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Pendergast #5-7
The Diogenes Trilogy: Brimstone, Dance of Death, and The Book of the Dead Omnibus
Now, available for the first time together in a single volume: a digital-only, value-priced omnibus edition of the "Diogenes Trilogy": Brimstone, Dance of Death, and The Book of the Dead--featuring Pendergast's mysterious brother--by #1 New York Times bestselling authors Preston & Child. BRIMSTONE:
A body is found in the attic of a fabulous Long Island estate. There is a hoofprint scorched into the floor, and the stench of sulfur chokes the air. When FBI Special Agent Pendergast investigates the gruesome crime, he discovers that thirty years ago four men conjured something unspeakable. Has the devil come to claim his due?
DANCE OF DEATH:
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.
BOOK OF THE DEAD:
A talented FBI agent, rotting away in a high security prison for a murder he did not commit. His psychotic brother, about to perpetrate a horrific crime. A young woman with an extraordinary past, on the edge of a violent breakdown. An ancient Egyptian tomb about to be unveiled at a celebrity-studded New York gala, an enigmatic curse released. Memento Mori.
A body is found in the attic of a fabulous Long Island estate. There is a hoofprint scorched into the floor, and the stench of sulfur chokes the air. When FBI Special Agent Pendergast investigates the gruesome crime, he discovers that thirty years ago four men conjured something unspeakable. Has the devil come to claim his due?
DANCE OF DEATH:
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.
BOOK OF THE DEAD:
A talented FBI agent, rotting away in a high security prison for a murder he did not commit. His psychotic brother, about to perpetrate a horrific crime. A young woman with an extraordinary past, on the edge of a violent breakdown. An ancient Egyptian tomb about to be unveiled at a celebrity-studded New York gala, an enigmatic curse released. Memento Mori.
1240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2012
263 people are currently reading
1121 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Preston
183 books13.6k followersDouglas Preston was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1956, and grew up in the deadly boring suburb of Wellesley. Following a distinguished career at a private nursery school--he was almost immediately expelled--he attended public schools and the Cambridge School of Weston. Notable events in his early life included the loss of a fingertip at the age of three to a bicycle; the loss of his two front teeth to his brother Richard's fist; and various broken bones, also incurred in dust-ups with Richard. (Richard went on to write The Hot Zone and The Cobra Event, which tells you all you need to know about what it was like to grow up with him as a brother.)
As they grew up, Doug, Richard, and their little brother David roamed the quiet suburbs of Wellesley, terrorizing the natives with home-made rockets and incendiary devices mail-ordered from the backs of comic books or concocted from chemistry sets. With a friend they once attempted to fly a rocket into Wellesley Square; the rocket malfunctioned and nearly killed a man mowing his lawn. They were local celebrities, often appearing in the "Police Notes" section of The Wellesley Townsman. It is a miracle they survived childhood intact.
After unaccountably being rejected by Stanford University (a pox on it), Preston attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, where he studied mathematics, biology, physics, anthropology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy before settling down to English literature. After graduating, Preston began his career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York as an editor, writer, and eventually manager of publications. (Preston also taught writing at Princeton University and was managing editor of Curator.) His eight-year stint at the Museum resulted in the non-fiction book, Dinosaurs in the Attic, edited by a rising young star at St. Martin's Press, a polymath by the name of Lincoln Child. During this period, Preston gave Child a midnight tour of the museum, and in the darkened Hall of Late Dinosaurs, under a looming T. Rex, Child turned to Preston and said: "This would make the perfect setting for a thriller!" That thriller would, of course, be Relic.
In 1986, Douglas Preston piled everything he owned into the back of a Subaru and moved from New York City to Santa Fe to write full time, following the advice of S. J. Perelman that "the dubious privilege of a freelance writer is he's given the freedom to starve anywhere." After the requisite period of penury, Preston achieved a small success with the publication of Cities of Gold, a non-fiction book about Coronado's search for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola. To research the book, Preston and a friend retraced on horseback 1,000 miles of Coronado's route across Arizona and New Mexico, packing their supplies and sleeping under the stars--nearly killing themselves in the process. Since then he has published several more non-fiction books on the history of the American Southwest, Talking to the Ground and The Royal Road, as well as a novel entitled Jennie. In the early 1990s Preston and Child teamed up to write suspense novels; Relic was the first, followed by several others, including Riptide and Thunderhead. Relic was released as a motion picture by Paramount in 1997. Other films are under development at Hollywood studios. Preston and Child live 500 miles apart and write their books together via telephone, fax, and the Internet.
