"The Cabinet of Dr. Leng" by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is the 21st installment in the long-running Agent Pendergast series, and it delivers a thrilling blend of science fiction, historical fiction, and psychological suspense. Released in 2023, this novel builds on the events of its predecessor, Bloodless, while setting the stage for future adventures.
The story follows FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast and his ward, Constance Greene, as they navigate parallel timelines and high-stakes mysteries. Constance travels back to 1880s New York City using a time machine in an attempt to save her siblings from the clutches of Dr. Enoch Leng, a notorious serial killer and Pendergast's ancestor. Meanwhile, Pendergast works feverishly in the present to reunite with Constance and stop Leng’s sinister plans.
Preston and Child excel at weaving multiple plotlines together seamlessly. The narrative alternates between Constance's perilous mission in Gilded Age New York and Pendergast's contemporary investigations alongside his allies, Vincent D’Agosta and Armstrong Coldmoon. The authors’ signature style—short chapters, relentless pacing, and intricate plotting—keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
The richly detailed historical setting of 1880s New York is one of the novel's highlights. Constance’s journey through high society, her daring attempts to outwit Leng, and her encounters with historical challenges are vividly portrayed. At the same time, the modern-day storyline adds layers of mystery and tension as Pendergast confronts both personal loss and professional obstacles.
While fans of the series will appreciate the callbacks to earlier books and character arcs, newcomers may find some elements confusing without prior knowledge of the series. Additionally, the book ends on a significant cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
In conclusion, The Cabinet of Dr. Leng is a masterfully crafted thriller that combines time travel, historical intrigue, and psychological depth. Preston and Child continue to demonstrate their expertise in creating suspenseful narratives that captivate both longtime fans and new readers alike. This installment is a must-read for anyone who enjoys intelligent thrillers with a supernatural twist.

I used to follow the Pendergast mystery and/ or thriller series since its inception many books ago. I enjoyed the early books but in recent years the novels have not captivated me. Thanks to NetGalley I jumped back into the series with the 21st episode by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child entitled “The Cabinet of Dr. Leng.” My flash opinion: This chapter had a solid mix of action and intrigue. I (sort of) feel like this series has “jumped the shark” with its time travel, noooo, parallel universe. aAlso. I enjoyed the mysterious Pendergast more than the enigmatic Constance ( but I am old school so that may be more about me.). And finally what about that “ending?” I’m still not over Tolkien’s “The Two Towers” ending…or was it?

I am writing to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read "The Cabinet of Dr. Leng" by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child. Although I finished reading this book after its January 17, 2023, release, I'm only now reviewing it. I apologize for the delay in writing this review.

At the beginning of the novel, Constance travels back in time via a time machine to the 1880s to prevent her older sister and brother from being murdered by a serial killer, Dr. Enoch Leng. Dr. Leng is also the ancestor of Constance's partner, FBI Special Agent Pendergast. Concurrently, in modern-day New York, another investigation is underway into the murder of a Native American and the theft of artifacts that belonged to Sitting Bull; these two investigations occasionally cross paths and end in suspenseful cliffhangers that will keep you on the edge of your seat, craving for more.

Overall, "The Cabinet of Dr. Leng" is a thrilling rollercoaster ride with non-stop, edge-of-your-seat action and engaging events in parallel New York timelines. Unfortunately, both investigations ended with cliffhangers. I enjoyed keeping up with the events in parallel (present and past) in New York; there is never a dull moment. Dr. Leng is an evil genius who is a stone-cold killer; his henchman is bloodthirsty and cruel, too. Is Constance able to save her siblings? Does Special Agent Pendergast travel back to the 1880s to assist her? Are they able to thwart Dr. Leng? The book concludes by introducing a new character, Diogenes Pendergast, and leaving me eagerly anticipating the next installment, "The Angel of Vengeance," slated for release this month. Despite "The Cabinet of Dr. Leng" being the third book in the series, I found it easy to follow the story and deeply connect with the richly developed characters.

