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Lincoln Rhyme #13
The Burial Hour
#1 internationally bestselling thriller writer Jeffery Deaver returns to the Lincoln Rhyme series, as Rhyme hunts a dangerous killer whose crimes span the Atlantic.
A traveling businessman is snatched off of an Upper East Side street in broad daylight--or so it appears to the eight year old girl who is the crime's only witness. The perp leaves a token at the site of the kidnapping--a miniature noose. A crime scene this puzzling demands forensic expertise of the highest order. Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are called in to investigate.
Rhyme and Sachs' investigation takes an unexpected turn when a similar kidnapping occurs across the Atlantic in a small town outside of Naples, Italy. The killer's M.O. is bizarre and frightening. Obsessed with music, the man records the final breaths of his victims, then uses a keyboard sampler to compose an otherworldly tune that is then posted online. The search for the killer will become a complex case of international cooperation--yet not all is as it seems, and soon Sachs and Rhyme find themselves playing a dangerous game with shadowy parties from across the globe.
A traveling businessman is snatched off of an Upper East Side street in broad daylight--or so it appears to the eight year old girl who is the crime's only witness. The perp leaves a token at the site of the kidnapping--a miniature noose. A crime scene this puzzling demands forensic expertise of the highest order. Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are called in to investigate.
Rhyme and Sachs' investigation takes an unexpected turn when a similar kidnapping occurs across the Atlantic in a small town outside of Naples, Italy. The killer's M.O. is bizarre and frightening. Obsessed with music, the man records the final breaths of his victims, then uses a keyboard sampler to compose an otherworldly tune that is then posted online. The search for the killer will become a complex case of international cooperation--yet not all is as it seems, and soon Sachs and Rhyme find themselves playing a dangerous game with shadowy parties from across the globe.
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First published April 11, 2017
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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 1,095 reviews
January 22, 2020
Inglese (The Burial Hour) / Italiano
Uninteresting. I am of the opinion that a not-engaging thriller is a thriller that missed its primary goal. Deaver's attempt to enter Italy by setting up this novel in Naples, in my opinion, fails. The basis for comparison, Maurizio de Giovanni, Donato Carrisi, Andrea Camilleri, Roberto Saviano, are important italian writer. Naples in particular is a complex city, full of contradictions. It's hard enough to Italians who do not spent their everyday life in Naples to tell about it, let alone to not Italian people. As a passionate reader of the crime stories by Maurizio De Giovanni I will say that colors, the smells and the contradictions of Naples can be successfully told only by a Neapolitan. On the contrary, Deaver seems to me a bit awkward when describing Naples, often leading into cliche rather than giving picturesque descriptions. And characters such as the inspectors Ricciardi or Montalbano are far more charismatic than this Lincoln Rhyme out of his american shell.
Little positive note: at least the ending of the book is not obvious. But I am sorry to say...
Vote: 5
Bruttino. Sono dell'idea che quando un thriller non ti appassiona, non è un thriller riuscito. Il tentativo di Deaver di entrare in Italia ambientando questo romanzo a Napoli secondo me fallisce. I termini di paragone (Maurizio de Giovanni, Donato Carrisi, Andrea Camilleri, Roberto Saviano) sono importanti. Napoli in particolare è una città complessa, piena di contraddizioni. Già risulta difficile raccontarla per gli italiani che non ne vivono la quotidianità, figuriamoci per un non italiano. Da lettore appassionato delle "crime stories" di Maurizio De Giovanni dico che i colori, i profumi e le contraddizioni di Napoli possono essere raccontati solo da un napoletano. Deaver invece mi sembra un pò impacciato quando descrive Napoli, cadendo spesso nel luogo comune più che nel pittoresco. E personaggi come i commissari Ricciardi o Montalbano risultano di gran lunga più carismatici di questo Lincoln Rhyme fuori dal suo guscio americano.
Si salva il finale, che quantomeno non è prevedibile.
Voto: 5
May 10, 2017
This is the 13th book in the 'Lincoln Rhyme' series by author Jeffery Deaver. I have long been a fan of both Jeffery Deaver and this series in particular so didn't hesitate to read this one. I found this one rather slow at the start which is surprising due to how familiar I am with the characters, but once I connected it got better and better.
A kidnap takes place in broad daylight and the only leads come from the account of an eight-year-old girl, some nearly invisible trace evidence and the calling card: a miniature noose left lying on the street. Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are called into investigate the case and the case takes a strange turn when a recording surfaces of the victim being slowly hanged, his desperate gasps the backdrop to an eerie piece of music. The video is marked as the work of The Composer...
The second half of the book is certainly better than the first as Jeffery Deaver makes the story twist and turn to an excellent climax.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Hodder & Stoughton for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A kidnap takes place in broad daylight and the only leads come from the account of an eight-year-old girl, some nearly invisible trace evidence and the calling card: a miniature noose left lying on the street. Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are called into investigate the case and the case takes a strange turn when a recording surfaces of the victim being slowly hanged, his desperate gasps the backdrop to an eerie piece of music. The video is marked as the work of The Composer...
The second half of the book is certainly better than the first as Jeffery Deaver makes the story twist and turn to an excellent climax.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Hodder & Stoughton for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2017
4.5 stars, actually. At nearly 500 pages, I'm pretty sure this is one of the longest Jeffery Deaver books I've read - at least of the series starring forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme. What it is not, however, is the best of the bunch.
To be sure, though, it's very good; and despite my grousing that I'd be reading it for several days, I surprised myself by polishing it off in just two. And for the most part, I enjoyed the experience from beginning to end - starting with the kidnapping of a man from New York's Upper East Side witnessed only by a young girl even though it took place in broad daylight. The perpetrator left behind a miniature noose made from a musical instrument string. Rhyme and his co-investigator (and soon to be wife), Amelia Sachs, are called in; shortly thereafter, a video is posted online showing the victim as he is slowly being hanged. Stranger still is that his gasps for air are synced to music, and the video is "signed" by someone called The Composer.
Search and seizure efforts by Rhyme and Sachs are only partly successful, and the kidnapper gets away. But then, a near identical incident takes place near Naples, Italy (noose and all), and in the flash of a private jet, the dynamic duo - accompanied by Rhyme's faithful and tough-nosed caretaker, Thom - make their way to the City of the Sun. The Italian police higher-ups clearly resent help from the Americans, but as Rhyme and Sachs sift through forensic evidence and prove their worth, the Italians grudgingly accept their insights.
Meantime, readers learn the kidnapper's identity through interspersed chapters written from his perspective. Then fairly early on comes another case as a young American living and playing hard in Italy is arrested for battery and rape. Rhymes and Sachs are asked by the defense to help with this one as well - to look for evidence that suggests someone else could have done the dirty deed. As they begin to work on both cases, they learn that the Italian prosecutor on the rape case is the same guy who's carrying a chip on his shoulder about interference from the American duo on the kidnapping case. Oops - not exactly the way to win him over.
The original kidnapping case leads to an Italian camp that provides sanctuary for the thousands of immigrants who have fled their home countries in search of a better life (clarifying the meaning of the book's title and adding an element of timeliness to the plot). Clearly, there's plenty going on here.
But sometimes, plenty is too much. The details of the plot, the number of characters and the geographic settings seem to go on and on unnecessarily and, alas, with a lot less interaction than I like to see between Rhymes and Sachs. On the plus side, the loose ends (well, perhaps all but one) are tied up neatly. And, clues led me to suspect that many of those details and characters are meant to lay the foundation for a future book or books, so I'm willing to back off a bit on my criticism. In any event, it's for sure I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment - love this series!
To be sure, though, it's very good; and despite my grousing that I'd be reading it for several days, I surprised myself by polishing it off in just two. And for the most part, I enjoyed the experience from beginning to end - starting with the kidnapping of a man from New York's Upper East Side witnessed only by a young girl even though it took place in broad daylight. The perpetrator left behind a miniature noose made from a musical instrument string. Rhyme and his co-investigator (and soon to be wife), Amelia Sachs, are called in; shortly thereafter, a video is posted online showing the victim as he is slowly being hanged. Stranger still is that his gasps for air are synced to music, and the video is "signed" by someone called The Composer.
Search and seizure efforts by Rhyme and Sachs are only partly successful, and the kidnapper gets away. But then, a near identical incident takes place near Naples, Italy (noose and all), and in the flash of a private jet, the dynamic duo - accompanied by Rhyme's faithful and tough-nosed caretaker, Thom - make their way to the City of the Sun. The Italian police higher-ups clearly resent help from the Americans, but as Rhyme and Sachs sift through forensic evidence and prove their worth, the Italians grudgingly accept their insights.
Meantime, readers learn the kidnapper's identity through interspersed chapters written from his perspective. Then fairly early on comes another case as a young American living and playing hard in Italy is arrested for battery and rape. Rhymes and Sachs are asked by the defense to help with this one as well - to look for evidence that suggests someone else could have done the dirty deed. As they begin to work on both cases, they learn that the Italian prosecutor on the rape case is the same guy who's carrying a chip on his shoulder about interference from the American duo on the kidnapping case. Oops - not exactly the way to win him over.
The original kidnapping case leads to an Italian camp that provides sanctuary for the thousands of immigrants who have fled their home countries in search of a better life (clarifying the meaning of the book's title and adding an element of timeliness to the plot). Clearly, there's plenty going on here.
But sometimes, plenty is too much. The details of the plot, the number of characters and the geographic settings seem to go on and on unnecessarily and, alas, with a lot less interaction than I like to see between Rhymes and Sachs. On the plus side, the loose ends (well, perhaps all but one) are tied up neatly. And, clues led me to suspect that many of those details and characters are meant to lay the foundation for a future book or books, so I'm willing to back off a bit on my criticism. In any event, it's for sure I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment - love this series!
February 25, 2025
In which a “multiple” killer is not necessarily a “serial” killer
Forensic investigator extraordinaire Lincoln Rhyme and his partner, now fiancée, Amelia Sachs, are tasked with the investigation of a killing which involves a noose made of a cello string left at the scene of the crime and videos of the actual deed being posted on social media. Deaver’s treatment of the analysis of forensic evidence has been compelling and technically informative without being pedantic from the very first novel in the Lincoln Rhyme series and THE BURIAL HOUR is certainly no exception to that pattern.
However, movement of the plotline from a typical serial murder suspense thriller to a geopolitical espionage-oriented potboiler set in a foreign country is a definite change of direction. Despite the continuing use of Rhyme’s skills as a forensic investigator, I thought that the substantive theme change was not effective. First, the solution to the string of murders and kidnappings came as a deus ex machina revelation that no reader could possibly have predicted (Boo! on that idea). Secondly, the fact that the bad guys were far right-wing Republicans focused on neo-Nazism and global nationalism was, frankly, banal and utterly pedestrian in its message. The actual individuals involved weren’t specifically predictable but the overall theme was as unsurprising as the sun rising this morning at dawn.
That said, the introduction of a small handful of new characters – procuratore Dante Spiro, forestry officer Ercole Benelli and forensics technician Beatrice Renza – was delightful. I hope that we’ll see more of them somehow in future novels. These characters, their personalities, their quirks and all of the associated conduct and dialogue was what rescued THE BURIAL HOUR from a more bleak 1- or 2- star rating and ensured that I would continue to read the series. But it was a close call. When I read Deaver and Lincoln Rhyme, I want a murder set in a suspense or a psychological thriller. If I want a geopolitical espionage thriller, I look to other authors. Goodness knows, there are plenty of them out there!
Paul Weiss
Forensic investigator extraordinaire Lincoln Rhyme and his partner, now fiancée, Amelia Sachs, are tasked with the investigation of a killing which involves a noose made of a cello string left at the scene of the crime and videos of the actual deed being posted on social media. Deaver’s treatment of the analysis of forensic evidence has been compelling and technically informative without being pedantic from the very first novel in the Lincoln Rhyme series and THE BURIAL HOUR is certainly no exception to that pattern.
However, movement of the plotline from a typical serial murder suspense thriller to a geopolitical espionage-oriented potboiler set in a foreign country is a definite change of direction. Despite the continuing use of Rhyme’s skills as a forensic investigator, I thought that the substantive theme change was not effective. First, the solution to the string of murders and kidnappings came as a deus ex machina revelation that no reader could possibly have predicted (Boo! on that idea). Secondly, the fact that the bad guys were far right-wing Republicans focused on neo-Nazism and global nationalism was, frankly, banal and utterly pedestrian in its message. The actual individuals involved weren’t specifically predictable but the overall theme was as unsurprising as the sun rising this morning at dawn.
That said, the introduction of a small handful of new characters – procuratore Dante Spiro, forestry officer Ercole Benelli and forensics technician Beatrice Renza – was delightful. I hope that we’ll see more of them somehow in future novels. These characters, their personalities, their quirks and all of the associated conduct and dialogue was what rescued THE BURIAL HOUR from a more bleak 1- or 2- star rating and ensured that I would continue to read the series. But it was a close call. When I read Deaver and Lincoln Rhyme, I want a murder set in a suspense or a psychological thriller. If I want a geopolitical espionage thriller, I look to other authors. Goodness knows, there are plenty of them out there!
Paul Weiss
February 18, 2019
I’m a bit disappointed in this particular Jeffrey Deaver novel. I enjoy some of his other writings, with my most favorite being “The Bone Collector” which I’ve both read and watched the movie. For once, I preferred the movie to the book!
The killer is called “The Composer” because of his love of music and rhythms/sounds/vibrations. His kidnapping calling card is a tiny hangman’s noose made of animal intestinal gut. There’s constant references made to his one power of authority. Everything he does, he does for HER.
I like all the characters in these Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs stories and admire them for their fierce dedication and hard work in solving this particular crime. I also like the work arrangement of desks and lab equipment and computers, police detectives and others coming and going in Lincoln’s home while he works with them from his bed/wheelchair. They fire thoughts and questions in midair and brainstorm together. Cell Phones are constantly in use. There’s Lincoln’s caretaker, whose primary purpose
is to take care of him and make sure he, or others do not push him beyond his limits. One big happy police family.
Once our killer took off internationally and landed in Naples, Italy, I unfortunately, found myself less interested in the story. I think it had to do with connecting with the descriptions of Naples. It just wasn’t working for me, but I pushed on. The Composer continues on with his killing sprees.
This is not a mystery or thriller per se, it is a murderous, political, international spy/terrorist ring that is eventually discovered and exposed by all the global police and security efforts.
3 stars - an okay read. Definitely not as good as others I’ve read in the series.
The killer is called “The Composer” because of his love of music and rhythms/sounds/vibrations. His kidnapping calling card is a tiny hangman’s noose made of animal intestinal gut. There’s constant references made to his one power of authority. Everything he does, he does for HER.
I like all the characters in these Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs stories and admire them for their fierce dedication and hard work in solving this particular crime. I also like the work arrangement of desks and lab equipment and computers, police detectives and others coming and going in Lincoln’s home while he works with them from his bed/wheelchair. They fire thoughts and questions in midair and brainstorm together. Cell Phones are constantly in use. There’s Lincoln’s caretaker, whose primary purpose
is to take care of him and make sure he, or others do not push him beyond his limits. One big happy police family.
Once our killer took off internationally and landed in Naples, Italy, I unfortunately, found myself less interested in the story. I think it had to do with connecting with the descriptions of Naples. It just wasn’t working for me, but I pushed on. The Composer continues on with his killing sprees.
This is not a mystery or thriller per se, it is a murderous, political, international spy/terrorist ring that is eventually discovered and exposed by all the global police and security efforts.
3 stars - an okay read. Definitely not as good as others I’ve read in the series.
January 12, 2018
I am just done with this nonsensical series.
It has just gone down the tubes for me since #11 (The Skin Collector).
That is three books in a row where not much is happening and too many coincidences drive the plot. Deaver doesn't even bother with trying to artfully explain the science in these books anymore. We just get regurgitation of facts and Rhyme acting like an asshole to everyone.
It doesn't help Rhyme and Sachs read like robots in this book. There is no there for me anymore between these two. Deaver wrote himself into a hole with getting rid of Sachs having issues with her arthritis.
Matters not helped by Deaver trying to turn these two into a super forensic spy team at the end. I don't even want to go there in future books. Let's pretend that the things they will end up doing will totally be legal and be allowed to be used as evidence.
The writing was not good and the flow was awful. I think that a good 1/3 of this book could have been deleted and you would not have missed anything vitally important. Why oh why Deaver did not just end on Rhyme and Sachs getting married baffles me. We go from what could have been a sweet/strong ending to the two of them solving another crime. I could not believe it. It just went on and on and I didn't care. I can see why so many readers started to skim this. It's your only defense to not fall totally asleep.
The setting of this book is moved from New York (after the first couple of pages) to Italy. The only thing you have to know about Italy is that Rhyme likes the grappa. Also he is still an asshole to everyone. We get a plethora of new characters that I stopped keeping track of after a while. Why we spent so much time in these people's heads is beyond me. I started calling one of the Italians the new rookie cause that's who he was the stand in for IMHO.
The ending as I already said just died on the vine. We go from a happy event to another crime with Rhyme and Sachs thinking a murder is about to occur. Cue new characters and a murderous lesbian and I just was done.
Fin.
It has just gone down the tubes for me since #11 (The Skin Collector).
That is three books in a row where not much is happening and too many coincidences drive the plot. Deaver doesn't even bother with trying to artfully explain the science in these books anymore. We just get regurgitation of facts and Rhyme acting like an asshole to everyone.
It doesn't help Rhyme and Sachs read like robots in this book. There is no there for me anymore between these two. Deaver wrote himself into a hole with getting rid of Sachs having issues with her arthritis.
Matters not helped by Deaver trying to turn these two into a super forensic spy team at the end. I don't even want to go there in future books. Let's pretend that the things they will end up doing will totally be legal and be allowed to be used as evidence.
The writing was not good and the flow was awful. I think that a good 1/3 of this book could have been deleted and you would not have missed anything vitally important. Why oh why Deaver did not just end on Rhyme and Sachs getting married baffles me. We go from what could have been a sweet/strong ending to the two of them solving another crime. I could not believe it. It just went on and on and I didn't care. I can see why so many readers started to skim this. It's your only defense to not fall totally asleep.
The setting of this book is moved from New York (after the first couple of pages) to Italy. The only thing you have to know about Italy is that Rhyme likes the grappa. Also he is still an asshole to everyone. We get a plethora of new characters that I stopped keeping track of after a while. Why we spent so much time in these people's heads is beyond me. I started calling one of the Italians the new rookie cause that's who he was the stand in for IMHO.
The ending as I already said just died on the vine. We go from a happy event to another crime with Rhyme and Sachs thinking a murder is about to occur. Cue new characters and a murderous lesbian and I just was done.
Fin.
Read
February 26, 20253.5 stars
In this 13th book in the 'Lincoln Rhyme' series, the forensic expert and his team investigate crimes in Italy. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a plus.
*****
Criminalist Lincoln Rhyme was head of the NYPD's forensic unit until an accident at a crime scene left him a quadriplegic. Rhyme can operate his 'miracle of mobility' wheelchair with his left ring finger, and thanks to advanced medical procedures, can now use his right arm.
Lincoln is the 'Sherlock Holmes' of forensic evidence, and can recreate entire scenarios from trace evidence (For example: The presence of stearic acid and myristic acid - found in shaving cream - tells Lincoln that the perp shaved his head and beard to disguise his appearance.)
Lincoln is now engaged to his forensic partner, NYPD Detective Amelia Sachs, and as the book opens, is contemplating a honeymoon in Greenland.
Rhyme's personal assistant Thom Reston observes Greenland isn't romantic, and suggests Florida or California, but Lincoln resists. It seems a lab in Nuuk is doing important research in horticultural spectrographic analysis, which (apparently) supersedes amour. 😊
Lincoln postpones his holiday musings when NYPD Detective Lon Sellitto requests help with an urgent case. A businessman named Robert Ellis was kidnapped off a Manhattan street, and a small-scale noose made of catgut was left at the kidnap site.
Now a video is streaming online, showing a bound, blindfolded Robert Ellis with a noose tugging his neck upward. The video is accompanied by an eerie soundtrack in which a recording of Ellis gasping is used as the downbeat for 'The Blue Danube' being played on a keyboard. Sachs collects forensic evidence at the kidnap site, and Rhyme uses it to determine where Ellis was taken, but the perpetrator - dubbed 'The Composer' - escapes.
When 'The Composer' is next heard of, he's kidnapped a Libyan immigrant from a refugee camp in Naples, Italy, and repeated the hanging scenario described above. The supervisor in charge of the case is Prosecutor Dante Spiro.....
......and the investigators are Detective Inspector Massimo Rossi of the Police of State and Forestry Officer Ercole Benelli, who happened to be chasing a truffles counterfeiter in the vicinity of the kidnapping.
When Rhymes hears of the Naples' abduction he hightails it to Italy with Amelia Sachs and Thom Reston. Lincoln wants to help catch 'The Composer', but Prosecutor Spiro is hostile to these American interlopers and insists they go home. Then (of course) Lincoln demonstrates his formidable skills with forensic evidence, and the Americans are allowed to stay and assist.
Before long 'The Composer' abducts another refugee, and the investigation goes into high gear. Some of the novel's best scenes occur when Sachs partners up with Forestry Officer Benelli. The twosome race around Naples, get shot at, examine dark dangerous sites, have interesting conversations, etc.
In the meantime, Rhyme gets a request from the American Embassy. It seems an American college student has been accused of rape, and the Embassy wants Lincoln to examine the forensic evidence to determine if the college boy is guilty, or if some other dude did it. Once again, Lincoln uses his uncanny abilities to recreate crimes using trace evidence.
About two-thirds into the book 'The Composer' investigation takes an unexpected turn and strays into the arena of politics and immigration. To me this pivot felt forced and not credible. Regardless, Rhymes and his team carry on to uncover the truth about everything. Then they relax with the Italian police and enjoy grappa, wine, and delicious Italian food.
To top it off, there are warm moments at the end of the book when Lincoln plans a REAL honeymoon for himself and Amelia, in beautiful Italy.
The Neapolitan setting for the book makes an interesting change from New York, and it's instructive to observe the Italian justice system. Author Jeffery Deaver has a knack for creating weird, devious, and frightening protagonists, and 'The Composer' is no exception. I'd recommend the book to readers who enjoy suspense novels, especially Lincoln Rhyme fans.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
April 14, 2017
**Thank you to Hachette Australia and Netgalley for sending me an ARC of the book in return for an honest review.
3 stars!!!
Well, this book has been grossly miscategorised. I really wanted to read a pyschological thriller but it wasn't a mystery and neither was it thrilling. So I'm rather disappointed. I did finish the whole book but rather laboriously I have to admit. There were some parts which I did like. Unfortunately, I found some rather far fetched. When I first read the blurb, I was pretty excited to pick up the novel. This is my second Jeffery Deaver book. So I had some background as to who the characters were. Although, I did read the last book quite a few years back. I saw some character development, but overall I wasn't too attached to them. I especially felt that Rhyme was too detached and appeared extremely cold as a person. To be honest, he was pretty irritating. Though, I did enjoy Sachs. She is pretty feisty.
I especially loved the Unsub's mind. Those parts were the most interesting to me but when everything was revealed, it fell like of pretty flat to me. Some of the plot devices made absolutely no sense whatsoever. Plus, I did not like how they added a random character to be one of the prime investigators in an international crime. Please tell me in which universe does a Forest Ranger know police and crime scene procedure without formal training. That's just so realistic. To top it off, it was done in a humorous way which was out of place when everyone else was so serious.
I did, however, like reading about the way the Italian police system is set up and I loved reading about the beautiful bucolic countrysides. The setting was gorgeous and I really got an insight into how an investigation would take place over there. So that really captivated my attention until the end when the motive and whole plot unraveled. There's a lot of current affairs also woven into the story which keeps it relevant. Seeing as to how the story pans out, this did strengthen the book.
Overall, for me, the story was a general let-down as I thought I was getting one thing and was served something entirely different. The story was alright if the blurb wasn't misleading. This is not a mystery-thriller. Be ready for political intrigue. I won't post any spoilers but that's the gist of it. Maybe some people would like it but I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for something that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
3 stars!!!
Well, this book has been grossly miscategorised. I really wanted to read a pyschological thriller but it wasn't a mystery and neither was it thrilling. So I'm rather disappointed. I did finish the whole book but rather laboriously I have to admit. There were some parts which I did like. Unfortunately, I found some rather far fetched. When I first read the blurb, I was pretty excited to pick up the novel. This is my second Jeffery Deaver book. So I had some background as to who the characters were. Although, I did read the last book quite a few years back. I saw some character development, but overall I wasn't too attached to them. I especially felt that Rhyme was too detached and appeared extremely cold as a person. To be honest, he was pretty irritating. Though, I did enjoy Sachs. She is pretty feisty.
I especially loved the Unsub's mind. Those parts were the most interesting to me but when everything was revealed, it fell like of pretty flat to me. Some of the plot devices made absolutely no sense whatsoever. Plus, I did not like how they added a random character to be one of the prime investigators in an international crime. Please tell me in which universe does a Forest Ranger know police and crime scene procedure without formal training. That's just so realistic. To top it off, it was done in a humorous way which was out of place when everyone else was so serious.
I did, however, like reading about the way the Italian police system is set up and I loved reading about the beautiful bucolic countrysides. The setting was gorgeous and I really got an insight into how an investigation would take place over there. So that really captivated my attention until the end when the motive and whole plot unraveled. There's a lot of current affairs also woven into the story which keeps it relevant. Seeing as to how the story pans out, this did strengthen the book.
Overall, for me, the story was a general let-down as I thought I was getting one thing and was served something entirely different. The story was alright if the blurb wasn't misleading. This is not a mystery-thriller. Be ready for political intrigue. I won't post any spoilers but that's the gist of it. Maybe some people would like it but I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for something that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
March 2, 2017
I read Jeffery Deaver's first Lincoln Rhyme novel, The Bone Collector, and was very impressed. The movie was well done also. Now I realize there have been about 11 Rhyme novels that I have not read, but this one was very disappointing. The plot tried to be too smart by half and the main characters, Rhyme and Sachs, seemed to be cardboard cutouts of those I remember from he first novel. Once the real criminals are identified and their grand motives uncovered we are subjected to a political view point about the accepting of refugees that is very current. Demonizing those that do not share your view of the world is expected in politics, but not in a novel I read for enjoyment. I cannot decide if Mr. Deaver tried to be too cute with this novel or just phoned it in. Either way it failed miserably.
April 23, 2017
The Burial Hour by Jeffery Deaver is the latest Lincoln Rhyme novel. "Someone has kidnapped a businessman off the streets of NY and his dying is now streaming online. Bad guy gets away and ends up in Italy. And so do Sachs and Rhyme."
This book is about 150 pages too long. Deaver has fallen into a trap of over explaining and it distracts from the story. I wonder why an editor doesn't clean it up. I'm a reader, not a writer, but if something doesn't add to the story should it be in there? If you are a Deaver fan, you may want to read this, but don't rush to bump it up in the TBR pile. This book takes a couple of weird turns near the end also. Not one of Deaver's best.
This book is about 150 pages too long. Deaver has fallen into a trap of over explaining and it distracts from the story. I wonder why an editor doesn't clean it up. I'm a reader, not a writer, but if something doesn't add to the story should it be in there? If you are a Deaver fan, you may want to read this, but don't rush to bump it up in the TBR pile. This book takes a couple of weird turns near the end also. Not one of Deaver's best.
June 18, 2021
The setting of this book, primarily in Italy, was engaging and there were some truly fun twists. The audiobook was fabulous. I haven’t read a Lincoln Rhyme book that I didn’t enjoy and this one was no different. Deaver is still going strong and I hope that isn’t going to change anytime soon.
April 25, 2017
Solid 4.5/5. What an intriguing story!
September 19, 2017
The Burial Hour is book 13 in the Lincoln Rhyme series and once again Deaver shows what a fantastic writer he is.
I have to admit that I was not as taken with this book as I was with Steel Kiss the book before, at least not in the beginning. Don't take me wrong, the book is good, well-written, with an interesting case that will bring Rhyme and Sachs all the way to Italy. However, I was not impressed with the kidnapper. The Composer just never struck me as a very interesting villain. Not compared to other villains that Rhyme and Sachs have had to stop in previous books. However, this is Deaver we are talking about, around 100 pages before the book ended did it seem that they have closed the case which surprised me. I mean there is a lot of more pages to fill out, it can't be this simple? And, it was not. It's towards the end that Dever pulls the rug out from the reader's feet and twist the story, and suddenly wow! This is what I'm talking about, now the story of the book suddenly become very intense.
The Burial Hour is a great book, I love the new setting of Italy. That really made me eager to try out more crime books set in Italy. The contrast between the Italian law enforcement and the American was interesting to observe and I came to like Ercole Benelli, the Forestry officer that Rhyme and Sache worked it, very much.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
I have to admit that I was not as taken with this book as I was with Steel Kiss the book before, at least not in the beginning. Don't take me wrong, the book is good, well-written, with an interesting case that will bring Rhyme and Sachs all the way to Italy. However, I was not impressed with the kidnapper. The Composer just never struck me as a very interesting villain. Not compared to other villains that Rhyme and Sachs have had to stop in previous books. However, this is Deaver we are talking about, around 100 pages before the book ended did it seem that they have closed the case which surprised me. I mean there is a lot of more pages to fill out, it can't be this simple? And, it was not. It's towards the end that Dever pulls the rug out from the reader's feet and twist the story, and suddenly wow! This is what I'm talking about, now the story of the book suddenly become very intense.
The Burial Hour is a great book, I love the new setting of Italy. That really made me eager to try out more crime books set in Italy. The contrast between the Italian law enforcement and the American was interesting to observe and I came to like Ercole Benelli, the Forestry officer that Rhyme and Sache worked it, very much.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
April 21, 2017
The Burial Hour is the 13th book in the Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs series, which has been offering intriguing murder-mysteries with fascinating forensic details since 1997. In this latest instalment, Sachs and Rhyme are about to get married and are trying to agree on a location for their honeymoon – if Rhyme could only see the point of choosing a romantic setting for this occasion. He is saved from this tedious chore by being asked to help in the investigation into the abduction of a businessman by a sinister perpetrator, who later posts a video online in which the victim is being slowly strangled to the sounds of classical music – which consequently earns him the nickname “The Composer”. The only clue the perpetrator has left behind is a noose, fashioned out of cello string. But before Rhyme and Sachs can close in on their suspect, a similar kidnapping occurs in Naples, Italy, with the same trademark noose left at the scene. So instead of going on their honeymoon, Sachs and Rhyme make their way to Italy to help the Italian authorities with the case – whether they like it or not.
I still remember the excitement of discovering the first book in the Lincoln Rhyme series almost twenty years ago, and the nail biting suspense as Rhyme and Sachs hunt the terrifying Bone Collector. At the time, I was totally enthralled by the forensic details, and protagonists who were so different from the usual fictional police detectives. Then followed a few years of compulsively snapping up everything written by the talented Jeffery Deaver. Now it has been a few years since I picked up a Lincoln Rhyme book, and I thought it would be great revisiting this series. I loved that part of the Burial Hour is set in beautiful Naples, adding a great armchair travel setting and some fresh characters to the story.
Unfortunately, I think that the series may have run its course for me. Apart from the armchair travel component, The Burial Hour did not hold the same fascination for me that I remember from previous books, and to be totally honest, I struggled to get to the end. Perhaps it is the simple fact that the last twenty years have turned me into an old cynic who finds it hard to suspend disbelief. I work in the health industry, which is not much different from law and order when it concerns budget and staff cuts, and I doubt that America is any different from Australia in that regard. So I wasn’t far into the pages when I snorted my first big huff of disbelief when an alleged kidnapping (only witnessed by a child) generates a full investigative team consisting of the top forensic experts in the country, as well as every forensic investigation the lab has to offer – stat! And no expenses spared! And there isn’t even a body in sight anywhere yet. Riiiiight .... nope, I don’t believe it. Ok, let’s cut the author some slack here and keep reading, since my family always remind me when I snort in derision during some medical TV soap when someone has once again shocked asystole: “Mum, it’s FICTION, get over it, OK?” But the story continued in the same vein, without the redeeming features of riveting, nail-biting suspense that may have distracted me from such blatant violations of fact, and I admit – I couldn’t get over it. Petty? Perhaps, but that is me.
I was also somewhat perplexed about the two main protagonists, who I remember as interesting and engaging in earlier novels. What has happened to Sachs and Rhyme in the last few years, to turn these quirky characters into such two-dimensional, boring people? For me, there was absolutely no chemistry between any of the characters, who gravitate around each other like planets around the sun without ever actually touching emotionally. Why Sachs and Rhyme want to get married eludes me – there wasn’t a tender moment or word between them throughout the whole book. The only likeable character for me was the Italian forestry cop Ercole Benelli, who unfortunately gets overshadowed by the complicated and somewhat contrived political plot unfolding in the story later on.
The Burial Hour may appeal to die-hard fans of the series, or readers who prefer a factual, somewhat unemotional read with a political conspiracy theory as the main premise. I, however, am a reader who needs to be able to forge an emotional connection to the characters in order to enjoy the story, and I struggled throughout the book to stay interested. So how do I do justice in rating a book by an author I have long admired and who so obviously can write, but whose novel just didn’t hit the mark for me? Going solely on enjoyment, I would give this book a 2-star rating, rounded up to 2.5 since it is well written, with occasional snippets of dry humour hidden amongst its pages. Sorry, but this one was obviously not the right book for me at this time, and I don’t think I will revisit the series again if it continues along the same trajectory.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this novel and giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
I still remember the excitement of discovering the first book in the Lincoln Rhyme series almost twenty years ago, and the nail biting suspense as Rhyme and Sachs hunt the terrifying Bone Collector. At the time, I was totally enthralled by the forensic details, and protagonists who were so different from the usual fictional police detectives. Then followed a few years of compulsively snapping up everything written by the talented Jeffery Deaver. Now it has been a few years since I picked up a Lincoln Rhyme book, and I thought it would be great revisiting this series. I loved that part of the Burial Hour is set in beautiful Naples, adding a great armchair travel setting and some fresh characters to the story.
Unfortunately, I think that the series may have run its course for me. Apart from the armchair travel component, The Burial Hour did not hold the same fascination for me that I remember from previous books, and to be totally honest, I struggled to get to the end. Perhaps it is the simple fact that the last twenty years have turned me into an old cynic who finds it hard to suspend disbelief. I work in the health industry, which is not much different from law and order when it concerns budget and staff cuts, and I doubt that America is any different from Australia in that regard. So I wasn’t far into the pages when I snorted my first big huff of disbelief when an alleged kidnapping (only witnessed by a child) generates a full investigative team consisting of the top forensic experts in the country, as well as every forensic investigation the lab has to offer – stat! And no expenses spared! And there isn’t even a body in sight anywhere yet. Riiiiight .... nope, I don’t believe it. Ok, let’s cut the author some slack here and keep reading, since my family always remind me when I snort in derision during some medical TV soap when someone has once again shocked asystole: “Mum, it’s FICTION, get over it, OK?” But the story continued in the same vein, without the redeeming features of riveting, nail-biting suspense that may have distracted me from such blatant violations of fact, and I admit – I couldn’t get over it. Petty? Perhaps, but that is me.
I was also somewhat perplexed about the two main protagonists, who I remember as interesting and engaging in earlier novels. What has happened to Sachs and Rhyme in the last few years, to turn these quirky characters into such two-dimensional, boring people? For me, there was absolutely no chemistry between any of the characters, who gravitate around each other like planets around the sun without ever actually touching emotionally. Why Sachs and Rhyme want to get married eludes me – there wasn’t a tender moment or word between them throughout the whole book. The only likeable character for me was the Italian forestry cop Ercole Benelli, who unfortunately gets overshadowed by the complicated and somewhat contrived political plot unfolding in the story later on.
The Burial Hour may appeal to die-hard fans of the series, or readers who prefer a factual, somewhat unemotional read with a political conspiracy theory as the main premise. I, however, am a reader who needs to be able to forge an emotional connection to the characters in order to enjoy the story, and I struggled throughout the book to stay interested. So how do I do justice in rating a book by an author I have long admired and who so obviously can write, but whose novel just didn’t hit the mark for me? Going solely on enjoyment, I would give this book a 2-star rating, rounded up to 2.5 since it is well written, with occasional snippets of dry humour hidden amongst its pages. Sorry, but this one was obviously not the right book for me at this time, and I don’t think I will revisit the series again if it continues along the same trajectory.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this novel and giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
April 27, 2017
The action gets underway quickly in the 13th installment of Jeffery Deaver's 'Lincoln Rhyme' series. The Burial Hour begins with a kidnapping on the streets of New York City in broad daylight. Witnessed only by a nine year-old girl on her way to school, a man is snatched off the street and thrown into the back of a car with a cloth hood over his head. Left behind on the street is a miniature hangman's noose. Immediately, criminalist Lincoln Rhyme, Amelia Sachs and team are called to work the case. With virtually no clues to go on, the team receives word that a video has been posted online showing the kidnapped man with a noose around his neck, rigged in such a way to cause him to slowly strangle; and bizarrely a classical music composition is playing in the background and appears to be synchronized to the gasps of the suffocating man. The video is 'signed' by someone who calls himself 'The Composer'.
This unusual crime soon leads Rhyme, Amelia Sachs and Tom (Rhyme's caregiver) across the ocean to Naples, Italy where Rhyme finds that although the Italian authorities are quite aware of his reputation as a renowned criminalist, his services are not wanted. Eventually though, his expertise is grudgingly accepted as the kidnappings continue in Italy. As the kidnappings continue and Sachs and the police continue to collect the scant trace evidence left at the crime scenes, Rhyme begins to feel that something about these crimes does not make sense. He begins to suspect they are being led astray intentionally. Are the kidnappings actually being used to cover up something bigger and more diabolical?
In the last couple of Lincoln Rhyme novels, Jeffery Deaver has ventured into more than the traditional 'serial killer' murders Rhyme has been instrumental in solving in the past. That trend continues in this book. Mr. Deaver ventures into events which have been playing out in 'real' life on the world stage... in particular, the Syrian refugee crisis and the ways in which governments (including the United States government) are grappling with just how open their borders should be to the people fleeing their country; and of course, the very real and constant threat of terrorism across the globe.
Keep in mind when reading this latest Rhyme thriller that nothing is as it appears. There are twists and a red herring or two which I never anticipated. Although some readers have been critical of Mr. Deaver's injection of his political views into his fictional stories, I was not bothered by this at all. I found the story compelling and I enjoyed the change in location from New York to Naples and I also enjoyed learning a bit about how the criminal justice system functions (and doesn't function) in Italy. Of course, as always , I was entertained at how easily Rhyme can analyze trace evidence as simple as what sticks to the bottom of a suspect's shoes and instantly be on the right track to solve the case. I believe the book was a little longer than it needed to be but as the narration was performed by Edoardo Ballerini, I didn't mind at all!
This unusual crime soon leads Rhyme, Amelia Sachs and Tom (Rhyme's caregiver) across the ocean to Naples, Italy where Rhyme finds that although the Italian authorities are quite aware of his reputation as a renowned criminalist, his services are not wanted. Eventually though, his expertise is grudgingly accepted as the kidnappings continue in Italy. As the kidnappings continue and Sachs and the police continue to collect the scant trace evidence left at the crime scenes, Rhyme begins to feel that something about these crimes does not make sense. He begins to suspect they are being led astray intentionally. Are the kidnappings actually being used to cover up something bigger and more diabolical?
In the last couple of Lincoln Rhyme novels, Jeffery Deaver has ventured into more than the traditional 'serial killer' murders Rhyme has been instrumental in solving in the past. That trend continues in this book. Mr. Deaver ventures into events which have been playing out in 'real' life on the world stage... in particular, the Syrian refugee crisis and the ways in which governments (including the United States government) are grappling with just how open their borders should be to the people fleeing their country; and of course, the very real and constant threat of terrorism across the globe.
Keep in mind when reading this latest Rhyme thriller that nothing is as it appears. There are twists and a red herring or two which I never anticipated. Although some readers have been critical of Mr. Deaver's injection of his political views into his fictional stories, I was not bothered by this at all. I found the story compelling and I enjoyed the change in location from New York to Naples and I also enjoyed learning a bit about how the criminal justice system functions (and doesn't function) in Italy. Of course, as always , I was entertained at how easily Rhyme can analyze trace evidence as simple as what sticks to the bottom of a suspect's shoes and instantly be on the right track to solve the case. I believe the book was a little longer than it needed to be but as the narration was performed by Edoardo Ballerini, I didn't mind at all!
February 8, 2021
Volume 13 of the Lincoln Rhyme series undeniably proves that Jeffery Deaver is by now riding a very dead, if not to say half-decomposed, horse with his protagonist.
It begins with the fact that the Lincoln Rhyme stories now clearly follow a given template according to the book. That alone is a reason to finally let it well enough alone.
But what is also going on in this volume is the sheer insolence. This thriller has no plot, but is based on utter nonsense that has been incoherently patched together.
In my opinion almost every component could actually find its place in a thriller, but only one and not all at once.
And then all the bollocks wasn't even exciting.
In all honesty, I am outraged and would like to give less than 1 star.
-----------------------------------------------------
Band 13 der Lincoln Rhyme-Serie belegt unbestreitbar, dass Jeffery Deaver mit seinem Protagonisten mittlerweile ein schon sehr totes, um nicht zu sagen halbverwestes Pferd reitet.
Es beginnt damit, dass die Lincoln Rhyme Geschichten mittlerweile unübersehbar nach Schema F einer vorgegebenen Schablone folgen. Alleine das ist schon ein Grund, es endlich mal gut sein zu lassen.
Was aber zusätzlich in diesem Band abgeht ist die reine Unverschämtheit. Dieser Thriller hat keinen Plot, sondern basiert auf vollkommenem Blödsinn, der inkohärent zusammengestöpselt wurde.
Ich bin der Meinung, dass fast jede Komponente tatsächlich in einem Thriller ihrem Platz finden könnte, aber eben nur eine und nicht alle auf einmal.
Und dann war der ganze Quatsch noch nicht mal spannend.
Ganz ehrlich, ich bin empört und würde gerne weniger als 1 Stern vergeben.
It begins with the fact that the Lincoln Rhyme stories now clearly follow a given template according to the book. That alone is a reason to finally let it well enough alone.
But what is also going on in this volume is the sheer insolence. This thriller has no plot, but is based on utter nonsense that has been incoherently patched together.
In my opinion almost every component could actually find its place in a thriller, but only one and not all at once.
And then all the bollocks wasn't even exciting.
In all honesty, I am outraged and would like to give less than 1 star.
-----------------------------------------------------
Band 13 der Lincoln Rhyme-Serie belegt unbestreitbar, dass Jeffery Deaver mit seinem Protagonisten mittlerweile ein schon sehr totes, um nicht zu sagen halbverwestes Pferd reitet.
Es beginnt damit, dass die Lincoln Rhyme Geschichten mittlerweile unübersehbar nach Schema F einer vorgegebenen Schablone folgen. Alleine das ist schon ein Grund, es endlich mal gut sein zu lassen.
Was aber zusätzlich in diesem Band abgeht ist die reine Unverschämtheit. Dieser Thriller hat keinen Plot, sondern basiert auf vollkommenem Blödsinn, der inkohärent zusammengestöpselt wurde.
Ich bin der Meinung, dass fast jede Komponente tatsächlich in einem Thriller ihrem Platz finden könnte, aber eben nur eine und nicht alle auf einmal.
Und dann war der ganze Quatsch noch nicht mal spannend.
Ganz ehrlich, ich bin empört und würde gerne weniger als 1 Stern vergeben.
January 20, 2018
Not my favourite Lincoln Rhyme book but a darned good read none the less that see's our couple head off to Italy after a killer whilst preparing for a wedding.
The trademark forensic detail is here, fascinating as ever, the killer is intriguing and the plot just rocks along in the usual Jefferey Deaver way.
Overall very good - even though there have been far superior tales in this series I have yet to read one that I didn't like.
Still a fan - keep them coming!
The trademark forensic detail is here, fascinating as ever, the killer is intriguing and the plot just rocks along in the usual Jefferey Deaver way.
Overall very good - even though there have been far superior tales in this series I have yet to read one that I didn't like.
Still a fan - keep them coming!
November 11, 2018
This one was not for me. I must admit I haven't read many of Jeffery Deaver's books. My favourite one that I did really enjoy was, The Blue Nowhere, one that I totally recommend.
February 23, 2023
This book is enjoyable and readable, quite engrossing and compulsive, but I don't rate it 4-5 stars because there are some Italian conversations without translation that I need to translate, but that's not a big problem for me.
What I find strange is, from murders related to serial killers and kidnappings that we call 'The Burial Hour' to terrorist cases...? And the ending with a love triangle case…? 🤔 It's not bad, but what is the relation tho? 😂 that's what I was thinking the whole time I read this book until the end
But I can say, this book deserves to be adapted into a TV show. More or less like the NCIS CIA broadcast The Criminal Mind and sort. The part I like is where the police teaming up with the serial killer to find a clue and solve the case, that kind of thing thrilled me.
This book is an investigation book, crime 20% suspense 40% investigation 40%. Personally not very thrilling, still an excellent read. I want to continue this series because I want to know the end of this case, the other part I like the lead characters' marriage (this is not a spoiler)
———————————————-
𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕? 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒆𝒔. 𝑺𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎.
📚 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐈𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 : This book begin with a kid who witnessed the kidnapping in front of her eyes, only the kid as a witness ,how’s that plausible ? But that kid no longer exists in this book, only around on the 4-5 pages, and then vanish? 😂, I thought the kid would present as a witness until the end.
So began the journey of tracking down the perpetrators of the uncanny crime, kidnapping, recording the choked sound of the victim and uploading it for the world to see, but there's a problem, all these victims didn’t die. They were all rescued, so what is the real motive for this kidnapping? This book is all about 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗲, 𝗽𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘆, 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲.
𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒚 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒆
———————————————-
✍️𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 : While reading this book, I feel like I'm afraid to speak on the off chance someone is obsessed with my voice, 😂.
Yes this book is tricky, like everything you guessed and deduced is wrong, the first part of the book is suspenseful and full of mystery, you still be left in the dark, the second part of the book is getting more and more suspenseful because all the guesses are incorrect 🤣
There’s a change of plan because the situation is getting more and more desperate, it's tricky up until i’m getting frustrated : "why do you want to include this story with that one? What does that have to do with it? You’re wasting my time reading" but it doesn't seem like it, it's all related 🤯
Multiple POV, that's why the book is a bit thick, but I'm okay because at least I understand the story from the perspective of the investigator, the perpetrator, as well as the victim!!
The third part is when your mind is like "wtf..!! 🤯" haa 😂 "what happened? So this is not what it is?” At some point there are also some irrelevant situations and circumstances, but it’s insignificant compared in 100%, it’s only 10%.
———————————————-
The character I like the most, Ercole 😂🫶 i can say this book is crime thriller tricky fiction, because it's very tricky. There's so many political, history and medical content owing to inextricable content in crime books, right?
What I find strange is, from murders related to serial killers and kidnappings that we call 'The Burial Hour' to terrorist cases...? And the ending with a love triangle case…? 🤔 It's not bad, but what is the relation tho? 😂 that's what I was thinking the whole time I read this book until the end
But I can say, this book deserves to be adapted into a TV show. More or less like the NCIS CIA broadcast The Criminal Mind and sort. The part I like is where the police teaming up with the serial killer to find a clue and solve the case, that kind of thing thrilled me.
This book is an investigation book, crime 20% suspense 40% investigation 40%. Personally not very thrilling, still an excellent read. I want to continue this series because I want to know the end of this case, the other part I like the lead characters' marriage (this is not a spoiler)
———————————————-
𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕? 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒆𝒔. 𝑺𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎.
📚 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐈𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 : This book begin with a kid who witnessed the kidnapping in front of her eyes, only the kid as a witness ,how’s that plausible ? But that kid no longer exists in this book, only around on the 4-5 pages, and then vanish? 😂, I thought the kid would present as a witness until the end.
So began the journey of tracking down the perpetrators of the uncanny crime, kidnapping, recording the choked sound of the victim and uploading it for the world to see, but there's a problem, all these victims didn’t die. They were all rescued, so what is the real motive for this kidnapping? This book is all about 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗲, 𝗽𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘆, 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲.
𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒚 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒆
———————————————-
✍️𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 : While reading this book, I feel like I'm afraid to speak on the off chance someone is obsessed with my voice, 😂.
Yes this book is tricky, like everything you guessed and deduced is wrong, the first part of the book is suspenseful and full of mystery, you still be left in the dark, the second part of the book is getting more and more suspenseful because all the guesses are incorrect 🤣
There’s a change of plan because the situation is getting more and more desperate, it's tricky up until i’m getting frustrated : "why do you want to include this story with that one? What does that have to do with it? You’re wasting my time reading" but it doesn't seem like it, it's all related 🤯
Multiple POV, that's why the book is a bit thick, but I'm okay because at least I understand the story from the perspective of the investigator, the perpetrator, as well as the victim!!
The third part is when your mind is like "wtf..!! 🤯" haa 😂 "what happened? So this is not what it is?” At some point there are also some irrelevant situations and circumstances, but it’s insignificant compared in 100%, it’s only 10%.
———————————————-
The character I like the most, Ercole 😂🫶 i can say this book is crime thriller tricky fiction, because it's very tricky. There's so many political, history and medical content owing to inextricable content in crime books, right?
September 4, 2022
I like this series. It is methodically written which works for me in so many ways. The dynamic duo gets to go to Italy in hope to find their man. I also like the unexpected turns especially at the end. Just when I think it's the end....it's not.
Now with that said, this one wasn't my favorite. I liked all those things mentioned above, but this felt a little far fetched and a little softer than other books in this same series. This was 2.5 stars but I rounded up to a full 3.
Now with that said, this one wasn't my favorite. I liked all those things mentioned above, but this felt a little far fetched and a little softer than other books in this same series. This was 2.5 stars but I rounded up to a full 3.
June 28, 2017
I've loved these books since I read the first one back in 2015. I love them dearly and I recommend them to anyone who'll listen. This, admittedly, isn't the best in the series but I still really enjoyed it. It's set in Italy, rather than the usual New York settings. This also meant a lot of the recurring characters in the books don't make any appearances. However, the new characters introduced, particularly Ercole, are fantastically written. This book didn't have that "OMG" moment that Deaver's famous for, but regardless, it was bloody fantastic. And the sweet ending reminds us that whilst these books are at the peak of the crime novels, they have wonderful character progression, too.
July 29, 2018
The Burial Hour, is my third Deaver novel. This Lincoln Rhyme story, is more twisty than others I have read. With an excellent attention to detail, Deaver weaves a complex tale starting in New York and ending up in Italy, pursuing an unstable killer. Yet, nothing is as it appears. The tale twists and becomes more complex yet. Current issues of immigration and terrorism emerge, illuminating the dichotomy of different justice systems. The finale sees Rhyme and Sachs playing private eye. A foreshadowing for the series?
4 and a half stars.
4 and a half stars.
June 30, 2020
Really disappointed.
This is the least favorite book so far in this series.
There were many twists and turns which were not as interested as his previous books.
This is the least favorite book so far in this series.
There were many twists and turns which were not as interested as his previous books.
November 12, 2017
I do so enjoy reading about Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs. And, of course their cohorts. Added to this is a trip to Italy! Bravo, the excitement continues. And with so many new elements, twist and turns. A great adventure.
May 8, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the change of scenery and the added element of some new and interesting people. It had lotsa twists and turns without the gruesomeness of previous books with a good ending :)
March 5, 2017
I received this copy from Goodreads to review. I enjoyed this book very much, especially the international component. I missed Lon and Ron but it was a nice change having a new group for Lincoln and Amelia to work with, especially since they were more adversarial. There a secondary crime related to the initial one that turns the focus of the book. Deaver is more political here than in previous novels but that portion lines up with current concerns in the country. Everyone and their mother voices their politics on Twitter, Facebook and various news channels, why not authors?
Having Sachs walk the grid never gets old to me and I enjoy seeing her work with others and teach them her (and Lincoln's) methodology.
Having Sachs walk the grid never gets old to me and I enjoy seeing her work with others and teach them her (and Lincoln's) methodology.
May 11, 2017
I think my reading genres may have changed since I took a break from reading or maybe this series isnt that good anymore.
As soon as the release date was announced I stalked the library webrequest until it was in the system. I read the previous novel The Steel Kiss and gave it four stars even though I thought it needed editing.
In this installment the unsub is known as the Composer seems to randomly pick his victims and not much thought is given into the how or the why. I didn't quite get why we ended up in Italy and seemed a little farfetched for Lincoln to travel that far. Lincoln and his team were not nice to the forgein officials either.
I do enjoy Sachs and Thom but it is time to retire Rhyme and do more with his other series Kathryn Dance
As soon as the release date was announced I stalked the library webrequest until it was in the system. I read the previous novel The Steel Kiss and gave it four stars even though I thought it needed editing.
In this installment the unsub is known as the Composer seems to randomly pick his victims and not much thought is given into the how or the why. I didn't quite get why we ended up in Italy and seemed a little farfetched for Lincoln to travel that far. Lincoln and his team were not nice to the forgein officials either.
I do enjoy Sachs and Thom but it is time to retire Rhyme and do more with his other series Kathryn Dance
July 7, 2017
The Burial Hour was a bit different from previous Lincoln Rhyme adventures in that he actually followed a suspect from New York to Italy - not Little Italy but rather big Italy. Since he is a paraplegic, this pursuit was not an easy one.
In Italy, Rhyme and his lovely investigator, Amelia something, worked closely with the Italian police to track down a serial kidnapper and attempted murderer. The plot/story was very clever and had the obligatory twists (damn, I didn't see that coming!! ) and was a quite enjoyable read.
I did not, however, care for Deaver's underlying contempt for the Italians which, in my not at all humble opinion, went well beyond their adulation for the world famous forensic scientist. I also did not care for the way in which Amelia absolutely took over the pursuit of the suspect, ordering the Italians about right, left and cent, using a gun with the same level of impunity that a cop might in the States. These things cost the book the highly coveted fifth star.
In Italy, Rhyme and his lovely investigator, Amelia something, worked closely with the Italian police to track down a serial kidnapper and attempted murderer. The plot/story was very clever and had the obligatory twists (damn, I didn't see that coming!! ) and was a quite enjoyable read.
I did not, however, care for Deaver's underlying contempt for the Italians which, in my not at all humble opinion, went well beyond their adulation for the world famous forensic scientist. I also did not care for the way in which Amelia absolutely took over the pursuit of the suspect, ordering the Italians about right, left and cent, using a gun with the same level of impunity that a cop might in the States. These things cost the book the highly coveted fifth star.
June 9, 2019
I’m normally a huge fan of the Lincoln Rhyme series, but didn’t really enjoy this installment. It started out well, drawing me in, then moved on to Italy. We meet a whole new group of investigators, whom end up working along with Rhyme and Sachs. The story had good potential, but lacked the continuity to keep me interested enough to turn the pages quickly. I mostly just wanted to get it over with. Hope the next one is better.
December 30, 2021
Това беше един страхотен криминален трилър.
Джефри Дивър беше непознат за мен автор, но благодарение на препоръката на Христо Блажев, реших да огледам неговите книги, налични на нашия пазар и "Композитора" беше тази, която прихвана моето внимание.
Историята е интересна, може да се стори позната като идея, но самото развитие на действието е неочаквано и си личи колко усилия е вложил авторът в това да ни оплете в случващото се.
Въпреки че не съм чела нито една книга от тази поредица, това не се оказа никакъв проблем, тъй като всяка отделна книга разглежда различен случай с който нашите главни герои се сблъскват.
На гърба на книжното издание може да се прочете резюме, което е достатъчно за привличане на първоначалното внимание на читателя, но след като започнах да чета историята открих колко много повече от това получих и бях изненадана.
На моменти има забавяне в развитието на действието, тъй като проследяваме гледната точка на доста от героите, което за мен е голям плюс и по този начин може да вникнем още по-надълбоко в историята, но от друга страна по този начин забавяме последователността на някои събития и пропускаме други.
Джефри Дивър беше непознат за мен автор, но благодарение на препоръката на Христо Блажев, реших да огледам неговите книги, налични на нашия пазар и "Композитора" беше тази, която прихвана моето внимание.
Историята е интересна, може да се стори позната като идея, но самото развитие на действието е неочаквано и си личи колко усилия е вложил авторът в това да ни оплете в случващото се.
Въпреки че не съм чела нито една книга от тази поредица, това не се оказа никакъв проблем, тъй като всяка отделна книга разглежда различен случай с който нашите главни герои се сблъскват.
На гърба на книжното издание може да се прочете резюме, което е достатъчно за привличане на първоначалното внимание на читателя, но след като започнах да чета историята открих колко много повече от това получих и бях изненадана.
На моменти има забавяне в развитието на действието, тъй като проследяваме гледната точка на доста от героите, което за мен е голям плюс и по този начин може да вникнем още по-надълбоко в историята, но от друга страна по този начин забавяме последователността на някои събития и пропускаме други.
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