Two brothers. One, top FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast. The other, Diogenes, a brilliant and twisted criminal. An undying hatred between them. Now, a perfect crime. And the ultimate challenge: Stop me if you can.
©2005 Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (P)2012 Hachette Audio
"Excellent story!"
I've been listening to all of the Pendergast series, at least those that Audible have, in order. I must say that this was my favorite so far!
Preston and Child are maturing as writers and this book is outstanding! I could not stop listening! There is a very apparent similarity to Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series. There is our main hero, with many of the same characteristics of Holmes: intelligence, being misunderstood (due to his lack of communication), loyalty, his own brand of justice, sacrifice, kind of larger than life.. And we have Watson (though, our side-kick here is more competent).. Now, we're introduced to the story's arch-villian: "the most dangerous man in the world." More characters parallel.. but, are so much more human and vivid! We can identify with the characters and their failings. The story and plot are terrific, but the characters and their interactions, and the thrill-ride of action makes this story stand out as one of the best!
I've really enjoyed Mr. Brick as the narrator in these stories. He is even able to distinguish between 2 men with similar accents without being confusing. Perhaps, he's not as proficient with the English lady's voice, but it doesn't distract from the story.
All in all, this is an excellent thrill ride from end to end and I would highly recommend it to any wanting a great detective-pursuing-the-bad-guy type of book!
Diana bookworm
"Getting to know Pendergast"
Suspenseful, original, satisfying
I don't want to give away any of the terrific story line, but the reader really gets to know some of Pendergast's history and mysteries.
Oh yes, Ive listened to numerous book narrated by Scott Brick. I enjoy his style and his representation of Pendergast.
I couldn't put it down
This one came with a short story ' Extraction' that focused on something that was alluded to in 'Dance of Death'. While listening to many of the Pendergas books the reader is tantalized by an incident referred to in Pendergast and his brother's history. 'Extraction' is an amazing, imaginative clarifying story that gives the reader a satisfying understanding of what happened when the boys were young. I have always wanted to know more about the true origin of the hate that Diogenes has for Pendergas. This delivers....
"Outstanding - Both brothers are alive!"
Thought Diogenes was dead? Nope! This is the best book of the series. I've said that before but Preston and Child just keep getting better and better. This book reads very well and is not one you will figure out half way through. I found it very difficult to put down and finished it in two days. The ending wasn't at all what I expected and can't wait for the next one to be released. You don't have to start with this one but it would help if you had some background on the characters.
"Preston & Child do it again"
YES! Every book in this series just keeps getting better. The Pendergast character is so complex and ever changing. Look forward to the next weird situation he will get involved with next.
Pendergast is one of my all-time favorite characters. These books would make a fantastic movie along the lines of Robert Downey Jr's Sherlock Holmes movies. Pendergast and his tailored suits with all the tools and gadgets he pulls out of various pockets and hidden places. He is so strange and peculiar and yet very loyal and caring.
Brick does them all so well. I thought he would have a hard time separating Pendergast from his brother, Diogenes, in this book - but I thought he handled it well.
"Truly Truly incredible!!!!!"
This a must listen first and foremost after listening to Book 5. This is a part 2 of a trilogy and so far is truly amazing. It is a really good story and the twists are clever. I really enjoyed this book. One of the best I have listened to.
"My Favourite (so far)"
This is the book I've been waiting for - one where we get to know our protagonist a bit more intimately. I'm glad to see the veil is being lifted.
"Best of the series."
If you must choose one in this series, choose this one. Preston and Child have really hit their stride by this novel. Characters are well-developed, they have mastered the art of foreshadowing, and the narrator is pitch-perfect. I've almost forgotten I listened to him read Atlas Shrugged (skip that one). Of course, at the end, you'll want to rush into the next one, but it's a delicious temptation you will want to give into. Just don't finish in the early morning hours, unless you have a 24-hour bookstore, or can download the next from Audible immediately. Heck, just do it near the end. Then you'll be a fan, and you'll be reading them all.
PollyReads
"another good one"
The bad brother theme works well in this novel; not as scary as I'd like it to be, but still a very good book.
"Starting to get repetitive"
Familiar, Fun, Mystery
The Character of Pendergast, finally meets his match with his brother which is amazing. The part that gets repetitive is that this story still follows the same story. It is a good addition for those who are familiar with the Pendergast universe but it is starting to get old.
Loved the performance by Scott Brick. He is one of my favorites, without him I don't think these books would be as good.
Andy
"Very fun ending for the series"
It was exciting and dramatic, even though it is often 'over the top'
Yes, for a light and fun read with fast moving storylines.
The excellent narration makes the characters and action more vivid