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Lincoln Rhyme #9.5
A Textbook Case
From Jeffery Deaver--the New York Times bestselling author of the upcoming Lincoln Rhyme novel THE KILL ROOM (on sale June 4, 2013)--comes an original short story featuring Rhyme.
When a young woman is found brutally murdered in a parking garage, with a veritable mountain of potential evidence to sift through, it may be the most challenging case former NYPD detective Lincoln Rhyme has ever taken on.
When a young woman is found brutally murdered in a parking garage, with a veritable mountain of potential evidence to sift through, it may be the most challenging case former NYPD detective Lincoln Rhyme has ever taken on.
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2013
469 people are currently reading
4293 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery Deaver
500 books11.7k followers#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
April 5, 2013
Me before reading this story: Ooh, a Kindle Single from the author that wrote the latest James Bond novel, Carte Blanche. I'm definitely going to check that out.
Me after reading the first chapter: Wait a second, this story has a paraplegic forensic analyst in it? Just like that Denzel Washington movie? That's a bit much to be coincidental. [Goes to Google] Hey, that movie was based on a book by this author, with the same character starring in it.
Me after two later, separate points the story: I've figured out the killer pretty early on. Wow, I am either really clever, or he is telegraphing who it is.
Me at the end of the story: He fooled me twice -- I did not see that coming at all. Well done, man who is famous for reasons other than I previously thought!
Me now: How have I not read any of his Lincoln Rhyme novels? Time to lengthen the to-read list again...
Me after reading the first chapter: Wait a second, this story has a paraplegic forensic analyst in it? Just like that Denzel Washington movie? That's a bit much to be coincidental. [Goes to Google] Hey, that movie was based on a book by this author, with the same character starring in it.
Me after two later, separate points the story: I've figured out the killer pretty early on. Wow, I am either really clever, or he is telegraphing who it is.
Me at the end of the story: He fooled me twice -- I did not see that coming at all. Well done, man who is famous for reasons other than I previously thought!
Me now: How have I not read any of his Lincoln Rhyme novels? Time to lengthen the to-read list again...
April 10, 2013
Much as I love Jeffrey Deaver... it turns out he doesn't know much about writing short stories. Not his fault, I'm sure; this is basically a promo-piece for his book coming out in June.
If you're a fan of Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme series, you know that he uses the same "tags" in every book to establish all of his main characters. In every single book, we are informed within the first couple of chapters of the following things:
- Physical appearances/abilities/relationship statuses of Lincoln, Amelia, and about 5 other secondary regulars.
- Lincoln's basic philosophies regarding forensics.
In every book, this info is virtually identical, almost copy-and-pasted. As a regular reader of the series, you get used to skimming over these parts, which take up maybe 5 pages within the first 20. You understand that it's there for the benefit of anyone who may be picking up one of these books for the first time, out of sequence.
What does this have to do with this short story? Well... Deaver puts it in. All of it. A good 30% of this story is content literally copied from every other Deaver book. It's not annoying when you've got another 300 pages of plot... it IS annoying when it's a third of the content. And, for the purposes of a short story, it's all completely unnecessary.
So basically what we've got here is the bloated setup for a novel... and a very, very short follow-through. Couple of murders, one tiny twist, story over... oh and by the way, let's take up the last 15% of the document with an excerpt from my new book!
Also, it's definitely not been edited to the same standards as his other material. There were a number of run-on sentences and awkward bits and a couple of tense issues.
All in all, I would have shrugged and called it decent if it weren't for the fact that I PAID for this short story. This really, really should have been a freebie - it's basically just a promo for his upcoming book. And while I will still be buying that book and reading it eagerly... making me pay for an advertisement is just not cool.
If you're a fan of Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme series, you know that he uses the same "tags" in every book to establish all of his main characters. In every single book, we are informed within the first couple of chapters of the following things:
- Physical appearances/abilities/relationship statuses of Lincoln, Amelia, and about 5 other secondary regulars.
- Lincoln's basic philosophies regarding forensics.
In every book, this info is virtually identical, almost copy-and-pasted. As a regular reader of the series, you get used to skimming over these parts, which take up maybe 5 pages within the first 20. You understand that it's there for the benefit of anyone who may be picking up one of these books for the first time, out of sequence.
What does this have to do with this short story? Well... Deaver puts it in. All of it. A good 30% of this story is content literally copied from every other Deaver book. It's not annoying when you've got another 300 pages of plot... it IS annoying when it's a third of the content. And, for the purposes of a short story, it's all completely unnecessary.
