I have read all the Lincoln Rhyme thrillers and do enjoy them. But I am beginning to feel that they follow a formula and are becoming a little bit same-y. Crimes are committed, the brilliant forensic criminologist Lincoln Rhyme solves the case through trace evidence whilst struggling with being a paraplegic. There are red herrings and little twists but he usually wins.
Having said that, each book does have a unique crime story. Jeffery Deaver must put a lot of research into these books.
You could read this as a stand alone novel but it is the ninth in a series and knowing the back story does help.