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The Collateral Heart: An unputdownable, intense crime thriller fiction novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author
Not yet published
Expected 19 Nov 26Lincoln Rhyme is back, and the stakes are bigger than ever before. The brand new crime thriller from the master of the genre, Jeffery Deaver – pre-order now.
A terrible arson in Manhattan burns an old building to the ground. Amelia Sachs—criminalist Lincoln Rhyme’s wife and crime scene investigator extraordinaire–manages to save a victim from a fiery death. And in doing so she makes an eerie discovery. The arsonist has left a package of clues that might hint as to their motive and where they will strike next.
As the perp prepares for another attack, and Rhyme and Sachs work feverishly to unravel the mystery, they cross paths with a detective from Long Island. Desdemona Vale is a sharp and unstoppable officer—balancing her fervent search for the killer of a young woman from her neighborhood, with the arduous task of caring for her two young granddaughters.
The searches for their respective villains lead Rhyme, Sachs and Vale improbably to another member of the James Harper, a famed historian and the host of one of the most popular history podcasts in the country, a man who may, or may not, be able to shed light on the perp’s motive and identity.
As always in a Jeffery Deaver novel, the multiple, interweaving plots race along nonstop adhering to the template of a one-sitting read; nothing is quite what it seems to be; and the novel features three surprise endings!
More shockingly yet, as the layers of the plots are pulled back, Lincoln Rhyme learns to his dismay that he has a new nemesis—a worthy and terrifying successor to the Watchmaker. Can he stop the carnage in time? The answer is found on the very last page.
Praise for
'The master-plotter Deaver cranks up the tension to fever pitch' on The Watchmaker's Hand, a Daily Mail Thriller of the year
'Pulsating' on The Watchmaker's Hand, a Waterstones Best thriller of 2023
'Jeffery Deaver is a master storyteller. His characters and plotting are second to none. One of the true giants of the genre' Steve Cavanagh
A terrible arson in Manhattan burns an old building to the ground. Amelia Sachs—criminalist Lincoln Rhyme’s wife and crime scene investigator extraordinaire–manages to save a victim from a fiery death. And in doing so she makes an eerie discovery. The arsonist has left a package of clues that might hint as to their motive and where they will strike next.
As the perp prepares for another attack, and Rhyme and Sachs work feverishly to unravel the mystery, they cross paths with a detective from Long Island. Desdemona Vale is a sharp and unstoppable officer—balancing her fervent search for the killer of a young woman from her neighborhood, with the arduous task of caring for her two young granddaughters.
The searches for their respective villains lead Rhyme, Sachs and Vale improbably to another member of the James Harper, a famed historian and the host of one of the most popular history podcasts in the country, a man who may, or may not, be able to shed light on the perp’s motive and identity.
As always in a Jeffery Deaver novel, the multiple, interweaving plots race along nonstop adhering to the template of a one-sitting read; nothing is quite what it seems to be; and the novel features three surprise endings!
More shockingly yet, as the layers of the plots are pulled back, Lincoln Rhyme learns to his dismay that he has a new nemesis—a worthy and terrifying successor to the Watchmaker. Can he stop the carnage in time? The answer is found on the very last page.
Praise for
'The master-plotter Deaver cranks up the tension to fever pitch' on The Watchmaker's Hand, a Daily Mail Thriller of the year
'Pulsating' on The Watchmaker's Hand, a Waterstones Best thriller of 2023
'Jeffery Deaver is a master storyteller. His characters and plotting are second to none. One of the true giants of the genre' Steve Cavanagh
- GenresMystery
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 19, 2026
4 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery Deaver
527 books11.9k 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I saw a new Lincoln Rhyme novel from Jeffery Deaver was coming out, my first reaction was a mental YIPPEE with a cartwheel. I’ve always loved the Rhyme and Sachs books, and this one reminded me exactly why.
The story begins with a homeless man getting trapped in an arson fire. Soon a disturbing pattern begins to emerge: the fires seem to follow chapters from a book about mass murderers and genocides throughout history. As the investigation unfolds, Rhyme and Amelia Sachs work to figure out who is behind the crimes and why arson would be connected to figures like Pol Pot and others.
At the same time, Detective Vale is investigating the murder of a young woman and turns to Rhyme and Sachs for help. The two investigations gradually intertwine, creating a tense race to identify the killers before yet another fire is set.
One of the things I’ve always admired about Deaver’s writing is the research. Because Rhyme is such a cerebral character, the science and forensics in these books need to be rock solid, and they always are. The investigation here involves detailed work with chemicals, artifacts, and tiny linguistic clues. At one point, something as small as the difference between “a” and “the” becomes an important piece of the puzzle. Those subtle details are what make these books so satisfying to read.
Of course, the heart of the series is the partnership between Rhyme and Sachs. I love watching them work together, each bringing different strengths to the investigation. Their marriage has deepened their mutual respect, and that dynamic really shines in this book. Thom, Rhyme’s personal assistant, is another favorite of mine. He does an admirable job keeping Rhyme in line, and however inappropriately, his character makes me laugh.
Detective Vale was also a welcome addition. I really enjoyed her investigative style, especially the way she builds timelines to solve cases. Her home life adds depth to her character, and I found myself hoping she might appear in future books.
The pacing kept me turning pages, and once the investigators started getting close to the truth, I had a hard time putting the book down. While I had a rough idea of who might be responsible for the crimes, the motivation behind it caught me completely by surprise. The tension builds beautifully toward a very satisfying conclusion.
Content warnings include murder, domestic violence, and addiction.
For me, this was an easy five-star read. In my personal rating system, five stars means I lost sleep because I couldn’t stop reading, and The Collateral Heart absolutely earned that rating.
Fans of Rhyme and Sachs will feel right at home here, and readers who enjoy intelligent crime thrillers with strong forensic detail (like Patricia Cornwell) will find plenty to love.
A special thank you to Putnam for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The story begins with a homeless man getting trapped in an arson fire. Soon a disturbing pattern begins to emerge: the fires seem to follow chapters from a book about mass murderers and genocides throughout history. As the investigation unfolds, Rhyme and Amelia Sachs work to figure out who is behind the crimes and why arson would be connected to figures like Pol Pot and others.
At the same time, Detective Vale is investigating the murder of a young woman and turns to Rhyme and Sachs for help. The two investigations gradually intertwine, creating a tense race to identify the killers before yet another fire is set.
One of the things I’ve always admired about Deaver’s writing is the research. Because Rhyme is such a cerebral character, the science and forensics in these books need to be rock solid, and they always are. The investigation here involves detailed work with chemicals, artifacts, and tiny linguistic clues. At one point, something as small as the difference between “a” and “the” becomes an important piece of the puzzle. Those subtle details are what make these books so satisfying to read.
Of course, the heart of the series is the partnership between Rhyme and Sachs. I love watching them work together, each bringing different strengths to the investigation. Their marriage has deepened their mutual respect, and that dynamic really shines in this book. Thom, Rhyme’s personal assistant, is another favorite of mine. He does an admirable job keeping Rhyme in line, and however inappropriately, his character makes me laugh.
Detective Vale was also a welcome addition. I really enjoyed her investigative style, especially the way she builds timelines to solve cases. Her home life adds depth to her character, and I found myself hoping she might appear in future books.
The pacing kept me turning pages, and once the investigators started getting close to the truth, I had a hard time putting the book down. While I had a rough idea of who might be responsible for the crimes, the motivation behind it caught me completely by surprise. The tension builds beautifully toward a very satisfying conclusion.
Content warnings include murder, domestic violence, and addiction.
For me, this was an easy five-star read. In my personal rating system, five stars means I lost sleep because I couldn’t stop reading, and The Collateral Heart absolutely earned that rating.
Fans of Rhyme and Sachs will feel right at home here, and readers who enjoy intelligent crime thrillers with strong forensic detail (like Patricia Cornwell) will find plenty to love.
A special thank you to Putnam for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Collateral Heart by Jeffrey Deaver is everything I love about the Lincoln Rhyme series and then some. This was an absolute five star read that had me completely hooked from start to finish.
The mystery at the heart of this book is so clever and unlike anything I have read before. An arsonist leaving clues tied to historical mass murderers and genocides sounds wild but Deaver pulls it off brilliantly. The forensic detail throughout is outstanding and the way even the tiniest clues, down to a single word or letter, can crack the whole case wide open is so incredibly satisfying. It makes you feel like you are right there in the investigation trying to piece it all together.
Rhyme and Sachs remain one of my absolute favorite crime solving duos in fiction. Their dynamic and partnership bring so much depth and warmth to the story and I never get tired of watching them work together.
Detective Vale was a fantastic addition to the Rhyme universe. Her investigative style is so unique and compelling and I genuinely hope we see much more of her in future books.
The twists kept coming throughout and the ending completely caught me off guard in the best possible way. The pacing is relentless and this was very much a one more chapter read that kept me up way too late.
A brilliant and endlessly satisfying thriller. Highly recommend!
Pub Day: November 17, 2026
Categories: Mystery & Thrillers
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC.
The mystery at the heart of this book is so clever and unlike anything I have read before. An arsonist leaving clues tied to historical mass murderers and genocides sounds wild but Deaver pulls it off brilliantly. The forensic detail throughout is outstanding and the way even the tiniest clues, down to a single word or letter, can crack the whole case wide open is so incredibly satisfying. It makes you feel like you are right there in the investigation trying to piece it all together.
Rhyme and Sachs remain one of my absolute favorite crime solving duos in fiction. Their dynamic and partnership bring so much depth and warmth to the story and I never get tired of watching them work together.
Detective Vale was a fantastic addition to the Rhyme universe. Her investigative style is so unique and compelling and I genuinely hope we see much more of her in future books.
The twists kept coming throughout and the ending completely caught me off guard in the best possible way. The pacing is relentless and this was very much a one more chapter read that kept me up way too late.
A brilliant and endlessly satisfying thriller. Highly recommend!
Pub Day: November 17, 2026
Categories: Mystery & Thrillers
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, GP Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley, for an advanced copy of Jeffrey Deaver’s latest crime thriller. Having read almost every Lincoln Rhyme novel, I can honestly say that Deaver continues to produce fast-paced, gripping stories with characters that are still able to grow and change realistically.
The plot kicks off with a possibly deadly arson that looks as though it is only just the beginning of a fire spree. Rhyme and Sachs must decipher the clues left by the arsonist to determine the next target. This leads them to seek the help of a well-known historical podcaster. We are also introduced to another new character, Des Vale, a Long Island detective, who is performing her own investigation of a murdered girl. As her investigation becomes intertwined with Ryhme’s and Sach’s crimes, she actually impresses the stoic Rhyme with her unique way of looking at her case. They must work together to unravel all the crimes and find out who the victims are and who is just collateral damage.
I really enjoyed the intricacies of the plot and how each storyline was connected. Deaver continues to breathe life into his tried and true characters and propels the story forward with multiple points of view. The mysteries had multiple layers and revelations that Deaver weaves perfectly together for a clear and satisfying story.
The plot kicks off with a possibly deadly arson that looks as though it is only just the beginning of a fire spree. Rhyme and Sachs must decipher the clues left by the arsonist to determine the next target. This leads them to seek the help of a well-known historical podcaster. We are also introduced to another new character, Des Vale, a Long Island detective, who is performing her own investigation of a murdered girl. As her investigation becomes intertwined with Ryhme’s and Sach’s crimes, she actually impresses the stoic Rhyme with her unique way of looking at her case. They must work together to unravel all the crimes and find out who the victims are and who is just collateral damage.
I really enjoyed the intricacies of the plot and how each storyline was connected. Deaver continues to breathe life into his tried and true characters and propels the story forward with multiple points of view. The mysteries had multiple layers and revelations that Deaver weaves perfectly together for a clear and satisfying story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are back, investigating a serial arsonist who leaves behind clues to their real motivation. Meanwhile, Desdamona Vale, a detective and grandma from a small town on Long Island, is investigating a drug-related death of a young woman, when her search brings her into contact with Rhyme and Sachs. When she introduces a new way of thinking about crime, Rhyme becomes intrigued and agrees to help her. The dual investigations lead to a historical author and podcaster who they hope can help shed light on aspects of the arson case. Before everything is through, Rhyme will face one of the most cunning villains he's ever encountered.
There's a lot going on in this book, with multiple crimes and plot lines all being juggled at once. Yet, the story flows seamlessly, and though aspects require a lot of willing suspension of disbelief, the book remains a riveting, fast read and as enjoyable as the best in the series. - 4.5/5*
Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are back, investigating a serial arsonist who leaves behind clues to their real motivation. Meanwhile, Desdamona Vale, a detective and grandma from a small town on Long Island, is investigating a drug-related death of a young woman, when her search brings her into contact with Rhyme and Sachs. When she introduces a new way of thinking about crime, Rhyme becomes intrigued and agrees to help her. The dual investigations lead to a historical author and podcaster who they hope can help shed light on aspects of the arson case. Before everything is through, Rhyme will face one of the most cunning villains he's ever encountered.
There's a lot going on in this book, with multiple crimes and plot lines all being juggled at once. Yet, the story flows seamlessly, and though aspects require a lot of willing suspension of disbelief, the book remains a riveting, fast read and as enjoyable as the best in the series. - 4.5/5*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jeffrey Deaver's latest Lincoln Rhymes novel, The Collateral Heart (G.P. Putnam 2026) is as good as the best in this seventeen book series. In past novels, we met Lincoln Rhymes as a brilliant criminologist severely injured on an investigation that left him a quadruped. All that remain was move in his little finger and full use of his brilliant brain. Once he recovers feeling sorry for himself (who wouldn't?), he continues solving crimes. In this seventeenth installment, an arsonist burns down old buildings without verifying they are empty. The death of innocents catches Rhymes attention. Then, it crosses the path of a case being chased by Desdemona Vale, a small town detective with few resources for her search but boundless energy and a unique ability to connect the dots. She pursues the supposed drug-related death of a young girl, written off as her fault, but Desdemona Vale doesn't believe it and convinces Rhymes and Sachs to help her. The light bulb goes on when it turns out both are part of the same case.
I like that Rhymes is slowly getting some mobility back through a series of surgeries. To me, that adds to the story's interest. Bravo, again, for this latest book, Jeffrey Deaver!
I like that Rhymes is slowly getting some mobility back through a series of surgeries. To me, that adds to the story's interest. Bravo, again, for this latest book, Jeffrey Deaver!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I couldn't help but tear through the latest Jeffrey Deaver / Lincoln Rhyme novel- The Collateral Heart. As one of my very favorite series of all times, I was elated to get the ARC. The latest installment finds our criminalist crew looking at an arsonist after Amelia saves someone from a fire. With a fireproof box full of baffling clues, the team is quickly mired into an investigation- is it a serial arsonist? Around the same time, a lone wolf Detective Vale enters the book with a suicide/murder? case all her own. As the ladies' cross paths and the fires and clues continue, everyone is encompassed in solving both incidences. There seems to be a new foe at play here in the Rhyme universe and plots twists and turns- leaving you to wonder just who is taking on the Rhyme Team.
I want to thank Putnam for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#lincolnrhyme #jeffreydeaver #libraryninja📚
I want to thank Putnam for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#lincolnrhyme #jeffreydeaver #libraryninja📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One more time, Jeffery Deaver hits it out of the park, His characters are so compelling and real that sometimes I forget I am reading a book. Imagine for a second having to make a choice between having feeling in parts of your body or having the use of your hand. These little details are what keeps me coming back for more.
Without giving too much away, Lincoln and Sachs are working on an arson investigation that requires them to connect the dots. Hats off to Mr Deaver for connecting a hairbrush to Attila the Hun. What an imagination. We also have Desdemona who is searching for a killer who uses the resources of Rhymes to help in her investigation. There were many times I held my breath in this story, or maybe I should say there were many times I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. My dad read every book Mr Deaver ever wrote. So sorry he couldn't read this one. He would have loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Without giving too much away, Lincoln and Sachs are working on an arson investigation that requires them to connect the dots. Hats off to Mr Deaver for connecting a hairbrush to Attila the Hun. What an imagination. We also have Desdemona who is searching for a killer who uses the resources of Rhymes to help in her investigation. There were many times I held my breath in this story, or maybe I should say there were many times I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. My dad read every book Mr Deaver ever wrote. So sorry he couldn't read this one. He would have loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, I want to preface this by saying that I really wish Goodreads would let us choose half stars! My actual rating for this would be 4.5/5 stars. I received an ARC copy of this book through NetGalley. I've long been a fan of Jeffrey Deaver's work, even before they turned The Bone Collector into a movie. This was an excellent addition to the Lincoln Rhyme collection, introducing (and hopefully continuing with!) new character Desdemona Vale, a "grandmotherly" detective from small town Bay Cove, NY. I loved her collaboration with Rhyme and Sachs and how the cases they worked on intersected and overlapped. The book kept me interested from the beginning and I love the additions of new technologies like AI and LLM as this series progresses. I think if you're a fan of either Jeffrey Deaver or this type of novel, you'll enjoy this one - I did!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a fan of Mr. Deaver’s novels and his character, Lincoln Rhyme, I always look forward to a new installment. After a very exciting and promising start, I found this book to be somewhat ordinary and extremely wordy with new characters constantly being added. If not read in one sitting, it can get to be very confusing. There. Is a lot going on in the book —- arson, drugs, murder, etc. and this reader actually lost interest about half way through but persevered to the conclusion. I thank NetGalley and Putnam Books for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I would like to thank edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I have finally caught up on all the Lincoln Rhyme novels so I was excited to dive into this one. Overall in the end, I found the first half slow, it didn't pick up till the second half and there is multiple story lines going on all at the same time. In the end though, still an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was another fantastic Lincoln Rhyme book. All the favorite characters were back, as well as a new one, Det. Desdemona Vale from Long Island. I enjoyed her character and liked the way they worked together. I usually can get an idea what is going on but this book had so many twists that it kept me guessing til the end. Anyone who reads this series will not be disappointed. This was a very good book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this ARC from Putnam Books and NetGalley.
I love Lincoln Rhyme, and really enjoy reading Jeffery Deaver's books. This book did not disappoint. You can feel the rush as the perps are run down in so many different ways. You don't realize how easily the heart can be manipulated, or how often it is, until the many ways are presented to you. Read this one to see for yourself.
I love Lincoln Rhyme, and really enjoy reading Jeffery Deaver's books. This book did not disappoint. You can feel the rush as the perps are run down in so many different ways. You don't realize how easily the heart can be manipulated, or how often it is, until the many ways are presented to you. Read this one to see for yourself.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam books for allowing me to read ARC of this amazing and twisty book. Very intense and thrilling. Love the idea of finding clues and see if my feelings were wrong or right but oh yeas, it is such a game.
March 21, 2026
100/10 twist upon a twist upon a twist. Loved this book. So very clever!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews