The Devil's Teardrop
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Jeffery Deaver |
| Products | Crime novel |
The Devil's Teardrop is a suspenseful crime novel released in 1999 by Jeffery Deaver, celebrated for its complex and unexpected plot developments. The Los Angeles Times commended Deaver for crafting "a thrilling journey within the pages," depicting a harrowing story of a murderer orchestrating a catastrophic attack on the final night of the millennium. The book's title alludes to a moniker for obsidian.
This novel served as the basis for a 2010 television film featuring performances by Tom Everett Scott and Natasha Henstridge.
Synopsis
During the early hours of New Year's Eve in 1999, an unfeeling assassin known as the Digger launches a machine-gun assault in the Washington D.C. subway, resulting in numerous fatalities. A criminal mastermind demands a ransom of twenty million dollars by midnight, threatening additional violent acts if his terms are not met. After the extortionist is killed while en route to the ransom exchange, the Digger proceeds with his deadly plan. Special Agent Margaret Lukas enlists the expertise of retired FBI agent and forensic document examiner Parker Kincaid to apprehend the Digger before midnight and avert further casualties.
Plot summary
At Washington, D.C.'s Dupont Circle metro station on the morning of New Year's Eve 1999, the Digger carries out a mass shooting that claims multiple lives. Gilbert Havel sends a ransom note demanding twenty million dollars be delivered near Interstate 66, warning of attacks scheduled for 4 p.m., 8 p.m., and midnight if his demands are ignored. To preserve public confidence ahead of upcoming elections, Mayor Gerald Kennedy decides to comply with the ransom request.
Agent Margaret Lukas plans to intercept Havel during the money drop, but he is fatally struck in a hit-and-run accident before reaching the rendezvous point. With only the letter and his death as clues, Lukas anticipates that the Digger will continue his violent spree. She receives support from officer Len Hardy and Detective Cage.
Meanwhile, Parker Kincaid, a retired FBI document examiner, is at home with his children while authenticating a letter attributed to President Thomas Jefferson. His ex-wife Joan notifies him about an impending custody evaluation. Detective Cage contacts Parker for assistance regarding the subway shootings; although initially hesitant due to family matters, Parker eventually agrees to join Lukas’s investigation.
Upon examining the ransom note, Parker detects intentional mistakes revealing an intelligent extortionist and observes a unique mark above the letter 'i'—the "Devil's Teardrop." Further analysis uncovers an imprint ending with "-tel," leading investigators to infer that the second attack location is probably a hotel.