Customer Reviews

The Dance of Death

5 star:		(86)
4 star:		(47)
3 star:		(32)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

In "Dance of Death" authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child have taken the logical step of something that has been occurring casually in their writing over the last three novels, they have pulled together all of their joint works (save "Riptide" which can be neither included nor excluded) into one cohesive universe. The primary characters, Bill Smithback, Nora Kelly, Margo Green, Laura Hayward, Vincent D'Agosta and of course Aloysius Pendergast, have all been featured prominently in past works, and while I haven't been much of a fan of this inbreeding of plot lines, I have to admit that it is carried of with a great deal of panache.

"Dance of Death" is a sequel to the previous "Brimstone", and likewise represents the latest in an arc concerning Pendergast that began with "The Cabinet of Curiosities" and continued in "Still Life With Crows". As such, this isn't the best book to start with these authors, as some sections will border on the incomprehensible to new readers. Dealing with a deadly grudge match between Pendergast and his brother Diogenes, "Dance of Death" cleverly sets up all of the previous Lincoln and Child novels as a training ground for the penultimate showdown between these two enigmatic geniuses, which will, at least as of this writing, find its denouement in next summer's book. Thus be forewarned, that "Dance of Death" ends in a cliffhanger. However, since it is obvious within the context of the book, and since the authors have been more than forthcoming about that fact, this is hardly a criticism.

It is worth noting that as with other recent Preston and Child novels, "Dance of Death" drifts away from the early science and story driven novels, and derives more of its tension from character development. While this may disappoint some, it actually works quite well as the authors are now drawing on eight previous books, and as such they are capturing the themes and drama found in those prior works. There's a little bit of "Relic", a dash of "Thunderhead", a portion of "The Ice Limit", so on and so forth. As Pendergast and his faithful Lieutenant D'Agosta are pulled ever deeper into Diogenes murderous plan, more than a few pieces snap satisfyingly into place. At the same time the characters are used in unpredictable ways, so each new plot twist feels just a little more puzzling because of that. Literally up to the last page Preston and Child throw one change-up after another at the reader.

In fact, the ending is one of the high points of the book, and speaks to a strong element that pervades the text, namely the fallibility of Pendergast. "In Dance of Death" he is plainly surpassed by his brother, and his need to rely on friends makes him a much more compelling and human character than the polymath superman he has often become; a character which sadly verged on self caricature. How this relates to the conclusion, and without offering any spoilers, is basically this: if you are going to end a book with a cliffhanger, make it a really good, really unexpected one that opens up avenues that were hinted at, but that are only plain in retrospect.

My one complaint is that the same tying together of different novels that makes "Dance of Death" so successful has also made the authors too clever for their own good. It is one thing to use a neat bit of story-telling to link seemingly unrelated events, but quite another to riddle the book with self-referential tidbits and mundane inside jokes. In fact, some of the jokes step on their own toes as they reference the sequel to a book they wrote whose characters appear in this novel. It's unnecessary, really distracting, and I frankly wish they would cut it out.

That complaint aside, "Dance of Death" is a brisk thriller that so nicely ties together what one might call the Preston/Child Mythos, it's almost impossible not to enjoy. While definitely not for a newcomer, fans will be impressed by the quality of the writing (which improves with each book, the authors clearly take their craft seriously) and the numerous twists and turns. I also appreciate the signal that this novel sends: that once the Pendergast arc is completed, the authors will branch back out into new stories; something which is necessitated by the engaging confluence of characters and stories. As such, it feels like both the end and the beginning, which is certainly appropriate for the second book in a trilogy.

Jake Mohlman

First of all, I am a confirmed addict of this series, and warned my girlfriend when this book came out I would be ignoring her for a few days! If you haven't indulged in a Pendergast novel before, then I highly recommend you go back to the beginning ("Relic") and start working your way forward. You will love it! Cabinet of Curiosities and Still Life with Crows are two of my favorite books ever and I would happily recommend them to any and everyone. In fact, I do recommend them all the time, and have received many thanks for it. All the books in the series are entertaining, are some are indeed extraordinary, riveting, compelling, and leave you gnashing your teeth waiting for the next one. They are absolutely worth reading.

Agent Pendergast is titularly an FBI agent but his ties with that organizations seem very loose indeed since he seems to wander the country with no partner, investigate whatever he wants, and doesn't appear to report in to anyone. He is a wonderfully interesting, intelligent, and resourceful character who is independently wealthy from a family inheritance. He is in many ways a modern Sherlock Holmes, and like Mr. Holmes he comes saddled with his own Moriarty, in this case his younger brother, Diogenes. The Cain and Abel parallel is obvious throughout this book, and it works well to create an accelerating tension.

The story line has been leading up to the conflict with his brother Diogenes for some time as Pendergast has agonized about him in previous novels and warned friends that his brother, whom no one has had contact with since his supposed "death" twenty years earlier, has an evil plot afoot to commit the perfect crime, one which will affect the whole world. It is in this novel, Dance of Death, that his brother makes his move. Pendergast and his brother contest back and forth throughout this novel. It is wonderful fun, with some extremely tense scenes and developments that do catch you by surprise.

