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100th out of 907 books
—
857 voters
Dance of Death (Pendergast #6)
Two brothers. One, top FBI Agent, Aloysius Pendergast. The other, Diogenes, a brilliant and twisted criminal. An undying hatred between them. Now, a perfect crime. And the ultimate challenge: Stop me if you can.
Paperback, 592 pages
Published
January 1st 2006
by Grand Central Publishing
(first published August 23rd 1999)
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The idea of an 'evil genius' Supervillain disappearing from the face of the earth to plot and scheme, and plan the ultimate crime, seems laughable, and stereotypical on so many levels, at first. The fact that he is the brother of the protagonist enhances this impression. The thing is, however, that there's nothing laughable about the way he goes about it.
Dance of Death opens with a classroom discussion of The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot, during which an unflinchingly gruesome and disturbing death...more
Dance of Death opens with a classroom discussion of The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot, during which an unflinchingly gruesome and disturbing death...more
This was the 2nd book in the Pendergast Trilogy. I've read the 3rd as well, and since I read them out of order it was interesting b/c I knew kind of what would happen. They are great books, highly intelligent. But, read them in order.
I did not like this one nearly as much as the others. I mean there were points (view spoiler) that reminded me why I've been powering through the series, but I simply didn't connect to any of this.
Mostly, I suppose because it turned out to be an excuse to get all the sidekick characters from earlier books into a reunion.
But also because this book is about Pendergast colliding with his evil brother, and quite honestly I don't read these books...more
Mostly, I suppose because it turned out to be an excuse to get all the sidekick characters from earlier books into a reunion.
But also because this book is about Pendergast colliding with his evil brother, and quite honestly I don't read these books...more
I was dissatisfied with this outing featuring FBI Agent Pendergast working with NYC Detective Dagosta to stop the fiendish plans of Pendergast’s twisted brother Diogenes. A “perfect crime” is promised on a certain date in the near future while along the way Pendergast is being tormented by the horrific murders of his close friends in various parts of the country. What is disappointing is how little success Pendergast has in stopping those murders. It was sad to see Pendergast so pressed against...more
I absolutely enjoyed Dance of Death. As a matter of fact this entire series has been great and Preston and Child have really created a winning combination in both their writing and the characters of Pendergast and D'Agosta. The pairing of two unlikely detective partners, one a tough talking, no nonsense NY PD cop, Lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta and the mysterious but urbane FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast make the perfect 'odd couple'. Together they continue to solve quirky mysteries laced with menac...more
FBI agent Aloysius Pendergast's worst enemy is his brother Diogenes a smart and brilliant villain. Now he must stop his brother as he commits his perfect crime that he's been working on for 20 years. Framed for murder and on the run with only the help of his good friend NYPD lieutenant. Vincent Dagosta
Aloysius Pendergast: Tall, quick, smart, great at disuising himself and almost shows no emotions.
Diogenes Pendergast: Tall, strong, genius villain, great at disguises, considered to be Aloysius' eq...more
Aloysius Pendergast: Tall, quick, smart, great at disuising himself and almost shows no emotions.
Diogenes Pendergast: Tall, strong, genius villain, great at disguises, considered to be Aloysius' eq...more
Mar 07, 2011
Lisa
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2011-reading-list,
mystery-suspense
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I love these two authors, both together and as individual writers. They always put together a whopping good story.
But, frankly their FBI Special Agent character Aloysius Pendergast is starting to wear a bit thin. He has always had a bit of unbelievability about him, but it is getting worse and worse.
And now we have his evil brother, Diogenes, who is approaching godhood in his abilities to do evil things without being caught. And his whole reason for living is to torment his brother without kill...more
But, frankly their FBI Special Agent character Aloysius Pendergast is starting to wear a bit thin. He has always had a bit of unbelievability about him, but it is getting worse and worse.
And now we have his evil brother, Diogenes, who is approaching godhood in his abilities to do evil things without being caught. And his whole reason for living is to torment his brother without kill...more
I must say its been some time since I read Brimstone, the first book in this Diogenes series but I must say I didn't feel like I had forgotten any key information.
However, since I have not read all of the books in order some of the little jokes and/or tidbits referencing past events I didn't get. There are also some characters mentioned who have previous experiences with Pendergast in such books such as Relic, etc. Perhaps if I had read the books in which they were introduced I would have more o...more
However, since I have not read all of the books in order some of the little jokes and/or tidbits referencing past events I didn't get. There are also some characters mentioned who have previous experiences with Pendergast in such books such as Relic, etc. Perhaps if I had read the books in which they were introduced I would have more o...more
The second book by Preston & Child I've read, after "Wheel of Darkness (#8)." As I said before, I'm not a big mystery or thriller fan. This book certainly did not make me one. At least with "Wheel" the eye rolling didn't start until well into the book. With this one it started early and often.
Apparently, along with being a wealthy-meditating-Kung-Foo-James Bond-witty-super spy, our hero is also a master of disguise! And he has a super evil-genius brother! Who's also a master of disguise! A b...more
Apparently, along with being a wealthy-meditating-Kung-Foo-James Bond-witty-super spy, our hero is also a master of disguise! And he has a super evil-genius brother! Who's also a master of disguise! A b...more
Not quite up to Preston/Child's usual standards, this book was a continuation of BRIMSTONE and the prequel to BOOK OF THE DEAD. While I don't mind continuing plots like this, ordinarily, this book FELT like a setup for the next in many ways - the characters acted at odds to their usual depictions, and the scenarios felt quite forced. I can ordinarily figure out where a Preston/Child novel is going well before it gets there, but the entire setup this time just felt...trite and forced.
Beyond that,...more
Beyond that,...more
This is definitely a better book in the Diogenes trilogy. Where Brimstone only teased with a few glimpses and mentions of Diogenes, this one made him integral. I really love the Pendergast and D'Agosta pairing but especially in this book. It was the first time I really felt that D'Agosta wasn't just running after Pendergast asking what the hell was going on, he had to spend the first part working things out by himself.
I absolutely loved this storyline! Brimstone sets up the penultimate showdown...more
I absolutely loved this storyline! Brimstone sets up the penultimate showdown...more
Dance of Death is the second in a trilogy of books by the bestselling author combination of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. In the trilogy, starting with Dance of Death, the reader is introduced to the strange relationship between FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast and his diabolical brother Diogenes. This is the first time the reader is truly introduced to Diogenes, but the character Aloysius Pendergast has been featured in five previous books by the authors. Dance of Death was first publ...more
I've been happily working my way through Preston and Child's Pendergast series. My latest read, Dance of Death, kept the suspense high throughout the story by constantly upping the stakes and making the situation worse for the characters. Pendergast is a fascinating character, with tightly controlled emotions and many mysteries in his past. To see him reach a point where he nearly couldn't control his emotions and almost decided to accept defeat in the face of his enemy ratcheted up the tension...more
I have been a tremendous fan of the series, but this one is a true disappointment. Dumbing down your characters, killing off the good character I was so thrilled to bring back into the fold, and giving so much attention to Smithback, who is nothing but an idiot and irritation. Nora Kelley as a sanctimonious scientific prig, Pendergast as a bumbler....
I am very sad that Preston and Child have developed such a condescending attitude towards their character(s). I will miss Pendergast, but I don't s...more
I am very sad that Preston and Child have developed such a condescending attitude towards their character(s). I will miss Pendergast, but I don't s...more
I had read all the Pendergast novels up to this one and then for some reason got sidetracked and left the series alone. Then, one day I made a list of what I hadn't read in the series yet and set out to get what I lacked, which turned out to be Dance of Death, The Book of the Dead, and The Wheel of Darkness (yet just now, looking up the series on Fantastic Fiction, I see there are three ore I lack now: Cemetery Dance, Fever Dream, and Cold Vengeance...note to self...seek these out ASAP).
Now that...more
Now that...more
Product Description
...more
FBI agent Aloysius Pendergast's greatest enemy is one who has stalked him all of his life - his cunning and diabolical brother Diogenes. And Diogenes has thrown down the gauntlet. Now, several of the people closest to Pendergast are viciously murdered, and Pendergast is framed for the deeds. On the run from federal authorities, with only the help of his old friend NYPD Lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta, Pendergast must stop his brother. But how can he stop a man that is his intell
Sep 26, 2009
Quinn
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2009-books,
mystery-thriller
A well written thriller novel. I really enjoy the FBI Agent Pendergast Novels. In this novel Agent Pendergast is on the trail of the worlds most dangerous serial killer, who just so happens to be his younger brother. Pendergast's brother leaves a path of death and destruction with plenty of plot twists and turns.
I would recommend minimally reading "Brimstone" before reading this novel because it is the second in a series. One of the many reasons I like these novels is because they use several r...more
I would recommend minimally reading "Brimstone" before reading this novel because it is the second in a series. One of the many reasons I like these novels is because they use several r...more
I had totally forgotten all about Pendergast - but when this book finally was published in Finnish, I was a very happy person. Diogenes and Aloysius are both characters that I absolutely enjoy reading about: intelligent and complex. And the rivarly between them was interesting to read. Also, this was the first book of Pendergast series in which I started to actually like D'Agosta's character! This trio reminds me a lot about Sherlock Holmes, John Watson and Moriarty. Anyway, at some point I doub...more
Pendergast finally meets his brother (at least, overtly) in this novel where Agent Pendergast and Lt. D'Agosto have to overcome the prejudice of their colleagues and the Moriarty-like mind of Diogenes in order to attempt to thwart Diogenes' diabolical plot. To be honest, I found the flow of this book a little more scattered than in the usual work of Preston and Child. Perhaps, having so many murders in a short period with (apparently) tenuous connections was less satisfying for me; it might be m...more
This second part of the Diogenes trilogy is the best Preston and Child so far for me. This is saying a lot because I have enjoyed all of their books that I have read thus far. I especially liked the treatment of D'Agusta in this book as he faced so many challenges and yet always made choices which demonstrated what a faithful friend he is. Pendergast is at his best when having to deal with the exceptional intellect and exceptional cruelty of his brother. Excellent idea bringing Margo back and al...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Picked up a new Preston-Child title while traveling last week and couldn't put it down. I forgot how truely trashy and fun the Pendergast series is and glad that there's lots to catch up on.
