The Burning Wire

Lincoln Rhyme, a quadriplegic criminalist, leads an investigation into a series of attacks on New York City's power grid that cause deadly electrical surges and widespread panic. The case centers on threats from an eco-terrorist group demanding that power company Algonquin Consolidated reduce its electrical distribution. Meanwhile, Rhyme's team must also track a recurring nemesis known as "The Watchmaker" who has surfaced in Mexico. Rhyme and his investigators race against time to prevent more casualties as they analyze forensic evidence, decode threatening messages, and navigate the complex world of electrical infrastructure. The novel examines society's dependence on electrical power and explores themes of vulnerability in modern urban life, while questioning the true nature of justice and revenge.

Readers found The Burning Wire solid but not outstanding in the Lincoln Rhyme series. The technical details about electricity and power grids impressed many readers, while others felt these sections slowed the pacing. Readers liked: - Multiple storylines that converge effectively - Educational aspects about electrical systems - Lincoln Rhyme's consistent character development - Tension in the manhunt sequences Readers disliked: - Too much technical jargon about electricity - Less personal interaction between main characters - Slower middle section - Predictable plot twists Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (29,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) "The killer's methods are unique and terrifying" - Goodreads reviewer "Gets bogged down in electrical terminology" - Amazon reviewer "Not Deaver's best work but still entertaining" - LibraryThing review The book ranks in the middle of reader favorites among Lincoln Rhyme novels.

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown A Harvard professor races against time to stop a terrorist using antimatter technology to target the Vatican.

Kill Switch by James Patterson and Brendan DuBois A detective hunts a murderer who uses electrical torture devices on victims across New York City.

Lethal Current by Thomas Ryan An FBI team pursues a hacker who weaponizes the power grid to orchestrate deaths across multiple states.

Power Down by Ben Coes A former Delta operative investigates coordinated attacks on America's power infrastructure while uncovering a global conspiracy.

The Enemy by Lee Child Military policeman Jack Reacher investigates a series of deaths involving high-voltage electrocution at Army bases.

🔍 The character Lincoln Rhyme was inspired by real-life forensics expert John Jay College professor Dr. Peter DeForest, whom Deaver extensively consulted. ⚡ The electrical attacks described in the book are based on actual vulnerabilities in power grid systems that experts have identified as potential security risks. 📚 The Lincoln Rhyme series has been adapted for both television and film, with Denzel Washington portraying Rhyme in the 1999 movie "The Bone Collector." 🎯 Jeffery Deaver extensively researches each novel for up to eight months and creates detailed outlines of 150+ pages before writing the actual story. 🏆 The Burning Wire is the 9th book in the Lincoln Rhyme series, which has been translated into 25 languages and sold in 150 countries worldwide.