Because I work in the children’s section, I like to joke that I haven’t read an adult book in over a year. While this is not true, as I loved Don Delillo’s last book Point Omega last February, it often feels like it. To get back in touch with the adult world, I decided to pick up Steve Berry’s new book The Emperor’s Tomb.
Berry has been a favorite of mine since I read The Romanov Prophecy during my obsession with Anastasia, and the mystery around her disappearance and her family’s demise back in ’04. Since then, as Berry developed his books around the recurring character of Cotton Malone, I have enjoyed getting to know the former Justice Department operative. When we first met Malone he was living in Copenhagen trying to run a bookstore. I say trying because, for six books, Malone has been dragged back into the world of historic mystery and theft, whether it was to help a friend or because it was the right thing to do.
In Berry’s newest book, Malone must come to the aid of his long time friend Cassiopeia Vitt. When Malone gets a message that leads to a video of Cassiopeia being tortured, he is at a loss of what to do to help. He has no idea what she has gotten herself into, but he knows that Cassiopeia needs his help. This novel is filled with old and new mysteries and a battle between countries that feels much older than this story.
One reason I find myself coming back to Berry’s works is the history he includes in his novels. Much of this book involves China’s historical background and how it has influenced their current situation. If you have never read Steve Berry’s works, this novel would be a great place to start. And better yet, come out tonight to hear Steve talk about his novels. Steve Berry will be here tonight to sign at 5:00, with a reading at 5:30.
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