Book Review: The Surgeon

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Surgeon     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Tess Gerritsen
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Medical   Thriller   Woman Main Character   Serial Killer
Series: Maura Isles and Jane Rizzoli # 1
Ballantine, Sept, 2001, $24.95, 336 pp.

Two years ago Savannah Trauma Surgeon Catherine Cordell informed first year resident Andrew Capra that she was not recommending him for a second year residency. He went to her home and pleaded his case and she politely but firmly refused to change her mind. He angrily tied her up, raped her, and prepared to kill her just as he did to three other women.

She somehow manages to get free and kill him with the gun hidden under her bed. She survives the attack but Savannah flees to work in a prestigious Boston hospital. A recent spate of rape and murders similar to the ones done by Andrew brings Catherine right into the middle of another nightmare. The perpetrator is focusing on her and unless the police can find out who he really is, Catherine will become his next victim.

Tess Gerritsen has written a medical thriller that discusses a woman’s need to be vigilant against the predators of the world. The story line is fast paced and enthralling in a Cook-Palmer kind of way. THE SURGEON is a multi-layered work with various and fascinating sub-plots seamlessly tying back to the main theme. Ms Gerristen has found her niche in the medical suspense genre.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner