The Devil's Teardrop: A Novel of the Last Night of the Century by Jeffery Deaver

Although Deaver's brilliant, wheelchair-bound forensic expert Lincoln Rhyme makes a guest appearance, the muscular scientist in charge here is Parker Kincaid--an expert in document analysis who'd much rather be checking the authenticity of letters from Thomas Jefferson than figuring out when a crazed shooter known as the Digger will strike again. But it's New Year's Eve, 1999, and the Digger has begun a reign of terror--promising to shoot into crowds in Washington, D.C., every four hours until he's paid $20 million. As Kincaid searches an odd ransom note for clues (and tries to maintain a low profile so that his vindictive ex-wife won't get custody of his young kids), we get to know the Digger better. He is a frighteningly invisible character with serious brain damage, who methodically obeys a set of instructions from an unknown handler. We also learn many amazing facts about paper, ink, and handwriting analysis, and watch as a relationship slowly and reluctantly develops between Kincaid and the FBI agent in charge. All this as the devious Deaver leads us down several garden paths overflowing with dead bodies. --Dick Adler --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.



Reader Reviews
You won't cry over this one, March 29, 2003 Reviewer: Mark Wagenschutz from Battle Creek, MI USA A silent, non-descript man enters the D.C. subway on New Year's Eve morning and silently kills 20 people without being noticed, melding into the crowd and mayhem. Shortly thereafter, the mayor receives a letter that the killing will commence every four hours thereafter until $20 million is paid. The catch, the letter-writer is not the killer, but is the only one who can contact the killer and stop the slaughter. On his way to pick up the money, the letter-writer is killed, with the letter serving as the only clue to stopping the killing. With that, Deaver sends the reader on a highly-charged, action-packed thrill ride that we come to expect from the creator of the Lincoln Rhyme series. The FBI calls on Parker Kincaid, former FBI forensic document and handwriting specialist, to help track the shadowy killer before more people meet their maker. Currently in a custody battle for his children, Kincaid reluctantly assists the lead FBI agent, Margaret Lukas, herself with past secrets that could jeopardize the mission. Even Lincoln Rhyme makes an appearance to add flavor to the mix. The pace is frenetic throughout, not letting up even to the last pages. The ruthless killer trying to contact his partner to see if the killing is to continue, Kincaid being lead down one false trail after another, Lukas battling her own demons as well as the D.C. mayor who is trying to save his political career amid the carnage, and a mysterious reporter lurking in the shadows. Enjoy the ride, but you'll need to hang on!