To have one bomb maker in the city may be unfortunate; to have two smacks of overkill. Particularly for Lincoln Rhyme, who is being targeted by one of them – the Watchmaker – an old adversary. The first news Rhyme gets of the return of the Watchmaker to NY, is linked to the destruction of a giant crane, which has toppled as a result of its balancing apparatus being compromised. Only the skill of the operator saves the buildings in the area, and their occupants, from its destructive fall. The presence of the other bomber is a distraction so one of Lincoln’s team, his protégé Ron Pulaski, is put on that investigation. Ostensibly the damage to the crane was at the behest of a new environmentalist group, seeking to change the city’s policy of building office blocks rather than affordable housing. The group issues a warning that more cranes will be destroyed if their message is ignored, with the next crane being downed in the next 24 hours. There are a lot of cranes on building sites in NY and the target could be any one. With the city held to ransom, Rhyme and his team must struggle to catch the Watchmaker, while worried that he will take the opportunity afforded by the team being stretched to get close enough to kill Rhyme.
This is the 16th book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone, with appropriate background being supplied – quite a lot because of the long association with the bomber(s). The writing is, as usual, interesting and slightly eccentric and enjoyable. Also as usual, there is some very detailed discussion of technical details, perhaps too much because it slows down the narrative and quenches the tension. The plot is predictably twisted, with some nice surprises, and Rhyme is his omniscient, and sometimes prescient, self. It’s a good story and an entertaining read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

The Lincoln Rhyme books are among my favourite crime thrillers, especially when they deal with a long standing adversary. In The Watchmaker’s Hand, Lincoln Rhyme once more comes face to face with his long standing nemesis, Charles Vespasian Hale aka The Watchmaker, but Jeffrey Deaver also creates for us a new antagonist in the form of The Engineer.

Deaver has the ability to marry absolutely fiendish level plotting with smart and contemporary puzzles and an encyclopaedic knowledge on Rhyme’s part of soil, chemicals and other science based clues. Rhyme’s lab, situated in his brownstone, is exceptionally good and analysing crime scene information is both fast and accurate – that – combined with Rhyme’s extensive knowledge of NYC and it’s chemical and soil make-up has resulted in many crimes being satisfactorily resolved. Now they’re up against a formidable adversary. Rhyme is a modern day Holmes and the Watchmaker may just be his Moriarty.

New York City is in chaos. A tall construction crane has collapsed and only the quick thinking actions of its driver prevent a more serious loss of life than occurs. Why the crane collapses is part of the puzzle, but why someone wanted it to collapse is a rather larger part and more difficult to make sense of.

It’s not long before demands come forward from an action group claiming to be acting for affordable housing and making demands which, if not met, will result in another crane being targeted.

Rhyme, Amelia Sachs, Sillito,Ron Pulaski and others in Rhyme’s close knit team must use all their wits and investigative and forensic capabilities to work out what’s really going on and who is behind it.

It’s the deadly cat and mouse game at the core of this story that keeps the reader on tenterhooks. Both Rhyme and The Watchmaker are highly intelligent and this game of cat and mouse, has quadriplegic Rhyme as the wheelchair trapped mouse.

Reading The Watchmaker’s Hand is a bit like peeling an onion. There are so many layers to be pulled back and some parts will certainly leave your eyes smarting – much as Amelia Sachs’ do when she finds herself within breathing distance of death.

I do love Rhyme’s characters too. His long suffering caregiver, Thom and his police compatriots, Lon Sillito, Ron Pulaski and Lyle Spencer sit comfortably alongside Amelia Sachs – police detective and Rhyme’s wife. Each character is so well drawn and Pulaski, who plays a central role in this story, really comes into his own. This is a team who work incredibly tightly together.

Verdict: The Watchmaker’s Hand is tense, suspenseful, thrilling and beautifully multi-layered. It’s a propulsive read with oodles of misdirection, many puzzles to solve and a real sense of impending danger. I did actually worry about the primary crane plotline because it lends itself way too well to a potential disaster. Full of intrigue, some pretty dirty politics and some absolutely fiendish skulduggery, this is another masterclass in crime thriller writing from a master of the craft.

