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Lincoln Rhyme #17
The Collateral Heart
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26666 pages, Paperback
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
Jeffery Deaver
528 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“The Collateral Heart” is the 17th novel in Jeffrey Deaver’s “Lincoln Rhyme” series. I believe it’s the first one I’ve ever read. I enjoyed it enough to want to go back and read at least a few, if not all of the others.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Lincoln Rhyme is a “criminalist,” or forensic expert—an investigator specializing in crime scenes. A brilliant, intensely focused, somewhat misanthropic former NYPD captain, he became a police consultant after an accident left him almost completely paralyzed from the neck down. Divorced from his first wife, he is now married to NYPD detective Amelia Sachs, also a forensics expert who goes where Rhyme cannot.
“The Collateral Heart” involves two sets of crimes being investigated by two teams. Rhyme’s team pursues a serial arsonist in the process of burning down abandoned buildings across the city, racing to apprehend him or her before more death and damage occur. Long Island, NY detective Desdemona Vale—a new character in the series and a talented if still developing forensics investigator—is a grandmotherly “team of one” from a small town searching for a murderer who poisoned a young woman and tried to make it look like suicide. She seeks Rhyme's help with her case and becomes involved in his, having earned Rhyme’s respect with her somewhat novel methodology.
Mr. Deaver has written a well-constructed, very absorbing police procedural featuring interesting characters—I found his villains especially “skullduggerous”—and a plot wherein much turns out to be not what it originally seemed. Once a lawyer, Mr. Deaver is no stranger to research. Whatever subject he chooses to treat, he treats knowledgeably and with thoroughness. In “The Collateral Heart,” new and developing crime-solving technologies, various events and figures in world history (e.g., Stalin, Genghis Khan, mass atrocities), podcasting, and even something of a master class in how to plant evidence are some of the topics covered.
According to its NetGalley page, “The Collateral Heart” is due to be published on November 17, just in time for the holiday season.
My thanks to NetGalley, author Jeffrey Deaver, and publisher Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Lincoln Rhyme is a “criminalist,” or forensic expert—an investigator specializing in crime scenes. A brilliant, intensely focused, somewhat misanthropic former NYPD captain, he became a police consultant after an accident left him almost completely paralyzed from the neck down. Divorced from his first wife, he is now married to NYPD detective Amelia Sachs, also a forensics expert who goes where Rhyme cannot.
“The Collateral Heart” involves two sets of crimes being investigated by two teams. Rhyme’s team pursues a serial arsonist in the process of burning down abandoned buildings across the city, racing to apprehend him or her before more death and damage occur. Long Island, NY detective Desdemona Vale—a new character in the series and a talented if still developing forensics investigator—is a grandmotherly “team of one” from a small town searching for a murderer who poisoned a young woman and tried to make it look like suicide. She seeks Rhyme's help with her case and becomes involved in his, having earned Rhyme’s respect with her somewhat novel methodology.
Mr. Deaver has written a well-constructed, very absorbing police procedural featuring interesting characters—I found his villains especially “skullduggerous”—and a plot wherein much turns out to be not what it originally seemed. Once a lawyer, Mr. Deaver is no stranger to research. Whatever subject he chooses to treat, he treats knowledgeably and with thoroughness. In “The Collateral Heart,” new and developing crime-solving technologies, various events and figures in world history (e.g., Stalin, Genghis Khan, mass atrocities), podcasting, and even something of a master class in how to plant evidence are some of the topics covered.
According to its NetGalley page, “The Collateral Heart” is due to be published on November 17, just in time for the holiday season.
My thanks to NetGalley, author Jeffrey Deaver, and publisher Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for this advance reader’s copy, in exchange for an honest review. “The Collateral Heart” is scheduled for release on November 17, 2026.
“The Collateral Heart” is the latest in a long line of crime thrillers that focus on the exploits of criminalist Lincoln Rhyme and his wife, Detective Amelia Sachs. It’s well written, and (in my opinion) aside from several chapters near the end that clog up the flow, a nicely paced narrative.
New York City is burning. Well, not the entire city. Just a few abandoned buildings. But the frequency and spontaneity of the fires (three of them in less than 36 hours) has Rhyme and Sachs feverishly working to unravel the mystery. They’re aided, to some extent, by a fireproof box of clues left at each inferno.
Simultaneously, their paths cross with Desdemona Vale, a detective from the Long Island town of Bay Cove (fictitious), who is searching for the killer of a young woman from her community. She’s also juggling the caring for her two granddaughters as her own daughter, Mare, has just been released from a drug rehab center.
