The Watchmaker’s Hand (Lincoln Rhyme, #16) (2024)

Book sixteen of the Lincoln Rhyme's series.

Lincoln Rhyme is one of the top criminalists in New York. Lincoln and his close-knit group of friends are keeping the streets of New York safe. But he may have just met his match this time as he goes up against The Watchmaker who is now holding the city of New York hostage! Threatening to topple one building crane at a time until his demands are met!

Can it be read as a stand-alone? Well, I suppose so. But unlike other long-standing series, this author doesn’t provide oodles of backstory, so you’d be learning about the characters on the fly! Truly, for the best experience, start from the beginning! You won’t be disappointed.

Come on Lincoln, the clock is ticking!😜⏱️

As a dedicated fan of this author and series I’d say this was the strongest addition in some time! I was glued to the pages and breezed through the read. Already looking forward to the next release!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam

With 'The Watchmaker’s Hand,' Deaver doesn't just tell a story – he plants a mental minefield of suspense that explodes with every revelation.

Book Information

"The Watchmaker’s Hand," authored by Jeffery Deaver, is a 400-page mystery/thriller set to release on November 28, 2023. With over thirty novels and three collections of short stories under his belt, Deaver is an internationally bestselling author. His works have been translated into 25 languages, reaching readers in 150 countries. Thank you to Putnam Books for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.

Summary

A sinister criminal known only as the Watchmaker has plunged New York City into a state of turmoil. With a terrifying display of power, a construction crane collapses mysteriously, leaving devastation and loss in its wake. In the face of this catastrophe, Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs emerge as the city's best line of defense.

Amidst the chaos, a cryptic political faction steps into the spotlight, brazenly claiming responsibility for the crane's destruction. Their ultimatum is as unsettling as it is succinct: comply with their demands or brace for another crane's collapse within twenty-four hours.

However, amidst the chaos and danger, a realization shakes Rhyme to his core. The Watchmaker, his long-standing nemesis, has returned to the stage, masterminding this wave of terror. As the hours tick away, Rhyme and his team must confront their adversary's intricate web of destruction and deceit before New York falls into irreversible chaos.

My Thoughts

"The Watchmaker’s Hand," the forthcoming release by Jeffery Deaver, had me brimming with anticipation. My introduction to Deaver's books dates back to my time as a bookseller. He was the first author that I connected with. His ability to craft words into a seamless flow, somehow making reading his books seem effortless made his books not only accessible but thoroughly enjoyable. Having read numerous titles from his collection, the release of a new Deaver book is always an exciting occasion.

What amplifies my enthusiasm for "The Watchmaker’s Hand" is its inclusion within the Lincoln Rhyme series. As someone actively engaged in supporting individuals with disabilities, I know how important it is that literature positively depicts people of all abilities. Deaver's choice to depict a main character with a disability in this work resonates deeply with me, contributing to the much-needed representation often missing from all forms of media.

Delving into the heart of the novel, the plot unfolds as a tapestry of complexity. It engages readers in a multifaceted puzzle where layers are methodically revealed. At its core, "The Watchmaker’s Hand" portrays a clash of wits between Rhyme and the elusive Watchmaker. This high-stakes intellectual duel infuses the novel with significant suspense, propelling the story forward. Like an intricate puzzle, “The Watchmaker’s Hand” lures you in with its enigmatic plot, daring you to unravel its secrets.

Deaver's adeptness at character development takes center stage once again in this work. Each character is distinct and well-crafted, contributing to the intricate relationships that define the story's dynamics. While Rhyme's extraordinary power of observation and deduction is showcased, the team is also highlighted as equally important.

Throughout the book, Deaver also incorporates lots of technical details, providing insights into topics from cranes to chemical compounds. There is no shortage of information on how everything works. While some readers may appreciate this depth of knowledge, others might perceive it as slightly heavy-handed.

"The Watchmaker’s Hand" can certainly stand alone, but familiarity with the series enriches the understanding of characters and their shared journey. The book's conclusion, while simultaneously satisfying and uncertain, is a notable aspect. Deaver's decision to extend the narrative beyond the expected resolution offers a fresh perspective, inviting readers to contemplate the nuances beyond the immediate climax.

As one would expect in a Deaver novel, this story is full of twists, turns, and surprises. With each unexpected turn, 'The Watchmaker’s Hand' keeps you guessing, proving once again that Deaver is a master of suspense. Each page, each revelation furthers feeds the pressure cooker of intrigue, building towards a climax that will leave you breathless.

Recommendation

"The Watchmaker’s Hand" is a testament to Deaver's skill in crafting suspenseful and intricately woven narratives. With its suspense, intricate plot, and well-defined characters, the novel promises to be a worthy addition to his collection of compelling works. Deaver's narrative prowess shines brighter than ever. This is a gripping novel that holds you captive till the very last word. Highly recommended.

Rating

4.5 Timely Stars

This review was first posted on Mystery & Suspense Magazine. Check it out for features, interviews, and reviews. //www.mysteryandsuspense.com/the-watchm...

3.5 stars

In this 16th book in the 'Lincoln Rhyme' series, the forensic expert is on the trail of an old enemy. 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 currently has his own forensics lab and consults for the police with the help of his wife and forensic partner, NYPD Detective Amelia Sachs.

As the story opens, the alarm on a towering crane at a New York City construction site begins blaring and flashing red.

The crane creaks and groans, and with an explosive snap falls twenty-two stories to the jobsite. injuring six people and killing one.

New York City Mayor Harrison gets a message from the Kommunalka Project, claiming credit for the disaster. The group demands that the city build affordable housing instead of luxury high rises, and threatens to continue the crane attacks until the city makes arrangements to comply.

Soon after the tragedy, Detective Amelia Sachs arrives at the crime scene to examine the fallen crane and the surrounding damage.

In addition to smelling damp concrete, sawdust, motor oil, and diesel exhaust, Amanda detects a strong chemical odor. It turns out highly corrosive hydrofluoric acid, which can dissolve human skin in moments, was used to damage and take down the crane.

The NYPD can't find anything about the Kommunalka Project and Rhyme concludes the organization doesn't exist. Instead, evidence leads Rhyme to believe the crane incident was perpetrated by his old enemy, Charles Vespasian Hale, also known as the Watchmaker - for his fascination with timepieces. The Watchmaker's devious criminal plots have been foiled by Rhyme several times in the United States and Mexico, and Hale is back to foment more trouble.

Mayor Harrison refuses to give in to blackmail and the attacks on cranes continue, endangering lives, causing the stock market to dip, and disrupting construction in New York. In reality, the crane strikes are a diversion, and the Watchmaker has another agenda, which includes murdering Lincoln Rhyme.

Just as Rhyme is a brilliant criminalist who instinctively knows how to find evidence and follow clues, Hale is an evil genius who devises intricate plans to achieve his felonious goals. Thus Rhyme and Hale engage in a kind of strategic game, with back-and-forth tactical maneuvers, in an attempt to outwit each other.

Concurrently, Rhyme's trainee, NYPD patrolman Ron Pulaski, is on the trail of a dangerous terrorist. Pulaski finds the body of Wall Street broker Fletcher Dalton in a Manhattan warehouse, and using his own methods to search for trace evidence, discovers a dark blue fiber.

This leads to the identification of a perp named Eddie Tarr, also known as the Bombmaker.

Pulaski thinks the Wall Street murder victim was in the wrong place at the wrong time, saw something he shouldn't, and was killed as a result. Pulaski learns Tarr's last attack was on a government building in California, and the Bombmaker's presence in New York is alarming.

The story is fast-moving with edge of the seat tension. and should appeal to thriller fans.

In addition, the novel includes informative snippets about diverse subjects, such as jib crane design; chemical composition of gasoline; components of soil; construction of watches; famous clocks; hourglasses; and more.

Thanks to Netgalley, Jeffery Deaver, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for a copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

A very anticipated continuation of the Lincoln Rhyme Series.

We meet again with Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs, his helper Tom, the trainee Ron Pulaski and, of course, his old enemy, Charles Vespasian Hale, also known as the Watchmaker.

The book starts with an incident on a skyscraper building site where a crane fell which suggests a terrorist attack. Soon we find out about the Kommunalka Project, which demands more affordable housing in New York. As usual in the crimes committed by Watchmaker, one crime is covering another one.

I read all the books from this series and I liked them all. If you want to start with this one, it is worth trying and I am sure you are going at end to read all of them as I did.

Rhyme’s longtime nemesis has returned with a view to finally finish off Rhyme & Amelia Sachs. For readers who are familiar with this series the “Watchmaker’ is a familiar name.
The Watchmaker begins by toppling construction cranes around the city claiming a group calling itself the Kommunalka Project intending to topple cranes until their demands for affordable housing are met, the Watchmaker ‘s way of taking the heat of his personal objective.
As usual Deaver takes the reader on a merry chase with twists and turns and you may find this installment especially intricate. I’m glad to note young Pulaski takes a front seat in this installment.
#16 in this series not disappoint.

Lincoln Rhyme returns in this 16th book for another race against time thriller against a highly organised and single-minded killer. Charles Vespasian Hale, the man who goes by the name The Watchmaker has had some history with Rhyme and has hatched a plan to kill him. But first, he has some business creating havoc throughout the city of New York.

Cranes on high rise buildings are engineering marvels and a great deal of technology has gone into ensuring they’re perfectly weighted to ensure disastrous accidents can’t occur. But when one has been sabotaged, set up to collapse potentially causing great loss of life, it seems they could be made to be used as weapons.

After the first crane comes down a message is sent explaining that it will be the first of many unless a list of demands are met. The demands and the time frame for them to be met are clearly unreasonable, but they’re enough to give a criminalist with the capabilities of Rhyme and his team a chance to figure out what’s actually going on.

Because, as anyone who’s ever read a Lincoln Rhyme thriller knows, there are twists to this scenario, nothing is as it seems and when there’s every indication that no clues have been left behind, that’s when we’re most likely going to be blindsided.

It’s all about the trace evidence and with Amelia Sachs, Lon Sellitto, Mel Cooper and Ron Pulaski in full flow, there’s soon plenty to get stuck in with. The problem is, getting the answers quickly enough to beat the deadlines and being mindful of the fact that someone may have infiltrated the inner sanctum, a traitor in their midst.

Jeffery Deaver continues to be the master of the blind alley and the red herring, creating twists where there’s absolutely no room for one to appear. And, with more of an ensemble cast zipping around New York, there’s far more opportunities for heart-stopping life threatening moments to occur. Amelia’s brush with a poisonous compound and Lon’s freak car accident are both proof that they’re each treading a very dangerous line on Rhyme's behalf.

Once again, The Watchmaker’s Hand is a fast paced affair thanks, mainly, to the restrictive deadline imposed. It also benefits from a series of cliffhanger-style moments which allows Rhyme to demonstrate his analytical abilities while we also get a feel for the reach The Watchmaker might have.

As a fan of the series, I was well aware of what I was going to get and Deaver didn’t disappoint and Lincoln Rhyme is a much more palatable character to follow now that he rarely wallows in the self pity that held him back in the early Bone Collector, Coffin Dancer days.

This 16th book in the Lincoln Rhyme series is - again – packed with tension and surprises. Aside from Lincoln and Amelia all other characters we got to know over the years are there: Reston, Spencer, Pulaski and Sellito, all members of this incredible team.
The story starts with the horrifying scene of an extra-large crane inexplicably toppling over and falling down. This is just not possible! But alas, it is. This event sets in motion a whole series of horrible events, and it looks like some unknown collective is ruthlessly organizing these events because they are opposed to the building of expensive condo’s in New York. It’s not before long that other things happen and Lincoln, Amelia and the other members of the team have to race against the clock. And against Lincoln’s greatest enemy: the Watchmaker.
We follow the story through the eyes of the Watchmaker, Charles Vespasian Hale (a much too nice name for such a horrible person) and of course through the eyes of the whole team. There are a lot of surprises in the story; Deaver is a master in steering the reader first one way, than another, only to discover you’re wrong and the story goes in a completely different direction. But all characters, the good and the bad, have depth and come to life before your eyes.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. But I feel for the little girl that has to carry the name ‘Rhyme’ as a first name for the rest of her life. This comes after a development where we see Amelia in a whole different role, in a scene that made my toes curl because it all felt so real.