However.....I did give this book four stars rather than five. I also feel conflicted about it because this is an excellent book and I devoured it in two days, skipping work to do so, and I did not want to put it down until I finished it. Based on my actions I know it really deserves the five stars. My reservation is simply that I did not find it quite as completely riveting as Cabinet and Still Life. Those novels had a sense of foreboding and menace, crimes baffling and incomprehensible to local police, villains so complex no one even knew what or who they were, and they engendered a spooky fear of the dark and of odd places that just aren't present in this book. I wish Amazon had a special sixth star that I could go back and give the other novels so I could in good conscience give this one the 5 stars it probably deserves. I did love this book (which is how Amazon quantifies five stars) I just didn't love it quite as much as some of their earlier ones. But don't let my quibbling spoil your read. It is still a completely fun and gripping book that will make you ignore your friends, family, pets and other loved ones and leave you waiting in quiet desperation for your next fix. Enjoy!

I absolutely enjoyed Dance of Death. As a matter of fact this entire series has been great and Preston and Child have really created a winning combination in both their writing and the characters of Pendergast and D'Agosta. The pairing of two unlikely detective partners, one a tough talking, no nonsense NY PD cop, Lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta and the mysterious but urbane FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast make the perfect 'odd couple'. Together they continue to solve quirky mysteries laced with menace and terror. I particularly liked Dance of Death because for this one the authors have chosen to bring the long lost brother of Pendergast into the picture as the most menacing villain yet. Diogenes is almost like Pendergasts alter ego, brilliant but evil. In the hands of lesser authors, the evil brother villain could become a caricature of 'the evil twin'. But Child and Preston have pulled it off masterfully, giving the fiendishly devious tortures and Catch 22 situations he puts his despised brother in, just the right amount believability. They somehow manage to walk the fine line between a believable psychopath and a comic book villain.

This is a fun novel for anyone who likes suspense, terror and smart classy detective work with characters who jump out of the page at you.

I heartily recommend this book and the entire series.

Ric Wasley

Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast has been freed from his tomb inside an Italian castle (let's face it, we all knew he wasn't dead). However, he and his friend, NYPD Lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta, have no time for celebration. For Pendergast must face an evil that has haunted him for years, and which has now arisen to take its vengeance: his long-lost (and thoroughly evil) brother, Diogenes.

Diogenes is no ordinary criminal; he is, in fact, quite possibly the only person smarter and more cunning than Pendergast himself. And he is bent on destroying Pendergast, by murdering friends old and new, and framing the FBI agent. But Diogenes's twisted brilliance does not end there. For behind his crimes lies a motive so unthinkable, so inhuman, that it can only come to one outcome: death.

"Dance of Death" is one of the fastest-paced thrillers I have read in a long time. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child continue their well-researched, exhillerating brand of suspense featuring the popular Special Agent Pendergast. An added bonus for longtime Preston/Child fans: the return of characters such as Margo Green and Bill Smithback (both from the duo's first novel, "Relic"), Nora Kelly (from "Thunderhead"), and Laura Hayward (from "Reliquary" and "Brimstone"), plus the occasional mention of minor characters from other previous novels.

But "Dance of Death" is more than just another Pendergast novel. It serves almost as the second act in a three-act play (with "Brimstone" being the first act). It tidies up just enough to leave the reader satisfied, while leaving enough questions unanswered to ensure that those who read this novel will rush out and get the next one. Of course, Preston/Child fans will do that anyway, because they know that with this duo, you get nothing less than the best. Want proof? Here's "Dance of Death," the perfect book to keep you awake all night.

Like many reviewers here, I have read and enjoyed all of the previous installments. This one gets a serious downgrade because of major logical flaws. So much of the risk and suspense is generated by characters' confusion when they are told by Pendergrast, "I can't tell you more [about the super secret plot of my evil brother] or it would endanger you." That makes no logical sense in the context of this book, as the "evil" had nothing to do with knowledge of the situation. A little communication would have gone a long way, and made people alot happier!

I definitely miss the technology/science/thrillers from these authors.

My first review here. Thanks.

When I first read "Cabinet of Curiosities" I became completely enamored with Agent Pendergast, so much so that I voraciously read all the books he has been featured in. As a denouement in the Pendergast arc, I did not feel that Pendergast in "Dance of Death" was the same as in the previous books. There was something missing, but I cannot put the proverbial finger on it.

I also had a problem with Diogenes. I know that the authors are most likely going to tell us what Diogenes' "trigger" is in the upcoming book, but I would have liked something more than the vague allusions and foreshadowings that were provided. While I understand we are supposed to view him as a monster, I needed more ethos.

