Book Reviews of The Cabinet of Curiosities (Pendergast, Bk 3)

Preston & Child write solid mystery/thrillers, thoughtfully plotted (and often not for the squeamish) and with memorable characters. The intriguing presence of Agent Pendergast is an added treat. He's a fascinating and shadowy character, whose past is revealed via tantalizing clues that obscure as much as they reveal. I started this series out of order, and plan to re-read to get all the details straight.

This book was amazing,
it grabbed you from the very start,
the ending was awesome,
the whole book in general was very unusual which made it more loveable,
and its definitely a book you can re-read.

In seven bestselling novels (from Relic to The Ice Limit), Preston and Child have delivered a body of science-based thrillers that for high excitement and robust scientific imaginings rival those of Michael Crichton. Their eighth outing is another richly entertaining tale, about the hunt for a seemingly immortal serial killer at work in New York City. Preston and Child revive characters and settings from earlier novels, often a red flag that authorial imagination is tiring; but in this case, all comes together with zing. There's FBI Special Agent Pendergast (from Relic), pale, refined and possessed of a Holmes-like brain; dogged New York Times reporter William Smithback Jr. and his fiery erstwhile girlfriend, Nora Kelly of the New York (read American, where Preston used to work) Museum of Natural History (both characters from Thunderhead with the museum the setting for Relic). The action begins when groundbreaking for an apartment tower in downtown Manhattan reveals a charnel house of murder victims from the late 19th century. Enter Pendergast, who for unexplained reasons taps Kelly to study the remains before the site is stripped by the building's developer, a Donald Trump-type who, with the mayor's backing, will accept no construction delays. As Kelly calls on Smithback for investigative help, the city is struck by killings that duplicate the earlier murders, with the victims' spinal cords ripped away and clues pointing to a 19th-century scientist who sought the secret of immortality. Featuring fabulous locales, colorful characters, pointed riffs on city and museum politics, cool forensic and paleontological speculation and several gripping set pieces including an extended white-knuckle climax, this a great beach novel, at times gruesome, always fun: Preston-Child at the top of their game.

Adult/High School-FBI Special Agent Pendergast needs the talents of Nora Kelly, an archaeologist, and William Smithback, Jr., a researcher and reporter, to track down a serial killer whom he is sure has been stalking his prey since the late-19th century. When a real-estate developer demolishes a building and finds victims of a murderer who killed by tearing out their spinal columns, the three team up to pursue the evil behind the acts. Along the way, they nearly lose their lives as they relentlessly track the killer who, indeed, is still alive at the beginning of the 21st century. Pendergast stands out as a unique character, mysterious in his own right, with almost superhuman strength and endurance, and encyclopedic knowledge, and the human emotions and abilities of his two assistants intensifies interest in them. The authors again weave facts from New York City history with a thriller plot to produce an adventure filled with fast-moving events, gruesome scenes, and enough scary moments to keep the pages turning quickly. Fans of Preston and Child's Relic (Tor, 1996) or Reliquary (Forge, 1997) will enjoy this title as well.

Wow....this is the best I've read of Preston and Child. It is fast-paced, full of red herrings and creepy. Great read for any mystery fan.

FBI Special Agent Pendergast needs the talents of Nora Kelly, an archaeologist, and William Smithback, Jr., a researcher and reporter, to track down a serial killer whom he is sure has been stalking his prey since the late-19th century. When a real-estate developer demolishes a building and finds victims of a murderer who killed by tearing out their spinal columns, the three team up to pursue the evil behind the acts. Along the way, they nearly lose their lives as they relentlessly track the killer who, indeed, is still alive at the beginning of the 21st century. Fans of Preston and Child's Relic or Reliquary will enjoy this title as well.

I have read all the books in this series and this is the best...a combination of the supernatural as well as a great mystery. I wish I could find more books as good as this one.

Agent Pendergast series. Nora Kelly from Thunderhead works at the Museum. There's a grisly murder a hundred years ago. Creepy story, lots of action, surprise ending.... what an entertaining read should be. Fun!

Excellent series!

I loved this book. The storyline was great, Agent Pendergast a true mystery man, unique and alluring, the characters strongly developed and a great read. Kept me turning the pages and always a unexpected twist when I did so. Looking forward to more of these authors. Recommended to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/suspense.