Preston and his brother Richard are currently producing a television miniseries for ABC and Mandalay Entertainment, to be aired in the spring of 2000, if all goes well, which in Hollywood is rarely the case.
Preston continues a magazine writing career by contributing regularly to The New Yorker magazine. He has also written for National Geographic, Natural History, Smithsonisan, Harper's,and Travel & Leisure,among others.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/dougla...
As they grew up, Doug, Richard, and their little brother David roamed the quiet suburbs of Wellesley, terrorizing the natives with home-made rockets and incendiary devices mail-ordered from the backs of comic books or concocted from chemistry sets. With a friend they once attempted to fly a rocket into Wellesley Square; the rocket malfunctioned and nearly killed a man mowing his lawn. They were local celebrities, often appearing in the "Police Notes" section of The Wellesley Townsman. It is a miracle they survived childhood intact.
After unaccountably being rejected by Stanford University (a pox on it), Preston attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, where he studied mathematics, biology, physics, anthropology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy before settling down to English literature. After graduating, Preston began his career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York as an editor, writer, and eventually manager of publications. (Preston also taught writing at Princeton University and was managing editor of Curator.) His eight-year stint at the Museum resulted in the non-fiction book, Dinosaurs in the Attic, edited by a rising young star at St. Martin's Press, a polymath by the name of Lincoln Child. During this period, Preston gave Child a midnight tour of the museum, and in the darkened Hall of Late Dinosaurs, under a looming T. Rex, Child turned to Preston and said: "This would make the perfect setting for a thriller!" That thriller would, of course, be Relic.
In 1986, Douglas Preston piled everything he owned into the back of a Subaru and moved from New York City to Santa Fe to write full time, following the advice of S. J. Perelman that "the dubious privilege of a freelance writer is he's given the freedom to starve anywhere." After the requisite period of penury, Preston achieved a small success with the publication of Cities of Gold, a non-fiction book about Coronado's search for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola. To research the book, Preston and a friend retraced on horseback 1,000 miles of Coronado's route across Arizona and New Mexico, packing their supplies and sleeping under the stars--nearly killing themselves in the process. Since then he has published several more non-fiction books on the history of the American Southwest, Talking to the Ground and The Royal Road, as well as a novel entitled Jennie. In the early 1990s Preston and Child teamed up to write suspense novels; Relic was the first, followed by several others, including Riptide and Thunderhead. Relic was released as a motion picture by Paramount in 1997. Other films are under development at Hollywood studios. Preston and Child live 500 miles apart and write their books together via telephone, fax, and the Internet.
Preston and his brother Richard are currently producing a television miniseries for ABC and Mandalay Entertainment, to be aired in the spring of 2000, if all goes well, which in Hollywood is rarely the case.
Preston continues a magazine writing career by contributing regularly to The New Yorker magazine. He has also written for National Geographic, Natural History, Smithsonisan, Harper's,and Travel & Leisure,among others.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/dougla...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 17, 2013
Brimstone is stellar.. absolutely riveting. Dance of Death very good and Book of the Dead, pretty damned good. Read them in order. They are very much worth the investment of your time.
November 10, 2024
I'm not entirely sure how to rate this one, given that it was actually 3 books in 1 - so I'll split it into reviews of each book, and then my rating for the trilogy as a whole.
Brimstone - this book was arguably both the weakest and strongest in the trilogy. It followed the tried and true formula of previous books, in that it started with a murder, introduced a main character, and then Pendergast stepped in to help solve the mystery. I went into this knowing that something significant was going to happen that would introduce Diogenes, and spent most of the book wondering when that might be - this is what made it weaker, since I expected more of a set up to what I knew was supposed to be a significant antagonist.
I loved that we got to see the return of D'Agosta - hes absolutely one of my favourite characters in the entire series, and I love every book that features him. He's still determined, although a bit more distant and arrogant than we've seen him in the past since he took a voluntary demotion and separated from his wife. He was absolutely brought back to life by Pendergast though, and the development of their friendship was heartening and reminded me of some of the people I'm closest to.
