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Pendergast #19
Crooked River
#1 New York Times bestselling authors Doug Preston and Lincoln Child return with their next blockbuster Pendergast novel as he and Junior Agent Coldmoon race to uncover the mystery of several blue-shoe-clad severed feet found floating in the Atlantic.
Dozens of identical blue shoes are found in the ocean off the southwestern coast of Florida, all with a severed human foot inside, all exhibiting unmistakable signs of violence. They appear out of nowhere one day, floating in on the tide.
Called off the tarmac from his return flight back to New York City, Pendergast reluctantly arrives on Captiva Island and is quickly drawn into the mystery. A preliminary pathology report indicates the feet were wrenched from their bodies in the crudest of ways. As the days continue, more wash in until the number tops one hundred.
Soon, Pendergast and his partner, junior agent Coldmoon find themselves squaring off against an adversary more powerful and deadly than they've ever encountered.
Dozens of identical blue shoes are found in the ocean off the southwestern coast of Florida, all with a severed human foot inside, all exhibiting unmistakable signs of violence. They appear out of nowhere one day, floating in on the tide.
Called off the tarmac from his return flight back to New York City, Pendergast reluctantly arrives on Captiva Island and is quickly drawn into the mystery. A preliminary pathology report indicates the feet were wrenched from their bodies in the crudest of ways. As the days continue, more wash in until the number tops one hundred.
Soon, Pendergast and his partner, junior agent Coldmoon find themselves squaring off against an adversary more powerful and deadly than they've ever encountered.
368 pages, ebook
First published February 4, 2020
2438 people are currently reading
6240 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 1,674 reviews
March 1, 2020
Super entertaining!!! And what an epic ending!
Going with 4.5 stars on this one.
Crooked River is the 19th book in the Pendergast series and just published this month.
Yes, you read that right!
There have been 19 books in this series and I feel like Preston & Child are still knocking them out!
Crooked River starts off with Agent Pendergast and his ward, Constance Green finally having a vacation on a secluded island. While on vacation, Pendergast's supervisor, Assistant Director in Charge Pickett comes to the island to ask for Agent Pendergast's help.
He needs Pendergast to investigate strange things happening off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Dozens of severed human feet have come ashore and the Coast Guard and local agencies have no idea what is going on or where the feet came from.
Enter our favorite and eccentric FBI agent to the rescue!
The mystery and case of the floating feet in Crooked River was well done. I was engrossed from the beginning until the end. And the end was pretty epic and cringe worthy!
I would definitely suggest reading this book after reading the first 18 books in the series. There are continuing characters along with knowing why the characters act the way they do. I think backstory with this series and characters will give you the best reading experience on understanding motive and actions.
I'm sure you could still read this as a stand alone book and enjoy the experience. It's a complex and intriguing thriller!
Super excited for the next Pendergast adventure that's sure to come!
Going with 4.5 stars on this one.
Crooked River is the 19th book in the Pendergast series and just published this month.
Yes, you read that right!
There have been 19 books in this series and I feel like Preston & Child are still knocking them out!
Crooked River starts off with Agent Pendergast and his ward, Constance Green finally having a vacation on a secluded island. While on vacation, Pendergast's supervisor, Assistant Director in Charge Pickett comes to the island to ask for Agent Pendergast's help.
He needs Pendergast to investigate strange things happening off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Dozens of severed human feet have come ashore and the Coast Guard and local agencies have no idea what is going on or where the feet came from.
Enter our favorite and eccentric FBI agent to the rescue!
The mystery and case of the floating feet in Crooked River was well done. I was engrossed from the beginning until the end. And the end was pretty epic and cringe worthy!
I would definitely suggest reading this book after reading the first 18 books in the series. There are continuing characters along with knowing why the characters act the way they do. I think backstory with this series and characters will give you the best reading experience on understanding motive and actions.
I'm sure you could still read this as a stand alone book and enjoy the experience. It's a complex and intriguing thriller!
Super excited for the next Pendergast adventure that's sure to come!
February 20, 2020
Strange things are “afoot” in Florida again! You would say that the happenings in these Preston & Child books are too crazy for real life, but when I see articles like this one coming out of Florida just this week, nothing surprises me:
Jars filled with tongues, other human remains dating back to 1960s found in Florida home
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/nati...
