Review - Cold Moon by Jeffrey Deaver Reviewed by Ken Reiss  7/6/06

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A pool of blood near the river and a ticking clock with an eerie moon face start off this tale that twists and turns with the best of them. The Watchmaker, as we find he calls himself from a poem left at the crime scene, has begun to execute his plan.

A second body is found, with another clock and the same poem. The Watchmaker, it would appear, is taunting the police with what promises to be a long series of gruesome murders if he can’t be stopped.

Meanwhile, Amelia Sachs, Rhyme’s assistant, is distracted with an apparent suicide that she is certain is mislabeled. It’s her first case as the lead detective and taking some of her attention from the Watchmaker case. Rhyme, if you’re new to the series like me, is a quadriplegic and reliant on others, but primarily Sachs to provide information and follow up support for the investigation and to run the forensics of the crime scene. The Watchmaker seems more important to Rhyme than a suicide that’s in the past, but Sachs is determined to see the case through.

Just like an intricate watch, this story is full of complicated details and overlapping characters that lead first one direction and then another. It’s a real grabber from the start and holds your attention right through to the last surprising details. Along the way you’ll learn some of the history of both Rhyme and Sachs as well as meet the Watchmaker and his assistant. A few of the potential victims are introduced as well, and you’ll find yourself rooting for the good guys as the story develops and dreading the appearance of the moon faced clock. As the Watchmaker’s plan unfolds in more and more intricate detail, the detectives have their hands full between the two cases.

Joe Mantegna narrates and I’ve always enjoyed him as a reader. His acting skills serve him well to keep a variety of character voices separate and believable, and his performance in Cold Moon is no exception.

This is my first encounter with the Lincoln Rhyme stories, and I’m hooked. I quickly went looking for others but alas found that the audio editions of early ones are difficult to find at all and many are abridged. The more recent ones are readily available and on my wish list!

There is some mention in Cold Moon of previous cases which would no doubt be useful information if you’ve read the series. It does not, however, prevent you from enjoying the story if you have not. This book is highly recommended for all mystery fans!

About Ken Reiss - Ken is a long time audiobook listener having little time to read but spending a lot of time in the car. Mysteries, Old Time Radio and non fiction all occupy his time, but a good detective story is by far the favorite. In addition to audiobook reviews, he writes a monthly column for a popular electronics magazine and reviews of communications equipment.

He has an MBA from Webster University in St. Louis where he teaches evening classes. He lives in the St. Louis area with his wife and three dogs.

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