Douglas Preston
Douglas Preston is an American author of thriller novels and non-fiction, best known for the collaborative works he writes with Lincoln Child. Born in 1956, Preston has co-authored numerous bestselling novels across multiple series, with the Pendergast series being his most famous creation.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Preston graduated from Pomona College and worked in publishing before becoming a full-time writer. His partnership with Lincoln Child has produced some of the most popular thriller novels of the past several decades, creating a body of work that spans multiple series and standalone novels.
Preston’s writing tends toward the intellectual and unusual, blending scientific concepts with thriller pacing. His novels often explore themes of history, science, and the supernatural, with plots that range from museum mysteries to deep conspiracies to ancient curses. The Pendergast series, in particular, is known for its blend of police procedural, horror, and thriller elements.
Biography
Before focusing on fiction writing, Preston worked at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, an experience that influenced many of his novels that take place in museum and archaeological settings. He has traveled extensively and incorporated his experiences into his fiction, creating richly detailed settings that give his stories authenticity and atmosphere.
Writing Style
Preston’s novels are characterized by meticulous research, intelligent plotting, and a willingness to blend genres. His thrillers incorporate elements of horror, science fiction, history, and mystery, creating stories that are both intellectually engaging and plot-driven. The Pendergast novels, in particular, are known for their unusual cases and Pendergast himself is an eccentric, brilliant protagonist who defies the mold of typical thriller heroes.
Major Series
Pendergast Reading Order
| Title | Published | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Relic | 1995 | Buy |
| Reliquary | 1997 | Buy |
| The Cabinet of Curiosities | 2001 | Buy |
| Still Life with Crows | 2003 | Buy |
| Brimstone | 2004 | Buy |
| Dance of Death | 2005 | Buy |
| The Book of the Dead | 2006 | Buy |
| The Wheel of Darkness | 2007 | Buy |
| Cemetery Dance | 2009 | Buy |
| Fever Dream | 2010 | Buy |
| Cold Vengeance | 2011 | Buy |
| Extraction | 2012 | Buy |
| Two Graves | 2012 | Buy |
| White Fire | 2013 | Buy |
| Blue Labyrinth | 2014 | Buy |
| Crimson Shore | 2015 | Buy |
| The Obsidian Chamber | 2016 | Buy |
| City of Endless Night | 2018 | Buy |