3.5 out of 5 stars

THE CABINET OF DR. LENG – Book 21 In The Pendergast Series

– by Douglas Preston and Lee Child

I have been a fan of Preston and Child Books for a long time, so I know going into each tome is one I will enjoy, and this book is no different. Within the pages are two alternating timelines—1880 via time-travel and present-day, New York—coupled with a multiple murder mystery led by FBI Agent Armstrong Coldmoon and Lieutenant Commander Vincent D’Agosta.

I have yet to read THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES or BLOODLESS, the books that precede THE CABINET OF DR. LENG, however, admittedly, reading them in order will allow for a seamless cohesion.

Now, the only question is, do I jump into THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES or continue my journey with a deep dive into Book 22, wherein I climb up the cliff that Preston and Child left me hanging from, though I know many of you have been dangling a lot longer with anticipation.

ANGEL OF VENGEANCE Book 22 comes out on August 13, 2024, though the release date is subject to change.

Yes!

Thank you, NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing (Hachette Book Group, Inc.), for providing me with an ebook of THE CABINET OF DR. LENG at the request of an honest review.

Preston & Child’s latest installment, *Dr. Leng*, plunges readers into a riveting journey through time, blending historical intrigue with a contemporary thriller. This novel follows the enigmatic Constance Greene and the ever-determined Professor Pendergast as they navigate the perilous landscape of 1880s New York.

The story kicks off with Constance making an unexpected journey into the past, a move that has the potential to alter the present in unpredictable ways. Pendergast, devastated by Constance’s departure and fearful for her safety against the sinister Dr. Leng, recruits Detective D'Agosta for a high-stakes mission: travel back in time to save Constance, fully aware that they might never return to their present lives.

Readers are transported to the 1800s through vivid and immersive descriptions of the era’s sights, sounds, and societal norms. The detailed world-building, from the clothing to the manner of speech, makes the historical setting come alive. However, the narrative doesn't shy away from highlighting the era's challenges, including the indignities faced by women and the harsh realities of daily life.

Preston & Child’s meticulous research shines through, grounding the novel’s fantastical elements in a believable and richly detailed historical context. The characters' dialogue and physical mannerisms are expertly crafted, enhancing the authenticity of the time-travel experience.

The novel is a thrilling mix of entertainment, mystery, and danger. The story is packed with non-stop action and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. However, the cliffhanger ending may leave some feeling frustrated and eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Longtime fans of the Pendergast series will appreciate the depth of character development and the answers provided about Constance Greene's enigmatic past. The introduction of Armstrong Coldmoon as a significant force in the story adds a fresh dynamic, promising intriguing developments in future books.

For newcomers, *Dr. Leng* can be enjoyed as a standalone, but reading the previous books will provide a richer understanding of the characters' backgrounds and intricate relationships. Despite its cliffhanger, the novel is a must-read for Preston & Child enthusiasts, offering a thrilling ride through time that is both dark and exhilarating.

*Dr. Leng* is an intelligent, well-crafted thriller that seamlessly blends historical fiction with time-travel adventure. Its compelling characters, meticulous research, and suspenseful plot make it a standout addition to the Pendergast series. Fans and new readers alike will find themselves eagerly awaiting the next installment in this gripping saga.

Another great entry in the FBI Special Agent Pendergast series with this one having a particular focus on his companion Constance Greene. Constance is faced with the opportunity to right past wrongs but has to avoid the deadly genius of Dr. Leng who is never at a true disadvantage.

I really enjoyed this title. I loved how there were multiple time lines going on in the story and the mystery surrounding it all. Ends on a cliffhanger which makes me need to continue on to se ehow the story continues

I picked this one up numerous times trying to make it through but it was eventually a DNF for me about 30% of the way through. I didn't care about any of the characters and the time jumps and character jumps couldn't keep my interest.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

"The Cabinet of Dr. Leng" is a captivating and chilling novella that takes readers on a journey into the mysterious and macabre. Written by Jonathan Ballagh, this dark fantasy work pays homage to the eerie tales of H.P. Lovecraft and other masters of cosmic horror. et in an atmospheric and otherworldly landscape, the story unfolds with a sense of impending doom. Dr. Leng, a mysterious and enigmatic figure, becomes the center of a narrative that blends horror, fantasy, and psychological tension. The titular cabinet holds secrets that transcend the boundaries of the known, and as the characters delve deeper into its mysteries, the line between reality and nightmare blurs.

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

Ebook/Pseudoscience: It took me forever to get to this book because I didn't realize I was four books behind.
I am really starting to dislike Pendergast. I still hate Constance and thought she should have been left back in time.
I enjoyed Bloodless until the ending with the time machine. Albert Einstein theory that one cannot go back in time, only forward has never been disproved; while jumping forward in time has only been done for a percentage of a second with light. So I threw reality out the window and just went with it. Constance is so selfish. Pendergast is a snob who eat octopus. Proctor is a jerk. Everyone else I like to the point I am enjoying the Nora books more. This is not a book I would ever reread like Riptide, which is one of my all time favorite books.
The issue I had with this book is it basically has no plot...or ending. The is no background on Dr Leng and why he does evil acts. He's mentally ill, but has money and prestige. He's like Joseph McCarthy and folks just go with what he says. I wanted an ending where someone stands up to him, or Constance, or even Pendergast.

Three stories on 2 timelines. This seems to be the way this series is written but I found it boring. Perhaps if I had read the earlier books in the series I would be more forgiving.

This book made me an instant fan of Preston and Child. I can’t believe I haven’t read any of their early works before and this one didn’t disappoint! Even though I haven’t read the previous books, this one gave me a summary of what exactly happened and it made it easier to follow the story. I’m in love with the setting of the book and most especially the time travel. It introduced me to a few awesome characters and now I find myself reading the very first book of this series as well. I highly recommend this read!

. Constance is the finally given a major role and boy is it a doozy. She has meticulously made a decision that will affect not only what happens in the past but also in the future. Having used the time machine to go back to her past, she is determined to save her brother and sister. Unfortunately, her actions draw the attention of the very man she is determined to end.
Meanwhile, Pendergast is at his wit's end trying to figure out how he can rescue Constance before what he fears happens.
We get little glimpses of characters who before now, were not too well known. Proctor especially had some interesting things to say.
This is my favorite of the Pendergast books so far, and I think the best., It was a wonderful mix of horror, thriller, suspense and science fiction. It was a cliffhanger, in fact, the last page had me gasping in disbelief. Now how to pass the time until the next book comes out.
Thanks the NetGalley for the ARC. My review is voluntary.

Another great read and adventure! Preston and Child deliver again with a gripping thriller! You can't put it down and you won't want to!!!

I loved the book. I did get a little lost a couple times during the transitions from past to future, but that was ok. The future did come with more research and questioning of subjects than action, I thought. The past with Constance on the hunt for her siblings was fantastic. The scenes moved fast but the narrative flowed very well with the topic for both Constance and Pendigrass. My favorite part is when Constance takes her jewels to Tiffany’s. The story she threaded together was magnificent. In some strange way, I was able to follow along. Kuntz on the other hand, I don’t know. The action was great and the characters are marvelous. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment of Agent Pendergast. Loved the sections with Lt. Commander D'Agosta (always an old favorite) and FBI Special Agent Coldmoon (a new favorite). Totally thrown by the unexpected visitor at the end 😉. Can't wait until the next installment 🥰.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Eh. This book was really thrilling, but somehow also just seemed to drag on and on. It ends on a cliffhanger and I do want to know what happens next, but also I hope the next book doesn’t drag so much.

And I thought The Crooked River.was the best book I ever read
Hah no so fast.missy

Agent Pendegeast has always held a.speciial place on my bookshelf
So I'm not surprised how much I loved this book..
He is like no other and it has everything you would expect from these exceptional people

They give new meaning to the word cliffhanger to say.the least though

I appreciate the opportunity
I am..excired for the next.one
You are both wonderful beyond words.
The book is wonderful and I thank you forever.