Their adventure through New York and Florence was tense and interesting, and I will once again admit that I had absolutely no fucking idea who the killer was until it was revealed.
Bullard was a villain you love to hate, and an excellent red herring - I knew that he wouldn't be the killer, and yet he was such a smug, arrogant, controlling bastard that I was convinced that it had to be him.
Fosco was too clever for his own good, but I am glad D'Agosta got the better of him in the end.
I liked the full introduction of Constance too, even if we didn't get the full story of what happened to her until the next two books - she seems charming and naive, and she comes across as very other-worldly and out-of-place, which was exactly how someone of her condition should be.
The mystery was convoluted and I had no idea where it was going - there was a lot of music history involved with it, but it was explained enough that I didn't feel lost at all. The big reveal and explanation by Fosco was perfectly dramatic, and the escape from the castle was tense and kept me turning page after page until I was done.
The final few chapters and the epilogue tied together what I thought was an excellent story - as a standalone, this book would have been a solid 4.5, only missing that final .5 because it felt so much faster paced than other books that I felt like I was missing details because I was trying to keep up.
Dance Of Death - this was what I felt was the weakest book in the trilogy. The entire novel seemed very piecemeal? Everything we saw didn't seem to link to anything else, up until everything pulled together at the end. I think my main problem was that, for once, we saw Pendergast at a disadvantage and on the back foot, when we're used to him being the smartest person in the room - or at least putting it together in time to make sure the bad guy doesn't get away with it. It disappointed me, as much as it was interesting to see him on the losing side for once, it was clearly done with such malice, and didn't end with either brother having a clear victory, which obviously set up for the final book, buy it left me feeling like the novel was just unfinished.
I was overjoyed to see the return of Nora and Smithback, and as newlyweds no less! Its always such a joy coming back to the museum, and that we not only had those two back, but also Margo! She's absolutely my favourite character and to see her return after so long was a delight - she has grown in confidence and self-assurance, she's dominating at work, and she's clearly worked hard to put the events of the previous books behind her.
As we begin to see Diogenes plan begin to come into play, it definitely left me anxious for all my favourite characters - but the overwhelming relief and joy we get from D'Agosta at finding out his best friend is alive, felt so real and warm. It was a highlight of the entire series for me.
The hunting of Smithback by Diogenes, and his being saved by Pendergast was a great scene, as it felt very reminiscent of the first three books.
I admit that when Nora and Margo first bumped heads, I was a little disappointed and shocked at the antagonism between them, especially with how Margo got offensive in the meeting, because that's not a side of her we've seen before, but I did appreciate the apology and the growth of friendship between the two women after this incident.
The stalking of Margo through the new exhibition, and her attempted murder had me hanging on the edge of my seat - it was so reminiscent of the first book, and then we realise that it's Diogenes hunting her (at the same time we're switching back and forth between someone hunting her and someone hunting Smithback so we don't know who the killer is really after). The fact that I then spent the rest of the book, and half the next book mourning her is definitely one of the reasons this series is my favourite, because so few authors can make me that attached to a character.
The reintroduction of Viola, and both heists, was definitely an interesting part of the book for me. I know it was a big part of what Diogenes planned, and that Pendergast did what he could to save the people he cares about, but it very much felt like a petulant child throwing a tantrum - which I suppose it was, and it definitely reveals more of Diogenes true nature earlier than expected.
The arrest of Pendergast at the end was a sacrifice I hadn't expected, and it certainly highlighted the differences between the brothers and how they work.
Overall it continued the narrative and set up for the final book in this trilogy, but it did very much feel like that at points, a set-up, so I would probably give it a 3 overall, based on how bitty and incomplete it seemed.
The Book Of The Dead - I'm still not sure how I feel about this one. I felt like it was incredibly strong most of the way through, certain parts aside, but the ending fell a little flat for me.
We saw Diogenes in his alternate identity for the first time, and it was definitely chilling how easily he had everyone fooled and was able to manipulate those around him. It was genuinely scary to see the full force of his scheming and lies, and for most of the book I was trying to work out what he was doing.
His manipulation of Constance made me feel actually sick, and even though I knew he had to be lying, I still felt myself being swayed by him the same way she was, and it made the inevitable betrayal even more brutal.
D'Agosta was on top form in this book, from planning and helping with the heist, to joining with Laura to try and save everyone At the end - I liked his and Laura's relationship, and I'm glad she stepped up and made the right choice at the end of the book.
