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Lincoln Rhyme #6
The 12th card
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?
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?
416 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2005
1408 people are currently reading
7757 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery Deaver
513 books11.8k 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 866 reviews
August 10, 2017
It took me a very long time to get through this book. I kept reading it in pauses because it never really held on to my attention. It didn't have the same pizzazz as the first 5 books in the series.
January 11, 2021
Another excellent story from Jeffery Deaver by every creative, thoughtful word written. 9 of 10 stars
March 18, 2025
Un alt caz complicat sau de fapt două cazuri complicate. Unul este o tentativă de crimă asupra unei minore, iar celălalt un secret vechi de 140 de ani al unui fost sclav luptător pentru drepturile minorităților. Ceea ce îmi place la autor este ineditul fiecărui caz, la o serie apar de obicei clișeele mai ales la personajul pricipal, Jeffery Deaver aduce ceva nou în fiecare volum, iar complexitatea cazului face imposibil să ghicești finalul.
November 8, 2016
5.5/10
This is quite hard to rate, to give it two or three stars is quite tricky. In some ways it was the standard thriller you would come to expect from this series, albeit a lower quality than some of the others in the series. But some of the dialogue between characters was so outdated and looked forced it was hard to read. I’m not from Harlem but I’m pretty sure not many people say “phat” and “whack”. It reminded me of when Joey in Friends tried to act young, saying what you assume people say. It felt stilted and, as I say, hard to read.
The plot was also average, various plot lines that were vaguely linked together and sometimes looking like they might converge never to really meet. Then the twist at the end was just so run of the mill it barely raised an eyebrow. Normally these type of books take no time to read as they are gripping and lure you in with chapter cliff-hangers but none of that happened here. It was one of my least favourite novels by this author.
Whilst not the best by a long shot it was still readable and had a few moments which were above average. I’ll chalk this one down to being a bad effort and look forward to seeing if the next instalment brings the series back on track.
This is quite hard to rate, to give it two or three stars is quite tricky. In some ways it was the standard thriller you would come to expect from this series, albeit a lower quality than some of the others in the series. But some of the dialogue between characters was so outdated and looked forced it was hard to read. I’m not from Harlem but I’m pretty sure not many people say “phat” and “whack”. It reminded me of when Joey in Friends tried to act young, saying what you assume people say. It felt stilted and, as I say, hard to read.
The plot was also average, various plot lines that were vaguely linked together and sometimes looking like they might converge never to really meet. Then the twist at the end was just so run of the mill it barely raised an eyebrow. Normally these type of books take no time to read as they are gripping and lure you in with chapter cliff-hangers but none of that happened here. It was one of my least favourite novels by this author.
Whilst not the best by a long shot it was still readable and had a few moments which were above average. I’ll chalk this one down to being a bad effort and look forward to seeing if the next instalment brings the series back on track.
February 22, 2017
I dithered about the rating for this book. I ultimately enjoyed the book, but I got really tired of all the Red Herrings in this book. It's beyond absurd. I also don't think Rhyme has super human abilities that he can figure out what the true motive is beyond all of these people he investigates. I did love seeing Kara from the previous book in this one though. And we get to see some more scenes with Rhymes and Sachs that show them as a couple.
Rhyme and Sachs are called in by Lon Selitto to investigate when a young African American girl (Geneva Settle) is almost sexually assaulted at a museum. It honestly doesn't make any sense to me why they would be asked to look into what I think most people would consider a waste of their resources. However, we readers of course find out that a hired killer is out to murder this girl for reasons unknown at this point.
We are initially offered clues that perhaps the killer wants to kill this girl so she can not reveal some secret truth about one of her ancestors....and yeah. I maybe rolled my eyes at this whole line of questioning. And also at the fact this girl had letters from the 1800s in her possession and they had not fallen apart. And that her family member wrote better English than most Americans in this time period who were taught to read and write.
There is also some unfortunate stereotypes about African Americans in this one and good lord a whole thing about Ebonics (remember that mess?) that just made me tired. When I stuck to just the science pieces in this book I enjoyed it more.
The Red Herrings in all of Deavers books (The Twist) needs to stop though. At this point I am getting used to the fact that the team will end up being wrong at least 2 or 3 times. And that the murderer will become obsessed with either Sachs or Rhyme (it was Sachs in this one) and that Rhyme will put off going to the doctor repeatedly and tell himself it's not because he's scared.
The main thing I found interesting was that this book is taking place after 9/11 and that Rhyme goes into a whole before and after with New York City. He feels annoyed at the people and changes taking place. I wish that we had gotten more of that in this book. However, we really don't besides some throwaway lines.
We get some Lon is scared story-line due to him standing next to someone who gets shot and killed in front of him. I don't know how realistic I found it though. The guy has been around forever. We do get Dellray (I love him) and he is back in this one protecting Geneva. We also get a new face in the police department that I hope we get to see again.
We also get into the mind of the killer in this one (per usual) but I didn't find that aggravating or distracting like in previous books. Maybe because this one was developed as well as The Bone Collector was in book #1.
The ending of the book was a bit weird. We get a sense that Thom and others have collected Geneva a bit into their lives. I wonder if she will be back in future books or at least referenced.
Rhyme and Sachs are called in by Lon Selitto to investigate when a young African American girl (Geneva Settle) is almost sexually assaulted at a museum. It honestly doesn't make any sense to me why they would be asked to look into what I think most people would consider a waste of their resources. However, we readers of course find out that a hired killer is out to murder this girl for reasons unknown at this point.
We are initially offered clues that perhaps the killer wants to kill this girl so she can not reveal some secret truth about one of her ancestors....and yeah. I maybe rolled my eyes at this whole line of questioning. And also at the fact this girl had letters from the 1800s in her possession and they had not fallen apart. And that her family member wrote better English than most Americans in this time period who were taught to read and write.
There is also some unfortunate stereotypes about African Americans in this one and good lord a whole thing about Ebonics (remember that mess?) that just made me tired. When I stuck to just the science pieces in this book I enjoyed it more.
The Red Herrings in all of Deavers books (The Twist) needs to stop though. At this point I am getting used to the fact that the team will end up being wrong at least 2 or 3 times. And that the murderer will become obsessed with either Sachs or Rhyme (it was Sachs in this one) and that Rhyme will put off going to the doctor repeatedly and tell himself it's not because he's scared.
The main thing I found interesting was that this book is taking place after 9/11 and that Rhyme goes into a whole before and after with New York City. He feels annoyed at the people and changes taking place. I wish that we had gotten more of that in this book. However, we really don't besides some throwaway lines.
We get some Lon is scared story-line due to him standing next to someone who gets shot and killed in front of him. I don't know how realistic I found it though. The guy has been around forever. We do get Dellray (I love him) and he is back in this one protecting Geneva. We also get a new face in the police department that I hope we get to see again.
We also get into the mind of the killer in this one (per usual) but I didn't find that aggravating or distracting like in previous books. Maybe because this one was developed as well as The Bone Collector was in book #1.
The ending of the book was a bit weird. We get a sense that Thom and others have collected Geneva a bit into their lives. I wonder if she will be back in future books or at least referenced.
February 1, 2018
Incredible
What an incredible book, it had everything, from slaves to deceit and deception. A lesson on the American Constitution, which was very well explained (my American friends may disagree). And the ending well..... that would be telling.
What an incredible book, it had everything, from slaves to deceit and deception. A lesson on the American Constitution, which was very well explained (my American friends may disagree). And the ending well..... that would be telling.
January 11, 2026
Jeffrey Deaver has always interested me. I find his writing quite addictive and devoured the first few novels. Once a well-established and sought after criminalist with the NYPD, all this changed for Lincoln Rhyme when a workplace accident left him a C4 quadriplegic. While he has spent time trying to reassemble what pieces are left of his life, Rhyme cannot let life pass him by. Both Rhyme and his protégée, Detective Amelia Sachs, are alerted when Geneva Settle is attacked while at the museum. The high-school student escapes, but a professional killer, Thompson Boyd, has tried to kill her for reasons no one can surmise. While the attempt was a failure, clues left at the scene hint that Thompson will strike again. A tarot card offers some insight and Rhyme cannot deny its symbolism. Rhyme and Sachs seek to learn all they can about Thompson, as well as what might have triggered him. It could relate to the research Geneva had been doing about one of her ancestors, a former slave arrested for working to support the Fourteenth Amendment. Geneva may know a ‘secret’ that is mentioned in correspondence, which might be what Thompson is trying to avenge. Now, Rhyme, Sachs, and their coterie of helpers, must find Thompson and protect Geneva before she is killed. Deaver branches out into new and exciting topics to fuel this latest thriller.
Jeffrey Deaver has done well to highlight unique perspectives in this series. The narrative sets tense events in place from the opening pages, capturing the reader before they have time to wonder what’s taking place. The story's momentum is paced through great chapters that propel things in a forward direction, while also accentuating the Rhyme-Sachs investigative style. Tapping into history, racial themes, and a police procedural, the story keeps the reader highly entertained and educated, while never losing its multi-pronged focus. Deaver has never failed to impress as he pulls out some stunning ideas and layers them with ongoing series development.
Characters keep the reader curious about the story’s themes, while also discovering ways to flavour the narrative. Lincoln Rhyme proves to be a standout protagonist, using his quadriplegia to his advantage on occasion. His sharp mind and keen sense of forensics help balance out the banter his has with other, including his beloved Amelia Sachs. She, too, shows great development, though her personal story has been shelved over the last few books. I enjoy how Deaver keeps things interesting and his character base unique, focussing more on one-offs than series regulars who serve as wallflowers. Racial themes are strengthened with Geneva Settle and her research, as well as the ancestral perspective that offers up constitutional and social history in the United States. Deaver has a wonderful ability to keep things on point and provides great dialogue to keep the reader hooked.
Plot points fuel a stellar novel, particularly when they complement other aspects of the piece. Deaver does not rest on his laurels as he serves up a number of key twists that help differentiate this sixth novel in the series. Event emerge in different time periods, connecting well and serving to keep the reader feeling surprised. Deaver taps into known topics and some less documented to create a tense thriller that never loses its direction. I am eager to see where Rhyme is headed and what obstacles Deaver will put before his protagonist.
