The Lincoln Myth
Cotton Malone Series Book 9
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Synopsis
September, 1861: All is not as it seems. With these cryptic words, a shocking secret passed down from president to president comes to rest in the hands of Abraham Lincoln. And as the first bloody clashes of the Civil War unfold, Lincoln alone must decide how best to use this volatile knowledge: Save thousands of American lives? Or keep the young nation from being torn apart forever?
The present: In Utah, the fabled remains of Mormon pioneers, whose 19th century expedition across the desert met with a murderous end, have been uncovered. In Washington, D.C., the official investigation of a international entrepreneur, an elder in the Mormon church, has sparked a political battle between the White House and a powerful United States senator. In Denmark, a Justice Department agent, missing in action, has fallen into the hands of a dangerous zealot - a man driven by divine visions to make a prophet's words reality. And in a matter of a few short hours, Cotton Malone has gone from quietly selling books at his shop in Denmark to dodging bullets in a high-speed boat chase.
All it takes is a phone call from his former boss in Washington, and suddenly the ex-agent is racing to rescue an informant carrying critical intelligence. It's just the kind of perilous business that Malone has been trying to leave behind, ever since he retired from the Justice Department. But once he draws enemy blood, Malone is plunged into a deadly conflict - a constitutional war secretly set in motion over 200 years ago by America's Founding Fathers.
From the streets of Copenhagen to the catacombs of Salzburg to the rugged mountains of Utah, the grim specter of the Civil War looms as a dangerous conspiracy gathers power. Malone risks life, liberty, and his greatest love in a race for the truth about Abraham Lincoln ---- while the fate of the United States of America hangs in the balance.
"There are echoes of both Robert Ludlum and John le Carré in this revisionist tale that makes masterful use of history. Berry has upped his game another level and the result is a perfect thriller in every respect."
— Providence Journal
“Every American should read Steve Berry’s new novel.”
— Florida Times Union
"Berry uses his extensive knowledge of law and history for an alternate look at events in U.S. history, and he has delivered a compelling story that's his best novel in years."
— Associated Press
"Bestseller Berry’s 9th Cotton Malone thriller provides startling new perspectives on the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and Abraham Lincoln’s decision to fight the Civil War . . . (His) skillful blend of history and supposition will intrigue his many fans."
— Publisher's Weekly
"This book will get you stirred up and give you a thoughtful and excellent read.”
— Lincoln Journal Star
"The history that Berry weaves into his plot makes this latest Cotton Malone novel really shine. Fast-paced action and intriguing characters add up to a fascinating and suspenseful story."
— Romantic Times
"All action all the time as (Cotton) Malone once again yanks civilization back from the precipice."
— Kirkus
"An enjoyable novel. Readers will learn much about Lincoln, Mormons, the Constitution, and secession that they did not previously know – and which is pertinent in today’s polarized world."
— Historical Novel Society
"Steve Berry is again at his best creating an incredible plot for this novel (the ninth book in his series of Cotton Malone novels) and manages to weave facts with fiction in this gripping thriller."
— The Sun Daily (Malaysia)
"Like Berry’s earlier books — The Templar Legacy, The Jefferson Key, to name a few — this one too is a slick speculative thriller that combines a present-day crisis with centuries-old history. In this case, going right back to the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence."
— Deccan Herald (India)
"New York Times Bestselling author Steve Berry delivers. Big Time.”
— Lou Dobbs, FoxBusiness
"Whether speculative or true, the history that is at the center of The Lincoln Myth is enough to raise serious questions about the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. The combination of American history with provocative modern themes fuels this thought-provoking thriller, a well-researched work filled with non-stop, globe-hopping action. From Steve Berry and his favorite protagonist, we would expect no less."
— bookreporter.com
FROM THE BLOG WORLD
"Steve Berry has so seamlessly woven fact with fiction in The Lincoln Myth that it will make readers question what they know about President Lincoln, the Civil War, and the Constitution of the United States. The writing is smooth and effortless with a nice blend of description and action. Realistic characters help to drive this well-thought out plot in a standout thriller guaranteed to raise questions in readers’ minds."
— examiner.com
"Again, Berry has delivered an engrossing, multi-layered tale of courage, camaraderie, love, and patriotism, in the midst of an ever-changing world that remains strongly tied to our historic but still fluid past."
— Jacob Sahms, mustardseedthoughts.wordpress.com
"The Lincoln Myth is the ninth Cotton Malone book. While many the characters carry over throughout the series and Cotton’s personal life progresses from book to book, each plot stands completely on its own leaving readers free to pick the books that deal with a historical era, place or person that interests them. In this case, history buffs interested in the Civil War, Lincoln, Mormonism, or the Constitution will find this a book that raises some interesting “what ifs.” Of course, fans of Cotton Malone are in for a summer treat."
— bestesellersworld.com
"Get ready for spine-tingling adventure and an in-depth history lesson into the Constitution of the United States of America and the Mormons, especially the untold story from the point of view of Mr. Berry’s imagination. The author weaves his fiction so skillfully into the facts that it’s impossible to tell where one ends and the other begins. Cotton Malone, retired Justice Department agent, races in on his white horse at full speed to protect and serve."
— goodbadandunread.com
"Bottom line, The Lincoln Myth is an incredibly fast paced novel that will take you from Denmark to DC to Iowa and finally ending up in Utah. More than once I found myself comparing the novel to the National Treasure series, it just had that kind of vibe."
— charlotteswebofbooks.blogspot.com
"In Malone, the owner of a Denmark bookstore that is perpetually thrust into danger, Berry has created one of the most compelling action adventure heroes found in any thriller today."
— bestthrillers.com
"Steve Berry is rarely rivaled as a creator of history twisting mysteries. Here he spins a well-researched yarn that expands on a contemporary hot button - the potential for states to secede from the union. The author's examination of Lincoln's words and actions is often shocking, and his constitutional analysis is truly thought-provoking. The accompanying thriller featuring veteran protagonist Cotton Malone adds ample excitement to the equation."
— crimebookbeat.com
"The Lincoln Myth is an exciting story that grabs you from the start and intrigues you with its history and information. I loved the story and the concept from both sides of the succession argument. Being a Texan it's something we think and talk about often. The Lincoln Myth is well researched in both the concept of the legal process of succession but also in the research done on the Mormon Church. I always enjoy reading a book where I feel like I have learned something. The Lincoln Myth is a page turning thriller that I recommend you read, Steve Berry has once again written a great book."
— freshfiction.com
"When I read Steve Berry, I think of controversial plots in history, fast paced direct story telling, and a constant keep ‘em guessing plot. And in this latest novel he does just that.”
— thelitbitch.com
"This is my first Cotton Malone book. I was unsure what to expect and can now not wait to get my hands on more in this series. I loved the history shared in the story, along with the fiction thrown in to keep me fully entertained. The story was fast-paced and never let me put it down."
— anovelreview.blogspot.com
"The Lincoln Myth was an interesting novel in terms of historical facts and puzzles. I enjoyed learning more about Abraham Lincoln and some of the reasons for the Civil War. As always, the story flowed along nicely with an interesting plot line that definitely has relevance to many issues we are facing."
— curlingupbythefire.blogspot.com
"Again, Berry has delivered an engrossing, multi-layered tale of courage, camaraderie, love, and patriotism in the midst of an ever-changing world that remains strongly tied to our historic but still fluid past."
— methoblog.com
Excerpt
CHAPTER ONE
OFF THE COAST OF DENMARK
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8
7:40 P.M.
One glance and Cotton Malone knew there was trouble.
The Øresund, which separated the northern Danish island of Zealand from the southern Swedish province of Scania, usually one of the busiest waterways in the world, was light on traffic. Only two boats in sight across the gray-blue water—his and the fast-approaching profile of the one slicing toward them.
He’d noticed the craft just after they’d left the dock at Landskrona on the Swedish side of the channel. A red and white twenty footer with dual inboards. His boat was a rental, secured at the Copenhagen waterfront on the Danish side, a fifteen footer with a single outboard. The engine howled as he plowed through the moderate surf, the skies clear, the crisp evening air devoid of breeze—lovely fall weather for Scandinavia.
Three hours ago he was working in his bookshop at Højbro Plads. He’d planned on dinner at the Café Norden, as he did most every evening. But a call from Stephanie Nelle, his former boss at the Justice Department, changed all that.
“I need a favor,” she said. “I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t an emergency. There’s a man named Barry Kirk. Short black hair, pointy nose. I need you to go get him.”
He heard the urgency in her request.
“I have an agent en route, but he’s been delayed. I don’t know when he’ll get there and this man has to be found. Now.”
“I don’t suppose you’re going to tell me why.”
“I can’t. But you’re the closest to him. He’s across the water in Sweden, waiting for someone to come get him.”
“Sounds like trouble.”
“I have an agent missing.”
He hated to hear those words.
“Kirk may know where he is, so it’s important to secure him quickly. I’m hoping we’re ahead of any problems. Just bring him back to your shop and keep him there until my guy comes for him.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“One more thing, Cotton. Take your gun.”
He’d immediately gone upstairs to his fourth floor apartment above his bookshop and found the knapsack beneath his bed, the one he always kept ready with identification, money, a phone, and his Magellan Billet-issued Beretta, which Stephanie had allowed him to keep when he retired.
The gun now nestled against the small of his back, beneath his jacket.
“They’re getting closer,” Barry Kirk said.
Like he didn’t know that. Two engines were always better than one.
He held the wheel steady, his throttle three-quarters of the way engaged. He decided to max out the power and the bow rose as the V-hull gained speed. He glanced back. Two men occupied the other boat—one driving, the other standing with a gun.
This just kept getting better and better.
They were not yet halfway across the channel, still on the Swedish side, heading diagonally southwest toward Copenhagen. He could have taken a car, crossing the Øresund Bridge that connected Denmark to Sweden, but that would have taken an extra hour. Water was faster and Stephanie was in a hurry, so he’d rented the bow rider runabout from the same shop he always used. Far cheaper to rent than to own a boat, especially considering how little he ventured out on the water. Which was odd for an ex-navy commander.
“What do you plan to do?”
A stupid question. Kirk was definitely annoying. He’d located him pacing the docks, exactly where Stephanie had said he’d be waiting, anxious to leave. Code words had been arranged so they both would know they’d found the right person. Joseph for him. Moroni for Kirk.
Odd choices.
“Do you know who those men are,” he asked.
“They want to kill me.”
He kept the boat pointed toward Denmark, its hull breasting the waves with jarring lunges, throwing spray.
“And why do they want to kill you?” he asked over the engine’s roar.
“Who are you, exactly?”
He cut a quick glance at Kirk. “The guy who’s going to save your sorry ass.”
The other boat was less than thirty yards way.
He scanned the horizon in every direction and spotted no other craft. Dusk was gathering, the azure sky being replaced by gray.
A pop.
Then another.
He whirled.
The second man in the pursuing boat was firing at them.
“Get down,” he yelled to Kirk.
He ducked too, keeping their course and speed steady.
Two more shots.
One thudded into the fiberglass to his left.
The other boat was now fifty feet away. He decided to give his pursuers a little pause. He reached back, found his gun, and sent a bullet their way.
The other boat veered to starboard.
They were more than a mile from the Danish shore, nearly at the Øresund’s center. The second boat looped around and was now approaching from the right on a path that would cut directly in front of them. He saw that the pistol had been replaced with a short-barrel automatic rifle.
Only one thing to do.
He adjusted course straight for them.
Time for a little game of chicken.
“Stay down,” he told Kirk.
A burst of gunfire cut across the air. He dove to the deck, keeping one hand on the wheel. Rounds whizzed by overhead and a few penetrated the bow. He risked a look. The other boat had veered to port, swinging around, preparing to attack from the rear, where the open deck offered little cover.
He decided the direct approach best.
But it would have to be timed just right.
He kept the boat racing ahead at nearly full throttle. The second craft’s bow still headed his way.
“Keep down,” he told Kirk again.
No worry existed that his order would be disobeyed. Kirk clung to the deck, below the side panels. Malone still held his Beretta but kept it out of sight. The other boat narrowed the distance between them.
And fast.
