When a construction crane mysteriously collapses, Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are brought in on the case. A political group claims to be behind the sabotage (claiming a need for affordable housing) and threatens another crane collapse every twenty-four hours, unless their demands are met.
The clock is literally ticking. While we don't know it at first, Rhyme soon starts to realise that the mastermind behind the terror is his own nemesis—the Watchmaker. What he doesn't realise until later is the reason behind usch attacks and why and that he is also coming for Rhyme.
There are some interesting other characters in the read including Woman X, who has a relationship with the Watchmaker, Hale and there is the subplot which includes Ron Pulanski, who has been branded Rhyme's successor.
Both stories are well worked and interrelate at the end with Deaver's clever style.
