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Pendergast #23
Pendergast: The Beginning
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Expected 27 Jan 26Win a free print copy of this book!
25 days and 08:28:55
20 copies available
U.S. only
From the #1 New York Times bestselling duo Preston and Child comes THE Agent Pendergast origin story – an event for longtime fans of the beloved series and for new readers who want to start at The Beginning.
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 27, 2026
31 people are currently reading
10170 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Preston
178 books13.4k 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 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 7, 2025
Step into the captivating realm of Special Agent A.X.L. Pendergast, a remarkable man whose extraordinary journey with the Federal Bureau of Investigation is nothing short of legendary. From facing spine-chilling supernatural entities to battling ancient horrors, and even navigating the twists of time to track down a Victorian-era serial killer, Pendergast’s adventures are truly awe-inspiring!
Get ready to uncover the thrilling origins of this exceptional agent as we explore his early days with the FBI! You'll be entranced by the haunting cases that marked the start of his career—each filled with peril and intrigue, where deadly consequences lurked just around the corner. Join us on this enlightening journey as we reveal the truths behind the man, the myth, and the intriguing mysteries that sculpted Special Agent Pendergast into the extraordinary figure we’ve come to admire.
"Pendergast: The Beginning" invites readers on an exhilarating and nostolgic adventure into the formative years of Aloysius Pendergast, as he embarks on his thrilling path as a junior FBI agent in the vibrant, often dangerous streets of New Orleans in the early 1990s. The story dives into Pendergast’s fascinating family legacy, brimming with secrets and unique eccentricities, while introducing his wise mentor, Agent Chambers. This dynamic duo works together to unravel the mysteries posed by a sinister, twisted serial killer.
With every page turn, authors Preston and Child skillfully weave a rich tapestry of suspense and intrigue, filled with unexpected plot twists and clever misdirection that will keep you on the edge of your seat. They create a chilling atmosphere that draws you into harrowing crime scenes, presenting unforgettable villains who will haunt your thoughts long after you’ve finished reading. This gripping installment is genuinely a page-turner, compelling you to stay lost in its intoxicating narrative until the final shocker unfolds. It’s such an engaging story that you may find it impossible to put down! I genuinely encourage you to grab a copy. Whether you’re new to the Pendergast series or a seasoned fan, this book is a fantastic entry point that will surely enchant you.
Mark your calendars—the anticipated publication date in the UK is set for January 29, 2026, while readers in Canada and the US can look forward to its release on January 27, 2026!
A heartfelt thank you to Zoe at Head of Zeus, NetGalley, and Aria & Aries | Head of Zeus for providing the widget to download the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
Get ready to uncover the thrilling origins of this exceptional agent as we explore his early days with the FBI! You'll be entranced by the haunting cases that marked the start of his career—each filled with peril and intrigue, where deadly consequences lurked just around the corner. Join us on this enlightening journey as we reveal the truths behind the man, the myth, and the intriguing mysteries that sculpted Special Agent Pendergast into the extraordinary figure we’ve come to admire.
"Pendergast: The Beginning" invites readers on an exhilarating and nostolgic adventure into the formative years of Aloysius Pendergast, as he embarks on his thrilling path as a junior FBI agent in the vibrant, often dangerous streets of New Orleans in the early 1990s. The story dives into Pendergast’s fascinating family legacy, brimming with secrets and unique eccentricities, while introducing his wise mentor, Agent Chambers. This dynamic duo works together to unravel the mysteries posed by a sinister, twisted serial killer.
With every page turn, authors Preston and Child skillfully weave a rich tapestry of suspense and intrigue, filled with unexpected plot twists and clever misdirection that will keep you on the edge of your seat. They create a chilling atmosphere that draws you into harrowing crime scenes, presenting unforgettable villains who will haunt your thoughts long after you’ve finished reading. This gripping installment is genuinely a page-turner, compelling you to stay lost in its intoxicating narrative until the final shocker unfolds. It’s such an engaging story that you may find it impossible to put down! I genuinely encourage you to grab a copy. Whether you’re new to the Pendergast series or a seasoned fan, this book is a fantastic entry point that will surely enchant you.
Mark your calendars—the anticipated publication date in the UK is set for January 29, 2026, while readers in Canada and the US can look forward to its release on January 27, 2026!
A heartfelt thank you to Zoe at Head of Zeus, NetGalley, and Aria & Aries | Head of Zeus for providing the widget to download the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
December 8, 2025
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
Preston and Child take us back to the year 1994, when Agent Pendergast was new to the FBI, stationed in his home town of New Orleans. For his first real action, he discovers an old cold case ties in with a recent killing, and eventually connects more, proving there's a serial killer. Already displaying his trademarked tendency to ignore authority and conduct investigations as he sees fit, even if it means going rogue with regards to department policy, Pendergast will have a challenge persuading his mentor that the deaths they're investigating aren't as clear cut as they appear.
It was great going back in time to the early days of Pendergast, to see him operate and feel what it was like in the earlier novels as opposed to how far down the rabbit hole the series has gone in recent years. And, of course, an introduction to his driver/bodyguard Proctor and how evnetually those two came together. I wouldn't mind seeing more retro stories in the series.
Preston and Child take us back to the year 1994, when Agent Pendergast was new to the FBI, stationed in his home town of New Orleans. For his first real action, he discovers an old cold case ties in with a recent killing, and eventually connects more, proving there's a serial killer. Already displaying his trademarked tendency to ignore authority and conduct investigations as he sees fit, even if it means going rogue with regards to department policy, Pendergast will have a challenge persuading his mentor that the deaths they're investigating aren't as clear cut as they appear.
It was great going back in time to the early days of Pendergast, to see him operate and feel what it was like in the earlier novels as opposed to how far down the rabbit hole the series has gone in recent years. And, of course, an introduction to his driver/bodyguard Proctor and how evnetually those two came together. I wouldn't mind seeing more retro stories in the series.
November 25, 2025
***Slow And Unevenly Paced Through The First 70% But Finishes Strong!
Pendergast: The Beginning is one of those books that’s both satisfying and somewhat disappointing at the same time. As an early but lapsed fan of the series in recent years, I looked forward to reading this book in order to get a closer look at the early life of Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast—his family, his formative experiences, and the shadows that shaped him. There are some genuinely very good moments here and, as always, Preston & Child continue to do a very good job in building atmosphere.
But… this is also a rare case where the authors’ own mythology works against them. By pulling back the curtain on Pendergast’s past, the book inevitably removes some of the mystique that made him such a compelling character in the first place. Certain revelations feel a bit too tidy, and I found the pacing to oftentimes be uneven—slow throughout a considerable portion of the book, then suddenly rushing once the actual plot kicks up the excitement level during the final 30% of the book. Further, several side characters come off as flat; more archetype than flesh and blood.
Still, for big fans of the series featuring Pendergast it’s an enjoyable dive into the lore—even if it’s not as tight, thrilling, or surprising as the best entries in the series. For newcomers, though, this probably isn’t the book to start with. It’s more of a companion piece than a standalone knockout.
#Pendergast,The Beginning. #Net Galley
Pendergast: The Beginning is one of those books that’s both satisfying and somewhat disappointing at the same time. As an early but lapsed fan of the series in recent years, I looked forward to reading this book in order to get a closer look at the early life of Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast—his family, his formative experiences, and the shadows that shaped him. There are some genuinely very good moments here and, as always, Preston & Child continue to do a very good job in building atmosphere.
But… this is also a rare case where the authors’ own mythology works against them. By pulling back the curtain on Pendergast’s past, the book inevitably removes some of the mystique that made him such a compelling character in the first place. Certain revelations feel a bit too tidy, and I found the pacing to oftentimes be uneven—slow throughout a considerable portion of the book, then suddenly rushing once the actual plot kicks up the excitement level during the final 30% of the book. Further, several side characters come off as flat; more archetype than flesh and blood.
Still, for big fans of the series featuring Pendergast it’s an enjoyable dive into the lore—even if it’s not as tight, thrilling, or surprising as the best entries in the series. For newcomers, though, this probably isn’t the book to start with. It’s more of a companion piece than a standalone knockout.
#Pendergast,The Beginning. #Net Galley
November 25, 2025
Review to come upon release
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This review was originally published at FanFiAddict.
According to the Goodreads star-ratings metric, two stars means a book was OK. If one must use a star-rating, this works well enough since Pendergast: The Beginning is the textbook definition of a supremely OK book. Coming along as entry #23 in the Pendergast series, co-authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child go back in time to just before their collaborative debut with The Relic to explore the titular FBI agent’s first case a newbie investigator in ye olden days of 1994.
This makes for a neat trip down memory lane, although I shudder at the realization that some of you reading this now might not even have been born then (a thought that has prompted me to sprout at least three more gray hairs), but Pendergast itself feels less like a story the authors were in urgent need of telling than a book written to fulfill a contractual obligation. Sure, they throw in the requisite twists and turns, transforming a rote serial killer story into something more nefarious and deeper, not to mention something straight out of another ‘90s staple, The X-Files, but it lacks that particular spark of yesteryear.
Keeping a series character feeling fresh after 30 years is a difficult task for any author. I stopped reading the Pendergast books roughly 15 years ago after Cemetery Dance and have only occasionally dipped back into the various other series Preston & Child have dreamt up since. I haven’t felt much of a need to check back in with Pendergast, but nostalgia and curiosity once again got the better of me with The Beginning. I’m happy to report this wasn’t a complete waste of my time, but I probably won’t feel the need to pick up a Pendergast book for at least another 15 years.
Pendergast, for me, is a character that has always worked better in small doses as a supporting character. He’s an eccentric, anachronistic, know-it-all oddball. He’s a Deep South Hercule Poirot derivative, a moneyed aristocrat who never feels like a contemporary character but one that has been plucked from a Holmesian mystery book several centuries past and plopped into the present-day, of which he is completely oblivious to. Pendergast is not without charm, but it’s easier to relate to senior Agent Chambers, the Lestrade to Pendergast’s Holmes, whom he is partnered with in The Beginning. Chambers is often completely exasperated by and at wits end with the ostensibly younger agent’s roguish deductions, leaps of logic, and overall strange behavior. I, too, have come to find myself more exasperated than charmed by Pendergast over the years, particularly as he has become the central focus of so many books that have served to progressively strip away the mystery and deepen the soap opera of his weirdo life. See again: small doses.
Pendergast: The Beginning is written with a certain irony, of course. At one point, Chambers thinks of the clues his partner has uncovered as the kind that can only exist in fiction. It’s also a wink and a nod to readers, given that Pendergast is the type of character that can only exist in fiction. He’s a striking work of imagination, but every time he appears on page we are forced to reckon with the uncanny valley of his artificial existence. Nobody speaks or behaves like this in the real world. He’s a comic book character writ large, a sort of Batman for popular fiction airport reads, with his master of disguise schtick, which we see in the book’s opening, and suit jacket cum utility belt filled with hidden compartments chockfull of the investigator’s tools. Pendergast isn’t an FBI agent so much as he’s the imaginary ideal of an FBI agent, working for the imaginary ideal of a competent federal investigatory agency that, even in this entirely made-up world, has a hard time putting up with his shit.
Said shit eventually culminates in a fiery climax set aboard a paddle wheel steamboat, because not even Pendergast’s nemeses can behave even the least bit contemporary, forcing one to question why these guys aren’t caught sooner. If you want to know who the killer in any given Pendergast book is, look for the guy who acts like he’s a Jame Bond villain that’s at least two centuries past their expiration date.
Part of the problem with Pendergast: The Beginning is that it’s tonally inconsistent. It tries to be everything for everyone and ultimately feels like nothing more than a mish-mash of incongruent oddities. Lincoln & Child have their fun crafting a modern-day Sherlock Holmes howdunit (who the bad guy is is never in question for long, to either readers or Pendergast himself), right down to giving Pendergast his own Moriarty (something they’d already done previously in the Diogenes trilogy). Their wannabe brainy horror-mystery then devolves into a straight-up actioner that reads like Under Siege on a riverboat. Readers, it is impossible not to feel some degree of whiplash swinging from Sherlock Holmes straight into a ‘90s-era Steven Seagal set piece.
As a teenager in the ‘90s, I couldn’t help but think of The Relic as one of literature’s greats. It helped scratch that particular itch I had as an X-Files obsessive. Thirty years later, I can’t help but see Pendergast, with all its pastiche derivations and its central character’s baggage of oddities, as pure silliness. Fun, certainly, but still supremely silly, with Pendergast and all his affectations, coming across as the silliest of them all. In another year, in another country, under a different presidential administration, I might question how he’s managed to keep himself employed in the FBI, but considering the state of our constantly norm-defying, increasingly AI slop-ridden, real world and the agency currently being led by the ever-embarrassing Trump cultist Kash Patel, I suppose I must give him yet another pass. I don’t know if Pendergast is any sillier than what’s happening outside these book’s pages, but I do know he’s certainly less harmful.
According to the Goodreads star-ratings metric, two stars means a book was OK. If one must use a star-rating, this works well enough since Pendergast: The Beginning is the textbook definition of a supremely OK book. Coming along as entry #23 in the Pendergast series, co-authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child go back in time to just before their collaborative debut with The Relic to explore the titular FBI agent’s first case a newbie investigator in ye olden days of 1994.
This makes for a neat trip down memory lane, although I shudder at the realization that some of you reading this now might not even have been born then (a thought that has prompted me to sprout at least three more gray hairs), but Pendergast itself feels less like a story the authors were in urgent need of telling than a book written to fulfill a contractual obligation. Sure, they throw in the requisite twists and turns, transforming a rote serial killer story into something more nefarious and deeper, not to mention something straight out of another ‘90s staple, The X-Files, but it lacks that particular spark of yesteryear.
Keeping a series character feeling fresh after 30 years is a difficult task for any author. I stopped reading the Pendergast books roughly 15 years ago after Cemetery Dance and have only occasionally dipped back into the various other series Preston & Child have dreamt up since. I haven’t felt much of a need to check back in with Pendergast, but nostalgia and curiosity once again got the better of me with The Beginning. I’m happy to report this wasn’t a complete waste of my time, but I probably won’t feel the need to pick up a Pendergast book for at least another 15 years.
Pendergast, for me, is a character that has always worked better in small doses as a supporting character. He’s an eccentric, anachronistic, know-it-all oddball. He’s a Deep South Hercule Poirot derivative, a moneyed aristocrat who never feels like a contemporary character but one that has been plucked from a Holmesian mystery book several centuries past and plopped into the present-day, of which he is completely oblivious to. Pendergast is not without charm, but it’s easier to relate to senior Agent Chambers, the Lestrade to Pendergast’s Holmes, whom he is partnered with in The Beginning. Chambers is often completely exasperated by and at wits end with the ostensibly younger agent’s roguish deductions, leaps of logic, and overall strange behavior. I, too, have come to find myself more exasperated than charmed by Pendergast over the years, particularly as he has become the central focus of so many books that have served to progressively strip away the mystery and deepen the soap opera of his weirdo life. See again: small doses.
Pendergast: The Beginning is written with a certain irony, of course. At one point, Chambers thinks of the clues his partner has uncovered as the kind that can only exist in fiction. It’s also a wink and a nod to readers, given that Pendergast is the type of character that can only exist in fiction. He’s a striking work of imagination, but every time he appears on page we are forced to reckon with the uncanny valley of his artificial existence. Nobody speaks or behaves like this in the real world. He’s a comic book character writ large, a sort of Batman for popular fiction airport reads, with his master of disguise schtick, which we see in the book’s opening, and suit jacket cum utility belt filled with hidden compartments chockfull of the investigator’s tools. Pendergast isn’t an FBI agent so much as he’s the imaginary ideal of an FBI agent, working for the imaginary ideal of a competent federal investigatory agency that, even in this entirely made-up world, has a hard time putting up with his shit.
Said shit eventually culminates in a fiery climax set aboard a paddle wheel steamboat, because not even Pendergast’s nemeses can behave even the least bit contemporary, forcing one to question why these guys aren’t caught sooner. If you want to know who the killer in any given Pendergast book is, look for the guy who acts like he’s a Jame Bond villain that’s at least two centuries past their expiration date.
Part of the problem with Pendergast: The Beginning is that it’s tonally inconsistent. It tries to be everything for everyone and ultimately feels like nothing more than a mish-mash of incongruent oddities. Lincoln & Child have their fun crafting a modern-day Sherlock Holmes howdunit (who the bad guy is is never in question for long, to either readers or Pendergast himself), right down to giving Pendergast his own Moriarty (something they’d already done previously in the Diogenes trilogy). Their wannabe brainy horror-mystery then devolves into a straight-up actioner that reads like Under Siege on a riverboat. Readers, it is impossible not to feel some degree of whiplash swinging from Sherlock Holmes straight into a ‘90s-era Steven Seagal set piece.
As a teenager in the ‘90s, I couldn’t help but think of The Relic as one of literature’s greats. It helped scratch that particular itch I had as an X-Files obsessive. Thirty years later, I can’t help but see Pendergast, with all its pastiche derivations and its central character’s baggage of oddities, as pure silliness. Fun, certainly, but still supremely silly, with Pendergast and all his affectations, coming across as the silliest of them all. In another year, in another country, under a different presidential administration, I might question how he’s managed to keep himself employed in the FBI, but considering the state of our constantly norm-defying, increasingly AI slop-ridden, real world and the agency currently being led by the ever-embarrassing Trump cultist Kash Patel, I suppose I must give him yet another pass. I don’t know if Pendergast is any sillier than what’s happening outside these book’s pages, but I do know he’s certainly less harmful.
December 8, 2025
PENDERGAST: The Beginning, by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child shows us the start of Agent Pendergast's illustrious career. It was nice to see the enigmatic Pendergast without all the accumulated "baggage" that has surrounded him for the past half dozen or so books. I loved that we got to see his interaction with Proctor (another favored character), and some of his trademark investigative genius.
The case itself was a little underwhelming for my tastes; switching mid-book into something...quite bizarre. This was probably more a fault of my hoping that we would be seeing into an even earlier period, including the house his parents died in, than the writing itself. I was expecting more information on an even earlier path, and this story was set as more of a precursor to THE RELIC. That being said, the epilogue made me think fondly of those earlier books, where our MC was not .
Overall, smooth writing style featuring one of my all-time favorite Protagonists. I was a bit disappointed not to have a better glimpse into an even earlier time, and featuring some of his more "infamous" family members. However, a good throwback to the original Pendergast from the early books.
The case itself was a little underwhelming for my tastes; switching mid-book into something...quite bizarre. This was probably more a fault of my hoping that we would be seeing into an even earlier period, including the house his parents died in, than the writing itself. I was expecting more information on an even earlier path, and this story was set as more of a precursor to THE RELIC. That being said, the epilogue made me think fondly of those earlier books, where our MC was not .
Overall, smooth writing style featuring one of my all-time favorite Protagonists. I was a bit disappointed not to have a better glimpse into an even earlier time, and featuring some of his more "infamous" family members. However, a good throwback to the original Pendergast from the early books.
November 16, 2025
This book is a prequel to the Pendergast series and goes back to just before he appears in The Relic. It takes place in New Orleans before he is transferred to New York City and as with the other books in the series is engaging which makes it a fast read. It is well done and provides some more background on the main character. A definite read for those who are fans of the Pendergast series.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
November 4, 2025
I feel like I was there for the literary beginning of Pendergast — I read “Relic” in 1995 and the FBI special agent had a small part in the shadows (and did not appear in the movie). Now, twenty two books later and of indeterminate age (maybe born in 1960, but still in his 40s), we get an origin book for A.X.L. Pendergast. It’s taken a long time for the reader to glean certain facts (like his first name, later his middle name, a former wife who is dead/then not-dead, twin sons secretly born in 2012, a beautiful companion who is really about 150 years old, and many relatives who dealt in, um, pharmaceuticals). Plus many unexpected supernatural encounters.
This particular origin story is focused on Pendergast’s first days at the New Orleans Field Office as a rookie agent. His placement there is due to an intervention higher up, although he was born in Louisiana. He’s been partnered with Dwight Chambers, an agent near retirement and terribly depressed after the death of his wife. Chambers initially has no desire to mentor the strange pale young man, but is eventually intrigued enough to work a cold case with corpses missing right arms. Simultaneously, we’re introduced to Proctor’s pre-Pendergast chauffeur story — as a former military man working private security who is unexpectedly kidnapped by a man who is admiring Proctor’s right arm. A typically weird Preston/Child plot. Have no fear: rookie Pendergast presented himself then with the same sly arrogance that still has.
Pendergast generally doesn’t have partners (until the great addition of Coldmoon), and we do get to meet the agent who was assigned to mentor him initially.
I felt the plot was a clever way to give us more of early Pendergast without considering the trajectory of the future storylines, and I’m all in for more early New Orleans Pendergast capers. 4.5 stars.
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Sophie has jade colored eyes, and Magnus has deep green, almost feminine, eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO There are exuberant descriptions of live oaks, Chinese Wisteria and Spanish moss that characterize the Louisiana swamp.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
This particular origin story is focused on Pendergast’s first days at the New Orleans Field Office as a rookie agent. His placement there is due to an intervention higher up, although he was born in Louisiana. He’s been partnered with Dwight Chambers, an agent near retirement and terribly depressed after the death of his wife. Chambers initially has no desire to mentor the strange pale young man, but is eventually intrigued enough to work a cold case with corpses missing right arms. Simultaneously, we’re introduced to Proctor’s pre-Pendergast chauffeur story — as a former military man working private security who is unexpectedly kidnapped by a man who is admiring Proctor’s right arm. A typically weird Preston/Child plot. Have no fear: rookie Pendergast presented himself then with the same sly arrogance that still has.
Pendergast generally doesn’t have partners (until the great addition of Coldmoon), and we do get to meet the agent who was assigned to mentor him initially.
I felt the plot was a clever way to give us more of early Pendergast without considering the trajectory of the future storylines, and I’m all in for more early New Orleans Pendergast capers. 4.5 stars.
