I actually rate this at 3 1/2 stars. I read Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme novels in the wrong order. I started with Empty Chair, followed with Bone Collector, and finished with The Coffin Dancer. Of the three, I would have to say this is my least favorite. Don't get me wrong, it is still a great read and I still recommend it! But the beginning is so much slower than the other two books that it fell below my expectations. I also believe that this book leaves Rhyme a little colder than he is in the other two books, which is kind of disappointing because this is the book that also builds up Sachs and Rhyme from co-workers to lovers. It took me awhile to get warmed up to this book, and I found the characters more lacking. Dellray comes across much weaker, but does have a great undercover scene that did him justice. I felt that Percey came across not so much strong-willed and independent like Deaver wanted, but more self-centered with disregard for anyone around her. Which to me, didn't make her very likable. (But then again, not all people are likeable, are they?) However, Deaver did not disappoint me when it came to the twists and turns that make his books so enjoyable. If this is the only Deaver book you have read, don't judge by this book alone. I still can't wait for Deaver to write a fourth book with Lincoln & Sachs on the scene!

Former NYPD forensics investigator and current quadriplegic, Lincon Rhyme, agrees to help find a professinal hit man known as the Coffin Dancer (so named because of a tattoo on his arm that depicts the grim reaper dancing with a woman in front of a coffin).With the help of Amelia Sachs, a gutsy female patrol officer recruited and trained by Rhymes, and a computer/science lab in his home that culd rival the best in the nation, Lincon uses his experience and knowledge to keep the Dancer "on his toes". The author's use of police acronyms sometimes interrupts the flow of the story but is necessary to the life of a cop. I found the written version of the character conversation much more distracting('s'hre for it's here). Two characters briefly introduced in the Bone Collector (see my review there also) were Dellray and Cooper, undercover investigator and forensics lab specialist, respectively. These two were given expanded roles in The Coffin Dancer, and became unique contributors to solving the crime. As with The Bone Collector, I was totally unprepared for the ending, the "who done it" exposed. Jefferey Deaver weaves a fine tale of mystery. I recommend this book highly!

How can you NOT enjoy this book? IF you like forensic-style novels of suspense, HOW in the WORLD have you been sheltered from Jeffery Deaver for so long? His plotting is superb, the story is fantastic, and the clues used to catch the bad guy are good enough to make you wonder whether or not the story is based on a true story written by someone who actually lived it. I'm beginning to wonder about those who have reviewed this book who believe the story was predictable...if they are really that good at figuring out Deaver's story, maybe they should be WRITING suspense novels instead of reviewing them. Quite simply this book is entertaining and quite fun. Can't wait to read 'The Empty Chair'. Not only does Deaver have a STUDLY first name, he even SPELLS it right! (sorry, had to add that in case Jeff read's my review, and if so, HEY Pal!). Read this book and thank me later. Let me know what you think (rmgomske@lightcom.net).

The main character Rune does not continue her unique development and insight to the world, as she did in Manhattan is My Beat. And while it does deal with an interesting story of those that are sometimes forgotten by a society who considers some less than worthwhile, it never really gets enough steam to say that they shouldn't be forgotten. On the other hand, it does get into the personality quirks of several people, including those that society would deem worthwhile, but have secrets the world doesn't know.
Reading this story will be ok, but don't expect the same level of enjoyment as from Manhattan is My Beat.
EJ

With this, the second novel to feature the bizarre Rune, Deaver once again tempers his hard-edge tale with Rune's usual wierdness and inexperience in the world of crime fighting.

This time, Rune becomes obsessed with a porn star whose murder she witnessed. Armed with a camera and her quirky attitude, Rune dives into the porn industry and ferrets out clues and suspects ... and once again puts her life in mortal danger.

Once again Deaver delivers a compulsively readable novel, but the twists in this one are more guessible than usual, especially the final (whichs shows Rune is kinder to certain people than they deserve) and next to no mention is made of the murders she experienced in the first book. Still, pretty good.

This is the second Rune novel. I was quite impressed with the first one, but this second one literally blew me away!

