The Twelfth Card
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | Jeffery Deaver |
| Products | Crime fiction novel |
The Twelfth Card is a 2005 crime fiction work authored by American writer Jeffery Deaver, marking the sixth entry in the Lincoln Rhyme series.
Plot summary
The narrative opens within a museum where Geneva Settle, a high school student from Harlem, investigates her forebear Charles Singleton. Thompson Boyd, a hired assassin, makes several attempts on her life, leaving behind clues that both assist and confuse Lincoln Rhyme. With support from Amelia Sachs, Fred Dellray, Mel Cooper, and Lon Sellitto, Rhyme initially believes Geneva may have witnessed an impending terrorist act. It later emerges that Boyd’s true motive is linked to Singleton’s ownership of fifteen acres of valuable Manhattan real estate in the 1800s. Singleton was wrongfully charged with murder and had his property seized; the land was subsequently used to develop a major contemporary corporation. Because the land transfer was never legally finalized, Singleton’s descendants stand to receive restitution. The chase for Boyd and his collaborators spans two days and features numerous subplots and surprising revelations—one accomplice masquerades as Geneva’s guidance counselor, while a known felon is disclosed as her biological father.
Explanation of title
Among the clues Boyd leaves is the twelfth card, The Hanged Man, which represents a journey of spiritual discovery.
Reception
Upon release, the book sold 300,000 copies in its initial print run and attained the number 6 position on the New York Times bestseller list dated June 26, 2005. Critic Wayne Adam lauded it as one of the finest Lincoln Rhyme novels due to its brisk pacing, unique characters, and numerous plot twists culminating in startling conclusions. Gilbert Cruz from Entertainment Weekly likened its forensic elements to those seen on CSI, assigning it a 'B' rating despite minor criticism regarding outdated slang usage.