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Zig & Nola #3
The Viper
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.
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.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
743 people are currently reading
9410 people want to read
About the author
Brad Meltzer
323 books7,435 followersBrad 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
February 5, 2026
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
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
January 16, 2026
*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.
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.
January 10, 2026
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.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
January 30, 2026
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.
January 20, 2026
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.
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.
November 14, 2025
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.
November 9, 2025
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.
January 7, 2026
I lost count of all the times I thought I knew what was going on, and then the book took a left turn.
November 12, 2025
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.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and William Morrow for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
January 18, 2026
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
January 26, 2026
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.
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.
January 21, 2026
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.
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.
January 19, 2026
“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.’”
“‘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.’”
December 30, 2025
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.
December 19, 2025
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.
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.
December 1, 2025
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.
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.
January 26, 2026
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.
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.
January 22, 2026
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.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC for me to read, review and enjoy.
January 7, 2026
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.
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.
February 8, 2026
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.
January 14, 2026
The book was a snooze fest. While it’s a work of fiction, the absurdity of the plot just made the believability impossible.
January 23, 2026
Great fast paced book. Short chapters with great cliff hangers. Perfect for those who can only read in spurts.
February 4, 2026
Chaotic at the beginning but eventually it made sense
January 11, 2026
I do so love these characters and was happy to see them return. I was very happy that I checked everything off of my to-do list because I couldn't put the book down once I started. The storyline flowed very well and was easy to follow as it flashed back to tales of why the characters were embroiled again. Mr. Meltzer is a consummate storyteller.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC of this book. Brad Meltzer out does himself in The Viper. He gives the reader more insight into Zig's work at Dover and his daughter, and also Nola and Roddy's complicated realtionship, woven into the main story plot. The twists and turns leave reader unable to put it down until the last page with their mouth hanging open when it ends.
November 23, 2025
First let me say “Thank you” to Goodreads and the publisher, HarperCollins, for my Advance Reader’s Edition of this book.
As I was reading it, I kept trying to remember productions & events billed as having a cast of thousands; because, at times, that’s what I felt this book had. In addition to the frequent jumping around: twenty one years ago, last night, seventeen years ago, now, fifteen years ago, the book was hard to follow.
Like most, not all, of the Brad Meltzer books I’ve read, the plot/storyline has great potential; it’s just not pulled off in a way that is very satisfying.
As I was reading it, I kept trying to remember productions & events billed as having a cast of thousands; because, at times, that’s what I felt this book had. In addition to the frequent jumping around: twenty one years ago, last night, seventeen years ago, now, fifteen years ago, the book was hard to follow.
Like most, not all, of the Brad Meltzer books I’ve read, the plot/storyline has great potential; it’s just not pulled off in a way that is very satisfying.
October 22, 2025
started out great but the n...I lost interest...why???
loved number 2 in this series....but...hmmmm 1 and 3 didn't make the cut for me...
loved number 2 in this series....but...hmmmm 1 and 3 didn't make the cut for me...
January 10, 2026
3 1/2 Stars
It has been a minute since the last Zig & Nola novel from author Brad Meltzer, which was written in 2023. He typically divides his time between producing both thriller fiction and historical non-fiction work. THE VIPER, his latest release, is the third novel in the Zig & Nola series and stylistically different than anything he has written previously.
I found the first half of the novel to be wildly disjointed and darkly comic, with wild and often eccentric small-town characters being introduced and a timeline that continuously bounced around. It felt like the literary version of a Coen Brothers film. However, once the introductory period was over, details on a conspiracy involving a priceless stolen object was revealed and Zig, Nola, and her brother Roddy were just a few of the individuals seeking to retrieve it. Of course, several of those that were in pursuit of the object were ruthless killers, making the case extremely deadly for our protagonists.
Things begin with the man now known as Harry Smith, originally Andrew “Fetch” Fechmeier, during the last 16 minutes of his life. He knows enough to walk into the Generaux & Sons Funeral Parlor to select his coffin, make final arrangements, and most importantly provide the suit he wished to be buried in. When the assassin that will end his life mere moments is never aware of was the fact that the most important possession he had was stitched into the lining of the double-breasted suit and out of the reach of those who so desired it.