Thank you Netgalleyco.uk, publisher and Author for the advanced Book No 16 the latest in the long running series Lincoln Rhyme NYPD criminalist (remember The Bone Collector staring Denzel Washington & Angelina Jolie, brilliant film and introduces us to the quadriplegic character Lincoln); Two brilliant minds battle it out criminologist vs dastardly criminal the Watchmaker , I felt that the story brought in more of those around Lincoln which was refreshing and created a good paced tale. Rather than giving it 5 stars I felt that the last 'obit' chapters were necessary to create a sense of closure but turned me of from the adrenaline filled previous chapters hence a 4 star. Great read.

Lincoln Rhyme Is back and so is his nemesis The Watchmaker. Number 16 in the series and the plots are still as clever and unique as ever. I read this in one sitting, devoting a full day to it, and I'm so glad I did because there is a lot going on in this complex read. The nature of the deaths are as gruesome as they are riveting,
Another brilliantly original addition to this addictive series

Best bit of this story was the detail in the fall of the first crane and its immediate aftermath. After that my attention fell away rapidly. Call me biased, which of course I am, but I find the Lincoln Rhymes persona to be supercilious and his attitude condescending and thus very annoying. The actual factual pieces of information were the only other highlights. Having read quite a bit of Geoffrey Deaver's output, I think it fair to say that it is very variable in its ability to hold ones attention and imagination and thus this book scores a generous 3 stars. If you fancy something of his with a lot more bite, try Hunting Time.

I have been a long time reader of the Lincoln Rhyme Series and have always enjoyed them. The Watchmaker’s hand was no exception.
The team are back once again, when a building crane collapses in New York and the group responsible threaten to do the same in 24 hours if demands are not met.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend reading this as a stand-alone. You could but you would be missing out on the back story of all the key players up to this point. The character development for Ron Pulaski in this book was fantastic and I may have gotten a little emotional with the addition to his back story.
Deaver clearly puts in a huge amount of research into his books. I am forever going off to read up more on parts to his story. He continues to write narratives that are intricately entwined which makes the book flow and prevented me from putting it down. So many twists and turns that I did not see coming.
I look forward to the next instalment!

The author masterfully orchestrates a heart-pounding narrative, kicking off with a crane's terrifying descent, skillfully narrated from the operator's perspective. Deaver weaves a complex web of characters and scenarios, leaving me in the dark initially, but steadily building up to a plot rife with misdirection, treachery, and unexpected alliances.
The author's vivid imagination shines through with big-ticket set pieces, numerous twists, and a relentless pace that keeps me on the edge of my seat. As the tension escalates, a subplot involving Lincoln's protégé adds an extra layer of stress and satisfaction. Deaver expertly navigates the labyrinth of New York's political landscape, introducing a new enemy, The Watchmaker, whose agenda intertwines with a demand for affordable housing.
"The Watchmaker's Hand" is an intriguing plotted and twisted thriller, showcasing Deaver's prowess in crafting a multilayered, fast-paced narrative. A compelling addition to the Lincoln Rhyme series, this book is a rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue.

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own.

I’m not sure there are enough adjectives to describe this Lincoln Rhyme novel in the ‘Watchmaker’ series. Thrilling, complex, intricate, clever, enjoyable… Nothing is what it seems, so much sleight of hand. Is this the endgame for the Watchmaker, or even for Lincoln or Amelia? There is a lot of scientific data involved and always something new to learn.
It reads well as a stand-alone, but so much better as a part of the series. The effect of a massive Crane falling in the middle of Manhattan is breathtaking and the following investigation keeps you on the edge of the seat. I loved it and have great respect for the Author.

#TheWatchmakersHand #NetGalley. Jeffery Deaver is a talented crime writer and I love this Lincoln Rhyme series. Although part of a series, It is perfectly capable of being read as a stand alone. However, as The Watchmaker has appeared in previous books, it is helpful to know the background to Charles and Lincoln's relationship. A fast moving thriller with so many twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. And just when you think it is over. there's that cliffhanger tempting to read the next in the series! Can't wait!!

Yet another fantastic instalment in the Lincoln Rhyme series, and I’m sure the plots just keep getting better.
This time we meet the Clockmaker again, who is one of my favourites, he’s just so clever and his presence guarantees a fast pace and intellectual high jinx. There are always so many layers and twists, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat and eager for the next reveal.
I had the pleasure of meeting this author a few years ago, and was blown away with how humble he was.

I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for an advance copy of The Watchmaker’s Hand, the sixteenth novel to feature New York criminalist Lincoln Rhyme.