The writers have done a fantastic job, because this feels real and surreal at the same time, its part Indian Jones, part Anatomy 101, part hide and seek and pray you're not found by the psycho killer, and part unraveling mystery that you have to sit back and get sucked into. Enjoy the ride, it's a heart pounding, fast and not nearly long enough for me! I feel sad having come to the end, but I will always look back on this story and remember how much pleasure I got from reading it and making it come alive in my head

Pendergrast investigates a mass murderer who uses the corpses to find a solution to extend his life.
This book is gruesome, riveting and gives us a large glimpse into the background of the usually secretive Pendergrast.

excelant read

WEIRD!

A really good book, lots of twists and turns. There is a very slight "science fiction" element but it is melded neatly into the overall story and doesn't ring untrue.

Wow another great Preston-Child book.I just cannot stop reading their books.

The plot for this story is wonderfully twisted, complex, and creepy that involves an underground crypt, the secret to immortality, and enough good ole boy politics to make you sick!

Agent Pendergast is back with another recurring character from Preston/Child's books at the same natural history museum in New York. Definitely my favorite so far of their books!

While there has to be suspension of disbelief in the reading of this book, I found very well written and interesting. Difficult to guess the culptrit and the plot itself.

Third book in the Pendergast series. Great character development throughout the series. Great detail. I recommend you read the series in order so you don't miss the nuances in these books. Interesting, creepy. Love it!

Absolutely fascinating--a mystery with plenty of meat on the bones!! I was almost sorry I finished. Original and truly edge-of-the-seat.

This was a great book. The author does a fine job of weaving the past and the present into the story. Scares the hell out you.

Preston & Child keeps you on the edge of your seat. A little history thrown into a spine chilling novel.

What a fascinating story. I listened to the audiobook version on CDs. The story was abridged but I don't think there is an unabridged version available.
This is the first story that I have listened to by Douglas Preson and Lincoln Child and I have to say I now want to hear all the rest.
This is the third book that has Agent Pendergast as one of the main characters. According to Wikipedia, Pendergast first appeared as a supporting character in their first novel, RELIC, and in its sequel RELIQUARY, before assuming the protagonist role in THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES. Pendergast is a special agent for the FBI. He has some special supernatural-like capabilities that may be from his upbringing from his family of magicians, snake-oil salesmans and those who practiced mesmerism.
While digging a foundation for a new building in New York City, the crew discovers a hidden vault where a human skull is discovered. Nora Kelly, an archaeologist at the New York Museum of Natural History, is brought to the site by Agent Pendergast. They discover the remains of multiple victims and the gruesome fact that these vitims were surgically dissected while they were still alive. While they are investigating these old murders, several new murders occur in New York City. They appear to have been committed in the same way -- and while the victims were still alive. Why? Who is doing this? I stayed up late to find out. Again, this was a great story, quite fascinating.

Well, this one got off to something of a slow start... and I was a bit angry to discover that while this is the third book in the Pendergast series, the interim books written by this pair (or at least _Thunderhead_) involve characters in this one, making me feel like something was missing. I just hate to read books out of order! But, once I got over that, and the story was underway, I was absolutely absorbed into its plot. What a fun and unpredictable book! I enjoyed this one just as much - if not more - than _The Relic_. I especially enjoyed that more of Pendergast's story is being revealed. I can't wait to read the next book!

I really enjoyed this book. It's a fast-paced thriller that leads you through dark corridors, past creepy people and even creepier "collections". If you liked Relic and Reliquary, you'll like this book. I'll be reading more Preston and Child.

Outstanding book!

... this book had me riveted from the beginning. I couldn't put it down. There were some parts of it that didn't make sense to me but I'm just going to chalk it up to creative writing as I really enjoyed this one.

another great book by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

Excellent!

Preston and Child are the masters of great novels

I just love the Pendergast books and this was no exception. Suspenseful, scary and you never know what's going to happen!

In an old tunnel underneath New York City a charnel house is discovered. Inside are 36 bodies--all murdered and mutilated more than a century ago.
While FBI agent Pendergast investigates the old crimes, identical killings start to terorize the city.
The nightmare has begun . . . again.

FBI agent Pendergast investigates some old crimes
in NY and identical killing begin to happen again.interesting
but strange.

If you like suspense...this is it. Extremely good book.

I love this series by these authors. I've read all the books they have written together and really enjoy them.

An interesting read if you are into mystery with a touch of science fiction. The main character (Agent Pendergast) is one of the most unique characters I've read about in a long time. I'd give it 3.25 stars out of 5.

Great Pendergast novel!

Engaging plot and a book I couldn't put down!