Nora and Smithback were also great as usual, with Bill working out that something significant was going on and triggering the whole setup without realising it, and watching Nora take charge of the exhibition and put together what was described as an incredible show.
The change in Lipper and Witcherly made the killings feel incredibly close and impossible to figure out how it was being done, although after the first book in this trilogy I did suspect it might be something mechanical. Witcherlys thought process leading up to the attack on Nora was terrifying, because it was so realistic of how some men see women, and I'm glad he got the ending he did.
Pendergasts prison break, and his subsequent rush to the museum and attempt to foil his brothers plans was tense and exciting, and the full extent of the journey into his mind palace to see what The Event was was thrilling. It gave us more insight into the family, and no doubt it was a horrific and traumatic experience for both brothers, but having Diogenes entire personality be reduced to brain damage and spite/vengeance felt a little boring considering everything else being so carefully thought out in each book.
The obvious indecision Pendergast felt when forced to choose between Viola and Diogenes was very strong, although I admit that I still don't understand the relationship with Viola. They met once, spent 5 minutes staring at each other, had another 30 second conversation Once he was arrested, and yet they're supposed to be so deep in love that it can't be explained? Considering how long it took Pendergast and D'Agosta to become genuine friends, this felt very contrived and as though it was only dropped in as another way for Diogenes to manipulate Pendergast.
The part where I felt like the book broke down a little was Diogenes escape and return home. Constance going after him was a surprise, and the fact that she seemed so competent after not having experienced the modern world before was stretching the bounds of belief a little bit, but then she's had a lot of time to study the Pendergast family, and to learn from both Enoch and Pendergast about how to plan and think ahead.
Diogenes race to get home felt desperate and paranoid, and while it was a little gratifying to see him be the one manipulated in turn, it also felt like his death was a bit of Deus Ex Machina which definitely left me feeling like there should have been a more significant end to him - although without seeing a body, I'm not sure how much I believe that he's really gone. I felt like Constance deserved an actual confrontation and to express her feelings, instead of reading the letter and immediately leaving to kill Diogenes.
Overall this book definitely dragged its rating down for me at the end, and while it did keep me turning the pages, I was just left feeling rather unsatisfied by it.
Together the three books make for an interesting addition to the series, and certainly expand on the lore of the universe the authors have created, but the rushed and unsatisfying nature of parts left me a little disappointed. I'd give it a 3.5 rounded up to 4, because I couldn't put it down most of the time, even if it didn't leave me as fulfilled as I'd hoped.
Brimstone - this book was arguably both the weakest and strongest in the trilogy. It followed the tried and true formula of previous books, in that it started with a murder, introduced a main character, and then Pendergast stepped in to help solve the mystery. I went into this knowing that something significant was going to happen that would introduce Diogenes, and spent most of the book wondering when that might be - this is what made it weaker, since I expected more of a set up to what I knew was supposed to be a significant antagonist.
I loved that we got to see the return of D'Agosta - hes absolutely one of my favourite characters in the entire series, and I love every book that features him. He's still determined, although a bit more distant and arrogant than we've seen him in the past since he took a voluntary demotion and separated from his wife. He was absolutely brought back to life by Pendergast though, and the development of their friendship was heartening and reminded me of some of the people I'm closest to.
Their adventure through New York and Florence was tense and interesting, and I will once again admit that I had absolutely no fucking idea who the killer was until it was revealed.
Bullard was a villain you love to hate, and an excellent red herring - I knew that he wouldn't be the killer, and yet he was such a smug, arrogant, controlling bastard that I was convinced that it had to be him.
Fosco was too clever for his own good, but I am glad D'Agosta got the better of him in the end.
I liked the full introduction of Constance too, even if we didn't get the full story of what happened to her until the next two books - she seems charming and naive, and she comes across as very other-worldly and out-of-place, which was exactly how someone of her condition should be.
The mystery was convoluted and I had no idea where it was going - there was a lot of music history involved with it, but it was explained enough that I didn't feel lost at all. The big reveal and explanation by Fosco was perfectly dramatic, and the escape from the castle was tense and kept me turning page after page until I was done.
The final few chapters and the epilogue tied together what I thought was an excellent story - as a standalone, this book would have been a solid 4.5, only missing that final .5 because it felt so much faster paced than other books that I felt like I was missing details because I was trying to keep up.
Dance Of Death - this was what I felt was the weakest book in the trilogy. The entire novel seemed very piecemeal? Everything we saw didn't seem to link to anything else, up until everything pulled together at the end. I think my main problem was that, for once, we saw Pendergast at a disadvantage and on the back foot, when we're used to him being the smartest person in the room - or at least putting it together in time to make sure the bad guy doesn't get away with it. It disappointed me, as much as it was interesting to see him on the losing side for once, it was clearly done with such malice, and didn't end with either brother having a clear victory, which obviously set up for the final book, buy it left me feeling like the novel was just unfinished.
I was overjoyed to see the return of Nora and Smithback, and as newlyweds no less! Its always such a joy coming back to the museum, and that we not only had those two back, but also Margo! She's absolutely my favourite character and to see her return after so long was a delight - she has grown in confidence and self-assurance, she's dominating at work, and she's clearly worked hard to put the events of the previous books behind her.
As we begin to see Diogenes plan begin to come into play, it definitely left me anxious for all my favourite characters - but the overwhelming relief and joy we get from D'Agosta at finding out his best friend is alive, felt so real and warm. It was a highlight of the entire series for me.
The hunting of Smithback by Diogenes, and his being saved by Pendergast was a great scene, as it felt very reminiscent of the first three books.
I admit that when Nora and Margo first bumped heads, I was a little disappointed and shocked at the antagonism between them, especially with how Margo got offensive in the meeting, because that's not a side of her we've seen before, but I did appreciate the apology and the growth of friendship between the two women after this incident.
The stalking of Margo through the new exhibition, and her attempted murder had me hanging on the edge of my seat - it was so reminiscent of the first book, and then we realise that it's Diogenes hunting her (at the same time we're switching back and forth between someone hunting her and someone hunting Smithback so we don't know who the killer is really after). The fact that I then spent the rest of the book, and half the next book mourning her is definitely one of the reasons this series is my favourite, because so few authors can make me that attached to a character.
The reintroduction of Viola, and both heists, was definitely an interesting part of the book for me. I know it was a big part of what Diogenes planned, and that Pendergast did what he could to save the people he cares about, but it very much felt like a petulant child throwing a tantrum - which I suppose it was, and it definitely reveals more of Diogenes true nature earlier than expected.
The arrest of Pendergast at the end was a sacrifice I hadn't expected, and it certainly highlighted the differences between the brothers and how they work.
Overall it continued the narrative and set up for the final book in this trilogy, but it did very much feel like that at points, a set-up, so I would probably give it a 3 overall, based on how bitty and incomplete it seemed.
The Book Of The Dead - I'm still not sure how I feel about this one. I felt like it was incredibly strong most of the way through, certain parts aside, but the ending fell a little flat for me.
We saw Diogenes in his alternate identity for the first time, and it was definitely chilling how easily he had everyone fooled and was able to manipulate those around him. It was genuinely scary to see the full force of his scheming and lies, and for most of the book I was trying to work out what he was doing.
His manipulation of Constance made me feel actually sick, and even though I knew he had to be lying, I still felt myself being swayed by him the same way she was, and it made the inevitable betrayal even more brutal.
D'Agosta was on top form in this book, from planning and helping with the heist, to joining with Laura to try and save everyone At the end - I liked his and Laura's relationship, and I'm glad she stepped up and made the right choice at the end of the book.
Nora and Smithback were also great as usual, with Bill working out that something significant was going on and triggering the whole setup without realising it, and watching Nora take charge of the exhibition and put together what was described as an incredible show.
The change in Lipper and Witcherly made the killings feel incredibly close and impossible to figure out how it was being done, although after the first book in this trilogy I did suspect it might be something mechanical. Witcherlys thought process leading up to the attack on Nora was terrifying, because it was so realistic of how some men see women, and I'm glad he got the ending he did.
Pendergasts prison break, and his subsequent rush to the museum and attempt to foil his brothers plans was tense and exciting, and the full extent of the journey into his mind palace to see what The Event was was thrilling. It gave us more insight into the family, and no doubt it was a horrific and traumatic experience for both brothers, but having Diogenes entire personality be reduced to brain damage and spite/vengeance felt a little boring considering everything else being so carefully thought out in each book.
The obvious indecision Pendergast felt when forced to choose between Viola and Diogenes was very strong, although I admit that I still don't understand the relationship with Viola. They met once, spent 5 minutes staring at each other, had another 30 second conversation Once he was arrested, and yet they're supposed to be so deep in love that it can't be explained? Considering how long it took Pendergast and D'Agosta to become genuine friends, this felt very contrived and as though it was only dropped in as another way for Diogenes to manipulate Pendergast.
The part where I felt like the book broke down a little was Diogenes escape and return home. Constance going after him was a surprise, and the fact that she seemed so competent after not having experienced the modern world before was stretching the bounds of belief a little bit, but then she's had a lot of time to study the Pendergast family, and to learn from both Enoch and Pendergast about how to plan and think ahead.
Diogenes race to get home felt desperate and paranoid, and while it was a little gratifying to see him be the one manipulated in turn, it also felt like his death was a bit of Deus Ex Machina which definitely left me feeling like there should have been a more significant end to him - although without seeing a body, I'm not sure how much I believe that he's really gone. I felt like Constance deserved an actual confrontation and to express her feelings, instead of reading the letter and immediately leaving to kill Diogenes.
Overall this book definitely dragged its rating down for me at the end, and while it did keep me turning the pages, I was just left feeling rather unsatisfied by it.
Together the three books make for an interesting addition to the series, and certainly expand on the lore of the universe the authors have created, but the rushed and unsatisfying nature of parts left me a little disappointed. I'd give it a 3.5 rounded up to 4, because I couldn't put it down most of the time, even if it didn't leave me as fulfilled as I'd hoped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2013
These guys write great when they write together. Love Pendergast.
April 13, 2014
Thrilling ending! Pendergast is so different from what I usually read. I make sure the next book is ready before I finish the one I'm on. Just started Wheel of Darkness.
Read
December 28, 2012awesome... will reread
January 25, 2014
I enjoyed these books
May 26, 2020
I love the Pendergast character. He has depth, humor and analytical skills in a good mix and balance.
August 24, 2025
I found Brimstone to be the most boring book so far.
I just couldn't get into the plot, I was in it until the assassin, and then I found the Evil Tech genius and spin... flat?
but Dance of Death was face paced and gripping, and The Book of the Dead had me on the edge of my seat. I really felt the exhilaration of the first two books in The Book of the Dead.
and the little bits and pieces about the Pendergast family (reminds me very much of the protagonist of The Rats in the Walls, by Lovecraft) the dark mysterious evil past. The endless coffers... overall, I am excited to continue the series.
I just couldn't get into the plot, I was in it until the assassin, and then I found the Evil Tech genius and spin... flat?
but Dance of Death was face paced and gripping, and The Book of the Dead had me on the edge of my seat. I really felt the exhilaration of the first two books in The Book of the Dead.
and the little bits and pieces about the Pendergast family (reminds me very much of the protagonist of The Rats in the Walls, by Lovecraft) the dark mysterious evil past. The endless coffers... overall, I am excited to continue the series.
February 13, 2019
Reread this trilogy just before launching into rereading the 'Helen' trilogy. Loved it!
January 28, 2021
My absolute favorite trilogy. I love Aloysius Pendergast
March 16, 2023
Great entertainment!
October 18, 2025
Excellent
I’ve really enjoyed every volume of this series, I took a long break away but now I’m back and I plan to finish the series up to date.
I’ve really enjoyed every volume of this series, I took a long break away but now I’m back and I plan to finish the series up to date.
April 5, 2021
The Diogenes Trilogy (Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child) as always no spoilers.
This review covers the Diogenes Trilogy: Brimstone, Dance of Death and The Book of the Dead as i bought all three in one volume.
Brimstone.
People are dying very mysteriously, their bodies burned on the INSIDE. The first is discovered in a locked room, a look of absolute horror on his face and a hoof print burned into the floor boards, as Agent Pendergast investigates, more bodies begin to appear, killed in the same horrifying way,
Did four men make a pact with the devil thirty years ago? Has the Devil come to claim the souls of those involved? Find out in another fantastic read in the Agent Pendergast series.
5 out of 5 stars from me.
Dance of Death.
Having been FINALLY introduced to Diogenes Pendergast (Agent Pendergast's cunning, diabolical, mad as a box of frogs brother) at the end of Brimstone, he really comes into the light here.
