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Pendergast #21
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng
Agent Pendergast faces his latest challenge in this next installment of the #1 NYT bestselling series by acclaimed authors Preston and Child, the second in the Leng Trilogy.
Following the events of Bloodless, FBI Special Agent A.X.L. Pendergast and Constance Greene return. Against all odds, Constance has found a way back to the place of her origins, New York City in the late 1800s. She sets off on a quest to prevent the events that lead to the deaths of her sister and brother, and stop Manhattan's most infamous serial killer, Dr. Enoch Leng, before his nefarious experiments come to fruition.
Meanwhile, in present-day New York, Agent Pendergast is desperate to find a way to reunite with Constance – but will he find a way before it's too late?
Following the events of Bloodless, FBI Special Agent A.X.L. Pendergast and Constance Greene return. Against all odds, Constance has found a way back to the place of her origins, New York City in the late 1800s. She sets off on a quest to prevent the events that lead to the deaths of her sister and brother, and stop Manhattan's most infamous serial killer, Dr. Enoch Leng, before his nefarious experiments come to fruition.
Meanwhile, in present-day New York, Agent Pendergast is desperate to find a way to reunite with Constance – but will he find a way before it's too late?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 17, 2023
1891 people are currently reading
15994 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 1,672 reviews
November 27, 2023
Taŋyáŋ ománi
Lakota Sioux for "Have a good journey" which sums up this book to the T. What a trip this was!!
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng has multiple mysteries and is set in two timelines. FBI agent Coldmoon is assigned to the Colorado field office and sent to investigate a murder at Rosebud Res. in South Dakota. At NY Museum of Natural History, LT. Commander D'agosta and his crime scene unit are looking into a death of a museum curator found in the freezer. Agent Pendergast uses his resources to find a way to reunite with Constance Greene who in the previous book "Bloodless", left Georgia and return to NYC in 1880.
I know! It's wild!! This sounds pretty crazy and OTT, but this series is not your average FBI thriller where this rich and intriguing character, Special Agent AXL Pendergast solves "normal" cases. From time to time there are supernatural, sci-fi, bizarre, and even horror elements.
This book is mostly Constance Greene's story. She aims to save her siblings from NY's most notable serial killer, Dr. Leng. I find that her journey at the beginning is a bit slow and so detailed. I really enjoy 1880 once the ground is set. The pace picked up for her story and the alternate perspectives in the present time in S. Dakota and NY's Museum are also very well done and guarantee to keep you turning the pages and be on edge of your seat until the very last page.
For full disclosure, I have read 12 books in Aloysius Pendergast Series. I think the authors give the backgrounds of the characters very well and I never felt lost. However, through the authors' own words, these novels should be read, preferably in sequence. The Cabinet of Dr. Leng is the third book in the Leng Quartet starting with The Cabinet of Curiosities #3, and Bloodless #20.
...to be continued ----> 4.5⭐
Thank you Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for my DRC.
Published 1/17/2023!
---
May 2022
January?!😭
January 15, 2023
Strike the match.......This one is lit from the first page onward.
Preston and Child have long been on the charts for their incredible Pendergast Series. If you've ever been intrigued, now's the time to jump onboard. They've set the stage with plenty of background for newbies. And the storyline is aflame with three crafty avenues on that match: Constance Greene, Pendergast and D'Agosta, and Special Agent Armstrong Coldmoon. Buckle up, Buttercup.
Constance, love interest of Aloysius Pendergast, has escaped present day New York City and is hurled back in time to the Gilded Age of this city in December of 1880. She's hellbent on righting the wrongs of her lineage and to pursue her dark nemesis, Dr. Enoch Leng. She portrays herself as the Duchess of Ironclaw with plenty of cash and a fine mansion to reel in Leng. Not so fast. Leng is on to her. Constance, watch your back.
And in present day New York City, Lieutenant Commander Vincent D'Agosta of the Borough Homicide is working alongside Special Agent Coldmoon of the FBI. There's been a murder at one of the museums. The case involves stolen Native American artifacts. Coldmoon, a true Lakota, finds himself on a trail that will even take him to Ecuador.
Pendergast, with more tricks up his sleeve than people in line for Krispy Kreme Donuts, creates a passageway back to 1880 in pursuit of Constance. And of course, he's not traveling alone. Agosta, his sidekick, commits himself to another dangerous trek whenever it concerns Pendergast. The Gilded Age will hold their fate by a thread.
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng is a multi-layered roll-out of sci-fi, historical fiction, and psychological thriller. Just when you'd think that Preston and Child may run out of ideas at #21, they've set sparks flying in this latest one. The writing and the science is top-notch as always. Short chapters and a flip of the switch in eras and storylines sends this one soaring into the stratosphere. These two authors lay the brick work in background for the main characters. The action and the unfurling of the plot is relentless. Just how we like 'em. A standing ovation for Preston and Child. Bravo!
I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and to Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child for the opportunity.
Preston and Child have long been on the charts for their incredible Pendergast Series. If you've ever been intrigued, now's the time to jump onboard. They've set the stage with plenty of background for newbies. And the storyline is aflame with three crafty avenues on that match: Constance Greene, Pendergast and D'Agosta, and Special Agent Armstrong Coldmoon. Buckle up, Buttercup.
Constance, love interest of Aloysius Pendergast, has escaped present day New York City and is hurled back in time to the Gilded Age of this city in December of 1880. She's hellbent on righting the wrongs of her lineage and to pursue her dark nemesis, Dr. Enoch Leng. She portrays herself as the Duchess of Ironclaw with plenty of cash and a fine mansion to reel in Leng. Not so fast. Leng is on to her. Constance, watch your back.
And in present day New York City, Lieutenant Commander Vincent D'Agosta of the Borough Homicide is working alongside Special Agent Coldmoon of the FBI. There's been a murder at one of the museums. The case involves stolen Native American artifacts. Coldmoon, a true Lakota, finds himself on a trail that will even take him to Ecuador.
Pendergast, with more tricks up his sleeve than people in line for Krispy Kreme Donuts, creates a passageway back to 1880 in pursuit of Constance. And of course, he's not traveling alone. Agosta, his sidekick, commits himself to another dangerous trek whenever it concerns Pendergast. The Gilded Age will hold their fate by a thread.
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng is a multi-layered roll-out of sci-fi, historical fiction, and psychological thriller. Just when you'd think that Preston and Child may run out of ideas at #21, they've set sparks flying in this latest one. The writing and the science is top-notch as always. Short chapters and a flip of the switch in eras and storylines sends this one soaring into the stratosphere. These two authors lay the brick work in background for the main characters. The action and the unfurling of the plot is relentless. Just how we like 'em. A standing ovation for Preston and Child. Bravo!
I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and to Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child for the opportunity.