Kudos, Mr. Deaver, for finding new ways to impress me.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Jeffrey Deaver has done well to highlight unique perspectives in this series. The narrative sets tense events in place from the opening pages, capturing the reader before they have time to wonder what’s taking place. The story's momentum is paced through great chapters that propel things in a forward direction, while also accentuating the Rhyme-Sachs investigative style. Tapping into history, racial themes, and a police procedural, the story keeps the reader highly entertained and educated, while never losing its multi-pronged focus. Deaver has never failed to impress as he pulls out some stunning ideas and layers them with ongoing series development.
Characters keep the reader curious about the story’s themes, while also discovering ways to flavour the narrative. Lincoln Rhyme proves to be a standout protagonist, using his quadriplegia to his advantage on occasion. His sharp mind and keen sense of forensics help balance out the banter his has with other, including his beloved Amelia Sachs. She, too, shows great development, though her personal story has been shelved over the last few books. I enjoy how Deaver keeps things interesting and his character base unique, focussing more on one-offs than series regulars who serve as wallflowers. Racial themes are strengthened with Geneva Settle and her research, as well as the ancestral perspective that offers up constitutional and social history in the United States. Deaver has a wonderful ability to keep things on point and provides great dialogue to keep the reader hooked.
Plot points fuel a stellar novel, particularly when they complement other aspects of the piece. Deaver does not rest on his laurels as he serves up a number of key twists that help differentiate this sixth novel in the series. Event emerge in different time periods, connecting well and serving to keep the reader feeling surprised. Deaver taps into known topics and some less documented to create a tense thriller that never loses its direction. I am eager to see where Rhyme is headed and what obstacles Deaver will put before his protagonist.
Kudos, Mr. Deaver, for finding new ways to impress me.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 16, 2023
Deaver is one of my favourites, as he never ceases to surprise with his scientific skills and filigree technique. however, this book is somehow different: less forensics and much more personal drama. Young Geneva is slightly too rigid, Ashberry could do the job from the beginning (instead of paying a big amount to other criminals), the initial case of attempted rape is far beyond Rhyme's standards, but sometimes it matters more how Deawer writes instead of what he writes...
May 27, 2020
3.5 stars
There were some confusions occurred in several places when reading the story, especially the deadly conspiracy which occurred nearly two centuries ago.
As in every other books in this series there were good twists happening but it was not that great when compared with the previous books.
There were some confusions occurred in several places when reading the story, especially the deadly conspiracy which occurred nearly two centuries ago.
As in every other books in this series there were good twists happening but it was not that great when compared with the previous books.
August 12, 2024
Overall Rating : B
"The battles're the same as they've always been. It's just harder to recognize the enemy."
It would have been four stars but I had to take away one solely on the fact the first half of the book was boring as hell. Seriously, nothing of worth happened until about page 300, it was agonizing X(
But, I powered through and was graciously rewarded.
Creepy but, in the end, an unremarkable bad guy with a lot of "convenient" ah-ha! moments. But, just as with all of Lincoln Rhymes cases, the twist was "out of the ballpark", with one coming right after the other. Also, very strange all of the bad guys in this authors books are obsessed with Amelia Sachs. Why?? Because she's hot😑 . Definitely need better villains.
Fluffy, inspiring, bittersweet, hopeful, it reminded me why I'm reading this series. I just came across the filler of the group.
"The battles're the same as they've always been. It's just harder to recognize the enemy."
It would have been four stars but I had to take away one solely on the fact the first half of the book was boring as hell. Seriously, nothing of worth happened until about page 300, it was agonizing X(
But, I powered through and was graciously rewarded.
Creepy but, in the end, an unremarkable bad guy with a lot of "convenient" ah-ha! moments. But, just as with all of Lincoln Rhymes cases, the twist was "out of the ballpark", with one coming right after the other. Also, very strange all of the bad guys in this authors books are obsessed with Amelia Sachs. Why?? Because she's hot😑 . Definitely need better villains.
Fluffy, inspiring, bittersweet, hopeful, it reminded me why I'm reading this series. I just came across the filler of the group.
December 18, 2010
Lincoln Rhyme gets involved in the attempted assault of a 16-year-old researching her ancestor, a freed slave accused of stealing. I think there are things to appreciate about this book. Over time, the author has added new characters to this universe and both fleshed out and grown the primary characters. It feels like time has actually passed and the world has changed and developed. But, possibly unrelatedly, a lot of the rigor, for lack of a better word, is gone from the technical aspects of forensic science. The books are more about the people than the techniques now, and so a bit more ordinary and a bit less compelling than the first few. Also, as a long-time reader of this series, the plot twists are old, old, old. The substantive reveals are still interesting, but every they-were-killed-oh-wait-they-weren't-because-they-realized-what-was-going-on-and-got-away-just-in-time-gotcha is more tired than the last.
February 9, 2020
This was the first Jeffery Deaver book I have read, i will try another as I hope this one was just a bit different.
Although the story was ok and was very clever nothing grabbed me so i pushed myself to keep reading this.
I will try another and make my decision on Jeffery Deaver then. Maybe this was just the wrong one to start with
Although the story was ok and was very clever nothing grabbed me so i pushed myself to keep reading this.
