(2005)(audio) First of Deaver's novels I have read. Very good story of a black girl's struggle to survive a murder plot that leads to a slave ancestor's property being stolen and a cover-up necessitating her murder. (PW)The popularity of Deaver's novels about quadriplegic police detective Lincoln Rhyme and his legwoman Amelia Sachs depends mightily on their personal stories (i.e., their romantic relationship, their struggles with depression and physical impairments) and the ingeniously twisted crimes they solve. Both elements have been served better in the past. While the plot is properly perplexing (why is a 16-year-old Harlem high schooler being stalked by a ruthless killer?), fans will be baffled by Deaver's decision to move series supporting player NYPD lieutenant Lon Sellitto closer to center stage, thus significantly limited Rhyme's presence in the story. Boutsikaris, an accomplished theater and film actor, and one of the better audio performers, provides a crisp narrative that moves the story quickly enough to build and maintain a fair amount of suspense, even through several lengthy plot recaps. He exhibits both versatility and imagination in finding the right voice for most of the characters, from the impatient, almost fussy Rhyme to the gruff and emotionally conflicted Sellitto.

I am a big fan of his, but the vernacular used for the urban population was both outdated and sadly does not sound a thing like normal speech. Otherwise he did well. ( )

This is a book I've read a couple of times. It's an onion book, like many of Jeffery Deaver books--layers upon layers. I like it and it has potential for good things in the characters' futures. ( )

With Jeffrey Deaver nothing is ever as it appears. I find Deaver's breadth of knowledge breathtaking. In this case covering ebonics, history, chemistry and forensics. Geneva was a wonderful poignant character ( )

A typical Lincoln Rhyme book. If you like the style this is definitely worth the read ( )