The Book of the Dead

By: Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 15 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Museum of Natural History receives their pilfered gem collection back, ground down to dust. Diogenes, the psychotic killer who stole them in Dance of Death, is throwing down the gauntlet to both the city and to his brother, FBI Agent Pendergast, who is currently incarcerated in a maximum security prison.

To quell the PR nightmare of the gem fiasco, the museum decides to reopen the Tomb of Senef. An astounding Egyptian temple, it was a popular museum exhibit until the 1930s, when it was quietly closed. But when the tomb is unsealed in preparation for its gala reopening, the killings, and whispers of an ancient curse, begin again. And the catastrophic opening itself sets the stage for the final battle between the two brothers: an epic clash from which only one will emerge alive.

©2006 Splendide Mendax, Inc. and Lincoln Child. All Rights Reserved. (P)2006 Time Warner AudioBooks. All Rights Reserved

Critic reviews

"Another gripping, action-packed page-turner...with a tantalizing, ominous twist at the end." (Publishers Weekly)

The Trilogy is Complete!

I had been anxiously awaiting this continuation from the last novel, "Dance of Death", and it certainly hasn't been a disappointmen! Without revealing the ending, I can happily report that the circle left open at the end of the previous novel has now been closed, but hopefully there will be another Pendergast novel at not too distant a date.

Fabulous !

Okay..so the end got a little long winded and hokey - forget that....the entire book was like a fabulous dinner and Scott Brick like a rare wine...the combination made for a tremendous thriller, a great read and when it ended I felt sad to let it go.
This book is a FIVE (but Scott Brick must be a TEN!)

Very Satisfying

I truly didn't want this trilogy to end. And PLEASE NOTE: this is a trilogy and should be read in order.

The first book had wondrously quirky characters, and a hint of the dark supernatural that often resides in Preston/Child's books. And it had an intriguing cliff hanger ending that caused me to immediately download book 2. Book 2 had lots of action and a building suspense, all featuring a nemesis that (finally) was truly worthy of our hero. And yes, it had one of those cliff hanger endings that immediately launched me into book 3.

This is my review of book 3: All the story lines and open questions (with one caveat) were very satisfyingly tied off. The world became "right" again and we were definitely headed toward a well rounded ending -- until, yes, there was one more cliff hanger. This one won't cause this reader/listener to immediately immerse herself in the next book. But it will leave an open question that will want to be resolved the next time I delve into the delicious world that belongs to Pendergast and his fascinating circle of friends.

Now the Audible Versions

I've read all of the authors' books and enjoy the series. The characters and the settings where the stories are set are rich and textured, the people imperfect, flawed, yet sympathetic and the stories complex and intriguing. I didn't read all of the books in order so now listening to them I am. They are like old friends and there are details that had slipped by in the reading and with the time between novels so now I'm really enjoying the consecutive audible versions in an extended binge.

Enjoyable genre fiction

I don't read much genre fiction, and I can't even remember I stumbled across this book, but it was a lot of fun. The authors have brought together so many cliches: brilliant opposing siblings, suppressed childhood trauma, Southern Gothic motifs, and probably other elements that more experienced mystery/thriller readers will have no trouble identifying. But it doesn't come across as a muddled collection of cliches. The authors approach this with an energy and a spirit of overwhelming enthusiasm. Someday I may even pick up another one of their books.

Another great Pendergast story

Lose the music, tho. Alittle too hokie and seemed to be inserted in random, unneeded places. Scott Brick is best narrator I’ve had the pleasure to listen to as he truly brings these characters to life!!!

Outstanding!

A great follow-up book to Dance of Death. The 3rd book in the "Diogenes Triology" was very exciting with tons of twists and turns. Definitely one of my favorite Pendergast novels so far. Lots of action, suspense, and thriller moments. If you've enjoyed the previous two Pendergast novels, definitely check this one out. I can't wait to start the next book! Scott Brick did an excellent job narrating!

Love this series!!!

I'm working my way through this series with relish. Hope the next one is as good but there is a narrater change so we'll see.

Book of the Dead

The Book of the Dead was another excellent Pendergast novel! Please keep them coming!

Love it as always

Love this whole series of books. Thank you very much can’t wait to read more