The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
seanpatricklittle's review against another edition
5.0
I've read every book that Lincoln & Child have done together, and this one was probably one of my favorites. Often in the Pendergast series, they have a tendency to get bogged down with Pendergast's wealth, his relationship to Constance, and Pendergast's own misanthropy. With 'Verses for the Dead,' they returned to a more standard serial killer mystery and introduced two characters I hope they bring back: Dr. Fauchet and Armstrong Coldmoon.
With giving Pendergast a partner who was his opposite in nearly every way (Coldmoon is Lakota, from the Rez, poor, with simple tastes, and was more by-the-book), it only served to enhance Pendergast's character in ways that even his pairings with D'Agosta did not highlight. SA Coldmoon was an interesting character in and of himself. I could stand to see him brought back for more adventures in the future.
There were no major revelations about Pendergast's family. No major twists or turns. This book really did not add to the overall story of Pendergast's world. It's a good stand-alone, much like 'Still Life with Crows' was. Because of this, it was a refreshing revelation, especially since the last few books had been a little heavy and plodding with that sort of history.
I could definitely stand to see them to a few more Pendergast books like this one. Get back to the simple art of chasing down serial killers, fellas. It makes for better books.
With giving Pendergast a partner who was his opposite in nearly every way (Coldmoon is Lakota, from the Rez, poor, with simple tastes, and was more by-the-book), it only served to enhance Pendergast's character in ways that even his pairings with D'Agosta did not highlight. SA Coldmoon was an interesting character in and of himself. I could stand to see him brought back for more adventures in the future.
There were no major revelations about Pendergast's family. No major twists or turns. This book really did not add to the overall story of Pendergast's world. It's a good stand-alone, much like 'Still Life with Crows' was. Because of this, it was a refreshing revelation, especially since the last few books had been a little heavy and plodding with that sort of history.
I could definitely stand to see them to a few more Pendergast books like this one. Get back to the simple art of chasing down serial killers, fellas. It makes for better books.
jiati's review against another edition
4.0
Great entry in this series. Pendergast in a new setting with new characters was just what the series needed to feel fresh.
cyireadbooks's review
5.0
A nice surprise! After reading the last Pendergast novel, 'City of Endless Night', I thought I would be over and done with the Pendergast series. This book changed my opinion.
For the first time, the protagonist is assigned a partner, which makes for some interesting challenges, and some light humorous moments.
With an exciting and suspenseful finish, 'Verses for the Dead' is one of the few Pendergast novels that I thoroughly enjoyed. A must read.
For the first time, the protagonist is assigned a partner, which makes for some interesting challenges, and some light humorous moments.
With an exciting and suspenseful finish, 'Verses for the Dead' is one of the few Pendergast novels that I thoroughly enjoyed. A must read.
antolok's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stelle
Nonostante siano passate un po' di ore dal momento in cui ho finito di leggere questo libro, continuo a non capire se mi sia piaciuto o no. Parto con il dire che di sicuro la trama è accattivante, ti invoglia subito a comprare e a leggere il libro. La storia di per se mi è piaciuta: il vero problema è che la prima metà del libro è molto lenta. In alcuni casi la lettura del libro è stata rallentata ulteriormente anche da alcuni errori presenti (mancanza di congiunzioni e qualche verbo non coniugato). La storia si riprende alla grande verso la seconda metà del libro, ovvero le pagine in cui si concentra la maggior parte della storia e in cui è presente anche qualche colpo di scena inaspettato.
Ero indecisa se dare 3 o 4 stelle: ho deciso quindi di dare 3.5 stelle perché anche se per il modo in cui è stato scritto il libro avrei voluto dare 3 stelle, devo tenere comunque conto del fatto che, secondo il mio parere personale, la trama vale decisamente 4 stelle.
Nonostante siano passate un po' di ore dal momento in cui ho finito di leggere questo libro, continuo a non capire se mi sia piaciuto o no. Parto con il dire che di sicuro la trama è accattivante, ti invoglia subito a comprare e a leggere il libro. La storia di per se mi è piaciuta: il vero problema è che la prima metà del libro è molto lenta. In alcuni casi la lettura del libro è stata rallentata ulteriormente anche da alcuni errori presenti (mancanza di congiunzioni e qualche verbo non coniugato). La storia si riprende alla grande verso la seconda metà del libro, ovvero le pagine in cui si concentra la maggior parte della storia e in cui è presente anche qualche colpo di scena inaspettato.
Ero indecisa se dare 3 o 4 stelle: ho deciso quindi di dare 3.5 stelle perché anche se per il modo in cui è stato scritto il libro avrei voluto dare 3 stelle, devo tenere comunque conto del fatto che, secondo il mio parere personale, la trama vale decisamente 4 stelle.
queenstaves's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Consistent, great characterization, textured, and engaging.Â
awitham4077's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
offbalance80's review against another edition
2.0
The greatest thing about Pendergast and the series he starred in was that it was never boring. There was always something delightfully left of center to look forward to. The man himself was always counted on for biting repartee and interesting insights, and there was a terrific gallery of players that played off of him and built out a delicious world that a reader relished being a part of.
Well, once upon a time, at any rate.
It's no secret that it's difficult to keep momentum after eight books, let alone eighteen, but one would hope that any author (or team of authors) out of ideas would simply give up after they had run their course. Obviously, Pendergast is a cash cow, and they can probably trade on his name for a few more books. The spark and joy are long gone - far gone. The boredom was palpable in every page, despite a halfhearted attempt to make Coldmoon a compelling foil for the marquee character.
This is a perfectly adequate, by the numbers murder mystery. Only problem is that the Pendergast series was NEVER simply a paint by number sort of affair. What's worse, is that this tale was so airless that the splashy de rigueur finale that put the detectives in peril not only did not feel unearned, it felt downright unnecessary.
The worst part of all this is that if they keep writing these damn books, I'll probably grudgingly keep reading them. But their best days are behind them. It does take a significant talent to convey your own boredom with writing a character through that own character's ennui in his own life, and that the book has in spades. Although whether it was a meta choice or simply an accident is unknowable.
Well, once upon a time, at any rate.
It's no secret that it's difficult to keep momentum after eight books, let alone eighteen, but one would hope that any author (or team of authors) out of ideas would simply give up after they had run their course. Obviously, Pendergast is a cash cow, and they can probably trade on his name for a few more books. The spark and joy are long gone - far gone. The boredom was palpable in every page, despite a halfhearted attempt to make Coldmoon a compelling foil for the marquee character.
This is a perfectly adequate, by the numbers murder mystery. Only problem is that the Pendergast series was NEVER simply a paint by number sort of affair. What's worse, is that this tale was so airless that the splashy de rigueur finale that put the detectives in peril not only did not feel unearned, it felt downright unnecessary.
The worst part of all this is that if they keep writing these damn books, I'll probably grudgingly keep reading them. But their best days are behind them. It does take a significant talent to convey your own boredom with writing a character through that own character's ennui in his own life, and that the book has in spades. Although whether it was a meta choice or simply an accident is unknowable.
hoosgracie's review against another edition
4.0
I quite enjoyed this latest Pendergast book. In this Pendergast is made to work with a partner - SA Coldmoon on a serial killer case in Miami. The mystery was done well. It was nice to get back to the roots of the series.
phamnewan's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
powellmer's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a great straight forward read. Engaging, interesting and character driven read. Excellent pace.