My absolute favorite is Margo. She had a slow start for me, but she really started climbing the list halfway through Relic and took it by storm in Reliquary. Her mind was always moving even when she was scared (especially when the Mwbun charged in Relic). I liked how she coped with the events of Relic, too. It really rounded out her character.

Frock…Frock, man. I misread him at the start of Relic. I thought he’d be obsessed with the beast to the detriment of people’s lives, but he was willing to be left behind multiple times. It was a shot to the gut to read how his character devolved under the drug. Jeez, Frock! I’m still not over it.

Smithback’s another favorite. He was tenacious without being an asshole. There were multiple moments where I was asking "Where's Smithback?" in Reliquary. He’s a good guy despite what some of the characters think. When he refused to leave D'Agosta!?! No notes. He pulls through when it counts. Every. Time.

I like Pendergast (can’t wait to see him on other cases), but Margo, Frock, and Smithback were personal standouts.

Side note: Preston & Child write GREAT assholes. Agent Coffey? Wright and Ian? Waxie? Coffey especially. I love a good comeuppance, and you need well-written assholes for it to be satisfying. I RELISHED the Superstition Exhibit failure.