That being said, I still found this novel provoking. Pendergast's interaction with D'Agosta and with his brother and the other people in his life is given more dimension. I especially enjoy any scenes with Dear Aunt Cornelia. The pace of this book is perfect for the amouhnt of action occurring. If you enjoyed the other Agent Pendergast books, this one will not disappoint, if you keep in mind that it is just one part of his storyline, and what are perceived loose ends will be cleared up in the upcoming novel.

Sirs: I wish to speak for those of us who are great fans of the Special Agent Pendergast novels because they are far and away more intelligent than the run of the mill mass market pulp.

I see a disturbing trend with your characters. I hope this is just a one-off happenstance, but it seems to me that with your last installment, "Dance of Death", you have "dumbed down" your writing. I beg of you, on behalf of all of us who are sick unto death of the trite, imbecilic plot lines and stilted dialog of the usual fare: Please resist any temptation to appeal to the lowest common denominator.

Please do continue on with your incisive dialog and unique plot lines. I whole heartedly agree with Aynge MacKay from Long Beach who writes: "The days when Pendergast used to say "y'all" and quote poetry while psychologically manipulating people to do his will seem like a lifetime ago." In addition, Jake Mohlman addresses the in-jokes: "It's unnecessary, really distracting, and I frankly wish they would cut it out." I could not have said it better myself. It doesn't do anything for those of us who are in the know; it just comes across as blatant cross promotion. And would it have killed you to have your characters drink PG Tips tea? If mentioning the brand proved to be legally problematic, why do it by half? A red tinged Assam sounds just as good. A good many of us drink British tea brands on this side of the pond, and it is jarring and focus breaking.

{**SPOILER TO FOLLOW**}

That being said, allow me to address my utmost problem with your plot. Diogenes,(presumably named for the biographer to ancient philosophers and poet is wonderful name, to be sure) with a maniacally genius IQ, a penchant so great for revenge, and a sociopathic view of mankind is brought low by a diamond. I find it terribly hard to believe someone so focused, so driven could have an almost magpie "Oooo, shiny!" aspect to his personality.

In closing, I would like to again beseech you to not be afraid of your core audience. Do not be afraid to challenge us intellectually. No, really, we like that. Let Pendergast be the genius that he is. You are a brilliant writing team. You are brilliant researchers. Let us benefit and thrill in your collective genius and unparalleled story telling.

I am a fan reader of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, the first book of them I read was "Relic", which I loved it, since them I have liked them all.... except this one. I like very much Special Agent Pendergast in all the previous books, but I think this Diogenes brother is too far fetched... I looked forward to read this book, but I have not been able to finish it. I know I will, eventually, but it lost my interest some chapters ago.

Like many of the other reviewers I have read all of the Preston and Child books and many of the books they have authored individually. Their collaborative works are the best. Dance of Death is so intertwined with their previous books, I do not believe anyone reading the book without the knowledge of those books would appreciate the story line. I also found Dance of Death dragged. I could put it down and walk away unlike their previous books which kept me up late into the evening finishing. I am still a fan but I hope their next book is a better read.

Ever since I read Relic, I have been addicted to Preston & Child's books. They always take you someplace scary and exciting. They are on my Day-It-Comes-Out list, along with Ed McBain (RIP) and Michael Crichton. I must have the book as soon as it comes out, I don't care if I have to pay full price.

By far, my favorite character of theirs is Special Agent Pendergast, but what they are doing to him has become of grave concern to me. Recently, I read Sherlock Holmes for the first time, and I finally realized that they have based Pendergast on Holmes, from his genius and logic to his physical appearance. Okay, that is fine, but in the last couple of books, Pendergast seems to have become almost super-heroic. They are giving away too many details, and he is becoming less enthralling.

Also, the plots are becoming so spectacularly far-fetched that I find I am constantly stopping and saying "Oh, come on!!!" This is especially true with Dance of Death. Maybe there is no Museum Beast running amok, but the characters' motivations and actions are becoming truly bizarre and unbelievable.

The days when Pendergast used to say "y'all" and quote poetry while psychologically manipulating people to do his will seem like a lifetime ago: especially now that they have revealed he is only 45 years old. Now how could he have been rumored in the Bureau to have served as a Special Forces officer in Vietnam (see Relic) if he was 10 years old in 1970? Now he's falling in love with English Egyptologist heiresses after only speaking to them for 30 minutes, and chasing his psycho killer brother around. If Pendergast knew his brother faked his own death and went around murdering people for fun, why is it he didn't chase him down 20 years ago? And why is he still hanging around with d'Agosta? Vinnie is constantly a mile behind him in every way. And Pendergast is an active FBI agent based in New Orleans, and he's living in Manhattan?

This book is still better than 90% of the fiction that is printed today, but for P&C, it's disappointing. Especially since they deprived us of an actual denoument. What Smithback tells his wife he intends to do near the end... I laughed out loud. A reporter!? Sheyeah, right! This book is almost cartoonish. Yes, I will have their next book the very day it comes out, but I will not be expecting very much.