The Relic (original 1995; edition 1996)

Though this is the first Pendergast novel, the agent has nearly no page time compared to Margo Green. Also, I'm annoyed by how some of the characters just see to fall completely out of the story, victim of the convenient death fairy. ( )

Very good for what it is, which a fantasy-horror-thriller. ( )

Another book I didn't have enough interest in to finish. Which was a shame: I was hoping to find a new series I could get into. Trashy quick reading, perhaps, but still worth it. I did get about 70% of the way through it, but I just didn't care. I didn't care about the characters, or the monster, or the mystery. I didn't get the creepy sense of suspense. I wasn't particularly invested in any of it, or surprised by anything.

I have seen people squeeing over later books in the series much more, so I might pick up one of those and give Preston and Child another chance. Not now, though. ( )

I have a new series to follow...it's been so long!

So it's completely absurd and all, but I love it anyway. ( )

Six-word review: Adequate page-turner: monster chase in museum.

Extended review:

First installment of the Agent Pendergast series provides enough quasi-science to support a far-fetched fiction and enough suspense to keep you guessing. I ordered this light-duty, gore-heavy thriller as one of Amazon's one-cent bargains (plus $3.99 for shipping, of course) and pretty much got what I paid for. ( )