Dance of Death

Overall, a great great - readers of other Preston & Child novels will not be disappointed. Storms along at a good pace, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. One serious letdown though - there is no satisfying conclusion - some plot points are tied up well enough, but several major ones are left hanging - presumably for the next book. I would have given four stars if not for this.

Some thrillers aim for verisimilitude - the plot and story details reflect the real world to a degree that almost tips the book into reportage. Preston & Child have chosen a different path. Within an exciting and twisting plot they have included a set of characters that would not be out of place in a Daffy Duck cartoon. Everyone seems to be an off-the-wall out-and-out eccentric with special skills that rival anything seen in a Marvel comic.Agent Pendergast is a multi-millionaire FBI investigator with such an uncanny skill in disguise that he is forever being ignored by his closest associates. Along with his encyclopaedic knowledge of, well, everything, this makes him the ultimate human weapon for good or ill, but he remains a humdrum Fed. A series of murders of people he knows leads Pendergast to the conclusion that his younger (and, apparently, smarter) brother, Diogenes, is out to get him. Working outside the law Pendergast and his police lieutenant sidekick Vincent attempt to stop Diogenes' killing spree while avoiding undue police and FBI attention.Pendergast is too clever and knowing to be under any real threat. Too many times we learn that some horrible event has been thwarted or is not as it seems because he 'thought something like this might happen' and has replaced all the bullets in New York with marshmallow or some such. Vincent plods along in a stupefied rage helping to pick up the pieces and jump to all the wrong conclusions to help obfuscate the story. I think the authors realise the omniscience they have given to Pendergast and for much of the book he is sidelined and we are moved along by various sidebar characters of varying levels of goodie/baddie and stupid/clever.The first half of the book is too slow and too fragmented to suck the reader in. The last third of the book is properly exciting with some real hints of jeopardy, although the denouement is a bit weak and clearly intended to set up the next book in the series.I can see why this book and the others in the series are popular and I did enjoy reading it. I just think it could have been so much better.

Another great read in the Pendergast series. While some of these books aren't always a 5-star read, they're still incredibly enjoyable and I always find myself looking to grab the next one of the series at Barnes & Noble when it gets released each year. Hats off to Pendergast and all of his investigations.

I did not like this one nearly as much as the others. I mean there were points like when Smithback took the diamond that reminded me why I've been powering through the series, but I simply didn't connect to any of this.

Mostly, I suppose because it turned out to be an excuse to get all the sidekick characters from earlier books into a reunion.

But also because this book is about Pendergast colliding with his evil brother, and quite honestly I don't read these books for Pendergast, because characters he interacts with tend to be far more interesting. They have flaws, they have passion, and they're generally brave. Pendergast though is your generic Sherlock expy, except I get less of a sense of humanity from him. And I don't really remember the villains from the other books. Mostly because they aren't nearly as compelling or well-drawn as the sidekicks, and it's the 'supernatural' element that's the real threat, the real driving force of the novel(s). The big bad of this book has no particular paranormal element, except for being a Pendergast, but didn't inspire any thrills in me. Really, he's a younger, ginger Moriarty.

I mean, at one point he's described as "almost effeminate." Really book? That's terribly cliche, and a killer whose goal, whether "Kill all of my brother's friends for giggles" or "steal ALL the diamonds!" simply doesn't inspire the fear of beings that randomly slaughter anyone they come across beyond all normal human conception.

I cannot believe that I'm burned out on Pendergast. I don't think that's the case with this book. I accidentally read Wheel of Darkness before this one so I pretty much got the gist of what happened. I'm sure that there is a ton of detail and more specific information, but for the first time ever, I just couldn't get into the book. I put it down at about 40%.

As I understand it, Pendergast's friends are being targeted by his brother. I gave up on the book when I realized I was hoping that Diogenes would get to Smithback next (I really DON'T like that character!).

Whatever's after Wheel of Darkness will go onto my to-read list. Out of all of the Pendergast books I've read, not being "into" one of them (this one) isn't such a terrible thing.

You can't help loving Pendergast <3 Not the best one in this series, but that's just because the standard is pretty high. A good read, nonetheless!

Prendergast is quite a character. His brother, Diogenes, on the other hand is not very well defined - but exceptionally clever!

I thoroughly enjoy the Pendergast mystery series by these two authors. This book pitches Agent Aloyisius Pendergast with his evil brother, Diogenese. The usual cast of characters is present, Laura Hayward, Vinnie D'Agosta, Margo Green, Bill Smithback, Constance and of course, Proctor. This story takes place within the confines of New York and takes us through the killings of friends and acquaintances of Agent Pendergast. It also revisits some of the horror of the previous novel, Relic. A very good read.

Crime fiction. Pendergast #6. Prequel to Book of the Dead (a must read). This was less gruesome, less science fictiony than the previous five - which I prefer.