Jim “Zig” Zigarowski was also a mortician of sorts whose skills had been used by both the military and government bodies. When he receives a message from New Jersey cop Roddy LaPointe, twin brother of Zig’s special person, his sister Nola, an offer to team up on an interesting and very personal case is given. Roddy and Nola’s mother belonged to a group in High School with the nickname The Breakfast Club, after the John Hughe’s film, a group that also included the now deceased Fetch. Roddy and Nola had never gotten over the fact that their mother, Danielle, was killed just weeks after their birth in what the authorities called a suicide, but they knew better. This was an opportunity to not only get justice for Fetch but also find answers about what really happened to their mother and why.
When they get to the small town called Arrow Rock, Maryland, where all the action happened both Roddy and Zig are confronted by the town District Attorney Melinda who happens to also be the daughter of the local Sherriff. It turns out that Melinda and her father were also extremely interested in the exploits of The Breakfast Club, who allegedly took part in the theft of top-secret information that may have pertained to Iran-Contra figure Oliver North. Clues are dripped off very slowly in this story, making the actual revelation of what the group may have done back in the day a point of secrecy until the finale. What we do know is that Fetch and one other member of the group had to spend decades in Witness Protection and it was only when he came back to the scene of the crime as ‘Harry Smith’ that Fetch was able to set up the last laugh of being buried with the group’s secret cache.
Once Nola eventually and inevitably arrives things really take off and the last third of the novel is a wild ride. Zig, Roddy, and Nola are in constant danger but willing to risk it all to get the answers that have dogged them their entire lives as well as seeking to clear the good name of the late figure called Fetch. Many characters we meet along the way are not what or whom they claim to be, making for some big surprises in the final act.
What truly won me over with THE VIPER was Brad Meltzer’s finale. It was filled with revelations and surprises, most importantly naming the identity of the title character, the real Viper. Meltzer calls it a novel about dealing with the past, something he himself has aptly learned to do as he has become older and wiser. His ending was moving and cathartic and made the entire slow burn worth wading through to get to the touching conclusion.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
It has been a minute since the last Zig & Nola novel from author Brad Meltzer, which was written in 2023. He typically divides his time between producing both thriller fiction and historical non-fiction work. THE VIPER, his latest release, is the third novel in the Zig & Nola series and stylistically different than anything he has written previously.
I found the first half of the novel to be wildly disjointed and darkly comic, with wild and often eccentric small-town characters being introduced and a timeline that continuously bounced around. It felt like the literary version of a Coen Brothers film. However, once the introductory period was over, details on a conspiracy involving a priceless stolen object was revealed and Zig, Nola, and her brother Roddy were just a few of the individuals seeking to retrieve it. Of course, several of those that were in pursuit of the object were ruthless killers, making the case extremely deadly for our protagonists.
Things begin with the man now known as Harry Smith, originally Andrew “Fetch” Fechmeier, during the last 16 minutes of his life. He knows enough to walk into the Generaux & Sons Funeral Parlor to select his coffin, make final arrangements, and most importantly provide the suit he wished to be buried in. When the assassin that will end his life mere moments is never aware of was the fact that the most important possession he had was stitched into the lining of the double-breasted suit and out of the reach of those who so desired it.
Jim “Zig” Zigarowski was also a mortician of sorts whose skills had been used by both the military and government bodies. When he receives a message from New Jersey cop Roddy LaPointe, twin brother of Zig’s special person, his sister Nola, an offer to team up on an interesting and very personal case is given. Roddy and Nola’s mother belonged to a group in High School with the nickname The Breakfast Club, after the John Hughe’s film, a group that also included the now deceased Fetch. Roddy and Nola had never gotten over the fact that their mother, Danielle, was killed just weeks after their birth in what the authorities called a suicide, but they knew better. This was an opportunity to not only get justice for Fetch but also find answers about what really happened to their mother and why.
When they get to the small town called Arrow Rock, Maryland, where all the action happened both Roddy and Zig are confronted by the town District Attorney Melinda who happens to also be the daughter of the local Sherriff. It turns out that Melinda and her father were also extremely interested in the exploits of The Breakfast Club, who allegedly took part in the theft of top-secret information that may have pertained to Iran-Contra figure Oliver North. Clues are dripped off very slowly in this story, making the actual revelation of what the group may have done back in the day a point of secrecy until the finale. What we do know is that Fetch and one other member of the group had to spend decades in Witness Protection and it was only when he came back to the scene of the crime as ‘Harry Smith’ that Fetch was able to set up the last laugh of being buried with the group’s secret cache.
Once Nola eventually and inevitably arrives things really take off and the last third of the novel is a wild ride. Zig, Roddy, and Nola are in constant danger but willing to risk it all to get the answers that have dogged them their entire lives as well as seeking to clear the good name of the late figure called Fetch. Many characters we meet along the way are not what or whom they claim to be, making for some big surprises in the final act.
What truly won me over with THE VIPER was Brad Meltzer’s finale. It was filled with revelations and surprises, most importantly naming the identity of the title character, the real Viper. Meltzer calls it a novel about dealing with the past, something he himself has aptly learned to do as he has become older and wiser. His ending was moving and cathartic and made the entire slow burn worth wading through to get to the touching conclusion.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Viper is a mighty fine ride. Let's start there. From the opening scene to the last, Brad Meltzer keeps it bouncy and hard to put down. This one takes a narrative pivot from the previous Zig and Nola books, as the pair are not together as much. Personally, I had no problem with this...not because they team is played out, it isn't, but because it was neat to see them grow in different directions not just their shared grief/misery/issues.
Everyone loves Nola Brown, and for very good reason: she's a badass in every meaning of the word and has the coolest superpower (seeing clearly through her art) of any modern thriller hero. Nola is great, but she's the head of the book, not the heart.
Zig. If Nola is one of the greatest recent characters in modern fiction, Zig is one of the most underrated. Zig is the heart of any room he's in, and because of that, he's easy to dismiss as passive and dull, but he is anything but. Zig is there for his people, whether they want him to be or not. For two books he stood by Nola's side and watched her back while she did the badassary thing, and he suffered for it, especially emotionally. But this time around, Zig has learned a lot about himself, and he acts accordingly.
When Roddy, Nola's twin brother, asks for his help, he doesn't do it out of obligation to his deceased daughter as he had with Nola for two novels. No, this time he does it because he was asked and he thought he could do some good, and possibly protect Roddy from his own wild impulses. In other words, Zig does it for himself and owns the responsibility of it. Zig does still have a savior complex, but it is different if only because he knows it about himself and he's learning (not learned) to accept it.
Roddy is front and center this time around and a lot of the A story his him and Zig playing off of each other. It's a different dynamic than Zig and Nola, because this is a very different pairing. Zig honestly likes Roddy, but doesn't trust him for a minute. In contrast, Zig trusts Nola, but doesn't necessarily like her. It gives this book a different feel than the previous two and I truly dug it.
Another way to consider the relationship of these three characters to each other is to look to Star Trek. Seriously. Zig is all heart, like Dr. McCoy. Nola is all head, like Spock. And Roddy proves he's nothing but gut, like Capt. Kirk. Their personalities are wildly different than the Trek characters, but the underlying behaviors are similar. Adding Roddy in as a full star for this book was a good move...Zig and Nola need the third for balance. Seeing the characters play off each other is a treat.
As ever, Meltzer has bad guys with teeth. In the past and the present (like the earlier books, this one uses multiple timelines) the villains are dark and twisted. Royal is back, and I believehe will go down as one of the greatest villains of all time--he's a special kind of twisted.
For me, it's a five-star book all day. Is it the Nola-centric books of The Escape Artist and The Lightning Rod? No, it's not. This is more of an ensemble book than the previous ones. We see the world through different eyes. Personally, I enjoy thrillers with character development, and The Viper delivers. Heck, even Nola gets a little growth this time around--don't worry, not much, she's still very Nola.
If you come to The Viper thinking you're getting the same 'ole, same 'ole, you risk being disappointed. But, if you accept Meltzer is allowing these characters to live, breathe, and develop, then you're gonna enjoy the hell out of it.
Everyone loves Nola Brown, and for very good reason: she's a badass in every meaning of the word and has the coolest superpower (seeing clearly through her art) of any modern thriller hero. Nola is great, but she's the head of the book, not the heart.
Zig. If Nola is one of the greatest recent characters in modern fiction, Zig is one of the most underrated. Zig is the heart of any room he's in, and because of that, he's easy to dismiss as passive and dull, but he is anything but. Zig is there for his people, whether they want him to be or not. For two books he stood by Nola's side and watched her back while she did the badassary thing, and he suffered for it, especially emotionally. But this time around, Zig has learned a lot about himself, and he acts accordingly.
When Roddy, Nola's twin brother, asks for his help, he doesn't do it out of obligation to his deceased daughter as he had with Nola for two novels. No, this time he does it because he was asked and he thought he could do some good, and possibly protect Roddy from his own wild impulses. In other words, Zig does it for himself and owns the responsibility of it. Zig does still have a savior complex, but it is different if only because he knows it about himself and he's learning (not learned) to accept it.
Roddy is front and center this time around and a lot of the A story his him and Zig playing off of each other. It's a different dynamic than Zig and Nola, because this is a very different pairing. Zig honestly likes Roddy, but doesn't trust him for a minute. In contrast, Zig trusts Nola, but doesn't necessarily like her. It gives this book a different feel than the previous two and I truly dug it.
Another way to consider the relationship of these three characters to each other is to look to Star Trek. Seriously. Zig is all heart, like Dr. McCoy. Nola is all head, like Spock. And Roddy proves he's nothing but gut, like Capt. Kirk. Their personalities are wildly different than the Trek characters, but the underlying behaviors are similar. Adding Roddy in as a full star for this book was a good move...Zig and Nola need the third for balance. Seeing the characters play off each other is a treat.
As ever, Meltzer has bad guys with teeth. In the past and the present (like the earlier books, this one uses multiple timelines) the villains are dark and twisted. Royal is back, and I believehe will go down as one of the greatest villains of all time--he's a special kind of twisted.
For me, it's a five-star book all day. Is it the Nola-centric books of The Escape Artist and The Lightning Rod? No, it's not. This is more of an ensemble book than the previous ones. We see the world through different eyes. Personally, I enjoy thrillers with character development, and The Viper delivers. Heck, even Nola gets a little growth this time around--don't worry, not much, she's still very Nola.
If you come to The Viper thinking you're getting the same 'ole, same 'ole, you risk being disappointed. But, if you accept Meltzer is allowing these characters to live, breathe, and develop, then you're gonna enjoy the hell out of it.
January 14, 2026
It has been a minute since the last Zig & Nola novel, THE LIGHTNING ROD, which released in 2022. Brad Meltzer typically alternates between writing fiction and nonfiction. However, THE VIPER is stylistically different from anything he has penned previously.
I found the first half of the book to be wildly disjointed and darkly comic, with often eccentric small-town characters being introduced and a timeline that constantly bounced around. It felt like the literary version of a Coen Brothers film. But then details on a conspiracy involving a priceless stolen object is revealed. Jim “Zig” Zigarowski and Nola Brown are just two of the individuals seeking to retrieve it. Of course, several of those in pursuit of it are ruthless killers, making the case extremely deadly for our protagonists.
It all begins with the man now known as Harry Smith, originally Andrew “Fetch” Fechmeier, during the last 16 minutes of his life. The terminally ill man knows enough to walk into a funeral parlor to select his coffin, make final arrangements, and, most importantly, provide the suit in which he wishes to be buried. The assassin who will end his life in mere moments is never aware that his most important possession is stitched into the lining of the double-breasted suit and out of the reach of those who so desire it.
Zig was also a mortician of sorts whose skills had been used by both military and government bodies. When he receives a message from New Jersey cop Roddy LaPointe, Nola’s twin brother, an offer is made to team up on an interesting and very personal case.
Nola and Roddy’s mother belonged to a group in high school with the nickname The Breakfast Club (inspired by the John Hughes film), which also included the now-deceased Fetch. Nola and Roddy had never gotten over the fact that she was killed just weeks after their birth in what the authorities called a suicide, but they knew better. This was an opportunity not only to get justice for Fetch but to learn what really happened to their mother and why.