A crane is sabotaged and falls into the streets below. The NYPD thinks a political group is behind it and enlists Lincoln’s help. He and Amelia Sachs, his wife and colleague have hours before the next attack. Meanwhile they learn that an old enemy, the Watchmaker, is in town to complete his threat on Lincoln’s life.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Watchmaker’s Hand, which is an exciting read with plenty of twists and turns. Obviously, a crane tumbling out of the sky is a big set piece to kick off the action and the author does a great job of it by telling it from the operator’s point of view. I might not have understood (or wanted to) all the technical details but I could feel the fear. After that the novel introduces a series of characters and scenarios that leave the reader somewhat in the dark, but are part of the build up to more events and form the basis for a tricky plot.

I am in awe of the author’s imagination and the scenarios he conjures up. There are several big ticket set pieces, more twists than should be possible and a lot of misdirection, feinting and treachery. It gets the reader involved with the tension and excitement and holds that involvement with the puzzle of what is behind it. I gave up trying to guess and just went with the flow, even if that meat skimming the technical details that I don’t understand.

There is a subplot involving Lincoln’s protégé, Ron Pulaski that sees him in trouble. I found it stressful that he could be in such a situation, but I loved the way he is thinking more like Lincoln and got a very satisfying revenge.

The Watchmaker’s Hand is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

This is the latest in Jeffery Deaver's New York based series featuring quadraplegic wheel chair bound criminalist and forensic expert, consultant to NYPD, Lincoln Rhymes, married to Detective Amelia Sachs, and with his own lab in his home. This is a nail biting, edgy, fiendishly plotted and twisted thriller that begins with a harrowing collapse of a crane that results in death and injuries, and it is no accident. A unheard of group, The Kommunalka Project, claim responsibility, demanding more affordable housing, promising to target other cranes. Rhymes is trying to get to the bottom of an unsolved case of stolen documents, details on infrastructure, tunnels, bridges, underground passages that form an entire shadow city. What use will this information be put to?

It soon emerges affordable housing is not what lies behind the terrors facing New York, The Watchmaker, Charles Vespasian Hale, killer, scam artist, burglar, mercenary, and illusionist, taking his lead from complications in watchmaking is back with an additional agenda of revenge, planning to kill Rhyme. We see the return of a number of established supporting characters, including caregiver, Thom Reston, NYPD's Sellitto, Lyle Spencer, and Ron Pulanski, whose assiduous inquiries identify bombmaker, Eddie Tarr, but finds himself facing troubles that threaten his promising career. Sachs finds herself with serious health concerns after a visit to the fallen crane site that has her in need of constant oxygen, having to trail around with an oxygen tank, not that this stops her from following leads.

This is a fast paced, gripping, multilayered thriller written by an expert and experienced crime writer who knows how to ratchet up the tension and suspense, there is focus on the battle of wits between Hale and Rhyme. It being New York, there is the murky world of politics, the dirtiest of games, and there are difficulties discerning the true agenda behind Hale's actions, and his personal life looks set to provide Rhymes with a dangerous future enemy. This is a wonderful addition to the series, packed with its trademark informative details. It is entertaining, engrossing, a compulsive read that will likely appeal to fans of Deaver and those new to the series. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

This is the latest book in the Author's Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs series and can in my opinion be read as a standalone
A crane comes crashing down in Manhattan , the NYPD think a new political group are responsible - where will they strike next ?
The book takes some time to get into its stride ..... but as Lincoln and Amelia try to stop further attacks they are under the eye of the 'Watchmaker' ...... what are his aims , can they succeed before further attacks take place ?

Whilst I enjoyed this book overall I didn't find the fast paced tension that appears in previous books - it was quite technical at the beginning and at one point I saw no relevance to Lincoln and Amelia's involvement .

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

"The Watchmaker's Hand" was absolutely riveting and I loved every word. I've become attached to a couple of the characters over the years and it's always a joy to "catch up" with them. I've enjoyed every Lincoln Rhyme novel I've read, but this may just be my favourite so far. Roll on book 17 and more brilliant writing and a story to match.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

Well, if this book doesn't have you giving tall cranes in cramped cities the side eye, I don't know what will. I must admit, they have always been things that I have both marvelled over and also got slightly nauseous about, for many reasons. This book didn't help. For one thing, I hate heights. Cannot imagine what would possess anyone to work on a crane, let alone to walk(?) themselves up a mahoosive ladder for the privilege. Heights and exercise. Yuk on both counts 😝. Add to that my other main concern - how in the hell they manage to stay upright given all the weight they move about, and you pretty much have this book's plot sewn up. Because, if Mr Deaver has done his research, and given all that we know of his writing methods, he has, it turns out that without suitable counterbalance, they don't. And that, in a city as compact and populous as New York, is somewhat of a problem.

