Product guide

Pendergast: The Beginning by Preston and Child

Pendergast: The Beginning by Preston and Child is an origin-story mystery following a young A. X. L. Pendergast and FBI partner Dwight Chambers as they investigate ritualistic murders in Mississippi. The listing describes a 384-page English-language edition, with the investigation escalating into further horror.

At a glance

Presents the origin story of FBI Special Agent A. X. L. Pendergast.
Pairs Pendergast with Dwight Chambers, whose life and work have been disrupted by personal loss.
The case begins with a peculiar Mississippi murder and develops into an investigation of ritualistic killings.

Price

$25.25Save 37%

Reference price: ~~$40.00~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

A defined origin-story premise offers Pendergast fans a look at his first case.
The plot description combines an FBI investigation with a supernatural-horror direction.
The listing specifies 384 pages, helping readers gauge the length of the edition.

Technical specifications

8 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Grand Central Publishing
Publication date	Jan. 27 2026
Language	English
Print length	384 pages
ISBN-10	1538765748
ISBN-13	978-1538765746

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	567 g
Dimensions	16.26 x 3.18 x 23.88 cm

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers following Agent Pendergast who want an origin story.
Mystery readers interested in FBI investigations with grisly, ritualistic crimes and a horror turn.
Readers looking for a 384-page English-language novel.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.7 / 5 · 8,519 ratings

5 stars79%79%
4 stars16%16%
3 stars4%4%
2 stars1%1%
1 star0%0%

Customer feedback describes the book as engaging and easy to keep reading, with particular appreciation for its twists, Pendergast’s character, and the writing. That response suits the listing’s investigative, escalating plot, but opinions do not establish whether the horror elements or the origin-story approach will suit every reader.

Positive themes

Readers describe the plot as gripping, with captivating twists and turns.
Customer comments appreciate learning more about Pendergast and his character.
Feedback praises the writing and describes the book as hard to put down.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pendergast: The Beginning about?

The listing describes FBI agent Dwight Chambers and his new partner A. X. L. Pendergast investigating a peculiar Mississippi murder that leads to a series of ritualistic killings.

Is this a Pendergast origin story?

Yes. The listing presents it as the origin story of Agent Pendergast and his first case.

How long is the book?

The listing gives a print length of 384 pages.