May 8, 2023
Wow, what a roller coaster ride with several stories in one volume: Coldmoon and D'Agosta try to find out about theft/murder in the Natural History Museum in New York. Constance Green is traveling back in time to save her siblings in the New York of 1880. Dr Leng and his evil proceedings are described. Pendergast/D'Agosta who try to save Constance... quite a lot of parallel action, even for a Pendergast novel. We find ourselves in a parallel multiverse and long for the showdown. Can Mary be rescued by Constance? What about Leng? Does he survive? What about the other characters and the time machine, Constance's younger self... this will be the prelude to many more adventures I hope. Fluently written, well researched, a masterfully crafted Penny Dreadful of the 21st century. Also liked the twist and the outlook at the end. Highly recommended. Preston&Child at their best...
Read
January 7, 2025Keeping this succinct (which is a challenge with a book this good)! This book is a real page turner if you’ve been a fan of the Pendergast series since the beginning.
But if not, stop what you’re doing and go read The Cabinet of Curiosities (not the first book of the series, but an okay place to jump in) and then check back in because this book shouldn’t be read until that book (and another, Bloodless) has been read.
This was exactly the book I’ve been waiting for… for a decade or longer and it doesn’t disappoint!!
And the “holy heck, what just happened ending?” more than earned that elusive fifth star!!
Still here? Hope that means you already know how fun these books are to read!! 😎
Re-read in October’24 in preparation for next book… just as good second time around!!
(Reviewed 3/12/23)
But if not, stop what you’re doing and go read The Cabinet of Curiosities (not the first book of the series, but an okay place to jump in) and then check back in because this book shouldn’t be read until that book (and another, Bloodless) has been read.
This was exactly the book I’ve been waiting for… for a decade or longer and it doesn’t disappoint!!
And the “holy heck, what just happened ending?” more than earned that elusive fifth star!!
Still here? Hope that means you already know how fun these books are to read!! 😎
Re-read in October’24 in preparation for next book… just as good second time around!!
(Reviewed 3/12/23)
February 10, 2023
An unexpected journey into the past while trying to save a couple of lives could possibly have dire consequences for so many who exist in the present time frame since any changes that mysterious Constance makes could alter the future that Pendergast has carefully maintained for Constance who is quite an enigma for any who have had the pleasure or displeasure to have had an encounter with her. Professor Pendergast has been devastated since Constance left him and adamantly told him not to follow her but he fears her life is in serious danger from the most evil of men (Dr. Leng). So Pendergast takes Detective D'Agosta into his confidence and tells him they will be taking a trip like no other because they are going to travel back in time to the year 1880 and there is is very good chance that none of them will make it back to their present lives.
What an incredibly good book this was. The storytelling and characters are so intelligent and believable that I felt as if I was walking inside their reality. This book would make a fabulous movie due to all the wonderful, descriptive telling of the scenes taking place in the 1800's from their style of clothing to the way they spoke in New York city during that time including all the sights, sounds and smells of things we could never imagine having to deal with today. Some events sound fun and interesting but there are so many other things that we take for granted today. I could never imagine having to deal with so many indignities, never mind that women are second class citizens with men still ruling the world . (Ugh!). I love the research that Preston & Child utilizes in writing their books since a novel that could seem silly and outlandish becomes a masterpiece with world building and detailed, descriptive nuances to each character's form of speech and also their physical mannerisms. This book was entertaining, thrilling, mysterious, intriguing and non-stop serious fun while still being very dark and dangerous. The only problem I had with this terrific book was the ending, a CLIFFHANGER! I just wish I knew that before reading the book. Yes, I would still have read it but I wouldn't have been left with anger and frustration. The next book is still being written so I can't wait to find out when it will be published because I will be impatiently waiting just like so many other fans who are also waiting. I read this as a stand-alone and it was wonderful but I would suggest reading the previous book first to give more background on the characters.
I want to thank the publisher "Grand Central Publishing" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this terrific book a rating of 4 1/2 INTRIGUING AND MYSTIFYING 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠STARS!!
What an incredibly good book this was. The storytelling and characters are so intelligent and believable that I felt as if I was walking inside their reality. This book would make a fabulous movie due to all the wonderful, descriptive telling of the scenes taking place in the 1800's from their style of clothing to the way they spoke in New York city during that time including all the sights, sounds and smells of things we could never imagine having to deal with today. Some events sound fun and interesting but there are so many other things that we take for granted today. I could never imagine having to deal with so many indignities, never mind that women are second class citizens with men still ruling the world . (Ugh!). I love the research that Preston & Child utilizes in writing their books since a novel that could seem silly and outlandish becomes a masterpiece with world building and detailed, descriptive nuances to each character's form of speech and also their physical mannerisms. This book was entertaining, thrilling, mysterious, intriguing and non-stop serious fun while still being very dark and dangerous. The only problem I had with this terrific book was the ending, a CLIFFHANGER! I just wish I knew that before reading the book. Yes, I would still have read it but I wouldn't have been left with anger and frustration. The next book is still being written so I can't wait to find out when it will be published because I will be impatiently waiting just like so many other fans who are also waiting. I read this as a stand-alone and it was wonderful but I would suggest reading the previous book first to give more background on the characters.
I want to thank the publisher "Grand Central Publishing" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this terrific book a rating of 4 1/2 INTRIGUING AND MYSTIFYING 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠STARS!!
February 8, 2023
Good grief, now that’s how you do a cliffhanger!
Just when I think I have an idea of where Preston & Child are going, they pull the rug out from under my feet...again!
It never ceases to amaze me on how good this series is with its storytelling, characters, and complex and detailed plots.
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng continues right after Bloodless. It’s hard to get too much into the plot of this one since it will affect spoilers and actions that happened in previous books, including The Cabinet of Curiosities.
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng involves New York City during the 1800s, revenge, a serial killer, and replicas of Lakota artifacts.
Don’t worry. This might sound confusing but if you’ve read up to Bloodless, you’ll know how and what some of these subjects are about.
If you love dark and action packed thrillers, definitely check out the Pendergast series. Some of the plots and books seem a bit unbelievable at times but damn are they always entertaining and fun!
Just when I think I have an idea of where Preston & Child are going, they pull the rug out from under my feet...again!
It never ceases to amaze me on how good this series is with its storytelling, characters, and complex and detailed plots.
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng continues right after Bloodless. It’s hard to get too much into the plot of this one since it will affect spoilers and actions that happened in previous books, including The Cabinet of Curiosities.
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng involves New York City during the 1800s, revenge, a serial killer, and replicas of Lakota artifacts.
Don’t worry. This might sound confusing but if you’ve read up to Bloodless, you’ll know how and what some of these subjects are about.
If you love dark and action packed thrillers, definitely check out the Pendergast series. Some of the plots and books seem a bit unbelievable at times but damn are they always entertaining and fun!
