The Devil's Bible

A Cotton Malone Novel

By: Steve Berry

Narrated by: Scott Brick

From celebrated New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry comes the latest Cotton Malone adventure, a tale of mystery and intrigue stretching back over four centuries.

Former Justice Department operative, Cotton Malone, is called to Sweden when the younger sister of King Wilhelm I is kidnapped. The ransom demand? Hand over an 800-year-old book, the Codex Gigas—the largest illuminated medieval manuscript in the world. Claimed as war loot from Bohemia in 1648, it’s been kept in Stockholm for nearly 400 years. Along the way it also acquired another more mysterious moniker ... The Devil’s Bible.

Now the Czech Republic wants the codex back, and Sweden has agreed to return it, but forces are at work to stop that deal from happening. The likely instigator? Russia. Who is also top of the list for possible kidnappers. It’s up to Cotton and Cassiopeia Vitt to locate the king’s sister, secure the codex, and thwart the Russians. Yet nothing is as it seems.

Trusted allies become hostile enemies. Long-standing enemies suddenly shift into partners. Making matters worse, an array of conflicting personalities re-emerge from Cotton’s past, transforming an already chaotic international situation into something far more personal and deadly.

From the cobbled streets of Stockholm with its placid waterways and picturesque islands, to the hostile skies over the Baltic Sea, and finally onto a fabled 16th century Swedish warship, Cotton and Cassiopeia come face-to-face with the unthinkable—changing both of their lives forever.

Was ok

The story was ok but I found myself not paying attention multiple times.
The narrator was not a good fit in my opinion. He seemed to be trying to hard, especially during the “suspenseful “ high drama parts .

The majority of the story spans one day

But what a day. The princess of Sweden is kidnapped. The ransom? An illuminated manuscript known as The Devil's Bible. Throw in Cotton Malone, Cassiopeia Vitt, Stephanie Nell, assorted spies, counter-spies, assassins, billionaires, NATO membership, old friends and old adversaries, and you have a story where the status quo takes some serious hits and the world changes. Long time followers of the series will particularly be interested in this story. The generic blurb of "And things will never be the same", in this case is very true. Recommended.

Enjoyable Read until it’s not

Lots going on here. I love when Cotton and Catarina and Stephanie are in play. It flashed back a lot to their histories to build this story, which I didn’t fully understand until post epilogue. Frankly, I didn’t appreciate it while listening as much of it was repetitive. I was like okay, get to the movement! Loved the story but was not a fan of the ending for several reasons. Unfortunately that stained my view and I dropped a star.

Excellent Cotton Malone book!

Historical fiction at its best. Continues the great Cotton Malone series, but with a surprise ending.

great history and intrequeg

I understand why, but still sad at the end. (won't give it away, poor Stephanie)