Dance of Death showcases Pendergast's return from the dead (no surprise to readers given that there are at least 6 later books), and the magnificent challenge between Pendergast and his evil brother Diogenes. For a time, you'll wonder if they are one, and not just alter egos of each other. As in earlier works...more
Dance of Death showcases Pendergast's return from the dead (no surprise to readers given that there are at least 6 later books), and the magnificent challenge between Pendergast and his evil brother Diogenes. For a time, you'll wonder if they are one, and not just alter egos of each other. As in earlier works...more
More like a 3.5, probably my second favorite book of the series after Cabinet of Curiosities. Diogenes is an interesting character, too bad he's about as secretive as Pendergast himself. I think I also figured out another problem I have with this series that really presented itself to me in this book. I guess it might be the problem of author collaboration. I don't know how they could put so much feeling and emotion into the D'Agosta Hayward break up, and then be so drab and boring, even to the...more
Eli suomeksi Veljensä vartija-kirja, kunnioitettava ulkomuoto mutta kirja tuli luettua päivässä...oli aivan pakko! Kirja piti otteessaan, jännitys alkoi heti alkusivuilta ja tavallaan koko ajan odotti pahinta. Juoni eteni monessa kerronnassa, ehkä museo-tarinat olisi voinut jättää vähemmälle...ainakin lukiessa näin ajatteli mutta ne osittain olivat yksi tärkeä osa juonta. Pendergast ei enää ollut niin "haavoittumaton" kuten edellisissä kirjoissa ja ehkä siksi loppu pelotti...
Myös komisario D´Ago...more
Myös komisario D´Ago...more
One of the best in the series. So many details come together to explain and enrich the characters. FBI Agent Pendegast's friends are being murdered as he becomes the prime suspect. Newly promoted Laura Hayward is convinced the unorthodox agent is guilty even tho his faithful sidekick, D'Agosta, knows he is innocent. Pendegast's evil brother, Diogenes, finally appears in full character and is just as interesting as readers suspected. All of the usual characters are present because the setting is...more
I am reading this series out of order due to the (in)availability of the books and their popularity at my local library. Even though certain episodes from prior books are alluded to, I would say it's not necessary to read them sequentially. It would, however, to be helpful to read the first book first to become acquainted with the all the characters as some of them make an appearance in book #6. The storyline is a a bit on the fantastical side, but this is why it's called fiction, but if one can...more
It's really important to read these books in order, because each one has major spoilers for the ones before.
The enigmatic Special Agent Pendergast is forced to confront an aspect of his past that he had hoped to put behind him, and in doing so, the lives of everyone he touches will be changed forever.
A supercharged thriller with a villain who is truly the equal of our ferociously intelligent protagonist, but bereft of any fragment of moral scruples -- and therefore Pendergast is either forced t...more
The enigmatic Special Agent Pendergast is forced to confront an aspect of his past that he had hoped to put behind him, and in doing so, the lives of everyone he touches will be changed forever.
A supercharged thriller with a villain who is truly the equal of our ferociously intelligent protagonist, but bereft of any fragment of moral scruples -- and therefore Pendergast is either forced t...more
Visceral violence is replaced by emotional malevolence in this second installment of the Diogenes trilogy within the Pendergast series.
'Dance of Death' pushes a bit further in that the authors introduce a level of uncertainty around central characters' safety rather than just the expected killing off of peripheral figures. The added tension is a welcome addition to a maturing series.
The only weakness to be found is a lack of realism in an increasingly superhuman Pendergast. While never escaping...more
'Dance of Death' pushes a bit further in that the authors introduce a level of uncertainty around central characters' safety rather than just the expected killing off of peripheral figures. The added tension is a welcome addition to a maturing series.
The only weakness to be found is a lack of realism in an increasingly superhuman Pendergast. While never escaping...more
This sequel to Brimstone is better than the first part of the trilogy. In fact, I think you can pretty much read it on its own without previously reading the first part.
The twists are non-stop, and the body count adds up quickly. Diogenes is a very capable villain who competently matches wits with his brother, Agent Aloysius Pendergast. Of course, Pendergast gets the final laugh...or does he? If the the third installment is anything like Dance of Death, it stands to be another all out battle bet...more
The twists are non-stop, and the body count adds up quickly. Diogenes is a very capable villain who competently matches wits with his brother, Agent Aloysius Pendergast. Of course, Pendergast gets the final laugh...or does he? If the the third installment is anything like Dance of Death, it stands to be another all out battle bet...more
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| Slow Start, Great Ending | 3 | 30 | Oct 02, 2012 02:02pm |
Douglas Preston was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1956, and grew up in the deadly boring suburb of Wellesley. Following a distinguished career at a private nursery school--he was almost immediately expelled--he attended public schools and the Cambridge School of Weston. Notable events in his early life included the loss of a fingertip at the age of three to a bicycle; the loss of his two fr...more
More about Douglas Preston...
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Mar 06, 2013 02:39am
Thanks Lynne
Mar 06, 2013 02:48am