John Sutter, a Long Island attorney, finds his life turned upside down after a chance encounter with Frank Bellarosa, a Mafia Don. The clash of cultures among the uber rich on Long Island's Gold Coast sets the stage for a high-octane soap opera involving infidelity, the Mafia, and a fading American aristocracy. The story unfolds with witty and sarcastic humor, intricate relationships, and a dramatic exploration of the underworld that Sutter becomes entangled in, leading to a compelling narrative filled with twists and turns.

Characters:

The characters often lack likability, with a self-serving protagonist, a manipulative antagonist, and supporting roles that embody a grim portrayal of society.

Writing/Prose:

The author employs a witty, first-person style filled with humor and sharp observations, although it sometimes delves deeply into introspection.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative explores the intertwining lives of an affluent lawyer and a mafia don, showcasing the complexities of morality, manipulation, and the clash between crime and high society.

Setting:

Set in the affluent Gold Coast of Long Island, the story vividly contrasts wealth with the looming presence of organized crime.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with a slow beginning that develops into a more engaging narrative, although the ending may feel prolonged.

I first met Frank Bellarosa on a sunny Saturday in April at Hicks’ Nursery, an establishment that has catered to the local gentry for over a hundred years. We were both wheeling red wagons filled with...

Notes:

The main character, John Sutter, is a wealthy Wall Street lawyer.

The story is set in the affluent Gold Coast area of Long Island.

Frank Bellarosa, a Mafia don, buys the estate next to John's.

The book explores themes of wealth, corruption, and crime.

John Sutter is initially reluctant to associate with Bellarosa's criminal undertakings.

Sutter's marriage to Susan is complicated, marked by both love and conflict.

The narrative features sardonic humor and witty insights.

There are contrasts between different social classes and lifestyles.

The protagonist's life spirals as he gets entangled in Bellarosa's legal troubles.

Readers find the book a mix of dark humor and drama, drawing comparisons to 'The Godfather' and 'The Great Gatsby.'

John Sutter grapples with mid-life crises throughout the story.

The audio version of the book spans 19 hours, indicating a lengthy narrative.

Some readers felt the book was too long and had slow sections, especially in the middle.

The ending leaves readers with mixed feelings about the characters' morality.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, organized crime, infidelity, and strong language.

Has Romance?

There are elements of romance intertwined with the characters' relationships, though it often takes a complex and troubled form.

From The Publisher:

The upmarket and salubrious area of Long Island is the stamping ground for a dying breed of America's super-rich. It is also the residence of John Sutter, lawyer - very top-drawer, old money, right clubs - and his sensual wife, Susan. Their lives are about to be turned dramatically upside down by their new 'next-door' neighbour - a certain Mr Frank Bellarosa, top Mafia don and master manipulator. It is he who will impress upon them a rule much older than the archaic etiquette of the old-money set: a favour accepted is a favour owed.

Twenty-five years after it was first published, Nelson DeMille's Gold Coast stands as a modern thriller classic, a stylish, compelling and provocative novel will grip readers from beginning to end.

Ratings (4)

Incredible (1)
Liked It (3)

Reader Stats (5):

Read It (4)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
Gold Coast?

See the list (36 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Gold Coast

Nelson DeMille

Book 1 in the series:John Sutter