The Wheel of Darkness (Special Agent Pendergast) (original 2007; edition 2007)

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! ( )

While all of the Agent Pendergast novels involve a level of otherworldly events this novel pushed that envelope a bit too much for my tastes. The characters are as fascinating as usual from these authors however the plot seemed a bit forced. The level of coincidence was higher than in previous novels and the plot was not as engrossing as the previous three books. Yes, I read the series in the order that it is published even though the authors claim that it is not necessary. I find that by reading them in order I get a bit more depth out of each book. I understand the characters better and some events would not have the same impact if you have not read the previous books. Overall I feel that unless you truly find this series fascinating and addictive this would be one book in the series you could pass by without any great loss. For a truly good read from Preston and Child I would highly recommend the Relic/Reliquary books and the Brimstone/Dance of Death/Book of the Dead miniseries. ( )