Book Review: ‘The East End: A Novel’ Is A Fun Beach Read

Author Jason Allen has written a great beach, summer read set in the Hamptons. The place where the rich and famous play is the setting for an accidental death, secrets and blackmail. Corey Halpern has lived here his whole live. He wants to get out and move on with his life. He is not of the rich and famous set. His mom Gina has worked for the Sheffield family every summer for years and even Corey does now. The pay isn’t the best but it’s work. As Memorial day arrives it’s time to get the hose ready again.

Before then Corey is up to his tricks again. He likes to break into the mansions and cause trouble. He doesn’t still thinks just a little mischief. He decides though that the Sheffield house would be his first actual theft. When he gets in he finds that he’s not alone. The youngest daughter has shown up early with her friend. Leo Sheffield also shows up early with a special friend. He has a secret no one knows about. An accident in the pool sets the stage for the novel. A man has accidentally drown and Corey and Angelique witnessed everything. Leo hides the body for the moment on the estate but knows it’s now safe.

And he knows that Angelique knows but not Corey at first. She decides to blackmail him and demands money to keep quiet. When he figures out Corey knows as well he asks him to do something in exchange for money and security. Will Corey be able to pull it off and how will this all play out when the police arrive asking questions.

This is the debut novel from Jason and it’s a lot of fun to read. The characters are interesting and fun and the story delicious right up to the very end. Jason will be a person to look forward to in the future if he keeps writing great books like this.

You can pick it up in stores on Tuesday, May 7th from Park Row.