And I loved it. I mean, not the indiscriminate death and destruction - that is bad. Don't do it at home. btu for a tension filled, edge of your seat, packed with jeopardy kind of read, this book was right up my street. From the very beginning there is a real sense of foreboding, and with a touch of sleight of hand, Jeffery Deaver pulls of a brilliant twist of fortune that really does set us, and our heroes, Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs, fo the show down of all showdowns. If you've read the previous book, The Midnight Lock, then you will know how the author has already set us readers up with a real sense of jeopardy. If you haven't read it yet, then I recommend you do as there is a certain aspect of that book which feeds directly into this. Plus is never hurts to have some of the back story, right?

The basic premise of this book, someone is setting up cranes across the city to fail, goading the police by posting cryptic clues on line about what they plan to do next unless certain demands are met. Now, if there is one thing we have learned from crime fiction - or crime fact - no one ever negotiates with terrorists. And, despite the best attempts of the police, authorities and building sites across the city, it seems that no-one is going to stop this particular perpetrator in their tracks. It's a case that has personal resonance for Rhyme and Amelia, and there is an added sense of danger due to the methodology of the killer. Very clever, very deadly. It means that there is an almost relentless pass and sense of urgency to this book, making it a truly addictive read.

I love the way that Jeffery Deaver combines science and mystery in this series. Rhyme being a crime scene specialist, and a am with a very keen mind, there is a kind of trust between protagonist and reader that he will figure everything out. But in a case that is very personal, and with a ruthless mind of almost equal capacity as Lincoln Rhyme, it seems virtually impossible this time. It will definitely test your faith, put it that way.

I really like the characters in this series and although I came fashionably late to the books (catastrophically - I cam catastrophically late), I am enjoying meeting them all, old and new, and have a determination that I will go back and fill in the gaps. I like a good binge read. The books balance perfectly between science and good old fashioned detective work, and there isn't a single person on Rhyme's team that I haven't quickly grown attached to. There are some surprises in store for the team, and threat actors who are far closer to home than is comfortable. And whilst the book does draw a close to one chapter of Rhyme's past, there is a brand new threat on the horizon. Do not fear readers - I think Mr D still has a lot of tricks up his sleeve for us.

Tense, pacy and with a beautifully crafted mystery where we, the readers, share a secret understanding, knowing far more than heroes about the truth of what is going on, it's another winner for me and definitely recommended. But I still don't trust cranes. Not the birds, though. They're okay. I think.

Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs return in another mind twisting "what is going on?" thriller although you would never know unless you ahd read the blurb. The beginning is the story of a crane driver and his fate and had me wondering how it all liked into the skills of the crime fighting pair. The story does take a while to get going and is a bit meandering but once it hits its stride it turns into a "must finish" book.
I am left wondering if Jeffery Deaver is coming to the end of the story of the duo as the plots are becoming more oulandish than before. None-the-less and enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgally for the ARC

A crane comes crashing down over Manhattan, killing one person and beginning a reign of terror that threatens the entire city. A new group claims responsibility, and Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are brought in to try and stop more attacks happening - all while under the threat of the elusive Watchmaker.

This is the sixteenth book in the series and I'm not sure you need to have read the previous fifteen to enjoy the book. However, it felt quite meandering to me and I did not enjoy it as much as I could have. 3*.

Another great Lincoln Rhyme book, loads of twists and turns, fast paced but a really great story, with great characters. I feel the need to find out more about cranes!
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read the ARC

It's a while since I have read a Lincoln Rhymes book. It did not disappoint. I picked up the characters straight away and fell headlong in to their world. Murder, mayhem and vendetta are the norm.
The twists and turns come at the reader unexpectedly and leave you astounded.
A master of suspense.

I have read a few books in the Lincoln Rhyme series in the past and have enjoyed them, but this one did not live up to my expectations. There was too much technical details about things like cranes and acid etc, and very less of actual investigative work. The plot was also very complicated and did not really keep my attention. Overall I thought this book was a bit of a letdown.
Thank you to the publishers for an advanced copy of this ebook and giving me a chance to review it.