Rating: 
Summary: Was I Reading the Same Book as Other Reviewers??
Review: Cabinet of Curiosities, the latest in a string of works by Child & Preston, involves the discovery of a mass grave in present day NYC -- the charnel house of a mad scientist on a quest for the secret of eternal life. Excellent premise, I'll give the authors that much credit. Also intriguing is the background of New York in the 1800's and the various "cabinets of curiosities" housed there -- lots of excellent resources for the authors. Unfortunately, the material could not prop up the bad writing and the poor characterizations of this novel.After reading this novel, I have to wonder if I've actually read the same book that other reviewers are crowing about. I found the pacing of the novel extremely slow and the characters to be wooden and one-dimensional. Archaeologist Nora Kelly was mildly interesting, Smithback was atrocious! What newspaper would hire a guy like that? He was bumbling in every sense of the word, and not charmingly so. And Agent Pendergast? Despite his extraordinary gift of "memory crossing" (much too unbelievable, even for a story like this) I found him to be the most singularly dull character in the entire book. There was nothing original about this character whatsoever -- in fact, once the reader has finished with the first description of the man pulling up in his Rolls Royce, it's easy to predict every nuance of the character...his mannerisms, his dress, his living accomodations (at the Dakota, no less!), I found myself rolling my eyes and thinking, "Of course." And if he does possess the gift of "memory crossing," then why is there an investigation at all? It seems as though he could simply "cross" to the scene of the crime, and if he can affect people during that time period (as evidenced by him tossing a handful of coins to Mary Greene's little sister), then he should have easily been able to stop the killer before he actually murdered anyone. Even the writing, at times, was painful and amateurish. Overall, this book is a waste of time to plow through -- the authors had an excellent resource and base for a story, but they blew it. Perhaps mixing characters from several previous books (as mentioned by other reviewers) was their downfall...I can't be sure, but I can be sure that I won't be going back to read any of their other work. For an excellent historical mystery set in 1800's NYC, check out Caleb Carr's Alienist series. Excellent stories, superb characterizations, and solid writing technique.
Rating: 
Summary: Suspenseful and Page Turning
Review: The Cabinet of Curiosities is an amazing book. Preston and Child have done an excellent job describing the characters and making them seem believable. Preston and Child have inserted realistic language that flows smoothly. Nora Kelly, an archeologist, has been called upon by Special Agent Pendergast, a mysterious FBI Agent who neglects to tell us why the case is so important. Kelly and Pendergast have discovered a tunnel filled with thirty-six bodies. As their investigation intensifies, murders start occurring. The strange thing is that the newer victims were killed the same way as previous ones. There are many suspects: could it be Mr. Brisbane, head of the New York Museum, or could it the old man that has suddenly appeared? This book kept me wanting to read more. This is possibly one of the best books written by Preston and Child.
Rating: 
Summary: Creepy Historic Thriller
Review: Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child continue to amaze and impress me. New York City, century old bodies are discovered under a building opening up an old murder case. Enter John Smithback reporter, Pendergast FBI and Dr. Kelly archeaologist. A cast of characters recognizable to fans of their work through other novels. The museum which employs Kelly puts pressure on the police and FBI not to investigate case too closely lest their reputation is besmirched. This book is slight departure from the novels we are used to from this dynamic duo in that instead of a creature the villian or nemesis is human. It still contains some speculative fiction, but instead of relying on creatures from the collective consciousness nightmares the authors rely on human from nightmares to propel plot. This work is an excellent blend of historic setting and present day. The writing as in all their books is fast paced and exciting, the suspense is intact making it overall a very enjoyable read. In fact parts of this book reminded me of Carr's The Alienist, so good were Child, and Preston at transporting me to 19th century New York. A very excellent summer(or any season) read.
Rating:
Summary: Well written and exciting book
Review: The Cabinet of Curiosities is a well written book, taking us down a path of current and historic roads to solve the mystery of a modern and historic murderer. The characters are richly drawn and the action is well done. This is the type of paperback I like to read when I'm traveling on business, because it engages me deeply and lets me forget that I'm trapped inside a tube of steel with wings thousands of feet above the earth breathing recycled air and listening to screaming children. This isn't a book that you read and put down easily - it's a page turner!
