Steve Berry’s books seem to be everywhere: in drug stores, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Borders, and Barnes & Noble. So I figured I’d pick one up and read it. I chose The Templar Legacy because I’ve always had an interest in the Templars. This happens to be the first book to feature Cotton Malone, a former government agent who’s retired and become a bookstore owner. And, of course, the core of The Templar Legacy are the secrets to be found in rare books. There’s some gunplay, action, codes, and plenty of puzzles. In a lot of ways, The Templar Legacy resembles a low-rent version of Angles & Demons and The Da Vinci Code. I found out a lot about the Templars, but Steve Berry’s explanations resemble info-dumps. If you enjoy this kind of historical puzzle novel, The Templar Legacy earns a mild recommendation. GRADE: B-
Seems these days if you put the word “Templar” on the cover of a book (or film, or TV show) you sell a lot of copies. Apparently these books are created (or named) to meet the needs of Dan Brown fans who want more of the same, something most readers seem to want. I guess I can’t blame them, when I find something I really like, I want more of it too.
You’re exactly right about the marketing strategy behind THE TEMPLAR LEGACY, Rick. And, it seems to be working because I see Steve Berry’s books everywhere. They must be selling a ton of them.