Fifty yards.
Forty.
Thirty.
He yanked the throttle back and brought the engine to idle.
Speed vanished. The bow sunk into the water.
They glided for a few yards then came to a stop.
The other boat kept coming.
Parallel.
The man with the rifle aimed.
But before he could fire, Malone shot him in the chest.
The other boat raced past.
He reengaged the throttle and the engine sprang to life.
Inside the second craft he saw the driver reach down and find the rifle. A big loop brought the boat back on an intercept course.
His feint worked once.
But would not again.
Nearly a mile’s worth of water still lay between them and the Danish coast and he could not outrun the other vessel. Maybe outmaneuver, but for how long? No. He’d have to stand and fight.
He stared ahead and grabbed his bearings.
He was five miles or so north of Copenhagen’s outskirts, near where his old friend Henrik Thorvaldsen had once lived.
“Look at that,” he heard Kirk say.
He turned back.
The other boat was a hundred yards away, bearing down. But out of an ever-dimming western sky a high-wing, single-engine Cessna had swooped down. Its trademark tricycle landing gear, no more than six feet clear of the water’s surface, raked the other craft, its wheels nearly smacking the driver who disappeared downward, his hands apparently off the wheel as the bow lurched left.
Malone used the moment to head for his attacker.
The plane banked high, gained altitude, and swung around for another pass. He wondered if the pilot realized that there was an automatic weapon about to be aimed skyward. He headed straight for the trouble, as fast as his engine allowed. The other boat has now stopped in the water, its occupant’s attention totally on the plane.
Which allowed Malone to draw close.
He was grateful for the distraction, but that assistance was about to turn into disaster. He saw the automatic rifle being steadied and aimed at the plane.
“Get up here,” he screamed to Kirk.
The man did not move.
“Don’t make me come get you.”
Kirk rose.
“Hold the wheel. Keep us going straight.”
“Me? What?”
“Do it.”
Kirk grabbed hold.
He stepped to the stern, planted his feet, and aimed the gun.
The plane kept coming. The other man was ready with his rifle. Malone knew he’d have only a few chances from a bumpy deck. The other man suddenly realized that the boat was coming at the same time as the plane.
Both a threat.
What to do?
Malone fired twice. Missed.
A third shot hit the other craft.
The man darted right, deciding the boat now posed the greater problem. Malone’s fourth shot found the man’s chest, which propelled the body over the side and into the water.
The plane roared by, its wheels low and tight.
Both he and Kirk ducked.
He grabbed hold of the wheel and slowed the throttle, turning back toward their enemy. They approached from the stern, his gun ready. A body floated in the water, another lay on the deck. Nobody else was on board.
“Aren’t you a ton of trouble,” he said to Kirk.
Quiet had returned, only the engine’s throaty idle disturbing the silence. Water slapped both hulls. He should contact some local authority. Swedes? Danes? But with Stephanie and the Magellan Billet involved, he knew partnering with locals was not an option.
She hated doing it.
He stared up into the dim sky and saw the Cessna, now back up to a couple thousand feet, making a pass directly over them.
Someone jumped from the plane.
A chute opened, catching air, its occupant guiding himself downward in a tight spiral. Malone had parachuted several times and could see this skydiver knew the drill, banking the canopy, navigating a course straight for them, feet knifing through the water less than fifty yards away.
Malone eased the boat over and came up alongside.
The man who hoisted himself aboard was maybe late twenties. His blond hair appeared more mowed than cut, the bright face clean shaven and warmed by a wide, toothy smile. He wore a dark pullover shirt and jeans, matted to a muscular frame.
“That water is cold,” the young man said. “Sure appreciate you waiting around for me. Sorry I was late.”
Malone pointed to the fading sound of a prop as the plane kept flying east. “Someone on board?”
“Nope. Autopilot. But there isn’t much fuel left. It’ll fall into the Baltic in a few minutes.”
“Expensive waste.”
The young man shrugged. “The dude I stole it from needed to lose it.”
“Who are you?”
“Oh, sorry about that. Sometimes I forget my manners.”
A wet hand was offered.
“Name’s Luke Daniels. Magellan Billet.”
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