January 16, 2023
I am so pleased that this Agent Pendergast novel was more in keeping with Cabinet of Curiosities and Relic and less like the previous two in the series, which fell a bit flat for me. There's a ton going on in this one, but it never gets confusing. Love the time travel element and the authors did a great job recreating 1880s NYC. All of our favorites are together in this one. Pendergast and Proctor, D'Agosta and Laura, and Agent Coldmoon. It does end in a cliffhanger, and there's even a note to readers from the authors explaining the reasons behind this and promising a resolution in their next installment. Thank you to @libro.fm for the gifted audiobook.
January 25, 2024
Dark, creepy, mysterious - everything you expect from Preston & Child.
I really think you need to have read most, if not all, of the previous Pendergast series entries to truly appreciate this book.
I will, as always, be back for the next book!
I really think you need to have read most, if not all, of the previous Pendergast series entries to truly appreciate this book.
I will, as always, be back for the next book!
February 4, 2023
This book is a gift for followers of the series featuring FBI Special Agent A. X. L. Pendergast. It continues on from “Bloodless”, the authors’ most recent book. It expands upon “The Cabinet of Curiosities”, which is my favorite book in the series. It also ties in to “Relic” the first book in the series, and it brings back a character who has been missing from the series. You can try reading this as a standalone, but I strongly recommend that at least you first read Cabinet.
In this book Pendergast is despondent because his ward Constance has transported herself back to New York City as it was in 1880. She wants to rescue her older brother and sister from the dire fates that befell them. And she also wants to destroy Dr. Enoch Leng, the mad scientist from Cabinet. Pendergast’s recent partner Special Agent Armstrong Coldmoon is trying to find out who murdered a Native American artist. Lieutenant Commander Vincent D’Agosta, Pendergast’s friend and collaborator, is trying to find out who murdered a curator in the New York Museum of Natural History. Each of the Constance, Pendergast, Coldmoon and D’Agosta plot lines was intelligent and entertaining. They developed separately, but eventually converged. This book not only has characters I like and an original and interesting story, but it has touches of old New York, which I love.
“Bloodless” ended with a startling development that leads into “The Cabinet of Dr. Leng” however the Bloodless plot was complete. That is not the case with this book; it is only half of the story. I think that it is evil to end with a cliffhanger that forces me to wait months or years to read the conclusion. I wasn’t paying attention to how close I was to the end of the book and I was shocked when, and how, it ended. I also cursed a little.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
In this book Pendergast is despondent because his ward Constance has transported herself back to New York City as it was in 1880. She wants to rescue her older brother and sister from the dire fates that befell them. And she also wants to destroy Dr. Enoch Leng, the mad scientist from Cabinet. Pendergast’s recent partner Special Agent Armstrong Coldmoon is trying to find out who murdered a Native American artist. Lieutenant Commander Vincent D’Agosta, Pendergast’s friend and collaborator, is trying to find out who murdered a curator in the New York Museum of Natural History. Each of the Constance, Pendergast, Coldmoon and D’Agosta plot lines was intelligent and entertaining. They developed separately, but eventually converged. This book not only has characters I like and an original and interesting story, but it has touches of old New York, which I love.
“Bloodless” ended with a startling development that leads into “The Cabinet of Dr. Leng” however the Bloodless plot was complete. That is not the case with this book; it is only half of the story. I think that it is evil to end with a cliffhanger that forces me to wait months or years to read the conclusion. I wasn’t paying attention to how close I was to the end of the book and I was shocked when, and how, it ended. I also cursed a little.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
May 6, 2025
As the 21st book in the overall series, and the second in a mini-arc about Dr. Leng, I had high hopes for the 2023 release from co-authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. While the books are FBI and detective thrillers, there is always an element of science-fiction / fantasy where something unreal happens. It adds to the story rather than detracts from it, and in this book, it involves time travel. But it's different than most other books about the subject. Constance goes back in time to save her siblings from Dr. Leng, and the machine breaks when she transports back to 1880s NYC. Pendergast reassembles the machine and follows her, but lots happens in between. Meanwhile, our favorite NYPD detective teams up with Pendergast's partner, Coldmoon, to solve a Natural History Museum / Native American murder. All the stories weave together, and as Constance finally gets close to nabbing Dr. Leng in the past, an unexpected twist occurs - on the very LAST page. So unfair, but I loved it. The descriptions of 1880s NYC were amazing, and I adore the changes in Constance's personality - so adaptable. Thankfully, this is a bit of an alternate universe, so nothing they do will impact their real lives with the exception of: if they get stuck in the parallel universe, they can't return to reality and therefore they would be missing from the normal timeline in reality. Once you can wrap your head around that, the book is a major thrill ride. I buddy read it with a great friend who also loved it... close to 5 stars but it was missing some of the true underlying mystery of 'what's going on' here in the background, e.g. the connections between the killer and his/her prey. Otherwise, it was thoroughly enjoyable!
January 3, 2023
READ THIS BOOK.
There. That's a simple enough review, brief and to the point and if you're a Pendergast fan, it's enough. Hell, if you really ARE a Pendergast fan, chances are, like me, you've kept your eyes and ears open since you put down 'Bloodless' and as soon as prerelease copies of 'The Cabinet of Dr Leng' became available, you leaped. Maybe you got one. I did, but with a strict deadline in which to read it: five days.
Heh heh heh. Like that would be a problem. I finished in three.
Now, I really should preface this by saying that I am enormous Preston and Child fan, having read no fewer than 27 of their previous works, starting with 'Still Life With Crows'. My brother sent me that tome as a gift because it involves a cave, and I had been a caver for thirty-plus years. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and as I tend to do, I went out and bought everything I could find by the pair, even showing up at a signing the two did in Nashville many years ago with my now-retired caving helmet. They signed it!
But I don't just read the Pendergast books; my favorite of their stories remains the standalone 'Riptide', which is based more-or-less on the story of Oak Island. If you haven't read it, you should. It's terrific. And I've read their solo works as well, which are all very good. The only misfires, in my opinion, are the Gideon Crew stories. The books I have read featuring him are good enough, but I just find him an unpleasant character. Your mileage may vary.
As to 'Dr Leng', I shall not provide any spoilers, and yes, you should absolutely read this book the instant you get a copy. It answers a lot of questions regarding the enigmatic Constance Greene and her family that have remained in my mind since 'The Cabinet of Curiosities'. What's more intriguing, Armstrong Coldmoon really becomes a force in the Pendergast universe here, and I thoroughly enjoy his presence in this story. He's got a lot more to offer in this cycle, and I would love to be able to reveal exactly what's happening on his end of things...but like you will...I ultimately find myself with more questions than answers, and what's worse, we won't get those answers till the next volume comes out! Which, based on previous releases, won't be at least a year. A year.
A YEAR. At least!
Will I live that long? Can I maintain my tenuous grip on sanity till then? Will books even be affordable or available then? What if the zombie apocalypse or some similar SHTF event happens first? How will I ever learn what happens?
Still. There's those final two paragraphs in this book.
To fans: DON'T READ AHEAD.
To Doug and Linc: Get cracking. WE'RE WAITING.
There. That's a simple enough review, brief and to the point and if you're a Pendergast fan, it's enough. Hell, if you really ARE a Pendergast fan, chances are, like me, you've kept your eyes and ears open since you put down 'Bloodless' and as soon as prerelease copies of 'The Cabinet of Dr Leng' became available, you leaped. Maybe you got one. I did, but with a strict deadline in which to read it: five days.
Heh heh heh. Like that would be a problem. I finished in three.
Now, I really should preface this by saying that I am enormous Preston and Child fan, having read no fewer than 27 of their previous works, starting with 'Still Life With Crows'. My brother sent me that tome as a gift because it involves a cave, and I had been a caver for thirty-plus years. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and as I tend to do, I went out and bought everything I could find by the pair, even showing up at a signing the two did in Nashville many years ago with my now-retired caving helmet. They signed it!
But I don't just read the Pendergast books; my favorite of their stories remains the standalone 'Riptide', which is based more-or-less on the story of Oak Island. If you haven't read it, you should. It's terrific. And I've read their solo works as well, which are all very good. The only misfires, in my opinion, are the Gideon Crew stories. The books I have read featuring him are good enough, but I just find him an unpleasant character. Your mileage may vary.
As to 'Dr Leng', I shall not provide any spoilers, and yes, you should absolutely read this book the instant you get a copy. It answers a lot of questions regarding the enigmatic Constance Greene and her family that have remained in my mind since 'The Cabinet of Curiosities'. What's more intriguing, Armstrong Coldmoon really becomes a force in the Pendergast universe here, and I thoroughly enjoy his presence in this story. He's got a lot more to offer in this cycle, and I would love to be able to reveal exactly what's happening on his end of things...but like you will...I ultimately find myself with more questions than answers, and what's worse, we won't get those answers till the next volume comes out! Which, based on previous releases, won't be at least a year. A year.
A YEAR. At least!
Will I live that long? Can I maintain my tenuous grip on sanity till then? Will books even be affordable or available then? What if the zombie apocalypse or some similar SHTF event happens first? How will I ever learn what happens?
Still. There's those final two paragraphs in this book.
To fans: DON'T READ AHEAD.
To Doug and Linc: Get cracking. WE'RE WAITING.
June 18, 2023
“Vincent, is it fair to say you’ve witnessed many strange things during our long and fruitful association?”
“That’s putting it mildly.”
“You are about to experience by far the strangest. I’m not quite sure how to explain this to you, so I’ll be as direct as possible. I only ask that you suspend your disbelief until I provide proof.”
“Okay,” said D’Agosta, lifting his beer for another sip.
“In the basement, I have a time machine.”
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng, the 21st novel starring FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast, picks up almost immediately after the ending of the last book, Bloodless. Constance Greene has traveled back to New York City in November of 1880, determined to save her brother Joe from prison on Blackwell’s Island and save her older sister Mary from being experimented on and killed by Dr. Enoch Leng, the notorious serial killer and Pendergast’s ancestor. Meanwhile, Lt. Commander Vincent D’Agosta and FBI Agent Armstrong Coldmoon are separately investigating murders on opposite sides of the country until they realize their victims may be linked. And all the while, Pendergast is trying to figure out a way to reach Constance in the past and rescue her.
I ended my review for Bloodless saying “I wonder if the whole point of Bloodless wasn’t to set up the ending and position the book as the first in a new trilogy.” And I was correct. The Cabinet of Dr. Leng continues the story and ends on a wicked cliffhanger that the authors say will be resolved in the next book. But despite its status as the middle book of a trilogy, it’s a good story. Each of the major characters has a lot going own, and has their own twists, turns, ups and downs. It’s an unpredictable and entertaining story, and one of the better books in the entire series. Recommended.
February 5, 2023
Strange occurrences and dangerous situations always seem to shadow Aloysius Pendergast. As a special agent in the FBI he has solved many a case that if not for his extraordinary powers of observation and mental calculations, would have remained unsolved. The current dilemma he now finds himself in may be his Waterloo. Plus, he has taken D'costa with him, putting them both in extreme danger.
Loved having all Pendergasts men reappear in this outing. Cold Moon is also back working on a different but interesting case. These books cover so many different genres, mystery, history, fantasy and SF, and surprisingly at least for me, who reads little of two of those, works. Of course, any rational belief needs to be suspended, as what happens is often not at all rational. I am, however, addicted to this series as I find them interesting as well as wildly entertaining. This one ends on a cliff hanger so now await the fate of these men. Can Pendergast pull off another amazing escape? We will see.
Listened to the audio and Jefferson Mays is a wonderful narrator.
Loved having all Pendergasts men reappear in this outing. Cold Moon is also back working on a different but interesting case. These books cover so many different genres, mystery, history, fantasy and SF, and surprisingly at least for me, who reads little of two of those, works. Of course, any rational belief needs to be suspended, as what happens is often not at all rational. I am, however, addicted to this series as I find them interesting as well as wildly entertaining. This one ends on a cliff hanger so now await the fate of these men. Can Pendergast pull off another amazing escape? We will see.
Listened to the audio and Jefferson Mays is a wonderful narrator.
January 6, 2023
I’ve read only five other books in the Pendergast series (and two books from other series by Preston and Child) but anytime I read about this series somewhere, I feel that I should buy the whole series one day. Therefore, I was very happy to be approved for a review copy of books 21 in this series.
Luckily there was enough information give about the main characters in this book to not be confused with who was who and what happened in earlier books. On the contrary, I was immediately engrossed in the story, which is a mixture of a thriller and science fiction. For me as a fan of science fiction the concept of time travel and multiple universes is not new, and Preston and Child weave everything together in a very attractive way.
There are two main stories here, with Pendergast and Constance in one, and Armstrong Coldmoon and Vincent D’acosta in the other. I won’t be surprised though, if the two stories would intertwine somewhere in the next book. Yes, the next book, because the story isn’t finished yet. I’m eagerly awaiting this because the mixture between time travel and multiple universes is very cleverly done. And then there is Constance, fierce and loyal, and Dr. Leng, a creepy ‘doctor’ if there ever was one. Brilliant!
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for this review copy.
Luckily there was enough information give about the main characters in this book to not be confused with who was who and what happened in earlier books. On the contrary, I was immediately engrossed in the story, which is a mixture of a thriller and science fiction. For me as a fan of science fiction the concept of time travel and multiple universes is not new, and Preston and Child weave everything together in a very attractive way.
There are two main stories here, with Pendergast and Constance in one, and Armstrong Coldmoon and Vincent D’acosta in the other. I won’t be surprised though, if the two stories would intertwine somewhere in the next book. Yes, the next book, because the story isn’t finished yet. I’m eagerly awaiting this because the mixture between time travel and multiple universes is very cleverly done. And then there is Constance, fierce and loyal, and Dr. Leng, a creepy ‘doctor’ if there ever was one. Brilliant!
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for this review copy.
February 7, 2023
These books by Preston and Child are such a comfort read for me! I’ve been working my way through this series for years, and the nostalgia each time I pick up a new one is fantastic. I can certainly say that it’s the writing and wonderful storytelling that does this, but probably mostly, it’s been the great time I’ve had sharing this with a reading buddy who I’ve buddy read all of the books with excepting only Relic. It’s been great fun, a great series and I hope it continues.
This book seems like one a lot of fans have been waiting for, picking up on the story going all the way back to Cabinet of Curiosities. And it doesn’t disappoint! I don’t want to say any more and give anything away other than I can’t wait for the next one - which better be soon!
5.0/5.0 stars.
This book seems like one a lot of fans have been waiting for, picking up on the story going all the way back to Cabinet of Curiosities. And it doesn’t disappoint! I don’t want to say any more and give anything away other than I can’t wait for the next one - which better be soon!
5.0/5.0 stars.
January 22, 2023
i literally cant believe this book got published like guys….what’s going on….
first pendergast drinks LEAN he drinks LEAN i can’t believe he drinks fucking LEAN, and then they get a NASA ENGINEER to fix the fucking time machine??? sorry time machine??? sorry what time machine??? what the fuck??? also i never got the sense that proctor was mean before i always thought of him as a butler from artemis fowl kind of guy.
anyways.
laura is now a Ball And Chain Wife Who Bothers You By Caring About Your Day, rip in peace to her, and vincent may as well have no fucking personality, and honestly why is coldmoon even in this book. what is the point of that whole entire plotline. it literally has nothing to do with anything at all except for preston and child to continue making fools of themselves trying to write a native american character.
and DO NOT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THAT ENDING i love diogenes more than anyone else on this earth but i literally would rather he stayed dead forever and ever and ever than come back like this like WHAT SO YOU MEAN WHAT ARE YOU YALKING ABOUT i literally hate it here. SHE THREW HIM IN A FUCKING VOLCANO LIKE 15 BOOKS AGO HOW IS HE STILL ALIVE nothing will ever make me as angry as how they ruined the most perfect and fitting death ever by bringing him back. i will need to reread the obsidian chamber now.
ok and also …… kinda feel like constance would have bodied leng if pendergast and d’agousta didn’t fuck it all up by bringing ferenc into it ???? they’re like oh nooo she can’t possibly kill leng we need to watch out for her and do it for her she’s so fragile and prone to feminine hysteria but like. besties. need i remind you that the past like seven books have been about constance getting YOUR STUPID ASS out of YOUR STUPID LIFE OR DEATH SITUATIONS like is she a badass beserker killing machine or a damsel in distress you can’t have it both ways. honestly hope she kills pendergast and d’agousta and gets with diogenes to kill off leng at this point. nothing will ever make me as angry as the way they are running this series and my precious baby girl diogenes into the fucking ground. like PLEASEEEEE he’s a mad genius he’s insane he tried to commit mass murder in the most nerd way possible he loves jewels he seduced constance with a. fucking PET MOUSE just let him have his dramatic volcano death AND LET HIM BE DEAD!!!!!!!!!! diogenes rights!!!!!!!!!!!
first pendergast drinks LEAN he drinks LEAN i can’t believe he drinks fucking LEAN, and then they get a NASA ENGINEER to fix the fucking time machine??? sorry time machine??? sorry what time machine??? what the fuck??? also i never got the sense that proctor was mean before i always thought of him as a butler from artemis fowl kind of guy.
anyways.
laura is now a Ball And Chain Wife Who Bothers You By Caring About Your Day, rip in peace to her, and vincent may as well have no fucking personality, and honestly why is coldmoon even in this book. what is the point of that whole entire plotline. it literally has nothing to do with anything at all except for preston and child to continue making fools of themselves trying to write a native american character.
and DO NOT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THAT ENDING i love diogenes more than anyone else on this earth but i literally would rather he stayed dead forever and ever and ever than come back like this like WHAT SO YOU MEAN WHAT ARE YOU YALKING ABOUT i literally hate it here. SHE THREW HIM IN A FUCKING VOLCANO LIKE 15 BOOKS AGO HOW IS HE STILL ALIVE nothing will ever make me as angry as how they ruined the most perfect and fitting death ever by bringing him back. i will need to reread the obsidian chamber now.
ok and also …… kinda feel like constance would have bodied leng if pendergast and d’agousta didn’t fuck it all up by bringing ferenc into it ???? they’re like oh nooo she can’t possibly kill leng we need to watch out for her and do it for her she’s so fragile and prone to feminine hysteria but like. besties. need i remind you that the past like seven books have been about constance getting YOUR STUPID ASS out of YOUR STUPID LIFE OR DEATH SITUATIONS like is she a badass beserker killing machine or a damsel in distress you can’t have it both ways. honestly hope she kills pendergast and d’agousta and gets with diogenes to kill off leng at this point. nothing will ever make me as angry as the way they are running this series and my precious baby girl diogenes into the fucking ground. like PLEASEEEEE he’s a mad genius he’s insane he tried to commit mass murder in the most nerd way possible he loves jewels he seduced constance with a. fucking PET MOUSE just let him have his dramatic volcano death AND LET HIM BE DEAD!!!!!!!!!! diogenes rights!!!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2023
Like the authors delivering a story that is incomplete, I will leave an incomplete review and omit a review of the story and instead I'll rant on how dissatisfied I am with this inconclusive story and raise the question how is it acceptable that Preston & Child deliver an incomplete book to their readers. How disappointing for fans of this series to purchase this book and then to find it is incomplete, this is not a story with a cliffhanger…it is an incomplete story. I am actually very surprised to see the high number of 4/5 starred positive reviews and I am definitely in the minority with my one-star review. In this economy to spend $15+ for an ebook or $30+ for a hardcover book without a conclusive ending... is unacceptable.
Being authors of a popular series with many followers should not mean carte blanche to release unfinished work. Why not forgo the alternate story starring Coldmoon, and invest more into the Pendergast mystery, personally I felt as though the Coldmoon piece was boring and predictable, probably just inserted as a filler to meet a page quota.
I have followed this series from the beginning, so for the authors to note that they know this story is inconclusive and then suggest to their readers to observe the other books in their series is so disappointing.
Being authors of a popular series with many followers should not mean carte blanche to release unfinished work. Why not forgo the alternate story starring Coldmoon, and invest more into the Pendergast mystery, personally I felt as though the Coldmoon piece was boring and predictable, probably just inserted as a filler to meet a page quota.
I have followed this series from the beginning, so for the authors to note that they know this story is inconclusive and then suggest to their readers to observe the other books in their series is so disappointing.