Not my book but my husband's. He said it was one of the best books he's ever read. He has since read everything these authors have written and waits at the bookstore for their new releases.

Wonderful--Gripping!!!

This book was a little slow at first, but then I couldn't put it down. Definitely worth reading.

You can't go wrong when Agent Pendergast is involved. It's always a "Sherlock Holmes" can you guess it first adventure!!

This reminded me of Jack the Ripper with 19th century and present day murders. I couldn't put it down. Very thrilling!

Mystery, history, museums, murder, romance-what more do you need?

Agent Pendergast at his best. Good Book!!

This book was okay. It had some pretty scary parts, but sometimes the descriptions seemed to drag on. I also didn't really like the endingI think it could have been a lot spookier with a different ending!

This was the first book I've read by these authors. A real page turner! Especially enjoyed the historical aspect. Looking forward to reading the rest of their books!

A great mystery, and it was hard to put the book down! I also love the historical and archeological descriptions.

Great thriller. As always with these two behind the pen.

Intriguing tale of mad science, family secrets, and murder. I loved the book. I can't wait to read another from Preston and Child!

Almost as good as Relic. I loved that it was an action book set around history.

This was a great book, definitely kept my attention. After "Relic", this is really the start of the Agen Pendergast saga. What a ride it kicks off!

Very good book, loved the aspect of the cabinet of curisoities even if was not that much or true, but as the owner and operator of Professor Yeti's Cabinet of Curiosities I felt I had to read this book and I was not dissappointed.

A suspenseful, creepy little story.

couldn't put it down

Loved it!

An enjoyable read! From the back cover: "In an ancient tunnel underneath New York City a charnel house is discovered. Inside are thirty-six bodies, all murdered and mutilated more than a century ago. While FBI agent Pendergast investigates the old crimes, identical killings start to terrorize the city. The nightmare has begun. Again" I found the plot fairly predictable, but the characters were strong (including a strong feminine lead) and I particularly enjoyed the fact that I know the part of Manhattan where the book's action takes place. I would recommend - great for taking along on the plane or to have for summer reading.

Interesting history lesson, but the plot took a while to get to the point.

This is the first book by the duo that I read. Have loved it both times that I read it -- and am in process of 'consuming' all their other books.

Excellent read once again from these two. You will be wondering who the killer is til the last pages! Grisly too! Full of medical and museum fact that are always an interesting read.

Another winner from Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child! Gasp-inducing thriller, wonderfully surprising and inventive. A "read me right now" book!

As always, fantastic!

I just love everything these guys write, and this is no exception. They write like the book is a movie--lots of page turning action. A fun read and can be very creepy.

A terrific thriller.

Very good book.

A very good book and excellent thriller.

A very good book for agent Pendergast fans, in fact this is one of the best!

This has to be one of the best I've read from these authors. Truely you will not be able to put it down!

Another great book by these authors! This is one of my favorites! Very interesting and very enlightening!

Wow, this was an excellent thriller. Well-written, great plot, a nice little history lesson, fabulous characters, thrills and chills galore - need I say more? I liked this so much that I requested every other book these authors have written!

Wonderful! Great mystery with a lot of historical elements.

This was the first book by Preston & Child that I read. I have now read every book they've written. Excellent!

EXCELLENT book! If you're a fan of Preston/Child and Agent Pendergast, you'll really enjoy this one.

Another great read from Preston & Child. Murders identical to murders from a century ago are happening again (by the same person???). Read in 3 days. Great story and characters. Highly recommend it.

Usual Preston Child gripping edge of the seat story. If you love Agent Pendergast, you'll love this installment in his story

I couldn't put this one down....

As usual Preston and Child have done a great job with the series. I thoroughly enjoyed getting more background about the mysterious Agent Pendergast.

Awesome Book, I could not put it down

Excellent thriller.

Excellent and interesting!

The third book envolving Agent Pendergast, and what a unique character he is. Personally I would start at the beginning of the series with Relic, then Reliquary and then go for this one. You will not be disappointed.

What a terrific read! Hard to put it down once you get started!

in a old tunnel underneath New York City a charnel house is discovered. Inside are 36 bodies all murdered and mutilated more than a century ago............. Excllent book.

Really scary. Fascinating history.

we meet agent pendergast here,hes the best
ive come across in my reading, twists turns
foensics, scary this book has it all.

excelent book

Preston and Child are always a great thrill-ride. Their characters and plot-twists are excellent. This book brings back Special Agent Pendergast, Nora Kelly and NY Times reporter Bill Smithback.