Preston & Child continue their adventures with “Florida Man” and this book is definitely weird and action packed. From the get-go, the mystery was disturbing and seemingly unexplainable. Pendergast is back in his usual form with odd approaches to evidence collection and complete disregard of rules and regulations in order to get things done. Of course, he uses a sweet Southern approach instead of brute force, but he has some of the usual gang along to help with that. This final climatic scene is as cringe-worthy as it is action packed. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!
But (sorry there is a but!), there are a couple of things that were not my favorite. Not bad, but enough to bring this down into the 4-point range. First, some of the action was a bit Hollywood. In some of the Pendergast books I have loved this. In others I did not. Here it felt a bit cheesy, so it detracted some from my enjoyment. Second, there was an odd side mystery that felt a bit rushed and out of place. I won’t say more in order to avoid spoilers, but unless it ends up playing into future books, it just seemed out of place.
Despite the previous paragraph, it is a great book for those who are ready for more of this series. Would you enjoy it if you have never read any before? Well, in my opinion, there is too much here referencing previous books that I would have been frustrated, but it may not bother you. If you decide to read it and you have not read the rest of the series, just be prepared to not know what is being discussed from time to time and/or who people are.
Jars filled with tongues, other human remains dating back to 1960s found in Florida home
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/nati...
Preston & Child continue their adventures with “Florida Man” and this book is definitely weird and action packed. From the get-go, the mystery was disturbing and seemingly unexplainable. Pendergast is back in his usual form with odd approaches to evidence collection and complete disregard of rules and regulations in order to get things done. Of course, he uses a sweet Southern approach instead of brute force, but he has some of the usual gang along to help with that. This final climatic scene is as cringe-worthy as it is action packed. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!
But (sorry there is a but!), there are a couple of things that were not my favorite. Not bad, but enough to bring this down into the 4-point range. First, some of the action was a bit Hollywood. In some of the Pendergast books I have loved this. In others I did not. Here it felt a bit cheesy, so it detracted some from my enjoyment. Second, there was an odd side mystery that felt a bit rushed and out of place. I won’t say more in order to avoid spoilers, but unless it ends up playing into future books, it just seemed out of place.
Despite the previous paragraph, it is a great book for those who are ready for more of this series. Would you enjoy it if you have never read any before? Well, in my opinion, there is too much here referencing previous books that I would have been frustrated, but it may not bother you. If you decide to read it and you have not read the rest of the series, just be prepared to not know what is being discussed from time to time and/or who people are.
March 3, 2020
This is a fine and entertaining book, no doubt about it. Where do the mysterious cut off feet come from that are washed upon the shore? What about the haunted house Pendergast and Constance Green buy? Besides we have entertaining sidekicks and go to different and dangerous places. Some character involved in the story dies. But sometimes I think the story simply was too over the top. We have too much of a James Bond villain here (the general) and too much 80s conspiracy (I never thought that I would say something like that ever). At some parts the story seems to be a bit long winded and dragged (especially the chapters on sea current and the team doing this). But in the end I was glad having followed Special Agent Pendergast in solving this incredible task. There are also some literary allusions (Poe, Percy Bysshe Shelley) and a good dose of riddles. The series has come a long way. To me volume 13 (White Fire) was the best book so far. Of course it's recommended to every Pendergast fan even though it has a bit of brutal core idea. I would say a 3.5 but give it 4!
July 7, 2024
Another great book by Preston and Child. Pendergast and Constance are the ultimate combo. Never a dull moment, characters are believable and the suspense keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I like that we are seeing more of Constance and not as a “puff of smoke and the grassy knoll. Coldmoon contributes to the balancing act of all the personalities involved. One thing I have discovered about Preston and Child books …. I hate to put their books down or should I say, sleep is overrated. Enjoy this fast moving read!
February 17, 2020
As far as being a faithful reader, I haven't missed a new Preston & Child novel since Relic; and I haven't missed a new Pendergast either.
I'm unsure how to properly comment my feelings in reading this one. The talent and voice(s) is there, but the vision seems to be muddied or perhaps lost? I loved the first Pendergast novels; Relic, Reliquary, up through Still Life...; and was blown away by the Helen trilogy. Then it seems as if the authors did a radical reset of the character. There really hasn't been any evolution of character since.
I excitedly thought, reading a short story where the authors were joined by R. L. Stein, that there might be a change in the air in some way. Sadly there hasn't been. I genuinely mean that. I am sad that I find myself asking if I'll even bother with the next one.
