The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

Title: The Surgeon
Author: Tess Gerristen
Series: #1 in The Rizzoli/Isles series
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Ballantine Books (October 2, 2001)
Source: Library find
Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: He slips into homes at night and walks silently into bedrooms where women lie sleeping, about to awaken to a living nightmare. The precision of his methods suggests that he is a deranged man of medicine, prompting the Boston newspapers to dub him “The Surgeon.” Led by Detectives Thomas Moore and Jane Rizzoli, the cops must consult the victim of a nearly identical crime: Two years ago, Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and filled an attacker before he could complete his assault. Now this new killer is re-creating, with chilling accuracy, the details of Cordell’s ordeal. With every new murder he seems to be taunting her, cutting ever closer, from her hospital to her home. And neither Moore nor Rizzoli can protect Cordell from a ruthless hunter who somehow understands—and savors—the secret fears of every woman he kills.

My Thoughts: This is a re-read for me and just as enjoyable the second time around. Of course it helps that I read this book over 15 years ago so things I thought I remembered happened just didn't happen. Old age memory is real kids!

The Good: While this is technically the Rizzoli/Isles series it is only Rizzoli featured in this one. This isn't a bad thing because it gives the reader a good sense of what makes Rizzoli tick. I think if this first book wasn't set up as Jane's her abrasive personality might have been more grating, making the book not as enjoyable.

The mystery is compelling and the killer is so unbelievably evil. Be aware that this is heavy into the thriller category with quite the graphic scenes. Also with the added medical aspect we have ER procedures added as well. I loved every bit of this book from every graphic gross detail to the personal conflict that makes Jane, Jane.

The Bad: Even with Jane's background her personality is abrasive and can irritate some readers. Even though this was my second read through and I was well aware of who she was I also found her to be a bit annoying. By the end of the book I did warm up a bit towards her but not enough.

In a Nutshell: I totally loved reading this book again and am looking forward to re-reading the next book in the series.