The Cabinet of Curiosities (Agent Pendergast series)

The Preston & Child novels with Agent Pendergast are my favorite mysteries. Intelligent, well researched. Preston and Child also are excellent observers of people -- even minor characters who may appear for only a couple of paragraphs are portrayed so well I can see them clearly in my mind's eye and have a good idea what we'd be talking about over a cup of coffee.

The Cabinet of Curiosities is the third book featuring a character named Pendergast, but it seems to be a stand-alone novel if you are new to the series like me. There are several references to previous books, but I didn't feel like I missed anything essential to understand this tale. While this wasn't a deep scholarly work, I found it to be an enjoyable page turner where I anxiously wanted to find out what happens next!

The book is set in modern-day New York, but does an interesting job of mixing history from the late 1880's revolving around a grisly serial killer. The story is a bit of a mystery as readers learn more about the old killer, and what he was trying to do. It also is a bit of an exploration into the life of a certain FBI Special Agent Pendergast as we learn some interesting things about his past.

I knocked off a star on my review becuase the book involves a bit too much coincidence and chance where characters are able to overcome tough situations. I also thought it casually dealt with death at times, which I found a bit disappointing.

The Cabinet of Curiosities is the third novel in the Agent Pendergast series. I am a huge fan of this series and this is the 2nd time I'm reading this novel. I started reading this series before I bought my first Kindle and I thought that it was time to add it to my Kindle library. What makes these stories unique is that Agent Pendergast is not your usual FBI agent. He is a wealthy Southern born gentleman with a knack for finding and solving very unusual cases in very unusual ways. This one in particular hits home with him because the criminal is over one hundred years old and may be related to him and his family. Even for the second reading I'm still on the edge of my seat and enjoying it all over again. Give this and the other novels surrounding the unique Agent Pendergast a try, you won't to disappointed.

I enjoy the Pendergast books. They are usually well-written and challenge my need to use the dictionary at times. Sometimes the plot was predictable, but that's true of most mystery books if you're good at interpreting the clues presented. I would definitely recommend any of the books in the series.

An excellent copy if a phenomenal novel. If you haven't read any if the Pendergast novels, even thougb Relic and Reliquary come first, you can jump in here. A great story about the unique Pendergast family, a heinous crime, and some unbelievable sci-fi possibilities that creat a moral dilemma

This was my first Agent Pendergast novel, recommended to me by another mystery lover as the book to read first, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story was gripping and intelligent, the historical aspects interesting, and the characters complex and captivating. I look forward to ready more Pengergast mysteries!

A very well written and exciting story. You never have a dull moment or are left without something to anticipate.If you are seeking a book with vast appeal and suspense, this is it! Another personally positive aspect of this book is the large number of times you are sent to the dictionary. Preston and Child have a very good command of the language and use their knowledge to construct a wonderful thriller. Have fun it's a great, can't put it down read.

Very satisfied with service and item, which was received within the estimated delivery time. I've been reading the Pendergast books for years and love this character. Couldn't believe I missed this.

This is another in a series of extraordinary mysteries. Special Agent Prendergast survives grave dangers to overcome a mass serial killer. The story is tightly woven and the characters, well, they are characters.

ALL the Pendergast stories are so good. This early one in the series keeps the reader engaged from start to finish...and yearning for more. I've read them all...got this one on Kindle for my husband, who is also getting hooked, book by book. Another Aloysius fan in the making!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I enjoy Preston and Child's writing styles, and I really like Pendergast. Once into this mystery, it doesn't take long to realize how difficult it is to put the book down.

I just finished the Helen Trilogy but wanted to see where Constance and Mary Green began. I couldn't put it down. All the characters are so well developed one feels as if they are real. These authors are truly amazing. The only caveat is don't read late at night if you are prone to nightmares!

I listened to the audiobook of "Cabinet of Curiosities" expecting it to be a disappointment. I was happily surprised to find it an interesting story that kept my attention. Usually I save audiobooks for time spent working out, but found myself sneaking a listen on other occasions. I enjoyed this book so much that I'm buying the paperback for my husband to read. Although this book does not have as much detailed forensics in it, if you like television shows like "C.S.I." and "Crossing Jordan" you will enjoy this book.

