The "master of ticking-bomb suspense" (People) Jeffery Deaver delivers the latest thriller featuring his beloved protagonists Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs as they search for a criminal whose fascination with breaking locks terrorizes New York City.
A woman awakes in the morning to find that someone has picked her apartment’s supposedly impregnable door lock and rearranged personal items, even sitting beside her while she slept. The intrusion, the police learn, is a message to the entire city of carnage to come. Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are brought in to investigate and soon learn that the sociopathic intruder, who calls himself "the Locksmith,” can break through any lock or security system ever devised. With more victims on the horizon, Rhyme, Sachs and their stable of associates must follow the evidence to the man’s lair… and discover his true mission.
Their hunt is interrupted when an internal investigation in the police force uncovers what seems to be a crucial mistake in one of Rhyme's previous cases. He’s fired as a consultant for the NYPD and must risk jail if he investigates the Locksmith case in secret.
The Midnight Lock is a roller-coaster read that takes place over just a few days’ time, features surprise after surprise and offers a fascinating look at the esoteric world of lockpicking.
The series
In the Lincoln Rhyme series, the world of forensic investigation transforms into a high-stakes chessboard where every piece moves with calculated precision. At the heart of this gripping saga is Lincoln Rhyme, a brilliant forensic expert confined to a wheelchair, whose mind remains as sharp as ever despite physical limitations. His partnership with Amelia Sachs, a determined and intuitive detective, forms the beating core of stories that delve deep into the psychology of crime and the intricate dance between hunter and hunted.
Read full series description
These novels don’t just unravel mysteries, they immerse readers in a realm where cutting-edge forensic science intersects with human vulnerability. The atmosphere is taut with tension, grounded by a meticulous attention to detail that makes each investigation feel authentic and urgent. From the darkest alleys to the sterile labs where evidence is pieced together like a complex puzzle, the series captures the relentless pursuit of truth under pressure.
What sets this collection apart is the layered characterization and moral complexity threading through each case. Rhyme’s intellectual rigor contrasts with his physical confinement, creating a compelling portrait of resilience and determination. Meanwhile, Sachs’s street-smart tenacity challenges conventions, adding emotional depth to their joint quest for justice. The balance between their strengths offers a fresh dynamic that elevates the crime thriller beyond standard fare.
With stories that combine suspense, innovation, and human insight, this series has become a landmark in modern thriller fiction. The tension builds steadily, crafting an atmosphere where danger feels immediate and every discovery carries weight. Readers seeking a blend of psychological depth and forensic intrigue will find themselves drawn into a world that keeps secrets close, and justice closer.
#1 · 1997The Bone Collector 
#2 · 1998The Coffin Dancer 
#3 · 2000The Empty Chair 
#4 · 2002The Stone Monkey 
#5 · 2003The Vanished Man 
#6 · 2005The Twelfth Card 
#7 · 2006The Cold Moon 
#8 · 2008The Broken Window 
#9 · 2010The Burning Wire 
#9.5 · 2013A Textbook Case 
#10 · 2013The Kill Room 
#11 · 2014The Skin Collector 
#11.5 · 2016The Deliveryman 
#12 · 2016The Steel Kiss 
#13 · 2017The Burial Hour 
#14 · 2018The Cutting Edge 
#14.5 · 2021A Perfect Plan 
#15 · 2021The Midnight Lock 
#15.5 · 2023Swiping Hearts 
#16 · 2023The Watchmaker's Hand 
#16.5 · 2026The Deadliest Sense 
#17 · 2026The Collateral Heart 
#18 · 2027Lincoln Rhyme Book 18 Be the first reviewer
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