Product Description
In an ancient tunnel underneath New York City a charnel house is discovered.Inside are thirty-six bodies all murdered and mutilated more than a century ago.While FBI agent Pendergast investigates the old crimes, identical killings start to terrorize the city.The nightmare has begun. Again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (296)

no dust cover
love the book, but was disappointed there was no dust cover. I bought it as a gift and there was no time to return it or re order it. delivery as always was without incident

Very Good
I started off my reading of stories staring Pendergast with Relic.I thought it was a one book set, but instead I find out it's a series.Imagine a smiling face.That was me when I found out he does star in a series.I'm not going to go so far as to say he's the next Sherlock Holmes, but that's how they portray him.They are close, but he's not Holmes.That being said, I still think he's a good main character and this is a good read.

ANOTHER GREAT TERRIFYING THRILLER

Preston and Child do it again.Another dark and foreboding adventure featuring Special Agent Peandergast.A must read for suspense fans.

Very slow read
I found this novel quite difficult to finish.If I had never read any of the authors previous works I would not try any of their other novels. I felt that I really did not "know" the characters since they had been in previous books that I had not read.They were not "fleshed out."The premise of the story is interesting but it is a slow read.Good luck.

Hooked on Agent Pendergast
This book sat in my "to be read" stack for over a year. I kept skipping over it because the cover art was gloomy. However, once I started reading it, I was hooked. This was my first Preston & Child book and my first glimpse of Agent Pendergast. I found myself reading until 2:00 AM and then finishing the story over breakfast. Wow! What an amazing, detailed and layered story. This was a real roller coaster ride. The next day, I was ordering Relic from Amazon and have since read all of the books in the Pendergast series. I have to say that Cabinet of Curiosities is my favorite. I plan to read this book again, but I'll read it slower to savor all of the delicious aspects of Agent Pendergast. ... Read more

Product Description
Destined to be a fan favorite, this exciting new thriller from bestselling authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child features Agent Pendergast and tells the dark history of his murdered wife, Helen. (2010) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (149)

Unjumps the shark?
In my review of the previous Agent Pendergast novel, _Cemetery Dance_, I wondered if the series had jumped the shark. As a potential remedy, I suggested authors Preston and Child take Pendergast back to New Orleans, explore his wife's death, give us a side of the agent we've not seen before, and write more compelling settings. Now I doubt that the authors read my Amazon review, but they did go a long way toward filling those exact lacks in _Fever Dream_.

Readers finally get to pierce the inner veil that has walled off the mental workings of their favorite pale crusader for justice. Understanding Pendergast's grief over his wife's bizarre death in Africa adds a layer to the character, as does his subsequent "to hell with discipline" approach to resolving the crime. Pendergast goes old style, adds a bit of thuggishness, and lets caution be damned. All needed stuff.

Some fans will say this diminishes the character, as that intriguing sense of Pendergast's perfect control suffers in this novel. The series needed this jolt, though, just as Daniel Craig's James Bond gave us something new in _Casino Royale_.

But just as the Bond series has headed into limbo after a promising reboot, Preston and Child, in a letter to readers, state at the end of _Fever Dream_ that they'll begin exploring a new hero. Despite promising not to abandon Pendergast, it seems the handwriting may be on the wall for our favorite FBI agent.

And this is too bad, because _Fever Dream_ showed promise as a direction for Pendergast and the series that leads away from some of the silliness of the last few novels. Readers get an earthy plotline that has been lacking in recent books, while also regaining the skewed reality that made earlier books in the series must reads.

PROS:

* Great settings and descriptions. Bayou country makes for a spooky, visceral locale. You can feel the muck on your limbs and the mosquito bites in the swamp scenes.

* Revelations about Pendergast's past help flesh out the character.

* The Audubon/disease connection is an interesting idea.

* A sense of genuine creepiness and suspense is back.

* The page-turning quotient is much higher, making this a tough book to put down.

* The authors seem to enjoy themselves.

