Preston & Child – The Obsidian Chamber – Review

 

The Obsidian Chamber follows the Crimson Shore, bringing the tale full circle; #15 and #16 respectively. Arguably one is not required to read the Pendergast series in order. Though reading these 2 novels consequentially, made the reading experience, for me at least, that much more enjoyable. See my review on Crimson Shore:

https://sychronicity1.blogspot.com/2022/08/preston-child-crimson-shore-review.html

Obsidian is a volcanic glass formed when lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. It is an gneous rock. (Wikipedia) The Obsidian “Chamber” in the novel is a “meditation” space, made from the substance, used by our antagonist located on an island in Key West. To reveal who our antagonist is might be a spoiler for some (if so, stop reading now) though Agent Pendergast's evil twin, Diogenes, appears to be alive.

Pendergast's mysterious “ward” is the main character in this tale. While Pendergast is assumed dead by drowning, as told in the previous novel, Constance is living once again in the underground chambers below 891 Riverside Drive in an attempt to deal with the loss of her protector and love, Agent Pendergast.

A character in this series that is only mentioned occasionally is Pendergast's Chauffeur and bodyguard, Proctor. Late in the morning, Proctor is attacked from behind, a hypodermic needle pressed against his throat. Proctor recognizes the voice as he slips into unconsciousness. He wakes up a few minutes later to see Constance being pushed into a black SUV and racing off into the streets of Manhattan. Proctor gives chase, following Constance and her kidnappers across the planet ending up in the deserts of Africa.

(I felt sorry for Proctor at the book's end).

I've always been intrigued by the character Constance Green. She is a throwback to the 19th-century New York elite. I believe the character was introduced in The Cabinet of Curiosities so long ago. As the series progresses, we gain insight into the beautiful woman's mysterious past. In The Obsidian Chamber, her past is revealed as her strange connections to the Pendergast family line.

Personally, when reading Gothic tales and Science Fiction, I must consciously turn on my 'suspension of disbelief”, to enjoy the story. Not so in this series because over so many years, the characters and their ongoing adventures has become a part of my imaginary-reading world.

The Pendergast series is recommended to readers for pure entertainment.