On This Page
Description
Fiction. Literature. Thriller. HTML:An FBI agent, rotting away in a high-security prison for a murder he did not commit...His brilliant, psychotic brother, about to perpetrate a horrific crime...
A young woman with an extrodinary past, on th edge of a violent breakdown...
An ancient Egyptian tomb with an enigmatic curse, about to be unveiled at a celebrity-studded New York gala...
Memento Mori.
Tags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
Uno pensaría que después de 7 libros del mismo corte, ya tendríamos suficiente de más de lo mismo, pero, pues no.
Estos autores tienen una enorme capacidad de escribir historias trepidantes, interesantes, narradas de manera inteligente, con un ritmo impresionante.
Este sin duda es una perfecta continuación del libro anterior y no me cabe ninguna duda que Diógenes se merece que se escribiera una trilogía solo para él, es uno de los malvados más malvados que he leído, un asesino inteligente, audaz, con una cantidad de odio suficiente para matar a sangre fría, para orquestar un intrincado plan para hacer matar dos pájaros de un tiro, vengarse de su hermano y asesinar, que es una de las cosas que más disfruta.
Es un libro que show more tiene un thriller que en algún momento resulta hasta angustiante, que me ha tenido absolutamente absorbida.
Aún y cuando sabemos cómo va a terminar la historia, resulta que no sabemos cómo vamos a llegar a ese final y por supuesto en el proceso me ha contado una historia además desgarradora y que al final resulta en un giro que honestamente no me esperaba.
Por supuesto nos volvemos a encontrar con todos aquellos personajes ya bastante conocidos desde el primer libro, creo que cada uno va tomando su propia fuerza, pero no podemos evitar que Pendergast es un protagonista fuera de serie y en esta trilogía se ha topado con la horma de su zapato.
Me ha encantado, este libro y la trilogía completa y cada libro de la serie también, soy una declarada fan.
Además es que es una serie que tiene una mezcla perfecta de Thriller, novela negra, novela policíaca, novela de aventuras, con toques paranormales, pero ojo, todo lo que sea paranormal resulta en cosas que siempre, siempre terminan siendo perfectamente explicadas científicamente aún y cuando sabemos que esa explicación "científica" es inventada, que lo hace que esa parte paranormal en realidad no es tal, en fin que es original en ese sentido.
Como siempre digo, son libros completamente del estilo norteamericano, muy peliculeros, pero ¡caray! que no puedo evitar que me súper encante y que definitivamente la serie seguirá en mi lista de pendientes por leer y que ¡No se acabe Pendergast! show less
Estos autores tienen una enorme capacidad de escribir historias trepidantes, interesantes, narradas de manera inteligente, con un ritmo impresionante.
Este sin duda es una perfecta continuación del libro anterior y no me cabe ninguna duda que Diógenes se merece que se escribiera una trilogía solo para él, es uno de los malvados más malvados que he leído, un asesino inteligente, audaz, con una cantidad de odio suficiente para matar a sangre fría, para orquestar un intrincado plan para hacer matar dos pájaros de un tiro, vengarse de su hermano y asesinar, que es una de las cosas que más disfruta.
Es un libro que show more tiene un thriller que en algún momento resulta hasta angustiante, que me ha tenido absolutamente absorbida.
Aún y cuando sabemos cómo va a terminar la historia, resulta que no sabemos cómo vamos a llegar a ese final y por supuesto en el proceso me ha contado una historia además desgarradora y que al final resulta en un giro que honestamente no me esperaba.
Por supuesto nos volvemos a encontrar con todos aquellos personajes ya bastante conocidos desde el primer libro, creo que cada uno va tomando su propia fuerza, pero no podemos evitar que Pendergast es un protagonista fuera de serie y en esta trilogía se ha topado con la horma de su zapato.
Me ha encantado, este libro y la trilogía completa y cada libro de la serie también, soy una declarada fan.
Además es que es una serie que tiene una mezcla perfecta de Thriller, novela negra, novela policíaca, novela de aventuras, con toques paranormales, pero ojo, todo lo que sea paranormal resulta en cosas que siempre, siempre terminan siendo perfectamente explicadas científicamente aún y cuando sabemos que esa explicación "científica" es inventada, que lo hace que esa parte paranormal en realidad no es tal, en fin que es original en ese sentido.
Como siempre digo, son libros completamente del estilo norteamericano, muy peliculeros, pero ¡caray! que no puedo evitar que me súper encante y que definitivamente la serie seguirá en mi lista de pendientes por leer y que ¡No se acabe Pendergast! show less
This seventh book in the Special Agent Pendergast series concludes the "Diogenes trilogy," in which the chief antagonist is Pendergast's malevolent, hate-driven brother Diogenes.
A bold escape from a maximum-security prison, exquisitely planned and timed to the second, is a highlight of this conclusion to the Diogenes trilogy. A secondary theme to this third volume might be the rending of veils of illusion, from a vulnerable woman who is not as helpless as she appears to a reversal of roles between victim and persecutor. A major public fiasco, an international chase, and a Tolkienesque climax sustain the suspense as intense action alternates with lush description and engaging characterization. The resolution of several subplots brings show more this novel to a satisfying close, even while setting the hook for the inevitable sequel.