Not quite up to Preston/Child's usual standards, this book was a continuation of BRIMSTONE and the prequel to BOOK OF THE DEAD. While I don't mind continuing plots like this, ordinarily, this book FELT like a setup for the next in many ways - the characters acted at odds to their usual depictions, and the scenarios felt quite forced. I can ordinarily figure out where a Preston/Child novel is going well before it gets there, but the entire setup this time just felt...trite and forced.Beyond that, the two major questions that have come up in the last few books in the series - regarding Diogenes's motivations and the nature/origins of Constance - were only hinted at. Irritatingly. Go right ahead, talk about how this is an "unfathomable mystery" or how things aren't what they appear, but at least throw us a bone regarding what said mystery is going to turn out to be, to keep us hooked and thinking about it before the next book. Don't simply mention the great mystery again and again while pointedly refusing to actually DISCUSS it. That's just maddening.The prose was, thankfully, up to the usual snappy standards of this duo - the references come fast and thick, the writing and pacing are taut without being too simplistic or didactic, and the tension builds nicely. But that was about all that was up to the team's usual standards here - the plot was hackneyed and too telegraphed, the scenarios too outlandish (and for a duo known for writing about malevolent genetic oddities, that's saying something), and the characters acted at odds with their usual habits and deportment.Let's not get into the fact that women, apparently, are always referred to by their first names, while men are referred to by their surnames. Laura Hayward is referred to both ways, but usually called "Laura" - a commentary on how women in power are perceived? I found it interesting that she was called Hayward when in her official capacity, but Margo Green was never called "Green," even though she was now a powerful personage, the editor of a top-ranked magazine. Hm. Meanwhile, even the lowliest of male characters was always referred to by his surname by the authors. Don't get me wrong, I love Preston/Child and I'll certainly read BOOK OF THE DEAD, but their work is starting to lose me, at least in the Diogenes trilogy.

A suspense novel with former FBI agent Aloysius Pendergast and Lt. Vincent D'Agosta as they join forces against Pendergast's brilliant and insane brother Diogenes, who is seeking to gain an ultimate vengeance against his hated brother. This is the first of these novels I have read in which Diogenes is more than a hushed whisper of a flashback, and a formidible and intriguing character he is indeed. The story is taut and believable in spite of its heightened unreality, and the action is fast-paced and exhilarating in a dark and moody way. We also see some more of characters that were merely names in other books I have read by these two, and it is a pleasure to finally see a more vulnerable and human aspect of the noteworthy Agent Pendergast.

I'm really starting to get into these Preston/Child books. Unfortunately, I've been reading them out of order, but it hasn't messed me up to the point I couldn't quickly catch on to what has happened previous. They do a fairly decent job of having these books standalones with enough explanation to keep you interested and engaged. Good series of stories, I like the continuing characters.

Thrilling and captivating, as with all of the Pendergast novels. Aloysius begins to seem like more of an actual human being, with the foil of Diogenes stripping away some of his supernatural ethereality and uncovering secrets of his past. Thoroughly gripping, and the ending will make you rush to pick up Book of the Dead as quickly as possible.

This was the first book that I had read by these authors. Actually read it because it was recommended to read it before "Book of the Dead." I had no clue what I was in for, as I started looking for the beginning to this series. Though each book is written as a stand alone story, it is hard not to read them all. What I think is one of the greatest draws to the books is the FBI Agent Pendergast, which could be looked upon as a Spooky Moulder, without all the Government conspiracy.I have to admit that with the exception of the "Wheel of Darkness" I enjoy the books that Revolve around the Museum of Natural History.

If you liked Brimstone - you will love Dance of Death.In this tale told by the Preston / Child author duo features familiar characters (D'Agosta, Proctor, Constance and the return of Pendergast) struggling to solve a life and death mystery. Strange death arrives early. This book is not for the squeamish.Pendergast believes that the bad guy is his genius brother with whom he has a near Cain and Able relationship. Wits are matched, unmatched and matched again.Thankfully, in Dance of Death the authors have avoided their distracting tendency to repeat unusual words. My only annoyance is with Dance of Death is minor - Pendergast has the notion that he knows better than everybody else what he should share. This includes D'Agosta. It is silly, unnecessary drama. Even upon reflection it does not make sense. But then, I am getting picky!I noticed one typo in the first edition. Found on the second line of page 274, "voice" is "vice".

The book Dance of Death written by Douglass Preston and Lincoln Child is the latest in a series that started with Relic. In Dance of Death, the main protagonists are a brilliant FBI agent Aloysius Pentergast and his equally brilliant but evil and twisted brother Diogenes. Diogenes is bent on destroying his brother Aloysius by leaving clues as to who will die next. Not all the clues that are left by Diogenes are to be trusted. If Aloysius is wrong about how to interpret the clues then people will continue to die because he can not protect themMany of the characters in this book are from earlier books in this series and their deaths leave you in disbelief. Over the years I have seen the development of several of them and even the offbeat goofier ones have been made endeared to this reader. The chance of their imminent loss makes you think harder to figure out how is really being stalked and who is being used as a red herring. A lot of the fun of the book was trying to see if you could figure out the clues for yourself. The twists and turns always kept me on my toes and made me think steps ahead and to think of the plot as a chess game. I think that this is a wonderful book that will keep the reader on the edge of the chair and that they will have a hard time putting it down. This book can be read without having read the earlier books but if you have read the earlier books you will care about some of the characters even more than if you read this as a stand alone book.

HATED IT!!! It just wouldn't end.

Stalked throughout his life by his diabolical brother Diogenes, FBI special agent Pendergast finds himself framed for several murders, a situation that forces him to flee while he works alongside a friend from the NYPD to prove his innocence.

Special Agent Pendergast's homicidal brother is trying to commit the "perfect crime" which involves framing our hero. The Preston/Lincoln writing team always provide exciting thrillers that keep the reader thinking and guessing right up to the end.

Okay... this is now my favorite Preston and Child story - and my favorite novel featuring Agent Pendergast. Thanks, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child! The best yet! Make the next one even better!Great fun quotient and the suspense was getting to me the entire time.The story goes something like this (briefly and absolutely NO spoilers -- AND note: if you have not read Brimstone yet, stop reading this!In the last installment by these two authors, Brimstone (which was also amazing, thank you very much!), we last left our hero, Agent Aloysius Pendergast walled up in a room of the castle belonging to the positively evil Count Fosco, left for dead. But -- he's back (the book will explain why). That's not a spoiler; you'll learn as much from the jacket cover! Anyway, Pendergast knows that something terrible is going to happen on January 28 and that this terrible crime will be the work of his maniacal but highly intelligent, sociopathic brother Diogenes. Pendergast takes Vincent D'Agosta (you'll remember him if you've read this series) into his confidence because he needs all the help Vincent can give him to try to stop Diogenes. But of course, there are always weird twists and turns in Preston & Childs' work; so by the time you get to the end your stomach is tied up in knots from the suspense. I know this is a lousy synopsis, but I just can't give away the show. Many of the Preston/Childs favorite characters from the Relic series are back; Pendergast is amazing, as usual. To be honest I saw it coming (not the actual ending, but the evil plot by Diogenes), but it still didn't lessen the fun of this book! Look for the self-referential pokes at this pair's other novels as you read.recommended; you may want to read the series in order to have it all make sense.

I'm usually fully engulfed in the pendergast novels, this one however felt like a chore to finish. The story lacked the super natural elements of the previous books.

O my God! This is amazing. I do recommend reading the book before in this series (if not all) to set this up. You Will Not Be Disappointed!

Another cliffhanger! Like I said in my review of Brimstone, I'm glad I'm reading these books now. If I read them when they were first published, I would have to wait a year for the next one. Torture!

I found it a little slow at first, but once it picked up, it picked up with a vengeance. There's lots of suspense with a some twists that I was not expecting. The last part of the book was like watching a movie through your fingers. I wanted to know, but I was afraid to look.

I was going to give it four stars for the slow start, but it didn't take too long to redeem itself and earn back that fifth star.

What a roller coaster ride! Outstanding read. Couldn't, put it down. Childs & Lincoln do it again. Can't wait for the sequel.

Dance of Death is another Agent Pendergast story. The story from the beginning to the end is suspenseful. Four stars were awarded in this book because of the good story, great characters and well described settings. This book is highly recommended.

Can't get enough of Pendergast. The second volume of the Diogenes series is continuing with a great story line. Can't wait to find out how Agent Pendergast resolves his situation!

Great thriller

Literally brilliant. I don't know if I can wait to read the next novel in the series. 5 huge stars.

Synopsis: It’s a few years after the killings in the basement of the museum (Relic and Reliquary), but Pendergast, D’Agosta, and most of the cast are back and again their lives are in danger. This time, however, it’s Pendergast and all of his friends who are in the most danger; Diogenes, Pendergast’s brother, is out to kill them all and ruin the FBI agent’s reputation. He has had years to plan his revenge and now it’s time for him to act.Review: This is a nail biter with an ending that leads directly into the next book. It’s pretty creepy.

I have been a tremendous fan of the series, but this one is a true disappointment. Dumbing down your characters, killing off the good character I was so thrilled to bring back into the fold, and giving so much attention to Smithback, who is nothing but an idiot and irritation. Nora Kelley as a sanctimonious scientific prig, Pendergast as a bumbler....

I am very sad that Preston and Child have developed such a condescending attitude towards their character(s). I will miss Pendergast, but I don't see myself picking up a Pendergast novel again, unless it is a copy from the library to see if the authors ever raise the intellectual level back to one that I am more comfortable with. There are an incredible number of dumbed down novels on the market, that I have neither the time nor interest to waste upon. Give us back an intelligent storyline and interesting characters - Please!