Book Review: The Sinner

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

The Sinner     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Tess Gerritsen
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Medical   Thriller   Woman Main Character
Series: Maura Isles and Jane Rizzoli # 3
2003, Bantam, 342 pages, £12.99 (British pounds)

In Gerritsen’s latest novel, two nuns are severely assaulted within their chapel. Maura Isles, the medical examiner, carries out an autopsy and discovers a shocking surprise. This is swiftly followed by another murder. Isles and homicide detective Jane Rizzoli discover that the case is linked to the past, but will they be able to find the killer?

This is the third in the series from Tess Gerritsen featuring detective Jane Rizzoli, and really, it would be best to read the books in order. Whilst there are no enormous spoilers, it would give the reader a better understanding of the characters and how they work.

As usual, Tess Gerritsen fails to disappoint. Her medical knowledge is sound, and she backs up the detailed medical descriptions of autopsies and suchlike with a good thriller. She succeeds in shocking the reader straight away with the violence inflicted upon the nuns, and the ensuing twists and turns make for good reading.

Gerritsen also includes some romantic elements for both the lead female protagonists and in some ways, this does not work. It struck me as odd that they could both be so successful in their professional lives, yet were unable to have any sort of romantic relationship. Nevertheless, this does not detract from the real story ­ the hunt for the killer.

Overall, this is another powerful thriller and the reader will find Gerritsen in fine form.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

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