The Lasko Tangent

This was Patterson's first book and the first of what are now three Christopher Paget stories. It was good. His style was a little strange in the beginning but it got a lot better or I became more comfortable with it; in his introduction to the re-issue of this book he said that his style then was different from his style now. The plot held my attention and it was a quick, easy read

William Lasko is a self-made millionaire with an eye for wealth and influence, the ear of the president, and a talent for using both to get what he wants. Now the Economic Crime Commission wants Lasko brought down, and US Attorney Christopher Paget is tipped to take on the job.
You can tell this is one of Patterson's first novels. Reading this book after you have read any of his later novels you can see his distinct style but in an earlier, and rawer, form.
Nonetheless still a highy entertaining novel with excellent twists and turns.

The author writes reality fiction concerning white collar commercial crimes prosecuted by an indefatigable public prosecutor. This book builds suspense around financial crimes, personal political issues, and murder of witnesses. Provides examples of dialogue between attorneys, and their rich clients, who are familiar with "hard ball" tactics and intimidation. The author adds gratuitous drinking and sex tension, making for a sweet read.

William Lasko is a dominating man-- he fills the rooms he is in, with himself. He steals from people and is rich and influential, trying to get richer and more influential at the expense of everyone else. He has corrupted local, State, and Federal officials. Now the Economic Crimes Commission turns to U.S. show more Attorney Christopher Paget to investigate one of his deals which turns out to be so much more. show less

3262. The Lasko Tangent, by Richard North Patterson (read Oct 30, 1999) I have never read anything by Patterson before and thought I would. This is his first book, and it is attention-holding, tho the writing is not subtle. And I object to the central character's amoral attitudes. But I found myself looking forward to reading this as the book proceeded, and maybe future books of his get better. This book was in 1979, and I would hope he would get better as he matured.

Great novel for a first novel (Patterson's first novel), though there were some problems with “getting into the scene” - providing enough information so that the reader could get into some of the scenes.

Main Character: Christopher Kenyon Paget (Attorney with USA Economic Crimes Commission)
Main "Villian": William Lasko
Main "Girl": Mary Carnelli (ECC attorney - works directly below Commissioner Jack Woods)
Boss: Feiner (almost non-entity)
Boss of Boss: McGuire (wants to be Commissioner McGuire)
Boss of Boss of Boss: Chairman Woods (somewhat confusing, both Chairman and Commissioner)

Setting: Washington, D.C.; Boston; Alexandria; Miami - Summer
Mission: McGuire has received a tip that Lasko Devices' stock has had some odd activity. McGuire show more puts Paget in charge of the investigation, but with warning that White House interested as Lasko and President are friends. Paget is informed that ECC Commissioner (and Chairman) Woods will be following the investigation, and that Paget is to report his movement to Mary Carenalli.

Overall rating: 4.39.
Recommend?: Yes
Read next book by author?: Yes

Recap:
Time spent reading: 220 minutes (3 hours and 20 minutes)
Pages: 255 show less

Having read Degree of Guilt a few years ago, it was interesting to read a bit about Paget's earlier life. But this in no way really connected the two stories together. The premise was not far fetched, but the way it played out was.

The author's first published mystery, over 30 years ago. One can compare his expertise with his more recent books.