The Emperor of Ocean Park

By: Stephen L. Carter

Narrated by: Richard Allen

In his triumphant fictional debut, Stephen Carter combines a large-scale, riveting novel of suspense with the saga of a unique family.

The Emperor of Ocean Park is set in two privileged worlds: the upper crust African American society of the Eastern seabord - families who summer at Martha’s Vineyard - and the inner circle of an Ivy League law school. Talcott Garland is a successful law professor, devoted father, and husband of a beautiful and ambitious woman, whose future desires may threaten the family he holds so dear. When Talcott’s father, Judge Oliver Garland, a disgraced former Supreme Court nominee, is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Talcott wonders if he may have been murdered.

Guided by the elements of a mysterious puzzle that his father left, Talcott must risk his marriage, his career and even his life in his quest for justice. Superbly written and filled with memorable characters, The Emperor of Ocean Park is both a stunning literary achievement and a grand literary entertainment.

©2002 Stephen L. Carter (P)2002 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A thrilling read, driven by a cocktail of plot and character." (The Observer)
"An elegantly nuanced novel, with finely drawn characters, a challenging plot, and perfect pacing." (Booklist)
"[A] complex literary thriller. Carter deftly weaves together several strands, from the relationships of father and sons and husbands and wives to the politics of the Nixon and Reagan eras." (Bookpage)

What are the "Arrangements!"

loved it! thrilling, exciting and a great listen. this book had enthralled and captivated..

Stephen L. Carter Debut

Struggle to complete. Not my typical genre. I'm romance but decided to try something different.

Well written...sorely read.

What made the experience of listening to The Emperor of Ocean Park the most enjoyable?

I am a fan of descriptive writing. The author did not disappoint.

What aspect of Richard Allen’s performance would you have changed?

The accent did not fit the time period of the character. Too soft... Too gentile.

Any additional comments?

Very slow start.... Far too many unnecessary characters, but still intriguing until the end. Did I miss the epilogue?

Outstanding

The Emperor of Ocean Park is an excellent book, both suspenseful and rich in characters. The narrator does an outstanding job, as well. I would highly recommend this audiobook.

A great read...

Loved it. Insightful, erudite, and a cliff hanger! I actually want to play chess, lol. I love Richard Allen's soothing voice, may he rest.

Exciting

The mystery was enthralling right up to the very end. I haven’t read (listened to) a story that kept me guessing who, what and why about the main character in many years.

Not a bad book but where was the editor?

A decent storyline and plausible characters but way to long and repetitive. This book could easily have been condensed in half without reducing the value. I found myself not really listening especially the 2 middle parts and in hindsight it might have been better to get the abridged version.

A long and wonderful book.

I wrote review because the top review says the book was too long, and needed to be edited. I disagree, I wouldn't want to lose a single word of this masterpiece. Yes it is long, but anyone who connects with this story understands.

This book is amazing!

I watched the TV series and became intrigued. Much like many other works, the book is better. Which in this case was a difficult feat!!!

Still a masterpiece

I love this read (listen) just as much the second time around, as when I read the hardcover when this was first published in 2002! Excellent performance by the narrator. He brought all of Mr. Carter's flawed (but enticing) characters to life, better than I imagined could be done. Bravo!