* How can one not like Pendergast's manhandling of a pack of snarling rednecks?

CONS:

* The villains in this novel are no match for Pendergast, which makes the hanging ending all the more disappointing for the future of the series.

* Readers love Pendergast for his wisdom in escaping problems, not for being lucky, which he is far too often in this story.

* The Rube Goldberg-like plot that snuffed Helen Pendergast strains credulity and smacks of something concocted by the Joker in the old _Batman_ TV show.

* Pendergast's return to Africa added nothing to the story.

* The major subplot of recovering the lost Audubon painting ultimately reveals nothing of why Helen died or why she went to great lengths to recover the artwork, as she already understood the nature of Audubon's profound change.

* The usual cast of supporting characters shows up, but they add nothing. This novel should have been "lone justice," as seeing Pendergast take on his wife's case singlehandedly would have made for an even more compelling read, even if it taxed the author's skills.

*Despite being something of a positive return to form, the writing in _Fever Dream_ still pales compared to earlier works, such as _The Cabinet of Curiosities_, which may have been the high point of the series--a long time ago.


What makes this novel a frustration, despite being better than the previous few, is the knowledge that Pendergast has no good foe. Rather than developing the enemy they've selected, Preston and Child need to give us a more sympathetic villain who may have arrived at his villainy through circumstance or no fault of his own. In addition, he needs to be Pendergast's superior in some ways to make him a genuine threat. None of those traits come through in what appears to be the series's new bad guy. He's not only dull but also something of a repetition. Ho hum. (I'd like to see Pendergast in Russia fighting an intelligent, powerful, mixed-race villain who comes with heartbreaking baggage. But that's just me.)

So while _Fever Dream_ is a marked improvement in the canon, it nonetheless missed several important marks. It may have leapt back over the Great White for a moment, but the future still looks uncertain for Agent Aloysuis X.L. Pendergast.

excellent book
Have read all of Preston Childs books. They never fail to entertain.
The ending will leave you hanging by your fingernails from the cliff while waiting for the conclusion in their next book

There were many twists and turns along the way, and they all kept me guessing until the very end of the story.
Heard the CD version of FEVER DREAM by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, the engrossing tale of a special agent who mourns the death of his beloved wife. She had died in a tragic accident in Africa 12 years ago. Or so he thought.

When he learns that there is more to the story and that she had been murdered, agent attempts to find out her most guarded secrets: Who was the woman he married? Why was she murdered? And, above all, who murdered her?

There were many twists and turns along the way, and they all kept me guessing until the very end of the story.

In reading more about the authors, I found out that there have been other books featuring the main character (Pendergast). I was very much impressed by that fact, given that it did not interfere with my listening pleasure at all. I did not feel that I was missing anything by not having read those other books, though I now may well seek some of them out.

Rene Auberjonois, the Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated actor, did a fine job with the narration of FEVER DREAM.

Mr. Auberjonois Amazing
Yes, this latest addition to the Pendergast series is better than several preceding novels.I listen to the series rather than read it, and René Auberjonois is by far the best reader of the series.He outdid himself on FEVER DREAMS.Even if you have read FEVER DREAMS, I urge you to listen to the audio book read by Mr. Auberjonois who proves himself once again a consummate actor.You will enjoy the novel all over again.

Extremely Entertaining Series
It is hard to believe that this is Preston and Child's 10th entry featuring the Holmes-ian character Aloysius Pendergast. It also marks a return to what has made the books great: strong characters, decent pace, eclectic subjects that are well researched, and an engaging gentile atmosphere in the face of some very serious situations. This plot takes Pendergast back to the death of his wife and along the way tightens up the entire series. I was pleased to see the inclusion of Constance Green whose character is delightfully macabre - her first appearance was in Cabinet of Curiosities which remains my favorite. I have read the entire series and most of the authors solo fiction efforts. They are great romps that offer fun escapes and the reader learns a bit along the way - a very successful formula. ... Read more

Product Description
After Chester lands, in the Times Square subway station, he makes himself comfortable in a nearby newsstand. There, he has the good fortune to make three new friends: Mario, a little boy whose parents run the falling newsstand, Tucker, a fast-talking Broadway mouse, and Tucker's sidekick, Harry the Cat. The escapades of these four friends in bustling New York City makes for lively listening and humorous entertainment. And somehow, they manage to bring a taste of success to the nearly bankrupt newsstand.

