewhat of a letdown. The plot, although interesting, is not the edge-of-your-seat drama that Patterson is famous for. I have already forgotten the names of most of the characters.
(Not so with "Degree of Guilt" or "Silent Witness"! Those characters still remain in my mind years after having read those stories.)
However, this is a perfectly fine book for a lazy afternoon by the pool or while traveling. It is one of a set of 3.
(Not so with "Degree of Guilt" or "Silent Witness"! Those characters still remain in my mind years after having read those stories.)
However, this is a perfectly fine book for a lazy afternoon by the pool or while traveling. It is one of a set of 3.
July 25, 2018
Disappointed in this trilogy, and this third one in particular rehashed a lot of the first book.
Plus (spoiler alert) the whole bit with the main character and his father's mistress was a bit much. In some novels and movies, you're eager for the male and female leads to eventually get together. In this one, your feelings are more likely to be, "Oh God, no!" (Brought to mind the old country song, "I'm My Own Grandpa".
Here's hoping for a return to form for Patterson in his next outing.
Plus (spoiler alert) the whole bit with the main character and his father's mistress was a bit much. In some novels and movies, you're eager for the male and female leads to eventually get together. In this one, your feelings are more likely to be, "Oh God, no!" (Brought to mind the old country song, "I'm My Own Grandpa".
Here's hoping for a return to form for Patterson in his next outing.
August 31, 2021
This makes me say…..WOW!
I read the first book, Fall from Grace, and discovered one of the best books I have ever read. I immediately purchased Loss of Innocence and Eden in Winter…..they did not disappoint. All three received a 5. Now I am going to stock up on the next 30 something books Richard North Patterson has written. I especially like his postscript on his friend (and character in all three books)….Dr. Bill Glazier….very touching.
I read the first book, Fall from Grace, and discovered one of the best books I have ever read. I immediately purchased Loss of Innocence and Eden in Winter…..they did not disappoint. All three received a 5. Now I am going to stock up on the next 30 something books Richard North Patterson has written. I especially like his postscript on his friend (and character in all three books)….Dr. Bill Glazier….very touching.
February 13, 2018
While on reader stared in the review that the repetition from the first two books spoiled this book, I found it helpful. So much time between books that I forget the details, so going back over events from the first two books, I found helpful. This was a tale of the Blaine family’s inner lives. Lot of navel gazing. They give the label dysfunctional new meaning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews