THE ALEXANDRIA LINK

Berry's novel aspires to be the latest incarnation of THE DA VINCI CODE. Retired Justice Department Investigator Cotton Malone's son is kidnapped by people seeking the "Alexandria Link." Of course, Malone, who is now a bookseller in Copenhagen, knows where the link is but cannot reveal it. The story travels the globe, ignoring history at every turn. No matter how hard he tries, Scott Brick cannot rescue this thriller, which is long and tedious. Brick uses all of the tricks in his arsenal, including the wry tone that sets him apart from most other narrators. In the end, despite Brick's efforts, THE ALEXANDRIA LINK remains the type of book that generates more controversy than it merits. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 07]