So basically what we've got here is the bloated setup for a novel... and a very, very short follow-through. Couple of murders, one tiny twist, story over... oh and by the way, let's take up the last 15% of the document with an excerpt from my new book!
Also, it's definitely not been edited to the same standards as his other material. There were a number of run-on sentences and awkward bits and a couple of tense issues.
All in all, I would have shrugged and called it decent if it weren't for the fact that I PAID for this short story. This really, really should have been a freebie - it's basically just a promo for his upcoming book. And while I will still be buying that book and reading it eagerly... making me pay for an advertisement is just not cool.
April 19, 2022
Normally I prefer a good long novel that I can loose myself in for days. But there are always exceptions, this is one or them. This is a short sharp punchy story which was is fast paced. Very useful if you are going on a train journey for example and want to pass the time. Maybe it can be used as a taster in readiness for one of Deaver’s longer books
April 3, 2013
This was an excellent short and just enough to satisfy me till the next chapter in the Lincoln Rhyme series comes out called The Kill Room. It has been almost two years since the last Lincoln Rhyme novel and with characters written this well I tend to miss them. Yes I know they are fictional, but Amelia and Lincoln are characters I have read for years and I love the small events in the lives of these characters as much as I do Deaver's signature twists and turns.
The book starts out with one of the most impressive crimes scenes I have ever read, and Deaver leads you in as such. That little lead in sets the stage for a great short, that had me flying through pages. I wont give anything else away because I don't want to ruin any aspect of this story, so just read it. You will not be sorry.
As to Deaver's skill in misdirection and plot twists they are clearly evident in this story. Again, I tried to think like Deaver and tried effortlessly to figure out who the killer was, and again I was wrong. Deaver even had a little bit at the end saying this character was a suspect and ruled out, it was almost like Deaver knew I was going to try to out think him and he anticipated my deductions. A great story and one I highly recommend to everyone who loves a good mystery. Plus the characters are wonderful.
The book starts out with one of the most impressive crimes scenes I have ever read, and Deaver leads you in as such. That little lead in sets the stage for a great short, that had me flying through pages. I wont give anything else away because I don't want to ruin any aspect of this story, so just read it. You will not be sorry.
As to Deaver's skill in misdirection and plot twists they are clearly evident in this story. Again, I tried to think like Deaver and tried effortlessly to figure out who the killer was, and again I was wrong. Deaver even had a little bit at the end saying this character was a suspect and ruled out, it was almost like Deaver knew I was going to try to out think him and he anticipated my deductions. A great story and one I highly recommend to everyone who loves a good mystery. Plus the characters are wonderful.
July 16, 2020
I enjoyed this read immediately after overdoing it with my garden work in the heat. It helped me calm down and get the old heartbeat back to normal. It was a fast read and it was good enough to launch into another Lincoln Rhyme tale of crime as soon as I catch up on world news.
The serial killer was a surprise.
I would have started at the beginning, but those first books are not available. No problem.
Library Loan
The serial killer was a surprise.
I would have started at the beginning, but those first books are not available. No problem.
Library Loan
December 26, 2024
Good short story. I have to admit sometimes I think Deaver is laughing at me. I had a suspect in mind and at the end of the story he went out of his way to point out that they had ruled him out from the start. I doubt I’m ever going to solve a Lincoln Rhyme case before the big reveal. But that’s okay, I like books that can keep me on my toes.
December 14, 2021
** Same review for both short stories currently available, since the problems with both are the same.
Short stories featuring established characters should allow an author to stretch his wings and do something a little different, experiment on a smaller scale. Deaver instead merely offers up a condensed form of one of his books, and seeing that he can wrap up a storyline in under 50 pages just makes the novels seem bloated in comparison.
Short stories featuring established characters should allow an author to stretch his wings and do something a little different, experiment on a smaller scale. Deaver instead merely offers up a condensed form of one of his books, and seeing that he can wrap up a storyline in under 50 pages just makes the novels seem bloated in comparison.
February 7, 2015
A Textbook Case
I have read a couple of Jeffery Deaver's novels but it has been quite a while and I plan on reading his Lincoln Rhyme novels again in the order the series was written but after reading this kindle short I can't wait to start! I could see this series turning into another one of my favorites. I loved the story and his writing.
I have read a couple of Jeffery Deaver's novels but it has been quite a while and I plan on reading his Lincoln Rhyme novels again in the order the series was written but after reading this kindle short I can't wait to start! I could see this series turning into another one of my favorites. I loved the story and his writing.