I will try another and make my decision on Jeffery Deaver then. Maybe this was just the wrong one to start with
October 8, 2025
Trochę za dużo było określeń typu "murzyński" jak na mój gust, naprawdę można było to lepiej ograć, niezależnie od tego czy akurat śledziliśmy wydarzenia z perspektywy osób czarnoskórych czy nie. Jestem za to bardzo zadowolona z tej części historycznej i z zakończenia ❤️🥰 4⭐
August 2, 2019
THE TWELFTH CARD (Lincoln Rhyme Book 6) BY JEFFERY DEAVER
MY REVIEW FOUR STARS****
I just finished reading this early installment of Deaver's LINCOLN RHYME series nearly a decade and a half since its publication in 2005. These notes are written during the July 2019 Heat Wave that has been crippling three quarters of the nation. This past Fall I decided that it might be interesting to focus on my favorite authors, reading their books again in the order of publication, not skipping the inevitable re-reads, but just alternating between the fictional heroes whose exploits I had loved in the past. Jeffery Deaver has been one of my all time favorite writers, so naturally reading all of the Lincoln Rhyme books was a must.
I re-read THE VANISHED MAN in May of this year, and then THE TWELFTH CARD was "up to bat", the sixth novel in order of publication. But, after reading the teaser description of the book on Amazon, I was all but convinced that it was destined to be one installment in the series that I simply wouldn't find interesting. The premise of a hit man targeting a young girl in Harlem not only didn't sound like it was NOT "right up my ally", but rather was far adrift of any number of assorted story lines that might have snagged my interest. Moreover, I always avoid "cold cases" when I watch true crime on ID. "Lincoln has to solve a cold case that's over 150 years old" I read in the Description, and thought to myself that I would just like to skip over this one.
That said, largely because of my OCD tendencies, I just couldn't force myself to NOT read this installment. In hindsight this worked in my favor, because I truly enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to any Deaver fan that may have somehow missed out on reading it when it was first published. Those readers who may not already BE Deaver fans, believe me when I say that he is one of the truly amazing authors writing today. This book is a good choice for inquisitive fans who are partial to the Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense genres.
It's been said that Deaver has the ability to draw the reader into the narrative essentially "right out of the gate", and THE TWELFTH CARD is no exception. Subsequent to the thwarted murder attempt at the library, our potential victim (an articulate young black teen named Geneva) finds herself in Lincoln's townhouse in Manhattan. Deaver's fictional (former Captain) Rhyme never disappoints. He works his scientific "magic" from the incredibly well equipped forensic lab assembled in his home, surrounded by his talented colleagues we have grown to know and care about from reading about his prior cases. I was quickly engaged by the detailed description of the investigative techniques, and the witty banter among Thom, Rhyme, Sachs, Lon, and Mel. The subject of the Tarot Card left at the crime scene in the library is introduced very early in the narrative. The author treats us to a cameo appearance by Cara [THE VANISHED MAN] to explain the meaning of the twelfth card in the Tarot deck (The Hanged Man). The interpretation of the card in a reading is explained to the group by Cara, and the underlying theme of (The Twelfth Card) underscores the intertwined plot lines in the novel.
"The Hanged Man does not refer to someone being punished. Its appearance in a reading indicates spiritual searching leading to a decision, a transition, a change of direction. The card often foretells a surrendering to experience, ending a struggle, accepting what is. When this card appears in your reading you must listen to your inner self, even if that message seems to be contrary to logic."
The Lincoln Rhyme series has to be among the most deceptively clever and adroit in the annals of contemporary crime fiction. I have read a large number of Deaver's works, to include his short stories, standalone books, and many of the Lincoln Rhyme novels. I am all too familiar with his uncanny ability to ratchet up tension and suspense, typically by placing a beloved character in harm's way, often Rhyme himself or his partner Sachs will be in imminent peril. I let the feelings of apprehension sweep over me while I simultaneously feel safe knowing there is an imaginary "safety net" all the while. I even allow myself a smile sometimes. I have often speculated that his total mastery of the short story format has provided him with what is an exceptional talent in crafting cliffhangers and remarkable plot twists in his novels. Despite my familiarity with Deaver's expertise in manipulating the narrative like Play-Do I fall into the his insidious traps nearly all the time. A reader can know and anticipate Deaver's antics, but when he pulls an unexpected plot twist out of his hat time and time again you just shake your head in wonder. For me to say that Deaver is a genius at misdirection is not overstating it. His novels are like rafting a patch of roiling whitewater but doing it with a virtual reality head set. You get the adrenaline rush and the excitement but without the risk.
He is a master story teller, manages POV changes smoothly, challenges the minds of his readers with numerous opportunities to learn new information about myriad topics, and delivers on his unspoken promise of a complex, tightly knit story with pulse pounding plot twists.
Kudos to Deaver are in order for several elements in this particular story, including but certainly not limited to, the creation of a truly intriguing and chilling contract killer in the character of Thompson Boyd (ice water in his veins, well versed in all lethal execution methods that matter, cool enough to take a nap in the seat of Old Sparky, comfortable with explosives to lethal gases but also a talented handyman when it comes to rigging booby traps and ways to kill)---and an especially exciting and memorable showdown between Sachs and the main villain is in store.
In addition, the underlying story of Rhyme's own painful wrestling with the meaning of The Hanged Man (as it pertained to his personal "crossroads") added depth and was quite memorable in that it added to the knowledge we have of Lincoln's character arc in the series.
I was ready to add that I personally enjoyed the back story that the author incorporated about series regular Detective Lon Sellitto. Other readers may not agree in that the author's fleshing out a peripheral character, series regular or not, takes away from the main protagonist's "screen time" so to speak. In most cases I would agree. However, this novel added to the knowledge we have about Rhyme and his character's arc as stated in preceding paragraph. The back story about Sellitto was not only interesting in its own right, but obviously was needed in order to help set up the later showdown between crack shot Amelia Sachs, caught without a bullet in a deadly shoot out with our "very bad man" Thompson Boyd.
The whole subject of increasing our knowledge and understanding of the main character's thoughts and motivations, or the author giving a series regular "more lines" in the book does bring up the question of is this a "standalone" book? I have noted questions from readers time and time again. They will read a book selection that is a part of a series with a particular protagonist and then ask whether they should start at the beginning (of the series) or can the novel be enjoyed on its own merit. I would respond to that question by answering "it depends". The Lincoln Rhyme book series is one that a reader could pluck out any one of the installments and enjoy the story. However, I DO believe that the level of enjoyment, understanding, and enlightenment relative to the hero and series regulars will be greatly enhanced by reading the series in order of publication. Rhyme's early relationship with the "Lethe Society" mentioned in this book is a case in point.
Finally, several authors insert what I like to call "teachable moments" in their novels, but this book by Deaver contained "a wealth of information"---an opportunity to learn about the art of "orawhistling", the topic of Tarot Cards, the history of Harlem in the 19th century, an illuminating retrospective on the Fourth Amendment, AAEV (African American English Vernacular), the correct spoken usage of Ebonics, and even tidbits like the fact that ‘Axe’ is just an Old-English version of ‘ask'. The reader also learns the mechanics of death by hanging, a lot about homemade explosives and the use of deadly gases in booby traps, not to mention the potential long term effects of carrying out the death penalty from the perspective of the prison employees who pull the switch. Only in a Lincoln Rhyme novel would you run across the fact that the composition of tears differ when they are shed as a result of emotion (happiness, a poignant movie) as opposed to resulting from stark fear and terror.
Caveats-Deaver's attempts to use the deviations from standard English in scenes of the book requiring self-reflection and dialogue...were distracting at times and interfered with the momentum of the narrative; frequent recaps of the white boards were unusually spacious in this one due to the multiple crime scenes.
The conclusion was not an unexpected twist for our targeted teenage girl in Harlem but was still rewarding in more ways than one, despite the poignant (albeit realistic) developments involving our young heroine's best friend Keisha. The scene with Rhyme and Sachs at the end of the novel, which provided closure relative to the meaning of The Twelfth Card (The Hanged Man) was more or less anticipated but especially memorable because of the manner in which it was revealed.
MY REVIEW FOUR STARS****
I just finished reading this early installment of Deaver's LINCOLN RHYME series nearly a decade and a half since its publication in 2005. These notes are written during the July 2019 Heat Wave that has been crippling three quarters of the nation. This past Fall I decided that it might be interesting to focus on my favorite authors, reading their books again in the order of publication, not skipping the inevitable re-reads, but just alternating between the fictional heroes whose exploits I had loved in the past. Jeffery Deaver has been one of my all time favorite writers, so naturally reading all of the Lincoln Rhyme books was a must.
I re-read THE VANISHED MAN in May of this year, and then THE TWELFTH CARD was "up to bat", the sixth novel in order of publication. But, after reading the teaser description of the book on Amazon, I was all but convinced that it was destined to be one installment in the series that I simply wouldn't find interesting. The premise of a hit man targeting a young girl in Harlem not only didn't sound like it was NOT "right up my ally", but rather was far adrift of any number of assorted story lines that might have snagged my interest. Moreover, I always avoid "cold cases" when I watch true crime on ID. "Lincoln has to solve a cold case that's over 150 years old" I read in the Description, and thought to myself that I would just like to skip over this one.
That said, largely because of my OCD tendencies, I just couldn't force myself to NOT read this installment. In hindsight this worked in my favor, because I truly enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to any Deaver fan that may have somehow missed out on reading it when it was first published. Those readers who may not already BE Deaver fans, believe me when I say that he is one of the truly amazing authors writing today. This book is a good choice for inquisitive fans who are partial to the Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense genres.
It's been said that Deaver has the ability to draw the reader into the narrative essentially "right out of the gate", and THE TWELFTH CARD is no exception. Subsequent to the thwarted murder attempt at the library, our potential victim (an articulate young black teen named Geneva) finds herself in Lincoln's townhouse in Manhattan. Deaver's fictional (former Captain) Rhyme never disappoints. He works his scientific "magic" from the incredibly well equipped forensic lab assembled in his home, surrounded by his talented colleagues we have grown to know and care about from reading about his prior cases. I was quickly engaged by the detailed description of the investigative techniques, and the witty banter among Thom, Rhyme, Sachs, Lon, and Mel. The subject of the Tarot Card left at the crime scene in the library is introduced very early in the narrative. The author treats us to a cameo appearance by Cara [THE VANISHED MAN] to explain the meaning of the twelfth card in the Tarot deck (The Hanged Man). The interpretation of the card in a reading is explained to the group by Cara, and the underlying theme of (The Twelfth Card) underscores the intertwined plot lines in the novel.
"The Hanged Man does not refer to someone being punished. Its appearance in a reading indicates spiritual searching leading to a decision, a transition, a change of direction. The card often foretells a surrendering to experience, ending a struggle, accepting what is. When this card appears in your reading you must listen to your inner self, even if that message seems to be contrary to logic."
