Gideon's Sword

Library Journal Preston and Child have written 14 thrillers featuring somewhat restrained investigators (FBI Agent Pendergast and Lieutenant D'Agosta). Here, the duo kick off an action-packed new series introducing Gideon Crew, a brilliant young physicist and con artist on a mission to avenge his father's murder. Upon earning his doctorate, Crew works at the Los Alamos Labs as a high-explosives engineer. Simultaneously, he designs and executes a cunning plot to vindicate his slain father. Eli Glinn, the director of an engineering firm, recognizes Crew's skills and hires him as an independent contractor to analyze and prevent dangerous problems. For his first assignment, Crew must find a Chinese scientist soon to arrive in the United States with plans for a powerful and dangerous weapon. Crew must legally steal the plans for Glinn. The entertaining and engaging plot showcases Crew's sarcastic wit, impulsiveness, and unpredictable luck. VERDICT This exciting action/adventure with a hero reminiscent of Indiana Jones will be a treat for adventure/thriller fans. Paramount Pictures and Michael Bay will produce the movie version. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/10.]—Jerry P. Miller, Cambridge, MA