People closest to Agent Pendergast are being murdered and he is framed for the murders and goes on the run to try and solve the crimes and therefore prove his innocence.
With the welcome return of lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta in tow, Agent Pendergast must prove that his brother Diogenes is the culprit, but Diogenes has a few things on his side, the world thinks he's dead, his brother is wanted for the multiple murders he himself committed and consequently is on the run from the federal authorities and the fact that he has had twenty years to plan the world's most perfect, horrendous crime.
Dance of Death sees the welcome return of such characters as William
Smithback Jr, Nora Kelly, Margo Greene, Hugo Menzies, and Agent Coffee of the F.B.I, most of whom go as far back as Pendergast book one (Relic). Another great read. 5 out of 5 stars from me.
The Book of the Dead
Having had their entire diamond collection stolen by Diogenes Pendergast in Dance of Death, the New York Museum of Natural History are stunted to have it returned to them in the post . . . ground down to nothing but dust. To appease the public uproar, the museum reopens the Tomb of Senef, a museum exhibition that closed in the 1930's as it contained an artefact that is supposed to be cursed and the whole exhibition was bricked up to cover up a series of bizarre deaths.
When Nora Kelly and her team uncover the tomb and the artefact in the museum basement the curse is released and people start dying. Is there another museum beast?
The only person who can help is Agent Pendergast, but he's locked away in Herkmoor prison and Vincent D'Agosta, Eli Glinn, Constance and Proctor have to figure out a way of breaking him out, but NOBODY has ever escaped alive from Herkmoor maximum security prison
5 out of 5 stars from me.
1,577 pages (all three books combined) of sheer brilliant story telling and great entertainment.
This review covers the Diogenes Trilogy: Brimstone, Dance of Death and The Book of the Dead as i bought all three in one volume.
Brimstone.
People are dying very mysteriously, their bodies burned on the INSIDE. The first is discovered in a locked room, a look of absolute horror on his face and a hoof print burned into the floor boards, as Agent Pendergast investigates, more bodies begin to appear, killed in the same horrifying way,
Did four men make a pact with the devil thirty years ago? Has the Devil come to claim the souls of those involved? Find out in another fantastic read in the Agent Pendergast series.
5 out of 5 stars from me.
Dance of Death.
Having been FINALLY introduced to Diogenes Pendergast (Agent Pendergast's cunning, diabolical, mad as a box of frogs brother) at the end of Brimstone, he really comes into the light here.
People closest to Agent Pendergast are being murdered and he is framed for the murders and goes on the run to try and solve the crimes and therefore prove his innocence.
With the welcome return of lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta in tow, Agent Pendergast must prove that his brother Diogenes is the culprit, but Diogenes has a few things on his side, the world thinks he's dead, his brother is wanted for the multiple murders he himself committed and consequently is on the run from the federal authorities and the fact that he has had twenty years to plan the world's most perfect, horrendous crime.
Dance of Death sees the welcome return of such characters as William
Smithback Jr, Nora Kelly, Margo Greene, Hugo Menzies, and Agent Coffee of the F.B.I, most of whom go as far back as Pendergast book one (Relic). Another great read. 5 out of 5 stars from me.
The Book of the Dead
Having had their entire diamond collection stolen by Diogenes Pendergast in Dance of Death, the New York Museum of Natural History are stunted to have it returned to them in the post . . . ground down to nothing but dust. To appease the public uproar, the museum reopens the Tomb of Senef, a museum exhibition that closed in the 1930's as it contained an artefact that is supposed to be cursed and the whole exhibition was bricked up to cover up a series of bizarre deaths.
When Nora Kelly and her team uncover the tomb and the artefact in the museum basement the curse is released and people start dying. Is there another museum beast?
The only person who can help is Agent Pendergast, but he's locked away in Herkmoor prison and Vincent D'Agosta, Eli Glinn, Constance and Proctor have to figure out a way of breaking him out, but NOBODY has ever escaped alive from Herkmoor maximum security prison
5 out of 5 stars from me.
1,577 pages (all three books combined) of sheer brilliant story telling and great entertainment.