The Lincoln Rhyme series has to be among the most deceptively clever and adroit in the annals of contemporary crime fiction. I have read a large number of Deaver's works, to include his short stories, standalone books, and many of the Lincoln Rhyme novels. I am all too familiar with his uncanny ability to ratchet up tension and suspense, typically by placing a beloved character in harm's way, often Rhyme himself or his partner Sachs will be in imminent peril. I let the feelings of apprehension sweep over me while I simultaneously feel safe knowing there is an imaginary "safety net" all the while. I even allow myself a smile sometimes. I have often speculated that his total mastery of the short story format has provided him with what is an exceptional talent in crafting cliffhangers and remarkable plot twists in his novels. Despite my familiarity with Deaver's expertise in manipulating the narrative like Play-Do I fall into the his insidious traps nearly all the time. A reader can know and anticipate Deaver's antics, but when he pulls an unexpected plot twist out of his hat time and time again you just shake your head in wonder. For me to say that Deaver is a genius at misdirection is not overstating it. His novels are like rafting a patch of roiling whitewater but doing it with a virtual reality head set. You get the adrenaline rush and the excitement but without the risk.
He is a master story teller, manages POV changes smoothly, challenges the minds of his readers with numerous opportunities to learn new information about myriad topics, and delivers on his unspoken promise of a complex, tightly knit story with pulse pounding plot twists.
Kudos to Deaver are in order for several elements in this particular story, including but certainly not limited to, the creation of a truly intriguing and chilling contract killer in the character of Thompson Boyd (ice water in his veins, well versed in all lethal execution methods that matter, cool enough to take a nap in the seat of Old Sparky, comfortable with explosives to lethal gases but also a talented handyman when it comes to rigging booby traps and ways to kill)---and an especially exciting and memorable showdown between Sachs and the main villain is in store.
In addition, the underlying story of Rhyme's own painful wrestling with the meaning of The Hanged Man (as it pertained to his personal "crossroads") added depth and was quite memorable in that it added to the knowledge we have of Lincoln's character arc in the series.
I was ready to add that I personally enjoyed the back story that the author incorporated about series regular Detective Lon Sellitto. Other readers may not agree in that the author's fleshing out a peripheral character, series regular or not, takes away from the main protagonist's "screen time" so to speak. In most cases I would agree. However, this novel added to the knowledge we have about Rhyme and his character's arc as stated in preceding paragraph. The back story about Sellitto was not only interesting in its own right, but obviously was needed in order to help set up the later showdown between crack shot Amelia Sachs, caught without a bullet in a deadly shoot out with our "very bad man" Thompson Boyd.
The whole subject of increasing our knowledge and understanding of the main character's thoughts and motivations, or the author giving a series regular "more lines" in the book does bring up the question of is this a "standalone" book? I have noted questions from readers time and time again. They will read a book selection that is a part of a series with a particular protagonist and then ask whether they should start at the beginning (of the series) or can the novel be enjoyed on its own merit. I would respond to that question by answering "it depends". The Lincoln Rhyme book series is one that a reader could pluck out any one of the installments and enjoy the story. However, I DO believe that the level of enjoyment, understanding, and enlightenment relative to the hero and series regulars will be greatly enhanced by reading the series in order of publication. Rhyme's early relationship with the "Lethe Society" mentioned in this book is a case in point.
Finally, several authors insert what I like to call "teachable moments" in their novels, but this book by Deaver contained "a wealth of information"---an opportunity to learn about the art of "orawhistling", the topic of Tarot Cards, the history of Harlem in the 19th century, an illuminating retrospective on the Fourth Amendment, AAEV (African American English Vernacular), the correct spoken usage of Ebonics, and even tidbits like the fact that ‘Axe’ is just an Old-English version of ‘ask'. The reader also learns the mechanics of death by hanging, a lot about homemade explosives and the use of deadly gases in booby traps, not to mention the potential long term effects of carrying out the death penalty from the perspective of the prison employees who pull the switch. Only in a Lincoln Rhyme novel would you run across the fact that the composition of tears differ when they are shed as a result of emotion (happiness, a poignant movie) as opposed to resulting from stark fear and terror.
Caveats-Deaver's attempts to use the deviations from standard English in scenes of the book requiring self-reflection and dialogue...were distracting at times and interfered with the momentum of the narrative; frequent recaps of the white boards were unusually spacious in this one due to the multiple crime scenes.
The conclusion was not an unexpected twist for our targeted teenage girl in Harlem but was still rewarding in more ways than one, despite the poignant (albeit realistic) developments involving our young heroine's best friend Keisha. The scene with Rhyme and Sachs at the end of the novel, which provided closure relative to the meaning of The Twelfth Card (The Hanged Man) was more or less anticipated but especially memorable because of the manner in which it was revealed.
January 6, 2021
Way too many red herrings for me
December 30, 2021
I absolutely love Rhymes' novels but this one was just soooo slowwww. Yeah there were a couple interesting twists and turns but nothing like you usually see from Deaver.
Plus, the emotional connection was just not there. I didn't care at all about the story or the characters and boy did it drag out for no apparent reason. We even lacked connection and further development of Lincoln and Amelia, one of the only constants in this series was completely missing from this book.
Honestly my favorite part was the last 3 pages which had nothing at all to do with the storyline but Rhymes himself. Yeah I did get a chill from it, but that's it just one little lonely chill from 400 pages. Hard pass on this one.
Plus, the emotional connection was just not there. I didn't care at all about the story or the characters and boy did it drag out for no apparent reason. We even lacked connection and further development of Lincoln and Amelia, one of the only constants in this series was completely missing from this book.
Honestly my favorite part was the last 3 pages which had nothing at all to do with the storyline but Rhymes himself. Yeah I did get a chill from it, but that's it just one little lonely chill from 400 pages. Hard pass on this one.
August 19, 2008
I'm pretty sure I've read other 'Lincoln Rhyme' novels. And I'm pretty sure I liked them. But this one did not hold my attention at all.
First problem I noticed was that Jeffrey tries to write in black vernacular, Ebonics, AAVE (African American Vernacular English), whatever you may find to be PC today. The issues I have with this are twofold: that it (the vernacular) changes with each generation so the story feels dated already and that having George Guidall try to pull off saying "I'm down wit it" or "word" doesn't work. The whole thing was a tragic comedy.
Add to that distraction the fact that at several points in the novel the action stops to inventory what we have learned so far makes me feel untrusted to 'get it'. All that inventorying kills the thrill, flattens the ride, and has me looking for more of Lincoln Rhyme - so I can avoid him.
First problem I noticed was that Jeffrey tries to write in black vernacular, Ebonics, AAVE (African American Vernacular English), whatever you may find to be PC today. The issues I have with this are twofold: that it (the vernacular) changes with each generation so the story feels dated already and that having George Guidall try to pull off saying "I'm down wit it" or "word" doesn't work. The whole thing was a tragic comedy.
Add to that distraction the fact that at several points in the novel the action stops to inventory what we have learned so far makes me feel untrusted to 'get it'. All that inventorying kills the thrill, flattens the ride, and has me looking for more of Lincoln Rhyme - so I can avoid him.
January 23, 2019
In the sixth installment The Twelfth Card, Forensics experts Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are on a cold case, dating back to the 1800's, during the time of slavery. They have been assigned to protect an African-American high school girl named Geneva, who is looking into the past of one of her ancestors, a former slave from the 19th century. When he died he took a deep dark secret with him, and to this day it remains buried.
As it turns out, someone doesn't want the secret coming out, and has named Geneva the target. Rhyme and Sachs return to face a ruthless killer who's calling card is The Hanged Man of the tarot card deck. They search not only the chilling message, but the deadly conspiracy that took place almost 2 centuries ago!
The story tends to drag in some spots, and a little hard to follow at times, but kept me entertained nonetheless!
As it turns out, someone doesn't want the secret coming out, and has named Geneva the target. Rhyme and Sachs return to face a ruthless killer who's calling card is The Hanged Man of the tarot card deck. They search not only the chilling message, but the deadly conspiracy that took place almost 2 centuries ago!
The story tends to drag in some spots, and a little hard to follow at times, but kept me entertained nonetheless!
March 26, 2009
Wow, really bad. Hated the dialog, found it very hard to get through. I only read until the end because it was a book club selection. Had it not been, I would have put it down the minute I started reading Deaver's version of African American Vernacular. Embarrassing!
October 5, 2022
Genres: Crime/Thriller
This is book #6 in the Lincoln Rhyme series. I've read a few of them...none of them in sequential order. Overall, I like this series because of the characters and their strong moral compass. I also like the interesting twists and turns and how the ending is never really the ending because there usually area few more endings coming.
This was felt a littel too orchestrated for me and I wanted a little more plausibility. I still liked it, it just wasn't my favorite installment. So 3 stars.
This is book #6 in the Lincoln Rhyme series. I've read a few of them...none of them in sequential order. Overall, I like this series because of the characters and their strong moral compass. I also like the interesting twists and turns and how the ending is never really the ending because there usually area few more endings coming.
This was felt a littel too orchestrated for me and I wanted a little more plausibility. I still liked it, it just wasn't my favorite installment. So 3 stars.
April 27, 2011
I hadn't read the first five in the series, so I missed out on that character development. I liked the story ok, but I found some of the dialogue stereotyping and demeaning. As an audio book, anyway, the language attributed to many of the characters-- especially the African American characters-- wasn't believable/ felt inappropriate. I found myself rolling my windows up to avoid offending the occupants of other vehicles.
October 26, 2024
The 6th book in the Lincoln Rhyme series by Jeffery Deaver.
Lincoln Rhyme is a former NYPD Homicide Detective who is now a Forensic Consultant since he became a quadriplegic. He is partnered with Amelia Sachs who acts as his eyes as she walks crime scenes.
I have now all of this excellent series and remains as fresh as ever. There are also very good spin off series from this series.
Lincoln Rhyme is a former NYPD Homicide Detective who is now a Forensic Consultant since he became a quadriplegic. He is partnered with Amelia Sachs who acts as his eyes as she walks crime scenes.
I have now all of this excellent series and remains as fresh as ever. There are also very good spin off series from this series.
November 4, 2014
Love, love, love the Lincoln Rhyme books. This one was excellent also!