Thanks to Edelweiss and Putnam for this review copy.

Mr. Deaver usually writes much better. Not this time. 3 of 10 stars

The Watchmaker’s Hand is the sixteenth book in the Lincoln Rhyme series by award-winning best-selling American author, Jeffery Deaver. A crane collapse on a Manhattan construction site, that claims only a few casualties thanks to the quick thinking of the operator, is deemed sabotage.

Lincoln Rhyme sends Amelia Sachs to run the scene, which turns out to be much more dangerous than anticipated, and sees her trailing an oxygen canister for some time afterwards. Responsibility is claimed by a group demanding that New York City immediately release a number of vacant properties for affordable housing, or there will be a repeat in twenty-four hours.

Meanwhile, Patrolman Ron Pulaski runs the murder scene of a stock broker so expertly that he uncovers the involvement of an Irish specialist bombmaker. When he then applies the skills he as learned from Rhyme to the murder scene of an NYPD detective, the perpetrator is a surprise to everyone except Rhyme. Nor is Rhyme convinced by the apparent motive for the crane sabotage.

The case requires examination from many angles, and Rhyme even deigns to consider motive. There’s quite a bit more cat-and-mouse, a few false trails and two more cranes come down before the perpetrator is finally caught.

Ron Pulaski becomes the target of a vindictive media-hogging superior; Amelia’s stint in the delivery suite is laugh-out-loud funny; there’s a kidnapping with an unusual ransom attached; and while they are unbelievably fast with their lab testing, it seems to take the team far too long to deduce the delivery method for the sabotage.

There are crooked cops and corrupt politicians; there are novel methods used to bring down cranes; there’s an old nemesis with a complicated plan to take out Rhyme that results in a new enemy for the trace evidence expert. There are twists and diversions and surprises: classic Deaver.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK

Sets off at a cracking pace, the danger of a toppling crane from the 22nd floor of a high-rise building site is palpable. The specifications explain the technicalities required for work undertaken at great height, and then on page 5 .... it crashes and burns. Kathy Reichs praises Mr Deaver’s precision in her blurb on the back cover, but Lincoln Rhyme would give his efforts a Fail.

Because the counterweight of CEMENT blocks meticulously calculated to enable the crane to lift 36,000 pounds of flange beams can’t exist. Cement is the grey powder we can buy in bags at the hardware store for DIY projects. It’s an ingredient, mixed into the slurry which when hardened and cured becomes CONCRETE. These terms are not interchangeable. Even Marcel Marceau couldn’t walk up cement steps. A high speed car chase wouldn’t end badly running into a cement wall, just dusty. To be fair and with the greatest respect, Mr Deaver (of whom I am a regular reader and fan) is one of countless writers, and their editors, who don’t seem to get it. It’s really not hard (lame pun, fully intended).
Cement is to concrete like flour is to cake. No one has ever Hip-hip-hoorayed around a birthday flour.

I was so looking forward to reading this book, another in the Lincoln and Ryme series and for me it did not live up to my expectations. Far too much time was spent on giving detailed information about the crane and not enough time with our intrepid investigators who didn't seem to do a lot. The plot was over complicated. Don't get me wrong it is still a good read but nothing like his earlier work.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.

Paraplegic NYC criminologist Lincoln Rhyme is once again confronted by an old foe, known as The Watchmaker. But not only does Rhyme have a target on his back, he’s also trying to understand and combat a mysterious bid to bring down a series of massive cranes in the city. One crane has already fallen, causing loss of life. But who’s behind this scheme, and to what aim?

Readers of this series will already be familiar with how Rhyme operates and with the team members who work with him. For the uninitiated, this involves those around the criminologist being harried and chased, whilst the top man muses on the compounds that make up a particular piece of evidence, and moans at his carer for not providing single malt whiskey other than at prescribed times and in the agreed doses. Alright, there’s quite a bit more to it than that, but the format really is quite repetitive. But, by and large, I’ve still found most of the tales complex and engaging enough to retain my interest.

The problem with formulaic series such as this is that the unvarying way in which the story is told can drain the excitement from what is actually going on. Deaver has at least done away with the tiresome lists on a whiteboard, but the one key element that survives is the fact that nothing will be quite as it seems. Therefore, surprises tend not to surprise – you know that what you’re being led to believe has happened hasn’t really happened, that an alternative scenario is at play. This in itself I’ve begun to find tiresome.

In all honesty, my attention was beginning to wane long before the end of this story. I listened to it on audio and found that my mind was occasionally disengaging. But this didn’t really matter, I pretty much knew how this one would end, long before the finish.

Wow, this book has cemented Jeffery Deaver as one of my all time favourite authors with a a fantastic new storyline in the Watchmaker's Hand the 16th book in the Lincoln Rhyme series. I've only read two of his books in this series and all his Colter shaw series and a few other stand alone's but they keep on getting better.

The Watchmaker's hand has an unusual theme around some huge Manhattan cranes that have been tampered with and come crashing down. (made it feel all the more intriguing while I was reading as a couple across the world were in the news at the time). Also an old adversary of Lincoln's is involved Lincoln and Amelia must solve the crimes before the next hit.

You do not have to read any of the previous books in the series to enjoy this, but it will entice you to read them too and I'm always happy to find an author with a lot of books that I can look forward to reading at my own pace and have added them to my "to read" pile.

Great book, great storyline and great characters.

A big thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for a the early access to a review copy.

An enormous crane, one of several looming over the New York skyline, comes crashing to the ground and, only thanks to some quick thinking by the operator, manages to avoid crashing into a nearby high-rise and possible killing hundreds of people. Soon after, the mayor receives a message from a group called the Kommunalka, threatening more such strikes unless the City builds more affordable housing.
When Lincoln Rhyme is informed of this and begins his own investigation, he soon discovers this threat is bogus and the real architect behind the sabotage is his old nemesis, Charles Vespasian Hale, aka The Watchmaker. What follows is a race against time as Rhyme and his usual associates attempt to apprehend Hale before another crane is sabotaged. Also, Rhyme realises that Hale won’t be fully satisfied until he has eliminated Rhyme too.
There is the usual cast of colourful, somewhat over the top characters and, as before, some evocative descriptions of the complex cityscape of New York.
This was an enjoyable enough action adventure with some of the expected plot twists, however I did feel as if it was Deaver-by-numbers; the sort of work this highly experienced author could dash off in his sleep.

An intellectual criminal duel!

Book Sixteen in the series reinforces Deaver’s writing brilliance. The level of research and his command of the English language are two outstanding features of the novel for me. The extended metaphor of time is excellent, as is the overt and subtle Sherlock Holmes parallels.

Deaver launches straight into the plot and picks up where he left off with his characters. He is not one to waste words on the retelling of past events/characters (not really a standalone read for this reason). Rhymes and Sacks are fantastic protagonists (individually and as a couple), and many old favourites are back too.

Deaver is back on track with this complex battle of wits, in a cat and mouse plot, with outstanding characters!

This the 16th Rhyme book and I can say that you should not read it if have not read some of the other books. The Watchmaker is like Moriarty to Sherlock Holmes or The Master to The Doctor not always in every story.
Every one has a voice in the eyes of the reader even few seconds to pages to upon pages. The information given about real famous clocks to how a building site crane is required to work something nobody ever needs to know but is important to the plot.
Full of Doctor Who jokes and red herrings.There is also a bonus short story in the UK edition called Swiping Hearts too. I don't know if it's in the other editions or audio.

4.5 stars, actually.

One of the most daunting aspects of writing books in a series, it seems to me, is that the characters tend to become like old friends to readers - which is great, of course - but also readers who come to expect that each new installment will be at least as good - perhaps even better - than the last. To be sure, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this, the 16th featuring consulting forensic scientist Lincoln Rhymes and his now wife, NYPD detective Amelia Sachs. And make no mistake: it is very good - I stayed up 45 minutes past my bedtime to finish it, for gosh sake. But the abundance of technical "stuff" was a bit overwhelming, and for whatever reason, I didn't feel as much of a "connection" between Lincoln and Amelia this time out.

