Book Review: The Stone Monkey

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Stone Monkey     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jeffery Wilds Deaver
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller   Police Procedural
Series: Lincoln Rhyme # 4
Simon & Schuster, March 2002, $25.00, 482 pp.

Quadriplegic criminologist Lincoln Rhyme has learned over time that he can still fight crime using his best weapon of all, his brilliant mind. His able assistant, NYPD officer Amelia Sachs is more than his helper, she's also his lover and wants to have a child with him one day.

Their latest case involves a man who smuggles desperate people out of China for an outrageous fee. This time something goes wrong with the assignment and the smuggler known as the Ghost intends to kill the men, women and children who can identify him. Neither Rhyme nor Sachs intend to let him get away with that but the Ghost seems to disappear every time they get close to him.

Once again, Jeffrey Deaver brings back two of his best-drawn creations in THE STONE MONKEY. Amelia Sachs and Lincoln Rhyme exemplify dedication, courage and love as they work together to take down one of their most slippery opponents. Although the action never stops in this exhilarating thriller, the author enables the audience to see the psyches of the characters so that their motivations are understandable and logical. This all adds up to a strong reading happening for series fans.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner