Review: Pendergast: The Beginning by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, performed by Jefferson Mays
Pendergast: The Beginning by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is the latest audiobook in the Pendergast series and a full prequel that takes us back to Agent A.X.L. Pendergast’s very first case. I’ve listened to every audiobook in this series, so going back to the start felt both interesting and strangely familiar at the same time.
The story follows a young Pendergast at the beginning of his FBI career, partnered with Special Agent Dwight Chambers. Chambers is dealing with personal loss, while Pendergast is still finding his place within the Bureau. What begins as a strange murder investigation in Mississippi slowly develops into something much darker and more unsettling. The mystery builds gradually, and even as a longtime listener who knows where the series eventually goes, I never felt like this was just filling in gaps. Instead, it adds real context to the character we’ve come to know so well.
It is nice hearing how Pendergast’s traits take shape, his way of thinking, his calm confidence, and his slightly unsettling presence are all there, just not fully formed yet. That makes this book entertaining, if you already know the later entries in the series.
Over the years, the Pendergast audiobooks have had several narrators, with early books narrated by Dick Hill and Scott Brick, and later the late Rene Auberjonois became, for many listeners, the defining voice of Pendergast. More recently, Jefferson Mays has taken over the role. If I remember correctly, he may have started around Crooked River, and since then he has really made the part his own. In this prequel, he continues to delight and entertain. His performance feels measured and natural, and he clearly understands the rhythm and personality of the character. He doesn’t try to imitate previous narrators, but still respects what came before him.
The pacing is steady, the story is clear, and the narration is spot on. It feels confident and comfortable, which suits a series this established.
For longtime fans, this prequel adds depth and makes the whole series feel richer. For new listeners, it works as a clean entry point into the world of Pendergast. Either way, it’s a satisfying listen and a reminder of why this series has been one of my favorites for so many years.
Victor Dima
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