January 1, 2023
I love this series. I will read every single Pendergast novel until the very last one...and any spin off series...and really, just anything these guys write. I'm hooked.
The Cabinet of Dr Leng is the 21st Pendergast novel. And sometimes a dark, creepy-cool series can start to get a bit dusty and repetitive after so many books. But Preston & Child keep finding ways to interject excitement, new directions and different plot twists into this series that it just keeps getting better and better! I make a point to never read blurbs, early reviews, or commentary on new books in this series. I start reading with no preconceived notions. Some of the action in this book caught me totally by surprise! I was glued to the page from start to finish.
Loved it! I'm definitely on board for the next book in this series, as always!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
The Cabinet of Dr Leng is the 21st Pendergast novel. And sometimes a dark, creepy-cool series can start to get a bit dusty and repetitive after so many books. But Preston & Child keep finding ways to interject excitement, new directions and different plot twists into this series that it just keeps getting better and better! I make a point to never read blurbs, early reviews, or commentary on new books in this series. I start reading with no preconceived notions. Some of the action in this book caught me totally by surprise! I was glued to the page from start to finish.
Loved it! I'm definitely on board for the next book in this series, as always!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
May 10, 2024
I have been an absolute failure of late in maintaining my food metaphors for this series, and to my legions and throngs (as opposed to thongs) of fans out there....I'm sorry. You deserve better.
In short: this is sarsaparilla. Like, it's good now, but think of how much better it would have been way back when, in days of yore? It would have been better. Unquestionably.
It's like "The Abominable Bride" episode of Sherlock. It's everything you've ever wanted from this otherwise contemporary thriller/mystery series.
In short: this is sarsaparilla. Like, it's good now, but think of how much better it would have been way back when, in days of yore? It would have been better. Unquestionably.
It's like "The Abominable Bride" episode of Sherlock. It's everything you've ever wanted from this otherwise contemporary thriller/mystery series.
February 18, 2025
An exciting entry into this long-running series! Our favorite characters all return and time-travel is involved. Simon and I enjoyed listening to the audiobook together, often choosing listening over watching something on the television.
About two-thirds to three-quarters of the way through I realized that this book was going to end on a cliff-hanger! The authors apologize at the end and say that they are writing the conclusion as quickly as possible. They end by promising "to make up for leaving the story hanging fire by ultimately bringing it to a satisfying finish" and thank us for our interest in their work.
Quotes about my latest favorite character from this series:
D'Agosta to Cold Moon - "You look like ten miles of bad road."
"Cold Moon reached for the cup of coffee beside the couch, then thought better of it. He'd ingested enough caffeine over the last 72-hours to give a tree sloth tachycardia."
*Update - rereading with Simon prior to the next and latest volume of the series becoming available on hold via the library. 14th February, 2025.
About two-thirds to three-quarters of the way through I realized that this book was going to end on a cliff-hanger! The authors apologize at the end and say that they are writing the conclusion as quickly as possible. They end by promising "to make up for leaving the story hanging fire by ultimately bringing it to a satisfying finish" and thank us for our interest in their work.
Quotes about my latest favorite character from this series:
D'Agosta to Cold Moon - "You look like ten miles of bad road."
"Cold Moon reached for the cup of coffee beside the couch, then thought better of it. He'd ingested enough caffeine over the last 72-hours to give a tree sloth tachycardia."
*Update - rereading with Simon prior to the next and latest volume of the series becoming available on hold via the library. 14th February, 2025.
January 29, 2023
I watched the movie "The Relic" in between reading this latest novel, missing from the movie was Pendergast and the story was more than a horror movie, but it was for me the reason to start reading the writings of messieurs Preston & Child.
Now many years later we get to yet another book by these gents who are certainly the masters when it comes to suspension of disbelieve their books occasionally surf on the boundaries of the possible and with this new book they did cross it completely and you know what, I gladly accompanied and accepted that wholeheartedly.
Constance Green has left Pendergast and he has a hard time getting on so he does what he does best and decides to follow her because Enoch Leng is far to dangerous for Constance alone.
Agent Armstrong Coldmoon has returned to the fold of the FBI and gets confronted by a seemingly simple murder which turns into a serious theft of Lakota historical artifacts. This is how he meets Vincent D'agosta who works on a related case. Who is also keeping an eye out for Pendergast.
This novel starts seemingly immediately and its pace is grand and makes it particular difficult to put away. If you are a first time reader of these gents then do not start with this book start at the beginning. The Cabinet of Curiosities and then Bloodless are chapters 1 & 2 of this tale if you want to make any sense at all. New to the Pendergast series do yourself a favor start with Relic and keep reading you will find yourself craving more, Nora Kelly is always after that.
These writers manage the possible with delivering another excellent book and leaving us on a cliffhanger for another year, and yes they are forgiven for doing so if the next book delivers the conclusion of this fantastic book.
Now many years later we get to yet another book by these gents who are certainly the masters when it comes to suspension of disbelieve their books occasionally surf on the boundaries of the possible and with this new book they did cross it completely and you know what, I gladly accompanied and accepted that wholeheartedly.
Constance Green has left Pendergast and he has a hard time getting on so he does what he does best and decides to follow her because Enoch Leng is far to dangerous for Constance alone.
Agent Armstrong Coldmoon has returned to the fold of the FBI and gets confronted by a seemingly simple murder which turns into a serious theft of Lakota historical artifacts. This is how he meets Vincent D'agosta who works on a related case. Who is also keeping an eye out for Pendergast.
This novel starts seemingly immediately and its pace is grand and makes it particular difficult to put away. If you are a first time reader of these gents then do not start with this book start at the beginning. The Cabinet of Curiosities and then Bloodless are chapters 1 & 2 of this tale if you want to make any sense at all. New to the Pendergast series do yourself a favor start with Relic and keep reading you will find yourself craving more, Nora Kelly is always after that.
These writers manage the possible with delivering another excellent book and leaving us on a cliffhanger for another year, and yes they are forgiven for doing so if the next book delivers the conclusion of this fantastic book.
January 10, 2023
Love this series! In this edition, Preston & Child continue the storyline begun in the previous book Bloodless where Constance Greene makes a risky move to try to change the past. Now Pendergast is determined to help her and enlists the aid of his long-time friend NYPD Lieutenant Commander Vincent D'Agosta.
Meanwhile FBI Special Agent Armstrong Coldmoon, who has been working with Pendergast for several months, is reassigned to look into a murder case out west. He's not happy with the easy answer the locals have used to close the case and his further digging finds links to an ongoing murder investigation in NYC.
These storylines twist and turn in exciting ways with several new characters brought into the mix..and the return of one evil archenemy! Will good triumph over evil? Oh no!!! We must wait to find out!!!
