Brimstone

Once again a grisly murder catches the eye of Special Agent Pendergast. We meet Sergeant Vincent D'Agosta again as well. The murder scene has clues that make it look like the Devil did the deed. But soon a second murder takes Pendergast and Vincent to New York City were the investigation really gets under way. As clues are collected and the investigation proceeds, we learn more of Pendergast's history and what makes him tick. Unlike most mysterious characters in fiction, Pendergast actually stands up to explanation and remains mysterious. We also learn a little more of what has been happening to Vincent and where he is going. But all through that Pendergast's unique style carries the story forward. This is not a story filled with red herrings or forgotten clues. It is a well-constructed mystery populated by a wonderful cast of characters, good and bad. If you enjoyed THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES then you will probably like this one as it is closer in style than STILL LIFE WITH CROWS. When the final page is turned the reader is left wanting to know more about what will happen to the characters. A great read.

After a somewhat disappointing "Still Life with Crows" I approached "Brimstone" with a bit of trepidation. I was worried that Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child may have lost their knack for coming up with original plots in a genre that trends towards the mediocre. Moreover, I was afraid that they had wrung all they could out of their signature character, Special Agent Pendergast, leaving him a rather boring cliché. Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth as "Brimstone" is their strongest novel since "The Ice Limit". Infused with a darker edge, and a palpable spirit of malevolence, that is quite successfully maintained throughout the numerous plot twists, "Brimstone" is a genuinely superb thriller. As I mentioned above, "Brimstone" once again finds Pendergast investigating a murder that seems tied to the occult. Specifically, he is investigating the bizarre death of art critic Jeremy Grove, who has been found burned to death in a room untouched by fire. Adding to the mystery is the overpowering stench of sulfur and what appears to be a cloven hoof burned into the floor. To assist in his investigation, Pendergast calls upon Vincent D'Agosta, previously seen in "Relic" and "Reliquary", who has been languishing in the Southampton Police Department after an abortive turn as a novelist. As more victims fall prey to the seemingly demonic killer, and as the public begins to see the murders as Scripture fulfilled, the two investigators race against the clock to solve Preston and Child's most puzzling mystery yet. That stated, what makes "Brimstone" so successful is that Preston and Child manage to weave in a much larger set of plot lines, characters and settings than usual. Whereas in "Still Life with Crows" the question of Pendergast's ward, Constance, was blatantly tacked on in a form of in novel advertising, in "Brimstone" she actually has a role to play and fits much better within the structure of the book. Likewise, even though the supernatural thriller element is always paramount, the authors are quite successful in blending in elements of espionage, international assassins and history, the result of which is perhaps their richest, most complex novel to date. Finally, a significant portion of the action takes place overseas, which creates an intriguing dichotomy of Pendergast being more in his element culturally, but significantly weakened for not being on his home turf. Furthermore, Lincoln and Child gleefully (but entirely respectfully) draw upon their literary heroes such as Poe and Lovecraft. The result is a novel that has much of the style and menace of these two authors, while incorporating the genuinely fresh take that one expects from these two authors. As such, I can wholeheartedly endorse "Brimstone" as a superb return to form for Preston and Child. It is perhaps their darkest novel to date, and infuses the character of Pendergast with new life, and more importantly, new mysteries. For loyal readers, some que

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child score yet again--a rivetting, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride in their usual well-thought-out, thrilling style. Jeremy Grove, a notorious art critic, has been found dead. Murdered. Charred. Burned from the inside out, with a demonic hoof print burned into the floor, and his crucifix melted. The work of the devil? Or an even greater evil? Special Agent Pendergast (RELIC, RELIQUARY, THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES, and STILL LIFE WITH CORWS) has taken up the case. A famous (some would say infamous) agent of the FBI, Pendergast's methods and manners are eccentric, dignified, mysterious...and almost always successful. His interest in unique cases has often placed his life in peril, but never has he had a case such as this, where he just may be up against the Devil Himself. Also featuring former NYPD lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta (RELIC, RELIQUARY) and now-Captian Laura Hayward (RELIQUARY), and a ton of references to former Preston/Child novels, this is a suspense thriller that will intimidate and enthrall new fans, and delight old ones. You needn't have read any other of Pendergast's adventires (or other Preston/Child novels), although I suggest you do so, because they are all entertaining. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child write great works on their own, but when they combine their talents they give us this: a thrilling, gripping, engrossing, delectible suspense novel that combines science/technology, police procedural, and good ol' fashion suspense into a book you won't soon forget. BRIMSTONE is a must-read for thriller fans.

