The Bone Collector is a 1997 thriller novel by American author Jeffery Deaver. It is the first book in the Lincoln Rhyme series, introducing the character of Lincoln Rhyme, a brilliant forensic criminalist who becomes quadriplegic after a work-related accident. The novel follows Rhyme as he teams up with NYPD patrol officer Amelia Sachs to track down a serial killer who leaves cryptic clues at crime scenes. The story is set in New York City and combines forensic science with psychological suspense.
The novel was a commercial success and established Deaver as a leading figure in the crime thriller genre. It received positive reviews for its intricate plotting, detailed forensic procedures, and the dynamic between its two main characters. The book's title refers to a collection of crime scene evidence that Rhyme keeps, which the killer uses as inspiration. The novel has been translated into numerous languages and spawned a long-running series of sequels featuring Rhyme and Sachs.
