Still Life with Crows

A Novel

By: Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 15 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

For the first time in unabridged audio!

A small Kansas town has turned into a killing ground. Is it a serial killer, a man with the need to destroy? Or is it a darker force, a curse upon the land? Amid golden cornfields, FBI Special Agent Pendergast discovers evil in the blood of America's heart.

©2004 Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child (P)2011 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"As usual, Preston and Child deftly mix the real and the surreal, creating an atmosphere in which everything, for reasons we can't quite nail down, seems a tad off-kilter. Call it creeping paranoia, perhaps, or the dreadful certainty that something awful is about to happen. Whatever you call it, it's a recipe for success." ( Booklist)

children of the corn a la Pendergast

this book keeps one in suspense until 3/4 the way through. Really creepy and somewhat believable, Pendergast uses characters to his advantage in the usual way building their self esteem in small way bit by bit, as would a teacher.

Best Pendergast Yet

Without a doubt this is worth the first 3. Clean, solid mystery - stands on its own outside the cannon but enough to continue the Pendergast story.

Another good read fromg Preston and Child

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I am going through the entire Pendergast series and this one is necessary

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I had guessed it quite a while before the end of the book.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

I liked the sheriff, Pendergast and Cory.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I liked the personality development and attitude changes in Cory.

Any additional comments?

So far, this is the weakest book from these authors I have read. It is good, but I just finished Cabinet of Curiosities, which is WAY better.

My first Pendergast but not my last!

Where does Still Life with Crows rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book ranks high in the suspense genre and I'm glad to have discovered another strong series of detective serials. Scott Brick always elevates any story he reads so that may be a bias on my part but his presence tends to elevate the material in a big way.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The initial crimes and their set up was great but the star of the story is really the lead character, FBI agent Pendergast. Unique, odd and capable he reminded my of a serious more disturbed Monk. He is aided by another vivid character in the form of a misfit goth chick who craves adventure but doesn't know it. They were a great team.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

Clearly Pendergast. He inhabits the character fully and you can tell he's having fun doing it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No crying but there were some good surprises that made me smile.

Gripping! Kept you on the edge till the very end

just great. Did guess but still not sure. loved the final tying together of the lose threads.

Chilling

What made the experience of listening to Still Life with Crows the most enjoyable?

Although I was disappointed by the predictable ending, this is another good example of Preston and Childs ability to chill you to the bone with edge of the seat, can't turn it off writing. They have become two of my favorites writers.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Still Life with Crows?

The adventures in the cave.

Which character ??? as performed by Scott Brick ??? was your favorite?

Scott makes them all come alive.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A small town meets itself.

Forced me to buy all of the Preston & Childs !!

Where does Still Life with Crows rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Scale of 1-10, an 11

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I enjoy his performances, especially Pendergast.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

too spooky to laugh or cry but certainly a few chuckles

One of the best Pendergast books.

Along with Relic, Cabinet of Curiosities, and Brimstone this book knocks it out of the park. The narrative is superb, the characters are intriguing and feel “real”. While absolutely NOT do the faint of heart this book is worth every penny, then some.

Another Great Pendergast Story!

I am a huge fan of Preston & Child mainly because of their Pendergast character. However, even though I have enjoyed Scott Brick as a narrator in many other books, he does not do Pendergast as well as Rene Auberjonois.

The first Pendergast?

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, well yes, but I gave it to myself in small bites - the more to savor it.

Any additional comments?

This was my first meeting with Agent Pendergast. I fell for him instantly.