Cold Vengeance (novel)

Cold Vengeance is a crime thriller novel written by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, published in 2011. It is the eleventh book featuring Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast.

The novel follows Pendergast as he continues his pursuit of those responsible for the apparent death of his wife, Helen, twelve years prior. He is driven by newly uncovered evidence suggesting that Helen was not killed by a lion in Africa, as he had always believed, but was in fact murdered. His investigation leads him to a complex conspiracy involving advanced scientific research, secret organizations, and individuals determined to prevent him from uncovering the truth.

Cold Vengeance delves into themes of grief, revenge, and the lengths to which someone will go to avenge a loved one. It explores Pendergast's character in depth, revealing his vulnerabilities and highlighting his relentless dedication to justice. The narrative employs the authors' signature blend of suspense, scientific intrigue, and historical elements, characteristic of the Pendergast series. The novel is known for its intricate plot twists and turns, and the morally ambiguous actions taken by the protagonist in his quest for retribution. The events of Cold Vengeance have significant repercussions for the Pendergast series, shaping future storylines and character arcs.