Amazon.com Review
One night, the sounds of New York City--the rumbling of subwaytrains, thrumming of automobile tires, hooting of horns, howling ofbrakes, and the babbling of voices--is interrupted by a sound thateven Tucker Mouse, a jaded inhabitant of Times Square, has never heardbefore. Mario, the son of Mama and Papa Bellini, proprietors of thesubway-station newsstand, had only heard the sound once. What was thisnew, strangely musical chirping? None other than the mellifluousleg-rubbing of the somewhat disoriented Chester Cricket fromConnecticut. Attracted by the irresistible smell of liverwurst,Chester had foolishly jumped into the picnic basket of someunsuspecting New Yorkers on a junket to the country. Despite theinsect's wurst intentions, he ends up in a pile of dirt in TimesSquare.

Mario is elated to find Chester. He begs his parents to lethim keep the shiny insect in the newsstand, assuring his bug-fearingmother that crickets are harmless, maybe even good luck. What ensuesis an altogether captivating spin on the city mouse/country mousestory, as Chester adjusts to the bustle of the big city. Despite thecricket's comfortable matchbox bed (with Kleenex sheets); the fancy,seven-tiered pagoda cricket cage from Sai Fong's novelty shop; tastymulberry leaves; the jolly company of Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat; andeven his new-found fame as "the most famous musician in New YorkCity," Chester begins to miss his peaceful life in theConnecticut countryside. The Cricket in Times Square--a NewberyAward runner-up in 1961--is charmingly illustrated by the well-lovedGarth Williams, and the tiniest details of this elegantly spun,vividly told, surprisingly suspenseful tale will stick with childrenfor years and years. Make sure this classic sits on the shelf of yourfavorite child, right next to The Wind inthe Willows. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (135)

Product Review
I found my dvd of "Cricket In Times Square to be exactly as the seller presented it. I was sent in a very timely manner. I will use this seller again!

I've read lesser books, I suppose...
(Disclaimer: Please be aware that this review reflects only my opinion and should, like any other review, be taken with a "grain of salt," so to speak. Neither my opinion nor anyone else's should ever be the final deciding factor in YOUR decision to purchase or read a book. If you are curious about the work in question, I encourage you to purchase it, read it, etc. and come to your own conclusions regardless of what another individual has said.) Now, onto the review...

I've read lesser books, I suppose, but still, I was somewhat surprised that this one was a runner-up for the Newbery Award. The plot isn't overtly complex, though, considering that this is a children's book, it doesn't need to be. A flash-synopsis is as follows: a cat and mouse in a Times Square subway station befriend a lonely cricket who has, against his will, been brought to Conneticut. The cricket is the "pet" of an Italian boy, whose family runs the struggling newstand inside the subway station. After a few mishaps here and there, which prompt Mama Bellini to dub Chester Cricket a "jinx," Chester redeems himself by quickly learning and composing music using his cricket's wings; he and his songs soon become famous and are sought-ought by crowds in the subway station. Fame eventually (and predictably) begins to affect the cricket in a negative way and, with the help of Harry Cat and Tucker Mouse, he boards a subway headed back for the meadows of Conneticut. The book, I suppose, isn't horrible, but it isn't all that remarkable, either.

