The Cutting Edge

By: Jeffery Deaver

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs return to New York City to investigate a triple murder and confront a killer terrorizing couples at their happiest—and most vulnerable in this explosive New York Times bestseller.

In the early hours of a quiet, weekend morning in Manhattan's Diamond District, a brutal triple murder shocks the city. Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs quickly take the case. Curiously, the killer has left behind a half-million dollars' worth of gems at the murder scene, a jewelry store on 47th street. As more crimes follow, it becomes clear that the killer's target is not gems, but engaged couples themselves.

The Promisor vows to take the lives of men and women during their most precious moments—midway through the purchase of an engagement ring, after a meeting with a wedding planner, trying on the perfect gown for a day that will never come. The Promisor arrives silently, armed with knife or gun, and a time of bliss is transformed, in an instant, to one of horror.

Soon the Promiser makes a dangerous mistake: leaving behind an innocent witness, Vimal Lahori, a talented young diamond cutter, who can help Rhyme and Sachs blow the lid off the case. They must track down Vimal before the killer can correct his fatal error. Then disaster strikes, threatening to tear apart the very fabric of the city—and providing the perfect cover for the killer to slip through the cracks.

©2018 Jeffery Deaver (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Deaver's approach excels in THE CUTTING EDGE, the 14th novel to feature Lincoln and his assistant, Amelia Sachs... Deaver keeps the level of suspense high as he also examines the gem trade and takes readers on an insider's tour of New York City. Deaver's intelligent characters show their mettle as the twists mount."—Oline Cogdill, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"Stellar... The tension rises [and] Deaver keeps the twists and surprises coming in this roller-coaster ride of a thriller."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Deaver is at his graciously cruel best in THE CUTTING EDGE. [His] singular flair for ghastly irony is on full display. Sympathetic characters... Deaver seduces us."—Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review

Top Notch Mystery

I have "read" all of the Rhymes/Sachs mysteries so far, and each one has been thoroughly engaging and captivating. This is no exception. Several threads are introduced that seem to have little bearing on one another but... well, just read on.

I also must give highest marks to the narrator, Edoardo Ballerini. He captures accents, both foreign and domestic to a tee, and he's one of the best male narrators to read female parts. He doesn't adopt the whiny simpering voice that some do, nor does he attempt some quasi-falsetto. Strong women sound like strong women, not made weak and ineffective simply by the voice given them by a less accomplished reader.

Give me more Deaver/Ballerini collaborations, please.

Lincoln rhyme, great series

I enjoyed the twists and turns. Will rivet listeners to their seats. Great puzzles. Challenging.

one of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to

I have been a long time fan of Deaver's and am always awaiting the latest Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs books to be released. I began this one as soon as I got my hands on the physical copy and started reading. I was surprised however, to notice that I was struggling to get through the beginning. I'm usually glued to the pages from the moment I opened the book, but this one sat on my nightstand for some time.

I have recently regained a love for audio books, owing primarily to a larger commute, and decided to try listening to the novel instead.

To Edoardo Ballerini I doubt you read these things, but on the off chance that it will somehow get to you, thank you. You're reading and mastery of distinguishing characters through voice and tone brought this book to life spectacularly. I will remember you and look for books read by you specifically in the future.

As for anyone who has stuck it through the miniature novel this has become...the books is great. Possibly my favorite of Deaver's latest books (which have been enjoyable, but not as good as the earlier books in the series) and this gives me hope that he has gotten his spark back.

In any case, a spectacular listen, fueled by the twists and turns, mystery, and the thrill-of-the-chase suspense I look for in these sorts of books. All brought to life wonderfully by Ballerini. By far one of the best audiobooks I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. Highly recommended.

Another great listen

Deaver has done it again. A good story, well read. The only hassle was writing this review.

Great story line

Enjoyed the book. Did move slow at times but a lot of interesting details and facts. Was a well thought out story

intriguing

A little too long and slow going. I had to skip forward every now and then to keep interest.

Excellent

This is a typically exceptional book. The plot that continues to unwind until reaching the familiar.

Another terrific duo book

Once again we have a tight plot and characters we identify with and care about. Deaver has slipped in the running theme of bravery with sacrifice with engaging humor and another brilliant narration by Eduardo Ballerini.

Great listen!

The Cutting edge is definitely one of my favorite Lincoln Rhyme novels. Great plot twist at the end, and cool tie in from another book in the series. Jeffery Deaver rarely disappoints.

Good read

This book was twist, upon twist, upon twist that kept me engaged until the end.