Into the fray comes James Harper, a famous author and historian, as well as host of one of the country’s most popular history podcasts. Can he possibly be the nexus between the fires and the murdered woman?
As mentioned, the pacing is excellent, with superb teases at the end of most chapters that make for an easy page-turning experience. If the two-plus chapters near the end that completely bog down the flow were removed, the narrative would be seamless.
I haven’t read a lot of Deaver’s work, in particular perhaps only one or two in the Lincoln Rhyme series. But “The Collateral Heart” pretty much stands on its own even if you’ve never read any of the previous books. There’s sufficient backstory on the quadriplegic criminalist to bring even first-time readers quickly up to speed.
Four-and-one-half stars for “The Collateral Heart.” If you’re a fan of crime-mystery thrillers, you’ll want to put this one on your list when it arrives in November.
And you can read all of my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) book blog. New reviews posted every Monday.
“The Collateral Heart” is the latest in a long line of crime thrillers that focus on the exploits of criminalist Lincoln Rhyme and his wife, Detective Amelia Sachs. It’s well written, and (in my opinion) aside from several chapters near the end that clog up the flow, a nicely paced narrative.
New York City is burning. Well, not the entire city. Just a few abandoned buildings. But the frequency and spontaneity of the fires (three of them in less than 36 hours) has Rhyme and Sachs feverishly working to unravel the mystery. They’re aided, to some extent, by a fireproof box of clues left at each inferno.
Simultaneously, their paths cross with Desdemona Vale, a detective from the Long Island town of Bay Cove (fictitious), who is searching for the killer of a young woman from her community. She’s also juggling the caring for her two granddaughters as her own daughter, Mare, has just been released from a drug rehab center.
Into the fray comes James Harper, a famous author and historian, as well as host of one of the country’s most popular history podcasts. Can he possibly be the nexus between the fires and the murdered woman?
As mentioned, the pacing is excellent, with superb teases at the end of most chapters that make for an easy page-turning experience. If the two-plus chapters near the end that completely bog down the flow were removed, the narrative would be seamless.
I haven’t read a lot of Deaver’s work, in particular perhaps only one or two in the Lincoln Rhyme series. But “The Collateral Heart” pretty much stands on its own even if you’ve never read any of the previous books. There’s sufficient backstory on the quadriplegic criminalist to bring even first-time readers quickly up to speed.
Four-and-one-half stars for “The Collateral Heart.” If you’re a fan of crime-mystery thrillers, you’ll want to put this one on your list when it arrives in November.
And you can read all of my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) book blog. New reviews posted every Monday.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It has been decades since I have read a Lincoln Rhymes novel. But having rediscovered Deaver through Colter Shaw (before the TV series, I might add), and being aware of the filmed versions, I thought I would circle back to Deaver.
I am quite glad I did.
Obviously I missed some character development but not so much that I felt that I was lost as to everybody's identities.
The story is compelling, although it takes a bit of time to take off.
The first person narratives between a variety of people made me wonder how they all came together, and of course when they did it was fantastic.
Like most procedurals, the lead will say "Aha!" but not tell you what the aha moment was. That was less annoying here than in other works because the payoffs were almost instantaneous.
There were new concepts in this novel which bear additional study - as well as historical references which could easily lead one down a path of research. At the very least an introduction of some less than perfect times in history might help keep us from repeating those paths.
I missed some of the cultural references right along with Rhyme - something I assume is part of his character. However, some are so ingrained in American culture I doubt that it would be possible to have zero knowledge of something of them - as some the characters reference seem a bit dated, which surprised me that 1. Rhyme didn't know them and 2. Deaver didn't use newer references so there would be more of an excuse to have never come upon them in two or three decades.
I like the two new characters introduced in this novel, and hope to see them become their own series.
New to Rhyme or old to Rhyme I would encourage anybody to pick this up and read it.
Definitely a 5/5 and I'm going to have to pick a starting point and read the entire series.
I am quite glad I did.
Obviously I missed some character development but not so much that I felt that I was lost as to everybody's identities.
The story is compelling, although it takes a bit of time to take off.
The first person narratives between a variety of people made me wonder how they all came together, and of course when they did it was fantastic.
Like most procedurals, the lead will say "Aha!" but not tell you what the aha moment was. That was less annoying here than in other works because the payoffs were almost instantaneous.