I found these three Pendergast novels to be superior to the earlier offerings, with less formulaic plots (no chasing after fanciful monsters in underground tunnels; well, all right, not much--although the authors seem to remain fascinated by the deep, dark, enclosed places), the return of several appealing characters, more interesting factual or quasi-factual background, and a number of literary touches that add depth. Unlike the earlier entries, which I came to only in a certain mood and was able to put aside for months at a time, I raced through these three back to back. They whetted my appetite for whatever's to come next.
Luckily I already have The Wheel of Darkness on the nightstand.
Rating: 4 stars, and 4½ within the genre. show less
A bold escape from a maximum-security prison, exquisitely planned and timed to the second, is a highlight of this conclusion to the Diogenes trilogy. A secondary theme to this third volume might be the rending of veils of illusion, from a vulnerable woman who is not as helpless as she appears to a reversal of roles between victim and persecutor. A major public fiasco, an international chase, and a Tolkienesque climax sustain the suspense as intense action alternates with lush description and engaging characterization. The resolution of several subplots brings show more this novel to a satisfying close, even while setting the hook for the inevitable sequel.
I found these three Pendergast novels to be superior to the earlier offerings, with less formulaic plots (no chasing after fanciful monsters in underground tunnels; well, all right, not much--although the authors seem to remain fascinated by the deep, dark, enclosed places), the return of several appealing characters, more interesting factual or quasi-factual background, and a number of literary touches that add depth. Unlike the earlier entries, which I came to only in a certain mood and was able to put aside for months at a time, I raced through these three back to back. They whetted my appetite for whatever's to come next.
Luckily I already have The Wheel of Darkness on the nightstand.
Rating: 4 stars, and 4½ within the genre. show less
Another possible 3.5er. I actually really enjoyed this book, possibly more than the last, but am too haunted by one problem to actually up the rating. When all is said and done, this book had all the excitement of the series, and tied up a lot of loose ends from the previous Diogenes books, while also leaving a few open ends, or at least one big one.
My big problem here is how the Hugo Menzies problem from Dance of Death was never solved. Supposedly, if I remember correctly, they were looking for old Hugo in connection with the diamond theft, but never found him and presumed him dead. Well, in this book, he just shows back up, all of that forgotten. No one says, "hey, what happened to you? You were the last person seen close to the show more diamonds before they disappeared, what's the deal?" Nope, none of that. Maybe I missed something? Could be possible. I really hope someone actually reads my reviews and can shed some insight into this issue. Am I wrong, am I right? Did it ruin this book somewhat for anyone else? Help me out here people!!
Edit to add: now that I think about it, a day later, how was it that Pendergast, one of the foremost detectives couldn't track Diogenes for years and years, but Constance, a girl who has never left the house, was able to track him almost instantly. I know she reads a lot, but knowing the ways of the world are much different when tracking a master criminal across time zones, and even continents. Some major plot holes in this book the more I think about it. show less
My big problem here is how the Hugo Menzies problem from Dance of Death was never solved. Supposedly, if I remember correctly, they were looking for old Hugo in connection with the diamond theft, but never found him and presumed him dead. Well, in this book, he just shows back up, all of that forgotten. No one says, "hey, what happened to you? You were the last person seen close to the show more diamonds before they disappeared, what's the deal?" Nope, none of that. Maybe I missed something? Could be possible. I really hope someone actually reads my reviews and can shed some insight into this issue. Am I wrong, am I right? Did it ruin this book somewhat for anyone else? Help me out here people!!
Edit to add: now that I think about it, a day later, how was it that Pendergast, one of the foremost detectives couldn't track Diogenes for years and years, but Constance, a girl who has never left the house, was able to track him almost instantly. I know she reads a lot, but knowing the ways of the world are much different when tracking a master criminal across time zones, and even continents. Some major plot holes in this book the more I think about it. show less
Pendergast doesn't show up much until later for good reason - usually I hate prison scenes in books (and movies), but his was worth reading, of course. He is the James Bond of the detective world for sure, but at least most of his mysticism was dialed back besides this one pain burying scene - and a memory echo chamber - so, nevermind. We get many returning characters to play their role, some hardly on page and some pretty present. The Egyptian backstory was particularly good - for some reason I've read a few mummy related stories this month. While small side characters, some of my favorites were actually the special effects crew with their gaming addiction and Landys irritation with his enthusiastic counterpart.
I still am not sure show more what to think of Constance in every book; she's a bit out there and surreal. Finally we get a wrap up since this is Diogenes 3 as I always found that a bit hokey. The ending line though - we shall see what happens as it was a mini cliffhanger. show less
I still am not sure show more what to think of Constance in every book; she's a bit out there and surreal. Finally we get a wrap up since this is Diogenes 3 as I always found that a bit hokey. The ending line though - we shall see what happens as it was a mini cliffhanger. show less
This is the third book in the Diogenes series, a subset of the Pendergast series. In this book, Pendergast is stuck in prison while Diogenes is still plotting a major event. As Pendergast's friends attempt to help him out, others start to realize his innocence. I found the intensity of the book to be the same as the rest in the series: in the beginning the plot moves more slowly, skipping between characters, and you keep reading because you realize the next chapter switches and you want to see what is going on with that character. Then about 3/4 of the way through everything comes together and the plot moves very quickly during some extremely intense scenes before resolving itself. I enjoy these books, and I am interested to see what show more the rest of the series will bring. show less
A thriller with a blend of other genres makes this a highly imaginative difficult to predict book almost right up to the end, and then I only guessed a small part. When the truth behind the mummy’s curse at a museum comes to light, it’s as amazing as the curse itself, and the story didn’t end there. I didn’t realise this was one and the last of a series, but that made no difference to my enjoyment. I would read the rest if not for my toppling to be read mountain, but confess I picked this up as part of a book swap in a library, and I’m glad I did or I would never come across this. The only negative is it felt a little overlong in parts; I felt reminded of things I already knew a few times, but that in no way distracted from show more the fun. show less
On the one hand, there are the splendid and heart-poundingly well-paced action sequences - everything about the tomb, the prison, even the final act. But on the other hand, it's all a lot of flash and the stakes never feel like they're real. Despite having found Diogenes to be an utterly inspired Moriarty-Mycroft blend, I'm not sad to see him go. His presence elevated the potential of these novels higher than I think they could safely sustain for a prolonged period. This adventure over, it's time to get back to the simpler things I think.
A bit more at RB: http://wp.me/pGVzJ-Wj
A bit more at RB: http://wp.me/pGVzJ-Wj
Members
- Recently Added By
Lists
Books To Read
3 works; 1 member
Books Read in 2013
1,629 works; 51 members
Books Read in 2021
5,361 works; 114 members
Books Read in 2023
5,547 works; 145 members
Author Information
114+ Works 85,549 Members
Douglas Jerome Preston was born on May 20, 1956 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He received a B.A. in English literature from Pomona College in 1978. His career began at the American Museum of Natural History, where he worked as an editor and writer from 1978 to 1985. He also was a lecturer in English at Princeton University. He became a full-time show more writer of both fiction and nonfiction books in 1986. Many of his fiction works are co-written with Lincoln Child including Relic, Riptide, Thunderhead, The Wheel of Darkness, Cemetery Dance, and Gideon's Corpse. His nonfiction works include Dinosaurs in the Attic; Cities of Gold: A Journey Across the American Southwest in Pursuit of Coronado; Talking to the Ground; and The Royal Road. He has written for numerous magazines including The New Yorker; Natural History; Harper's; Smithsonian; National Geographic; and Travel and Leisure. He became a New York Times Best Selling author with his titles Two Graves and Crimson Shores which he co-wrote with Lincoln Child, and his titles White Fire, The Lost Island Blue Labyrinth and The Lost City of the Monkey God. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
91+ Works 78,079 Members
Lincoln Child was born in Westport, Connecticut in 1957. He received a degree in English from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. After graduation, he obtained a position as an editorial assistant at St. Martin's Press and eventually became a full editor in 1984. He left St. Martin's Press in 1987 for a job at MetLife and began writing. show more Child has co-written numerous books with Douglas Preston including Relic, White Fire, Cold Vengeance, Riptide, Thunderhead, The Wheel of Darkness, Cemetery Dance, Gideon's Corpse, Blue Labyrinth, and Two Graves. In 2003, he published his first solo novel entitled Utopia. His other solo works include Death Match, Deep Storm, Terminal Freeze, The Third Gate, and The Forgotten Room. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Some Editions
Awards and Honors
Distinctions
Series
Work Relationships
Is contained in
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title*
- Kuolleiden kirja
- Original title
- The Book of the Dead
- Original publication date
- 2006
- People/Characters
- Aloysius Pendergast; Diogenes Pendergast; Vincent D'Agosta; Nora Kelly; Bill Smithback; Constance Greene (show all 10); Eli Glinn; Margo Green; Hugo Menzies; Viola Maskelene
- Important places
- New York, New York, USA; Stromboli, Italy
- Dedication
- Lincoln Child dedicates this book to his mother, Nancy Child.
Douglas Preston dedicates this book to Anna Marguerite McCann Taggart. - First words
- Early-morning sunlight gilded the cobbled drive of the staff entrance of the New York Museum of Natural History, illuminating a glass pillbox just outside the granite archway. Within the pillbox, a figure sat slumped in his c... (show all)hair; and elderly man, familiar to all museum staff. He puffed contentedly on a calabash pipe and basked in the warmth of one of those false-spring days that occur in New York City in February, the kind that coaxes daffodils, crocuses, and fruit trees into premature bloom, only to freeze them dead later in the month.
- Quotations
- ...the world had proved to be a nightmare beyond all imagining: niosome, ugly, chaotic, and brutally anonymous. It was not at all like the comfortable, predictable, moral world of literature.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)I'm pregnant.
- Original language
- English
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 3,901
- Popularity
- 4,030
- Reviews
- 84
- Rating
- (3.86)
- Languages
- 12 — Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 49
- UPCs
- 1
- ASINs
- 25