January 2022 Group Read (spoiler thread): The Bone Collector, by Jeffery Deaver

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

spoiler thread for The Bone Collector

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished it yesterday. Since this is the spoiler thread, there may be spoilers below.

First, what I liked: Deaver gets things moving quickly and keeps the readers' attention very well throughout. I read an interview with Deaver where he talks about how a "typical Jeffery Deaver book" is fast paced with a short timeline, etc. Although I hate when authors or other celebrities refer to themselves in the third person, I found it interesting that he has a formulaic approach to his stories. I will say that the two novels I have read by Deaver have both been interesting and well researched, and his short stories all have a wicked "twist."

The best parts of the book were the characters of Rhyme and Sachs (her name was changed in the film for some unknown reason) and the relationship between them. We come to care for Rhyme even though he is obviously so obnoxious and trying to push people away. Also, the crime scene procedures - I have no knowledge about how accurate to real life they are - were fascinating. Not just some detective showing up and finding some clue that everyone else overlooked, but some very methodical, thoughtful investigations that were interesting to read about.

Most of the supporting characters were well done too, although some strayed into caricatures. The head fake at the end with the identity of the bad guy was fun.

The bad? Well, I never bought the methodology of the serial killer, and his crimes seemed to be planned and executed with superhuman speed and timing, which required a large amount of "suspension of disbelief." If the writing hadn't been so captivating and other elements been able to hold my attention I might have tossed this aside faster than you can say "James Patterson." And the ending was not very believable at all. It was almost silly, in fact.

But I'm glad I read this and I'm going to continue with the series. I did like the characters, and the idea of a paralyzed detective having to experience the crime scene through the eyes of a partner was compelling.

I hated the movie when I first saw it, although I did like the casting and I pictured Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie in their respective roles as I read the book. Reading the Wikipedia page for the film, I was surprised at how much was changed for the film version. I can understand that films have to make some changes and often the plot has to be simplified to fit into a two-hour runtime, but the changes made to the story for the film script were often baffling and unnecessary. Just a heads-up for those who haven't seen it, or who didn't like it but might enjoy the book.

[Cherie]

I also saw both the movie and read the book but I enjoyed both as I thought Denzel Washington was a stellar actor.

Answers to queries posted from other board:
In my opinion the reason why Lincoln Rhymes is asked back to head this investigation is because his faux spinal specialist grew tired of waiting for him to rise up from his suicidal tendencies. What fun is it to kill a suicidal man? So he plots these mentally challenging cases like cheese to a mouse to get him to agree to head the team.

Yes, I think the medical information is correct so I assume the police procedures are as well especially with all the acronyms. The acronyms lessen in his later books and are explained as he writes them.

Authors are allowed to be eccentric as long as they produce great to good books. We don’t have to live with them.

I may add on some more later.

[Leena]

I finished the book and it's a 4star for me. For a long time I was baffled as to why Lincoln ,now a civilian was called back.and assigned to the case and I'm so.glad that Deaver didn't just sweep.it under the carpet to be out of sight ,out of mind. Polling tells us why he insisted on him.and the rumours of Lincoln thinking of euthanasia propelled him on.

Lincoln is really the star here, interesting how quick his mental faculties still are after break of 3yrs. His systematic approach is commendable.

I couldn't like Amelia. she was offensive but, again here she's learnt the ropes and incorporates them really quickly. The FBI angle was ridiculous.

overall , a fantastic read. I had watched the movie way back nd all I remembered was Denzel in that cool bed that only the very rich (probably imaginary) American could afford. I hadn't seen the likes of it and even now I doubt it's common.

I don't think I'll be the reading the series though. going to pick up his stand alone The Bodies Left Behind.

[Kristen]

I hadn’t read anything by Jeffrey Deaver before, so I was glad to have the opportunity. I saw the movie when it came out, but didn’t remember much about it. I enjoyed the pace and action, and well as the deduction sequences. I think my favourite thing about it was the Historical information about New York and notable crimes from the past. As a Canadian who has been to New York a number of times, but mostly to Manhattan, I enjoyed trying to picture where they were going and what it was like. I would definitely read another in the series.