Book Review: Brimstone by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Synopsis: an influential art critic is killed in NYC in a most disturbing way. The manner of his death makes people wonder if the Devil himself did it. The body was basically cooked on the inside, but with no fire damage and with the door locked from the inside. There was also a hoof imprint scorched into the floor. When the mysterious Special Agent Pendergast is assigned to the case, he asks for Sergeant Vincent D'Gosta to assist him. Together, they track down clues which lead them throughout New York and into Italy.

The Good: I loved this book, quite simply. The authors (how do people on different sides of the continent write a book together?) created very realistic characters, so much so that I even had a...::cough::...sensual dream about Pendergast. I believe that's the highest level of nerdiness one can achieve. The characters have flaws, but they also have a sympathetic quality which makes you root for a happy ending. Also, along the lines of The DaVinci Code, this book is very jam-packed with information. I almost felt smarter after reading the book, because of all the little lectures and history lessons. Who knew the history of violins could actually be interesting? While the plot has an air of disbelief or outlandishness, the authors made it work.

The Bad: I was a little bored by the subplot: an ex-con preacher who establishes a congregation among the crowds gathered at the site of the murder. He is so powerful tha they essentially become a zealous army, ready to do his bidding. A reporter is caught in the middle of the drama. I didn't think this really furthered the book's plot in any way and acted as an unwelcome distraction from the rest of the story. Also, I thought the book was a little too mysterious at times. Apparently, this was the first in a trilogy, so I guess the authors purposely left that mystery in there, to be solved later. Finally, the book cover is just god-awful. Really, what were the publishers thinking?

The Side Note: I found out after finishing this book that it wasn't the first in the series. Relic, which was made into a blase movie in the mid-90s, is the first book which introduces D'Gosta and Pendergast. You won't be too confused if you start with Brimstone like I did. But I'd recommend you start with Relic and work your way toward Brimstone. It's nice to meet the characters and see how they've changed over the years.

Score: 5 out of 5