The Wheel of Darkness (2007)

An interesting and fast-paced addition to the series. I liked it less than I've liked the others, however. I think it might have to do with the setting on the cruise ship. For some reason, this just didn't captivate me as much as the books that have more historical connections. ( )

I love and hate these novels. I can't stop reading this series because I want to know what is happening with Constance and Pendergast. At the same time, Pendergast and Constance are too mysterious, too self-contained...too unknown. This story just reminds me why I don't like the idea of cruising across the open ocean. *shudders* ( )

This the first Pendergast book that I recall laughing out loud while reading it - not once, but twice!

This one occasionally had the feel of a Cussler novel in the 'adventure-the world may come to an end-we need a hero' flavor of the writing. Nothing specific, maybe the description of opulence, maybe because an ocean liner was involved. I just expected Dirk Pitt to show up in a tux somewhere along the way.

Don't skip the epilogue. ( )

Barring a few wrong maritime facts, this was a fun adventure which started in a remote Tibetan monastery and ended on a sleek modern ocean liner. Aloysius Pendergast, an FBI agent, and his ward, Constance Green, learn of a item of untold evil and danger stolen from the monastery and track the item to the liner, Britannia, on its first voyage from Southampton to New York. Pendergast uses his amazing well of skills and knowledge to eliminate crew and passengers to a small list of possible suspects and then worked to learn who had the item, known as the Agozyen. One by one, people vanish, commit suicide, and are found brutally murdered. To top everything off, the female captain seems to have lost her mind. Will they find the item and contain the evil released in time to prevent the ship from running up on rocks and sinking?

Points in favor of this book: A female captain - Yay!
The opening setting of the monastery in the Himalayas.
The action scenes on the ocean liner.

Points not in favor: This is my first Pendergast book and, not knowing his back history, I found him aloof and off-putting.
Many glaring mistakes that an amateur boat handler could have pointed out to the editors.

In all, though, it was a thrilling ride. ( )

Another winner in the Pendergast series. What will happen next? Only book nine will tell and tomorrow is Sunday so the libary will be closed. Shoot! ( )