Another of the Pendergast series that is totally engrossing and entertaining. I'm trying to takes these books slowly, because soon I'll run out of them and be so sad not to be following the wonders of Pendergast. If you want a fantastic read, try one of the facinating books by Preston and Child. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I've read everything by Preston / Child, together and individually. Needless to say I love their books. The Cabinet of Curiosities was the only book I hadn't read. Intriguing to find the first reference to a main character. -- I read this book while on vacation. While reading, three people came up to me on the cruise ship and later at the airport...they were all Preston/Child fans and loved the book too.

I just recently started reading Preston and Child books. In the last 2 weeks I have read the Relic, Reliquary, Cabinet of Curiosities, and Still Life with Crows. These really are great books and during down times at work and when relaxing at home really keep your mind going. I highly suggest reading these.

I read this several years ago and enjoyed it tremendously. Been a fan of the pair of writers ever since. But I wanted to go back to the first time I loved their work, so I downloaded it to my Kindle for the purposes of enjoying it all over again.

Preston and Child have once again mastered the art of good and original storytelling with "The Cabinet of Curiosities." Meticulously plotted, the book moves at a good pace in following the story of a long dead serial killer who seems to have influenced a modern day killer in the streets of New York. There are some genuine surprises, and a killer climax. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This is another good Pendergast book but I find I don't really want to read anymore with him as the main character. Preston/Child books are great & I read a lot of them, just no more of this kind.

It was great reading, but all the pendergast novels are riveting the authors make a great pair in their writing of the books. Thank you I cant wait for the newest one in November. Thank you Mr. Preston and Mr. Child.

This book is a wonderful excursion into fanciful mystery. It is one of Preston and Child's best. The story line is fantastic, and captures one's attention throughout the entire book. Great fun, interesting, and makes you want to go out and get the next book.

Douglas Preston never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat. This is no exception. Cabinets of Curiosities were the forerunners of our natural history museums. Elements of dark English mysteries and Poe. Good read.

Very interesting story, and gives readers a first glimpse into Pendergast's family and background. The book is action and suspense-packed, I could not put it down once I started reading. Definitely my favorite Pendergast book so far. It's interesting to see Pendergast actually close to being defeated for a change. The only gripe I have is the ending...the timing of the villain's demise could not be more perfect, which is unbelievable.

I cannot recommend these two authors enough. I've been reading their novels for years now and I'm always looking for the newest, latest. If you like scary novels, you will love this book. I still have goosebumps about it.

I read this several years ago & the series have continued. I couldn't find this book @ the local Library & wanted to re-read it. Love the Kindle books! So easy to buy & no worries about book storage!

I always start out reading a chapter or two, once I get to the middle I can tell if it is going to be one that I want to hurry up and finish but I know that I am going to regret rushing to get to the end. This is one of those books! I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. reading this book, the only reason I wasn't too disappointed was because I had another one to begin! Love, love, Special Agent Pendargast

Suspenseful all the way through. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I would not only recommend this book but these authors. The book was well written and I will look for more books from them.

Loved this book. Loved the history, the characters, the details. Wanted one character to get killed, just because I can't figure out why anyone would want to date this person. Otherwise, a really fun read.

Had missed this one and gave me some insight into one of the characters I was wondering about. Love the era of these books and this one had great location and background history. Kudos to Preston and Child once again.

I am playing catch up with the Pendergast novels. Picked the right one with this book. Great adventure. Wonder where the inspiration for this one came from? Will continue to pick up the old ones. Haven't been disappointed by this writing duo yet.

A GREAT TALE, WELL RESEARCHED, AND FULL OF SURPRISES AS AGENT PENDERGAST UNRAVELS ANOTHER EXTRAORDINARY MYSTERY USING A LITTLE OF HIS NEW ORLEANS ARISTOCRATIC GUMBO AND FBI STREET-SMARTS. AUTHORS PRESTON & CHILDS ARE FABULOUS DUO WHO TRAVEL THE USA IN THE GUISE OF AGENT PENDERGAST SOLVING THE UNIMAGINABLE CRIMES AND MYSTERIES. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR MAKE FRIENDS WITH THEM THIS SUMMER.

AH ha! This reveals much more of the mysterious beginnings of the feud between brothers and the obscure woman character who appears in several later titles. DO strive to read this author in sequence for a richer understanding.