Still Life with Crows

In the middle of cornfields, under the scorching sun, a deadly evil awakens… Special Agent Pendergast arrives in the sleepy Kansas town of Medicine Creek to help solve a strange case during his holiday, at his own expense – the brutal death of a young woman whose body has been desecrated in a horrific way. The number of victims soon grows, and all are arranged in morbid 'still lifes' that would make even the most hardened police officers' blood run cold. Sheriff Hazen, facing unusual media attention and pressure from the terrified residents, welcomes the presence of the eccentric but effective FBI investigator, even though he chooses local teenager Corrie, with the look and reputation of an incorrigible rebel, as his assistant. The lawman finds it much harder to accept the idea that such terrifying crimes could be committed by someone with whom he has shared a home for years and whose protection he has dedicated his life to. And how do the nearby Mounds, hiding ancient Native American artefacts, connect to all this? Special Agent Pendergast has a gift for appearing at the scenes of the most bizarre crimes, and the heinous ritual murders among the endless cornfields of Cry County certainly fall into that category. The fourth in the series of cases featuring the unique investigator from New Orleans. “Brilliant! Tense and readable to the very last page.” – from reader reviews on Databazeknih.cz “The fourth and, for me, the best instalment in the series so far. The change of setting and most of the characters was definitely a good thing, and the plot in a small town in the middle of cornfields is a great choice.” – from reader reviews on Databazeknih.cz “Preston and Child reach a new level of suspense-building in this instalment. Pendergast, elegant and sinisterly calm, in contrast with the dusty and paranoid environment of Kansas, creates a fascinating dynamic that won’t let the reader go until the very last line.” – Publishers Weekly “This is more than just a detective story; it’s a tale that carries echoes of a gothic novel and a brutal thriller. The authors masterfully work with myth, history, and the fear of the unknown, while the character of Corrie Swanson adds a necessary human dimension and vulnerability to Pendergast’s investigation.” – Booklist “The murders in Medicine Creek are terrifying and bizarre, but the book's real strength is the way the authors uncover the rot beneath the surface of a seemingly peaceful small town. Pendergast is portrayed here as someone who sees the truth through layers of centuries-old prejudices and secrets.” – Kirkus Reviews “How’d you find out about the murder so quick?” Pendergast paused. “By arrangement, I have a man in my office who monitors the wire and e-mail reports of various local investigative bodies. Whenever a crime of a certain category occurs, I am informed immediately. But as I mentioned, I am here for personal reasons, having recently concluded a rather exhausting investigation back East. This case, rather, aroused my curiosity because of its somewhat, mmm, interesting execution.” The tone in which the man said “interesting” sent a shiver down Tad’s spine. “And what ‘certain category’ would that be?” The sarcasm returned to the sheriff’s voice. “Multiple homicide.” “Come on, now, so far I’ve only seen one murder.” The man turned slowly. He fixed his cold grey eyes on Sheriff Hazen. In a very quiet voice, he said: “So far.” – excerpt from the book