December 27, 2014
This is the first book I have read by this author. I really enjoyed this short story. The pace was just right without getting too bored.
April 8, 2021
A serial killer is swamping crime scenes with evidence, leaving Rhyme at a loss to find the vital clue to their identity.
Another clever short story from Jeffery Deaver.
Another clever short story from Jeffery Deaver.
August 3, 2025
Rhyme is barely tolerable as usual, but I enjoyed the lack of evidence pointing to the attacker.
November 15, 2015
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
A copy of A Textbook Case was provided to me by Grand Central Publishing/Netgalley for review purposes.
'It was clear that the classic textbook procedure for running a case forensically wasn't going to work.'
Lincoln Rhyme is renowned for his forensic knowledge but even he is tested when a recent murder is buried, literally, in evidence. The perpetrator has attempted to cover any evidence they personally left in the smartest way possible; by flooding the scene full of incidental evidence. Extremely smart, except he detailed that exact scenario in his highly prominent forensic textbook. The more digging his team does in uncovering the relevant pieces of evidence, the greater Rhyme's suspicion that someone may be using his textbook against him to get away with murder.
I've read eight of Jeffery Deaver's 'Lincoln Rhyme' novels but this is my first short story of his. His books always contain a mystery so skilfully constructed it's almost as if you're watching a puzzle slowly disassemble itself as you turn each page. All of his novels are quite large and the disassembling takes time so I was interested in seeing how well he's able to build a mystery with so few pages. Admittedly it doesn't have the same flair that his full-length novels have but it was still an enjoyable and quick read. Any of the Lincoln Rhyme novels work fairly well as a stand-alone, but if you're a newbie to Deaver's works I'd recommend A Textbook Case to give you a glimpse at what he's capable of.
A copy of A Textbook Case was provided to me by Grand Central Publishing/Netgalley for review purposes.
'It was clear that the classic textbook procedure for running a case forensically wasn't going to work.'
Lincoln Rhyme is renowned for his forensic knowledge but even he is tested when a recent murder is buried, literally, in evidence. The perpetrator has attempted to cover any evidence they personally left in the smartest way possible; by flooding the scene full of incidental evidence. Extremely smart, except he detailed that exact scenario in his highly prominent forensic textbook. The more digging his team does in uncovering the relevant pieces of evidence, the greater Rhyme's suspicion that someone may be using his textbook against him to get away with murder.
I've read eight of Jeffery Deaver's 'Lincoln Rhyme' novels but this is my first short story of his. His books always contain a mystery so skilfully constructed it's almost as if you're watching a puzzle slowly disassemble itself as you turn each page. All of his novels are quite large and the disassembling takes time so I was interested in seeing how well he's able to build a mystery with so few pages. Admittedly it doesn't have the same flair that his full-length novels have but it was still an enjoyable and quick read. Any of the Lincoln Rhyme novels work fairly well as a stand-alone, but if you're a newbie to Deaver's works I'd recommend A Textbook Case to give you a glimpse at what he's capable of.
June 9, 2013
I am a big fan of Jeffery Deaver and the Lincoln Rhyme series in particular, but short stories never do it for me. The story is ok but like most short stories the plot doesn't get fully developed and there is little time to obtain twists and turns.
It does help if you have read others in the series as the main characters and their background will be already established in your mind.
I am looking forward to reading his new novel which I have just received 'The Kill Room' and I am sure it will be up to his high standard.
It does help if you have read others in the series as the main characters and their background will be already established in your mind.
I am looking forward to reading his new novel which I have just received 'The Kill Room' and I am sure it will be up to his high standard.
June 9, 2021
“Too much evidence instead of too little.”
After I finished this book, and re-read the title, I laughed and said "Ah!" Be careful when you buy your next book! It could make you a suspect!
This story was good, but very short. With the usual background information drop on each character, the recap of the principles, techniques, and procedures used in investigating a crime scene, or 'walking the grid', and the rather lengthy evidence list, the new parts that made up this tale seemed very brief! Good, but brief.
After I finished this book, and re-read the title, I laughed and said "Ah!" Be careful when you buy your next book! It could make you a suspect!
This story was good, but very short. With the usual background information drop on each character, the recap of the principles, techniques, and procedures used in investigating a crime scene, or 'walking the grid', and the rather lengthy evidence list, the new parts that made up this tale seemed very brief! Good, but brief.
April 21, 2013
It's a nice little short story with Lincoln Rhyme..however the regular Lincoln Rhyme novels are better. I guess a Lincoln Rhyme case doesn't really suit for a short story...I can recommand this ebook for Lincoln Rhyme fans..everyone new to Lincoln Rhyme novels better grab one of the regular novels with this character.
June 23, 2013
Not bad, but could have been a bit lengthier. What disappoints most, is that Lincoln Rhyme does not use much forensics. The ending seems a bit of an anticlimax.
July 20, 2022
Good Read
October 30, 2017
I liked the short story very much, especially all the red herrings and the new character - Officer Marko.
More and more I'm struggling with the repetitive explanation of the characters, their backgrounds, police and forensic procedures or tools, already introduced in most if not all previous books. I understand it makes it easier for new readers, reading the books disregarding the series order - though for those like me reading the series in order it's becomming more and more annoying.
I wish there was a separate section for new readers introducing the characters with a glossar of introduced procedures and tools readers following the series for a long time could just skip. That way we could concentrate on the great style, with well researched story lines and very interesting characters much better and enjoy the books even more.
Regarding the story line and characters it's one of my favorite within the series. It's to the point, a nice compact puzzle and a great short story for a short break.
I would've rated it 5 stars if not for the repetitions. I'm aware I'm most likely in the minority with those sentiments but that's how it is.
More and more I'm struggling with the repetitive explanation of the characters, their backgrounds, police and forensic procedures or tools, already introduced in most if not all previous books. I understand it makes it easier for new readers, reading the books disregarding the series order - though for those like me reading the series in order it's becomming more and more annoying.
I wish there was a separate section for new readers introducing the characters with a glossar of introduced procedures and tools readers following the series for a long time could just skip. That way we could concentrate on the great style, with well researched story lines and very interesting characters much better and enjoy the books even more.
Regarding the story line and characters it's one of my favorite within the series. It's to the point, a nice compact puzzle and a great short story for a short break.
I would've rated it 5 stars if not for the repetitions. I'm aware I'm most likely in the minority with those sentiments but that's how it is.
June 5, 2022
A quick read which was like an amuse bouche for me as it was delightfully twisty and had the Jeffery elements we’ve come to love. From Sachs’ muscle car, impulsive behavior, glorious figure, OCD scratching of her scalp and nails, to Rhymes’ brilliance and of course moodiness. Sellito is the poorly dressed fifty ish maybe sidekick who is ever present. Yes, love this crowd.
This time a futile attempt by a would be serial killer is thwarted by Rhyme who is initially overwhelmed by the mountain of evidence that accompanies the first victim. After some insight he is able to see through the killer’s thoughts and narrows down the mountain to a reasonable amount. Trash to specific vegetation and chemicals specify a neighborhood which help in the search for the next potential victim. Glorious story, just wish it wasn’t so short.
This time a futile attempt by a would be serial killer is thwarted by Rhyme who is initially overwhelmed by the mountain of evidence that accompanies the first victim. After some insight he is able to see through the killer’s thoughts and narrows down the mountain to a reasonable amount. Trash to specific vegetation and chemicals specify a neighborhood which help in the search for the next potential victim. Glorious story, just wish it wasn’t so short.
February 18, 2023
Lincoln Rhyme, top forensic investigator, and Amelia Sachs, a sophisticated crime scene technician, are featured again. Amelia loved being at the crime scene because she was interested in “the psychology of crime, which Lincoln Rhyme tended to disparage as the ‘soft’ side of policing.”
“Famed French criminalist Edmond Locard developed a theory: In every crime there is an exchange of evidence between the perpetrator and the victim or the scene.” At this newest crime scene in a parking sub-basement, the murderer brilliantly covered up possible evidence with strewn garbage, spray paint, chemicals, and burned newspaper.
According to Rhyme, “If there’s no boyfriend-done-it, rapist-done-it, mugger-done-it scenario, I’m thinking it’s a psycho…an individual displaying antisocial personality disorder traits.”
Amazing powers of deduction! Deaver is a master storyteller.
“Famed French criminalist Edmond Locard developed a theory: In every crime there is an exchange of evidence between the perpetrator and the victim or the scene.” At this newest crime scene in a parking sub-basement, the murderer brilliantly covered up possible evidence with strewn garbage, spray paint, chemicals, and burned newspaper.
According to Rhyme, “If there’s no boyfriend-done-it, rapist-done-it, mugger-done-it scenario, I’m thinking it’s a psycho…an individual displaying antisocial personality disorder traits.”
Amazing powers of deduction! Deaver is a master storyteller.