In reality, the novel really didn't have many merits. Yes, it was about several unlikely friendships, but friendship is a rather generic subject to explore in children's literature unless it is done in a fantastic and truly captivating way; the partnership of a cat and mouse has been written of before in countless stories (examples can easily be found within the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, for example) and doesn't necessarily cross any boundaries or reveal any sort of truth in Selden's book as it has in others. The subject of freedom is touched upon, albeit briefly, and Chester Cricket comes to feel he is a victim of artistic exploitation when the Bellini family has him perform on a schedule in order to draw customers to their once poorly-performing business. This is a bit melodramatic and, really, unnecessary, considering that Chester is free to escape any time he wishes with the aid of Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat. More confusing still, the cricket doesn't wish to flee out of a sense of "loyalty" (?) to the Bellinis, the family who has been profiting from his musical talent in the first place. The lines of friendship and freedom, along with any message they might convey, become muddled and aren't really smoothed out by the novel's end.

Furthermore, Selden's book contains what I feel to be a rather racist depiction of the Chinese characters. The elderly Chinese man Sai Fong who tells Mario Bellini the legends about crickets and sells him the cricket cage (which Chester loathes), is given a heavy accent in which his "R's" are written as "L's." Also, Sai Fong's laughter ("Eee hee hee!") wasn't passed off as harmless or as endearing as the author might have hoped for. Younger children, who are not racially-sensitive, could easily find humor in something that they are not mature enough to appreciate at that particular point in their lives. Yes, Selden published his work in the 60's, but as readers living in a p.c.-conscious 21st century, such issues really ought to be addressed.

Again, the story wasn't terrible, but it wasn't remarkable, either. I was rather bored at points and convinced myself to finish the book since it was relatively short. As someone who reads a tremendous lot of children's books, I don't feel that "The Cricket in Times Square" can really compete thematically, creatively, or commercially in today's market. I've read it once, though I doubt I shall ever pick it up again.

My kids & I LOVED this book!
We listened to this on tape in the car & we all loved it (40yr old mom & 2 8yr olds). Such a sweet, sensitive story of friendship & letting go what you love to make it happy. Wonderful ending....the narrarator was great, really brought the characters to life.

One of my favorites...can't believe I didn't hear about this book when I was a kid! Im sure my kids are going to want to read this now & I'll probably read it too.

Cricket In Times Square - Trip Down Memory Lane
While reading books for the Revisit Your Childhood Favorites Reading challenge I chose George Selden's "A Cricket In Times Square." In it we meet Chester the Cricket, who 3 days ago was safely enjoying a picnic lunch in Connecticut, but now finds himself in the strange & wonderful world of New York City. Discovered by Mario, the son of a newsstand owner, he soon befriends Tucker Mouse & Harry Cat. Feeling out of place at first, he soon discovers a hidden talent that brings notoriety to himself as well as Mario's family. Along the way he has several adventures, including a fire, a Chinese dinner, and eating money (quite by mistake!). This trip down memory lane was a quick read, and it's easy to see why this is a Newberry Honor book.

Loved it!
This was my favorite book while growing up. I read hundreds of books while I was younger but still read this one several times. I would love to go back and read it again. ... Read more

Product Description
Political tensions on Bajor are rising again and the various factions may soon come into open conflict. In addition, a series of murders on the station has shaken everyone on board. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Space...the boring frontier........
One has to be warped to read this boring wordy hardcover. I'm glad I only paid $3 bucks for it (2.99 too much in my opinion). The only good parts were the moments with Odo and Quark. Other than that it was a waste!! zzzzzzz..thats all you will do if you read this tedious, wordy novel. Boring boring boring !!!!!! No wonder it's thrown in discount bins around the galaxy. Live long and prosper but dont read this book!!

Who are you? And what have you done with the real Sisko?
Believe the title. The reason "Warped" didn't sell very well was that the author fundamentally misread the DS9 characters and feel. If you want to see stronger work from K. W. Jeter, read the Boba Fett books. The same cynical, violent outlook that works so well in that Star Wars story just seems creepy here. It's like all the Star Trek characters you know and care about have been replaced with twisted dopplegangers of themselves.

This is a paranoid book. Corridors are dark and oppressively silent. Much of the action takes place at night. A string of bizarre and violent murders upset the calm of the station. Political unrest stirs Bajor. There is even a ghost! Oh, and somebody's been tinkering with the holosuites, which now twist their users into violent and sociopathic behavior. It's a premise that deserves a stand-alone novel instead of trying to squeeze it into the rubber suit of DS9.

If you like dark books, and can avoid plot holes without mental distress, this is a decently-written story. However, big DS9 fans should avoid this one.

DS9 Warped - Poorly written and executed!
As a general rule I do not normally like to completely run an author's work into the ground, so in this case my intent is to be as fair as possible with reference to this title.It was not thoroughly surprising to see "Warped" be the second and final Star Trek novel by KW Jeter, who I know to be a very popular author in other genres.Between this and his first DS9 novel "Bloodletter," an astute fan of the series can quickly catch on that the author just didn't seem to grasp the characters or the overall theme of the series very well.

Although no one but those at Pocket Books can say for certain, I believe that the reason that this was the only hardback Star Trek Deep Space Nine release up until DS9's "Unity," which is due out this year, is because "Warped" did so poorly in sales due to it's slow pace and lack of familiarity to the actual series.I find this to be a sad fact as well, considering the novels that came out later that so richly deserved a hardback release!

The cover art for this novel is standard fare for the time it was published, not exceptionally imaginative.

The premise:

Attempting to capitalize on the outstanding second season trilogy episodes of "The Homecoming," "The Circle" and "The Siege," the author brings into play these aspects, playing on the political strife in the newly formed Bajoran provisional government.A series of murders occurs on the station and Commander Sisko finds himself dealing with a new religious faction that wishes to force the Federation away from Bajor.

Odo soon traces the mysterious murders on the station to a dangerous new form of holosuite technology which has also affected Commander Sisko's son, Jake.Sisko must now deal with this new religious faction and the very real possibility of murder coming his way from any direction, to include his own son.

I've also owned the audio tape for this novel for several years; read by Rene Auberjonois, it can be an "okay" distraction for three hours while driving down the highway.Of course, Rene Auberjonois' reading is excellent for what he was reading.

Overall, the premise to this story is an extraordinarily intriguing one; it's in the execution of the story where it falls flat.I would only recommend this title as a collectors or completist's type find.{ssintrepid}

Not for everyone.
If you're one of those fans of Deep Space Nine who enjoy that series' tendancy to supply a healthy dollop of psuedo-mysticism along with the usual Star Trek psuedoscience, you'll doubtless love this book. It was well-written, the characters were handled well, the plot moved nicely, and so forth.

If, on the other hand, (like me) you find the credibility granted the Bajoran mysticism and mumbo-jumbo (including Sisko's status as the "Emissary") to be at best minorly irritating, then this is definitely NOT the book for you. The basic concept was just a little too silly for words.

A little warped, but overall not bad
I don't understand why everyone keeps saying that this book is so bad.I picked it up, and couldn't put it down.Sure, it got a little overinvolved with some technological details at points, but it's not bad.

The only reason I will give it only four stars is because the author made one slight mistake.As I am writing a book about Federation starships, the author used both the runabouts Mekong and Ganges.Well, during my research, I learned that the Mekong is the runabout that was assigned to Deep Space 9 after the Ganges was destroyed.Just a little annoyance with me that the author did not research the information first.

Overall, a good pick.I highly recommend you pick it up to read. ... Read more

Product Description
Two of Issac Isimov's personal favorite stories, Silverberg's "World of a Thousand Colors", and Dick's "Impostor." 72 minutes. Suitable for family listening. ... Read more

Product Description
The acclaimed, award-winning remake of Orson Welles' famousbroadcast, first heard exactly fifty years after the Night The NationPanicked, was updated and directed by Firesign's David Ossman, andfeatures Jason Robards, Steve Allen, Douglas Edwards, Scott Simon,Terry Gross, Phil Proctor, Rene Auberjonois and a magnificent all-starcast, with tremendous production by Oscar-winning engineer Randy Thom. ... Read more