I hate to suggest it. but it reminds me of a production studio, where the studio heads "...simply have to have this, this, this and this!", and the writer's break with something more interesting and give in to the demands. Maybe there was too much word of mouth comparing Pendergast to Holmes. Even Holmes got his proper upgrades (see Elementary and the new Edinburgh series, by C. Lawrence, for starters).
I was unable to finish the book. I gave this two stars out of respect for the character and writers that give me an amazing book to read back in the nineties, with an amazing mid-intro main character. I wonder where that fellow is today?
I'm unsure how to properly comment my feelings in reading this one. The talent and voice(s) is there, but the vision seems to be muddied or perhaps lost? I loved the first Pendergast novels; Relic, Reliquary, up through Still Life...; and was blown away by the Helen trilogy. Then it seems as if the authors did a radical reset of the character. There really hasn't been any evolution of character since.
I excitedly thought, reading a short story where the authors were joined by R. L. Stein, that there might be a change in the air in some way. Sadly there hasn't been. I genuinely mean that. I am sad that I find myself asking if I'll even bother with the next one.
I hate to suggest it. but it reminds me of a production studio, where the studio heads "...simply have to have this, this, this and this!", and the writer's break with something more interesting and give in to the demands. Maybe there was too much word of mouth comparing Pendergast to Holmes. Even Holmes got his proper upgrades (see Elementary and the new Edinburgh series, by C. Lawrence, for starters).
I was unable to finish the book. I gave this two stars out of respect for the character and writers that give me an amazing book to read back in the nineties, with an amazing mid-intro main character. I wonder where that fellow is today?
August 14, 2021
Crooked River is a very enjoyable mystery with a tiny teaser for the next one!
Pendergast is still in Florida from the previous book, on vacation after his last case. His boss, ADC Pickett flew into town with a mysterious case and wanted Pendergast to take a "quick look". Hundreds of feet in green rubber shoes were washed ashore which left Pendergast bewildered and took on the case.
In the meantime, Constance Green found a temporary accommodation for them and rented a to be demolished historical Victorian shingle home, rumored to be haunted.
I'm starting to like Special Agent Coldmoon and will undoubtedly miss him if he's going to be stationed in Colorado. But, I also miss Proctor (chauffeur & bodyguard) and Riverside Drive...
Pendergast is still in Florida from the previous book, on vacation after his last case. His boss, ADC Pickett flew into town with a mysterious case and wanted Pendergast to take a "quick look". Hundreds of feet in green rubber shoes were washed ashore which left Pendergast bewildered and took on the case.
In the meantime, Constance Green found a temporary accommodation for them and rented a to be demolished historical Victorian shingle home, rumored to be haunted.
I'm starting to like Special Agent Coldmoon and will undoubtedly miss him if he's going to be stationed in Colorado. But, I also miss Proctor (chauffeur & bodyguard) and Riverside Drive...
May 30, 2020
Crooked River, the 19th entry in this series, is one of the better ones and the best since Crimson Shore. Pendergast is back in all of his Sherlock Holmesian glory, attempting to solve a seemingly impossible mystery: the washing up of over 100 severed feet on the shore of a Florida beach. He is joined by his partner from the prior novel, Agent Coldmoon, and their banter is again an enjoyable part of the tale. Constance Green, always the enigma, is at her most fearsome and plays a key role in the story’s climax.
As has become a recent trend in this series, there’s a significant turn around the three-quarter mark. In this case, the book turns from a mystery into thriller. It’s not a bad turn, just a hard turn. Another strong entry in the series.
As has become a recent trend in this series, there’s a significant turn around the three-quarter mark. In this case, the book turns from a mystery into thriller. It’s not a bad turn, just a hard turn. Another strong entry in the series.
August 24, 2021
Crooked River
(Pendergast #19)
by Douglas Preston
This was an exciting read but it was a bit over the top too! I enjoyed the main plot mostly. I like the main characters, especially Pendergast because he reminds me of Holmes without the British boring attitude. My favorite was Constance who is petite and deadly when need be.
I found it unnecessary for the first scenes to have a cop shoot his dog. Minus a star for that. Why was that even in there? It really had nothing to do with the story. Poor form to make your readers mad right off the bat.
The story had feet in green shoes floating up on the shore. (The blurb say blue but book says green.) The ending, I had mixed feelings. I love Constance's part but didn't feel Pendergast's scientists friends were dealt fairly. Oh well.
