Jason Allen | THE EAST END

Plot (via Goodreads):

THE EAST END opens with Corey Halpern, a Hamptons local from a broken home who breaks into mansions at night for kicks. He likes the rush and admittedly, the escapism. One night just before Memorial Day weekend, he breaks into the wrong home at the wrong time: the Sheffield estate where he and his mother work. Under the cover of darkness, their boss Leo Sheffield -- billionaire CEO, patriarch, and owner of the vast lakeside manor -- arrives unexpectedly with his lover, Henry. After a shocking poolside accident leaves Henry dead, everything depends on Leo burying the truth. But unfortunately for him, Corey saw what happened and there are other eyes in the shadows.

Hordes of family and guests are coming to the estate the next morning, including Leo's surly wife, all expecting a lavish vacation weekend of poolside drinks, evening parties, and fireworks filling the sky. No one can know there’s a dead man in the woods, and there is no one Leo can turn to. With his very life on the line, everything will come down to a split-second decision. For all of the main players—Leo, Gina, and Corey alike—time is ticking down, and the world they’ve known is set to explode.

Told through multiple points of view, THE EAST END highlights the socio-economic divide in the Hamptons, but also how the basic human need for connection and trust can transcend class differences. Secrecy, obsession, and desperation dictate each character’s path. In a race against time, each critical moment holds life in the balance as Corey, Gina, and Leo approach a common breaking point. THE EAST END is a propulsive read, rich with character and atmosphere, and marks the emergence of a talented new voice in fiction.

Review:

I just love a debut author and Jason Allen is a prime example as to why I get so excited when I open a debut novel. The East End is a tightly woven drama mystery that features the glitz and glamour of the Hampton’s combined with an anxiety filled plot, a cast of fantastic characters, and the pacing of a well-seasoned author. This one featured a rather unique opening that intrigued me and eased me into the story but kind of made it impossible to look away. Before I knew it, I was in the Hampton’s with these characters and looking over my shoulder relentlessly.

Allen wastes no time jumping right into the action with a novel that had multiple story-lines where the characters are connected like a dazzling spiderweb. With one revelation comes the anxiety and excitement of wondering what is to come next and it doesn’t take long for the excitement to heighten. For a shorter read of around 300 pages, Allen really jammed this novel full of not only wonderfully written characters of all ages, a mysterious death, a plethora of secrets, and a brilliantly effective ending that wrapped everything up in a stunning bow.

I don’t know when Jason Allen plans on writing his next novel, but the minute I started this one up until the last page, I knew I would immediately anticipate more stories from this author. If you’re looking for a quick and entertaining read to kick off your summer reading, look no further - The East End is a novel that not only has it all, but is wonderful in its entirety.

Special thanks to Park Row Books for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 4/5