Rune is an absolutely great character. She is likeable, amusing, and great company. Deaver's writing is puncy, to the point, and exciting. I found myself turning the pages rapidly.

the plot is really good, as always with a Deaver novel. there is also some emotion packed in with it. There is excitement, tension, intrigue...all the things you need to make a good thriller. these Rune books are really easy, they're light, too, but not over simple. I find them even more pageturners than his normal stuff. i don't know why...i just really cant wait to find out whats going to happen and why. the characters are compelling and the plot great.

i really cannot describe what i like so much about this series, but i absolutely love it! It is a breath of fresh air, and i am really sad that there is only one book left. i really hope Deaver writes another Rune book sometimes, because this really is a great series.

With "Death os A Blue Movie Star" he creates his usual complex plot, and packs it with stuff. it's fast paced, and fairly races along to what is an absolutely stunning climax, in true Deaver style. As always, there are several twists throughout the book, and its great fun trying to guess what they'll be...and i was not right once!

Deaver is the best thriller/suspense writer out there. I love his books to pieces.

This book seems to have been written by Jeffrey Deaver just prior to his full acquisition of the unique style, creativity, pace and humor that marked his later works. The Lincoln Rhyme novels, for example. All of them employ Jeffrey's formidable writing skills, and are tremendously entertaining on many levels. Mistress of Justice falls short of these expectations, however. I got only halfway through it, skimmed the rest, then went right to the ending - which was predictable. Never thought I'd do that with one of Jeffrey's books, and I have read nearly all of them. The problems with this book are many. The pace is very slow. The plot - not very strong. Too many characters are introduced, too quickly. Too much writing space devoted to non-essential details. But there also seems to be a snooty, snobbish tone to the entire book - almost as if Jeffrey had written it to impress his cronies in the lawyering arena of NYC. While I was reading - I failed to find anyone in the story to admire, to cheer for, and more importantly, to identify with. Although some may be fascinated by that particular class-based New York / New England culture of old money, politics and snobbishness, I am not. Yet Jeffrey revelled in laying this all out in a manner that suggested the reader should love and embrace this culture. Fortunately, Jeffrey moved away from this style in his later novels - all of which are marked by rich characters, from life's many diverse walkways. Mistress of Justice reinforced my belief that you cannot hit a home run every time up - and that's fine. And, I am grateful that the mistakes made in this novel are not found in any of Jeffrey's later works. If you are as big a Jeffrey Deaver fan as I am - and you have not yet read Mistress of Justice - steel yourself for possible disappointment.

This is my first Deaver book I have read. Good thing, I borrowed the book from the library. First half of the book was slow and not real interesting until the plot gets more interesting from second half of the book till the end. I didn't figure out the correct suspect until I almost reached the end. The suspense is great, but the story and wordings could have been better. I guess that's understandable since this one was one of author's earlier books. I hope his later books are better as other people say.

these early Deaver re-issues are turning out as real gems among his back-catalogue. I can say with complete confidence that Jeffery Deaver has not once written a bad, unenjoyable book.

Deaver's writing style is concise and addictive. It's clever, quirky and enjoyable. His plots are well devised and well structured. They run smoothly and without a hitch.

This is a very good, very hig-class legal thriller, better than almost anything by John Grisham. the plot is complex and intriguing, and the lead character is very human and very likeable, with some very distinctive quirks which make her a pleasure to read about.

The book moves at great pace, and is a true page-turner. There are a couple of nice twists along the way, and, as is usual with Deaver, one final wallop right at the end.

Another very good book from Deaver...not quite his best, but i still reccomend that you read it. As i do with all his books.

HARD NEWS is the third in a series of Deaver novels centering around the character of Rune. In this chapter Rune has made some progress and is working as a camera person for a local news affiliate. She receives a letter from a man in prison detailing not only his innocence but the dangers that surround him where he is. The emotional Rune makes his case her own personal crusade and pitches the story to a national news program. The problem is that the prisoner was convicted of murdering the former president of the same news network. Some high power people greenlight the story but it seems unknown forces are out to sabotage Rune's attempt at investigative journalism. As with any Deaver mystery there are twists and turns and there is more to the story than even Rune imagined.

The plot of the story lags at first but picks up in a big way half way through the book. Rune's character is a bit more interesting in this novel than in the past two. She seems to have developed some strength and isnt quite as whimsical. Deaver even lays off the more often than not romantic plot line on this one. The result in a more interesting book throughout. While the ending is not the most original in terms of mystery fiction, it is also not as transparent as some prior attempts. The book held my interest throughout and was well worth the read. Hopefully with his recent success Deaver will see fit to resurrect the Rune series. An exciting four star read.

Rune is simply wonderful. I love her to pieces. She's quirky, fun, naive in childlike way, and just a wonderfully likeable character.

The Rune books are not the deepest books you will find. Nor are they the most exciting and thrilling. (Although they are quite.) But, they are quite atmospheric tales of New York and complex crime.

They are quirky, immense fun to read, and light hearted. Don't take them too seriously (this is what most people do with their reading...they take it far too seriously. Which spoils what would otherwise be enjoyable fiction.) and you will really relish them.

The plots are complex, the twists completely unguessable. (As is the norm with Deaver.) He is currently my favourite writer, and these little gems from the past only further convince me of the fact that he is probably the best storyteller i have come across in a very long time. Great characters, great plot, stunning writing. (I adore his style.)

If you like quirky, fun, lighthearted books with a tense edge, his Rune series is definitely for you. (I hope he ressurects her in the near future for a fourth novel.)

This was the very first book I had read of Jeffery Deaver's and to get right to the point-it was great! Where to begin..the plot, characters, atmosphere were perfect.This book really had a wonderful plot, right when you think you know what is happening or going to happen, Deaver throws a curve ball. I love twists in books and Deaver gave me that twist.

This is far from being Jeffery Deaver's best novel but it is a srong tale. Deaver has the ability to make strong likeable characters among the most devilish and harrowing times.

The story revolves around the murder of Co-ed. The long list of suspects from ex-boyfriends, college professors and a teenage trouble-maker keep the reader guessing till the end. Even the investigator's family slowly starts to crumble from the events.

The story line of the daughter who may be gifted is a gripping side, to which the Father ignores looking for the main killer.

Deaver has abilities to show the world of people with handicaps. He also will leave the reader holding their breath till the outcome. The book does tend to get a little long and action does slow down in the middle. Some of the violence is not for everybody. The three stars comes based on the fact that Deaver does have other books that are more well rounded. This is a strong read for any forensic criminal investagation novel fans.

Jeffery Deaver is the master of suspense. I have yet to read one of his books that has not kept me up all night reading by flashlight.

pucksau@earthling.net is wrong, by the way, Jeffery Wilds Deaver is the same author who wrote The Bone Collector and The Coffin Dancer. I must also whole heartedly agree with dglavelle@hotmail.com. It is a shame that many of Jeffery Deaver's books are no longer in print but I keep scouring the used book stores in hopes of finding a treasure - namingly an out of print Deaver book.

Lessons of Her Death is a perfect example of Deaver's work - smart, engrossing and well written (plot line and characters). He also makes you feel for both the victim as well as the villain - Deaver shows you what is behind the eyes of a mad man. This was another Deaver book with plot twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I highly recommend getting into Mr. Deaver's world

I don't know how people get it into their heads that early Deaver books are not as good as his later ones. ALL of his early books are of an incredibly high class, equally as good as his more recent. They are slightly different, in tone perhaps, but the quality remains the same.

This is an idea book...there is so much of interest going on at once. It is the kind of book i adore...the kind with a central core plot, but one with many other subplots (usually to do with simple events in the lives of the characters) all orbiting around that core-plot, but never really touching it. It makes the books rather realistic, and such a feast for the reader. So much is happening, just like real life. (For another brilliant example of this, check out "Cry Wolf" by Tami Hoag, which is one of my favourite books of all time.)

Deaver's writing is very good, and his characters are great. Very human. He gets into everyones head, and shows us inside, so incredibly well that it looks remarkably easy. I have not met an author who actually can get inside his characters heads so well, and make whats in there seem so simple and ration, especially in the heads of his killers.

The plot is good...interesting, exciting, twisting. There are some nice subtle twists, although they are not quite as pronounced or as shocking as in some of his other novels. Indeed, the identity of the killer is discovered in the final 100 ish pages, and there is no real surprise about their identity from then on. (Which, having found out so early, you would expect there to be.)

If anything, this book is perhaps a bit too long. But not much...

This is not Deaver's book, but that doesnt really clarify matters at all. As all of his books are exemplary, and much better than most authors working today. (Hence the fact that it still garners a five star rating.) However, it may not be quite as good as such classics as "A Maiden's Grave" or "The Empty Chair" it is still a hig class, enjoyable read. If you are new to Deaver, this is probably good place to start and ease yourself into the water.