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terminatee's review against another edition
4.0
The Pendergast books known as "The Helen Trilogy" -- named for Pendergast's wife -- are much easier to understand if they're read in the right order! The first book is Fever Dream. I was well into Two Graves, the third book, wondering how in the world (and when) would my questions about the plot be answered, when I discovered I had inadvertently skipped Cold Vengeance. So I kicked myself, put Two Graves on hold, and went back to read Cold Vengeance. With some relief I was able to recover some continuity among the books. The three books definitely need to be read together, and in order, to get the full story.
I enjoyed Two Graves but I question the need to include the subplots regarding Constance and Dr. Felder, on one hand, and Corrie Swanson and her father, on the other hand. Neither of these actually qualify as subplots, as they are not integral to the rest of the story. Either could've been published separately as short stories without diminishing the main thrust of this novel.
I enjoyed Two Graves but I question the need to include the subplots regarding Constance and Dr. Felder, on one hand, and Corrie Swanson and her father, on the other hand. Neither of these actually qualify as subplots, as they are not integral to the rest of the story. Either could've been published separately as short stories without diminishing the main thrust of this novel.
iceangel9's review against another edition
4.0
The twelfth book in the Pendergast series. Pendergast is determined to find his wife Helen. Long thought dead, she has been hiding from Nazis, who have now kidnapped her right in front of Pendergast. As he sets out to find her (a search that will lead him deep into the South American jungle), D'Agosta tracks a serial killer in New York City, one with a relation to Pendergast himself. Another fast-paced action adventure in a thrilling series. One hardly has time to breathe.
restlessunicorn's review against another edition
4.0
I'm officially interested in the Pendergast series again!
Spoiler alert: Major plotline discussed below...
When an author starts pulling long-lost children into a storyline you can usually assume the series has run out of steam. (See: Clive Cussler ruining the Dirk Pitt saga with his surprise wonder twins.) However, the Pendergast boys are abnormal (one innocent, one nefarious) in ways which should make for at least a few more great stories. The series is far from stale and I can't wait for the next installment!
Spoiler alert: Major plotline discussed below...
When an author starts pulling long-lost children into a storyline you can usually assume the series has run out of steam. (See: Clive Cussler ruining the Dirk Pitt saga with his surprise wonder twins.) However, the Pendergast boys are abnormal (one innocent, one nefarious) in ways which should make for at least a few more great stories. The series is far from stale and I can't wait for the next installment!
kleonard's review against another edition
3.0
If you accept the fact that the Pendergast books jumped the shark long ago, this is entertaining and fun.
prairie_fairie's review against another edition
3.0
Perhaps I had too many interruptions while reading this, but I found this Pendergast installment not as good as previous ones. The previous Pendergast books I have enjoyed had more of Pendergast in it and less side-stories of other people - or at least that was my perception.
The writers again do well with their prose and the originality of the character, "Pendergast", is what keeps me picking these books up. I loved their previous books and even though I didn't LOVE this one, I still liked it and it was worth it for me to read it.
Rather than writing about the story, as I'm sure others have, the only thing I will say I was a bit disappointing: that there was a Nazi background in this story. Personally, I have found the Nazi eugenics angle used too many times and while it is VERY loosely based on fact, it kind of left me wondering if these awesome duo of writers are finally running out of ideas. Or perhaps I'm just sick of hearing about Nazis full stop.
The writers again do well with their prose and the originality of the character, "Pendergast", is what keeps me picking these books up. I loved their previous books and even though I didn't LOVE this one, I still liked it and it was worth it for me to read it.
Rather than writing about the story, as I'm sure others have, the only thing I will say I was a bit disappointing: that there was a Nazi background in this story. Personally, I have found the Nazi eugenics angle used too many times and while it is VERY loosely based on fact, it kind of left me wondering if these awesome duo of writers are finally running out of ideas. Or perhaps I'm just sick of hearing about Nazis full stop.
waynewaynus's review against another edition
4.0
I really love this series another great story, brings together so much from the earlier novels.
catniprocks's review against another edition
5.0
Drama momma! Fun, fast, crazy, nutso, over-the-top. Pendergast as we haven't seen him! Love this series!
johnmarlowe's review against another edition
3.0
I’m grateful this was not a Gideon novel but I keep wishing the two authors would go back to the “Relic” days or write a semi-science fiction novel. I don’t have too much to say about this book, only that I thought it was ok. Except for the Gideon series, I’ll always read a new Preston & Child novel, and an Agent Pendergast story is always welcome.
1tolkienfan's review against another edition
4.0
Their writing style sucks you in and you want to keep reading; even as far fetched from reality as it is. Must say i was sucked in to the action that i didn't think about what might come -- so i was surprised by the storyline.
I enjoyed the book but it's not one of my all time favs
I enjoyed the book but it's not one of my all time favs
micki's review against another edition
5.0
this gets 5 stars for the SERIES not the book. there were elements of this book that i hated (many), but there were a few crumbs of goodness that reminded me why i love special agent pendergast. those crumbs will have to sustain me as i expect a long wait for another entry to this series--one i hope will wash away my frustration with the helen trilogy, especially cold vengeance and two graves.