It was exciting and never boring.
(Pendergast #19)
by Douglas Preston
This was an exciting read but it was a bit over the top too! I enjoyed the main plot mostly. I like the main characters, especially Pendergast because he reminds me of Holmes without the British boring attitude. My favorite was Constance who is petite and deadly when need be.
I found it unnecessary for the first scenes to have a cop shoot his dog. Minus a star for that. Why was that even in there? It really had nothing to do with the story. Poor form to make your readers mad right off the bat.
The story had feet in green shoes floating up on the shore. (The blurb say blue but book says green.) The ending, I had mixed feelings. I love Constance's part but didn't feel Pendergast's scientists friends were dealt fairly. Oh well.
It was exciting and never boring.
July 28, 2025
Crooked River is the 19th book in the FBI thriller series written by co-authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. Set in Florida, where Pendergast and Constance are vacationing, his boss assigns the agent to a puzzling case where sneakers are showing up on a beach... except they have sawed-off feet in them still. Cuban prisoners? Satantic cult? Neither knows, but Pendergast teams up with a previous partner to solve the case, and of course, they almost die again. Constance to the rescue! But she's solving her own weird case of a man who went missing... she's renting his home, aware of ghosts who seem to haunt the place. Are the stories connected? Interesting plot lines, but I felt like the usual pomp and circumstance surrounding the cleverness of the plots was missing. Almost a hastily written version of the traditional complex thrillers these two authors put out. I'm ready to read the latest one, just released earlier this year... and then I'm current. Another fun buddy read with a good friend who loves the series as much as I do. Just that this wasn't one of the better ones, in my opinion.
February 16, 2020
No disappointment at all for me in the continuation of the Pendergast series in book#19. 4.5/5.0 stars! I still love these characters, and the mystery here is just as.... well, mysterious as ever. I was guessing wrong all the way to the end (in a fun way 😁). While the last couple of books felt a little different to me (Not even sure I could put a finger on what it is that felt different) I would say that this book feels more like a throwback to some of the earlier books, in a good way. If you’ve enjoyed the series so far, I think you’ll have no problem loving this one just as much. If you’re new to the series, I would definitely go back to read the earlier books first to maximize the enjoyment of the overall character arcs to this point. Despite that, it could be read standalone just fine as well. Can’t wait for the next adventure!
April 11, 2020
Pendergast is a more refined, mannerly Sherlock Holmes minus the ego. I know going in that it’s going to be an outlandish, entertaining ride. And, it was just what I needed to read. There was nothing depressing or agonizing here just great fun.
May 6, 2020
Agent Pendergast takes on a new case when dozens of feet wash up on the beach of Sanibel Island in Florida. Yes, feet do regularly wind up on beaches. (Warning: There is a scene with a dog that's not going to make anyone very happy at the beginning. I honestly don't even know why it's there other than to get people upset as it never figures into the plot.) The book is a little slow after the initial scene for the first third of the book. It's still well written so it didn't even notice until reflecting back, but there's no ongoing series of murders like normal just wayward feet. The end of the book makes up for it though as we somehow venture into Colonel Kurtz territory. It's a bit of a different animal for an Pendergast novel.
For those of you wondering, the teaser novella that went out to the newsletter group, The Strange Case of Monsieur Bertin before this came out did not play into this at all.
For those of you wondering, the teaser novella that went out to the newsletter group, The Strange Case of Monsieur Bertin before this came out did not play into this at all.
January 22, 2023
There is no other character in fiction quite like FBI agent Aloysius Pendergast, nor his ward Constance Greene. Since I'm an avid fan of this series I knew to expect a fair amount of violence but in this one there were parts that made me squeamish. Parts within could have been taken from the headlines making today's new stories, though this was published a few years back show how slow things move, or our problems resolved. Evil men, evil ways.
Cold Moon makes a great addition and serves as a perfect foil to the cool, calm but brilliant Pendergast. Hope he sticks around for a while.
Anyway. At books end it should be apparent that underestimating a woman might not be a good idea
Jefferson Mays is a stellar narrator imho.
Cold Moon makes a great addition and serves as a perfect foil to the cool, calm but brilliant Pendergast. Hope he sticks around for a while.
Anyway. At books end it should be apparent that underestimating a woman might not be a good idea
Jefferson Mays is a stellar narrator imho.
December 11, 2021
I had to read this addition to the series as my curiosity if Coldmoon was going to remain a character has been something I've wondered. I've been to Sanibel Island and envisioned much of the beauty it has to offer. A very entertaining read and no disappointment. An enormous amount of exciting action near the end of the book. If you are a Preston & Child fan this is a must read, if you aren't and read this you will more than likely become one.
October 6, 2020
3.5
Great premise but then it took my two favorite gentlemen authors another 20% of the book to put all their literary machinations into motion.
And just as I was beginning to doubt where it was all going, the action started and the second half of the book flew by in a few fun hours.
Minus a star for not enough Pendergast and Greene until the last third of the book. Another half-star ding for the slightly simplified plot-line which was tied up fairly neatly by the end.
A shout out for the empathetic treatment of a particular group of characters!!
Great premise but then it took my two favorite gentlemen authors another 20% of the book to put all their literary machinations into motion.
And just as I was beginning to doubt where it was all going, the action started and the second half of the book flew by in a few fun hours.
Minus a star for not enough Pendergast and Greene until the last third of the book. Another half-star ding for the slightly simplified plot-line which was tied up fairly neatly by the end.
A shout out for the empathetic treatment of a particular group of characters!!
April 10, 2020
Well, this was a weird one. For me, it got off to a bad start with what the police chief did to his dog. (This is not a spoiler; it happens very early on.) On the whole, I found the book as entertaining as all the others in the series. Constance Greene was more amazing than ever. I think this is the first one I've rated only 4 stars. Of course, I will continue following Pendergast's adventures and exploits.
July 23, 2023
This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I wouldn't use it as an introduction to the series as the characters are recurring. In this one many, many shoes start to wash up on a Florida beach. The problem is that these shoes contain amputated feet and Pendergast is persuaded to investigate.
Is it really a surprise that I really enjoyed a book in this series and giving a novel a four star rating. This series continues to provide reading enjoyment for me after all these years. I love the character of Pendergast as he is the modern Sherlock Holmes. I really thought he shined in this book with his charm and intelligence but also showing he is fallible. It doesn't always go his way. In this book we see the return of characters from we were introduced to recently and also from characters we have known for awhile. I liked this as it ties in the whole series but readers would not be lost if they have not read the whole series. As for the story it was creepy especially a couple of scenes. One scene towards the end was so intense as I was entranced by it. One of the best scenes I have ever read. My only gripe with this book was Constance. Her involvement with the main plot and a sub plot did not work for me. When did she become such a bad ass? The sub plot just seemed like it was tacked on to keep her in the proceedings for her to be involved in the finale. I have no problem with her actions but for her to be such an action hero did not land for me.
Once again these authors and series have produced a really enjoyable offering. Pendergast is one of my favorite protagonists with his genteel nature and his intelligence. This book had a creepy factor but it was essentially an investigation procedural novel. I am always up for that type of book with Pendergast and his associates.
Is it really a surprise that I really enjoyed a book in this series and giving a novel a four star rating. This series continues to provide reading enjoyment for me after all these years. I love the character of Pendergast as he is the modern Sherlock Holmes. I really thought he shined in this book with his charm and intelligence but also showing he is fallible. It doesn't always go his way. In this book we see the return of characters from we were introduced to recently and also from characters we have known for awhile. I liked this as it ties in the whole series but readers would not be lost if they have not read the whole series. As for the story it was creepy especially a couple of scenes. One scene towards the end was so intense as I was entranced by it. One of the best scenes I have ever read. My only gripe with this book was Constance. Her involvement with the main plot and a sub plot did not work for me. When did she become such a bad ass? The sub plot just seemed like it was tacked on to keep her in the proceedings for her to be involved in the finale. I have no problem with her actions but for her to be such an action hero did not land for me.
Once again these authors and series have produced a really enjoyable offering. Pendergast is one of my favorite protagonists with his genteel nature and his intelligence. This book had a creepy factor but it was essentially an investigation procedural novel. I am always up for that type of book with Pendergast and his associates.
March 9, 2021
Not up to the standards of previous Pendergast books. Felt like this was written not by Preston and Child but by some assistant trying to duplicate their writing style. The "haunted house" subplot felt tacked on just to give Constance something to do, some reason to have her involved in the story.
Also these examples of sloppy writing:
Huge info dump at the end tries to pull together all the random bits of plot but it just comes across like the book was finished in a hurry.
Also these examples of sloppy writing:
Huge info dump at the end tries to pull together all the random bits of plot but it just comes across like the book was finished in a hurry.
February 7, 2020
Crooked River starts well and completely loses its way soon after. The authors devise an ingenious crime scene. The resolution process begins earnestly with inventive analysis involving ocean currents. The actual crime was always going to challenge anyone's credibility notions, given the starting points. What hurts are
-- the simple unfolding process
-- An even simpler crime narrative despite its heinous manifestations
-- And the climax involving near-supernatural powers to get the heroes out of an inescapable situation. The authors just conjured up mystical powers on tap to defeat the villains.
The main tale is so simple that authors had to insert side stories and other distractions in the book to beef up its length to the minimum permissible for a novel.
-- the simple unfolding process
-- An even simpler crime narrative despite its heinous manifestations
-- And the climax involving near-supernatural powers to get the heroes out of an inescapable situation. The authors just conjured up mystical powers on tap to defeat the villains.
The main tale is so simple that authors had to insert side stories and other distractions in the book to beef up its length to the minimum permissible for a novel.
January 23, 2020
Following the death of long term narrator Rene Auberjonois, I had doubts that Jefferson Mays could fill his impressive shoes but I have to say that he has done a stirling job of this book and I am assured the future of Pendergast is in good hands.
A classic Pendergast novel is here, more of what everyone expects wrapped around a mysterious crime that seems to have no cause or motive. Even Constance has something to do here outside her normal angst and bringing people tea, and the story is better for it, as she is one of the most interesting characters in the series.
A classic Pendergast novel is here, more of what everyone expects wrapped around a mysterious crime that seems to have no cause or motive. Even Constance has something to do here outside her normal angst and bringing people tea, and the story is better for it, as she is one of the most interesting characters in the series.
March 11, 2020
This was fantastically entertaining. I really enjoyed the inclusion of Coldmoon in the last book and I was pleased to see him involved in this case too. I was so intrigued by the premise for this book that I couldn’t wait to read it. The denouement was very satisfying. Go, Constance!
February 13, 2020
Plots that border the implausible and characters who do the impossible make this series especially appealing to me. The star of the show, FBI special agent Aloysius Pendergast, and his young, mysterious ward, Constance Greene, are so intriguing that I simply can't get enough. In this one, it's clear from the outset that something grisly is afoot - literally; but while Pendergast performs his usual feats of mental brilliance, it is Constance who steals the action scenes this time around.
Enjoying some rare downtime, Pendergast is annoyed to get a call ordering him to a crime scene on Florida's Sanibel Island. There, he learns that dozens of identical green sneakers are floating ashore with the tide - all containing human feet. But from whence did they come? Are the rest of the bodies still intact and alive, and if so, where?
Other police and Coast Guard officers and FBI agents (the latter including Assistant Director Walter Pickett, with whom I developed an immediate affinity given that Pickett is my maiden name) are there to help. Theories run all over the map, for a time centering on a Cuban prison. But only when Pendergast commandeer's the research boat of a Dr. Gladstone and her capable tech-savvy assistant do they discover the true origin - and it's too close to home for comfort. Meanwhile, a local hot-shot reporter finds a clue and sets off on his own to get the scoop - putting his own life in peril - and Pendergast calls on another of his cohorts, Agent Coldmoon (a Native American who will be familiar to readers of previous books), to kick in his special brand of assistance.
But the more the investigation gets a leg-up on the truth, the more the powers-that-be insist that Pendergast and his team to toe the official line. Needless to say, stay the course has never been part of Pendergast's crime-solving strategy, and it certainly rankles him this time around. But this case just might the one to do him in; and it will be up to Constance, with some help from Coldmoon - to keep this, the 19th book, from becoming the end of the series. But no, I never really believed that was a possibility, and a cliffhanger at the end assured me there will be a 20th. Bring it on!
Enjoying some rare downtime, Pendergast is annoyed to get a call ordering him to a crime scene on Florida's Sanibel Island. There, he learns that dozens of identical green sneakers are floating ashore with the tide - all containing human feet. But from whence did they come? Are the rest of the bodies still intact and alive, and if so, where?
Other police and Coast Guard officers and FBI agents (the latter including Assistant Director Walter Pickett, with whom I developed an immediate affinity given that Pickett is my maiden name) are there to help. Theories run all over the map, for a time centering on a Cuban prison. But only when Pendergast commandeer's the research boat of a Dr. Gladstone and her capable tech-savvy assistant do they discover the true origin - and it's too close to home for comfort. Meanwhile, a local hot-shot reporter finds a clue and sets off on his own to get the scoop - putting his own life in peril - and Pendergast calls on another of his cohorts, Agent Coldmoon (a Native American who will be familiar to readers of previous books), to kick in his special brand of assistance.
But the more the investigation gets a leg-up on the truth, the more the powers-that-be insist that Pendergast and his team to toe the official line. Needless to say, stay the course has never been part of Pendergast's crime-solving strategy, and it certainly rankles him this time around. But this case just might the one to do him in; and it will be up to Constance, with some help from Coldmoon - to keep this, the 19th book, from becoming the end of the series. But no, I never really believed that was a possibility, and a cliffhanger at the end assured me there will be a 20th. Bring it on!
January 6, 2020
If Sherlock Holmes was confronted by dozens of shoes - filled with feet - washing up on the banks of the Thames, what would he do? I can only imagine that his methods would be the 19th century equivalent to Preston & Child's Agent Pendergast's.
I was attracted to Crooked River because of the severed feet. In the story, feet clad in identical shoes begin washing up on a Florida Beach. We've all seen news reports about such feet stumbling ashore, often in the Pacific Northwest, and there are many theories about these phenomena, most of them well, rather pedestrian that when Preston & Child decided to explore their own version of this mystery, I couldn't resist.
If you're unfamiliar with Preston & Child's enigmatic FBI agent, it won't be a problem. The authors have written this book so that you can walk right into the story and know and understand Pendergast and his beautiful but deadly assistant without floundering.
In Crooked River, Pendergast is partnered with Special Agent Coldmoon, and as we follow the three protagonists, we're drawn into action and adventure so exciting that I, for one, missed out on a lot of sleep. But it was well worth it.
Crooked River is a complex tale that will have your heart pumping as you turn the pages. To say more about the story itself would be hard without giving spoilers, so I'll leave you with this: If Sherlock Holmes were alive today and had access to the technology and science that Agent Pendergast does, I doubt he could solve the crime any quicker than Pendergast. But I would love to see him try.
I was attracted to Crooked River because of the severed feet. In the story, feet clad in identical shoes begin washing up on a Florida Beach. We've all seen news reports about such feet stumbling ashore, often in the Pacific Northwest, and there are many theories about these phenomena, most of them well, rather pedestrian that when Preston & Child decided to explore their own version of this mystery, I couldn't resist.
If you're unfamiliar with Preston & Child's enigmatic FBI agent, it won't be a problem. The authors have written this book so that you can walk right into the story and know and understand Pendergast and his beautiful but deadly assistant without floundering.
In Crooked River, Pendergast is partnered with Special Agent Coldmoon, and as we follow the three protagonists, we're drawn into action and adventure so exciting that I, for one, missed out on a lot of sleep. But it was well worth it.
Crooked River is a complex tale that will have your heart pumping as you turn the pages. To say more about the story itself would be hard without giving spoilers, so I'll leave you with this: If Sherlock Holmes were alive today and had access to the technology and science that Agent Pendergast does, I doubt he could solve the crime any quicker than Pendergast. But I would love to see him try.
May 8, 2020
Another winner from the writing team Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. As the novel begins, Pendergast is vacationing in Florida with his ward Constance Greene, enjoying some R&R after his recent case with Agent Coldmoon. But the peace is too good to be true as his boss, ADC Pickett arrives at their retreat with a request. Will Pendergast look into an odd, potentially very serious case , set on the island of Captiva, not far away. Eventually, Aloyicious decides to check the unusual situation out. After all, when have dozens of sneakers washed ashore anywhere with amputated feet inside?
Coldmoon, awaiting his first major placement with the FBI in Colorado, joins Pendergast in this complex case which also involves multiple police departments and the Coast Guard. The story moves quickly with lots of action, interesting characters beyond the leads, and a scary plot.
This is one of those books I placed on hold some time ago that arrives out of the blue and lights a fire under my reading. I’m very much looking forward to the 20th book in this series.
4 to 4.5*
Coldmoon, awaiting his first major placement with the FBI in Colorado, joins Pendergast in this complex case which also involves multiple police departments and the Coast Guard. The story moves quickly with lots of action, interesting characters beyond the leads, and a scary plot.
This is one of those books I placed on hold some time ago that arrives out of the blue and lights a fire under my reading. I’m very much looking forward to the 20th book in this series.
