Part of Lincoln Rhyme, book 7
First published 2006
A brutal double murder shocks New York City on a bitter December night. The killer leaves behind an ominous signature: moon-faced clocks that apparently counted down the victims' final moments. Criminologist Lincoln Rhyme quickly traces the timepieces to their distributor and realizes the murderer, calling himself the Watchmaker, plans to kill again within hours. Rhyme depends on detective Amelia Sachs to investigate the crime scenes, but she faces her first case as lead detective on a separate homicide. Sachs discovers disturbing truths about the police department that could destroy her career and her partnership with Rhyme. The Watchmaker continues his methodical hunt for new victims while crafting an elaborate criminal scheme. As pressure mounts, cracks appear in the normally solid Rhyme-Sachs partnership just when they need each other most.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: cat-and-mouse, race-against-time
Setting: New York City
Period: December
416 pages · Paperback · Simon & Schuster
Content warnings: violence