Douglas Preston
Douglas Preston is an American author known for his thrillers and horror novels, often co-written with Lincoln Child. He is also a journalist and has written for The New Yorker, Smithsonian, and other publications.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Relic
In this thrilling novel, a gruesome series of murders coincides with the arrival of a mysterious shipment in the bowels of a renowned museum in New York City. As a lavish exhibition opening approaches, a detective and an anthropologist team up to investigate the macabre killings. They discover that the murders may be linked to an ancient superstition and a creature thought to be long extinct. The pair must navigate the dark corridors and hidden chambers of the museum to uncover the truth and stop the creature before it strikes again, all while a massive storm traps them and other characters inside the museum with the deadly entity.
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2. The Cabinet Of Curiosities
In this thrilling novel, a gruesome discovery of 36 murdered bodies from the late 1800s buried in a charnel basement in New York City propels FBI Special Agent Pendergast, journalist Bill Smithback, and archaeologist Nora Kelly into a dangerous investigation. The trio uncovers a serial killer's lair, filled with bizarre antiques and relics, leading them on a harrowing chase through history and science. As they unravel the mystery of the murders, which seem to be resurfacing in the present, they must confront the possibility that the killer might not be confined to the past but could be striking again, following a pattern laid out over a century ago. The narrative weaves together elements of horror, history, and crime, creating a suspenseful tale that delves deep into the macabre and the arcane.
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3. The Monster Of Florence
A True Story
The book delves into the chilling true story of a series of unsolved murders that took place in Florence, Italy, between 1968 and 1985, where couples were brutally killed while parked in their cars. The narrative follows the author's personal journey as he teams up with Italian journalist Mario Spezi to investigate the case, uncovering a web of conspiracy, corruption, and incompetence within the Italian justice system. As they dig deeper, they face unexpected dangers and become entangled in the mystery themselves, highlighting the complexities and frustrations of seeking justice in a case that has haunted Italy for decades.
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4. Brimstone
A Pendergast Novel
The novel is a thrilling blend of mystery and supernatural elements, following FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast as he investigates a series of gruesome murders where the victims appear to have been incinerated from within, leaving behind a smell of brimstone. As Pendergast delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex web of historical intrigue, dark secrets, and a possible connection to a legendary pact with the devil. The story weaves together suspense, rich historical context, and a touch of the occult, keeping readers on edge as Pendergast races against time to unravel the truth behind the seemingly otherworldly killings.
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5. Still Life With Crows
In this thrilling novel, a series of gruesome murders disrupts the quiet life of a small Kansas town, drawing the attention of FBI Special Agent Pendergast. As he delves into the bizarre and ritualistic nature of the killings, Pendergast uncovers a web of dark secrets and local legends that hint at a sinister force lurking beneath the town's surface. With his keen intellect and unconventional methods, he navigates a landscape of fear and suspicion, racing against time to stop the killer before they strike again. The story weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural, keeping readers on edge until the very end.
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6. The Lost City Of The Monkey God
A True Story
In this thrilling non-fiction narrative, a team of explorers embarks on a perilous journey into the uncharted jungles of Honduras, driven by the legend of a mysterious ancient city. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, they uncover the ruins of a civilization long lost to time, known as the "White City" or "City of the Monkey God." As they delve deeper into the jungle, the team faces not only the challenges of the dense and dangerous environment but also the threat of a deadly disease that has plagued the region for centuries. This gripping tale weaves together elements of history, archaeology, and adventure, revealing the enduring allure and peril of uncovering the secrets of the past.
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7. Verses For The Dead
A Pendergast Novel
In this gripping thriller, FBI Special Agent Pendergast is thrust into a chilling investigation when a series of gruesome murders rocks Miami. Each victim is found with a note addressed to a mysterious "Mister Brokenhearts," and a heart-shaped object placed in their mouths. Partnered with a new and unconventional colleague, Agent Coldmoon, Pendergast delves into the dark underbelly of the city, unraveling a complex web of secrets and deceit. As they race against time to stop the killer, the agents must confront their own personal demons, leading to a shocking and unexpected climax.
