Jeffery Deaver has returned with his third novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme. In this case, however, the third time was not the charm. “The Empty Chair” differs greatly from its predecessors “The Bone Collector” and “The Coffin Dancer.” While the first two books take place in New York City, this one is set in North Carolina. Likewise, the type of criminal is different. Instead of starring an insane mass murderer, this book features a kidnapper. Deaver also introduces many new characters and leaves out some old ones. Lincoln Rhyme, a paralyzed crime scene detective, has decided to undergo a dangerous operation in the hopes of regaining some movement and sensation in his body. However, his plans change when local sheriff Jim Bell comes looking for help. A local boy has been found murdered, and the only witness to the case, Mary Beth McConnel, has been kidnapped. Suspected of the crime is Billy Stail, nicknamed “the insect boy.” Stail is an orphan and his fascination with insects has made him an outcast by others his age. Rhyme is asked to head up the search party. Aiding Rhyme in the case, as always, is Amelia Sachs. The character of Amelia Sachs has matured from an inexperienced beat cop to a top-notch crime scene detective. Rhyme, Sachs and the local police start a frantic search for Stail. While revisiting the scene of the crime, Stail strikes again, abducting another young woman. The police are sure he plans to rape and kill his victims. Using every trick he knows, Billy Stail tries to elude capture. However, Sachs and Rhyme thwart his plans. This is the start of the major conflict. Sachs believes Billy did not kill anyone. She also thinks that the kidnappings were his way of protecting the girls. The major problem is that Mary Beth is still missing, and Billy will not tell anyone where she is. Rhyme feels his work is complete and is anxious to get to his surgery. Sachs, believing Billy is innocent, breaks him out and goes on the lam. Rhyme must postpone surgery and go against his toughest foe ever, his own student. Sachs is pushed to the limit and is willing to do anything to prove she is right. But will she step over the line and become a killer herself? From this point on in the book, some interesting twists and turns take place. Deaver has not last his flair for the dramatic. However, “The Empty Chair” leaves a feeling of disappointment. After two extremely suspenseful stories, the third seems dull. The change in setting from New York to North Carolina is a letdown. Deaver had filled his novels with amazing technology and gadgets that are unavailable in the small town. By taking the main characters out of their element, he also takes away a major part of their appeal. “The Empty Chair” is a strongly written novel. If a reader were to pick up this novel and had not read the previous two books, he or she would find it amazingly well written and exciting. However, the first two books in the series set a standard. This entry falls well short of that standard. Not every book can be a winner, but one can be sure Deaver will return to top form.