Best known for his stories about a megaladon (Meg, The Trench, Primal Waters), Steve Alten has actually written eight novels. With a focus on both future technology and cryptozoology, the Philadephia native has gained a readership. The Loch, published in hardback in 2005, is a stand alone title unlike those in the Domain and MEG series. It certainly won’t come as a shock that the book takes place almost entirely in Scotland and is focused around Loch Ness and the fabled monster Nessie.

Alten’s books are simple, entertaining reads. His novels have appealed to a wide variety of individuals—many of which have professed to not enjoying reading. The Loch should more than satisfy those interests. The premise is simple. Zachary Wallace is a young, famed marine biologist with a particular interest in the strange and undiscovered. Raised as a young boy on the banks of Loch Ness his mother moved him to the United States after a messy divorce. His early years were marred by negative memories of his drunken and cavorting father and his own death in the Loch.

Wallace, a direct descendent of the famous Braveheart of both historical and cinematic notoriety, has the world in the palm of his hands before a freak on-the-job accident leads to a severe fear of water and drowning. It renders him completely functionless as a marine biologist and he soon heads down his father Angus’ treacherous path. Zach’s self destructive plan is abruptly halted when he gets news that his father is on trial for murder. The only problem is that Angus claims that he didn’t murder the guy and that the Loch (and apparently Nessie) is guilty for his death. A famed marine biologist is the perfect choice for an expert witness.

The Loch is one part courtroom drama, one part personal crusade, and one part cryptozoologic hypothesis. There are definitely pieces to appeal to fans of a variety of genres, though I wouldn’t say I am particularly enlightened by and one of the areas but I am definitely entertained. As is expected, the young and talented Zachary does eventually come to a conclusion. What is this “monster?” Why does it only seem to wake every few years? Who are the knights templar (that’s a mystery, isn’t it)? Will he be able to save his father or will his discoveries be too little too late? These questions among others had me riveted to the story. Well…that may be a slight exaggeration, but I was definitely curious as to what would happen next.

Entertainment value is the only real thing I can see going for The Loch. I wouldn’t say I was shocked by any of the happenings. Alten weaves a simplistic story that will appeal to fans of fast moving plots. The writer posits that “Nessie” is not a mythological creature. Rather, the monster is a freak of nature—something of a generational mutation. It takes centerstage in the story and is only barely outweighed by the character development of Zachary. The main issue I have with the story has less to do with the writing and theories than it does with the almost complete lack of attachment the writer allows readers to have for his characters. Honestly, the only person I care about is the protagonist. Aside from that, there is little to attach me to the plight of Angus (though I do think it is vaguely interesting in the end) nor do I particularly like Zach’s Scottish friends. This is the main flaw with The Loch. My other complaint is the use of quotes prior to each chapter. I only read a few. I also thought the use of journal entries from one of the lead character’s ancestors was trite. I honestly didn’t care much for what he said and thought that Alten could have communicated that information in a more effective manner.

In reading about Alten’s interest in Loch Ness, I have discovered that he incorporated a colleague’s “new evidence” into the story. The scientific explanations obviously peaked the writer’s interest and inspired The Loch. Alten insists the science behind his novel is quite real and is apparently supported by events as recent as March 2005. To this all I say “so what.” The fact is that this is a work of fiction with a variety of typical easy reading elements tossed in for good measure. I’m not particularly impressed by the book, but I was definitely amused enough to finish reading the nearly 500 page hardcover text.

Alten’s fans will be pleased with the book. Natives of Scotland will also like it. Individuals with an interest in cryptozoology will be satiated by the words. Me? I was only moderately moved. My suggestion is to wait for the mass market paperback or make a trip to the library instead of investing in hardcover—that is unless you have unlimited amounts of cash. If you want to check out Alten’s other titles, I highly recommend seeking out MEG first.

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Related Review:

Meg: Primal Waters
http://www.epinions.com/content_188418985604

Recommended: No