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Sophie has jade colored eyes, and Magnus has deep green, almost feminine, eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO There are exuberant descriptions of live oaks, Chinese Wisteria and Spanish moss that characterize the Louisiana swamp.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
November 25, 2025
Decent but somewhat disappointing origin story about the start of Pendergast's FBI career in New Orleans. The case chosen is a bit more pedestrian than you'd expect and not seemingly worthy of the beginning of a character as iconic as Pendergast. As has been the case with several of the last few entries in the series, the writing is getting somewhat stale and cliched at times. I've read every book in the series and I long for the days of exciting stories like Relic and Still Life With Crows, just to name a few. It's certainly not a bad book, but it's just not as good as you'd expect for an entry of this nature. We do get to see the initial connection with Proctor, which is cool, and the epilogue reminds us of the glory days of the series. I liked it generally, but I was left wanting more. Here's hoping again that this duo can find the same magic that once existed in the series. I know I'll keep reading regardless, though. Thanks to the publisher via Netgally for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2025
Pendergast: The Beginning by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.
Grand Central Publishing — thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
I opened this prequel expecting something calm and nostalgic, maybe even a gentle “once upon a time” for our favorite pale and unsettling FBI agent. Instead, I got a story that grabbed me by the collar and said, “Sit down, we’re doing this my way.” Which, to be fair, is exactly how Pendergast himself operates, so the tone is fitting.
We meet him as a rookie assigned to the New Orleans Field Office, where Dwight Chambers—his designated mentor—is struggling to function after personal tragedy. Chambers is exhausted, grieving, and absolutely not in the mood to babysit an unnervingly polite wunderkind in a black suit who seems to know everything except how to follow a single order. Their early scenes together feel like watching a tired dad realize the toddler he’s been handed can pick locks, quote obscure poetry, and probably solve a homicide before breakfast. It’s funny, but also unexpectedly tender.
Once the pair are “temporarily encouraged” to disappear from the office after Pendergast pulls a stunt that would get a normal agent fired on sight, the book really opens up. They land on a strange murder over the Mississippi border, and what looks like an isolated case quickly spirals into something darker and much more elaborate. The ritualistic killings are chilling without leaning into shock value, and the pacing builds just right—steady at first, then tightening, then refusing to let go.
What impressed me most is how the authors balance familiarity with novelty. Pendergast already feels fully formed—precise, eerie, brilliant—but we get just enough vulnerability to remind us he hasn’t become that legend yet. And we finally see the early bond with Proctor, whose presence adds depth without stealing the spotlight. His storyline offers clarity on a relationship that always felt strange and strangely loyal.
New Orleans is almost a character itself here. The humidity, the layered history, the juxtaposition of beauty and decay—it all fits Pendergast like a tailored suit. If someone else had been born in this city, the story might’ve unfolded differently. But Pendergast? No. He and New Orleans share a sort of gothic DNA.
There’s one quote from the book I kept coming back to, because it sums up his entire vibe:
“Some men chase answers. Pendergast chases the truth hiding beneath them.”
That line snapped into place for me like the final bead on a string. It’s why he feels so different from every other fictional investigator.
Was everything perfect? No. I could nitpick the occasional detour that felt a bit stretched, or the fact that Pendergast shows almost no signs of rookie awkwardness—not that anyone expected him to. But honestly, the book’s charm is that it leans into his absurd competence with a straight face. The authors know their character, and they know their audience.
Reading this felt like settling in for a long-awaited reveal. Not a loud one, not an overwrought one, but the kind delivered in a quiet room where someone finally says, “Here’s how it really began.” And for longtime fans, it’s almost emotional.
The last pages tie directly into Relic, which made my little book-nerd heart flap like a startled pigeon.
In short: it’s atmospheric, clever, tense in all the right places, and absolutely worth losing sleep over. I started it at a reasonable hour and finished it at a deeply unreasonable one, muttering “just one more chapter” like a person bargaining with their own bad decisions.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Grand Central Publishing — thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
I opened this prequel expecting something calm and nostalgic, maybe even a gentle “once upon a time” for our favorite pale and unsettling FBI agent. Instead, I got a story that grabbed me by the collar and said, “Sit down, we’re doing this my way.” Which, to be fair, is exactly how Pendergast himself operates, so the tone is fitting.
We meet him as a rookie assigned to the New Orleans Field Office, where Dwight Chambers—his designated mentor—is struggling to function after personal tragedy. Chambers is exhausted, grieving, and absolutely not in the mood to babysit an unnervingly polite wunderkind in a black suit who seems to know everything except how to follow a single order. Their early scenes together feel like watching a tired dad realize the toddler he’s been handed can pick locks, quote obscure poetry, and probably solve a homicide before breakfast. It’s funny, but also unexpectedly tender.
Once the pair are “temporarily encouraged” to disappear from the office after Pendergast pulls a stunt that would get a normal agent fired on sight, the book really opens up. They land on a strange murder over the Mississippi border, and what looks like an isolated case quickly spirals into something darker and much more elaborate. The ritualistic killings are chilling without leaning into shock value, and the pacing builds just right—steady at first, then tightening, then refusing to let go.
What impressed me most is how the authors balance familiarity with novelty. Pendergast already feels fully formed—precise, eerie, brilliant—but we get just enough vulnerability to remind us he hasn’t become that legend yet. And we finally see the early bond with Proctor, whose presence adds depth without stealing the spotlight. His storyline offers clarity on a relationship that always felt strange and strangely loyal.
New Orleans is almost a character itself here. The humidity, the layered history, the juxtaposition of beauty and decay—it all fits Pendergast like a tailored suit. If someone else had been born in this city, the story might’ve unfolded differently. But Pendergast? No. He and New Orleans share a sort of gothic DNA.
There’s one quote from the book I kept coming back to, because it sums up his entire vibe:
“Some men chase answers. Pendergast chases the truth hiding beneath them.”
That line snapped into place for me like the final bead on a string. It’s why he feels so different from every other fictional investigator.
Was everything perfect? No. I could nitpick the occasional detour that felt a bit stretched, or the fact that Pendergast shows almost no signs of rookie awkwardness—not that anyone expected him to. But honestly, the book’s charm is that it leans into his absurd competence with a straight face. The authors know their character, and they know their audience.
Reading this felt like settling in for a long-awaited reveal. Not a loud one, not an overwrought one, but the kind delivered in a quiet room where someone finally says, “Here’s how it really began.” And for longtime fans, it’s almost emotional.
The last pages tie directly into Relic, which made my little book-nerd heart flap like a startled pigeon.
In short: it’s atmospheric, clever, tense in all the right places, and absolutely worth losing sleep over. I started it at a reasonable hour and finished it at a deeply unreasonable one, muttering “just one more chapter” like a person bargaining with their own bad decisions.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
November 29, 2025
Pendergast: The Beginning is an origin story for the enigmatic FBI agent. Set before the events of Relic, where we first met Pendergast, it goes back to his first shocking case.
New Orleans in the early 1990s, and Special Agent Dwight Chambers’ life is in free fall. First, he lost his partner, and then, tragically, his wife. Returning to work at the New Orleans Field Office, Chambers is drinking too much and is dismayed to find himself saddled with mentoring a brand new FBI agent, the quirky A. X. L. Pendergast. As Chambers tries to pull himself together, his unfathomable and exasperating junior partner pulls an outrageous stunt that gets both of them suspended.
Pendergast welcomes the banishment, because it gives him the opportunity to investigate a peculiar murder in Mississippi that has captured his fancy. Chambers grudgingly goes along. What starts off as a whimsical quest swiftly turns into a terrifying pursuit, as Chambers and Pendergast uncover a string of grisly, ritualistic killings that defy any known serial killer profile.
This is a very atmospheric and chilling thriller. It starts out as a hunt for a serial killer, but then around the halfway point it unexpectedly turns into something very different. The pacing is good throughout, with the additional viewpoint of a captive of the serial killer adding to the early suspense. The descriptions of New Orleans and the Louisiana swamps are rich, and give the book a strong sense of place, and the secondary characters and villains are well described and interesting.
There are misdirections, surprises and gruesome events along the way to the final showdown, which is spectacularly good and bloody, with the usual Preston and Child touches of the extraordinary.
Fans of the series will greatly enjoy seeing Pendergast as a rookie agent, with a mysterious past, on his first case. Although a new agent, he already has that sly arrogance that becomes so evident later in the series, but he is willing to learn from the more steadfast and wily Chambers. Being set in Louisiana, the book does allow the authors to dive into Pendergast’s fascinating family legacy, brimming with secrets, unique eccentricities, and wild rumours. There is also a significant appearance by a tough ex-military contractor, known as Proctor, who goes on to become Pendergast’s chauffeur in later books. 4.5 rounded up.
Very enjoyable. Full review and more at: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/l...
New Orleans in the early 1990s, and Special Agent Dwight Chambers’ life is in free fall. First, he lost his partner, and then, tragically, his wife. Returning to work at the New Orleans Field Office, Chambers is drinking too much and is dismayed to find himself saddled with mentoring a brand new FBI agent, the quirky A. X. L. Pendergast. As Chambers tries to pull himself together, his unfathomable and exasperating junior partner pulls an outrageous stunt that gets both of them suspended.
Pendergast welcomes the banishment, because it gives him the opportunity to investigate a peculiar murder in Mississippi that has captured his fancy. Chambers grudgingly goes along. What starts off as a whimsical quest swiftly turns into a terrifying pursuit, as Chambers and Pendergast uncover a string of grisly, ritualistic killings that defy any known serial killer profile.
This is a very atmospheric and chilling thriller. It starts out as a hunt for a serial killer, but then around the halfway point it unexpectedly turns into something very different. The pacing is good throughout, with the additional viewpoint of a captive of the serial killer adding to the early suspense. The descriptions of New Orleans and the Louisiana swamps are rich, and give the book a strong sense of place, and the secondary characters and villains are well described and interesting.
There are misdirections, surprises and gruesome events along the way to the final showdown, which is spectacularly good and bloody, with the usual Preston and Child touches of the extraordinary.
Fans of the series will greatly enjoy seeing Pendergast as a rookie agent, with a mysterious past, on his first case. Although a new agent, he already has that sly arrogance that becomes so evident later in the series, but he is willing to learn from the more steadfast and wily Chambers. Being set in Louisiana, the book does allow the authors to dive into Pendergast’s fascinating family legacy, brimming with secrets, unique eccentricities, and wild rumours. There is also a significant appearance by a tough ex-military contractor, known as Proctor, who goes on to become Pendergast’s chauffeur in later books. 4.5 rounded up.
Very enjoyable. Full review and more at: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/l...
November 6, 2025
From the stunningly graphic cover to the closing epilogue, this latest Pendergast novel kept me turning pages past my bedtime. Having read all the previous (22 in number) books featuring the incomparable, quirky FBI agent, I welcomed this storyline which details Pendergast’s first assignment as a newly minted graduate of Quantico. It fills in gaps that explain some of the mysterious elements of Pendergast’s proclivities and connections with higher ranking officials.
Pendergast is assigned to the New Orleans office under the mentorship of decorated veteran agent, Dwight Chambers. Despite his long successful career, Chambers is suffering from an incapacitating depression after the recent death of his wife. Hence, the lines between mentor and mentee become blurred, fueled by Pendergast’s rogue personality.
The storyline follows the interaction between the two agents as they are banished from the office and choose to pick up an unusual case. The murder proves to be the tip of the iceberg eventually uncovering the work of a serial killer with ties to a prestigious university professor who conducted paranormal research, now in disrepute. Pendergast displays his unusual talent to solve challenging (often violent) crimes using his powers of observation, logic, and military experience. This novel illuminates the beginning of a stellar, if strikingly unusual career.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Pendergast is assigned to the New Orleans office under the mentorship of decorated veteran agent, Dwight Chambers. Despite his long successful career, Chambers is suffering from an incapacitating depression after the recent death of his wife. Hence, the lines between mentor and mentee become blurred, fueled by Pendergast’s rogue personality.
The storyline follows the interaction between the two agents as they are banished from the office and choose to pick up an unusual case. The murder proves to be the tip of the iceberg eventually uncovering the work of a serial killer with ties to a prestigious university professor who conducted paranormal research, now in disrepute. Pendergast displays his unusual talent to solve challenging (often violent) crimes using his powers of observation, logic, and military experience. This novel illuminates the beginning of a stellar, if strikingly unusual career.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
December 3, 2025
Bravo, Preston and Child, bravo! "Pendergast" is not only one of the best books in the entire series (I've read them all), but it also succeeds wonderfully in filling in many of the blanks regarding Pendergast's early life, his first assignment with the FBI, and his connection to Proctor.
In addition to the great backstory material, Preston and Child introduce their readers to some memorable standalone characters in this book. The plot revolves around Pendergast's assignment to agent Dwight Chambers, a man racked with sorrow and bitterness over the recent death of his wife. The last thing that Chambers wants is to babysit a new agent, but that's exactly what he has been assigned to do. What Chambers quickly finds out is that Pendergast is unlike any agent or person he's ever worked with or met. After a memorable scene involving Pendergast's unmasking of a rogue agent, he and Chambers are given some time off because of the unorthodox methods used in the unveiling. They decide to dig into a cold case that involves murder and mutilation. What they begin to find as they unravel the clues, though, is that they may be dealing with a serial killer.
This book contains non-stop action, plenty of plot twists, terrific dialogue, occasional humor, and all the quirks and oddities that make Pendergast such a beloved character. This is the Pendergast that we all came to love in "Relic" and "Reliquary". This book gets my highest recommendation!
I'd like to thank Net Galley, Grand Central Publishing, and the authors for providing me with an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In addition to the great backstory material, Preston and Child introduce their readers to some memorable standalone characters in this book. The plot revolves around Pendergast's assignment to agent Dwight Chambers, a man racked with sorrow and bitterness over the recent death of his wife. The last thing that Chambers wants is to babysit a new agent, but that's exactly what he has been assigned to do. What Chambers quickly finds out is that Pendergast is unlike any agent or person he's ever worked with or met. After a memorable scene involving Pendergast's unmasking of a rogue agent, he and Chambers are given some time off because of the unorthodox methods used in the unveiling. They decide to dig into a cold case that involves murder and mutilation. What they begin to find as they unravel the clues, though, is that they may be dealing with a serial killer.
This book contains non-stop action, plenty of plot twists, terrific dialogue, occasional humor, and all the quirks and oddities that make Pendergast such a beloved character. This is the Pendergast that we all came to love in "Relic" and "Reliquary". This book gets my highest recommendation!
I'd like to thank Net Galley, Grand Central Publishing, and the authors for providing me with an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2025
Serious talk...I had way too much fun with this one. It’s giving eerie, atmospheric, “don’t read this alone at night” energy, but also that very specific thrill of watching an iconic character grow into the legend we already know he becomes. Seeing him at the very start of his FBI career, still sharp, still strange, but not yet fully that guy, felt like peeking behind a very ornate, very gothic curtain and finding all the deliciously weird gears turning.
What totally hooked me was how the story blends a gritty early-90s New Orleans vibe with a cold case that slowly spirals into something darker, stranger, and way more elaborate than anyone expects. There’s crime, there’s mystery, there’s a serial killer with a seriously chilling signature, and through it all you get the dynamic between a grief-stricken mentor and this unnervingly brilliant rookie who keeps doing things that make you go, “sir… sir please… 😳 but also keep going.”
And honestly? Getting more insight into the family oddities and eccentricities that shaped him was such a treat. It adds depth without ruining the mystique—just enough to make the puzzle pieces click in a very satisfying way. Plus, the introduction of a certain future right-hand man had me grinning like a total nerd.
It’s suspenseful, clever, and totally bingeable. Whether you’ve followed this series forever or you’re new and curious, this feels like the perfect entry point into the madness.
Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
What totally hooked me was how the story blends a gritty early-90s New Orleans vibe with a cold case that slowly spirals into something darker, stranger, and way more elaborate than anyone expects. There’s crime, there’s mystery, there’s a serial killer with a seriously chilling signature, and through it all you get the dynamic between a grief-stricken mentor and this unnervingly brilliant rookie who keeps doing things that make you go, “sir… sir please… 😳 but also keep going.”
And honestly? Getting more insight into the family oddities and eccentricities that shaped him was such a treat. It adds depth without ruining the mystique—just enough to make the puzzle pieces click in a very satisfying way. Plus, the introduction of a certain future right-hand man had me grinning like a total nerd.
It’s suspenseful, clever, and totally bingeable. Whether you’ve followed this series forever or you’re new and curious, this feels like the perfect entry point into the madness.
Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A thrilling origin story that finally ties the entire Pendergast saga together!
As a longtime fan of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, I’ve been waiting years for the full backstory of the enigmatic Aloysius Pendergast. This standalone novel takes us back to the very beginning, chronicling a young Pendergast fresh out of Quantico as he’s thrust into his first major case: a bizarre, ritualistic series of murders in New Orleans that hits far too close to home.What makes this book special is how it weaves the origins of so many familiar threads. We finally see how Pendergast became the brilliant, eccentric, almost superhuman agent we know, and (best of all) we witness the moment Proctor enters his life right from the start. The authors do an excellent job of planting seeds that loyal readers will recognize as the foundations of the entire series. The pacing is classic Preston & Child: atmospheric, twisty, and packed with that signature blend of forensic detail and creeping dread. And watching a younger, slightly less polished Pendergast evolve in real time is fascinating.
For fans, this feels like the missing puzzle piece we’ve needed for decades. If you’ve ever wondered how the world’s most unusual FBI agent came to be… this is the book you’ve been waiting for.Highly recommended for any Pendergast devotee. An excellent read. Five stars.
I was invited to read a DRC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
As a longtime fan of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, I’ve been waiting years for the full backstory of the enigmatic Aloysius Pendergast. This standalone novel takes us back to the very beginning, chronicling a young Pendergast fresh out of Quantico as he’s thrust into his first major case: a bizarre, ritualistic series of murders in New Orleans that hits far too close to home.What makes this book special is how it weaves the origins of so many familiar threads. We finally see how Pendergast became the brilliant, eccentric, almost superhuman agent we know, and (best of all) we witness the moment Proctor enters his life right from the start. The authors do an excellent job of planting seeds that loyal readers will recognize as the foundations of the entire series. The pacing is classic Preston & Child: atmospheric, twisty, and packed with that signature blend of forensic detail and creeping dread. And watching a younger, slightly less polished Pendergast evolve in real time is fascinating.
For fans, this feels like the missing puzzle piece we’ve needed for decades. If you’ve ever wondered how the world’s most unusual FBI agent came to be… this is the book you’ve been waiting for.Highly recommended for any Pendergast devotee. An excellent read. Five stars.
I was invited to read a DRC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one knocked me flat! I went in knowing the names Preston & Child, but with zero expectations, and walked out with a full-blown character obsession.
Yes, the clever twists, turns, and breath-stealing moments of shock were impressive, but that’s not what truly hooked me. It was the man himself. Pendergast is strange, magnetic, unsettling, brilliant, and quietly commanding in a way that makes every scene feel charged. I found myself wanting to slow down just to stay with him longer, to watch how he thinks, how he moves through the world.
Pendergast isn’t just memorable, he lingers. Days after I turned the last page, he was still consuming my thoughts. I want to know everything about him. I’m completely obsessed. And yes, I’m already planning to dive deeper into this series because I need more of him. This wasn’t just a great read, it was the start of something dangerous for my TBR.
Multi POV
Triggers
Yes, the clever twists, turns, and breath-stealing moments of shock were impressive, but that’s not what truly hooked me. It was the man himself. Pendergast is strange, magnetic, unsettling, brilliant, and quietly commanding in a way that makes every scene feel charged. I found myself wanting to slow down just to stay with him longer, to watch how he thinks, how he moves through the world.
Pendergast isn’t just memorable, he lingers. Days after I turned the last page, he was still consuming my thoughts. I want to know everything about him. I’m completely obsessed. And yes, I’m already planning to dive deeper into this series because I need more of him. This wasn’t just a great read, it was the start of something dangerous for my TBR.
Multi POV
Triggers
November 25, 2025
How wonderful to see Aloysuys Pendergast as a young, newly assigned FBI agent. It's remarkable that as a newbie he is more astute, observant, and able to look outside the box to find resolution to difficult cases, even cold cases that investigative agencies have given up on. With this prequel to the incredible series, we find that Pendergast never had the ability to play well with others and is like a lone wolf who hasn't the time to wait for the rest of the human race to catch up with his extraordinary abilities. He drags his New Orleans mentor, Special Agemt Dwight Chambers, along as he refuses to accept the obvious solution to a case connected with the cold case they are working on.
With this title, Pendergast's connection to Proctor, his chauffeur in later books, is revealed and tells how they are reunited. With this revelation, I had so many questions about the special military group the two were engaged with and what happened during this time to make Proctor so dedicated to his group's leader. I guess you could say this storyline left me wanting more. Perhaps Preston and Child will fulfill that need with more prequel titles. With Pendergast's special abilities (including his cordial, formal, polite, ability to interact with those he is working with and interviewing; his confidence in what he is thinking and saying; his quick actions; and ability to not reveal everything he is thinking), I can see why he would be a terrific leader in a special military group. He must lead because he does not do well with restrictions and being told what to do.
I love that Preston and Child have so many personal interests--science, archaeology, anthropology, evolutionary biology, etc.) as we, the readers, benefit through their writing. I'm looking forward to the next publications the pair have waiting for us!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege of reading the ARC of Pendergast: The Beginning!
With this title, Pendergast's connection to Proctor, his chauffeur in later books, is revealed and tells how they are reunited. With this revelation, I had so many questions about the special military group the two were engaged with and what happened during this time to make Proctor so dedicated to his group's leader. I guess you could say this storyline left me wanting more. Perhaps Preston and Child will fulfill that need with more prequel titles. With Pendergast's special abilities (including his cordial, formal, polite, ability to interact with those he is working with and interviewing; his confidence in what he is thinking and saying; his quick actions; and ability to not reveal everything he is thinking), I can see why he would be a terrific leader in a special military group. He must lead because he does not do well with restrictions and being told what to do.
I love that Preston and Child have so many personal interests--science, archaeology, anthropology, evolutionary biology, etc.) as we, the readers, benefit through their writing. I'm looking forward to the next publications the pair have waiting for us!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege of reading the ARC of Pendergast: The Beginning!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read all of the Preston/Child 'Pendergast' novels, of which this #23. Holy crow, that's a look of books in one series and as much as I really loved many of them - often times the characters more than the stories - it seems that recent entries didn't quite have the same appeal for me. But I still eagerly read them immediately upon release.
With 'Pendergast: The Beginning' readers get dropped into a pre-'Relic' standalone case, involving a bizarre serial killer operating in New Orleans. It's technically not the beginning, because Pendergast is already with the FBI, though there are plenty of references to his mysterious military past.
As expected Pendergast utilizes his almost supernatural powers of perception and deduction as he attempts to uncover the truth, much to the chagrin and frustration of the veteran agent he is teamed with. True to form Preston and Child keep the narrative moving fast, and I will readily admit there were more than a few unexpected surprises within.
There are little nods for those familiar with later books in the series, so that was fun. I am ready for #24 whenever that may come - and wherever it may fall on the Pendergast timeline. This is an exciting return to what made many of those other books in the series so ridiculously entertaining.
For fans of Pendergast this comes highly recommended....!
With 'Pendergast: The Beginning' readers get dropped into a pre-'Relic' standalone case, involving a bizarre serial killer operating in New Orleans. It's technically not the beginning, because Pendergast is already with the FBI, though there are plenty of references to his mysterious military past.
As expected Pendergast utilizes his almost supernatural powers of perception and deduction as he attempts to uncover the truth, much to the chagrin and frustration of the veteran agent he is teamed with. True to form Preston and Child keep the narrative moving fast, and I will readily admit there were more than a few unexpected surprises within.
There are little nods for those familiar with later books in the series, so that was fun. I am ready for #24 whenever that may come - and wherever it may fall on the Pendergast timeline. This is an exciting return to what made many of those other books in the series so ridiculously entertaining.
For fans of Pendergast this comes highly recommended....!
December 20, 2025
I really enjoyed many of the first books in the long running Special Agent Pendergast series, and once I learned that Messrs Preston and Child had an origin story planned, I was eager to read it.
This novel takes us back to A X L Pendergast’s early days with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
It all starts in New Orleans in the early 1990s, with Pendergast paired with Special Agent Chambers. An action by Pendergast, considered outrageous by their boss, sees the pair suspended for a week. Pendergast seizes this opportunity to investigate, with Chambers’s at times unwilling assistance, an unusual murder in Mississippi. A serial killer is at work, but this particular serial killer meets none of the usual patterns. The investigation takes both Pendergast and Chambers into danger and briefly touches on some Pendergast family history.
Yes, as anyone who has read other books in the series knows, there are plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing and (of course) plenty of danger for Pendergast to (somehow) navigate successfully. Of course, Pendergast will prevail but the how is often fascinating.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
This novel takes us back to A X L Pendergast’s early days with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
It all starts in New Orleans in the early 1990s, with Pendergast paired with Special Agent Chambers. An action by Pendergast, considered outrageous by their boss, sees the pair suspended for a week. Pendergast seizes this opportunity to investigate, with Chambers’s at times unwilling assistance, an unusual murder in Mississippi. A serial killer is at work, but this particular serial killer meets none of the usual patterns. The investigation takes both Pendergast and Chambers into danger and briefly touches on some Pendergast family history.
Yes, as anyone who has read other books in the series knows, there are plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing and (of course) plenty of danger for Pendergast to (somehow) navigate successfully. Of course, Pendergast will prevail but the how is often fascinating.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
November 13, 2025
384 pages
5 stars
Fantastic read !
This book looks back to A.X.L. Pendergast’s past. Back to when he was a new probationary FBI Agent.
Pendergast’s new partner is Dwight Chambers, a seasoned agent who has suffered many setbacks recently. Dwight is not thrilled, especially when Pendergast goes off the trail and gets both agents temporarily suspended.
Pendergast and Chambers head off to Mississippi to look into a case that has captured the junior agent’s fancy.
They become embroiled in a nightmare of a case.
Brilliantly written and plotted. This instantly became one of my favorite Pendergast novels. A few new clues to Pendergast’s history are sprinkled throughout to heighten the interest and add to the character’s uniqueness. In addition to the wonderful characterizations of the protagonists, the other characters are layered in a mystery fog that clears as time passes. I cannot praise this book enough. I want everyone to read it.
I want to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely stellar book. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
5 stars
Fantastic read !
This book looks back to A.X.L. Pendergast’s past. Back to when he was a new probationary FBI Agent.
Pendergast’s new partner is Dwight Chambers, a seasoned agent who has suffered many setbacks recently. Dwight is not thrilled, especially when Pendergast goes off the trail and gets both agents temporarily suspended.
Pendergast and Chambers head off to Mississippi to look into a case that has captured the junior agent’s fancy.
They become embroiled in a nightmare of a case.
Brilliantly written and plotted. This instantly became one of my favorite Pendergast novels. A few new clues to Pendergast’s history are sprinkled throughout to heighten the interest and add to the character’s uniqueness. In addition to the wonderful characterizations of the protagonists, the other characters are layered in a mystery fog that clears as time passes. I cannot praise this book enough. I want everyone to read it.
I want to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely stellar book. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
November 18, 2025
This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.
Where to start with this one? Having read all prior 22 books in this series (in order) to finally get to read a prequel on our Special Agent was a true treat. Though in other books, there were bits and pieces of Pendergast's past, mostly scattered bits amongst the books, but this jumps right into what appears to be his first FBI assignment (and case).
To go back - what, twenty to thirty years - to a much younger, and supposedly inexperienced rookie agent of the FBI took some skill from the authors. I see Pendergast being a bit more "uppity" and not as well-adjusted and rounded, to dealing with people that just are not as intelligent as he is. And it was a whole book of it! Every page turn I wanted to see more of his past - the secret military-type organization that brought Proctor and himself together. Here this ties in how Proctor ends up working with/for Pendergast. But there is so much more I want to find out about this exceptional, unique character.
Kudos to Preston and Child on completing yet another great work that I very much enjoyed reading.
Where to start with this one? Having read all prior 22 books in this series (in order) to finally get to read a prequel on our Special Agent was a true treat. Though in other books, there were bits and pieces of Pendergast's past, mostly scattered bits amongst the books, but this jumps right into what appears to be his first FBI assignment (and case).
To go back - what, twenty to thirty years - to a much younger, and supposedly inexperienced rookie agent of the FBI took some skill from the authors. I see Pendergast being a bit more "uppity" and not as well-adjusted and rounded, to dealing with people that just are not as intelligent as he is. And it was a whole book of it! Every page turn I wanted to see more of his past - the secret military-type organization that brought Proctor and himself together. Here this ties in how Proctor ends up working with/for Pendergast. But there is so much more I want to find out about this exceptional, unique character.
Kudos to Preston and Child on completing yet another great work that I very much enjoyed reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Pendergast The Beginning is just that, the origin or beginning of Agent Pendergast's career and how it all began. It takes place in the mid nineties as he is starting his career at the New Orleans field office of the FBI. You are introduced to his mentor Agent Chambers who has been through quite a bit in life. Pendergast starts his usual antics early and gets them both put on leave for a week. They use this time to look into a case where a man turned up in a storage unit with a missing arm. This leads them on a wild investigation with twist and turns along the way. You think they have the right person and then there is more that was unexpected. It's a wild ride than can only be described as twisty and unexpected. This novel gives a little look into Pendergast's past, but also provides what makes him who he is in the previous novels. If you like mysteries and thrillers then this is a book for you. Who knows, it may lead you to read the rest of the series if you haven't done so yet.
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion.
#NetGalley #Pendergast
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion.
#NetGalley #Pendergast
October 24, 2025
This book shows us how Pendergast’s career in the F.B.I. began with his first posting as a rookie agent in New Orleans. It introduces us not only to his mentor Dwight Chambers, but also to a longtime member of his staff, Proctor. In bits and pieces it exposes secrets of Pendergast’s past. Some of these secrets will be new information to be gobbled up and some will come as no surprise to long-term readers.
As usual, Pendergast’s behavior at times hides his brilliance and has his superiors doubting him. We are never sure if his mentor/ partner is going to side with him or their superiors. Thankfully, we do know Agent Pendergast will somehow survive his first year as a rookie in New Orleans, but at what cost?
My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.
As usual, Pendergast’s behavior at times hides his brilliance and has his superiors doubting him. We are never sure if his mentor/ partner is going to side with him or their superiors. Thankfully, we do know Agent Pendergast will somehow survive his first year as a rookie in New Orleans, but at what cost?
My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.
November 14, 2025
Writing a prequel when 23 books have already been written in the series can be tricky, but the authors manage to do a very good job. Having read the entire series already may have been an advantage, but I believe a new reader could begin with this book and be introduced to the series.
In this book we are introduced and given some background on the main character, Pendergast, that has not been previously disclosed in the other books. There are references to his background and how and why he became an FBI Special Agent. The book also describes his beginning techniques for solving crimes. The story that all this develops through is an intriguing thriller set in Pendergast home town of New Orleans. The authors include a preview of the first book in the series, Relic, as a tie-in to the remaining series. This was a very enjoyable read and would be enjoyed by those who read atmospheric thrillers.
In this book we are introduced and given some background on the main character, Pendergast, that has not been previously disclosed in the other books. There are references to his background and how and why he became an FBI Special Agent. The book also describes his beginning techniques for solving crimes. The story that all this develops through is an intriguing thriller set in Pendergast home town of New Orleans. The authors include a preview of the first book in the series, Relic, as a tie-in to the remaining series. This was a very enjoyable read and would be enjoyed by those who read atmospheric thrillers.
November 15, 2025
As someone who has read most of the Pendergast series, I was excited to dive into this early look at our favorite enigmatic agent—and it absolutely delivered. Preston and Child are authors I’ll pick up without hesitation, and this book is exactly why.
This origin-style story captures everything I love about the series: sharp writing, atmospheric tension, and of course, Pendergast being brilliantly, quietly extraordinary. It was fun seeing the seeds of the character I’ve followed for so long, and the mystery kept me hooked from start to finish.
If you’re already a fan, this is a satisfying addition that enriches his backstory. And if you’re new to the series, it’s a great place to get a taste of what makes Pendergast such a standout character. Either way, Pendergast did not disappoint.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy to review. This is set to publish in late January 2026.
This origin-style story captures everything I love about the series: sharp writing, atmospheric tension, and of course, Pendergast being brilliantly, quietly extraordinary. It was fun seeing the seeds of the character I’ve followed for so long, and the mystery kept me hooked from start to finish.
If you’re already a fan, this is a satisfying addition that enriches his backstory. And if you’re new to the series, it’s a great place to get a taste of what makes Pendergast such a standout character. Either way, Pendergast did not disappoint.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy to review. This is set to publish in late January 2026.
December 1, 2025
I love this series so much! It's hard to believe I've been reading Pendergast books for more than two decades, and that they've been written for three, and yet each book feels fresh and original and moves the story along (forward or back) with innovative and interesting twists and turns!
While I must admit that this wasn't my very favorite of the series (I love Constance and Diogenes and have really preferred the books where they feature prominently), I still thoroughly enjoyed it - particularly picking up all of Proctor's backstory. The relationship between Chambers and Pendergast reminded me, in many ways, of that between D'Agosta and Pendergast, and I found that to lend itself to intriguing comparisons and projections as to how the former influenced the latter.
The pacing was quick and the writing crisp, as always. The characterizations were marvelous, again as always, and the book flew by for me. I hope Preston and Child keep writing Pendergast books for another couple of decades!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
While I must admit that this wasn't my very favorite of the series (I love Constance and Diogenes and have really preferred the books where they feature prominently), I still thoroughly enjoyed it - particularly picking up all of Proctor's backstory. The relationship between Chambers and Pendergast reminded me, in many ways, of that between D'Agosta and Pendergast, and I found that to lend itself to intriguing comparisons and projections as to how the former influenced the latter.
The pacing was quick and the writing crisp, as always. The characterizations were marvelous, again as always, and the book flew by for me. I hope Preston and Child keep writing Pendergast books for another couple of decades!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
November 10, 2025
I'm on the record as saying Special Agent A. X. L. Pendergast is the most fascinating literary creation since Sherlock Holmes. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child have further convinced me of that with Pendergast. It's the origin story readers have always wanted. It gives us a Pendergast in the early days of his career. If you know Pendergast, you know he's not going to be your typical junior partner at the FBI. There are chills and thrills galore. Then, as a bonus, the authors give us a villain worthy of our hero. One thing I have always loved about the Preston and Child books is the fact they remind me so much of the great pulp novels from the 30's and 40's. The rapid fire action and colorful characters are a modern day answer to those fantastic Doc Savage tales.
November 25, 2025
4 stars
Pendergast is an interesting prequel to the series of books written about him and his investigations. It is actually fun to read about him as a young person assigned to an older, experienced FBI agent as his mentor. The story involves multiple murders in which the right arm is severed from the corpses. It is not surprising to any reader immersed in this series to discover that, despite repeated conflicts and recriminations from superiors, it is the mentor who learns a lot from Pendergast. Once one begins reading this novel, it is impossible to put down and, as I said, it is fun!
I thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to its publication.
Pendergast is an interesting prequel to the series of books written about him and his investigations. It is actually fun to read about him as a young person assigned to an older, experienced FBI agent as his mentor. The story involves multiple murders in which the right arm is severed from the corpses. It is not surprising to any reader immersed in this series to discover that, despite repeated conflicts and recriminations from superiors, it is the mentor who learns a lot from Pendergast. Once one begins reading this novel, it is impossible to put down and, as I said, it is fun!
I thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to its publication.
November 18, 2025
4.5⭐️ I’ve had this series on my to read list for quite a long time so when I saw the next book in the series was kind of an origin story for the main character I figured I’d start with this book. Now that I read it I’m mad at myself for not starting this series sooner. I really enjoyed the storyline which was about a cold case that then leads them to a serial killer operating under the radar. I also liked the characters and hearing their backstories. There were plot twists that I didn’t see coming and some light supernatural aspects. I will definitely be going back and reading the series from the beginning now.
October 2, 2025
I have only read a few of the Pendergast books, starting at the beginning, so was very pleased to be offered the chance to read the new book, which is about how Pendergast joined the FBI. Perfect for me, but I do have a lot of make up reading to catch up on all his cases. Like the other books in the series this has quite a lot of twists and certainly makes you wonder where the story is going. But it all makes sense in the end. These books are a bit unsettling in places, a bit like Stephen King books. But a thoroughly good read. Would definitely recommend the series so far.
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