One of my all-time favorite characters is Jeffery Deaver’s brilliant Lincoln Rhyme, a former NYPD detective who was paralyzed years earlier while working a case but still manages to be a force when it comes to 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 Rhyme and one of his arch-rivals, the Watchmaker. A recent positive development in Rhyme’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 and his wife, Detective Amelia Sachs.

"THE WATCHMAKER’S HAND exemplifies why Jeffery Deaver is not only a bestselling author, but also a master of thrills and chills. There are not many writers who can twist out a plot like he does while wringing out every drop of suspense the entire way."

The action opens with a tragedy from high above the skyscrapers of Manhattan. A construction crane is tampered with by an outsider, causing it to drop from the top of the building it was working on and crash down upon a park full of innocent bystanders. The crane operator somehow is able to break free before the final plunge and retreat to safety, but many lives are lost below.

Rhyme and Sachs, along with their usual cast of colorful teammates, are immediately put on the case. The group claiming to take responsibility is threatening to strike again in similar fashion in 24 hours. Calling themselves the Kommunalka Project, they say they are taking action against the greedy corporate builders in New York City who have put profit ahead of the opportunity to create affordable housing for the masses. They are asking for a number of prospective corporate buildings to be turned into affordable housing immediately or more people will pay with their lives.

Rhyme 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 as quickly as possible to prevent more loss of life. 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 keep everyone safe. This includes calling in the assistance of the operator of the first crane who is hiding out at an undisclosed location.

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

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