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Lincoln Rhyme #12
The Steel Kiss
New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver returns with his next blockbuster thriller featuring forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme.
Amelia Sachs is hot on the trail of a killer. She's chasing him through a department store in Brooklyn when an escalator malfunctions. The stairs give way, with one man horribly mangled by the gears. Sachs is forced to let her quarry escape as she jumps in to try to help save the victim. She and famed forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme soon learn, however, that the incident may not have been an accident at all, but the first in a series of intentional attacks. They find themselves up against one of their most formidable opponents a brilliant killer who turns common products into murder weapons. As the body count threatens to grow, Sachs and Rhyme must race against the clock to unmask his identity--and discover his mission--before more people die.
Amelia Sachs is hot on the trail of a killer. She's chasing him through a department store in Brooklyn when an escalator malfunctions. The stairs give way, with one man horribly mangled by the gears. Sachs is forced to let her quarry escape as she jumps in to try to help save the victim. She and famed forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme soon learn, however, that the incident may not have been an accident at all, but the first in a series of intentional attacks. They find themselves up against one of their most formidable opponents a brilliant killer who turns common products into murder weapons. As the body count threatens to grow, Sachs and Rhyme must race against the clock to unmask his identity--and discover his mission--before more people die.
608 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 8, 2016
1723 people are currently reading
8893 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery Deaver
509 books11.7k followers#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,187 reviews
September 2, 2021
3.5 stars
This is the 12th book in the 'Lincoln Rhyme' series, but can be read as a standalone without missing much.
*****
As the story opens, quadriplegic, forensic criminalist Lincoln Rhyme has given up being a police consultant and is teaching forensics.
One of Rhyme's students - thirtyish, wheelchair-bound Juliette Archer - asks to be his intern, and Rhyme agrees.
Meanwhile, Rhyme's professional partner/girlfriend, NYPD Detective Amelia Sachs, is on the trail of a murderer called Unsub 40.
Sachs spots Unsub 40 on the street and follows him into a mall, where the perp orders lunch in a coffee shop.
Amelia is watching the Unsub and waiting for backup when loud screams erupt from the escalator - which has popped open and swallowed a man named Greg Frommer.
When Amelia rushes over to help doomed Frommer - who's practically bisected by the escalator machinery - Unsub 40 disappears.
After learning that Frommer's widow and young son are almost destitute, Amelia convinces Lincoln to help an attorney file a civil suit against the escalator company and anyone else who might be liable. Intern Juliette helps Lincoln research grounds for the lawsuit.
Every book in this series features a clever perp who has some bizarre modus operandi. In this book it's Unsub 40, who's learned to sabotage devices that use 'smart' computer technology, like escalators, elevators, cars, industrial machines, household appliances, etc. (Imagine your electric carving knife suddenly attacking you! 😳)
The Unsub is determined to get revenge against 'Shoppers', and takes credit for each of his kills, calling himself 'The People's Guardian.' Parts of the book are told from Unsub 40's point of view, which provides insight into his thinking and history.
As things play out Lincoln's inquiries for the civil suit dovetail with Amelia's hunt for Unsub 40, and the duo (plus Juliette) collaborate on the forensic analysis of evidence such as dust and debris at crime scenes; glass fragments; wood splinters; furniture glaze; food wrappers and napkins (the Unsub loves White Castle hamburgers); and so on.
There's plenty of excitement as Unsub 40 tries to elude the cops, who are close on his trail. An added element of suspense is the killer's girlfriend, an apparent survivor of domestic abuse, who seems to be in danger from the Unsub.
There are a couple of subplots to add to the excitement. Amelia's former boyfriend, ex-cop Nick Carelli, has been in prison for robbery and assault. Released after five years, Nick claims he was coerced into confessing, and implores Amelia to help him clear his name.
And Officer Ron Pulaski - who sustained a serious head injury in the line of duty - is secretly trying to buy a powerful new street drug from gangbangers.
In Deaver's thrillers things are not always as they appear, and I wondered about what was really going on. I also thought there might be a rearrangement of romantic partners: Lincoln and Juliette? Amelia and Nick? Lots to speculate about as I sped through the book.
I enjoyed this fast moving suspense thriller but was a little disappointed with the dénouement, which was rather abrupt (....all of a sudden the perp is in custody!). Still, a good addition to the series. Highly recommended to mystery fans.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
March 5, 2017
After a bad experience with my previous Jeffrey Deaver (Solitude Creek), I kept putting off reading The Steel Kiss. I shouldn't have. And prior to that, I hadn't picked up a Jeffrey Deaver book in years, for no particular reason, I just hadn't.
It did take me a little time to get into, but once I was into it, I was into it!
Deaver rarely disappoints, and he certainly didn't here. He takes what you think you know, and turns it on its head. This was an entertaining, almost exhilarating read with plenty of twists and turns, plenty of breath-taking moments. It is also a book that makes you stop and think about our consumer-based society and our reliance on technology.
I can see I am going to have to go back and read the books in this series that I haven't yet read. Now that I have again had a taste of Deaver's writing, I find that I have missed his style.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Steel Kiss by Jeffrey Deaver in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
It did take me a little time to get into, but once I was into it, I was into it!
Deaver rarely disappoints, and he certainly didn't here. He takes what you think you know, and turns it on its head. This was an entertaining, almost exhilarating read with plenty of twists and turns, plenty of breath-taking moments. It is also a book that makes you stop and think about our consumer-based society and our reliance on technology.
I can see I am going to have to go back and read the books in this series that I haven't yet read. Now that I have again had a taste of Deaver's writing, I find that I have missed his style.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Steel Kiss by Jeffrey Deaver in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
August 24, 2024
The legs on the Lincoln Rhyme-Amelia Sachs franchise are a little wobbly in this one!
And coming from a Lincoln Rhyme über-fan going all the way back to his debut in THE BONE COLLECTOR, that’s a mouthful! The forensic plot – a story of murder committed by hacking into the smart computer controllers that are ubiquitous in every day life (from escalators to microwaves, from refrigerators and baby monitors to telephones) and converting them to deadly murder weapons – is interesting but never really reaches the level of compelling. The sub-plots – Pulaski’s self-directed off-the-book undercover activities and the release of Amelia Sach’s former love interest, an ex-policeman gone bad and now released from prison – not only never reach compelling in their own right, but they actually seem intrusive and fail to contribute to moving the main plot forward in any meaningful way. For my money, they were short story fillers at best that got shoehorned into the main plot because it too was not substantial enough to fill up a full-length novel.