That technical part centers around construction cranes and the horrifying repercussions when they go beserk. Now I'm very familiar (or so I thought) with cranes, but it became clear early on that I had no idea what a "tower crane" is (I finally opted for a search engine to see what they look like, and yes, I've seen them). Neither Lincoln nor Amelia seemed to have their hearts into their relationship (even Thom Reston, caregiver of Lincoln, a paraplegic, lacked his usually spicy banter with Lincoln). On the other hand, the story did bring back a couple of unsavory nemeses from past books as well as actions/interactions of much-liked colleagues like Lincoln's former partner Lon Sellitto and colleague Ron Pulaski.

This one begins as a tower crane at a project in downtown Manhattan inexplicably becomes unstable, dropping 36,000 pounds of 6 foot by 4 foot flange beams and counterweights that, thanks to quick actions by the operator, kill just one human and injure only a handful. Shortly thereafter comes a demand from the perpetrator that promises a drop of even bigger proportions if that demand is not met within 24 hours. At that point, of course, the clock starts ticking (heads up, longtime fans) and Lincoln and Amelia switch to action mode.

From that point on, the action is pretty much nonstop; needless to say, the goings-on put just about everyone in danger and few events are what they seem to be. It puts all of Lincoln's vast knowledge to the test, tests the resilience of everyone on the team showed me that I'm able to sit on the edge of my seat a lot longer than I'd have predicted. All told, another good one - and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review it.

One of my all-time favorite fictional characters is Jeffery Deaver’s brilliant Lincoln Rhyme. A former NYPD Detective who was paralyzed years earlier while working a case and still manages to be a force in the area of criminal detection. This is all done from his wheelchair which does not prevent him from utilizing the mental acuity of detectives like Sherlock Holmes coupled with a mastery of all forms of modern technology.

With THE WATCHMAKER’S HAND we also are treated to a rematch between Lincoln and one of his arch-rivals, The Watchmaker aka Charles Vespasian Hale. A recent positive development in Lincoln’s condition finds him being able to use his right arm a bit. This makes him somewhat more independent, although he still leans heavily on his medical assistant as well as his wife, Detective Amelia Sachs.

The action opens with a tragedy from high above the skyscrapers of Manhattan when a construction crane is tampered with by an outsider. Even with a very able crane operator at the helm, he cannot prevent the crane from toppling off the tip top of the building it was working on and crashing down upon a park full of innocent bystanders below. Somehow, the crane operator was able to get free before the final plunge and rappel to safety, but many lives were lost below.

Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs, along with their usual cast of colorful teammates, are immediately put on the case. This is not only due to the fact that The Watchmaker might be involved but because the group claiming to take responsibility for the tragedy are threatening to strike again in similar fashion in 24 hours. This group, calling themselves the Kommunalka Project, allege that they are taking action against the greedy corporate builders in NYC who have put profit ahead of the opportunity to create affordable housing for the masses. They are asking for a number of prospective corporate builds to be turned into affordable housing immediately or more people with pay with their lives.

Lincoln and company may not buy into the viability of the Kommunalka Project, but they know the threat is real. Once The Watchmaker appears on their radar, they recognize that they need to act extremely quickly to prevent more loss of life from an unknown location. All construction in the city comes to a halt, but that doesn’t mean another crane can’t be toppled. When it looks like the next target is St. Francis Hospital, which is filled with patients and active surgical operations, the team does everything they can to prevent tragedy and this includes calling in the assistance of the operator of the first crane who is hiding out at an undisclosed location for his safety.

The Watchmaker seems to be one step ahead of Lincoln and this is confirmed when they learn he had someone on the inside from the NYPD who had access to Lincoln’s control center. That is not the only card Watchmaker plays, as he has also aligned himself with a cadre of dangerous people including a female killer that he seeks to ride into the sunset with after killing off Lincoln Rhyme. This situation is not only high profile and extremely dangerous for all involved but it becomes especially critical for Lincoln Rhyme who might not survive to see the resolution.

THE WATCHMAKER’S HAND exemplifies why Jeffery Deaver is not only a best-selling author but a master of suspense. There are not many writers who can twist out a plot like he does while wringing out every drop of suspense the entire way.

Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter

New York City is being held hostage! Lincoln Rhymes, now a quadriplegic, was head of the forensic unit of NYPD and his “group” trying to to uncover who is responsible for the destruction of cranes in the area-a group has been uncovered…the twists and turns start from there. A true page turner. Enjoy

Readers who are following Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme books will remember The Watchmaker - an accomplished assassin whose plans Rhyme has frustrated on several occasions and who now, it seems, it targeting Rhyme himself.

If that setup sounds a little familiar, Deaver makes no bones in this book about a comparison with Sherlock Holmes (and, by extension, Moriarty), musing on how both Rhyme and Charles Vespasian Hale (the Watchmaker) resemble the Great Detective and his nemesis, for example in ruthlessly discounting information that doesn't bear on their cases. And in one extended piece of of brilliant analysis here, we even see Rhyme track a suspect down to his car through close analysis of soil types, a feat that Doyle employs early on to establish Holmes's abilities. (There are also tongue in cheek references to Rhyme's bafflement at the success of published accounts of his cases).

Evoking Holmes and Moriarty in this way does of course bring with it a sense of foreboding. And Deaver evokes this in other ways as well. One of Rhyme's circle is being sounded out to ask as his successor, should anything happen to him. There are signs of vendettas and political agendas within the NYPD, interfering with the case and with the team. And Amelia Sachs, Rhyme's wife, stumbles into danger early on in the book, suffering injuries which will become concerning once we understand what is going on here.

Once we understand what is going on... one of the reasons I so much enjoy this series is the fiendishness of the plots. Deaver gleefully combines so much: personal agendas, criminal machinations, politics, and ever, the sprawling, complex mechanism of New York City. Out of that he draws addictive and ramified stories boasting plots within plots, red herrings aplenty and numerous twists. The Watchmaker's Hand is no exception, indeed I think it may be one of the more devious novels in the series, one which has, as Hale might say, many complications.

That made this story great fun for me to read. As ever, we're given some insight into what the bad guys are doing - but it's far from complete (and indeed, we don't know everything about Rhyme's countermoves either). So the tension is high, with many threats to the team and behind that, threats, as well, to the city and possibly, to the nation. Hale is a worthy adversary and one almost gets a sense that Rhyme is relishing the contest - as Holmes was wont to do.

Basically, explosive fun, in a story that really moves the series forward and which grips from beginning to end.

If nothing else, it'll brush up your high-school Chemistry! This series is begging to be made into a TV series or a movie, considering its dramatics.
Lincoln Rhyme and his encyclopedic knowledge of the forensic sciences, combined with his rather acerbic and humorless wit proves too much, once again, for his long-time nemesis The Watchmaker! The showdown between two brilliant minds - on either side of the law - makes for an engrossing read and makes you salivate for more!!

The Watchmaker's Hand by Jeffery Deaver is the latest installment in the enduring and bestselling thriller series featuring the brilliant Lincoln Rhyme.

As a long-time fan of this series in anticipation of this latest book, I revisited some of the previous books featuring The Watchmaker to refresh my memory. These included; "The Cold Moon," "The Burning Wire," and "The Skin Collector." Reading these again reminded and reinforced what an excellent series this is and why it’s earned its reputation as a best-seller in this genre.

Jeffery Deaver’s ability to craft unexpected twists and turns is for me unparalleled and I’m yet to discover another author who has the same ability to compel and shock readers again and again. I’d have thought by this sixteenth entry in the series that the author would have run out of ideas but the series never feels stale, repetitive and the crimes in each and every entry are different and unique. In this one, we have an antagonist who uses construction cranes as a weapon.

One of the highlights of this story (and the series) for me is the characters. In another review, I wrote that picking up these later books feels like returning to hang out with some familiar friends and this one is the same for me. I love all the side characters almost as much as the main characters. The author really takes the time to develop secondary characters who each contribute something to the overall plot and series. I particularly love Ron Pulaski and I hope he is in future books.

Jeffery Deaver is not just an auto-buy author for me but one that I recommend time and time again when anyone asks for recommendations for a well-written, unique crime thriller. If you’re new to this series, I’d recommend starting at the beginning but technically this could be read as standalone but I don’t think it would have the same resonance or impact with the reader without the backstory and previous clashes with this unique villain.

I enjoy the Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs thrillers. This on marks the return of Lincoln's nemesis, the watchmaker, and life-threatening chaos ensues. There is a lot of technical description about work site cranes and the science behind the power of them falling. Too much technical description. the manhunt lost a bit of its edge due to the technical detail and I would find myself losing interest. I like the forensic detail and the step by step plot lines. This focused less on the personal life of Sachs and Rhyme and more on other characters. Not my favorite in the series but I will be back for the next one!

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Almost done. Must be me...but the entire premise is getting old. What I rely on is a really nasty bad guy and this one is bad, but not vile enough. I have a whole slew of "on hold" at the local library...all new to me and they sound promising.

As far as Rhyme and his people...this one just seems flat. Previous Watchmaker titles were nasty and fascinating. BUT, I always learn something new and fascinating in thrillers. So, a reason I keep on reading them is for the minutae...little pieces of info that never crossed my mind! Then,of course, I am compelled (LOL) to hunt for more details...which makes almost ALL well written thrillers a source of something new to discover in more depth. The same way, in HS, I learned about "you-know"!

With a sense of relief and somewhat exhausted I finished this tome. I know it must be hard to sustain a character (s) in an any series of books. I mean - do you think The Bobby Twins was a walk in the park.? I never read them, but I suspect keeping kids amused then was an effort of sorts way back before iPhones. I did not really enjoy the book. It jumped around too often and without the real tenseness that Deaver usually achieves. Happy Hale is dead. But I getting worn out by the complicated lives led by Rhyme and Missus. I think they should have a baby .

It's always fun to be back in this world with these characters. This one is especially fun as it's the big showdown between Lincoln and The Watchmaker. There are so many layers to this one, you aren't sure that the Watchmaker won't come out on top. From Amelia getting hurt at the start, to Ron's life seemingly imploding, nothing was going their way. Then there was the Lincoln/Watchmaker phone call, the one that really made it look like Lincoln was done for, along with Ron. I was so happy to hear what Lincoln had to say, one last check mate and didn't mind Lincoln using things to his advantage to never have to face this foe again. Sadly just as this one foe is done in, there is another that takes it's place. It will be fun to see Lincoln and Amelia deal with them!

This man is a gifted writer indeed. I usually go for shorter books that are more easily digested and that don't get me tense whilst reading. Deaver's books are the opposite so I guess I have only read 7 or 8 of them. This one grabs you by the throat from the beginning and you can forget about taking a breather. Nothing relaxing about reading this masterpiece of criminal thinking that is beyond imagination that brings NYC to a staggering halt amidst fear of what comes next.
Not sure when my blood pressure will return to normal. Phew!

The collapse of a construction crane in New York City is followed by a terrorist threat online: if the City doesn't release a list of buildings they own to be used as affordable housing within twenty four hours, another crane will fall. Meanwhile, Rhyme is on high alert after a credible threat to his life is linked to an old adversary.

Deaver sets the story off with a literal bang and continues at high speed through this intricate plot with plenty of complications to keep readers on their toes and bedazzled as the resolution unfolds in many unexpected ways.

I miss when Lincoln and Sachs used to actually talk to each other.

A bit complicated. I was confused...

I was eagerly anticipating this new addition to Deaver’s Lincoln Rhyme series. It starts off with a BANG as a seasoned crane operator can not control his machine and tries desperately to prevent a lethal accident. I was so into this character and the potential for disaster. The story quickly moves along in great detail to explain the fundamentals of crane construction and operation. Not too compelling for me, as Lincoln Rhyme seeks to identify an unknown subject terrorizing New York City with the threat of more crane disasters if his demand for affordable housing is not met.

I read mysteries and police procedurals for pure enjoyment of the genre. And Jeffery Deaver is a master in that field, with books featuring Lincoln Rhyme at the top of my must reads.
The Watchmaker’s Hand is written in Deaver’s usual masterful style in that surprises abound and it’s almost impossible to guess what will happen next or who can be trusted. For me, it fell short in the details which were oppressively ever present, as the story line was hijacked onto the operational details of crane operation and the potential harm of hydrofluoric acid - much more complicated then my interest level in those technicalities.

While I always like reading what Deaver writes this one fell short with three merely average stars from an author who is usually at the top of my rating scale. Many thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for this advance copy in return for an honest review.