Helpful Score: 4
I have read every book that Jeffrey Deaver has written on the Lincoln Ryhme character and I must say this is my favorite yet. They have all been great but this one was above and beyond the usual. With all the twist and turns this book had along with all the technical expertise shown in the writing, it is a book that will keep any murder/mystery/techno fan enthralled throughout the book. I have read a number of other books written by Mr. Deaver and never have been disappointed but this one goes above and beyond what I have to come to expect from him. Bravo!
Helpful Score: 2
This is another Lincoln Rhyme novel by the master. It can stand alone. However, for the uninitiated, Lincoln Rhyme is a quadraplegic CSI master who consults with the NYPD after his career was ended in an accident at a crime scene. He has a protege in the lovely (and love interest) Amelia Sachs who acts as his eyes at crime scenes. He also has a kick-butt crime lab in his Manhattan brownstone and a cadre of associates who help him solve the crimes. If you like the CSI series on TV, you will love this series.
The best part of the series, however, is that in every one, Mr. Deaver gives the reader an education. Books have given in-depth lessons in people smuggling, bones, magic, clock-making and the like. Electricity is this book's topic. Mr. Deaver weaves these specialties into intricate murder plots that keeps the perpetrator ahead until the last minute. There is constant action and reaction from start to finish.
BURNING WIRE combines two plots at the outset. The "Watchmaker", Rhyme's nemesis from a few novels ago, has been spotted in Mexico. He is asked by the Mexican authorities to assist in the criminal mastermind's apprehension. At the same time, someone has ingeniously infiltrated the power grid of Manhattan. He is able to cause an arc that decimates a signpost, killing an innocent bystander. By the next day, he is causing other electrocutions around Manhattan and Rhyme has to work both cases at once.
Rhyme and his supporting cast are well-established characters. Even if this is the first Rhyme book for you, you will find they have depth and unique personalities. Deaver does enough to introduce them without being tedious to devoted readers.
There is one criticism of this book that is fair. It is the same formula that Mr. Deaver has used successfully in the past - a series of murders with Amelia "walking the grids" of the crime scene for Lincoln Rhyme. That being said, the formula works and the murders here are so different from prior workds that it makes the formula secondary to the plot.
This is highly recommended for those who know Lincoln Rhyme and those who have not yet read him. One warning for the uninitiated - you'll be going back to the old ones in order.
The best part of the series, however, is that in every one, Mr. Deaver gives the reader an education. Books have given in-depth lessons in people smuggling, bones, magic, clock-making and the like. Electricity is this book's topic. Mr. Deaver weaves these specialties into intricate murder plots that keeps the perpetrator ahead until the last minute. There is constant action and reaction from start to finish.
BURNING WIRE combines two plots at the outset. The "Watchmaker", Rhyme's nemesis from a few novels ago, has been spotted in Mexico. He is asked by the Mexican authorities to assist in the criminal mastermind's apprehension. At the same time, someone has ingeniously infiltrated the power grid of Manhattan. He is able to cause an arc that decimates a signpost, killing an innocent bystander. By the next day, he is causing other electrocutions around Manhattan and Rhyme has to work both cases at once.
Rhyme and his supporting cast are well-established characters. Even if this is the first Rhyme book for you, you will find they have depth and unique personalities. Deaver does enough to introduce them without being tedious to devoted readers.
There is one criticism of this book that is fair. It is the same formula that Mr. Deaver has used successfully in the past - a series of murders with Amelia "walking the grids" of the crime scene for Lincoln Rhyme. That being said, the formula works and the murders here are so different from prior workds that it makes the formula secondary to the plot.
This is highly recommended for those who know Lincoln Rhyme and those who have not yet read him. One warning for the uninitiated - you'll be going back to the old ones in order.
I enjoyed the book but was not very fond of Rhymes. Maybe I needed to follow his journey through the earlier books, and I will, but I wouldn't suggest starting out with this one like I did. This was my first Deaver.
It's fairly heavy with the technical aspects of electricity and has quite a few twists and turns in the plot.
Slower read for me because of the technical stuff, and because I really did try to understand it, but I do recommend it.
It's fairly heavy with the technical aspects of electricity and has quite a few twists and turns in the plot.
Slower read for me because of the technical stuff, and because I really did try to understand it, but I do recommend it.
Wow! Great book. Very thoroughly reasearched. I learned enough about electricity to be terrified about its use as a weapon. The plot twists and turns. A surprise around every corner. Totally unexpected ending.
I've read all eight of the previous Lincoln Rhyme books, and this was my least favorite. Far too much technical jargon about electricity, electrical grids, electric-Politics, etc. First time in all the books that I skimmed over pages looking for storyline. The last fifth of the book was more what I expected, fast moving, "can't put it down" story.
I did enjoy The Burning Wire. The facts about electricity works and the behind the scenes descriptions kept me enthralled. Like all Deaver's books, I could not put it down.
couldnt put it down.. intelligent/informative. thought i had figured it out..lincoln rhyme was waaaay ahrad of me. loved it
Oh my gosh I love the Lincoln Rhyme novels. Can't wait for the next one
Fantastic Read
This book was very technical and sometimes hard to understand.
I usually enjoy Lincoln Ryhme novels but this one was not up to his usual standards.
I usually enjoy Lincoln Ryhme novels but this one was not up to his usual standards.
Deaver is in top form. This villain may not be the nastiest ever to spring from the mind of an author, but there are plot twists enough that at least ONE of them will take you by surprise.
The plausability of the crimes scares as always. And touches on an area where I, at least, have an almost superstitious fear.
We see some character development in Lincoln Rhyme.
The plausability of the crimes scares as always. And touches on an area where I, at least, have an almost superstitious fear.
We see some character development in Lincoln Rhyme.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Burning Wire (Lincoln Rhyme, Bk 9) on + 1726 more book reviews
The amount of information and details that go into a Lincoln Rhyme novel is so intense that you can't help but fall into the story on the first page. A really good read!
Sorry for the delay in responding. I've already read the book and the delivery was excellent. Thanks
Lincoln Rhyme is a fascinating example of a methodical detective, housebound, paralyzed, but with a brilliant mind and assistants who can visit scenes of the crime to help him resolve the cases. I find the entire series absorbing, and this adventure is spellbinding. Heartily recommended.
