A high-school girl in Harlem, Geneva Settle, is the target of a ruthless professional killer—Thompson Boyd—who has been hired to murder her for reasons unknown. His first attempt, in a deserted museum early one morning, is a failure but it’s clear to Lincoln Rhyme that he’s going to strike again, from clues the killer leaves behind, one of which is the twelfth card in the tarot deck, The Hanged Man, whose meaning resonates eerily throughout the story.
Assisted by Fred Dellray, Mel Cooper and Lon Sellitto (suffering from a severe case of shattered nerves due to a near miss by the killer), Rhyme and partner Amelia Sachs work frantically to learn who the hit man and his partner are and when they will strike next, all the while trying to crack a very “cold” case: Rhyme believes that Geneva may have been targeted because of a paper she’s writing about her ancestor, Charles Singleton, a former slave who was instrumental in the civil rights movement in the 1860s, but who was arrested for theft and disgraced.
In his correspondence Charles wrote about a “secret,” that could have tragic consequences if revealed. This secret, which Rhyme is convinced will provide the key to why Geneva is in danger, revolves around some mysterious doings in the area known as Gallows Heights, a neighborhood on the Upper West Side of Manhattan that in the 1860s was a tense mix of wealthy financiers, civil rights leaders, political crooks like Boss Tweed, and working-class laborers and thugs. What was the truth behind the crime Charles was accused of? And what was his secret? Does it have to do with stolen gold? Or does it have a far broader implications?
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.
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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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