August 25, 2021
Amazing!! I love Pendergast (not exactly Diogenes although he makes a good bad guy!) I felt Holmes was referenced and many other mysteries like
! There is always awesome references to real life or literary giants in Preston & Childs books! This was 3 books in one and I’m glad cuz I couldn’t stop once I started!
I really love the characters, they mysteries and the overall writing! I’m always surprised and can never guess what’s going to happen!
I started with
, and would also recommend reading
( I read it after book 2 I think because it introduces “Nora Kelly” if I’m not wrong.) Margo was in Relic I believe, but anyways the neat part is that the characters pop into the mysteries and you never know which one!
I can’t remember if there was animal cruelty.. because I just read a book that did and now I forgot, i think barely and only in reference to Diogenes past.. oh whoops Never-mind I take that back in book 3 something sad happens! Wow. The Pendergast family is huge, crazy and dwindling and I really hope that A Pendergast gets a romance! He deserves it! Love the series! Can’t wait for the next which has “Wheel” in the title lol. This Is what I get for reading so many books at once and not recording my thoughts right away!
! There is always awesome references to real life or literary giants in Preston & Childs books! This was 3 books in one and I’m glad cuz I couldn’t stop once I started! I really love the characters, they mysteries and the overall writing! I’m always surprised and can never guess what’s going to happen!
I started with
, and would also recommend reading
( I read it after book 2 I think because it introduces “Nora Kelly” if I’m not wrong.) Margo was in Relic I believe, but anyways the neat part is that the characters pop into the mysteries and you never know which one!I can’t remember if there was animal cruelty.. because I just read a book that did and now I forgot, i think barely and only in reference to Diogenes past.. oh whoops Never-mind I take that back in book 3 something sad happens! Wow. The Pendergast family is huge, crazy and dwindling and I really hope that A Pendergast gets a romance! He deserves it! Love the series! Can’t wait for the next which has “Wheel” in the title lol. This Is what I get for reading so many books at once and not recording my thoughts right away!
December 29, 2014
FBI Agent Pendergast is reminiscent of Batman. Like Bruce Wayne, Pendergast has inherited a family fortune and uses his personal wealth to pursue justice. Like Batman he at time strays outside of the law when he feels the ends justify the means. His nemesis is his brother who has also inherited family wealth. Perhaps even more brilliant than his FBI agent brother, he is driven to perpetrate crimes and atrocities by a dark motive that is revealed in the third book.
July 15, 2021
Excellent combo
I chose 5stars because I could hardly stop reading. It kept me in suspense wondering what was going to happen next. I always try to think what the author is going to do and I was really surprised with the last chapter. Does A.X.L. come to late to save Constance or does Diogenes finally win? Superbly done!
I chose 5stars because I could hardly stop reading. It kept me in suspense wondering what was going to happen next. I always try to think what the author is going to do and I was really surprised with the last chapter. Does A.X.L. come to late to save Constance or does Diogenes finally win? Superbly done!
April 17, 2014
I finally finished this trilogy today. LOVED the characters. Really smart and funny, it's been exciting to read all three. I would highly recommend reading them. Entertaining....couldn't wait to see how it ended.
January 18, 2014
Way awesome reads! Go back and read The Relic, Reliquary etc. on and on! These guys in one form or another are great and sciencish enough to intrigue anyone who has a mind for the X-Files and Jurassic Park combined!
October 16, 2016
Excellent stories!! Couldn't put them down.
It started much like Angels and Demons..... but then the plots and suspense thickened and the story lines crossed, the books were indeed very well written. I look forward to other Pendegast stories.
It started much like Angels and Demons..... but then the plots and suspense thickened and the story lines crossed, the books were indeed very well written. I look forward to other Pendegast stories.
April 8, 2013
Book of The Dead. Very good but those guys just don't know where to put the last full stop!
October 28, 2013
Diogenes is one creepy dude!
November 1, 2013
Loved this trilogy as much as all the other books in the series.
November 24, 2013
Out there, but a great read.
Read
February 18, 2016read all already
October 8, 2016
Exciting read
Great set of books, just shows that not all siblings get Long. I don't know how many are trying to kill each other though. All ready for the next book.
Great set of books, just shows that not all siblings get Long. I don't know how many are trying to kill each other though. All ready for the next book.
April 20, 2019
Love the cerebral quality of the writing. Only spoilt by repetition.
October 26, 2019
Read the books separately.
August 2, 2021
I love agent Pendergast!
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