February 26, 2022
For those who have read other Lincoln Rhyme novels, there is nothing new. This novella is like a filler. It has been a while since i last read this series, but i haven't forgotten any of the details that Deaver repeats in every book - The forensic procedures that Rhyme and team follows (walk the grid etc), Rhyme's condition, Amelia's super-model looks, arthritis, her quirks (itchy scalp).
The mystery was ok. But I doubt any detective would analyze a whole lot of garbage minutely to solve a crime (there are so many DNA samples - both human and animals - a garbage dump, how is it possible to figure which ones belong to the perp)
I am glad that this is a short story and I didn't waste much time on this one.
The mystery was ok. But I doubt any detective would analyze a whole lot of garbage minutely to solve a crime (there are so many DNA samples - both human and animals - a garbage dump, how is it possible to figure which ones belong to the perp)
I am glad that this is a short story and I didn't waste much time on this one.
September 19, 2017
Jeffrey Deaver presents a crisp and concise short story that took me about an hour to read. He's able to quickly get you into the action in a believable scenario, and I appreciated the science introduction into forensic investigations. Prior to reading this story, I've never read a Lincoln Rhyme story or novel, but I'm going to go look for one now. If you're looking for a shorter mystery /thriller, at just 99 cents for the Kindle version you will certainly receive in excess of 99 cents in entertainment value.
June 16, 2020
What did I think of this book? Not much since there was so little story in it. It felt like an outline for a real Lincoln Rhyme novel and after throwing a few wasted pages generating the same description of his core players, he gives a few pages to the story and then ends it. Maybe had a publisher’s deadline to meet? It made me appreciate Patterson’s Bookshots and I ever thought I’d say that....
June 21, 2017
YESSSSSSSS, DEAVER!!!!! - 4.5*
This book is literally 50 pages of goodness and I only read it so I can read The Steel Kiss (#11) but this was actually awesome! I've felt low in my confidence of Deaver after the Kill Room (#10) but this restored my faith that he can write good stories.
This was nearly 100% perfect.
I missed this, Deaver. I have expectations.
This book is literally 50 pages of goodness and I only read it so I can read The Steel Kiss (#11) but this was actually awesome! I've felt low in my confidence of Deaver after the Kill Room (#10) but this restored my faith that he can write good stories.
This was nearly 100% perfect.
I missed this, Deaver. I have expectations.
October 16, 2017
Excellent stand alone Lincoln Rhyme short. Deaver does a great job packing in some great detail in an abbreviated time and his efforts on the psychological aspects involved in this story are extraordinary! If you are a Deaver fan and have some knowledge of his reoccurring criminologist character Lincoln Rhyme, you will not be disappointed!
June 25, 2018
Very short Lincoln Rhyme story, but it got most of the usual in. Just too short to really enjoy as it felt like it was over before I had a chance to get a clue on the suspect! This is a great referral book, though, for those people who you want to try the series. Gives them a taste of what the full-length novels are like.
January 12, 2019
Great quick read
This was a quick read but a great one. I like a good Lincoln Rhyme story and this one fits the bill. When a story can keep me guessing to the end about who the killer is then it is a great one even if I picked the wrong character for the killer. Rhyme and Sachs are great at their job and I can't wait for the next case.
This was a quick read but a great one. I like a good Lincoln Rhyme story and this one fits the bill. When a story can keep me guessing to the end about who the killer is then it is a great one even if I picked the wrong character for the killer. Rhyme and Sachs are great at their job and I can't wait for the next case.
July 6, 2023
Deaver Rarely Disappoints
Even in a short work like this, Denver focuses your attention and surprises you with ease as he has been doing for years. It's why I save his books for a clearing of my mind's palette when I've had a dull or turgid book I've slogged through, Denver will almost always remind why I love to read.
Even in a short work like this, Denver focuses your attention and surprises you with ease as he has been doing for years. It's why I save his books for a clearing of my mind's palette when I've had a dull or turgid book I've slogged through, Denver will almost always remind why I love to read.
July 25, 2017
This is a Lincoln Rhyme short story. When a young woman is found brutally murdered in a parking garage, there is an abundance of evidence. After another woman is murdered, Lincoln realizes that someone is using his textbook on evidence as a guide to commit murder and muddy the evidence.
November 8, 2017
Not nearly as good as most Deaver
Not bad, but really not as believable as most of his books. Usually I can buy the deductions that Lincoln makes as possible. This one...not so much. Worth reading if you like the series, but it’s meh.
Not bad, but really not as believable as most of his books. Usually I can buy the deductions that Lincoln makes as possible. This one...not so much. Worth reading if you like the series, but it’s meh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews