Verses for the Dead

Verses for the Dead: Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

A visit the cemetery to remember the late husband and create her special tribute to his memory would change and alter Isabella’s life that very day. Her obedient dog Twinkle noticed or smelled something, and his erratic and unusual behavior set off a chain of events that let to the grave of Elise Baxter and a horrific discovery. Who would leave a heart on someone’s grave? Why would someone cut out a person’s heart and then leave a note of apology to the person in the grave, namely Elise whose death was deemed suicide but as the events evolve in this mystery/thriller things that seem what they are will evolve differently and the killer leaves a special note at the grave and what you the reader will learn are Verses for the Dead.

Meet the new Deputy Director in Charge, Pickett a no-nonsense austere man who summons Prendergast to a special private meeting in a sauna. Pendergrast has his own mode of appearance and most would not enter and remain formally dressed in a black suit but that is the least of what transpires as the reason for the meeting comes to light and the case he has to investigate reverts back to the body heart found in the cemetery and the body found in Florida with its heart cut out and missing. But sometimes you are thrown more than just one curve ball but several as Pendergast much to his chagrin is saddled with a partner named Coldmoon in order to keep him on what the new deputy director might state the straight and narrow and no deviations. Meeting Coldmoon you sense that something about him is hidden and when Pendergast leaves you understand more of his role.

Smart, observant and astute our Pendergast finds himself in Florida as the scene of the murder a day early in order to access the crime scene and observe what he can find before Coldmoon’s plan has wings down. Meeting the officer in charge of preventing anyone from corrupting the scene you learn the true nature of how he is so observant, how meticulous he is about dealing with scenes and the fact that he explained to the officer what he assessed about him gave him immediate access to the murder scene and his full cooperation. But, Coldmoon arrived the following day demanding an update from him but instead he was treated to a group interrogation learning his reasoning for why more than one witness was questioned and then the startling revelation about the security guard as the case moves slowly and his assessment carefully explained and Coldmoon’s realization of what he sees added to the investigation. Will these two make a great team as they meet later one and Pendergast states they need to go to Maine and access the grave of Elise Baker and determine if it was really suicide or murder!

Another murder takes them to a scene where the heart is left at another cemetery this time in a mausoleum hanging from an unusual place. Questioning the caregiver or groundskeeper reveals how the heart was found and another note that refers to something from Romeo and Juliet. Our killer seems well versed in literature as the authors created another disconnected link, they think to the original suicide of Elise Baker but were they suicides to cover up murders? What about the murder of Jenny what was behind that and what about what happened in the bar?
Things take on many twists and turns as Pendergast and Coldmoon each view the different crime scenes in their own way as he takes out those twitters, pockets evidence, reads reports and when ready will let us know his thoughts.

Watching Pendergast assess a crime scene you wonder why his demeanor is so austere, his manner of dress formal and his way of seeing things not typical. He is more than intelligent and his lust for the finer things in life comes through during airline flights and hotel visits. Watching him closely you will see that his way of describing a scene and the way he views it is quite unique unto himself. He developed something called “Memory Crossing,” which allows him to recreate or reconstruct a scene in his mind with such vivid images that he can see it in four dimensions. Hearing conversations and making and forming connections that would not be obvious just form reading or viewing photographs. His accuracy is remarkable as he goes from scene to scene, focuses on what he sees within his own visions and asks questions that stump or surprise those in charge.

Things take on unusual turns as Pickett shows up and wants Pendergast off the case and yet the interaction shocks him as he realizes why spite yourself. But there is much more to come as the assistant ME realizes in the middle of the night that her assessment of one suicide might be murder and at 4 in the morning why not go to the morgue and find out if she is right. The news reporter that knows Pendergast from another case involving his brother is hot on the trail of lead he uncovers and has not revealed thinking this person might be the killer or have a strong connection to what is about to happen next.

Added in we learn the truth behind what the killer is used to kill and the insight of these two authors to create this type of weapon is startling and thought provoking as we realize that the killer has low self-esteem, needs to feel accepted and wants to get some type of attention or rise out of the police and of course the FBI. Hearing the voice is chilling and watching what he does he more terrifying as other lives are in danger. The union of the reporter and a police officer gives readers another perspective on how sources unite and work together as Pickett gives Pendergast and Coldmoon some unexpected help as well.

The reporter takes a serious chance and places himself in a situation that could do more harm than good but Smithback is a pro and approaching someone connected to Baxter, Flayley and Astor things get dangerous as the killer reaches out to him in an unusual way making this case even more exciting for the media, the public hoping for answers and Pendergast whose next step you won’t believe or expect. With an ME that is outstanding and willing to go more than that extra mile, he points out several facts and the scenes that follow will bring you closer to understanding the killer, hearing his voice, seeing his movements and hoping that his threats do not come to bare and that what Pendergast does draws him out but will it?

The research into suicides, deaths, autopsies and forensics is extensive and the explanations the handwriting expert shares are quite unique and interesting as we learn how certain facts are uncovered but if you the reader wants to learn more you have to read this for yourself as it is an open case and I won’t divulge my sources within this book to learn more. The final reveal is startling and the evidence that is compiled will reveal the pattern that the killer has created but there is an astonishing shock when they realize what happened, the cause of the deaths and the truth behind why this person went on a killing rampage and the true definition of the word atone. Betrayals, lies, deceptions, deceits, people in positions that wanted it all, a killer who felt justified in his actions and the true motives behind it you won’t suspect. Added in the murder of someone years ago and the killer in plain sight hoping it would stay buried along with the victim. Once again authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child and of course Pendergast created a plot so unique, so highly volatile, explosive and an ending that will take them deep into the waters, praying not to attract what is down there and the life of someone is hanging in the balance and the killer’s identity revealed and a startling confession that you won’t expect as once again these authors created a novel so realistic, filled with suspense, twists and a killer that would like you to believe that he might or not have atoned for his sins. Understanding literature as this seriously intelligent, methodical and organized killer created his apologies as special atonement Verses for the Dead.

Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ network/MJ magazine