The Emperor Of Ocean Park

Apr 12, 2025 5:46 PM

Author:Stephen L Carter

Judge Oliver Garland has just died in suspicious circumstances. Conservative and controversial, Garland had many enemies. Many years ago, he'd earned a judge's highest prize: a Supreme Court nomination. But in a scene of bitter humiliation in front of a televised audience and before the eyes of his family, he had to withdraw his nomination. It was a national scandal, and a private agony, one from which he never recovered. Now, year's later, The judge's death raises even more questions than his life did and seems to be leading to a second terrible scandal. Could he have been murdered? He has left a strange message for his son Talcott, a professor at an elite Ivy League law school, entrusting him with 'the arrangements' - a mysterious puzzle that only Tal can unlock, and only by unearthing the ambiguities of his father's turbulent past. When another man is found dead, and then another, Talcott must risk life, marriage and reputation, following the clues his father left him.

Reviews

A psychologically intricate, flawlessly researched tale of Stalin's legacy through the eyes of a disillusioned old communist. It felt as English as Le Carre with its elegant Cold War scene-setting and quiet but intense emotional range.

—— Melissa Katsoulis , Times

This is a double headed story that is both sad and compelling

—— Nina Caplan , Timeout

Szalay weaves a multilayered narrative ripe with period detail... A challenging thriller... Gripping

—— Metro

Impressive... Still in his mid-thirties, Szalay will surely soon be adding more prizes to his Betty Trask

—— The Sunday Times

Szalay moves skilfully across time and shows that history's end is not prophesied in books, but written in the wind

—— Steven Martin , The Big Issue

David Szalay... has created an extraordinary character, a KGB man you can imagine knowing or even being

—— Observer

This is an exciting and memorable read. Expertly researched, it feels authentic, but wears its learning reassuringly lightly. Anyone who appreciated Martin Amis's Koba the Dread and Orlando Figes's The Whisperers will love it

—— Viv Groskop , Observer

Very atmospheric

—— Ann Northfield , Historical Novels Review

'Bryant and May are engaging characters and I look forward to their next outing'

—— Sherlock

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