August 30, 2023
To był dobry, intrygujący początek i potencjał na naprawdę dobrą książkę, z historią w tle, a wyszła przegadana i rozwleczona kupa, przy której nieustannie wywracałam oczami i która nie chciała się skończyć. Serio, generalnie bardzo lubię Deavera i mam do niego ogromny sentyment, bo to od niego lata temu zaczęła się moja przygoda z kryminałami, ale mam wrażenie, że absolutnie nic nie jest w stanie doścignąć geniuszu pierwszego tomu tej serii i niektórych jednotomówek :O.
July 4, 2012
By far, Jeffery Deaver is the one author with that uncanny ability to develop plot twists and very complex characters that leave you stunned to the end. If you've seen the movie, trust me, the books are far more ingenious and developed as compared to what we were presented with on the silver screen. The Bone Collector is a series novel starring Lincoln Rhyme, our famous forensics expert bound to his bed and mobile wheelchair.
Reading this novel I am reminded to never commit a crime. The art of forensics as described by Deaver leaves one little doubt as to trace evidence left behind at a crime scene. Of course, this leaves Deaver no choice but to create such stunning criminal minds that they are indeed a match for our hero Lincoln Rhyme...that the possibility does exist to get away with it in spite of Mr. Rhyme's calculating mind.
But it's not just about the crime...primarily Deaver takes his time as he develops his cast of characters across a whole series of ingenious books...enveloping all of the primary human emotions within such characters: from romance, to jealousy, to hatred, to loyalty, betrayal, and so forth.
P.S. Same review for the whole series. If you've read this review of Lincoln Rhyme, you've read them all.
Reading this novel I am reminded to never commit a crime. The art of forensics as described by Deaver leaves one little doubt as to trace evidence left behind at a crime scene. Of course, this leaves Deaver no choice but to create such stunning criminal minds that they are indeed a match for our hero Lincoln Rhyme...that the possibility does exist to get away with it in spite of Mr. Rhyme's calculating mind.
But it's not just about the crime...primarily Deaver takes his time as he develops his cast of characters across a whole series of ingenious books...enveloping all of the primary human emotions within such characters: from romance, to jealousy, to hatred, to loyalty, betrayal, and so forth.
P.S. Same review for the whole series. If you've read this review of Lincoln Rhyme, you've read them all.
November 8, 2022
I am not going to recap this book for you as I would be afraid that I would be giving too much away and spoil your read.
I can plainly see why this book may get on some people's nerves. The lingo is difficult to follow (however, remember the decade this book was written in, so you will understand why some of the lingo is outdated), the attempt at political correctness may annoy some, and the fact that the red herrings abound AND that there are two crimes set in different centuries is daunting.
I found it an interesting read since whoever I thought did it did not. I love being surprised! I loved learning about the history of NYC and of the African American slaves who were freed to fight in the Civil War.
One of the antagonists is truly horrible, and the why of it may surprise you as to the why of it. As a matter of fact, finding out who were antagonists and who weren't and the why of it was fascinating.
I think this was a very worthwhile read for many reasons (some I have stated above), and another reason is that Rhyme and Sachs get a little boost in their love story.
I can plainly see why this book may get on some people's nerves. The lingo is difficult to follow (however, remember the decade this book was written in, so you will understand why some of the lingo is outdated), the attempt at political correctness may annoy some, and the fact that the red herrings abound AND that there are two crimes set in different centuries is daunting.
I found it an interesting read since whoever I thought did it did not. I love being surprised! I loved learning about the history of NYC and of the African American slaves who were freed to fight in the Civil War.
One of the antagonists is truly horrible, and the why of it may surprise you as to the why of it. As a matter of fact, finding out who were antagonists and who weren't and the why of it was fascinating.
I think this was a very worthwhile read for many reasons (some I have stated above), and another reason is that Rhyme and Sachs get a little boost in their love story.
May 28, 2011
Always eager to read the next Deaver-Rhyme book, I was left feeling a little disappointed by the Twelfth Card. Although packed with twists, turns and suspense, I found the story rather dull and lacking in substance creating an "oh" instead of an "ooooooooh". There were some excellent touches to the story, such as the historical theme and learning more about regular characters. The Harlem dialect was a nice touch although sometimes difficult to follow. I felt the last section of the book brought necessary closure and updates, which could have easily been overseen as unnecessary to the story but were in fact key to the overall rating. Although merely passable for Deaver, he still blows most similar genre authors out of the water!
January 28, 2009
Oh my... I', embarrassed! For me, because I've raved about Deaver so much. I just found this volume at a swap for $1.00, and dear me, I should have passed. I feel bad for Deavers because the psuedo-black vernacular was stilted, inappropriate and almost insulting... that's how I felt reading it, even though I'm not black!
If you can over-look the simply awful attempt at slang-hop, the plot and Rhyme's steller convoluted detecting is worth the struggling with the tongue twisting creepy syntax.
If you can over-look the simply awful attempt at slang-hop, the plot and Rhyme's steller convoluted detecting is worth the struggling with the tongue twisting creepy syntax.
August 28, 2016
I always enjoy Deaver's crime novels and this one was no exception. This is one of the Lincoln Rhyme novels that I have had on my bookshelf for several years but hadn't gotten around to reading. I thought this one was great and included some inventive plot twists - it really had me guessing. Deaver has a knack for leading you down one path only to change it unexpectedly. He managed this several times in this novel! I would recommend this one.
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