The Viper

Zig & Nola #3

by Brad Meltzer

New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer is back with his thrilling Zig and Nola series, unraveling a shocking cold case with a personal—and deadly—twist.

Andrew Fechmeier is a master at hiding. He'd better be—he’s spent decades concealing a secret that could get him killed. So when he’s diagnosed with a terminal disease, he heads for the local funeral home carrying the blue suit he eventually wants to be buried in. But what no one knows is that Fechmeier secretly tucked something inside, turning the suit into a final, untraceable hiding spot.

It's a perfect plan. Until Fetch is brutally murdered by a mysterious killer who will stop at nothing to find the priceless object hidden in the suit.

Wasting no time, the cunning but unconventional Roddy LaPointe opens an investigation into Fetch’s murder, recruiting help from his friend, the brilliant “Zig” Zigarowski. But it doesn’t take long for Zig to discover the real reason Roddy cares so much about this Fetch’s death is tied to Roddy’s mother, who was murdered decades earlier.

As the relentless killer closes in, Roddy’s twin sister—the enigmatic and volatile Nola Brown—starts investigating for herself, uncovering a sinister plot that reveals their mother’s dark history, the true identity of her killer, and the shocking secret behind her death.

Don’t turn your back on The Viper.

"The Viper is a pulse pounding adventure that takes you on a journey into the darkest recesses of the human heart." — S.A. Cosby, New York Times bestselling author of All the Sinners Bleed and King of Ashes

“Expertly crafted and charged with tension, Meltzer delivers exactly what readers a killer story from a true master of the craft. Smart, sharp, and undeniably gripping—this is Meltzer doing what he does best.” — Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Red Sky Mourning

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Action, Audiobook

576 pages, Paperback

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

Brad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.

In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.

He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.

He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.

For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.

His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!

His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.

His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.

His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.

He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.

Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lame and boring in my view.

[Teju A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nola is my girl, and I'm so glad to see her back in the game. This time we just might also know who her mother is 🤗.

So a guy who's found dead is connected to a bunch of teenage friends who had some wild adventures back in high school only for them to end up 6 feet under one after another and Nola's mother just might be the next person on the chopping block!

Solid 5 stars!!!!!

Hurry up with Book #4. Mr Meltzer

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.5 stars rounded down)
Thank you to William Morrow for the opportunity to read a review copy of The Viper by Brad Meltzer.

This was my very first Brad Meltzer book and I was excited to try out this prolific and well-known author. Unfortunately The Viper was not a big hit with me. It was very confusing, with a lot of characters and constant time jumps. The time jumps were clearly labeled but they were still jarring and broke the flow of the story.

I realize this is the third book in a series, but the author provided a ton of backstory so I don’t think that really affected how I felt about it. Zig was an interesting character. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story that featured a mortician before! Nola was hard to get to know. She was pretty unlikeable although you definitely felt sorry for her and realized her upbringing affected her so deeply.

I supplemented the gifted hardcover with the audiobook, courtesy of my library, and Scott Brick did his usual wonderful job with the narration.

I think this was just a case of the wrong book for me.

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars rounded up.

In this third book in the series, Jim 'Zig' Zigarowski returns to Dover Air Force Base to work as a mortician and is given a small closet-sized office. But before he can even settle in, his friend Roddy LaPointe, a New Jersey cop, texts Zig asking for help on a case. It's a new murder but with ties to a cold case involving four high school friends, two of whom were killed several years ago, including Roddy's mother when he and his twin sister were just three. Now another of those four friends has been found murdered.

It's quite a complicated plot as they delve into what those four friends were up to when they were young that may have gotten them killed. Roddy's twin sister, Nola, shows up and she's such a piece of work but we come to understand her better as bits of her backstory are told in flashbacks. Zig's personal tragedy also plays a big role as he still deals with it emotionally every day, and Nola is a part of that. As the included quote in the Epigraph says so well: 'I don't believe in closure, I don't think we ever really get over anything.' (Dale Maharidge)

An intriguing story with well-developed characters but I did feel the story dragged on a bit too long. I would have preferred more action and less dealing with emotional baggage.

I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always appreciated the work of Brad Meltzer, especially his thrillers! This has been a series slow to be released, but each novel works well to encapsulate the abilities Meltzer has been showing for as long a I have been reading his work. Keeping the reader on edge, the story works well for those who like a little mystery in its stories and which never leads the reader on a succinct pathway.

