First my thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to download an advanced reader copy of “Crimson Shore” by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. I have enjoyed some of Agent Pendergast books previously.

Most of the ones I’ve read have been very good. I see this is number 15 in the series and as I only have read a few earlier ones, I was eager to get re-acquainted.

Although this starts at Agent Pendergast’s home in New York City, the action quickly moves to a small New England coastal town near Salem, Massachusetts. Agent Pendergast and his ward Constance Greene quickly discover that what seems to be a curious theft of a wine collection is something far more sinister and dangerous.

The quirkiness of both Pendergast and Greene add to the enjoyment of this mystery. The location near Salem suggests witchcraft may be involved. This mystery has many layers and you will not find this story lacking in unexpected turns.

I almost completely enjoyed “Crimson Shore”. The ending did solve this mystery but in some ways it left the reader hanging. Although I found this ending disappointing, it does pique your interest for future installments of this series.

So this is sort of a mixed review. I enjoyed the book but thought the ending was a bit of a “cliff-hanger”.

Fans of the Preston and Child collaboration, and those of Agent Pendergast especially, will surely like this book. If you have never read this series, you might want to give it a try. The full book will not be release until November 10 but a preview is available (see below).

For those with Kindles I will point out that Amazon is offering a preview of the first few chapters for free. This should be enough to tell you whether or not you like this book. It is also a way for people who already know they want to read this book to get a start before the full book is released.