Here's why:
* Focus on crime: The story revolves around a murder investigation, a central element of the crime genre.
* Suspense and tension: The narrative is built on suspense, keeping the reader guessing about the identity of the killer and the motives behind the crime.
* Protagonist is a detective: The main character, Lincoln Rhyme, is a quadriplegic detective, who uses his intellect and forensic expertise to solve the case.
* Fast-paced plot: The plot unfolds quickly, with a series of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.
While there may be elements of other genres, like mystery and psychological thriller, the core of "Eleven Seconds" lies within the crime thriller genre.