The Third Gate: A Novel

Well done. The detail, the history, the edge-of-your-seat story telling and a most excellent character in Jeremy Logan make this impossible to put down.

I’ve read 4 books in this series thus far and this is by far the best. If you enjoyed book 1 and 2 then you’ll love this one. It can also be read as a stand alone.

This was an enjoyable book, although not quite what I expected. An archaeological expedition is attempting to locate the tomb of an ancient Pharaoh in hopes of recovering a fabled crown. In order to accomplish this, a team of experts in varying fields are assembled, including the book’s protagonist, Dr. Jeremy Logan, a renowned enigmaoligist (loved his profession).The search is orchestrated in the middle of a repugnant swampy river of rotting vegetation and muck called The Sudd (which is so brilliantly described by the author, it becomes a character in itself).I’m a fan of Mr. Child’s coauthored Pendergast novels with Douglas Preston and I’ve loved most of his solo efforts, especially Terminal Freeze which was a scary, riveting read and still an all-time favorite of mine. I was hoping The Third Gate would give me that same creepy, anxious feeling of suspense as Terminal Freeze, but I found a good portion of it to be plodding. The premise is certainly interesting, but it took so long for anything to actually happen, and then when it did, the incidents were a bit of a let-down. I guess I was expecting more of the team dealing with the curse as their numbers were whittled away. The first half of the book is mostly comprised of set-up for the action at the end.It’s obvious a lot of thought and creativity went into this novel, and the writing reflects that. I wasn’t sold on the ending, but the entire premise is still spinning around in my head a day later, so I guess that’s a good sign.This was a decent novel, just not the breathless, fast-paced read I was expecting. It’s more focused on science than thrills. The Egyptology thread is riveting and the dots are well-connected, if fantastical. I have no problem suspending belief when I pick up a novel by Mr. Child -- I fully expect to be transported to areas of thought and credence not normally embraced – but prefer the rush of breathless suspense to crossed T’s and dotted I’s.One of the pitfalls of being such a successful author is fan expectation. We anticipate a home run every time. The Third Gate was more like a triple play for me, but I’m certainly glad I spent the time within its pages. I look forward to the next release from Mr. Child, and consider myself a fan for life!

The Third Gate combines the best efforts of a leading Egyptologist, enigmologist (someone who specializes in enigmas), an uber-rich treasure hunter, a spattering of archeologists, the best high technologists money can buy, medical doctors, a previously dead woman, and a space station-like work center. All this and these sit amid the world’s most formidable and impenetrable swamp called the Sudd on the Nile River.No expenses have been spared in setting up a self-sufficient, scientifically competent, well supplied lab and tunnel visioned task force dedicated to finding the unbelievably well hidden tomb of an ancient pharaoh. There is also a curse worthy to be called a curse.Lincoln Child did his homework to come up with this techno archaic science fiction fact-filled fiction novel that throws in sufficient names and real historical instances to establish credibility with the story line. The author’s in-depth research is apparent and produces an interesting read that moves along quickly and has a surprise at every juncture.This treasure hunting backdrop combines its suspense and often eerie sequence of events with the subject of near death experiences. The reader is presented with the unique possibility of invasion or possession of a body by a spirit other than that of the deceased due to modern medicine taking too long to resuscitate the almost corpse.If one believes in the occult afterlife that prompted the building of the pyramids and well stocked tombs of the early Egyptian kings or pharaohs, this book will guarantee aaahs and ooohs. Egyptology tidbits will delight the discerning history buff.Fighting the looming deadline of a dam completion that will terminate their efforts, the crew of this discovery operation tastes victory, albeit short lived. The terrible wrath and power of something or someone lashes out to wreak havoc on the modern humans that have set their greedy minds on ransacking the ancient sacred tomb and disturbing the rest of its chief occupant.The interesting death duel that ensues diminishes the edge provided by science and money and ushers many of the best equipped and brilliant professionals into the netherworld they so ineptly and sacreligiously have invaded.The final battle against the terrible and sickening Sudd swamp is masterfully waged by Lincoln Child as he describes the ugliest, most repulsive, completely overwhelming, naturally produced slime and pit of decay imaginable.The plot is somewhat predictable, but the twists and turn are priceless and leave the reader wanting more. The characters are charming, greedy, believable, well crafted, and interesting. Nothing was left out of this fine work of a highly creative imagination and excellent wordsmith. The reader can almost smell the rotting botanical ooze, feel the mosquitoes and hear them buzz, and in the end, feel the compressed mass become a death shroud about their sinking bodies.This book is recommended for anyone who really likes adventure mixed with reality and fed to them as fast as they can devour it.

The book was well written, the characters well developed. I enjoyed learning about ancient Egypt. I read the book in less than a day and was surprised when I read the last page that there wasn't anything more. I hope this isn't a spoiler, but I feel that Jeremy didn't earn his keep. He was supposed to determine if the accidents were just accidents or something else. He was not completely truthful, and he kept his feelings of an evil presence to himself. Don't know if it would have helped if he had warned everyone or not; however, it was his job to do that.

Lincoln Child never disappoints! I had trouble putting this one down. I was always fascinated with ancient Egypt, it's mystery adds to the appeal of this book. A great read!

Enough of the unexplained to make it interesting. Not too much to spoil the story. Some good characters, good imagination and a few twists and turns.

Enjoyed this book, it was nice getting to know more of the story of Logan, and look forward to reading more in this series.

I signed up on the waiting list for this because I am a fan of Lincoln Child's other solo books and what he has written with Douglas Preston. The Third Gate is a teeny bit disappointing by comparison - a single line plot with weak characterisation and predictable finish. But the situation is original and the action fast-paced and exciting.

Having read "The forgotten room" I was keen to read another of Lincoln Child's Dr Jeremy Logan books. This did not disappoint. Intriguing, exciting, an excellent story, unputdownable. If you have an interest in ancient Egypt, this is a good book for you.

Decently paced but the characters seem under developed. It's difficult to care about any of them despite a good plot