Beast Paperback – May 23, 1992

Fascinating setting and a very plausible plot! Excellent characterization adds greatly to the suspense and drama in this novel. Definitely one of Benchley’s best works—highly recommended.

I picked up this book before a trip to Hawaii (seemed to fit the nautical mood) I enjoyed this read; didn’t have huge expectations going into it. I appreciate the writers style and effort, some of the chapters are written from the misters point of view, he really grabs your attention and sucks you in, hard to put the book down. I was worried it would follow the same story line and plot as “Jaws” but it didn’t, very different aspect with a darker character development.

Beast really is a book taken from life. Peter Benchley went to Bermuda to hunt for giant squid, but fond that the creature, which never showed itself, was strong enough to cut through his baited steel cable lines and sink the buoys that kept them afloat. (You can read his biographic book "Shark Life" for more details on those adventures). As a result, it's pretty accurate to most of his feats. There are some errors, though. Giant squid do not grow to 100 feet (more like 43 feet), nor do they have clawed suckers (their suckers do have teeth around the edges) and giant squid do not eat humans (as the few that have been encountered in shallow waters have not tried to attack people, nor are they vindictive or fierce, as has been proven by the squid that showed up in Toyama Harbor in Japan on Christmas Eve, 2015 and was guided back to open seas. Regardless, the book is still a fantastic read and very intense. I couldn't put it down until I was done. As a result, I give it five stars.

I actually enjoyed this more than his novel Jaws. Full of hyperbole but a good time...ya know...for reading.

I knew I was getting it used, they no longer print this book, but I do wish I had known that the cover had a rip in it, I would have still gotten it but I would have liked to know beforehand.

I have read so many novels involving so-called monsters of the deep ( Steve Alten's "MEG" comes to mind ) with the corniest most campy and ridiculous endings. Sometimes I think the authors have a great idea then take it and run with it only to poop out at the end. Rushed endings get me so mad. Well, the "bad ending to a good book" is over with Benchley's "Beast". I will not spoil it for you - just get this book anyway you can. Read it and enjoy the ride but most importantly, you will not be disappointed with a wimpy half-***ed ending. Benchley knows his laws of nature and I sure do miss the guy. He knew the sea like no other. Also, please try his overlooked " The Girl of the Sea of Cortez", another gem ( and not a horror sci-fi story ). Just an example of great story telling.

There are several things that set this book apart from most monster books I've read: subtlety, realism, and environmentalism, to name a few. Even though there weren't pages and pages of carnage in this book, it was a compelling read and had very likeable characters with personalities.This is not only the story of a giant, man-eating squid who terrorizes Bermuda, it is also the story of Whip Darling, a proud yet impoverished man doing what he needs to get by, barely scraping up enough cash to pay the bills. Whip had been a fisherman, until Bermuda's waters were fished out, now not bearing enough fish for anyone to make a living. Whip uses his boat to make a buck any way he can: trapping deepwater oddities for an aquarium, tourist charters, salvage; whatever keeps the wolf from the door. Whip knows the waters of Bermuda like no one else, so when a giant squid starts eating people, Whip is given many offers to go after the beast, but he knows no amount of money is worth it if he's dead. Media magnate, Osborn Manning, whose children were devoured by the squid, has to pull out all the stops, but even he and his squid expert prove to be no match for the monster from the deep.The plot is nothing new to monster book lovers, but Benchley takes the time to craft some very likeable characters: Whip Darling, his first mate Mike, navy pilot Marcus Sharp, even the unlikeable characters are well-drawn, no matter how much or how little they appear. He falls short of making the giant squid outright evil, but this character, too, has a malevolent personality. His no-nonsense environmental message is not preachy, and all the more powerful for it, as it is woven through the action while the tension builds.If you're new to the monster book genre, or if you've simply tired of over-the-top technology and stunts, Benchley is your man. He's best known for "Jaws," but his other work is well worth reading, and refreshing, even decades after it was first published.

I needed a book that kept me riveted and this was just the ticket! A fun vacation thriller ~loved it!

Good

Arrived fast, in great condition and it's a 30 year old first edition.

The book is in such good condition. It’s actually in better condition than some I have bought brand new from a bookstore. Really pleased with it. It arrived bang on time too. Will be using this seller again.

Used book- came eventually even amidst a global pandemic .

A great story, genuinely fear inspiring (and disturbingly icky in places) and it keeps you involved and the book in your hands. The passages written from the point of view of the squid are an interesting insight and break up the chapters well. You really end up rooting for the heroes and booing the beast/unsavoury characters.