Lincoln Rhyme returns once again, this time trying to track down a Chinese people smuggler, known by the nickname of ‘The Ghost’. However, the capture goes wrong and the Ghost escapes, now on a mission to murder the two surviving families who managed to escape into New York. Can Rhyme, Sachs and a Chinese police officer stop him before it is too late?

Jeffery Deaver has become known in the thriller world for his astonishing plot twists that astound the reader. In ‘The Stone Monkey’, the twists are still there, but they seem less shocking and slightly more mundane. Nevertheless, this has not prevented Deaver from creating a fast, exciting novel that takes place within forty-eight hours, and packing it with action. He has also avoided the problem that has marred other novels, such as ‘The Devil’s Teardrop’ ­ that of an unbelievable ending. Here, the ending of ‘The Stone Monkey’ is satisfying and credible.

Deaver continues to develop his principal characters, allowing the reader to find out more about Rhyme and Sachs. It seems that he has plenty of ideas for these characters. Rhyme’s forensic brilliance is just as great as ever and the usual complaint can be made that he is simply too brilliant. However, ignore this and you will find another tale that lives up to Deaver’s reputation as an outstanding thriller writer.