The ability that Andrew Fechmeier has shown at hiding is surely notable. He has been keeping off the radar for decades as he holds a secret that could get him killed. A diagnosis of terminal illness has him hiding something with the most unlikely source. Within hours Fechmeier is murdered and the mysterious killer appears keen to find the secret. Roddy LaPointe has long known and respected Andrew and opens an investigation into the murder, hoping that someone will be able to find the killer. Turning to a friend and brilliant amateur investigator, “Zig” Zigarowski—once the US Military’s most respected pathologist—Roddy hopes that someone can make sense of it all. As Zig works the angles that will help solve the murder alongside Roddy’s twin, Nola Brown, he learns that Roddy’s interest in the case is anything but benign. Nola and Zig juggle the cases and what they discover is a killer who is not only lurking in the shadows, but also ready to strike with the cunning of a viper. Meltzer delivers a story that is sure to pull the reader in and beg for more!

I have long enjoyed the work of Brad Meltzer, as it brings out an excitement in me that few authors can parallel. The narrative works its magic from the opening pages, pushing unique and intense moments as the thrills fill the short chapters. Meltzer is able to keep the tension high throughout and does not let the momentum dull the action, making sure to keep things edgy and ready to reveal all at the ideal moment.

Characters work well to provide the reader something that helps enrich the story. Those who have long enjoyed Meltzer’s work will know that Zig and Nola are well-established, but also ever-evolving. Their pasts complement the development shown within this book, as Meltzer crafts his characters perfectly. Secondary characters work well to provide the reader with added depth in a tense story that never stops. Meltzer has a masterful way of flavouring the story and keeping reader begging to learn more.

Plot points offer great suspense from the start and does not stop until the truth comes to light. Meltzer is able to usher in many surprises and twists, while keeping the reader feeling eager to learn truths that are hidden in the story. I have enjoyed this novel and the series, though its slow publications begs me for more in the near future. Brad Meltzer still has it and I cannot wait to see what next he provides his dedicated fans.

Kudos, Mr. Meltzer, for a great story for all to enjoy.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Grandma Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The entire book felt disjointed. I do enjoy the characters of Nola and Zig. I enjoyed the first two books in the series much more. This author is quite gifted, just not one of his best books. Excessive profanity.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Howard Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed most, if not all, of Brad Meltzer’s previous novels, I was happy to have obtained this ARC. I found the story of the object hidden in the suit jacket and the search for a mother’s killer only mildly interesting. There were too many characters to keep track of and the constant chapters switching from the present to the past was found to be extremely confusing —- especially if this book is not read in one sitting and, instead, over a period of one week. Nevertheless, I thank NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read and appreciated the nonfiction books written by Brad Meltzer. Now was the time to explore some of his fiction writing. I was not disappointed. At times all the characters & their relationships seemed overwhelming but in the end curiosity encouraged me to journey on. The strength of the characters, while often quirky, provided a deep puzzle, moving from the past through the present revealing small town secrets that were hidden over the past. The final chapter pulled everything together and revealed the true art of creating a story that will long linger in my mind.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Zig and Nola series, and finds Zig working with Nola’s brother Roddy to help solve a decades old murder. What follows is probably the most intense book in this series as we delve deeper into Nola and Roddy”s backgrounds, and the current case has a personal connection to the siblings. The plot can get a bit complicated, and the reader is teased in the early chapters with bits of information as the story is woven together. The writing is a pleasure to read, and the story packs an emotional wallop. The less details the better, you won’t be disappointed. Best book of the series. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a number of Brad Metzler’s books over the years, but I was not familiar with this series — which made it difficult for me to fully enjoy this story. Mr. Metzler is a gifted writer, but this book had so many characters, a lot of jumping back and forth in time (which seems to be a very popular formula these days), and I just didn’t get involved in the characters or the plot. I’m sure readers who are familiar with this series will appreciate it more.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and William Morrow for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Mark James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. Worthless. Tedious. I read Meltzer for many years and enjoyed every novel. This one is almost unreadable. I kept going, hoping for any semblance of entertainment or good literature but to no avail. Don’t waste your time. This is trash.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lost count of all the times I thought I knew what was going on, and then the book took a left turn.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author never lets the reader down(although, a little wordy)with tons of action, awesome character development, always a “look back”, great historical references-Breakfast Club references, hit songs of the 80’s references and great dialogue/proses. The storyline of Zig and Nola(book#3) is always fast paced, truly believable and oohhhh that ending with some twists and turns that even took this readers breath away! Enjoy

[Thomas McDonald · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book was a snooze fest. While it’s a work of fiction, the absurdity of the plot just made the believability impossible.

