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kyle_sullvn's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.5
knit_and_purl's review against another edition
3.0
I quite liked Coldmoon and the intro of a new character. About three-quarters of the way through, one of the secondary characters was acting stupid and it annoyed me. I also found the conclusion convoluted and unrealistic, which is why it didn't get 4 stars.
awerring's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ms_laurie_anne's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
4.75
ingo_lembcke's review against another edition
3.0
This does not gripp me as much as the other books about Pendergast, I think the series has run its course and should end. So far looks like a 3 star to me, 86% in, nearing the end, the Killer is just found. If the ending does not please me, I might even give 1 star less.
So, not recommended, 3 stars it is. The next book is on Kindle Unlimited, so I will not buy it, if I manage to read it during the time it is there and I subscribe to KU.
So, not recommended, 3 stars it is. The next book is on Kindle Unlimited, so I will not buy it, if I manage to read it during the time it is there and I subscribe to KU.
willrefuge's review against another edition
3.0
3.3 / 5 ✪
Trimmed review from https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/
The Preston & Child, Agent Pendergast books have ever blended thriller with mystery, their novels typically lending a supernatural air. While some have taken it further than others—Relic, Reliquary, Cabinet of Curiosities, Wheel of Darkness, etc pushed the limits of realism with elements that could not be easily explained away by science—others, like the last several, have hinted at a supernatural element, which just turned out to be some other nonsense. In fact, the last 5 (since White Fire, which I actually enjoyed) have been crap.
I mean, not good.
Verses for the Dead continues that trend in an unorthodox manner. Initially, it tries something different, something aimed to revitalize the series. For the first time, Pendergast is paired with a partner; a Special Agent Coldmoon, denizen of the Lakota population of South Dakota. I actually fairly well enjoyed his character, even after the authors decided to try and ruin it. More importantly, the addition of him as a partner changed the story—kinda. I mean, it TRIED, but ultimately really doesn't do anything new.
The story begins with a series of possibly paranormal, possibly serial murders, each where the heart is removed and placed atop the graves of women long dead. With the placement of each heart, there are also letters, each hinting at remorse over their deaths. Expectedly, Pendergast’s perusal of each site reveals new information on the killer, something that may turn the investigation in a completely new direction. Along the way there is the usual incompetence of various agencies, bodies and whatnot; citizens acting like idiots, assholes; while Coldmoon strides through it all like a simple man. This was actually the most refreshing part of the book, at least for a time. Coldmoon drinking cowboy coffee and snacking on Twinkies while alluding to sports, TV and other normal activities. Up until the point the authors doubled-down on the Lakota background.
The real issue is the plot. More importantly—the end. It’s awful. Like… terrible. I won’t ruin it. Let’s just say that as with some of the other recent Pendergast novels, the authors wait until a point where you think you might know what’s going on, then have an “well you’re all wrong!” moment and introduce a whole bunch of previously unreleased info and flip the story on its head. To say it was disappointing is an understatement. It literally left a bad taste in my mouth and soured the rest of the book for me.
I’d been a diehard until right around Crimson Shore. Since then I’ve gotten the books used or at the library, but this may be the last one I read. Moreso, it might be time to consider retiring Pendergast to a ranch somewhere. Where he can brush up on his obscure playwrights, dead languages and wine identification. Or drive cattle. I know that the whole Gideon Crew thing didn’t work out as a successor, but maybe Nora Kelly will be different. If you’re curious or hopeful like me, her new spinoff debuts August 20, 2019.
Here’s hoping.
Trimmed review from https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/
The Preston & Child, Agent Pendergast books have ever blended thriller with mystery, their novels typically lending a supernatural air. While some have taken it further than others—Relic, Reliquary, Cabinet of Curiosities, Wheel of Darkness, etc pushed the limits of realism with elements that could not be easily explained away by science—others, like the last several, have hinted at a supernatural element, which just turned out to be some other nonsense. In fact, the last 5 (since White Fire, which I actually enjoyed) have been crap.
I mean, not good.