Rating:
Summary: A Fast and Furious Read
Review: Preston and Child bring back characters from THE RELIC and THUNDERHEAD to weave a wonderful thriller. The highlight of the book is the incomparable Special Agent Pendergast (the modern Sherlock Holmes). At a construction site, 36 bodies are found that have been buried for over 100 years. Enter Agent Pendergast who enlists Nora Kelly, now of the Museum of Natural History, and the train ride begins. The bodies were the victims of a notorious serial killer, a mad doctor. But now similar killings are beginning to occur. The original killings were part of a scheme to prolong life. Apparently someone is duplicating that work. Or did the original killer succeed and is still at work? Only by reading the book will you discover the answers. It has been a long time since a book flew by as quickly as this one did. At slightly over 600 pages, it felt like less than half that. The action and tight plotting make the pages turn very quickly. This is one of the best novels Preston and Child have turned out together. If you have enjoyed any of their earlier work, then you will surely enjoy this one.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Read!
Review: This is the first book I've read by this dynamic duo. I was quite impressed with their writing and seeming knowledge of science. This book is well written, fast paced and incredibly exciting. The story starts with a dig for a new complex in NY which happens to unearth a gruesome crime over a hundred years old. Enter the strange FBI agent, the trusty reporter, the disgraced cop and career problemed archiologist. For unknown reasons all become involved in a game of cat and mouse, each the target of a deranged killer. The end will suprise you and the book will consistently keep you at the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book. I know I will be out purchasing more by this team of very savvy writers!
Rating:
Summary: Great read from page 1
Review: I got into this book right from the beginning. This is my first read of these two authors. Very seemless writing. I liked how the book did not rely on your having read their previous books in order to know the characters. The end of the book is very exciting and feels right. I would highly recommend this book and can't wait to read some of their others.
Rating:
Summary: *****Engrossing escapism.
Review: Here's another book (see my review of Jeff Long's "Year Zero") that deserved to be #1 on every bestseller list, but didn't quite make it. Although "The Cabinet of Curiosities" stands as its own unique work, it could conceivably be placed in the same milieu as Caleb Carr, Dan Brown, and even Dean Koontz and Stephen King. However, it is by light years a better-written and more original novel than anything by those mega-selling monsters could type out. In fact, it's probably the best thriller I've read in decades. I won't bother to rehash all of the story's details, you can get a glimmer of that from the editorial reviews. Just let me say that the characters are sharp and real, the plot deliciously inventive and macabre, not once does it insult the reader's intelligence or go for a cheap, easy shock...although there are shocks aplenty. To open the "Cabinet" and begin reading is to crawl into another world, as deep, dank and creepy as the undergound tunnel in which it's tale begins. I was reluctant to buy "TCOC" at first, for some reason feeling uneasy that it was written by TWO authors, which has never done it for me. I don't know how Peston & Child work their collaboration, but work it they do, seamlessly. Pure, atmospheric escapism at its absolute finest! Now I'm torn between reading it again, or to start purchasing Preston & Child's other works. But you, dear reader, get this winner ASAP.
Rating:
Summary: Another good one!
Review: I was craving one of their books; I thought I might reread "Thunderhead" or get into the terrifying "Relic" again. But ahah! Someone psychically released into paperback for me just in time to get a fix. This is great---science, blood, history, suspense, etc. Great quality of writing and interest.
Some familiar characters here. The story is: An agressive builder "discovers" a tomb of 36 people all murdered circa the 1900s. Who did it and why? They were all systematically tortured. Mysterious special agent Pendergast requests the aid of archaeologist Nora, who also includes her reporter friend, Bill.
They start unwrapping clues as the site gets destroyed, the information and mystery deepen. It all started with the Cabinet of Curiousities, that used to be on the site before it burned down. Was that where the victims were lured to their death?
Also, why are there killings similarly going on now that the site has been uncovered? Is it a copycat or has the murderer returned from his "grave?" Or was he alive the entire time?
I want to keep you guessing---its just too good to miss.
My only complaint is the authors always make the ending/wrap up too complicated. The ending has too many twists and turns and surprises and it got me a little bogged down. Maybe if I read the end twice I'd get it---I dunno. Keep it easy, man!
Its suspenseful enough! And scary too. I can't wait to read the Crow book....
Rating:
Summary: Gothic, Horror, Suspense, it's got it all. 5 STARS!
Review: I read this when it came out and became a big time Preston/Child fan ever since. You like scary, gothic thrillers that keep you reading all night? Serial killers that would freak out Charles Manson? Then get this one now! It's a killer Halloween or Fall read also; those of you who love certain horror novels around that season for certain reasons, know what I mean. Great characters, great plot, reads like a movie roller coaster going a billion miles and hour and is defintely worth the $$$. This one will be staying in your library for a while after you're done with it. Trust me. S STAR RATING FROM SCRAGGY'S TOMB OF HORROR, USA.
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