I received an arc of this new thriller from the authors and publisher via NetGalley. It's probably my favorite series of all time so I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity. My review however is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Meanwhile FBI Special Agent Armstrong Coldmoon, who has been working with Pendergast for several months, is reassigned to look into a murder case out west. He's not happy with the easy answer the locals have used to close the case and his further digging finds links to an ongoing murder investigation in NYC.
These storylines twist and turn in exciting ways with several new characters brought into the mix..and the return of one evil archenemy! Will good triumph over evil? Oh no!!! We must wait to find out!!!
I received an arc of this new thriller from the authors and publisher via NetGalley. It's probably my favorite series of all time so I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity. My review however is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
December 4, 2022
The previous book, Bloodless, ending was so good that I think my expectations were too high. The Cabinet of Dr. Leng was just not as good as I had hoped the book to be, a slow start and the side story with Coldmoon felt unnecessarily and frankly boring to read. It took a while for me to finish the book because I never really felt that excited to read it so other books got in the way.
The story got better towards the end and the ending was, brilliant. Jawdropping brilliant. Didn't see that coming. So, now I want the next book right now.
The story got better towards the end and the ending was, brilliant. Jawdropping brilliant. Didn't see that coming. So, now I want the next book right now.
July 8, 2024
5 stars. It had everything I wanted in a thriller.
I've been reading the Pendergast series since the 80s (although I have not read all of the books). Agent Pendergast is one of my favorite characters and I think the quality of the series has held up over the course of now twenty-one novels ( although, as I said, I have not read all of the books!).
I hope this is not spoilers for anyone--I knew going in--this book ends on a cliffhanger. Preston & Child promise to get the next book out as fast as possible! So, in the meantime, I can read the ones I missed!
I've been reading the Pendergast series since the 80s (although I have not read all of the books). Agent Pendergast is one of my favorite characters and I think the quality of the series has held up over the course of now twenty-one novels ( although, as I said, I have not read all of the books!).
I hope this is not spoilers for anyone--I knew going in--this book ends on a cliffhanger. Preston & Child promise to get the next book out as fast as possible! So, in the meantime, I can read the ones I missed!
December 22, 2022
Whoa! Whoa! And Whoa!
What a cliffhanger this third book in a four book series leaves you on. I’m desperate for the conclusion now and waiting with bated breath.
This installment you find Constance Greene back in New York in 1880… stranded after a mishap with the multiverse machine stranding her there, but exactly where she wants to be to right so many wrongs that have been laid against her.
Agent Pendergrast finds himself bereft at the loss of Constance and in his scheming, all knowing and ever fascinating ways is making plans to follow Constance at whatever risk he must assume.
FBI Special Agent Coldmoon is dispatched to a shooting death on the Lakota Reservation of a tribe member that can make replicas of Lakota artifacts. The suspect list for him is narrow, but in true fashion, all is never what it seems when dealing with this motley crew.
And what of D’Agosta? Well he’s been dispatched to the freezing death of a museum curator. How are all these things connected? And what of Pendergrasts connection as well as Constance Greenes connection to the infamous serial killer Dr. Leng?
Well jump in this express train through the multiverse of time travel to follow all the strings and leads that will have you finding friends old and new, and ending with a cliffhanger you won’t see coming.
This is definitely one you don’t want to miss if you’re a Preston and Child’s fan. It’s definitely best to read this series in order in order to avail yourself of all the characters pasts and intricate relationships, but it can be read alone … if you like jumping in and figuring out the backstory as you go.
Thank you so much to #NetGalley, the publishers, and of course the talented writing team of Preston and Child for extending an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This is a great way to start your new year in January of 2023!
Happy reading my friends! 😊
What a cliffhanger this third book in a four book series leaves you on. I’m desperate for the conclusion now and waiting with bated breath.
This installment you find Constance Greene back in New York in 1880… stranded after a mishap with the multiverse machine stranding her there, but exactly where she wants to be to right so many wrongs that have been laid against her.
Agent Pendergrast finds himself bereft at the loss of Constance and in his scheming, all knowing and ever fascinating ways is making plans to follow Constance at whatever risk he must assume.
FBI Special Agent Coldmoon is dispatched to a shooting death on the Lakota Reservation of a tribe member that can make replicas of Lakota artifacts. The suspect list for him is narrow, but in true fashion, all is never what it seems when dealing with this motley crew.
And what of D’Agosta? Well he’s been dispatched to the freezing death of a museum curator. How are all these things connected? And what of Pendergrasts connection as well as Constance Greenes connection to the infamous serial killer Dr. Leng?
Well jump in this express train through the multiverse of time travel to follow all the strings and leads that will have you finding friends old and new, and ending with a cliffhanger you won’t see coming.
This is definitely one you don’t want to miss if you’re a Preston and Child’s fan. It’s definitely best to read this series in order in order to avail yourself of all the characters pasts and intricate relationships, but it can be read alone … if you like jumping in and figuring out the backstory as you go.
Thank you so much to #NetGalley, the publishers, and of course the talented writing team of Preston and Child for extending an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This is a great way to start your new year in January of 2023!
Happy reading my friends! 😊
January 27, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for a chance to read this book. While being a new reader of the Pendergast series by Preston & Child, I had no problems becoming fully immersed in the world they have created. This book just swept me right into the storyline. Constance is determined to alter the story of her life, just in an alternate timeline. In her wake, she leaves behind a heartbroken and brooding Agent Pendergast who is determined to bend time and space to make sure she reaches her goal. Dr. Leng proves to be a formidable foe and I was left utterly hanging on the cliff's edge as I highly anticipate the next book in the series.
December 1, 2022
Spoiler that's not a spoiler: Prepare yourself for a doozy of a cliffhanger. Otherwise, just sit back and enjoy a ride that will take you - together with mysterious FBI agent A.X.L. Pendergast, his beautiful ward, Constance Green and his occasional investigative partner Lt. Vincent D'Agosta - back to a time, and a deadly nemesis, they'd all prefer to forget.
Actually, there are two other stories here, broadening the appeal and giving extra page time to D'Agosta and Special Agent Armstrong Coldmoon, both of whom will be familiar to followers of this series (of which this is the 21st). D'Agosta finds himself cooling his heels in a New York museum, where a body was found frozen in one of the preservation rooms - clearly not an accident. Coldmoon, who transfers to the Denver office, gets called in to investigate the murder of a prominant Lakota artist on the Rosebud Reservation. Pendergast, understandably, is distraught that Constance has left him - faithful readers will recall her exit in the previous book, Bloodless - and he's painfully aware of where she's gone and why. She hasn't asked for his help - in fact, she would be irrevocably upset if he gave it - so he must proceed with caution if he proceeds at all.
The whole thing is, obviously, very other-worldly, but I'm sure those who have been following the stories will "get" it. Providing more details on what happens and how wouldn't be prudent on my part, so I'll just say it's well-thought-out and a delight to read. And oh, did I mention a doozy of a cliffhanger? Extra thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this pre-release copy. Next, please? And soon?