There were new concepts in this novel which bear additional study - as well as historical references which could easily lead one down a path of research. At the very least an introduction of some less than perfect times in history might help keep us from repeating those paths.
I missed some of the cultural references right along with Rhyme - something I assume is part of his character. However, some are so ingrained in American culture I doubt that it would be possible to have zero knowledge of something of them - as some the characters reference seem a bit dated, which surprised me that 1. Rhyme didn't know them and 2. Deaver didn't use newer references so there would be more of an excuse to have never come upon them in two or three decades.
I like the two new characters introduced in this novel, and hope to see them become their own series.
New to Rhyme or old to Rhyme I would encourage anybody to pick this up and read it.
Definitely a 5/5 and I'm going to have to pick a starting point and read the entire series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a truly captivating and exceptional read! I extend my sincere gratitude to #NetGalley for providing me with the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. It was an opportunity I truly appreciate, and I was immediately drawn into the intricate world and compelling storyline crafted within its pages.
While this marks my first foray into a novel featuring the iconic forensic genius, Lincoln Rhymes, I found the experience completely seamless. The author, Jeffrey Deaver, has masterfully written this installment in such a way that it functions perfectly as a stand-alone thriller. New readers will not feel lost or like they are missing crucial background information, a testament to the novel's accessibility and tight construction.
The narrative architecture of the book was, in a word, flawless. The pacing was expertly managed, the suspense built methodically, and the plot threads wove together without a single snag. From the initial hook to the final reveal, the storyline unfolded with precision. Ultimately, the conclusion was highly satisfying, providing a powerful and well-earned resolution that wrapped up all the central mysteries in a compelling manner.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Whether you are a long-time fan of Deaver's work or simply looking for an expertly crafted, high-stakes thriller to dive into, this novel delivers on all fronts.
Jeffrey Deaver's storytelling prowess is simply amazing. His ability to create complex characters and labyrinthine plots solidifies his position as a master of the genre.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lincoln Rhyme is back for another adventure in Jeffrey Deaver’s “The Collateral Heart”. This time, Rhyme and his team are facing some diabolical, unknown enemy that feels like they are one step ahead all the time. Lincoln has two cases going at the same time, but might they be connected?
There is a lot going on in the novel and that is not a bad thing in this case. Usually, that equals a convoluted plot and a complete mess of a book. Jeffrey Deaver does an incredible job of leading his readers through all of it.
This was such a fun, fast-paced novel. Go out and pick up a copy as soon as you can even if you are new to the series. Deaver catches you up on what you need to know without taking away from the current mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
There is a lot going on in the novel and that is not a bad thing in this case. Usually, that equals a convoluted plot and a complete mess of a book. Jeffrey Deaver does an incredible job of leading his readers through all of it.
This was such a fun, fast-paced novel. Go out and pick up a copy as soon as you can even if you are new to the series. Deaver catches you up on what you need to know without taking away from the current mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I requested this book, I didn’t realize it was number seventeen in a series. Once I realized that, I almost didn’t read it, figuring I’d be lost.
However, I really didn’t wanted to mess up my review percentage on NetGalley, so I gave it a try…and I’m glad I did! And while I may have felt a little behind in the beginning, there was still enough context and explanation of the characters to catch me up enough to not be too lost.
Some aspects didn’t feel super authentic and some felt just a little too far fetched..but I loved the creativity and how everything was woven together.
I will definitely seek out another book or two in the series!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for my eARC. It was a great read!
However, I really didn’t wanted to mess up my review percentage on NetGalley, so I gave it a try…and I’m glad I did! And while I may have felt a little behind in the beginning, there was still enough context and explanation of the characters to catch me up enough to not be too lost.
Some aspects didn’t feel super authentic and some felt just a little too far fetched..but I loved the creativity and how everything was woven together.
I will definitely seek out another book or two in the series!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for my eARC. It was a great read!
May 16, 2026
This was a quick and easy read. I got this as an ARC and didn’t know it was the 17th book in the series, but I was able to jump in just the same. I do love a police procedural, and this was definitely that. I thought the storyline was interesting and unpredictable. I think there’s a bit too much corniness for my liking, but I still enjoyed it and will go read the series properly.
I received this as an ARC through NetGalley.
I received this as an ARC through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you like true crime stories (not one, but feels like it), suspense & a bit of chaos this book will do it.
I can see this one as movie or tv show easily
I can see this one as movie or tv show easily
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews