highladyofthenightcourt21's review against another edition
3.0
I loved that this book was set in Italy, but I felt like it got really bogged down in political stuff, which is definitely not my jam.
Overall, it was fine and it's part of the series so I wouldn't have skipped it, but if I were to ever reread Lincoln Rhyme again, this is one I'd probably skip.
Overall, it was fine and it's part of the series so I wouldn't have skipped it, but if I were to ever reread Lincoln Rhyme again, this is one I'd probably skip.
ps_a22's review against another edition
3.0
This book is probably the most thought out book I have ever read. Everything was planned, down to the last detail, so much so that I found it overwhelming me. I couldn't keep up with all the characters and I just muddled up the names. It was a gift, which was why I read it in the first place, and had a very interesting, political ending. I quite liked how the criminal was arrested when he was having sex.
A spectacularly written novel, but not one I enjoyed reading.
A spectacularly written novel, but not one I enjoyed reading.
bookhawk's review against another edition
3.0
The Burial Hour delivered some change of scenery that was a welcome addition to the series. The book seemed to be on a high 4 star path but took a few turns that were a bit disappointing in this edition but may set the table for freshening things up in future Lincoln Rhyme installments. As always, Deaver does a great job with the forensic sleuthing and his use of sound in this book was especially strong. Readers who enjoy the details of figuring out what happened will enjoy this book.
cassiehelen's review against another edition
4.0
A great read, but not one of the best Deavers. I loved the Italian characters, the amalgamation of the two languages and the descriptions. However I think there could have been bigger twists towards the end and a few more victims.
arthur_pendrgn's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it a lot better at the end than I did in the beginning. I agree that the book could have stopped after Stefan, but I did enjoy meeting the Lincoln Rhyme of the auditory world. I also thought the book became more interesting in the last part--another secret government agency, but at least the case was clever. Deaver did take me by surprise several times. We didn't spend much time in the heads of Rhyme and Sachs--sometimes I felt like I was reading an after-action report or an encyclopedia.
weaselweader's review against another edition
3.0
In which a “multiple” killer is not necessarily a “serial” killer
Forensic investigator extraordinaire Lincoln Rhyme and his partner, now fiancée, Amelia Sachs, are tasked with the investigation of a killing which involves a noose made of a cello string left at the scene of the crime and videos of the actual deed being posted on social media. Deaver’s treatment of the analysis of forensic evidence has been compelling and technically informative without being pedantic from the very first novel in the Lincoln Rhyme series and THE BURIAL HOUR is certainly no exception to that pattern.
However, movement of the plotline from a typical serial murder suspense thriller to a geopolitical espionage-oriented potboiler set in a foreign country is a definite change of direction. Despite the continuing use of Rhyme’s skills as a forensic investigator, I thought that the substantive theme change was not effective. First, the solution to the string of murders and kidnappings came as a deus ex machina revelation that no reader could possibly have predicted (Boo! on that idea). Secondly, the fact that the bad guys were far right-wing Republicans focused on neo-Nazism and global nationalism was, frankly, banal and utterly pedestrian in its message. The actual individuals involved weren’t specifically predictable but the overall theme was as unsurprising as the sun rising this morning at dawn.
That said, the introduction of a small handful of new characters – procuratore Dante Spiro, forestry officer Ercole Benelli and forensics technician Beatrice Renza – was delightful. I hope that we’ll see more of them somehow in future novels. These characters, their personalities, their quirks and all of the associated conduct and dialogue was what rescued THE BURIAL HOUR from a more bleak 1- or 2- star rating and ensured that I would continue to read the series. But it was a close call. When I read Deaver and Lincoln Rhyme, I want a murder set in a suspense or a psychological thriller. If I want a geopolitical espionage thriller, I look to other authors. Goodness knows, there are plenty of them out there!
Paul Weiss
Forensic investigator extraordinaire Lincoln Rhyme and his partner, now fiancée, Amelia Sachs, are tasked with the investigation of a killing which involves a noose made of a cello string left at the scene of the crime and videos of the actual deed being posted on social media. Deaver’s treatment of the analysis of forensic evidence has been compelling and technically informative without being pedantic from the very first novel in the Lincoln Rhyme series and THE BURIAL HOUR is certainly no exception to that pattern.
However, movement of the plotline from a typical serial murder suspense thriller to a geopolitical espionage-oriented potboiler set in a foreign country is a definite change of direction. Despite the continuing use of Rhyme’s skills as a forensic investigator, I thought that the substantive theme change was not effective. First, the solution to the string of murders and kidnappings came as a deus ex machina revelation that no reader could possibly have predicted (Boo! on that idea). Secondly, the fact that the bad guys were far right-wing Republicans focused on neo-Nazism and global nationalism was, frankly, banal and utterly pedestrian in its message. The actual individuals involved weren’t specifically predictable but the overall theme was as unsurprising as the sun rising this morning at dawn.
That said, the introduction of a small handful of new characters – procuratore Dante Spiro, forestry officer Ercole Benelli and forensics technician Beatrice Renza – was delightful. I hope that we’ll see more of them somehow in future novels. These characters, their personalities, their quirks and all of the associated conduct and dialogue was what rescued THE BURIAL HOUR from a more bleak 1- or 2- star rating and ensured that I would continue to read the series. But it was a close call. When I read Deaver and Lincoln Rhyme, I want a murder set in a suspense or a psychological thriller. If I want a geopolitical espionage thriller, I look to other authors. Goodness knows, there are plenty of them out there!
Paul Weiss
josephmoore's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
johnnyb1954's review against another edition
4.0
3.5. A few of the bad reviews said they didn't finish the book because too much was going on and didn't all come together. They should have finished because it does eventually. The story gets convoluted and political. It feels like Deaver couldn't find a way to end it. But the problem was he tried toting in all the aspects of immigration issues possible and kind of blew up the story.
Nevertheless, it's still a good Lincoln Rhyme/Amelia Sachs story.
It also develops the introduction to a larger universe for them to operate in, much the way that Lucas Davenport's job expands in the Prey books.
Nevertheless, it's still a good Lincoln Rhyme/Amelia Sachs story.
It also develops the introduction to a larger universe for them to operate in, much the way that Lucas Davenport's job expands in the Prey books.
xkay_readsx's review against another edition
4.0
This is my second book by Jeffery Deaver and it's a good mystery, rather long in my opinion. Thank goodness for audio. It was great to listen to this book.
In comparison to his previous book, I prefer the previous plot. Too bad I can't get into why I was a bit disappointed with this one because that would spoil the mystery. I would love it more if it was just what it seems, without the other twist.
In comparison to his previous book, I prefer the previous plot. Too bad I can't get into why I was a bit disappointed with this one because that would spoil the mystery. I would love it more if it was just what it seems, without the other twist.