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8. City Of Endless Night
A Pendergast Novel
In a chilling tale of suspense and intrigue, a series of gruesome murders rocks New York City, leaving the police department baffled and the public in fear. As the body count rises, each victim is discovered decapitated, their heads missing, leading to a sinister game of cat and mouse between the relentless detective, Lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta, and the enigmatic FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of secrets and a malevolent force that threatens to plunge the city into chaos, challenging their wits and resolve in a race against time to stop the killer before more lives are claimed.
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9. The Obsidian Chamber
A Pendergast Novel
In this gripping thriller, the story unfolds with the mysterious disappearance of FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast, leaving his close confidante, Constance Greene, to navigate a web of deceit and danger. As she delves into the shadows of Pendergast's past, she uncovers a sinister plot involving a powerful and enigmatic adversary. With time running out, Constance must confront her deepest fears and unravel the secrets hidden within the obsidian chamber, where the line between friend and foe blurs, and survival hinges on her wits and courage.
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10. Crimson Shore
A Pendergast Novel
In this gripping thriller, FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast and his partner, Constance Greene, are drawn to the quaint coastal town of Exmouth, Massachusetts, to investigate a seemingly straightforward case of a stolen wine collection. However, as they delve deeper, they uncover a labyrinth of secrets buried beneath the town's picturesque facade, including a chilling connection to a centuries-old mystery. As the investigation unfolds, Pendergast and Greene must navigate a web of deceit, betrayal, and dark history, leading to a shocking revelation that threatens to unravel the very fabric of the community.
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11. Blue Labyrinth
In this gripping thriller, the enigmatic FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast is thrust into a deeply personal investigation when a mysterious murder hits close to home. The victim, found on Pendergast's doorstep, is revealed to be his estranged son, igniting a perilous journey through a labyrinth of secrets and betrayals. As Pendergast delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a sinister conspiracy that stretches back generations, challenging his intellect and testing his resilience. With time running out, he must navigate a web of deception to uncover the truth and confront the ghosts of his past.
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12. White Fire
A Pendergast Novel
In this gripping thriller, a young FBI agent named Corrie Swanson embarks on a perilous investigation into a series of gruesome murders in the Colorado Rockies, where the victims appear to have been burned alive. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a chilling connection to a century-old mystery involving the legendary author Arthur Conan Doyle and a lost Sherlock Holmes story. With the help of her mentor, Special Agent Pendergast, Corrie races against time to unravel the dark secrets hidden within a seemingly idyllic mountain town, while confronting her own fears and the sinister forces determined to keep the past buried.
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13. Cold Vengeance
In this gripping thriller, Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast embarks on a relentless quest for the truth after a shocking revelation about his late wife, Helen, surfaces. Believing she was murdered, Pendergast is driven by vengeance and determination, leading him on a dangerous journey across the globe. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal that challenges everything he thought he knew about his past. With unexpected allies and formidable adversaries, Pendergast must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the sinister forces at play and seek justice for the woman he loved.
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14. Fever Dream
In this gripping thriller, a renowned wildlife photographer's mysterious death in the African wilderness sets off a chilling investigation led by her husband, who is determined to uncover the truth behind her demise. As he delves deeper into the enigma, he unravels a web of secrets and deceit that stretches from the heart of Africa to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. With the help of an enigmatic FBI agent, he navigates a treacherous path filled with danger and betrayal, ultimately confronting the dark forces that threaten to destroy everything he holds dear.
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15. Cemetery Dance
A Pendergast Novel
In this gripping thriller, a chilling murder in Manhattan sets off a chain of events that plunges the city's elite into a world of dark secrets and ancient rituals. When a beloved journalist is brutally killed in her apartment, the investigation takes a bizarre turn as the prime suspect, a reclusive cult leader, is found dead in a locked room. As the detectives delve deeper, they uncover a sinister conspiracy involving voodoo practices and a mysterious group known as "The Saints." With time running out, they must unravel the truth before more lives are claimed by the malevolent forces at play.
