Pendergast Books In Order – Complete List
When it comes to reading the Special Agent Pendergast books in order, having read the whole Pendergast series so far, I suggest you read the Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child Pendergast series in order of publication, starting with Relic. The reason is that, while most of the stories can stand on their own, there is a continuity involving the characters (especially surrounding Aloysius Pendergast) that you don’t want to miss.
Here are the Pendergast books in order with the latest novels added regularly.
Latest Pendergast Books
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Pendergast Books in Publication Order
Aloysius Pendergast is an FBI Agent featured in the entire series
- Relic (Pendergast #1), 1995
- Reliquary (Pendergast #2), 1997
- The Cabinet of Curiosities (Pendergast #3), 2002
- Still Life with Crows (Pendergast #4), 2003
- Brimstone, (Pendergast #5, Diogenes #1) 2004
- Dance of Death (Pendergast #6, Diogenes #2), 2005
- The Book of the Dead (Pendergast #7, Diogenes #3), 2007
- The Wheel of Darkness (Pendergast #8), 2008
- Cemetery Dance (Pendergast #9), 2009
- Fever Dream (Pendergast #10), 2010
- Cold Vengeance (Pendergast #11), 2011
- Two Graves (Pendergast #12), 2012
- Extraction (Pendergast #12.5), 2012
- White Fire (Pendergast #13), 2013
- Blue Labyrinth (Pendergast #14), 2014
- Crimson Shore (Pendergast #15), 2015
- The Obsidian Chamber (Pendergast #16), 2016
- City of Endless Night (Pendergast #17), 2018
- Verses for the Dead (Pendergast #18), 2018
- Crooked River (Pendergast #19), 2020
- Bloodless (Pendergast #20), 2021
- The Cabinet of Dr. Leng (Pendergast #21), 2023
- Angel of Vengeance (Pendergast #22), 2024
The first three in the book series, Relic, Reliquary, and Cabinet of Curiosities are part of the New York City book series because they all take place in New York City (around the New York Museum of Natural History) and the characters are also present in each, including one of my favorite earlier characters, William Smithback.
In addition, there are two trilogies as part of the series. Fever Dream, Cold Vengeance, and Two Graves are part of the Helen trilogy, while Brimstone, Dance of Death, and The Book of the Dead are part of the Diogenes trilogy.
Other Pendergast Novels by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
- Gone Fishing, 2017 (A novella in the Thriller: Stories to Keep You Up All Night series) – A police lieutenant Vincent D’Agosta’s story
- Aloysius X. L. Pendergast: A Mysterious Profile, 2022
Should We Read the Pendergast Novels in Order?
FBI Agent Pendergast is a special agent who can easily pick and choose his tasks and can travel wherever he wants whenever he wants. A highly intelligent individual who is gifted in many fields has been often called the spiritual successor to Sherlock Holmes.
In the first few techno-thriller books of the Special Agent Pendergast series by the authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, I felt that the authors wanted to make the novels standalone to allow us to read them separately from the rest. However, as various new characters got added in each new book – most of which would feature in subsequent novels as well, it became quite difficult not to want to read the next book in the series to see what happened with x, y or z character next.
For example, once Constance Greene is thrown in the mix, you will want to know about her (very odd) history, age, relationship with the two brothers (Aloysius Pendergast and his brother Diogenes), and what she is doing there anyway. In the later Pendergast stories, Constance’s character will be really fleshed-out and well-defined.
The more books you read in the Pendergast series where Constance is included or just mentioned, the easier it will become to learn more about this very interesting and exquisite person and the easier it becomes to feel attached to her and feel compassion for her. She really grew on me over the years. Thankfully Crimson Shore, the 15th Pendergast novel, is all about Constance. And our favorite FBI special agent. And did I mention…her? Yay!
Diogenes, his brother, is another of those characters that as evil as he might be, he is nevertheless a very interesting participant in the whole family story. And let’s not forget about Helen, who appears in some later novels, and her story continues from there on, even long after she…but I won’t spoil it for you more.
