The Scorpion's Tail

By: Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

Narrated by: Cynthia Farrell

Length: 11 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

From number-one best-selling authors Preston & Child comes a thrilling novel following archaeologist Nora Kelly and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson as they work together to solve a twisted crime that reaches far beyond any of their worst fears.

Following the acclaimed debut of Old Bones, this second "happily anticipated" (Booklist) new thriller in Preston & Child's series features Nora Kelly, archaeologist at the Santa Fe Archeological Institute, and rookie FBI Agent Corrie Swanson, as they team up to solve a mystery that quickly escalates into nightmare.

A mummified corpse, over half a century old, is found in the cellar of an abandoned building in a remote New Mexico ghost town. Corrie is assigned what seems to her a throwaway case: to ID the body and determine cause of death. She brings archaeologist Nora Kelly to excavate the body and lend her expertise to the investigation, and together they uncover something unexpected and shocking: the deceased apparently died in agony, in a fetal position, skin coming off in sheets, with a rictus of horror frozen on his face.

Hidden on the corpse lies a 16th-century Spanish gold cross of immense value.

When they at last identify the body - and the bizarre cause of death - Corrie and Nora open a door into a terrifying, secret world of ancient treasure and modern obsession: a world centered on arguably the most defining, frightening, and transformative moment in American history.

©2021 Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child (P)2021 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

“[An] enjoyable sequel.... The authors do their usual solid job of maintaining suspense throughout. Their two capable female leads are well-suited to sustain a long series.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Preston and Child have designed an intricate thriller that takes several twists and turns, but never totally diverts from the crux of the story. This is a series that demands attention.” (New York Journal of Books)

“The authors bring the same rigorous plotting and deft characterizations to this novel as they do with their Special Agent Pendergast books (happily, Pendergast makes an appearance here), and the Kelly and Swanson pairing is certainly engaging. It seems the duo might be settling in for a good, long run.” (Booklist)

The Scorpion’s Tail

I have EVERY audiobook by Preston & Child. This story is wonderful as usual, but the narrator is the worst I have ever listened to. If this narrator continues to be used I will never buy another book by these authors.

Pendergast is not a Brit!

Enjoyed the book despite the atrocious narration. Delivery was choppy, harsh. Voices were too similar and invariably sounded irritated. The worst by far was Pendergast. I could’ve tolerated a southern accent in lieu of New Orleans, but a Brit?! Producers need to be ashamed. Pay Rene Auberjonois what he’s asking. Take pity on your listeners, please!

Well done

Well I miss their dectective Pendergast and I really hope he returns !! I enjoyed this book as well and the heroine their in I recommend this book .

Excellent!

What a twisted tale! I would listen to it again and again! Loved how the characters were developed throughout and the twits and turns of the story. just loved it!

A fun adventurous romp

Loved it but did not care for the funny voice acting female pretending to be make etc.

The narrator sucks

Completely ludicrous accent used with Special Agent Pendergast. Does this narrator even listen to other characters?? Totally ruined the ending of the book.

ok but on slow trend downward

I enjoyed it overall but feeling a little formulaic and really nothing exceptionally surprising here. didn't think enough depth was worked on in any characters. the sheriff here was the most entertaining sadly. also very upset with pendergast narration. he is supposed to be Cajun and suddenly we are getting a British accent. unacceptable and jarring.

The scorpions tail

Loved the authors. The story was very good. The reader was ok until she came to Pendergast. He is from New Orleans not new England so her portrayal of his character was disappointing. However, I will continue to read and/or listen to these authors as long as they write books for us to enjoy.

narrator

I was so happy that there was another book by Preston, child. Would have like to have seen more of Pendergast in it. the narrator is what makes the audible book, and this narrator did not do that. She needs to study linguistics more, as most of it sounded like an English person speaking. And when Pender gsdt showed up it was worse! Pendergast is from Louisiana not England! it made me lose interest and focus on the story.

Incomplete

Up to par until the end. Too many loose ends. That’s ok with a little tease but, nothing. Narration was first rate until Pendergast developed a Cambridge accent. As a P&C fanatic I felt let down. Perhaps there are plans to tie up those loose ends in the future. Here’s hoping!