[Tom M · Rating 3 out of 5]

The way I felt when I finally read the last page was a sense of relief. It took a very long time for this story to develop. There were many twist and turns, but they weren't exciting enough to keep my interest. I had to keep putting the book down and then come back later, just because I try to never completely give up on an authors hard work.
The last 100 pages finally got the plot off and running and and made for an interesting conclusion.
I am giving this rating a 3.4, just shy of the rounding to 4 number.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

too many flashbacks

[Jesse Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad Meltzer’s latest novel, The Viper, marks the third installment in his Zig and Nola series, and it’s another strong entry. Meltzer grew up reading comics, and you can feel that influence on every page — the tight pacing, the cliffhanger chapter endings, and the accessible storytelling that lets new readers jump in without needing the previous books.
This one delivers exactly what fans expect: a compelling mystery filled with twists, turns, and emotional depth. We get new insight into Nola’s past, and we continue to see the evolution of Zig’s healing journey, which remains one of the most heartfelt threads in the series.
The Viper is a satisfying read that still leaves you wanting more — classic Meltzer in the best way.

[Kelly Kurposka · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In today’s interconnected world, everything’s tracked. But if you hide something in an old suit and tell your local mortician to hold it for your funeral, you don’t just have good estate planning, you have a lie worthy of fine art. A truly untraceable hiding spot.”

“‘Those old versions of us—those pencil sketches—when we’re weak, scared, anxious, helpless . . . They’re not meant to be ashamed of and hidden away, Nola. They’re meant to be cherished. Those lines are who you were. But they also made you who you are. In life as in art, the rough draft is littered with regrets and flaws—but you can’t make a masterpiece without them.’”

[Lynn Schollins · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read half of this book but just could not get into it. It’s disjointed and hard to follow. I realize that this is the third book in the series, so perhaps that’s why it was a struggle for me as I didn’t read the first two books.

[Kristi Betts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read all of Meltzer’s books in this series (this is number 3), I had a difficult time staying engaged with the storyline. I did get confused with two of the characters at times who had similar names Fetch and Fish, which made it difficult to follow the story. The Zig and Nola characters have been enjoyable to read about in the past, and as this one ends, there is an opening for future books in the series.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excited to have Zig and Nola back!

This is a disclaimer for all writers - not just Brad Meltzer: when it’s several years between installments, we could use a little refresher earlier on in the book because I’ve read a lot of books since The Lightning Rod. Meltzer slowly trickles out info from past books but it took too long for things to click.

I really wasn’t feeling this book as strongly as the first two. It felt like too many characters were introduced before anything is really established and any action happens. That said, once the action starts, the last third of the novel flies by. That last fight…damn. It was a lot even if the outcome is a little unbelievable.

I hope there’s another Zig and Nola novel in the future. Just hope it’s less than 4 years away.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review.

3.5 stars rounded down.

[Martin Maenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

William Morrow provided an early galley for review.

This is the third book in the Zig and Nola series of thrillers. As a long-time fan of Meltzer's writing (I have read all of his fiction novels to date), I was eager to check this one out.

As expected, the story is solid and moves along at a good pace. The chapters are easily digestible and encourage the reader to go one more (which often ends up several more). The story takes several logical turns that I was not expecting (as a writer, I like to be surprised by the unpredictable).

There is the potential for further adventures with these characters. I hope Meltzer chooses to revisit them. My only hope, though, is that the next book features the two leads together a lot more than this one did.

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Viper by Brad Meltzer

The Viper is a gripping crime thriller and the third entry in Brad Meltzer’s Zig & Nola series, featuring an unusual investigative duo that blends suspense, emotional depth, and clever twists. The story begins when Andrew Fechmeier, a man hiding a mysterious and valuable object sewn into his burial suit, is murdered before he can keep his secret safe. This sparks a dangerous chain of events as Roddy LaPointe, a cop driven by suspicions that the murder ties back to the cold‑case death of his mother decades earlier, enlists his friend Zig Zigarowski, a brilliant mortician, to help uncover the truth. Meanwhile his twin sister Nola Brown, tough, volatile, and highly perceptive, conducts her own investigation, pushing them closer to a chilling conspiracy that connects the past to the present.

