The Eight

A Novel

By: Katherine Neville

Narrated by: Susan Denaker

New York City, 1972 - A dabbler in mathematics and chess, Catherine Velis is also a computer expert for a Big Eight accounting firm. Before heading off to a new assignment in Algeria, Cat has her palm read by a fortune teller. The woman warns Cat of danger. Then an antiques dealer approaches Cat with a mysterious offer: He has an anonymous client who is trying to collect the pieces of an ancient chess service, purported to be in Algeria. If Cat can bring the pieces back, there will be a generous reward.

The south of France, 1790 - Mireille de Rémy and her cousin Valentine are young novices at the fortress-like Montglane Abbey. With France aflame in revolution, the two girls burn to rebel against constricted convent life - and their means of escape is at hand. Buried deep within the abbey are pieces of the Montglane Chess Service, once owned by Charlemagne. Whoever reassembles the pieces can play a game of unlimited power. But to keep the Game a secret from those who would abuse it, the two young women must scatter the pieces throughout the world....

©1988 Katherine Neville (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Even readers with no interest in chess will be swept up into this astonishing fantasy-adventure....destined to become a cult classic." (Publishers Weekly)

“With alchemical skill, Neville blends modern romance, historical fiction, and medieval mystery...and comes up with gold.” (People)

“A big, rich, two-tiered confection of a novel...a rousing, amusing game.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

"Readers thrilled by The Da Vinci Code will relish the multi-layered secrets of The Eight.” (Matthew Pearl, author of The Dante Club)

What a fun ride

This story was very enjoyable, switching back and forth between the distant past and the near past. While there were elements of the story that were very far fetched, I still enjoyed the story and the characters. I also enjoyed the idea of the story being a chess game, it made me think about chess again and that was quite unexpected.

Great for Mystery and Complex Plot

Would you listen to The Eight again? Why?

I would listen to The Eight again, probably to pick up on things that I did not get the first time. The plot is very complex and cross generational, so it does care concentration to really follow along. I would recommend this to someone who want to dig deep into a book. Not for someone that is just looking for entertainment.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mireille is my favorite for her rich descriptions and bold actions. She seems some what fearless and so smart at the same time.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, you need to take it is doses over time.

Treasure hunt. Fun but too much chess.

This is actually the first book I've met that would really have been helped by being abridged. I think they would have removed a great deal of the chess stuff and it would have ended up being a better story for it. As it ended up, it could have been any items so all the endless chess storyline was really not necessary to the story and incredibly boring to people who don't like chess.

A story with everything...

It has mystery, adventure, a tiny bit of romance, deceit, murder, travel, history, mathematics, foreign language, codes, puzzles and chess! Everything I like!!😂 I could not put it down!!

Love this twisty plot!

Great listen. The plot touches on the many influential figures in history and makes you want to investigate more.