One-line Summary:

In “Brimstone,” a thrilling supernatural mystery novel by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast investigates a series of gruesome murders that lead him to confront his own dark past.

The Sinister Murders:

In “Brimstone,” the fifth installment of the Pendergast series, FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast finds himself entangled in a chilling case involving a series of bizarre and ritualistic murders. The story begins with the discovery of a decapitated body in a New York City museum, surrounded by strange symbols and a mysterious substance known as brimstone. As Pendergast delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a connection to his own family’s dark past and a secret society known as the “Harrowers.”

As the body count rises, Pendergast teams up with his loyal friend and NYPD Lieutenant Vincent D’Agosta, as well as his brilliant ward, Constance Greene, to unravel the mystery behind the murders. Their pursuit takes them from the streets of New York City to the eerie swamps of Louisiana, where they encounter voodoo rituals, ancient curses, and a sinister cult that will stop at nothing to protect its secrets.

A Haunting Past:

Throughout “Brimstone,” Pendergast is haunted by his own troubled history. As a child, he witnessed the brutal murder of his beloved wife, Helen, at the hands of his brother, Diogenes. This traumatic event has shaped Pendergast’s life and drives his relentless pursuit of justice. In this installment, Pendergast discovers that the Harrowers, a group of vigilantes seeking to cleanse the world of evil, have been targeting his family for generations. He must confront his own demons and make difficult choices to protect those he loves.

The Power of Obsession:

Obsession is a recurring theme in “Brimstone.” Pendergast’s relentless pursuit of the truth often puts him at odds with his superiors and places him in grave danger. His unwavering determination to solve the case and bring the culprits to justice pushes him to the brink of his physical and mental limits. Meanwhile, the Harrowers’ fanatical obsession with eradicating evil leads them down a dark path, blurring the line between justice and vengeance.

In their pursuit of power and immortality, the Harrowers resort to ancient rituals and supernatural forces, creating an atmosphere of suspense and terror. The authors skillfully blend elements of horror, mystery, and the occult, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the truth behind the murders and the Harrowers’ ultimate goal.

Key Takeaways:

• The past can haunt us and shape our actions, but we have the power to confront our demons and choose our own path.
• Obsession can drive us to great lengths, but it can also blind us to the consequences of our actions.
• Justice and vengeance are not always easily distinguishable, and the pursuit of one can lead to the other.
• The line between good and evil is often blurred, and the true nature of a person or organization may be more complex than it initially appears.
• Family ties can be both a source of strength and vulnerability, and the choices we make to protect our loved ones can have far-reaching consequences.

“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” – William Faulkner

In “Brimstone,” Preston and Child deliver a gripping and atmospheric thriller that explores the depths of human obsession and the power of confronting one’s own past. With its blend of supernatural elements, intricate plot twists, and complex characters, this novel will keep readers enthralled until the very last page.