White Fire

By: Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

Narrated by: Rene Auberjonois

Length: 12 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Past and present collide in Preston and Child's most thrilling novel ever....

Special Agent Pendergast arrives at an exclusive Colorado ski resort to rescue his protégée, Corrie Swanson, from serious trouble with the law. His sudden appearance coincides with the first attack of a murderous arsonist who - with brutal precision - begins burning down multimillion-dollar mansions with the families locked inside. After springing Corrie from jail, Pendergast learns she made a discovery while examining the bones of several miners who were killed 150 years earlier by a rogue grizzly bear. Her finding is so astonishing that it, even more than the arsonist, threatens the resort's very existence.

Drawn deeper into the investigation, Pendergast uncovers a mysterious connection between the dead miners and a fabled, long-lost Sherlock Holmes story - one that might just offer the key to the modern day killings as well.

Now, with the ski resort snowed in and under savage attack - and Corrie's life suddenly in grave danger - Pendergast must solve the enigma of the past before the town of the present goes up in flames.

©2013 Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

“Narrator René Auberjonois is perfection as he portrays the rip-roaring assortment of Preston and Child's over-the-top characters... Auberjonois's cool persona is ideal for the black-suited mystery-man Pendergast. As Corrie, he's a hard-headed 20-something who won't be bullied. A sadistic serial arsonist, a beleaguered sheriff, wizened miners, and 'old money' interests give Auberjonois plenty of opportunities to dazzle.” (AudioFile Magazine)

"Sherlock Holmes fans will relish Preston and Child's 13th novel featuring eccentric FBI agent Aloysius Pendergast (after 2012's Two Graves), one of their best in this popular series...easily stands on its own with only passing references to Pendergast's complex backstory." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"Another highly entertaining and genuinely thrilling story from Preston & Child starring their romantic, faintly gothic, and always mysterious FBI agent, Aloysius Pendergast. As always the prose is elegant, replete with exquisite descriptions, and this time we're treated to dashes of historic characters Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde, as well as a positively delicious serving of the great Sherlock Holmes. Through myriad shocks, surprises, twists and turns, the suspense never lets up. Great fun to the last page." (Anne Rice)

Exciting summer read

One of the most exciting summer reads I've had in a while. Love the connections with Sherlock Holmes. Can't wait for the next book from this team.

Tedious

I have not read any other books in this series. I'm sorry, but Corrie is an idiot. I'm not exactly fond of the "holier than thou" detectives, either.

I was bored with Corrie's stupidity getting her into jams, and although the plot / M.O. basis was interesting, I couldn't wait for this book to be over.

Rene Auberjonois did an excellent job narrating, and I would like to have him read another book for me,but I doubt I will listen to another Pendergast story.

Excellent story

I enjoy how the writers bring characters together from previous books. Most entertaining. Thoroughly enjoyed the books.

Awesome

Another one of their best. I loved all the twists and turns. Now on to the next.

quite good

It's an enjoyable read. The ending surprised me I certainly wasn't expecting it. Having read many books by these authors, I would still say that my favorite was Fever Dream...though this is definitely among their best books. I had stopped listening to the Pendergast series as I found the writing quality inconsistent throughout the series.

A Most Excellent and Exciting Story!

This was an amazing story that I couldn't put down! Also for me Mr Auberjonis's voice is Mr. A.X.L. Pendergast and a host of others that captivats. Thank you!
James M.

A real ending for a change

Would you listen to White Fire again? Why?

No. Memorable story therefore no need to hear it again.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. Very much so. Cory's impetuous actions keep putting her in danger and it's hard to see how or if she will come out of it. With the Pendergast novels, being a close friend or relative does not necessarily ensure continuity.

What three words best describe Rene Auberjonois’s performance?

Well recited, but 'WAY TOO SLOW". I realize that narrations are supposed to be at a slower pace, but both Rene Auberjonois and Scott Brick narrate so slowly, that I have gotten in the habit of listening to their narrations at 2x speed. It's the only way I can stand it- especially Scott Brick who, on top of being slow, has a depressingly lugubrious intonation.

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

Yes, though impossible for me to do.

Any additional comments?

This book is very suspenseful and actually has a real ending instead of being set up as a part 1 of 2 or more as some of the Pendergast novels have been. This one can stand on its own. Though I do look forward to the next Pendergast novel and hope it is soon.

Loved this book. Great story and narrator!

I really enjoyed this book
I always love Pendergast and I enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes tie-in. The narrator was superb in his performance.

Another great story!!!

I've been reading these books since the Relic out of high school. I received Reliquary as a graduation gift! I love all their books to date. Rene does a great job with all the characters. I'm getting started on Blue Labyrinth today!

White Fire

Another edge of your seat thriller. Still hooked on the series. Can't wait for the times I have to listen.