Synopses & Reviews
Special Agent Pendergast-one of the most original, compelling characters in all of contemporary fiction-returns in Preston and Child's new exhilarating novel
BLUE LABYRINTH
A long-buried family secret has come back to haunt Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast.
It begins with murder. One of Pendergast's most implacable, most feared enemies is found on his doorstep, dead. Pendergast has no idea who is responsible for the killing, or why the body was brought to his home. The mystery has all the hallmarks of the perfect crime, save for an enigmatic clue: a piece of turquoise lodged in the stomach of the deceased.
The gem leads Pendergast to an abandoned mine on the shore of California's Salton Sea, which in turn propels him on a journey of discovery deep into his own family's sinister past. But Pendergast learns there is more at work than a ghastly episode of family history: he is being stalked by a subtle killer bent on vengeance over an ancient transgression. And he soon becomes caught in a wickedly clever plot, which leaves him stricken in mind and body, and propels him toward a reckoning beyond anything he could ever have imagined....
Review
"Small-town politics, murder, a century-old conspiracy, arson and a detective who embodies a modern-day Holmes add up to an amazing journey."--Associated Press on White Fire
Review
"These dynamic authors' best thriller to date."--White Fire was one of Library Journal's Top 10 Thrillers of 2013
Review
"Sherlock Holmes fans will relish Preston and Child's 13th novel featuring eccentric FBI agent Aloysius Pendergast (after 2012's Two Graves), one of their best in this popular series...easily stands on its own with only passing references to Pendergast's complex backstory."--Publishers Weekly (starred review) on White Fire
Review
"Another highly entertaining and genuinely thrilling story from Preston and Child starring their romantic, faintly gothic, and always mysterious FBI agent, Aloysius Pendergast. As always the prose is elegant, replete with exquisite descriptions, and this time we're treated to dashes of historic characters Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde, as well as a positively delicious serving of the great Sherlock Holmes. Through myriad shocks, surprises, twists and turns, the suspense never lets up. Great fun to the last page."--Anne Rice on White Fire
Review
"The best Pendergast book yet - a collision between past and present that will leave you breathless."--Lee Child on White Fire
Review
"Preston and Child have done it again! WHITE FIRE continues their white hot streak of bestselling suspense as the most eccentric and ruthlessly clever FBI agent in the business, Pendergast, takes on old money and even older secrets with some literary help from Sherlock Holmes. Simply brilliant!"--Lisa Gardner
Review
"What Preston and Child are so good at are exemplified here: solid research, clear swift prose and enough twists to fill a jar of pretzels. Sit back, crack open the book and get ready for the ride of your life."--David Baldacci
Review
"WHITE FIRE is a perfect introduction for any reader not yet acquainted with A.X.L. Pendergast, one of the most memorable detectives in contemporary thrillerdom."--Steve Berry
Review
"I've read every Pendergast thriller. This is the most suspenseful and most horrifying of them all. This book holds chills you can't imagine. I'm still shuddering. I promise-- you'll shudder, too."--R.L. Stine
Review
"A mile-a-minute thriller with a deeply entertaining plot and marvelous characters, in a setting that will chill your blood, and not only because it's 10 degrees below zero and covered with snow. My copy is full of crumbs because I couldn't put it down long enough to eat."--Diana Gabaldon
Review
"WHITE FIRE is as incandescent as its title, a beautifully organized, tautly paced book that really did just yank me in and demand that I keep reading. I'm very grateful for the experience."--Peter Straub
Review
"Preston and Child have created a terrific mix of mystery and the unexpected that will keep you reading into the late hours of the night. They promise a great read and they have delivered."--Clive Cussler
Review
"Those who have grown to love Agent Pendergast will not be disappointed in the newest installment of his series by Preston and Child. The sharp wit and secretive demeanor of Pendergast are both amusing and mystifying to readers, and the plot unfolds in twists that will keep readers guessing right up to the end."--RT Reviews
Review
"Preston and Child have the ability to blend contemporary forensic thrillers with a dose of Dickensian/Sherlock Holmes-era atmosphere. Add a villain to a vendetta that has spanned generations and a cast of characters that readers will find emotionally satisfying, and the end result is another best-seller for the duo."--Associated Press
Review
"Quirky and compelling."--San Francisco Bee
Review
"Fast-moving, sophisticated and bursting with surprises... If you're willing to surrender to Preston and Child's fiendish imaginations, you might devour the Pendergast books the way kids do Halloween candy...There's nothing else like them."--The Washington Post
Review
"Preston and Child once again bring A.X.L. Pendergast to life and offer up a host of thrills, heart-pumping action, and an intricate plot that pits a vengeful killer against (still) the most interesting character in fiction."--Suspense Magazine
Review
"A complete winner...pure reading joy...I loved, loved, LOVED this book...Grab this one immediately-and be prepared to put your life on hold as you devour it."--GimmeThatBook.com
Review
"In a single word, WOW...A must read...Trust me, you will not be disappointed."--StefansBookShelf.com
Review
"It's a fun, frantic, can't-put-down-read that will undoubtedly go over well with fans both casual and dedicated."--Beauty In Ruins
Review
"Special Agent A.X.L. Pendergast is back in his most personal and dangerous case yet. While many authors may slack off over time with series characters, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child do just the opposite...Whether a longtime fan or a newcomer, this installment will have you on the edge of your seat."--Florida Times-Union
Synopsis
A long-buried family secret resurfaces when one of Aloysius Pendergast's most implacable enemies shows up on his doorstep as a murdered corpse. The mystery has all the hallmarks of the perfect murder, save for an enigmatic clue: a piece of turquoise lodged in the stomach of the deceased. The gem leads Pendergast to an abandoned mine on the shore of California's desolate Salton Sea, which in turn propels him on a journey of discovery deep into his family's sinister past. But Pendergast learns there is more at work than a ghastly episode of family history: he is soon stalked by a subtle killer bent on vengeance over an ancient transgression. In short order, Pendergast is caught in a wickedly clever plot, which will leave him stricken in mind and body...and may well end with his death.
About the Author
The thrillers of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child "stand head and shoulders above their rivals" (
Publishers Weekly). Preston and Child's
Relic and
The Cabinet of Curiosities were chosen by readers in a National Public Radio poll as being among the one hundred greatest thrillers ever written, and
Relic was made into a number-one box office hit movie. They are coauthors of the famed Pendergast series and their recent novels include
White Fire,
Two Graves, and
Gideon's Corpse. Preston's acclaimed nonfiction book,
The Monster of Florence, is being made into a movie starring George Clooney. Lincoln Child is a former book editor who has published five novels of his own, including the huge bestseller
Deep Storm.
Readers can sign up for The Pendergast File, a monthly newsletter from the authors, at their website, www.PrestonChild.com. The authors welcome visitors to their Facebook page, where they post regularly.