In their first two novels together, "Relic" and "Reliquary", authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child created two very memorable characters: FBI Special Agent Pendergast & NYPD Lt. Vincent D'Agosta. While the books not involving these characters have been good, "Brimstone", which reunites them for the first time since "Reliquary", is the best book they have ever written and is certainly one of the best thriller/mysteries out there today. Easily better researched and written than the curiously popular "DaVinci Code", "Brimstone" deals with several bizzare, suppernatural seeming deaths in New York. D'Agosta is back, now an angry, torn-up Seargant working in Southampton. Pendergast, who is quickly becoming a bit of a modern day Sherlock Holmes, is attracted to the odd aspects of the killings, as he usually is, but his character and past are fleshed out in ways that will delight long time readers and I dare not spoil them. Lets just say some threads are tied up, others opened. Pendergast has evolved over the years. The stand alone novel "Still Life With Crows", while rather pedestrain by Preston/Child standards, proved Pendergast could stand by himself. Now, on a much bigger case with a larger canvas, "Brimstone" will aternate make you laugh, creep you out, or flat out terrify you. It reads as fast as anything that's come out lately, and is far smarter than your average mystery. "Brimstone" will be a delight for all Preston/Child fans, hopefully the book that puts them firmly on the map for all time. However, even a casual reader can appreciate it's scare factor, the excellent characterization, and the respect the authors show for their readers and their protaganists. It's been exactly a year since I first picked up "The Cabinet of Curiosities" by these two, and in that time I've read all they've written. "Brimstone" sets not just a high mark for them, but all thrillers to come.

After finishing 'Relic' I was afraid that this amazing writing team had hit their peak with their very first novel, and while it still remains my favorite of their many fantastic books, 'Brimstone' certainly ties with 'The Cabinet of Curiosities' as next on my short list of absolute MUST READ books from these authors. After a lackluster attempt with 'Still Life With Crows' I was hoping that 'Brimstone' would bring back Agent Pendergast and D'Agosta with something 'extra'. I'm not sure what exactly that was, but I can tell you they hit a major homerun with this plot. People are dying in and around New York City in a most gruesome manner, and despite what the investigators WANT to believe, it seems more and more likely that Satan has come to claim a few really naughty boys. Bodies are discovered killed in ways that seem to defy logical explanations, and the scent of Brimstone left over along with an odd hoofprint at the scene of one of the crimes isn't helping to dis-prove the Satan theory, either. As Agent Pendergast and now Sgt. D'Agosta discover in their pursuit of the truth, those who are turning up dead seem to have made some curious Deal with the Devil many years before. Suddenly the story goes from creepy directly into the paranormal all at lightspeed. I was worried that the subject matter would sound hokey or cheesy, but Preston & Child handle it absolutely PERFECTLY. I don't know why I was worried because they managed to pull it off with virtually all of their previous novels, and they have done it again with 'Brimstone'. Perfectly plotted and the pacing is right up there with the best thrillers I have personally read over the years. I can't tell you how many times a chill ran up my spine as I turned the pages of this mesmerizing tale. I have always found the writing of this duo to be exceptional, but if you are like me, you really don't get frightened about things you don't honestly believe in -- however for those of you who, like me, really DO believe in Satan, this particular story genuinely CAN terrify you. I didn't exactly help matters by reading in my living room late at night with just a small lamp by my side. While I read I took note of each and every tiny sound that I could not identify. I kept telling myself I was being foolish, but the strangest thing happened then, I realized I honestly could NOT help myself...and I also discovered my house made a great deal of noise at night just sitting there. I was quite disturbed several times, and without a doubt, I could NOT have asked for a better storyline to keep me entertained and slightly afraid for a few nights. Kudos to Preston & Child for giving me yet ANOTHER reason to purchase their fantastic novels. One of their all-time best yet. WELL worth the price in hardback. If you are a fan, do yourself a favor, and buy it BEFORE it comes out in paperback -- yes, it's THAT good.