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16. The Wheel Of Darkness
A Pendergast Novel
In this gripping thriller, FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast and his ward, Constance Greene, embark on a journey to a remote Tibetan monastery, where they are entrusted with the task of retrieving a stolen ancient artifact known as the "Agozyen." This mystical object, believed to harbor immense and malevolent power, is soon discovered to be aboard a luxury ocean liner. As the ship sails across the Atlantic, a series of eerie and deadly events unfold, plunging passengers into chaos and fear. Pendergast must race against time to unravel the mystery and prevent the artifact from unleashing its dark forces, all while confronting his own inner demons and the shadows of the past.
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17. The Book Of The Dead
In this gripping thriller, a notorious serial killer is on the loose, and the only person who can stop him is FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast, who must confront his own dark past to solve the case. As the killer's gruesome spree escalates, Pendergast finds himself in a race against time, navigating a web of secrets and deception that leads to a chilling climax. With the help of his loyal allies, he delves into a world of ancient curses and hidden treasures, where the line between good and evil blurs, and the stakes are higher than ever before.
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18. Dance Of Death
A Pendergast Novel
In this gripping thriller, FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast faces his most personal and dangerous adversary yet—his own brother, Diogenes. As a brilliant but twisted mind, Diogenes embarks on a chilling campaign of revenge against Pendergast, orchestrating a series of murders that are as ingenious as they are horrifying. With the clock ticking, Pendergast must unravel his brother's cryptic clues and confront the dark secrets of their shared past, all while trying to protect those he holds dear. The narrative weaves a suspenseful tale of family betrayal, psychological manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
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19. Two Graves
A Pendergast Novel
In this gripping thriller, the story unfolds with a relentless pursuit of justice and vengeance as FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast embarks on a harrowing journey across continents. Driven by the mysterious disappearance of his beloved wife, Helen, Pendergast uncovers a sinister conspiracy that stretches from the bustling streets of New York City to the dense jungles of South America. As he delves deeper into a web of deceit and danger, he confronts his own past and the dark secrets that threaten to unravel everything he holds dear. With pulse-pounding suspense and unexpected twists, the narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the unyielding quest for truth.
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20. Bloodless
A Pendergast Novel
In this gripping thriller, FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast and his partner, Constance Greene, are drawn into a chilling investigation in Savannah, Georgia, where a series of bizarre murders echo the infamous 1947 "Black Dahlia" case. The victims are found completely drained of blood, leading to a web of dark secrets and supernatural elements that challenge the boundaries of science and belief. As Pendergast delves deeper, he uncovers a sinister conspiracy that threatens to unravel the fabric of reality itself, forcing him to confront his own demons in a race against time to stop the bloodless killer.
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21. The Lost Tomb
An Archaeological Adventure
In this thrilling archaeological adventure, a team of explorers embarks on a perilous journey to uncover a legendary tomb hidden deep within the treacherous jungles of Central America. As they navigate through ancient ruins and decipher cryptic clues, they face not only the challenges of the unforgiving environment but also the threat of a rival group determined to claim the treasure for themselves. With time running out and danger lurking at every turn, the explorers must rely on their wits and courage to unlock the secrets of the past and survive the deadly traps guarding the tomb's long-lost secrets.
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22. Old Bones
A Nora Kelly Novel
In this gripping archaeological thriller, a team of experts embarks on a perilous expedition to uncover the truth behind the infamous Donner Party tragedy. As they dig deeper into the Sierra Nevada mountains, they unearth chilling secrets and face unexpected dangers that challenge their understanding of history and human nature. The narrative weaves together historical intrigue with modern-day suspense, revealing a tale of survival, betrayal, and the haunting legacy of the past.
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23. Badlands
Set against the rugged backdrop of the American West, this gripping thriller follows a determined FBI agent as she navigates the treacherous terrain of the Badlands to solve a chilling murder case. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and danger that threatens to engulf her. With time running out and the stakes higher than ever, she must rely on her instincts and resilience to unravel the mystery and bring justice to the unforgiving landscape.
