The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen, a Book Review

 

I am a huge fan of the Rizzoli and Isles series running on TNT.  Tess Gerritsen’s “The Surgeon” is the debt novel of the series.  “The Surgeon” is a fast paced book meant to keep the pages turning while the adrenaline pumps.  If you are squeamish, you may have a difficult time reading it as Tess Gerritsen is not only a novelist but a physician as well and her knowledge of the human body is blasted throughout the pages of her book.

The story is based in Boston where a serial killer is on the loose, stalking, torturing and then mutilating his female victims.  Because of his horrific acts, the press has labeled him “The Surgeon.”  The murders are nearly identical to those committed two years ago in Savannah, Georgia, where the predator was shot and killed by his last victim, Dr. Catherine Cordell. 

Now living in Boston and a partner in a medical practice, Dr. Cordell is being stalked once again. Homicide detectives Thomas Moore, Jane Rizzoli, and Barry Frost begin working the case round the clock to determine how the killing sprees are related and to put an end the brutal murders. 

I don’t want to give away too many details as I only had the book jacket to go off of when I started reading.  I did find that I was unable to put it down for very long.  “The Surgeon” is an intricate medical thriller that we keep you up all night.  The plot is well paced and meant to keep you guessing.  The chapters are intense and ripe with captivating scenes of suspense while the characters are strong and engaging.  Tess Gerritsen’s firsthand knowledge of the subject matter and attention to detail also crafts a villain who is as vicious, if not more, than Hannibal Lector.  Give to that a startling climax and gratifying ending, I can’t wait to get started on the next book in the series, “The Apprentice.”

I hope that if you enjoy the TNT series as much as I do and haven’t ventured into reading Tess Gerritsen’s novels, that you will take the opportunity now.  Jane Rizzoli was just as funny and entertaining in the book as she is on screen!  Maura Isles has not yet made an appearance.  I’m looking forward to her addition.  Yes, I am a huge fan of Rizzoli and Isles!