Just when I had tired of the zombie novel, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child throw their hat into the ring with CEMETERY DANCE. Luckily, it’s quite different from every other zombie novel out there. For one thing, it’s really a “zombii” novel, eschewing the cinematic concept of the brain-munching undead for the real-life voodoo variety. (In other words, Wade Davis and Marie Laveau are name-checked.)
Coming off the least enjoyable cruise in literary history with THE WHEEL OF DARKNESS, unconventional FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast returns for another standalone adventure in CEMETERY DANCE, but yields the spotlight to investigating partner Lt. Vincent D’Agosta of the NYPD. And what they’re investigating is awfully personal.
And that’s the murder of series regular William Smithback, intrepid NEW YORK TIMES reporter and loving husband to Nora Kelly, Museum of Natural History superstar. That’s no spoiler, because it happens in the first chapter. While Nora’s out buying dessert to celebrate their wedding anniversary, someone slips inside the apartment and fatally stabs Smithback, and then attempts to do the same to Nora upon her return.
As D’Agosta — a friend to both — shows up at the crime scene with much regret, a suspect clearly emerges: slimy British neighbor Colin Fearing, whose predatory advances Nora had spurred. Fearing’s face shows up unmistakably on the security footage. But here’s the problem, introduced by the sudden appearance of Pendergast: Fearing died 10 days earlier.
Was Smithback killed by an actual zombii? That’s exactly what it looks like, although the journalist’s articles of late had raised ire from all their targets. Among those is a reclusive religious cult in the heart of Manhattan whose members are keen on animal sacrifices, not to mention the letter of the law, thus complicating authorities’ efforts to have a look around.
To start off the summer reading season, few authors are as reliable as the Preston/Child juggernaut. While CEMETERY DANCE may not rank among their best — this is a rare case of not being as good as their most recent solo works — it’s a solid, well-built thriller fueled on several of their much-beloved characters, not the least of which is the ever-idiosyncratic Pendergast. His dialogue is a pleasure to read — refined, cultured and so biting, it breaks the skin.
The first chunk of the novel is a bit odd, lacking the instant hook the writing duo usually provides. Whether that’s due to actual story or merely lit-mourning from to the shock of losing a well-known character is difficult to say. Rest assured, that hook shows itself soon enough, and in a rather big way. After you read the scene at the journalism awards dinner, see if you don’t agree.
Despite an overlong climax, it’s fun to see the authors working in something this overtly horror, rather than recent novels that have merely flirted with it. All things considered, it’s not bound to disappoint fans and is accessible enough to win over numerous newbies. Welcome to the DANCE, everyone. —Rod Lott
“As she ran toward the figure he raised the knife, but she knocked his hand aside, punching him in the solar plexus as she did so.”
and
“Mulvaney crouched to hear; there came a quick movement, Pendergast’s fist arm shot upward into the cop’s solar plexus, and with an abrupt sigh of expelled air Mulvaney bent over the gunwale.”
OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF THESE AUTHORS:
• BLASPHEMY by Douglas Preston
• THE BOOK OF THE DEAD by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
• DANCE OF DEATH by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
• DEEP STORM by Lincoln Child
• THE MONSTER OF FLORENCE by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi
• TERMINAL FREEZE by Lincoln Child
• TYRANNOSAUR CANYON by Douglas Preston
• THE WHEEL OF DARKNESS by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
BOOKGASM INTERVIEW WITH DOUGLAS PRESTON:
• Q&A with THE WHEEL OF DARKNESS’ Douglas Preston
Related posts:
- Dance of Death
- The Wheel of Darkness
- Cover unearthed for Preston/Child’s BOOK OF THE DEAD
- The Book of the Dead
- The Monster of Florence
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m glad to hear of a new Preston/Douglas novel – always a treat. And that it features zombies, even the traditional voodoo kind, is a special treat. But I am saddened by their decision to kill off Smithback, a fun character. I’d have much rather Nora been killed off, though maybe she will die by the end.
What about Margo Green? She has been my favorite character in the Preston and Child novels since Relic! Pendergast is a great literary sleuth but I go for the more real, subtle characters like Margo! I can not wait to spend all night reading this one!!!