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    Cemetery Dance
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    Cemetery Dance
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    Cemetery Dance
    Audiobook13 hours

    Cemetery Dance

    Written by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

    Narrated by Rene Auberjonois

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    Pendergast--the world's most enigmatic FBI Special Agent--returns to New York City to investigate a murderous cult.

    William Smithback, a New York Times reporter, and his wife Nora Kelly, a Museum of Natural History archaeologist, are brutally attacked in their apartment on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Eyewitnesses claim, and the security camera confirms, that the assailant was their strange, sinister neighbor--a man who, by all reports, was already dead and buried weeks earlier. While Captain Laura Hayward leads the official investigation, Pendergast and Lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta undertake their own private--and decidedly unorthodox--quest for the truth. Their serpentine journey takes them to an enclave of Manhattan they never imagined could exist: a secretive, reclusive cult of Obeah and vodou which no outsiders have ever survived.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHachette Audio
    Release dateMay 12, 2009
    ISBN9781600242663
    Unavailable
    Cemetery Dance
    Author

    Douglas Preston

    Douglas Preston, a regular contributor to the New Yorker, has worked for the American Museum of Natural History and taught English at Princeton University. With his frequent collaborator, Lincoln Child, he has written many bestselling thrillers including Relic, which became a major motion picture, The Book of the Dead and Cemetery Dance. He is also the author of the bestselling The Codex, Tyrannosaur Canyon and Blasphemy.

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    Reviews for Cemetery Dance

    4/5

    617 ratings49 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Another great read in the Pendergast series. While some of these books aren't always a 5-star read, they're still incredibly enjoyable and I always find myself looking to grab the next one of the series at Barnes & Noble when it gets released each year. Hats off to Pendergast and all of his investigations.
    • 3/5
      Six-word review: Yet another monster-chasing underground romp.Extended review:I'm becoming impressed with how many ways Preston and Child have found to bring a plot around to monsters and good guys chasing each other in dank, dark subterranean tunnels. The Jung and Vogler volumes on their bookshelves must be well-thumbed.Like most of the others so far in the Pendergast series, book 9 has a slap-dash feel to it. How would you like to get paid for writing a sentence like this? "His mind reeled as yet again he tried to orient himself amid the endless props, his mind reeling from the pain." (page 544) (I often wonder how the division of labor works between coauthors. Who's nodding off while on duty when lines like that sneak by?)Yet there's much to be said for attainable goals. The Pendergast stories don't promise much more than this: a mystery-thriller pairing a preternaturally gifted FBI agent with a down-to-earth human foil, both of them hot on the trail of some nefarious evildoer. There's usually a supernatural or seemingly supernatural element, and the plot will incorporate a throbbing social issue that adds a touch of gravitas, but nowhere is there a pretense of being lit'rachure. Unabashed, unapologetic page-turners don't get much better than this.So I'm satisfied that I got my money's worth, which was $0.01 plus $3.99 shipping from Amazon Marketplace. By my measure, it was a bargain.
    • 4/5
      Cemetery Dance by Preston and Child was a terrific read. This is my second Prendergast book and is once again filled with interesting characters and a plot that stands as something you would expect out of a paranormal or horror rather than a crime thriller. These quirks make Preston and Child's books offbeat and enjoyable.
    • 4/5
      another entertaining book in the Pendergast series. Cults, zombies, and animal rights activists obscure the real crime.
    • 4/5
      A fun installment of the authors Pendergast chronicles. The story moves along swiftly and builds to a pulse-pounding climax. The only drawback is that the tension is ratcheted so high the denouement seems rushed and abbreviated.
    • 4/5
      Another in the Aloysius Pendergast series. This pits Detective Pendergast against a voo-doo cult operating in the middle of NYC. It brings back some characters from previous books (Smithback, D'Agosta and even mentions Constance, so hopefully she'll be back in a following installment) and gives the reader a little more personal history of Aloysius and his youth in New Orleans. Murder, mayhem and magic abound so if you are a fan of the series you should read this book.
    • 4/5
      This story is 9th. in the Pendergast series. In this story he has a smaller part to play with the majority of action going to D'Agosta. The authors have joined the flavor of the moment with zombies and cults. No former members of the series are safe, and one is immediately murdered. By the end of the book, all is back to reality. I liked the descriptions laid out in the book, and the fast pace to keep you on the edge of your seat.
    • 3/5
      This was my least favorite Agent Pendergast story. The writing and suspense maintin the standards set by previous Lincoln and Child stories. My problem was a personal issue with content. I have a hard time reading/watching/listening to stories about animal cruelty. However, the authors did an awesome job describing the emotions surrounding it. It was very hard for me to finish the book. I was disappointed by the voodoo elements. Lincoln and Child are usually do a lot of research for their stories. They seemed to have dropped the ball and just wrote bare minimum for this book.
    • 4/5
      I judge a book by how it's written, whether or not the story line is plausible and consistent, and not necessarily whether I liked the story itself. As an editor, I've read a lot of material that I didn't like over the last few decades.

      I hate zombies. They aren't a fun read, and they're so overdone in this century, it makes me ill. I do enjoy the paranormal when it's connected to something like the Native American spiritual tradition, but I hate zombies. I detest the word "shambling", and I don't care if the word has been around since the 1600s. That doesn't make it any less distasteful.

      That said, this second book of Allan Leverone's was my first of his to read. I loved the folklore, and I loved the conversations about Navajo heritage. The ensuing zombie tag made me ill. I found myself skimming through Manning's parts looking for good stuff. Manning, while certainly a believable character, was not interesting to me at all.

      But as I said, this is not my cuppa. It was well-written, mostly fascinating, and the characters were believable. I enjoyed most of the book. In fairness to the author, I'm going to go back and pick up #1 and see how it relates.

      Leverone gets 4 stars for everything but my personal aversion to anything where a zombie becomes a primary character.
    • 5/5
      My love for this series does not fade. This is the tale of an eccentric cult in upper Manhattan suspected of creating zombiis (this is how the book tells us is the correct spelling of the word). And a central character of the series is an unfortunate casualty--the journalist Bill Smithback is killed by one of these zombiis.

      Although the loss of one of the essential characters is a great one, the fast pace of the book sets it up nicely.

      Can't wait to read the next!
    • 2/5
      A very quick read. By the end of the book - I was ready for it to end. This doesn't mean that it would not be enjoyable for others. I liked it but will not buy another book by the authors.
    • 3/5
      Can't stand the reader's (Rene Auberjonois) voice. Too nasally and whiny for me. Story was okay.
    • 4/5
      After four books in the Pendergast series to focus mainly on main character Special Agent Pendergast it's nice go back to basics so to speak. Unlike the previous books in the series Cemetery Dance is very similar to Relic and Reliquary.

      Something strange is wandering through New York, maybe it's paranormal maybe it's something else. Pendergast takes on the case with Vinnie D'Agosta. A lot of other, familiar characters are back too although some only for a very short time.

      Although the set-up of the story is very similar to the first three books it's a refreshing read after the Diogenes trilogy and Wheel of Darkness. Interestingly, no reference is made to what happened at the end of Wheel of Darkness, which was supposed to have changed Pendergast forever. This change isn't noticable in Cemetery Dance.

      This isn't, however, a book for people who haven't read any of the other Pendergast books. The characters aren't really introduced and I can imagine it would be very confusing for new readers.
    • 2/5
      Entertaining fluff - not the best writing, but if you just want some mindless fun it's ok.
    • 2/5
      Agt. Pendergast is back and wondering who do that voodoo so well. This series has really lost its zip. The plots feel tenuous and silly. They killed off one of the more interesting characters. It just doesn't feel like their heart is in it as they crank the handle of this money-making machine. Too bad.

      Another disappointment: At this point they're just moving characters around like Action Figures. They don't seem to be growing or developing.
    • 4/5
      First book I read about FBI inspector Pendergast was "The Relic". Great novel, much better than the movie adaptation (as it should be the case :))

      I like the story's pace, it's fast and something is going on all the time. When it comes to thrillers this is something I truly look for and enjoy.

      Story begins with a bizarre murder of a journalist (introduced in yet another Douglas/Child novel "Thunderhead"). As the mystery unfolds all supernatural elements are disclosed and truth is finally revealed (I won't say anything more - it would only ruin the experience). Pendergast is his usual self. On the other hand I got serious worried for D'Agosta, man gets upset really fast.

      If you liked Relic you'll love this one. One can see some signs so common to books written as part of the series but authors managed to deliver interesting, action-packed story with enough twists and turns to make everybody happy.

      Recommended.
    • 3/5
      Somewhat tired. It's the same formula with agent Pendergast and D'Agosta, just not that exciting anymore.
    • 3/5
      Good, but not as good as some of the Pendergast novels. Seemed a bit old hat, in fact. How could I say that when I've been loving this series so much? I wanted more Pendergast back story, but he seemed to be rather distant in this one. Maybe a bit too much D'Agosta in this one. Hopefully the next three will be more engaging.
    • 3/5
      When the Zombie Apocalypse comes, actor Rene Auberjonois will survive thanks to his uncanny zombie acting skills. His audio impersonations of apparent zombies in Cemetery Dance are just about worth the price of admission. Once again, the combination of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child bring us a pseudo-supernatural mystery involving the pompous (but increasingly less irritating) Aloysius Pendergast. A New York reporter is murdered while his wife steps out to get some bakery, and the suspect is one who was declared dead two weeks earlier. Turns out the reporter was working on a story that involved a goofy cult that performed animal sacrifices and practiced some forms of voodoo. And then there was a threat on record by a wealthy, talented film maker seemingly making him a prime candidate behind the reporter's murder.The whole mess resolves itself at the end with some ingenious (and implausible) sleuthing by Special Agent Pendergast. I'll continue to look for these book at discount prices in audio format -- they're fun to listen to while running. Two in the past month is probably a little overkill though and could lead to brain rot.
    • 5/5
      The best yet! Still Life With Crows used to be my favorite but this one beats it! Highly recommended
    • 4/5
      When I was about ten years old, I remember starting a Nancy Drew book right before bed. Every time I finished a chapter, I told myself I would read just one more. By the time I finished reading, the sky was starting to brighten. While I no longer have quite the stamina to pull an all-nighter with a book, I can testify that this one kept me up way past my "bedtime" for two nights in a row--and for the same reason. I kept telling myself I'd read just one more chapter. I don't think Preston and Childs are writing great literature, but they sure can write an effective page turner. I'm a fairly slow reader, and any book that makes me average over 100 pages a day is gripping, even if nothing greater can be said of it. A tremendously enjoyable, fast-paced, escapist read. If you're still mourning the loss of Michael Crichton, you should definitely pick up one of Preston and Childs' thrillers. You won't be disappointed.
    • 5/5
      Homicide Detective D'Agosta and FBI Agent Pendergast delve deep into the world of voodou and obeah, to the realm of the zombii in search of a killer, or killers, on the loose in upper Manhattan. A world where animal, and perhaps human, sacrifice, are well known.Or is what appears to be reality, the real truth?The twists and turns of fantasy and imagination keep this novel hopping from one foot to th other as you try to outguess the pro's in what will happen next!Even the most die-hard of "who-dunnit" fans will find this one hard to solve!I give this book......five stars and my......thumbs up award!Not suitable for children under the age of 13.***DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and I was uder no obligation to review it.
    • 4/5
      Another great Pendergast installation.
    • 5/5
