Agnes Torres cleaned the house of art critic Jeremy Grove.  As she was reporting to work, she noticed a light on in the attic.  This seemed very strange since it was only 7:00 A.M. and Mr. Grove did not get out of bed until noon.  As she entered the house, there was a strange smell - almost like something was cooking but she couldn't figure out exactly where.  Everything looked like the way she left it the day before.  She finally realized the smell was coming from above.  The attic consisted of one long hall with a number of bathrooms, a playroom and several children's bedrooms.  She noticed a light under the door of the last bedroom.  As she got closer, the smell got worse.  The door was locked.  She pushed the door and got her head inside.  What she discovered was quite a shock!  There was Mr. Grove's smoldering body with a melted cross branding his chest.  There was a hoof print singed into the floorboards and the smell of brimstone reeked throughout the room.

Legend has it that something like this happens to someone who makes a pact with the devil.  Is this what happened to Mr. Grove? 

Agent Pedergast works with police officers Vincent D'Agosta and Laura Hayward to investigate.  What do they discover?

This is a must read book.  There is no other way to say it.  The book is intriguing and packed with suspense.   Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child have outdone themselves.  The last book I read by them was "Still Life With the Crows".  That book was excellent.  I didn't think they could top that one.  They did!  You will enjoy this one even more.   Another plus is Agent Pendergast.  You have to love him.  This book is highly recommended. 

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE REVIEWER, NANCY EATON