Two brothers. One, top FBI Agent, Aloysius Pendergast. The other, Diogenes, a brilliant and twisted criminal. An undying hatred between them. Now, ...
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Dec 16, 2008
Shannon
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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.
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Sep 22, 2011
Eddy
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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, consi More...
Aloysius Pendergast: Tall, quick, smart, great at disuising himself and almost shows no emotions.
Diogenes Pendergast: Tall, strong, genius villain, great at disguises, consi More...
Mar 07, 2011
Lisa
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Apr 12, 2009
Jim
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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 h 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 h More...
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Jan 20, 2011
Kate
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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.
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Jan 25, 2010
Cassie
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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 penulti More...
I absolutely loved this storyline! Brimstone sets up the penulti More...
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Feb 06, 2011
Dylan
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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
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Feb 13, 2011
Dirk
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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.
The novel opens with a classroom discussion of The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot, during which an unflinchingly gruesome and disturbing More...
The novel opens with a classroom discussion of The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot, during which an unflinchingly gruesome and disturbing More...
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Dec 30, 2011
Tracey
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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).
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Nov 19, 2011
Ryssa
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I got this from the library for my Kindle.
This installment of the Pendergast character is a much tighter read than Brimstone.
I was thoroughly entertained by the plot and the characters.
This seemed to be less of a "guy book" than Brimstone. Only one (significant) car chase, no running gunfights.
Diogenes is a very interesting character. He's pretty much a textbook sociopath, but a very, very well done one. He isn't unique, but he's interesting. T More...
This installment of the Pendergast character is a much tighter read than Brimstone.
I was thoroughly entertained by the plot and the characters.
This seemed to be less of a "guy book" than Brimstone. Only one (significant) car chase, no running gunfights.
Diogenes is a very interesting character. He's pretty much a textbook sociopath, but a very, very well done one. He isn't unique, but he's interesting. T More...
Sep 26, 2009
Quinn
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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 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 More...
Mar 17, 2010
Johnny
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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
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Aug 23, 2011
Rick
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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 a
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Mar 27, 2011
Kendar88
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Nov 19, 2011
Ashland Mystery
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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 e 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 e More...
Oct 06, 2010
Lizpeveto
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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 settin
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Mar 11, 2011
Katy
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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 c
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Feb 24, 2011
William
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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 battl 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 battl More...
Jul 31, 2011
Jennifer
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Loved this! I am SO glad I have gone back to read these in order. I can't wait to start the next one, which will be the conclusion to this trilogy.
Pendergast is such a character, I just love him. I imagine that Lincoln Child is exactly like Agent Pendergast, so I don't eve want to meet the authors for fear they will spoil my fantasy. But I can't imagine how a character like Pendergast comes out of thin air-- they must know someone a little bit like him. I was disappointed in how More...
Pendergast is such a character, I just love him. I imagine that Lincoln Child is exactly like Agent Pendergast, so I don't eve want to meet the authors for fear they will spoil my fantasy. But I can't imagine how a character like Pendergast comes out of thin air-- they must know someone a little bit like him. I was disappointed in how More...
Feb 09, 2012
Benjamin
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I have yet to read a "bad" or even a "just OK" book by either of these two authors, either as stand-alone authors or as a writing team. The Pendergast novels have become some of my favorites of the genre and this one only adds to my reverence.
This is the second of the "Diogenes" trilogy within the greater Pendergast series and the stakes are really ratcheted up here. The story is complete in and of itself but it does also serve to set us up for the ne More...
This is the second of the "Diogenes" trilogy within the greater Pendergast series and the stakes are really ratcheted up here. The story is complete in and of itself but it does also serve to set us up for the ne More...
Dec 12, 2010
Lynette
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This book was a real cliff-hanger. i always like to play a game when I read thrillers/suspense novels to see if I can guess the outcome. With the exception of Brimstone, i haven't been able to with any other Pendergast book, including Dance of Death. I enjoyed how the authors who had previously made Aloycius Pendergast out to be a supernatural, superinteligent character who could do no wrong or make no mistakes, finally portrayed Pendergast as a human being who is capable of misjudgment and who
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Feb 17, 2011
Hali
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The middle book in the Diogenes sub-trilogy of the series doesn't have any of the supernatural elements of the other books in the series, rather it is a straight forward mystery, police procedural novel and perhaps the best book of the entire series. The book opens with D'Acosta, Constance and those close to Pendergast trying to come to grips with his death. Constance summons D'Acosta to Pendergast's home to give him a letter that was left for him asking D'Acosta to stop Pendergast's brother D
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Nov 30, 2010
Bianca
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Dance of Death is the sixth in the Pendergast series and the second in the Diogenes trilogy. Although Preston and Child almost fall back in their standard formula of having one policeman or, like in this book, policewoman, hinder Pendergast's investigation I like this book about the same as Brimstone.
Unlike in books 1 to 4, however, the policewoman who hinders Pendergast isn't dumb or ignorant, even if she's set up by Pendergast's evil brother Diogenes. Captain Laura Hayward was introd More...
Unlike in books 1 to 4, however, the policewoman who hinders Pendergast isn't dumb or ignorant, even if she's set up by Pendergast's evil brother Diogenes. Captain Laura Hayward was introd More...
Oct 05, 2011
Kasia
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The intelligent and luxurious thriller with a signature twist is back! Each book from this series is like a jewel but I simply loved book six and again it proved that no one can write the way this talented duo does, Pendergast is my favorite literary character, so much that I wonder what he’d do in hard situations and I picked up on his way of thinking, obviously I’m not some zen master/FBI agent with an intense IQ with the tact of a monk and stealth of a ninja but still, he’s someone you can be
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Feb 12, 2008
Nancy
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Aside from being #2 in the Diogenes Trilogy, Dance of Death is #6 in the Agent Pendergast series.
The story goes something like this (briefly and absolutely NO spoilers) -- AND note: if you have not read Brimstone yet, stop reading this!
In the last installment by these two authors, Brimstone (which was also amazing, thank you very much!), we last left our hero, Agent Aloysius Pendergast walled up in a room of the castle belonging to the positively evil Count Fo More...
The story goes something like this (briefly and absolutely NO spoilers) -- AND note: if you have not read Brimstone yet, stop reading this!
In the last installment by these two authors, Brimstone (which was also amazing, thank you very much!), we last left our hero, Agent Aloysius Pendergast walled up in a room of the castle belonging to the positively evil Count Fo More...
Oct 15, 2007
Radhika
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If there were a wish-I-hadn't-wasted-time-on-this-book shelf, then that's where I'd shelf this waste of paper. Grrrr. This book illustrates one of my pet peeves so clearly. I hate it when authors keep you going on the promise of the most astounding secret about a protagonist that will be revealed and then end the book in preparation for the sequel. This is literary laziness and cheating the reader to keep them going with a false promise. The authors don't have enough material to write a good
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Oct 01, 2007
Irishcoda
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We have seen glimpses of the insane and diabolically evil Diogenes Pendergast in at least two earlier books by Preston & Child, dogging the steps of his brilliant and hated older brother Aloysius. Aloysius Pendergast is a special agent for the FBI with a multitude of talents, including being an escape artist and a master of disguises. I've seen him compared with the Sherlock Holmes character and I don't think I'd dispute that. Pendergast's "Dr. Watson" would have to be Lt. Vincent D
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Jun 09, 2010
Derek
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The second part of the "Diogenes Trilogy" finds Pendergast and D'agosta getting themselves into all sorts of trouble. A Sherlock Holmes / Moriarty parallel is apt here, as the two brothers battle intellect to see which one will win out in the end.
Some great thrills here, although very little closure, as is, I suppose, to be expected in the second book of a trilogy. There were a few twists I didn't see coming, and I found the book to be a strong entry in the series (althou More...
Some great thrills here, although very little closure, as is, I suppose, to be expected in the second book of a trilogy. There were a few twists I didn't see coming, and I found the book to be a strong entry in the series (althou More...
Oct 07, 2010
Craig
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First I read the third book in the series, then this book, which is the 2nd book, why, because it is not obvious. Shouldn't an author number them, like they did in Star Wars. I liked this book, it explained a lot in the 3rd book, now I will read the first book, which should help this book. I am a little tired of Preston/Child, the books are so similar. They have a formula that works and they are going to ride the train. Now on to Brimstone.
Jul 19, 2010
Sezin
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I really enjoy these Pendergast stories! He is such a unique character, with such charm and grace, I would love to meet him in person. :-)
I was all set to go straight into the next in the series, seeing that this one left off on quite a cliffhanger, but realised that it is the only Preston & Child book I am missing. Doh!
Nevermind, it must be for a reason. Definitely recommend this whole series to anybody who enjoys well-researched crime/mystery stories.
I was all set to go straight into the next in the series, seeing that this one left off on quite a cliffhanger, but realised that it is the only Preston & Child book I am missing. Doh!
Nevermind, it must be for a reason. Definitely recommend this whole series to anybody who enjoys well-researched crime/mystery stories.