When they get to the small town of Arrow Rock, Maryland, where everything went down, Zig and Roddy are confronted by Melinda, the district attorney who also happens to be the daughter of the local sheriff. It turns out that Melinda and her father were extremely interested in the exploits of The Breakfast Club, which allegedly took part in the theft of top-secret information that may have pertained to Iran-Contra figure Oliver North.
Clues are dripped off very slowly in this story, making the actual revelation of what the group may have done back in the day a point of secrecy until the finale. What we do know is that Fetch and one other member had to spend decades in witness protection. It was only when he came back to the scene of the crime as Harry Smith that he was able to set up the last laugh of being buried with the group’s secret cache.
Once Nola eventually arrives, the story really takes off, and the last third of the novel is a wild ride. Zig, Nola and Roddy are in constant danger but willing to risk it all to get the answers that have dogged them their entire lives, as well as seeking to clear Fetch’s good name. Many characters we meet along the way are not who they claim to be, making for some big surprises in the final act.
What truly won me over was the finale. It is filled with revelations and surprises, most importantly naming the identity of the title character. Meltzer calls THE VIPER a novel about dealing with the past, which he himself has aptly learned to do as he has become older and wiser. The ending is moving and cathartic, making the entire slow burn worth wading through to get to the touching conclusion.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
I found the first half of the book to be wildly disjointed and darkly comic, with often eccentric small-town characters being introduced and a timeline that constantly bounced around. It felt like the literary version of a Coen Brothers film. But then details on a conspiracy involving a priceless stolen object is revealed. Jim “Zig” Zigarowski and Nola Brown are just two of the individuals seeking to retrieve it. Of course, several of those in pursuit of it are ruthless killers, making the case extremely deadly for our protagonists.
It all begins with the man now known as Harry Smith, originally Andrew “Fetch” Fechmeier, during the last 16 minutes of his life. The terminally ill man knows enough to walk into a funeral parlor to select his coffin, make final arrangements, and, most importantly, provide the suit in which he wishes to be buried. The assassin who will end his life in mere moments is never aware that his most important possession is stitched into the lining of the double-breasted suit and out of the reach of those who so desire it.
Zig was also a mortician of sorts whose skills had been used by both military and government bodies. When he receives a message from New Jersey cop Roddy LaPointe, Nola’s twin brother, an offer is made to team up on an interesting and very personal case.
Nola and Roddy’s mother belonged to a group in high school with the nickname The Breakfast Club (inspired by the John Hughes film), which also included the now-deceased Fetch. Nola and Roddy had never gotten over the fact that she was killed just weeks after their birth in what the authorities called a suicide, but they knew better. This was an opportunity not only to get justice for Fetch but to learn what really happened to their mother and why.
When they get to the small town of Arrow Rock, Maryland, where everything went down, Zig and Roddy are confronted by Melinda, the district attorney who also happens to be the daughter of the local sheriff. It turns out that Melinda and her father were extremely interested in the exploits of The Breakfast Club, which allegedly took part in the theft of top-secret information that may have pertained to Iran-Contra figure Oliver North.
Clues are dripped off very slowly in this story, making the actual revelation of what the group may have done back in the day a point of secrecy until the finale. What we do know is that Fetch and one other member had to spend decades in witness protection. It was only when he came back to the scene of the crime as Harry Smith that he was able to set up the last laugh of being buried with the group’s secret cache.
Once Nola eventually arrives, the story really takes off, and the last third of the novel is a wild ride. Zig, Nola and Roddy are in constant danger but willing to risk it all to get the answers that have dogged them their entire lives, as well as seeking to clear Fetch’s good name. Many characters we meet along the way are not who they claim to be, making for some big surprises in the final act.
What truly won me over was the finale. It is filled with revelations and surprises, most importantly naming the identity of the title character. Meltzer calls THE VIPER a novel about dealing with the past, which he himself has aptly learned to do as he has become older and wiser. The ending is moving and cathartic, making the entire slow burn worth wading through to get to the touching conclusion.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
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