      A suspenseful quirky story that's over the top in places. It's a compelling read that kept me up late finishing the last 100 pages. This is the first one of the series that I've read and I'm reminded of the May & Bryant Peculiar Crimes Unit series by Christopher Fowler.
    • 4/5
      I went backwards to read this book after "Fever Dream" and this book was equally well done. The Co-Authors do an excellent job with the two main characters working together and the story is both thrilling and fun to read
    • 4/5
      Another in the Pendergast series, this one moved away from the halls of the museum and centered around a religious cult with animal sacrifice and voodoo aspects in New York City. I thought the pacing was nice, moved right along and kept me guessing. Suspense, intrigue, mystery -- these books have a little bit of everything.Is there another book after this one to explain the family attorney and the letter? I hope so.
    • 4/5
      Enjoyable mystery featuring the usual supernatural aspects. Pendergast continues to be one of my favorite characters.
    • 5/5
      After NY Times reporter Bill Smithback is murdered and his wife Nora Kelly attacked, FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast investigates claims of zombies, voodoo, and a strange religious sect that lives right in Manhattan. Ninth in a series featuring Pendergast, but can stand alone. A must read for fans of the characters. As always Preston & Child have written an intricately plotted and creepy thriller that keeps you guessing until the end.
    • 4/5
      Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child are each accomplished writers with several successful solo novels, but it is when they collaborate on the best-selling novels featuring the enigmatic Agent Pendergast and his NYPD counterpart, Vincent D'Agosta, that they really shine. With Cemetery Dance, they move away from the overt spiritualistic mysticism of The Wheel of Darkness and back into more familiar dark-thriller territory, albeit with some interesting religious undertones.Never timid, the authors start the book by killing off a popular recurring character familiar to readers from previous novels. When acclaimed journalist William Smithback is brutally stabbed in his apartment and his new wife, Nora Kelly, is injured, Pendergast and D'Agosta team up to investigate. The evidence quickly points to a disturbed tenant of the building. It's an open and shut case, with one problem--the suspect has been dead for over a week. Strange voodoo symbols found at the crime scene, together with suspicious reports of animal sacrifices perpetrated by a cult nestled in a secluded corner of Manhattan Island, leave the duo pondering the reliability of the physical evidence. And when the deceased Smithback himself shows up at an award dinner and knifes a fellow reporter, rumors of zombies (the correct spelling is "zombii," Pendergast asserts) fly.D'Agosta, ever the skeptic, suspects a more human plot, but Pendergast, who possesses some familiarity with voodoo rituals and black magic from his New Orleans childhood, isn't so sure. Now, with animal-rights activists descending upon New York to protest the city's refusal to oust the mysterious cult and fears of supernatural murderers growing, Pendergast and D'Agosta find themselves in a race to uncover the truth before the entire city erupts.With its fast-paced action and horrific crimes tempered by witty dialog and brilliant police work, Cemetery Dance has everything readers have come to expect from these authors. Since each book in the Pendergast series is intended to function as a stand-alone novel, old and new fans alike should be able to enjoy the story with or without having read the previous books. The book does contain a fair amount of violence and some disturbing religious imagery, particularly having to do with animal sacrifice and voodoo-related ceremonies; Preston & Child don't write for the faint-hearted. But dark-thriller fans are in for a treat as these authors deliver yet again.
    • 4/5
      I really enjoyed this book. It reunites Lieutenant D'Agosta and Agent Pendergast, along with Dr. Nora Kelly in a murder and mayhem mystery about New York City and zombies. However, these are not the "I want your braains" zombies of popular culture, but rather the zombies of voudou and folklore. It also shows the real strength of the Preston-Child collaboration - which is presenting New York City as an unexpected and rich character in the book. In this book, like Cabinet of Curiosities (2002), they weave in the history and geography and people of the city into a fascinating characterization that makes you feel as if you were there and part of it all.