Lincoln Rhyme is New York City's best Criminalist, who has helped solve some of the most perplexing crimes that have been committed in the city. He is also a quadraplegic, as the result of an accident at a crime scene, three years before; and has decided to kill himself. But then the Police need his help. Someone is committing brutal and seemingly random attacks in the city, and the only person who can solve the clues left behind is Rhyme. However, Rhyme can't walk the crime scenes himself, so he needs somebody to do it for him. Amelia Sachs is working her last shift as a Patrol Officer, before she transfers into Public Affairs. But the scene she stumbles across in the morning, leads her head-first into a new investigation, where she finds herself being the eyes and ears of Lincoln Rhyme...

This is the first novel in the Lincoln Rhyme series, and I felt that it did a great job of introducing the two main characters, Rhyme and Sachs. The story itself had a lot of twists and turns, and there were some genuine surprises along the way. I was never able to second guess what was going to happen, and the action moved along at a fast pace, making me want to keep reading.

As well as the main storyline, about Rhyme and his hastily assembled team trying to solve the case, the relationship between Rhyme and Sachs is explored, and as a result, I felt that I got to know the two characters well.

The other characters weren't so well developed (with the exception of Rhyme's aide Thom, who I adored), but that did not detract from the enjoyment of the book. As this is the first in a series, there is presumably plenty of time to get to know the others.

I did feel that at times, the storyline about the kidnappings stretched credibility somewhat. Rhyme is certainly supposed to be brilliant, but on occasions he seemed able to deduce something very specific from the vaguest of clues. This is the course the character's job, but it did feel slight unbelieveable. However, there was enough excitement and intrigue in this book for me to forgive that minor niggle.

Overall, this is a cut above a lot of other crime based novels, and is very cleverly written. (it's very evident that Deaver has done his research with regards to forensic work and equipment). A highly recommended read. ( )

I really enjoyed the film of this book, but the book is so much better. Lincoln and Amelia are interesting and complex characters and Deaver expertly keeps the tension flowing through the novel. The final twist at the end is unexpected and brilliant sets up the investigation for the next instalment of the series - I hope. ( )

This is my first book from this author and it was a page turner; what an amazing story. The main character Lincoln Rhyme "walks" his assistant through her first crime scene and the reader is there by her side as she struggles through every step. Be sure to put elastic bands around the balls of your shoes so you can distinguish your footprints from everyone elses. I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to read another in the series. ( )

Started it but the violence was oppressive. ( )

The Bone Collector is the first book in a series of novels featuring Lincoln Rhyme as a forensics detective. Like Sherlock Holmes, he makes a strong use of evidence and only evidence in making deductions that lead to solving crime. I don't know anything about criminology, so I can't comment on how accurate the forensics is. But to a layman, the analysis of the clues and the resulting conclusions are believable and logical. The book has a good pace and keeps you intrigued. I was surprised by the ending, but it does make senses. ( )