In the Pendergast series, it’s not only about the characters’ backgrounds but also the relationship that develops and grows over time, where seemingly unrelated small events in the lives of some characters will produce major ripples over time in the lives of others.
Each book reveals a bit more about Aloysius, Constance Greene, Diogenes, Margo Green, and even his wife, Helen, about the secretive Dr. Leng, as well as about the various serial killer individuals involved at various times. While some of the main protagonists might appear in a few books only, they are always there, in the background, with the author revealing bits and pieces about them, allowing us to put a larger puzzle together.
So yes, reading the Pendergast books in order is something I’m glad I did right from the first book I read many years ago, called Relic. The book got me hooked on the entire series, making it one of the most anticipated mystery series every year.
So, all in all, I highly recommend you read the Pendergast series in order from the very first one, Relic, and go through the list as shown above. You will be privy to some information and clues that those who read the books out of order will likely miss, along with a lot of back-stories that make this world as rich and interesting as it is.
Each book in the Pendergast series flows seamlessly into the next without any interruption and if you read them out of order you might feel the whole story disjointed and let’s face it, much less fascinating.
One of my favorite books in the series is City of Endless Night, available from early 2018. For those who want to start reading this wonderful and addictive thriller series, above is the order of each book to get you started. The numbering after the book titles denotes the order of the novels.
The book starts with the search for Grace Ozmian, the missing daughter of a billionaire who owns DigiFlood in the tech sector. Initially, it is supposed that she took off the way she often does, but things go from bad to much worse when a decapitated body is found.
Out beloved Vincent D’Agosta takes the case, and when Aloysius wants to help, police lieutenant D’Agosta is more than happy with the additional support, especially since diabolical forces are at work here, and probably regular police work will not suffice in solving this case.
This book goes back to the traditional style of the author duo, which I enjoy so much. However, there are not many recurring characters in this book except for Aloysius and Vincent. Constance and Vincent’s wife only appear briefly.
The latest book, The Cabinet of Dr. Leng, goes back to yet another enigmatic character in the series. It is followed by Angel of Vengeance, released in 2024.
I have been a fan since the movie Relic came out. I read the book after the movie. I love the writing style of this pair and to date I have read every Pendergast novel, in order as written. At times there are past referrals to previous tales. You have lots of online book stores to acquire the novels. I would not pass up a Preston or Child’s separate novel written individually. They are a little different but quite good reading as well. And do sign up for the Pendergast email brief. Tales of future surprises. Enjoy! I have with each and every novel!
So love this series, on the edge of my seat every time, always wanting more.
Does anyone know the correct reading order for the Pendergast series including the side stories (i.e. Thunderhead before Cabinet if Curiosities)?
I had started CoC and realized Smithback was in a relationship with Kelley. I was like did I miss something, then started researching and realized I needed to read Thunderhead before CoC. Glad I did since it delved into how their relationship blossomed.
Absolutely enjoy these books in order. Relic was my first Pendergast experience and I thirst for more and more each year. In the last few years I have become hooked on audio books relatively early in the Pendergast series and it is so enjoyable to be able to have Agent Pendergast by my side as I carry on thru the day. Each regular character is expertly fleshed out so that one really feels the relationship between them and our favorite Special Agent. At times I have found myself offended by any person in the storyline who underestimated our hero. These novels are entertainment at its best.
Crooked River. Another GREAT read. Thanks 🙂
Good Lord!! I am relatively new to this Pendergast series. I am blown out of the water by how absolutely engrossing and captivating they are. Wonderful characters, wonderful setting, like wow it makes you want to travel where ever Pendergast goes! Thank you for the great books!
@Christi Clark I’m reading it now as well (will review it shortly) and it’s so engrossing, and what I especially like – Constance has a prominent place in this book as well (no spoilers).
Thank you thank you for the new Pendergast novel!!! Crooked River has me thoroughly hooked, and keeps me hoping you continue writing Pendergast novels long long into the future. I love the intellectual engagement as well as the richly engaging, “can’t put it down” intrigue of these stories. More please!
Thank you for a simple list format!
In response to Mystery Sequels:
In addition to the Pendergast series, of which I absolutely LOVE, I stumbled across a book that ended up being a series. You have to read the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo! By Steig Larsson who wrote the 1st three novels in the series. He passed away and subsequently the remaining novels are written by David Lagercrantz who is equally as good as Larsson in my opinion. I believe there are 5 in what they call the Millennium series. Don’t let the title fool you as it did for me. I thoroughly enjoyed them all. Waiting on the next one.
Also waiting on the latest Pendergast book : Crooked River which is due out in February 2020.
I love the Pendergast series. Please write more
I listen to audiobooks to and from work, a 45 minute drive.
Just finished last pendergast book my library had. They all kept me up at night because I kept saying “one more chapter, one more chapter. greeeeeeaaaaaaat stories.
I love the audio books with special agent A. Pendergast. Rene Auberjonois makes the character come alive you can visualize him with his black clothes, white hair and thin built.
The last book I read had him chained to a wall in a brick old castle. How did he escape? I am glad to see the series put in order
I absolutely love, love,love these novels
What happened with the plans to make a mini series for TV?? I have read the entire Pendergast series, and loved each and every book. These have the makings for an incredible series!! Waiting anxiously!!
Read Relic two weeks ago and was hoping it was part of a series ! I am sooooo happy ,I’ve got another 15 books to read I am hooked!
I read the 1st 8 Pendergast novels (except for “Crows”) during the last few weeks and all I can say is Wow Wow Wow and Wow. I’m looking forward to the next 7 books. How good is this series. It would make a fine TV show that could run for several seasons. Keep it up guys; now we expect one new book per year.
I have enjoyed these novels so very much. Adjectives have not been created as of yet to describe them. Agent Pendergast is quite the enigma. I have read every one and I will read them from the beginning once again. Agent Pendergast’s brother was so brilliantly insane, (I use the term “was” loosely) I feel that he is not dead yet or perhaps his spawn will rear it’s half ugly head to create a new breed of terror and havoc. I can’t get enough of these books and I hope you will keep these amazing characters around for a long time to come. Thanks for the chills, thrills and jaw-drops!
The back story of nora kelly and smithback in Thunderhead is a must read. I think it is one of the best books these guys have written and would make an awesome base for a movie
I read my first Preston and Child novels while vacationing at Lake Powell 2 weeks of heaven.I hadn’t been a novel reader not really having the time too busy studying Medical Articles and Journals Text Books etc.
I had even forgotten how to read for pure enjoyment.
I friend had brought Still life With Crows and suggested I read it.He hadn’t a chance to read it yet so he told me to hurry.
I’m a fast reader so I said no problem.
I started reading and couldn’t stop…these books are so well written and intelligent.I was hooked.If you choose to read their books you will not be sorry but be warned they are extremely compelling and you will become addicted…but oh what a lovely addiction !
I just finished Crimson Shore. Please tell me that this is not the last of Pendergast. I hated the ending. He must be backed. Totally unaccepted that Pendergast is gone forwever. Please Please tell me I am wrong
Nop, it’s not the last one, don’t worry. A new one comes bit later on this year 🙂
When is the next Pendergast book coming out?
What Pendergast mystery will follow The Obsidian Chamber? The excerpt of the next Pendergast story doesn’t show a title. Has a title been named yet?
Pat M. August 8, 2017
I have read 7 of the books in order. I can’t wait to get the rest so I can continue the story. Great read.
I started w still life of crow by accident…I didn’t know what it was after that I was hooked my sister and I are now hooked and have bought every book in the series just so we could start from the beginning. Love these books best series I’ve found in years.
This series has caused many a sleepless night!! VERY hard to put down once you’ve started.