4 to 4.5*
April 3, 2020
Agent Pendergast and his ward, Constance Green, are recuperating in Florida when he is asked to look into why severed feet are washing ashore on Captiva Island. Quickly, he is dragged into a Task Force, run by exactly the kind of imperious man that rubs Aloysius the wrong way. Naturally, he investigates on his own, befriending the local police chief, assisting the coroner with some thoughtful lines of inquiry, hiring a crazy pair of scientists to study ocean drift, and eventually reaching out to recruit Special Agent Coldmoon to return as his investigative partner. Eventually, Constance Green gets bored by herself and decides to come to Captiva, despite her misgivings/revulsions about the case. Things go badly wrong, starting with the torture of a man sent to China to determine the source of the unusual footwear, and there is a daring rescue by someone deadly with nerves of steel in the middle of weather most foul. My kind of hero.
June 21, 2020
Severed feet still in shoes wash up onto the beach at Sanibel Island, Florida--a hundred or more. What a nasty surprise for visiting tourists! Many investigative bodies get involved with the usual macho chest-thumping over who has the ultimate authority in the case, with the Coast Guard winning out. But FBI Special Agent Pendergast and his partner Coldmoon don't buy into the commander's theories about Cuban prisoners being tortured and accomplish a lot more on their own on the sly. But could Pendergast be putting his allies in mortal danger?
This is an exciting, page-turning read, sure to please the many fans of the long-running Pendergast series. Quite gory, as I'm sure you can imagine, with plenty of action and adventure. It's rather shocking to learn just who and what is behind this depravity.
This is an exciting, page-turning read, sure to please the many fans of the long-running Pendergast series. Quite gory, as I'm sure you can imagine, with plenty of action and adventure. It's rather shocking to learn just who and what is behind this depravity.
February 20, 2020
I kept waiting for Constance to say, "They drew first blood." Haha.
I suggest to have Materia Primoris (Mark Snow) at hand for background music, especially in the last quarter.
titular line:
p240: Gladstone leaned over his shoulder. It seemed that not too long ago, a developer in Carrabelle had been fined for illegally dredging the Crooked River to his new marina. Ripped out a lot of mangroves in the process, too—a big no-no.
I suggest to have Materia Primoris (Mark Snow) at hand for background music, especially in the last quarter.
titular line:
p240: Gladstone leaned over his shoulder. It seemed that not too long ago, a developer in Carrabelle had been fined for illegally dredging the Crooked River to his new marina. Ripped out a lot of mangroves in the process, too—a big no-no.
December 15, 2021
Well that was fun! Pendergast and Coldmoon make a great team. There was a lot going on in this one but, as usual, Pendergast figured it out in the end. Constance seems to be spreading her wings even more and she always adds a mysterious note to the mix. Very enjoyable!
February 7, 2020
I'm ashamed to admit that having read two other books in the Pendergast series- and not enjoying them- I made the effort to give the series one more try. Sure, the premise of sneakered feet floating up on a small resort island beach sounded intriguing, but the effort to get to the unsatisfying reveal was a tedious struggle.
With one dimensional characters whose development remains stuck in repeated superficial descriptions of cool linen suits or otherworldly confections of chiffon from a bygone era, it seems that the author has mistakenly placed all his eggs in one basket, hoping the mystery would sustain reader interest. At least for this reader, his hunch didn't pan out.
The final confrontation involving the outnumbered good guys going up against an endless number of highly trained-but clearly inept- military personnel had the believability of an Austin Powers movie, which may justify the generous two stars: it was laughably awful.
With one dimensional characters whose development remains stuck in repeated superficial descriptions of cool linen suits or otherworldly confections of chiffon from a bygone era, it seems that the author has mistakenly placed all his eggs in one basket, hoping the mystery would sustain reader interest. At least for this reader, his hunch didn't pan out.
The final confrontation involving the outnumbered good guys going up against an endless number of highly trained-but clearly inept- military personnel had the believability of an Austin Powers movie, which may justify the generous two stars: it was laughably awful.
March 28, 2021
Bizarre, gruesome and oh so engrossing. I've almost forgotten how addictive these books were. I'm finally up to date with the Pendergast series and it's because I was trying to save some for later. And now I'll be waiting for the next one with bated breath. (That cover for Bloodless is my favourite of the series - so creepy and atmospheric.. )
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