Verses for the Dead continues that trend in an unorthodox manner. Initially, it tries something different, something aimed to revitalize the series. For the first time, Pendergast is paired with a partner; a Special Agent Coldmoon, denizen of the Lakota population of South Dakota. I actually fairly well enjoyed his character, even after the authors decided to try and ruin it. More importantly, the addition of him as a partner changed the story—kinda. I mean, it TRIED, but ultimately really doesn't do anything new.
The story begins with a series of possibly paranormal, possibly serial murders, each where the heart is removed and placed atop the graves of women long dead. With the placement of each heart, there are also letters, each hinting at remorse over their deaths. Expectedly, Pendergast’s perusal of each site reveals new information on the killer, something that may turn the investigation in a completely new direction. Along the way there is the usual incompetence of various agencies, bodies and whatnot; citizens acting like idiots, assholes; while Coldmoon strides through it all like a simple man. This was actually the most refreshing part of the book, at least for a time. Coldmoon drinking cowboy coffee and snacking on Twinkies while alluding to sports, TV and other normal activities. Up until the point the authors doubled-down on the Lakota background.
The real issue is the plot. More importantly—the end. It’s awful. Like… terrible. I won’t ruin it. Let’s just say that as with some of the other recent Pendergast novels, the authors wait until a point where you think you might know what’s going on, then have an “well you’re all wrong!” moment and introduce a whole bunch of previously unreleased info and flip the story on its head. To say it was disappointing is an understatement. It literally left a bad taste in my mouth and soured the rest of the book for me.
I’d been a diehard until right around Crimson Shore. Since then I’ve gotten the books used or at the library, but this may be the last one I read. Moreso, it might be time to consider retiring Pendergast to a ranch somewhere. Where he can brush up on his obscure playwrights, dead languages and wine identification. Or drive cattle. I know that the whole Gideon Crew thing didn’t work out as a successor, but maybe Nora Kelly will be different. If you’re curious or hopeful like me, her new spinoff debuts August 20, 2019.
Here’s hoping.
infi85's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ithilwen22's review against another edition
5.0
Verses for the Dead opens with a recently acquired heart found on a grave. By a dog. Dark humor ensues. With the recent change in administration, Pendergast’s eccentric ways are under scrutiny, and he gets saddled with an unwanted partner, Coldmoon. As more hearts turn up, everything seems to point to a serial killer, but no one can find any connection between the victims. Then, Pendergast finds a connection–not between the recent victims, but between the graves of the long-deceased…
This felt like a return to the Pendergast I grew to love, while still putting him in an unusual situation. It had enough freshness to keep things interesting. Pendergast’s method of doing things, while not always advisable, gets more results than his superiors care to admit. I found myself enjoying Coldmoon’s character; I loved that they threw in references to his Lakota upbringing without making it awkwardly stereotypical, as too often happens.
As usual, the plot grabbed interest, but the characters interested me more. The Gentlemen like juxtaposing Pendergast with lower class people who are more than used to the less finer things in life and are perfectly happy about it. Coldmoon’s camp coffee sounds utterly atrocious, but I like that even though it’s played for humor, neither character is judged for their choices. Pendergast is amusingly finicky; Coldmoon prefers burnt coffee filled with grounds over Starbucks.
Read the entire review at Eclectic and Eccentric
This felt like a return to the Pendergast I grew to love, while still putting him in an unusual situation. It had enough freshness to keep things interesting. Pendergast’s method of doing things, while not always advisable, gets more results than his superiors care to admit. I found myself enjoying Coldmoon’s character; I loved that they threw in references to his Lakota upbringing without making it awkwardly stereotypical, as too often happens.
As usual, the plot grabbed interest, but the characters interested me more. The Gentlemen like juxtaposing Pendergast with lower class people who are more than used to the less finer things in life and are perfectly happy about it. Coldmoon’s camp coffee sounds utterly atrocious, but I like that even though it’s played for humor, neither character is judged for their choices. Pendergast is amusingly finicky; Coldmoon prefers burnt coffee filled with grounds over Starbucks.
Read the entire review at Eclectic and Eccentric