That leaves one looking for the good that is the reward for taking the not-so-good! And that comes in the form of a new character, Juliette Archer - a neophyte forensic science student serving as an intern to Rhyme’s mastery of the field and an incipient quadriplegic herself (she suffers from an incurable tumor with the prognosis that she will, in the near term, decline from a merely disadvantaged less than fully mobile adult woman into full quadriplegic paralysis). This, of course, makes her internship with Rhyme a lesson in both forensic science and a class in the skills and mental toughness she will need to deal with her life in a wheelchair. Suffice it to say that she is no shrinking violet and I hope we’ll see her back for a curtain call in a future Deaver novel.
It must be said that Deaver also continues his convincing mastery of the sidebar essays that inform, entertain and move the plot forward without actually turning into pure info-dumps. Let’s see – bullying, computer hacking, torts and criminal liability, and daily life as a quadriplegic (of course!).
And criticisms notwithstanding, Deaver fans will know that a slow day in a Deaver novel is still a great enjoyable read and not to be sniffed at! If you’re looking for a place to take your first dip into the Jeffery Deaver swimming pool, try THE BONE COLLECTOR or THE SLEEPING DOLL, the first novel in the Kathryn Dance series. If, like me, you’re a long-time fan … pick it up and enjoy yourself! It’s not Deaver’s best but you won’t be disappointed.
Paul Weiss
And coming from a Lincoln Rhyme über-fan going all the way back to his debut in THE BONE COLLECTOR, that’s a mouthful! The forensic plot – a story of murder committed by hacking into the smart computer controllers that are ubiquitous in every day life (from escalators to microwaves, from refrigerators and baby monitors to telephones) and converting them to deadly murder weapons – is interesting but never really reaches the level of compelling. The sub-plots – Pulaski’s self-directed off-the-book undercover activities and the release of Amelia Sach’s former love interest, an ex-policeman gone bad and now released from prison – not only never reach compelling in their own right, but they actually seem intrusive and fail to contribute to moving the main plot forward in any meaningful way. For my money, they were short story fillers at best that got shoehorned into the main plot because it too was not substantial enough to fill up a full-length novel.
That leaves one looking for the good that is the reward for taking the not-so-good! And that comes in the form of a new character, Juliette Archer - a neophyte forensic science student serving as an intern to Rhyme’s mastery of the field and an incipient quadriplegic herself (she suffers from an incurable tumor with the prognosis that she will, in the near term, decline from a merely disadvantaged less than fully mobile adult woman into full quadriplegic paralysis). This, of course, makes her internship with Rhyme a lesson in both forensic science and a class in the skills and mental toughness she will need to deal with her life in a wheelchair. Suffice it to say that she is no shrinking violet and I hope we’ll see her back for a curtain call in a future Deaver novel.
It must be said that Deaver also continues his convincing mastery of the sidebar essays that inform, entertain and move the plot forward without actually turning into pure info-dumps. Let’s see – bullying, computer hacking, torts and criminal liability, and daily life as a quadriplegic (of course!).
And criticisms notwithstanding, Deaver fans will know that a slow day in a Deaver novel is still a great enjoyable read and not to be sniffed at! If you’re looking for a place to take your first dip into the Jeffery Deaver swimming pool, try THE BONE COLLECTOR or THE SLEEPING DOLL, the first novel in the Kathryn Dance series. If, like me, you’re a long-time fan … pick it up and enjoy yourself! It’s not Deaver’s best but you won’t be disappointed.
Paul Weiss
March 2, 2022
Book 12 in the Lincoln Rhyme series.
A sold 4 star read.
After Lincoln Rhyme jumped to a conclusion, that turned out to wrong, a man was convicted and sent to prison where he was killed. For a man who prides himself on his exactness this was too much for him to bare and as a result he has stopped working for the police. The only thing he now works on are civil cases.
This of course pleases no one, not least of all, Amelia Sachs, his girlfriend and work partner.
But no amount of pressure would change Rhyme’s mind. That was until a civil case that he was working on became a part of a murder case that Sachs was working on.
So before Sachs could say ‘ will you help’ Rhyme was back doing what he does best, forensic criminal investigation.
This particular perp was a technology freak. His favourite MO was to manipulate technologies that were meant to improve our lives and turn them into killing devices.
After some very unpleasant deaths the race was on to find this monster before more people died.
Some have said that the books can be a bit on the slow side because of the amount of forensic detail.
But for me that’s the attraction. The meticulous way that Rhyme put a case together. Every scrap a of evidence examined from every possible angle. Most leads go no where but every now and again a light globe goes on and before you know it one things leads to another.
But it’s not all lab work there’s more than a fair share of adrenaline pumping thrills before we get to the end.
As for the end, never saw that coming.
A sold 4 star read.
After Lincoln Rhyme jumped to a conclusion, that turned out to wrong, a man was convicted and sent to prison where he was killed. For a man who prides himself on his exactness this was too much for him to bare and as a result he has stopped working for the police. The only thing he now works on are civil cases.
This of course pleases no one, not least of all, Amelia Sachs, his girlfriend and work partner.
But no amount of pressure would change Rhyme’s mind. That was until a civil case that he was working on became a part of a murder case that Sachs was working on.
So before Sachs could say ‘ will you help’ Rhyme was back doing what he does best, forensic criminal investigation.
This particular perp was a technology freak. His favourite MO was to manipulate technologies that were meant to improve our lives and turn them into killing devices.
After some very unpleasant deaths the race was on to find this monster before more people died.
Some have said that the books can be a bit on the slow side because of the amount of forensic detail.
But for me that’s the attraction. The meticulous way that Rhyme put a case together. Every scrap a of evidence examined from every possible angle. Most leads go no where but every now and again a light globe goes on and before you know it one things leads to another.
But it’s not all lab work there’s more than a fair share of adrenaline pumping thrills before we get to the end.
As for the end, never saw that coming.
May 29, 2017
It's been a while since I read a Lincoln Rhyme book; I have actually missed reading the two previous books in the series. But nerveless, it felt really good to return to this series since I like the main characters so much. There is some friction between Amelia and Lincoln in this book. She is upset that he has quit the force to work as a teacher, and she also has some personal problems with her mother being ill. Lincoln has taken on a Juliette Archer as an intern, and I was a bit worried Deaver was setting up this to be some kind of love-triangle. And, then Nick Carelli, Amelia ex-boyfriend showed up in the story, and I was really worried this would turn into a love drama. But I needed not worry. THE STEEL KISS is a Deaver book, and he know what he is doing.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
January 29, 2016
This is the first Deaver/Rhyme book that I have read. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. I thought that The Steel Kiss started off a little slowly, but when the crimes link together and Rhyme and Sach's join forces, I became hooked. The novel is packed with surprising twists and revelations. Be forewarned, there are some gory moments!
I didn't feel lost having never read a Lincoln Rhyme mystery; however, I do have several questions that I think will be answered if I read the earlier books in the series. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! I highly recommend!
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review..
I didn't feel lost having never read a Lincoln Rhyme mystery; however, I do have several questions that I think will be answered if I read the earlier books in the series. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! I highly recommend!
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review..
March 15, 2016
This is the 12th book featuring the quadriplegic criminologist Lincoln Rhyme and his partner (in love and work) Amelia Sachs. In each book we are able to watch an unusual and enterprising criminal murder some of New York’s inhabitants - often in bizarre and clever ways - whilst Rhyme and his crew analyse data and trace evidence in an attempt to track him or her down. Rhyme is a former forensic analyst with the NYPD and the police now hire him to support their efforts when they believe the addition his skills are likely to be particularly advantageous to their investigations. In his endeavours he is routinely supported by Thom (his carer), Mel Cooper (NYPD forensic analyst) and Lon Sellitto (NYPD homicide detective).
Fans of this series will be used to the byplay between these characters; the technical debates regarding the sifting of minute particles of soil or fluid edging them ever closer to the vital finding.
The crew all feature here but from the start two new elements are introduced:
1. Rhyme is no longer working on criminal cases – he’s quit! His time is now spent lecturing on his area of expertise. And a new character is introduced, a second wheelchair bound sleuth who he has agreed to mentor. Will this all end in tears?
2. The ex-lover of Sachs makes an appearance, fresh out of the clink. He professes he never did the crime. Is he to be trusted?
Quite how these elements knit together I’ll not divulge, but suffice to say it’s a satisfying mix. It’s also good to see a variation on what can at times be quite a samey series. Certainly the new faces and the added complexities they bring to the story liven up the book. But the real interest and enjoyment for me is in the discussion, the banter between the brusque Rhyme and his cohorts. It’s clever and often funny and I love the way Deaver gives the reader just enough information to allow us to be surprised and impressed by Rhyme’s deductions.
It’s a worthy addition to the series and I’d even go as far to say it’s a book that might draw in some readers who have become jaded by the somewhat repetitive nature of the books. I hope it does and I, for one, can’t wait for the next instalment.
My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fans of this series will be used to the byplay between these characters; the technical debates regarding the sifting of minute particles of soil or fluid edging them ever closer to the vital finding.
The crew all feature here but from the start two new elements are introduced:
1. Rhyme is no longer working on criminal cases – he’s quit! His time is now spent lecturing on his area of expertise. And a new character is introduced, a second wheelchair bound sleuth who he has agreed to mentor. Will this all end in tears?
2. The ex-lover of Sachs makes an appearance, fresh out of the clink. He professes he never did the crime. Is he to be trusted?
Quite how these elements knit together I’ll not divulge, but suffice to say it’s a satisfying mix. It’s also good to see a variation on what can at times be quite a samey series. Certainly the new faces and the added complexities they bring to the story liven up the book. But the real interest and enjoyment for me is in the discussion, the banter between the brusque Rhyme and his cohorts. It’s clever and often funny and I love the way Deaver gives the reader just enough information to allow us to be surprised and impressed by Rhyme’s deductions.
It’s a worthy addition to the series and I’d even go as far to say it’s a book that might draw in some readers who have become jaded by the somewhat repetitive nature of the books. I hope it does and I, for one, can’t wait for the next instalment.
My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2017
I can't believe this is only the second book I've read from this popular author. I need to rectify this.
I really was taken with this style of writing that immediately drew me in.
I'm not really ' into' James Bond so I hadn't connected the author to that. I must bury my head in the sand.
This story features the well known paraplegic forensic detective from a previous book.
We all like our technology. With some, we cannot live without it. Used for the correct purpose its fine, helpful and fruitful but, put it into the wrong hands and we have problems. Each item of technology can cause chaos, fatalities and murders.
When Amelia gives chase in a department store after a killer, the escalator malfunctions, the stairs collapse, a man is viciously mangled between the gears. Made my stomach churn imagining that!
The killer escapes as Amelia is trying to help the mangled hurt man.
But was that an accident?
Just common everyday technology can be turned around to harm, to kill. This is only the beginning of a long line.
It's a race against time.
Just who is the killer.
Bit gory in places but just had to be done. It's a fast paste hard hitting thriller.
My thanks to Louise at Hodder for my paperback copy to read.
I really was taken with this style of writing that immediately drew me in.
I'm not really ' into' James Bond so I hadn't connected the author to that. I must bury my head in the sand.
This story features the well known paraplegic forensic detective from a previous book.
We all like our technology. With some, we cannot live without it. Used for the correct purpose its fine, helpful and fruitful but, put it into the wrong hands and we have problems. Each item of technology can cause chaos, fatalities and murders.
When Amelia gives chase in a department store after a killer, the escalator malfunctions, the stairs collapse, a man is viciously mangled between the gears. Made my stomach churn imagining that!
The killer escapes as Amelia is trying to help the mangled hurt man.
But was that an accident?
Just common everyday technology can be turned around to harm, to kill. This is only the beginning of a long line.
It's a race against time.
Just who is the killer.
Bit gory in places but just had to be done. It's a fast paste hard hitting thriller.
My thanks to Louise at Hodder for my paperback copy to read.
July 28, 2017
Honestly Jeffrey Deaver is better than this book. He didn't follow up on events from the last one, he had Sachs and Rhyme at odds for "tension" and introduced one new character and someone we heard about just to make us readers think could Sachs and Rhyme be done. It was eyeroll inducing because it wasn't even believable. And to start off with Rhyme feeling guilty about a case so much he is done working for the NYPD wasn't to be believed. This book felt light on evidence and also Rhyme may need a body guard due to the constant criminals breaking into his home to off him.
The 12th book in the Lincoln Rhyme series rivals "The Empty Chair" for my least favorite at this point. Maybe because none of the characters were shown well in this one.
The book starts off with Amelia Sachs being very angry, we don't find out why for a while, but when we do, we find it's because Lincoln Rhyme has decided that he will no longer consult on NYPD cases and he's going to go off and teach. Now it takes a long winding road to get there, but we find out on the last case that Rhyme worked on somebody who appeared to be innocent ended up going to jail for a case that he was working on. I don't know, I just didn't find it believable that Rhyme, who has been an a******* throughout this whole series decides he's just not going to do cases anymore. And don't even get me started on the fact that we just ignore how something that Rhyme did previously in this past (The Bone Collector) ended up affecting his present. Deaver doesn't even call that back to why Rhyme may be gun shy.
So Sachs is looking for an unsub who is suspected of a couple of violent crimes. That all gets thrown into the wind when a man on escalator gets trapped and killed due to the machinery malfunctioning.
So Sachs leaves that case to Rhyme with him pulling in one of his student's to assist. Cue tension, this student is smart, attractive, and also in a wheelchair. Cue plot point you start to have Rhyme thinking of her. I don't know, I think Deaver's thinks that we're too stupid to realize that these characters that we get introduced to in this book are red herrings. At no point was I concerned that Rhyme is going to fall in love with his student because they have a similar disability. Nor was it a concern when Sach's ex-boyfriend Nick finally gets out of jail coming to her to plead his innocent.
There were at least three, possibly four distinct plots in this one and none of them hung together very well. And then when things somehow loop together it was just a joke.
I feel like if Deaver really wanted to touch upon Sach's and her relationship with her ex maybe that would have made for a good short story. I just really don't buy that all the stuff that was going on. And per usual Deaver just pulls out of his butt something to just hinder Sach's in her career. I don't know just made me roll my eyes it was really dumb it didn't make any sense and just kind of just happens.
We get the usual suspects in this one Pulaski, Lon, and also our favorite FBI agent Delray.
I was happy though to see some call back to what Lon went through in the last book but other than that there's very little continuity besides a couple references here and there that you might not realize unless you're a longtime reader.
The setting in this New York feels artificial and sterile at times. I don't know, I just really miss Deaver who used to go into the history of a thing, a city, a street, a chemical, etc. and it was very light on the foresnics in this one.
Even the criminal in this this one wasn't that very interesting and I was bored by all sections of the book that delved into his point of view. He just felt unnecessary considering everything else that was going on.
So in the book and we're giving I think what Deaver considers a startling revelation about a new change in Sach's and Rhyme's relationship. I just felt very annoyed and just cheated because I definitely think we should have gotten that scene and not heard about it told to us via them telling it to a third character.
The 12th book in the Lincoln Rhyme series rivals "The Empty Chair" for my least favorite at this point. Maybe because none of the characters were shown well in this one.
The book starts off with Amelia Sachs being very angry, we don't find out why for a while, but when we do, we find it's because Lincoln Rhyme has decided that he will no longer consult on NYPD cases and he's going to go off and teach. Now it takes a long winding road to get there, but we find out on the last case that Rhyme worked on somebody who appeared to be innocent ended up going to jail for a case that he was working on. I don't know, I just didn't find it believable that Rhyme, who has been an a******* throughout this whole series decides he's just not going to do cases anymore. And don't even get me started on the fact that we just ignore how something that Rhyme did previously in this past (The Bone Collector) ended up affecting his present. Deaver doesn't even call that back to why Rhyme may be gun shy.
So Sachs is looking for an unsub who is suspected of a couple of violent crimes. That all gets thrown into the wind when a man on escalator gets trapped and killed due to the machinery malfunctioning.
So Sachs leaves that case to Rhyme with him pulling in one of his student's to assist. Cue tension, this student is smart, attractive, and also in a wheelchair. Cue plot point you start to have Rhyme thinking of her. I don't know, I think Deaver's thinks that we're too stupid to realize that these characters that we get introduced to in this book are red herrings. At no point was I concerned that Rhyme is going to fall in love with his student because they have a similar disability. Nor was it a concern when Sach's ex-boyfriend Nick finally gets out of jail coming to her to plead his innocent.
There were at least three, possibly four distinct plots in this one and none of them hung together very well. And then when things somehow loop together it was just a joke.
I feel like if Deaver really wanted to touch upon Sach's and her relationship with her ex maybe that would have made for a good short story. I just really don't buy that all the stuff that was going on. And per usual Deaver just pulls out of his butt something to just hinder Sach's in her career. I don't know just made me roll my eyes it was really dumb it didn't make any sense and just kind of just happens.
We get the usual suspects in this one Pulaski, Lon, and also our favorite FBI agent Delray.
I was happy though to see some call back to what Lon went through in the last book but other than that there's very little continuity besides a couple references here and there that you might not realize unless you're a longtime reader.
The setting in this New York feels artificial and sterile at times. I don't know, I just really miss Deaver who used to go into the history of a thing, a city, a street, a chemical, etc. and it was very light on the foresnics in this one.
Even the criminal in this this one wasn't that very interesting and I was bored by all sections of the book that delved into his point of view. He just felt unnecessary considering everything else that was going on.
So in the book and we're giving I think what Deaver considers a startling revelation about a new change in Sach's and Rhyme's relationship. I just felt very annoyed and just cheated because I definitely think we should have gotten that scene and not heard about it told to us via them telling it to a third character.
March 26, 2016
This is the 12th book in the Lincoln Rhyme series by Jeffery Deaver and although it is a decent read it is not one of the better ones in this series. The characters are very familiar so the book flows well but I did find it a little too busy with all the side plots and thought it could do with a little editing.
Lincoln Rhyme is a consultant for the NYPD and investigates an escalator malfunction on behalf of the widow of the man who died in the accident. It soon appears that it may not have been an accident and he leads the search of a serial killer who is turning everyday appliances into deadly weapons. As I previously said the story is a good one and well developed but I felt that there was generally too much else going on which in the main was unnecessary and distracting.
I am not put off reading this series or any other Jeffery Deaver books and for me with a little editing this one could have been so much better, But who am I to question the successful and talented Jeffery Deaver.
Lincoln Rhyme is a consultant for the NYPD and investigates an escalator malfunction on behalf of the widow of the man who died in the accident. It soon appears that it may not have been an accident and he leads the search of a serial killer who is turning everyday appliances into deadly weapons. As I previously said the story is a good one and well developed but I felt that there was generally too much else going on which in the main was unnecessary and distracting.
I am not put off reading this series or any other Jeffery Deaver books and for me with a little editing this one could have been so much better, But who am I to question the successful and talented Jeffery Deaver.
February 23, 2016
The Steel Kiss is the title of the manifesto of a domestic terrorist, a man who is brutally murdering those he calls "Shoppers" by using the intelligent data chips in their own consumer appliances against them and sending rants to the newspapers about materialism and greed. It's a harrowing thought, when I look around me at all the appliances in my own home that have the potential to be misused - let along going outside. Cars, elevators, escalators, buses, trains, planes, the equipment I use at work, computers, microwaves, ovens, heating - I am surrounded by technology and so are those targeted by the killer. The way in which he kills is chilling and disturbing, since he also delights in causing pain, and watching suffering. Forensic scientist Lincoln Rhyme and detective Amelia Sachs must analyze the clues, and attempt to get into the mind of the killer, before he can kill again.
Returning to Sachs and Rhyme is a delight for me, as I am a big fan of the series (this is the twelfth book) and all the characters within. I already know that I love Deaver's writing style, but for those new to the series, you'll find fast paced action, intellectual and witty dialogue and realistic, detailed investigative procedures and science - without ever leaning towards being boring. You could read this book as a standalone, but there is so much history, character and backstory in this series, I'd strongly recommend reading at least the first book in the series, "The Bone Collector" first.
The Steel Kiss manages to be creepy, suspenseful and action packed, with twists and turns and then more twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. It also wove in the complexities of the continuing relationship between Amelia and Lincoln, brought back an old character in the form of Amelia's ex, Nick Carelli who is asking for her help in proving he was innocent of the crime he just did time for, and a vibrant new character in the form of Juliette Archer, Lincoln's new intern. This is one of the few series that for me does everything, mystery and suspense, drama and character, and The Steel Kiss lives up to my expectations.
Returning to Sachs and Rhyme is a delight for me, as I am a big fan of the series (this is the twelfth book) and all the characters within. I already know that I love Deaver's writing style, but for those new to the series, you'll find fast paced action, intellectual and witty dialogue and realistic, detailed investigative procedures and science - without ever leaning towards being boring. You could read this book as a standalone, but there is so much history, character and backstory in this series, I'd strongly recommend reading at least the first book in the series, "The Bone Collector" first.
The Steel Kiss manages to be creepy, suspenseful and action packed, with twists and turns and then more twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. It also wove in the complexities of the continuing relationship between Amelia and Lincoln, brought back an old character in the form of Amelia's ex, Nick Carelli who is asking for her help in proving he was innocent of the crime he just did time for, and a vibrant new character in the form of Juliette Archer, Lincoln's new intern. This is one of the few series that for me does everything, mystery and suspense, drama and character, and The Steel Kiss lives up to my expectations.
January 11, 2022
Jeffery Deaver's books are always good, but this one was probably slightly weaker compared to other books in the series.
One of the best things about Deaver’s books is that there's always something to surprise you. Nothing is what it seems. And the whole story is much more complicated than it sounds. But in this case, I was unfortunately able to predict too many things. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the story, but it didn't surprise me as much as Deaver usually can.
I also find the ending a bit too simple. I understand that the author couldn't use the ideas he used in The Stone Monkey and The Blue Nowhere, but to be honest, that's what I expected. Well, the fact that it was different than I expected can be considered a surprise. Although this is not the surprise I was looking for.
There is also a subplot in this story that suggests Sachs may not get along so well with Rhyme at that moment. Her ex-boyfriend, who has been just released from prison, appears in her life and asks Sachs for help in proving his innocence. I wasn't really interested in it, but I'm happy with how the story ended.
Overall, I'm a bit disappointed because the Lincoln Rhyme stories have always been top-notch entertainment, and this book is the first I really didn't want to finish in one long session. In the end, I got into this story and liked it, but expected so much more.
One of the best things about Deaver’s books is that there's always something to surprise you. Nothing is what it seems. And the whole story is much more complicated than it sounds. But in this case, I was unfortunately able to predict too many things. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the story, but it didn't surprise me as much as Deaver usually can.
I also find the ending a bit too simple. I understand that the author couldn't use the ideas he used in The Stone Monkey and The Blue Nowhere, but to be honest, that's what I expected. Well, the fact that it was different than I expected can be considered a surprise. Although this is not the surprise I was looking for.
There is also a subplot in this story that suggests Sachs may not get along so well with Rhyme at that moment. Her ex-boyfriend, who has been just released from prison, appears in her life and asks Sachs for help in proving his innocence. I wasn't really interested in it, but I'm happy with how the story ended.
Overall, I'm a bit disappointed because the Lincoln Rhyme stories have always been top-notch entertainment, and this book is the first I really didn't want to finish in one long session. In the end, I got into this story and liked it, but expected so much more.
April 7, 2020
This book shows that even the great authors like Jeffrey Deaver can have an off day. It is a decent read, and from a lesser author might be quite good. It is not one of the better ones in the series.
This is possibly due to not following up on events from the last one, Sachs and Rhyme were at odds for a lot of the book. None of the characters were shown well in this one, even New York feels superficial and sterile at times. Deaver used to go into the history of an item, a city, a street, a chemical, etc. but not in this one. This felt very light on the forensics in this one.
There were at least three, possibly four distinct plots in this one and none of them really hung together very well. And then when things somehow loop together it was just a joke. Even the criminal in this this wasn't particularly interesting, and I was bored by various sections of the book, especially about Amelia's former boyfriend, ex-cop Nick Carelli who has been in prison for robbery and assault.
Overall a disappointing read, unfortunately if you are reading the whole series, you probably do need to read it, to fill in the gaps for book 13 which will hopefully resume his high standards.
This is possibly due to not following up on events from the last one, Sachs and Rhyme were at odds for a lot of the book. None of the characters were shown well in this one, even New York feels superficial and sterile at times. Deaver used to go into the history of an item, a city, a street, a chemical, etc. but not in this one. This felt very light on the forensics in this one.
There were at least three, possibly four distinct plots in this one and none of them really hung together very well. And then when things somehow loop together it was just a joke. Even the criminal in this this wasn't particularly interesting, and I was bored by various sections of the book, especially about Amelia's former boyfriend, ex-cop Nick Carelli who has been in prison for robbery and assault.
Overall a disappointing read, unfortunately if you are reading the whole series, you probably do need to read it, to fill in the gaps for book 13 which will hopefully resume his high standards.
June 25, 2020
I found several plots in this story as uninteresting. Specially mentioning of Amelia's former boyfriend, ex-cop Nick Carelli coming out of prison.
The other matter was that the lack of details about the forensic and having multiple inside stories made this book so complex and confusing.
The other matter was that the lack of details about the forensic and having multiple inside stories made this book so complex and confusing.
September 7, 2018
3.5 stars
If I was a hardcore crime thriller fan, I would have easily given this four stars.
I met Jeffrey Deaver at a writing conference in 2017 and he was a friendly, approachable man. He taught the best writing workshop I've ever attended. Not only was he organized and analytical, he gave some of the best writing advice I've ever heard. I told him that afterwards and he was genuinely appreciative. He also gave a great interview for my local library, but at the moment, I can't find the YouTube link.
If I was a hardcore crime thriller fan, I would have easily given this four stars.
I met Jeffrey Deaver at a writing conference in 2017 and he was a friendly, approachable man. He taught the best writing workshop I've ever attended. Not only was he organized and analytical, he gave some of the best writing advice I've ever heard. I told him that afterwards and he was genuinely appreciative. He also gave a great interview for my local library, but at the moment, I can't find the YouTube link.
April 17, 2021
I gave up on Deavers a few years back but this was a solid entry in series. Not the best but held my interests.
May 23, 2018
Master of suspense Jeffery Deaver returns with the latest gripping thriller featuring paraplegic forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme. The hardback contains an exclusive, never-before-seen leaked memo from the Lincoln Rhyme case files. I have read quite a few of Jeffery Deaver's thriller books. What I like about Jeffery Deaver is that he is never afraid to push the boundaries for a thriller. He is most certainly one of the best plotters in the world. He is a master at keeping us on the edge of our seats. Every book that Jeffery Deaver writes he delivers a new topic, that what makes him such a good author.
Amelia Sachs had been driving when she spotted the suspect. The suspect who beaten to death his victim, didn't know there was a witness. He was now entering a five-story shopping center. What was the suspect doing in a shopping center? He wasn't getting away not this time Amelia Sachs planned to take him in Starbucks but he wasn't there. A piercing scream from on the top of the escalator a man was trapped in the gears of the motor. The gears dug deep into his body, suffering in his last fifteen minutes on earth. The Steel Kiss is not to be missed. The story contains an exclusive leaked document from the Lincoln Rhyme case files. I loved reading every page of this new 2016 Lincoln Rhyme thriller.
Amelia Sachs had been driving when she spotted the suspect. The suspect who beaten to death his victim, didn't know there was a witness. He was now entering a five-story shopping center. What was the suspect doing in a shopping center? He wasn't getting away not this time Amelia Sachs planned to take him in Starbucks but he wasn't there. A piercing scream from on the top of the escalator a man was trapped in the gears of the motor. The gears dug deep into his body, suffering in his last fifteen minutes on earth. The Steel Kiss is not to be missed. The story contains an exclusive leaked document from the Lincoln Rhyme case files. I loved reading every page of this new 2016 Lincoln Rhyme thriller.
February 16, 2016
What a creepy and suspenseful book I have just finished. I was a little perturbed when I read that Lincoln had retired from the criminal side and would not be involved in this one. However, you never really know what can happen in a Jeffery Deaver novel. Also, a new intern is added to the mix and I like it!
There are actually about four stories going on in this book and of course, for the most part keep you on the edge of your seat. I will never look at a remote the same way again. It's amazing to me how a whole book can be written about one that can and will just scare the bejesus out of you.
I am definitely glad I finished this way before bedtime. Now I can start on another book and get the specifics of this one out of my head!
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review! DANGER - Due to the availability of the weapon used in this book, DO NOT READ NEAR BEDTIME!!! You've been warned!!
There are actually about four stories going on in this book and of course, for the most part keep you on the edge of your seat. I will never look at a remote the same way again. It's amazing to me how a whole book can be written about one that can and will just scare the bejesus out of you.
I am definitely glad I finished this way before bedtime. Now I can start on another book and get the specifics of this one out of my head!
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review! DANGER - Due to the availability of the weapon used in this book, DO NOT READ NEAR BEDTIME!!! You've been warned!!
February 29, 2016
This was a decent installment in the Lincoln Rhyme series, but I think I'm nearing the end of my run with it. Deaver seems to feel that he needs to constantly employ writing tricks to keep the reader interested. In this novel, that meant multiple incidents of failing to reveal the true motivations and actions of characters, even when they acted as narrators. It happened so many times in this one novel that it became annoying rather than surprising, and felt more like a heavy-handed writing assignment than a good read.
June 27, 2017
Love Jeffery Deaver, my 9th Lincoln rhyme novel,5 more to go then I have caught up bloody brilliant.
September 15, 2021
După un volum 11 incendiar, acesta a fost mai slăbuț, însă destul de interesant cât să primească 4 steluțe. Cazul este unul interesant, turnura pe care o ia este neașteptată, iar pentru moment chiar m-a păcălit autorul cu direcția în care o lua viața personală a Ameliei. Autorul a reușit să introducă și un personaj secundar nou în serie, aștept cu nerăbdare să vad dacă va continua alături de echipa lui Lincoln.
March 22, 2016
The author's series featuring forensic detective and quadriplegic Lincoln Rhyme never disappoint - and I'm pretty sure I've read every single one (this is the 12th full novel, I believe). But for some reason, this one hit just a titch off the bullseye, prompting me to issue a slightly lower rating (to be more precise, 4.5 stars, which isn't possible here).
I can't put my finger on a reason, except perhaps that Rhyme has stopped working on NYPD criminal cases - much to the dismay of his professional and personal partner, Amelia Sachs. Now, they lead almost separate lives, and Sachs is less than thrilled. Complicating the issue is the return of her ex-boyfriend, who's been in jail for a crime he insists he did not commit and wants Amelia to help him prove it (and in the process come back to him). Add in more complications with the introduction of an intern hell-bent on pleasing Rhyme: A young, attractive, intelligent woman who, like Rhyme, is in a wheelchair.
The book begins as Sachs is on one of her famous chases, this time to nail a killer as he runs through a Brooklyn department store. Just as she's closing in, she's distracted by screams: The maintenance cover on a working escalator, it seems, has inexplicably opened and a passenger has fallen in and landed on the still-running gears. She abandons her chase, opting instead to try to save - unsuccessfully - the accident victim.
But was it an accident? If not, how on earth could the escalator cover have popped open all by itself? As it turns out, the NYPD has a serial killer on its hands - one who apparently has the ability to take control of "smart" technology that's become commonplace in today's society. Throughout, the specter of just how safe we all are from the "stuff" we all want and claim to need but over which we really have little control hangs over our heads. By the end, I was giving serious thought to disconnecting everything from my Kindle to my garage-door opener.
As usual, the action is almost nonstop as Rhyme and Sachs and their teams are brought together by commonalities in the cases on which they're working. Also as usual, there were a few almost-chuckles, usually stemming from Rhyme's droll sense of humor. In one of his classroom sessions, for instance - he's now spending some time teaching - he welcomes a student who claims to be a novelist because he (Rhyme) once was the subject of a "series of novels based on cases he'd run." In fact, he muses, he even wrote the author to complain about "misrepresentations of real crime work..."
The plot notwithstanding, I'd really, really love to know how much the manufacturer of well-known outdoor wear (e.g., jackets) has paid publishers (and/or authors) for product placement. It's not just in this book; I've seen mentions in several books of late - one of which hammered the brand name home in at least 20 places. Actually, it's not a bad idea; unlike TV commercials that can be zapped through with recording devices or ignored via trips to the refrigerator, readers are pretty much captive sets of eyes. But doggone it, hold enough; more than one or two mentions is intrusive and, at least by me, not appreciated.
I can't put my finger on a reason, except perhaps that Rhyme has stopped working on NYPD criminal cases - much to the dismay of his professional and personal partner, Amelia Sachs. Now, they lead almost separate lives, and Sachs is less than thrilled. Complicating the issue is the return of her ex-boyfriend, who's been in jail for a crime he insists he did not commit and wants Amelia to help him prove it (and in the process come back to him). Add in more complications with the introduction of an intern hell-bent on pleasing Rhyme: A young, attractive, intelligent woman who, like Rhyme, is in a wheelchair.
The book begins as Sachs is on one of her famous chases, this time to nail a killer as he runs through a Brooklyn department store. Just as she's closing in, she's distracted by screams: The maintenance cover on a working escalator, it seems, has inexplicably opened and a passenger has fallen in and landed on the still-running gears. She abandons her chase, opting instead to try to save - unsuccessfully - the accident victim.
But was it an accident? If not, how on earth could the escalator cover have popped open all by itself? As it turns out, the NYPD has a serial killer on its hands - one who apparently has the ability to take control of "smart" technology that's become commonplace in today's society. Throughout, the specter of just how safe we all are from the "stuff" we all want and claim to need but over which we really have little control hangs over our heads. By the end, I was giving serious thought to disconnecting everything from my Kindle to my garage-door opener.
As usual, the action is almost nonstop as Rhyme and Sachs and their teams are brought together by commonalities in the cases on which they're working. Also as usual, there were a few almost-chuckles, usually stemming from Rhyme's droll sense of humor. In one of his classroom sessions, for instance - he's now spending some time teaching - he welcomes a student who claims to be a novelist because he (Rhyme) once was the subject of a "series of novels based on cases he'd run." In fact, he muses, he even wrote the author to complain about "misrepresentations of real crime work..."
The plot notwithstanding, I'd really, really love to know how much the manufacturer of well-known outdoor wear (e.g., jackets) has paid publishers (and/or authors) for product placement. It's not just in this book; I've seen mentions in several books of late - one of which hammered the brand name home in at least 20 places. Actually, it's not a bad idea; unlike TV commercials that can be zapped through with recording devices or ignored via trips to the refrigerator, readers are pretty much captive sets of eyes. But doggone it, hold enough; more than one or two mentions is intrusive and, at least by me, not appreciated.
May 14, 2020
The Steel Kiss is the twelfth book in Deaver’s long-running Lincoln Rhyme series about a paraplegic criminalist and his police officer partner Amelia Sachs solving horrendous crimes from his New York loft apartment. I’ve slowly worked my way through the series over the last ten or more years but had had a break, but felt ready to come back to it. There’s a short story called The Deliveryman which leads into this but it’s not essential to read that first.
Sachs is pursuing the suspect in a brutal apparently unprovoked slaying into a shopping mall when the escalator malfunctions, trapping a man inside the machinery, forcing her to abandon the chase and help. Rhyme has recently quit working for the police, turning his skills to civil cases, and she persuaded him to help the victim’s widow seek compensation from the manufacturer. Rhyme, assisted by an interesting new intern, discovers that the tragedy was no accident and that a vicious killer is using technology in terrifying ways against those he calls the Shoppers. Meanwhile Amelia’s convict ex is hoping to win her back.
Deaver has an effective formula and doesn’t stray far from it here, although this book seemed quite a bit longer than the previous ones. After an exciting start, there was an awful lot about escalator technology and the plot dragged a bit as detailed descriptions of crime scene analysis got in the way, but it sped up again once it became clear that Rhyme’s & Sachs’ cases are linked. There are the obligatory cliffhangers and twists, but after so many books where he rarely kills off any of his regular characters, a lot of the tension is muted - although he does as usual introduce a variety of ordinary people as characters just so awful things can happen to them.
The subplot hinting at a possible threat to Rhyme & Sachs’ romantic relationship was more interesting and I liked the way that this played out.
This remains strong series even though this isn’t my favourite and I will continue it after another suitable interval. 3.5 rounded up for still managing to fool me multiple times as to what was going on.
Sachs is pursuing the suspect in a brutal apparently unprovoked slaying into a shopping mall when the escalator malfunctions, trapping a man inside the machinery, forcing her to abandon the chase and help. Rhyme has recently quit working for the police, turning his skills to civil cases, and she persuaded him to help the victim’s widow seek compensation from the manufacturer. Rhyme, assisted by an interesting new intern, discovers that the tragedy was no accident and that a vicious killer is using technology in terrifying ways against those he calls the Shoppers. Meanwhile Amelia’s convict ex is hoping to win her back.
Deaver has an effective formula and doesn’t stray far from it here, although this book seemed quite a bit longer than the previous ones. After an exciting start, there was an awful lot about escalator technology and the plot dragged a bit as detailed descriptions of crime scene analysis got in the way, but it sped up again once it became clear that Rhyme’s & Sachs’ cases are linked. There are the obligatory cliffhangers and twists, but after so many books where he rarely kills off any of his regular characters, a lot of the tension is muted - although he does as usual introduce a variety of ordinary people as characters just so awful things can happen to them.
The subplot hinting at a possible threat to Rhyme & Sachs’ romantic relationship was more interesting and I liked the way that this played out.
This remains strong series even though this isn’t my favourite and I will continue it after another suitable interval. 3.5 rounded up for still managing to fool me multiple times as to what was going on.
November 20, 2024
Overall Rating : C+
"Sometimes leads provided a minor fact to help in the investigation.
Sometimes they were a waste of time.
And sometimes they took you straight to the perp's front door."
A perp is using electrical devices to murder seemingly random people, and Amelia is in charge of finding him. But can she do that, when Lincoln has officially "retired" and is no longer handling cases? And how will she deal when her ex comes back into the picture?
This was okay, but the perp wasn't that interesting. And I just didn't get that drive I've gotten from the other books in the series. You do get some depth into Amelia and Lincoln's relationship, and a sort of obstacle in they're path, but you know it won't break them. Also, Amelia was kind of a b*tch during the first half, and I did not like it. She did redeem herself, but it felt so out of character it put me off.
"Sometimes leads provided a minor fact to help in the investigation.
Sometimes they were a waste of time.
And sometimes they took you straight to the perp's front door."
A perp is using electrical devices to murder seemingly random people, and Amelia is in charge of finding him. But can she do that, when Lincoln has officially "retired" and is no longer handling cases? And how will she deal when her ex comes back into the picture?
This was okay, but the perp wasn't that interesting. And I just didn't get that drive I've gotten from the other books in the series. You do get some depth into Amelia and Lincoln's relationship, and a sort of obstacle in they're path, but you know it won't break them. Also, Amelia was kind of a b*tch during the first half, and I did not like it. She did redeem herself, but it felt so out of character it put me off.
March 6, 2016
I love Lincoln Rhyme. It is a series I have been in from the start, never missed one, never been disappointed although as with any series it has had its ups and downs and my favourite is still “The Vanished Man” even after all these years – with The Steel Kiss Jeffrey Deaver is on top form once more though and I thoroughly enjoyed this one and inhaled it in a couple of sittings.
Here Lincoln has retired from the criminal side of things (WHAT? I hear you cry – do not fear, he just can’t help himself) but when Amelia asks him to use his particular talents in a civil case he gets caught up in a race against time against a formidable killer.
I like these because of the forensic angle, done so well in a fascinating way every time, in this case with bells on as Jeffrey Deaver brings a slightly different focus to things and adds in a new character who I grew very fond of. As well as the case in hand we have Ron getting INTO trouble, Amelia running around the streets looking FOR trouble and the usual fast paced mayhem interspersed with the science and technology. Its a great mix and makes for a great read, giving your brain cells a workout and your heart a bit of a run for its money.
I especially enjoyed the “killer” asides, an intriguing look into an intriguing mind, but as always Lincoln is the character that fascinates the most, especially his relationships with those around him, with every novel the insight gets deeper and still he can be unexpected.
A great cast of characters and some great storytellling. Not sure what more you could ask for really.
Recommended.
Here Lincoln has retired from the criminal side of things (WHAT? I hear you cry – do not fear, he just can’t help himself) but when Amelia asks him to use his particular talents in a civil case he gets caught up in a race against time against a formidable killer.
I like these because of the forensic angle, done so well in a fascinating way every time, in this case with bells on as Jeffrey Deaver brings a slightly different focus to things and adds in a new character who I grew very fond of. As well as the case in hand we have Ron getting INTO trouble, Amelia running around the streets looking FOR trouble and the usual fast paced mayhem interspersed with the science and technology. Its a great mix and makes for a great read, giving your brain cells a workout and your heart a bit of a run for its money.
I especially enjoyed the “killer” asides, an intriguing look into an intriguing mind, but as always Lincoln is the character that fascinates the most, especially his relationships with those around him, with every novel the insight gets deeper and still he can be unexpected.
A great cast of characters and some great storytellling. Not sure what more you could ask for really.
Recommended.
March 10, 2016
Too many back stories and past relationships. A long saga. Kind of silly, too. Deaver has done so much better in the past.
April 21, 2017
My first book by Jeffery Deaver. I enjoyed reading it. I think it works for new readers to the series. I'm sure I miss out some from past books, but don't let that stop you.
January 20, 2023
DNF. Cant seem to get itno this. So will move on.
I will say, its not very fast paced and the fact that Sachs comes across as helpless without rhyme assisting is annoying to me. Its as though she cant solve a case independently even with her experience. And ryhmes cae eis taking way to long to hokd my attention.
I will say, its not very fast paced and the fact that Sachs comes across as helpless without rhyme assisting is annoying to me. Its as though she cant solve a case independently even with her experience. And ryhmes cae eis taking way to long to hokd my attention.
April 2, 2016
I was relieved that this book was so good. Jeffery Deaver sometimes goes astray like in some of the Kathryn Dance mystery novels like the horrible ones about country music/folk music characters and even a recording of some really bad music. It distracts from the mystery and the music stuff is just goofy. This is in his Lincoln Rhyme/Amelia Sachs series which I like better.
In this story, Amelia is ticked off that Lincoln has sworn off doing criminal work as a consultant for the NYPD after a death he blames himself for. Lincoln had been an NYPD detective until an accident while on site at a crime made him into a paraplegic from the neck down. He lives in a New York townhouse with his caregiver Thom, a gay man who is sweet, funny and a great cook as well as a capable caregiver. He has a whole police center set up there and Amelia and other officers work there in his high tech set up. The whole thing is so cool! He and Amelia are in love, a couple, and engaged.
Anyway, Amelia is tracking an unsub (unidentified suspect) into a mall and about to grab him at Starbucks when there is a horrifying accident. A man steps off the escalator only to have the top non-movable step open up and he falls in and is being cut in half. Amelia abandons her unsub and jumps in and has to shoot the motor to make it stop as it is ripping the man up. The man, knowing he is dying, makes her promise to go tell his wife and little boy he loves them.
The man dies and Amelia, never good in emotional situations, goes to the house and discovers the man's wife and son have nothing but a dump, no more income, no insurance, and are about to have to go live in a relative's garage. She asks a lawyer to help and soon the lawyer is asking Lincoln to help with the civil lawsuit.
This is where things get interesting. It turns out that the accident wasn't an accident. The unsub is a clever killer working for someone who wanted the man dead and others dead as well. They are killed by a ball peen hammer and also by the unsub hacking into to smart devices like escalators and stoves and other high tech appliances and causing them to kill people. So now Lincoln's and Amelia's cases get intertwined and we meet Juliette- Lincoln's student and now his intern- who is also in a wheelchair.
Its all very exciting and we watch as Lincoln, Amelia, Juliette and the team try to catch a killer who doesn't leave clues.
In this story, Amelia is ticked off that Lincoln has sworn off doing criminal work as a consultant for the NYPD after a death he blames himself for. Lincoln had been an NYPD detective until an accident while on site at a crime made him into a paraplegic from the neck down. He lives in a New York townhouse with his caregiver Thom, a gay man who is sweet, funny and a great cook as well as a capable caregiver. He has a whole police center set up there and Amelia and other officers work there in his high tech set up. The whole thing is so cool! He and Amelia are in love, a couple, and engaged.
Anyway, Amelia is tracking an unsub (unidentified suspect) into a mall and about to grab him at Starbucks when there is a horrifying accident. A man steps off the escalator only to have the top non-movable step open up and he falls in and is being cut in half. Amelia abandons her unsub and jumps in and has to shoot the motor to make it stop as it is ripping the man up. The man, knowing he is dying, makes her promise to go tell his wife and little boy he loves them.
The man dies and Amelia, never good in emotional situations, goes to the house and discovers the man's wife and son have nothing but a dump, no more income, no insurance, and are about to have to go live in a relative's garage. She asks a lawyer to help and soon the lawyer is asking Lincoln to help with the civil lawsuit.
This is where things get interesting. It turns out that the accident wasn't an accident. The unsub is a clever killer working for someone who wanted the man dead and others dead as well. They are killed by a ball peen hammer and also by the unsub hacking into to smart devices like escalators and stoves and other high tech appliances and causing them to kill people. So now Lincoln's and Amelia's cases get intertwined and we meet Juliette- Lincoln's student and now his intern- who is also in a wheelchair.
Its all very exciting and we watch as Lincoln, Amelia, Juliette and the team try to catch a killer who doesn't leave clues.
August 23, 2019
Very gruesome scene right out of the gate.
It's been years since I've read a Lincoln Rhyme. He and Amelia are still prickly and fun, with no time for nonsense. Rhyme's assistant Thom is still putting up with them, and Rhyme's new intern is promising as a recurring new character. There's are several threads going beyond the chase of the serial killer, including civil litigation, rogue cops undercover, White Castle hamburgers, an unexpected ex-fiance, and miniature crafting as a hobby.
This fleshed out serial killer brought to you by "The Internet of Things". Now you can be afraid of the smart computers in everything from your car to your refrigerator, because some evil person is going to hack into it and make it kill you. What could be more fun and scary?
It's been years since I've read a Lincoln Rhyme. He and Amelia are still prickly and fun, with no time for nonsense. Rhyme's assistant Thom is still putting up with them, and Rhyme's new intern is promising as a recurring new character. There's are several threads going beyond the chase of the serial killer, including civil litigation, rogue cops undercover, White Castle hamburgers, an unexpected ex-fiance, and miniature crafting as a hobby.
This fleshed out serial killer brought to you by "The Internet of Things". Now you can be afraid of the smart computers in everything from your car to your refrigerator, because some evil person is going to hack into it and make it kill you. What could be more fun and scary?
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