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#1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille delivers the long-awaited follow-up to his classic novel The Gold Coast.When John Sutter's aristocratic wife killed her mafia don lover, John left America and set out in his sailboat on a three-year journey around the world, eventually settling in London. Now, ten years later, he has come home to the Gold Coast, that stretch of land on the North Shore of Long Island that once held the greatest concentration of wealth and power in America, show more to attend the imminent funeral of an old family servant.
Taking up temporary residence in the gatehouse of Stanhope Hall, John finds himself living only a quarter of a mile from Susan who has also returned to Long Island. But Susan isn't the only person from John's past who has reemerged: Though Frank Bellarosa, infamous Mafia don and Susan's ex-lover, is long dead, his son, Anthony, is alive and well, and intent on two missions: Drawing John back into the violent world of the Bellarosa family, and exacting revenge on his father's murderer—Susan Sutter. At the same time, John and Susan's mutual attraction resurfaces and old passions begin to reignite, and John finds himself pulled deeper into a familiar web of seduction and betrayal.
In The Gate House, acclaimed author Nelson Demille brings us back to that fabled spot on the North Shore — a place where past, present, and future collides with often unexpected results. show less
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In this sequel to The Gold Coast, it's now ten years later and after leaving his job, his wife and his past behind; taking a 3 year solo sail around the world and then moving to London, John Sutter is returning home. A client of his - John is a tax lawyer most of the time - is dying and he needs to put the woman's affairs in order. Said client is also a life-long "house servant" of his ex-wife's family and until her final illness, resided in the "gate house" on his former in-laws former estate. (Got that?) Our hero is stepping right back into the maelstrom he left 10 years earlier - and he knows it. The question being - Is he prepared for it?
The dialogue and Sutter's soliloquies are hilarious, Nelson DeMille's drawing of the show more Fitzgerald-like occupants of Long Island equally so. I would thoroughly recommend this book. show less
The dialogue and Sutter's soliloquies are hilarious, Nelson DeMille's drawing of the show more Fitzgerald-like occupants of Long Island equally so. I would thoroughly recommend this book. show less
In The Gate House (Nelson DeMille’s sequel to The Gold Coast -- note: upcoming spoilers about that novel), it’s the summer of 2002 and tax attorney John Sutter is back on the grounds of Stanhope Hall, one of the few remaining Gatsby-esque estates on the uber-wealthy Gold Coast of Long Island, New York.
He has returned after ten years away, sailing around the world and living in London and generally avoiding the betrayal and notoriety after his old-monied wife, Susan Stanhope Sutter, murdered their next-door neighbor -- her Mafia-don lover -- Frank Bellarosa. Now John is living in the servants’ gate house -- close to the guest house where Susan, his estranged ex-wife, lives -- while he maintains a death watch for his client, a show more former Stanhope-family servant. And when he crosses paths with the current neighbor on the estate next door -- Frank Bellarosa’s son and mob successor, Anthony -- he begins to worry that it might be a death watch for Susan, too, as the time ripens for Anthony to exact revenge for his father's death.
DeMille is easily in my top-10 favorite writers, and his signature intelligence, wit, and tender core are at the forefront of this story. But it’s at most a 300-page story in a nearly 700-page novel; the bulk is a summary of The Gold Coast, where key plot points are mentioned ten or twenty or one hundred times. It's possible that the narrative redundancy is intentionally symbolic of John Sutter’s mental rehashing (it seems to ease when he comes to terms with past events), but it feels more like the writer/editor didn’t trust readers' abilities, and it grows tedious.
It also feels like DeMille holds back a bit on effort. Scenes from the previous novel are summarized here, jokes are repeated, and despite terrific opportunities, there is little fresh material. At one point, for example, it seems that DeMille is going to orchestrate a dinner among WASPish John and Susan; her staid, old-money parents; his eco-activist mother; macho-Italian Anthony Bellarosa; and new-money Iranian Amir Nasim. I couldn’t wait for DeMille’s hilarious and satirical clash of cultures -- in a novel built upon old and emerging American cultures. Instead, he simply drops it, poof; I could almost see an apologetic footnote: “Maybe another time.”
The thing is: with DeMille, I'll look forward to it. show less
He has returned after ten years away, sailing around the world and living in London and generally avoiding the betrayal and notoriety after his old-monied wife, Susan Stanhope Sutter, murdered their next-door neighbor -- her Mafia-don lover -- Frank Bellarosa. Now John is living in the servants’ gate house -- close to the guest house where Susan, his estranged ex-wife, lives -- while he maintains a death watch for his client, a show more former Stanhope-family servant. And when he crosses paths with the current neighbor on the estate next door -- Frank Bellarosa’s son and mob successor, Anthony -- he begins to worry that it might be a death watch for Susan, too, as the time ripens for Anthony to exact revenge for his father's death.
DeMille is easily in my top-10 favorite writers, and his signature intelligence, wit, and tender core are at the forefront of this story. But it’s at most a 300-page story in a nearly 700-page novel; the bulk is a summary of The Gold Coast, where key plot points are mentioned ten or twenty or one hundred times. It's possible that the narrative redundancy is intentionally symbolic of John Sutter’s mental rehashing (it seems to ease when he comes to terms with past events), but it feels more like the writer/editor didn’t trust readers' abilities, and it grows tedious.
It also feels like DeMille holds back a bit on effort. Scenes from the previous novel are summarized here, jokes are repeated, and despite terrific opportunities, there is little fresh material. At one point, for example, it seems that DeMille is going to orchestrate a dinner among WASPish John and Susan; her staid, old-money parents; his eco-activist mother; macho-Italian Anthony Bellarosa; and new-money Iranian Amir Nasim. I couldn’t wait for DeMille’s hilarious and satirical clash of cultures -- in a novel built upon old and emerging American cultures. Instead, he simply drops it, poof; I could almost see an apologetic footnote: “Maybe another time.”
The thing is: with DeMille, I'll look forward to it. show less
This book is the sequel to The Gold Coast, written by the same author, and continues the story of smart-mouthed John Whitman Sutter and his wealthy wife/ex-wife, Susan Stanhope Sutter. These two are not very likable, are seriously irresponsible, and are entirely made for each other. The entire book centers around Ethel Allard's death, bringing all the original characters from the first book back to Stanhope Hall on the Gold Coast for her funeral. The first five hundred pages deal mainly with Susan and John's reunion, Susan's battle with her arrogant and controlling parents over keeping her trust fund intact, and rehashing the details of what happened in the first book. Though I felt the wait was too long, the author builds suspense for show more all the action—which takes place in the last six chapters. If you can endure, the end is worth it. show less
John Sutter returns from London where he went after his former wife, Susan, killed her Mafia don lover, Frank Bellarosa.
Sutter has returned to the Gold Coast of Long Island for the death and imminent funeral of a family servant.
One day, Anthony Bellarosa shows up at Sutter's door. He offers Sutter a job but is uncouth and Sutter attempts to avoid him. Then he begins asking Sutter about how could his father have lost his home to taxes with Sutter as his attorney. From some of Bellarosa's comments about Susan, Sutter believes she may be in danger and he warns her but Susan disregards his concern. With seeing one another again, Susan and Sutter take up their romance and decide to remarry. This enrages Bellarosa and he tells Sutter that he show more might not be immune from fallout.
Many of DeMille's novels have been first rate. I'm particularly fond of "The Charm School," "Plum Island," and "Lion's Gate." However this novel is below my expectations. Pages upon pages with nothing happening. Sutter has wit and his dialogue is clever but the story is a bore. It was a struggle to finish this massive novel and I would not recommend it. show less
Sutter has returned to the Gold Coast of Long Island for the death and imminent funeral of a family servant.
One day, Anthony Bellarosa shows up at Sutter's door. He offers Sutter a job but is uncouth and Sutter attempts to avoid him. Then he begins asking Sutter about how could his father have lost his home to taxes with Sutter as his attorney. From some of Bellarosa's comments about Susan, Sutter believes she may be in danger and he warns her but Susan disregards his concern. With seeing one another again, Susan and Sutter take up their romance and decide to remarry. This enrages Bellarosa and he tells Sutter that he show more might not be immune from fallout.
Many of DeMille's novels have been first rate. I'm particularly fond of "The Charm School," "Plum Island," and "Lion's Gate." However this novel is below my expectations. Pages upon pages with nothing happening. Sutter has wit and his dialogue is clever but the story is a bore. It was a struggle to finish this massive novel and I would not recommend it. show less
This book has to be one of THE funniest thrillers I've ever read! Laughs on every one of the 674 pages, except the ending chapter. Absolutely loved the imaginary letters to Emily Post and her imaginary replies. This could have been a comedy and the remarks made by John simply kept me cracked up until the end. Never knew what he was going to say and had to be on the lookout for hidden meanings. Although it is a long read, kept my interest and attention until the last chapter!
This book did not let me down. It exceeded my expectations for entertainment in every way. I haven't read any of Demille's other books, so I didn't know what to expect. This is a sequel book, but there is no need to read the first one to really enjoy this one. (But I can say I am eager to read it now!)
The book takes place post 911 and there is a feeling for everyone in the story that the world will never be the same again, or safe. (Who can't relate to that?) John Sutter has returned home after being abroad for 10 years to find the old wealthy estates and neighborhoods sold and sub-divided. The Golden Age seems to be dwindling. The story gets going when Anthony Bellarosa, the son of the deceased Mafia Don Frank Bellarosa, appears at the show more Gate House where John is staying. He is there to draw and lure John back into the violent world of the Mafia Bellarosa family. From there, Demille weaves a very entertaining story of love, regret, family protection and redemption.
I can't say how many times I grinned or laughed out loud while reading this book. The writing is witty and down right funny and then it draws the reader into a very captivating story. It is a modern day mob story, and yet it has a lot of down to earth situations. Overall it is much less violent that I had imagined.
Sarcastic much? Oh yes, John Sutter is dripping with sarcasm, page after page of hilarious insights of "tell me how you really feel John Sutter."
Location, Location, Location, that's what I am talking about!! The setting of the story is very interesting and the author really provides a lot of detail and history for the reader. I really felt I wanted to be walking along one of these 200 acre estates smelling the cool, salty air of Long Island Sound. Fancy mansions, servants, and the lifestyles of the rich and famous, oh who can resist?
I recommend the book! show less
The book takes place post 911 and there is a feeling for everyone in the story that the world will never be the same again, or safe. (Who can't relate to that?) John Sutter has returned home after being abroad for 10 years to find the old wealthy estates and neighborhoods sold and sub-divided. The Golden Age seems to be dwindling. The story gets going when Anthony Bellarosa, the son of the deceased Mafia Don Frank Bellarosa, appears at the show more Gate House where John is staying. He is there to draw and lure John back into the violent world of the Mafia Bellarosa family. From there, Demille weaves a very entertaining story of love, regret, family protection and redemption.
I can't say how many times I grinned or laughed out loud while reading this book. The writing is witty and down right funny and then it draws the reader into a very captivating story. It is a modern day mob story, and yet it has a lot of down to earth situations. Overall it is much less violent that I had imagined.
Sarcastic much? Oh yes, John Sutter is dripping with sarcasm, page after page of hilarious insights of "tell me how you really feel John Sutter."
Location, Location, Location, that's what I am talking about!! The setting of the story is very interesting and the author really provides a lot of detail and history for the reader. I really felt I wanted to be walking along one of these 200 acre estates smelling the cool, salty air of Long Island Sound. Fancy mansions, servants, and the lifestyles of the rich and famous, oh who can resist?
I recommend the book! show less
The Gate House by Nelson DeMille picks up where The Gold Coast left off. John and Susan Sutter have been divorced for ten years; he's been living in London and she's been in Hilton Head and then back to their old home on Long Island. John has to return to Long Island to manage the estate of an old family retainer and there's no way he can avoid Susan. They meet and reconcile.
Things aren't that simple, though. They must deal with the son of the Mafia boss who Susan killed ten years ago, and he just happens to be living nearby. Will he be out for revenge or will he leave things alone? They also have to deal with Susan's father who is threatening to cut Susan and the Sutters' children off financially. Then, there's the letter the family show more retainer left for John to read after she passes away. What's did she write to him and why?
This book is told from John Sutter's point of view and he has a sarcastic and irreverent look on life. Nelson DeMille does a masterful job of combining humor and suspense. At over 650 pages, it's a long book, but it never felt long to me - I found it hard to put down. I was drawn in by the story and felt satisfied with the climatic ending. The Gate House is the sequel to The Gold Coast, but it's not necessary to read one to enjoy the other. If books were rated like movies, this one would be rated R for language, sexual content and violence. show less
Things aren't that simple, though. They must deal with the son of the Mafia boss who Susan killed ten years ago, and he just happens to be living nearby. Will he be out for revenge or will he leave things alone? They also have to deal with Susan's father who is threatening to cut Susan and the Sutters' children off financially. Then, there's the letter the family show more retainer left for John to read after she passes away. What's did she write to him and why?
This book is told from John Sutter's point of view and he has a sarcastic and irreverent look on life. Nelson DeMille does a masterful job of combining humor and suspense. At over 650 pages, it's a long book, but it never felt long to me - I found it hard to put down. I was drawn in by the story and felt satisfied with the climatic ending. The Gate House is the sequel to The Gold Coast, but it's not necessary to read one to enjoy the other. If books were rated like movies, this one would be rated R for language, sexual content and violence. show less
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Nelson DeMille was born in New York City on August 23, 1943. He attended Hofstra University for three years, then joined the Army and went to Officer Candidate School. He was commissioned a First Lieutenant and served in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader with the First Calvary Division. He received the Air Medal, Bronze Star, and the show more Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry while in the service. He eventually returned to Hofstra University and received a degree in political science and history. His first writings were NYPD detective novels, but his first major novel, By the Rivers of Babylon, was published in 1978. His other works include Cathedral, The Talbot Odyssey, Word of Honor, The Gold Coast, The General's Daughter, Spencerville, Plum Island, The Lion's Game, Up Country, Night Fall, Wild Fire, and The Quest. His New York Times bestsellers include Radient Angel and The Cuban Affair. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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- Canonical title
- The Gate House
- Original publication date
- 2008-10-28
- People/Characters
- John Whitman Sutter; Susan Stanhope Sutter; Frank Bellarosa; Anthony Bellarosa; Anna Bellarosa; Salvatore D'Alessio (show all 11); Elizabeth Allard Corbet; Ethel Hope Allard; A. J. Nastasi; Amir Nasim; Felix Mancuso
- Important places
- The Oceans; London, England, UK; Gold Coast, North Shore, Long Island, New York, New York, USA; Stanhope Hall, Lattingtown, New York, USA; Long Island, New York, USA; New York, USA (show all 8); The Stanhope Gate House, Lattingtown, New York, USA; Alhambra, Lattingtown, New York, USA
- Important events
- The murder of Frank Bellarosa.; The murder of Anthony Bellarosa.
- Epigraph
- How beauteous is this garden; where the flowers of the earth vie with the stars of heaven. What can compare with the vase of yon alabaster fountain filled with crystal water? Nothing but the moon in her fulness, shining in... (show all) the midst of an unclouded sky!
—Inscription on a wall of Alhambra Castle, Granada, Spain
From Washington Irving, The Alhambra - Dedication
- This book is for James Nelson DeMille, a new chapter in my life.
- First words
- It is a warm summer evening, and by the light of a full white moon, I, John Whitman Sutter, am watching my wife, Susan Stanhope Sutter, as she rides her horse Zanzibar across the quite acres of Stanhope Hall, her ancestral es... (show all)tate.
- Quotations
- Now voyager sail thou forth to seek and find. Walt Whitman
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Every journey has to end, and the end of the journey is always called Home.
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