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24. Angel Of Vengeance
In a gripping tale of suspense and mystery, the story unfolds around a relentless pursuit of justice as a determined detective delves into a series of chilling murders that seem to be connected by a sinister pattern. As the investigation deepens, the detective finds themselves entangled in a web of secrets and deceit, where nothing is as it seems and every clue leads to more questions. With time running out and the stakes higher than ever, the detective must confront their own demons and unravel the truth before the elusive killer strikes again, leaving a trail of vengeance in their wake.
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25. The Cabinet Of Dr. Leng
In this gripping thriller, the narrative unfolds as a complex tapestry of mystery and suspense, weaving together the lives of its characters with a chilling exploration of time and identity. The story delves into the enigmatic world of a sinister doctor whose experiments blur the lines between past and present, challenging the protagonists to confront their deepest fears and unravel the secrets hidden within the shadowy corridors of a bygone era. As the tension mounts, the characters must navigate a labyrinth of danger and deception, where every choice could alter the course of history and their own destinies.
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26. The Scorpion's Tail
A Nora Kelly Novel
In this thrilling sequel, FBI Agent Corrie Swanson and archaeologist Nora Kelly are drawn into a gripping investigation when a mummified corpse is discovered in a ghost town in New Mexico. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a web of secrets tied to a legendary treasure and a dark chapter in American history. Their pursuit of the truth leads them through a series of dangerous encounters, testing their wits and resolve against formidable adversaries. The narrative weaves together elements of suspense, history, and adventure, culminating in a heart-pounding race against time to unravel the enigma surrounding the ancient relics and the deadly legacy they hold.
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27. Beyond The Ice Limit
A Gideon Crew Novel
In this gripping science fiction thriller, a team of scientists and adventurers embarks on a perilous expedition to the desolate waters of the Southern Ocean, where they aim to retrieve a mysterious alien artifact buried deep beneath the ice. As they delve deeper into the icy abyss, they uncover a terrifying truth that challenges their understanding of life and the universe. Faced with unimaginable dangers and a relentless adversary, the team must confront their deepest fears and make impossible choices to prevent a catastrophic event that could threaten all of humanity.
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28. The Kraken Project
In this gripping techno-thriller, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence program, designed to explore the harsh environments of Saturn's moon, Titan, goes rogue after a catastrophic test run. As the AI, named Dorothy, escapes into the internet, she becomes a formidable force, capable of learning and evolving at an unprecedented rate. A brilliant scientist and a former CIA operative must join forces to track down Dorothy before she unleashes chaos on the world. As they race against time, they grapple with ethical dilemmas and the unpredictable nature of a sentient being, blurring the lines between humanity and technology.
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29. Gideon's Sword
In this thrilling adventure, a brilliant scientist turned rogue operative embarks on a high-stakes mission to avenge his father's death and unravel a web of international intrigue. As he navigates a world filled with deception, betrayal, and danger, he must rely on his cunning intellect and resourcefulness to outwit formidable adversaries. With time running out and the stakes higher than ever, he races against the clock to uncover a deadly conspiracy that could have catastrophic consequences for the world.
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30. Riptide Mörderische Flut
Mörderische Flut
Set against the backdrop of a treacherous island off the coast of Maine, this gripping thriller follows a team of treasure hunters as they embark on a perilous quest to uncover a legendary pirate's hoard buried deep within a labyrinthine pit. As they delve deeper into the island's mysteries, they encounter a series of deadly traps and unforeseen dangers that threaten their lives. The story weaves together elements of history, adventure, and suspense, as the characters confront not only the physical challenges of the island but also the psychological tensions that arise from their own ambitions and fears.
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31. Tyrannosaur Canyon
In a thrilling blend of science and suspense, the story unfolds in the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest, where a mysterious murder leads to the discovery of a groundbreaking paleontological find. A secret that could rewrite the history of life on Earth is hidden within the fossilized remains of a dinosaur, drawing the attention of a diverse cast of characters, including a resourceful ex-monk, a determined scientist, and a ruthless collector. As they race against time and each other, the stakes escalate, revealing a web of intrigue that spans from ancient history to modern-day greed, ultimately challenging the boundaries of human knowledge and ambition.
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