Lincoln Rhyme Books in Order
QUICK ANSWER
Start with The Bone Collector (1997), which is book 1, and read in publication order. Each book is a self-contained case, but the characters and their relationships develop across the series. Newest: The Watchmaker's Hand (2023).
- 1.
The Bone Collector(1997)
Start here - 2.
The Coffin Dancer(1998)
- 3.
The Empty Chair(2000)
- 4.
The Stone Monkey(2002)
- 5.
The Vanished Man(2003)
- 6.
The Twelfth Card(2005)
- 7.
The Cold Moon(2006)
- 8.
The Broken Window(2008)
- 9.
The Burning Wire(2010)
- 10.
The Kill Room(2013)
- 11.
The Skin Collector(2014)
- 12.
The Steel Kiss(2016)
- 13.
The Burial Hour(2017)
- 14.
The Cutting Edge(2018)
- 15.
The Midnight Lock(2021)
- 16.
The Watchmaker's Hand(2023)
Newest
Upcoming: The Collateral Heart, November 17, 2026
Frequently asked questions
What order should I read Lincoln Rhyme in?
Start with The Bone Collector (1997), which is book 1, and read in publication order. Each book is a self-contained case, but the characters and their relationships develop across the series.
How many books are in Lincoln Rhyme?
16 main books, published 1997–2023.
What is the latest Lincoln Rhyme book?
The newest book in our reading order for Lincoln Rhyme is "The Watchmaker's Hand" (2023).
Can I read Lincoln Rhyme out of order?
It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.
When is the next Lincoln Rhyme book coming out?
"The Collateral Heart" is scheduled for November 17, 2026, according to the linked source. Dates can change, so check the source before planning around it.