I felt swept into Meltzer’s blend of taut plot and layered characters, where mystery unfolds not just through clues and danger but through the emotional currents that bind family and loss. Roddy’s personal drive, Zig’s quirky intelligence, and Nola’s fierce complexity gave the story real human stakes, and I appreciated how the twists kept me thinking long past the final page. The Viper is both tense and thoughtful, perfect for fans of character‑rich thrillers.

Rating: 4 out of 5, for its relentless suspense and deeply felt character work.

[Sheldon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am a Brad Meltzer fan, but I truly disliked the third entry in this series. It was too damn depressing in this damn depressing world.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the third book in an existing series. When I received the ARC, I went back to look to see if I had started the series and discovered that I had read the first book, but not the 2nd (this was book 3). I went ahead and started the book, and while I think I may not have been completely up to date, I do not think I missed too much.

The story revolves around MMC “Zig” Zigarowski who used to be the head coroner at Dover Air Force Base. He has lots of history with twins Nola and Roddy and when Roddy asks for his help with a case of his, he immediately says yes. It soon becomes apparent that this case is personal and there is more than meets the eye.

My problem with this book in general was that everything was TOO complicated. The plot was too confusing, there were WAY too many characters, and the pacing was all over the place. Because of that, the book felt way too long.

Even after finishing the book, I still had to actually sit there and try to connect everything in my head. It did not give me that great feeling that you feel when you finish the last page of a great book. I just felt relief that it was over. Huh, I guess that says it all right there.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on January 6, 2026.

[David Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

While significantly different from the first two books in this series, this one still delivers a knockout punch. It's very much a character driven story and one you need to pay a little more attention to to keep all the characters straight. Zig is an even better rendition of himself and Nola is still the badass b**** but with a depth that can only be revealed as the series progresses. The plot can get a bit convoluted at times and the nonlinear chapters take you back and forth through time but all the while working together to tell this story with heart and emotion. All in all this is a very enjoyable addition to the series but can be read as a standalone. Having said that, I highly recommend you start at the beginning because they are all just that good.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC for me to read, review and enjoy.

[Dana K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to William Morrow for the gifted copy. All opinions below are my own.

How have I never read Brad Meltzer before? Somehow I stumbled into the middle of this series but frankly, I don't feel like I couldn't pick up the story having started at book 3. But I would like to go back and read the other two, so there's your endorsement. Zig is a mortician, which felt very unique as our main character and he is brought into a case of a murder that is tied to a much larger web and boy do the bodies pile up fast.

I liked the action and intrigue in this one. While the chapters were punchy alternating between people and times, I didn't feel lost and it was easy to trust that each piece mattered for the final picture.

[Susanne Leist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I didn't enjoy the first two books in this series, I'm not surprised that this one disappointed me. I was hoping Brad Meltzer would return to his earlier style of writing, with chapters that flowed one into the next and twists supported by clues and events. His chapters are now short and hurried. When I begin to get involved in the story, the chapter ends, and the narrative shifts to another character or the past. The chapters use place names as titles, but I still have to stop and remember which character is in which place because the point of view isn't always identified in the first paragraph. It did not help that I do not like the characters.

[marita lazarus · Rating 4 out of 5]

a wonderful twisty read by the talented Brad Meltzer - book 3 of the Zig and Nola series.

We get glimpses of Roddy and Nola's life as kids as the past merges with the present. It was a wonderful read and if you missed book 1 and 2, you can def pick up book 3 and feel like you have not missed anything.

Without spoilers, the reader is brought along on a journey to stop a killer going after the remaining survivors from decades ago. But what is the real reason why someone wants these people dead? What is so dangerous from the past that threatens people today?

[Buddy Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third Zig and Nola novel and it reads like the end of a trilogy. It was excellent and I thoroughly loved it. The characters were complicated. There were several twists. The ending was a little unexpected. I enjoyed when I had some devoted to time to read, so I could enjoy moving backward and forward in time in the story.