Actually, there are two other stories here, broadening the appeal and giving extra page time to D'Agosta and Special Agent Armstrong Coldmoon, both of whom will be familiar to followers of this series (of which this is the 21st). D'Agosta finds himself cooling his heels in a New York museum, where a body was found frozen in one of the preservation rooms - clearly not an accident. Coldmoon, who transfers to the Denver office, gets called in to investigate the murder of a prominant Lakota artist on the Rosebud Reservation. Pendergast, understandably, is distraught that Constance has left him - faithful readers will recall her exit in the previous book, Bloodless - and he's painfully aware of where she's gone and why. She hasn't asked for his help - in fact, she would be irrevocably upset if he gave it - so he must proceed with caution if he proceeds at all.
The whole thing is, obviously, very other-worldly, but I'm sure those who have been following the stories will "get" it. Providing more details on what happens and how wouldn't be prudent on my part, so I'll just say it's well-thought-out and a delight to read. And oh, did I mention a doozy of a cliffhanger? Extra thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this pre-release copy. Next, please? And soon?
January 18, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advanced copy as a gift. I really enjoyed the book! Here's my honest review:
I made clear after the last book that I felt it was one of the weakest entries in the series thus far. I found out later that it was meant to be the start of a new trilogy within the series (a trend in the long-running adventures of Pendergast - trilogies within the series are a regular thing), and amended my review to take that information into account.
This one knocked it out of the park. Absolutely loved it. It built on the history of the series, drew in concepts from one of my favorite books of all time, prior Pendergast story Cabinet of Curiosities, and really set up some new stakes.
It did end kind of abruptly, but that's normal for the second book in a trilogy, and one thing I'm really pleased about is how the authors didn't do what I expected at all. While one thing that happened was expected, there were so many things that went the opposite way I was thinking they would - especially the end. While I fully believe that the thing I thought would end this book will still happen in the second, I love that Preston and Child totally didn't take the obvious route to get there. And the surprises in store for long-time readers will be sure to shock and delight.
5 stars, and really makes me rethink my review of the last one in context of the trilogy. Highly recommended, but really, you need to have the context of the whole series. This is book 21, and you should also read Thunderhead between Reliquary and Cabinet of Curiosities.
I made clear after the last book that I felt it was one of the weakest entries in the series thus far. I found out later that it was meant to be the start of a new trilogy within the series (a trend in the long-running adventures of Pendergast - trilogies within the series are a regular thing), and amended my review to take that information into account.
This one knocked it out of the park. Absolutely loved it. It built on the history of the series, drew in concepts from one of my favorite books of all time, prior Pendergast story Cabinet of Curiosities, and really set up some new stakes.
It did end kind of abruptly, but that's normal for the second book in a trilogy, and one thing I'm really pleased about is how the authors didn't do what I expected at all. While one thing that happened was expected, there were so many things that went the opposite way I was thinking they would - especially the end. While I fully believe that the thing I thought would end this book will still happen in the second, I love that Preston and Child totally didn't take the obvious route to get there. And the surprises in store for long-time readers will be sure to shock and delight.
5 stars, and really makes me rethink my review of the last one in context of the trilogy. Highly recommended, but really, you need to have the context of the whole series. This is book 21, and you should also read Thunderhead between Reliquary and Cabinet of Curiosities.
February 13, 2023
Wow! This was some ride…even for a Pendergast novel. A mix of science fiction, historical fiction, thriller, and contemporary mystery/crime, The Cabinet of Dr. Leng recalls some classic moments of Pendergast’s past while changing it in subtle ways.
Beginning where Bloodless ended, with Constance Greene’s disappearance through a time machine into New York of 1880, Pendergast is now a changed man. Weakened by his own exploits, he also is despondent over the loss of Constance, now lost to him in another century in a parallel timeline. Constance, meanwhile, wants to prevent the murderous Dr. Leng from carrying out the plan he completed in the past.
Meanwhile Coldmoon has a new assignment from the FBI to look into a murder in South Dakota, a Lakota Indian man killed for no apparent reason. D’Agosta also has a new murder case, that of a museum curator found dead in a museum vault, frozen.
These stories will converge and pull apart on the way to a startling climax that left me anxious for the next book, apparently a fourth to complete the saga involving Dr. Leng.
While reading the books sequentially is probably the best way to understand all the details and characters, the authors do provide backstory in The Cabinet of Dr. Leng to assist newcomers to the series. Watch out! Pendergast can become an addiction.
4to 4.5*
Thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher and the authors, Preston and Child, for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Beginning where Bloodless ended, with Constance Greene’s disappearance through a time machine into New York of 1880, Pendergast is now a changed man. Weakened by his own exploits, he also is despondent over the loss of Constance, now lost to him in another century in a parallel timeline. Constance, meanwhile, wants to prevent the murderous Dr. Leng from carrying out the plan he completed in the past.
Meanwhile Coldmoon has a new assignment from the FBI to look into a murder in South Dakota, a Lakota Indian man killed for no apparent reason. D’Agosta also has a new murder case, that of a museum curator found dead in a museum vault, frozen.
These stories will converge and pull apart on the way to a startling climax that left me anxious for the next book, apparently a fourth to complete the saga involving Dr. Leng.
While reading the books sequentially is probably the best way to understand all the details and characters, the authors do provide backstory in The Cabinet of Dr. Leng to assist newcomers to the series. Watch out! Pendergast can become an addiction.
4to 4.5*
Thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher and the authors, Preston and Child, for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2022
Kudos to Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child for another awesome thriller! Preston and Child have long been some of my favorite thriller authors and I've never been disappointed reading books written by them. This one is the 21st book (but it's really #22 because one book is numbered #12.5) in the many exciting adventures of Aloysius Pendergast. Pendergast is quite a quirky, eccentric character who is always several steps ahead of everyone else. He is an FBI special agent and is always involved in extraordinary situations. This particular book involves time travel by Constance Greene who goes back in time to New York City in the late 1800s. It was good to find out more about Constance's history and also to learn more about Dr. Leng. A thrilling, edge of your seat adventure ensues and I couldn't put the book down. Only to throw up my hands at the end wanting the next book to find out what happened! I'm providing no details at all about the plot because you just have to read it and I don't want to ruin it for anyone.
Non-stop action with a plot that moves with great pacing. Vivid characters described masterfully to provide a picture in your mind. Attention to detail in describing the surrounding areas of the scenes. Loved it and I highly recommend.
Preston and Child, many thanks for promising us the next book as quickly as possible. We are waiting impatiently!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on January 17, 2022.
Non-stop action with a plot that moves with great pacing. Vivid characters described masterfully to provide a picture in your mind. Attention to detail in describing the surrounding areas of the scenes. Loved it and I highly recommend.
Preston and Child, many thanks for promising us the next book as quickly as possible. We are waiting impatiently!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on January 17, 2022.
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