The Lincoln Rhyme Books in Order: A Journey Through the Mind of a Brilliant Detective
Lincoln Rhyme, the brilliant but wheelchair-bound forensic criminalist, is a beloved character created by author Jeffrey Deaver. His series of novels, spanning over two decades, has captivated readers with its intricate plots, chilling crimes, and the fascinating mind of a man forced to use his intellect to solve mysteries.
If you're looking to dive into the world of Lincoln Rhyme, here's the order to read his books:
The Lincoln Rhyme Novels in Publication Order
- The Bone Collector (1997): This groundbreaking novel introduces Lincoln Rhyme, a former NYPD homicide detective who is left paralyzed after a brutal attack. He teams up with Amelia Sachs, a young rookie cop, to hunt down a serial killer known as "The Bone Collector."
- The Devil's Teardrop (1999): Lincoln Rhyme faces a new threat when a series of murders reveals a connection to a notorious serial killer who escaped justice years ago.
- The Empty Chair (2001): Rhyme investigates a chilling case involving a wealthy family and a series of seemingly unrelated deaths.
- The Vanished Man (2003): Rhyme's former partner, who went missing years ago, resurfaces, leading to a dangerous investigation that tests his resilience and forces him to confront his past.
- The Twelfth Card (2006): Rhyme is drawn into a complex conspiracy involving a secret society and a string of seemingly random murders.
- The Killing Floor (2007): A chilling new case brings Rhyme face-to-face with a terrifying serial killer who is leaving a trail of victims in his wake.
- The Last Detective (2009): Rhyme investigates a string of murders committed by a "copycat" killer, leading him on a chase through the city's darkest corners.
- The Cold Cold Dead (2011): Rhyme takes on a case involving a frozen body that reveals a chilling connection to a long-forgotten crime.
- The Trap (2013): Rhyme is faced with a terrifying new enemy in this suspenseful thriller that sees him fighting to save his life and those of his loved ones.
- The Skin Collector (2016): Rhyme tackles a complex case that involves a mysterious killer and a collection of human skin.
- The Burial Hour (2019): Rhyme returns to his roots in this gripping novel, where he faces his greatest challenge yet: a murderer who seems to be predicting his next move.
Lincoln Rhyme Side Stories
For those who want to explore the world of Lincoln Rhyme further, there are several side stories that offer glimpses into the lives of supporting characters:
- The Blue Nowhere (2004): A standalone novel that features Amelia Sachs as the main protagonist, exploring her personal journey and challenges as she investigates a new case.
- A Man Called Rye (2007): A novella that expands on the backstory of Rhyme's partner, Ron "Rye" Pulaski, providing insight into his character and the events that led to his paralysis.
- The Burning Wire (2012): A short story that offers a brief glimpse into Rhyme's early days as a detective and his first encounter with Amelia Sachs.
Enjoy the Ride!
With its unique blend of forensic detail, suspenseful narratives, and engaging characters, the Lincoln Rhyme series is a must-read for fans of crime fiction. Get ready to immerse yourself in the mind of a brilliant detective who will keep you on the edge of your seat.
