On a freezing December night, with a full moon hovering in the black skies over New York City, two people are brutally murdered—their prolonged deaths marked by eerie calling-cards: moon-faced clocks ticking away the victims’ last minutes on earth. More murders are planned, and Rhyme and his team have only hours to stop the icy-cold, brilliant Watchmaker, whose obsession with time drives him to plan his carnage with the precision of a fine timepiece. While the cat-and-mouse search for the killer proceeds, Amelia Sachs must balance her efforts to catch the Watchmaker with her job as lead detective on the first homicide case of her own, in which she unearths shocking revelations from the past that threaten to undermine her very relationship with Lincoln Rhyme.
An unlikely ally appears on the scene in the form of California Bureau of Investigation special agent Kathryn Dance, one of the nation’s leading experts in interrogation and kinesics—body language. Despite Lincoln’s skepticism about witnesses, and her distrust of physical evidence, the two form a curious alliance in the heart-stopping quest to find the Watchmaker.
The rest of the team is present too—tech-minded Mel Cooper, dogged Lon Sellitto, hip Fred Dellray, and the newest addition: rookie Ron Pulaski.
Deaver’s lightning-fast prose keeps the two cases racing along in almost real time, with more plot twists and surprises than in any previous book of his, as we realize that the Watchmaker may not be simply a murderous lunatic, but a far more cunning villain than anyone could guess, and the most terrifying and mesmerizing bad guy to ever come from the mind of Jeffery Deaver.
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
Sign in and write the first reader review.
