The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen

This is another series I’m reading with a group on Goodreads. We’re a bit further along but I’m posting the earlier reviews. This book series was developed into the television series Rizzoli & Isles that aired on TNT starring Angie Harmon & Sasha Alexander. The books are much grittier than the television show, however.

It’s been a year since Jane Rizzoli’s encounter with the now jailed Surgeon and she’s still recovering. Not so much from her physical wounds but the deeper ones no one can see. When she’s called to a crime scene by another detective from a different squad, Rizzoli must face the horror all over again as she finds similarities to the Surgeon’s work.

Things are also compounded when an FBI agent inserts himself into the investigation. Gabriel Dean isn’t forthcoming with too many details as to why he’s there and Jane must not only tackle her resurfacing demons but hold her own with her own team and the lead detective from the Newton squad. Medical examiner Maura Isles is also introduced here.

I was reluctant to resume the series after the last book where a deeply flawed Jane Rizzoli didn’t seem to think she needed redemption nor would she own up to her troubling behavior. Her jealousy of fellow detective Thomas Moore’s relationship with a victim, Catherine Cordelia, led her to put his career at risk. And, the request she made of a fellow detective to cover up the details of her shooting of an unarmed suspect went beyond the pale. However, in this story, we find not only a repentant Rizzoli but one who is more introspective and less willing to be a victim of sexism. She’s still edgy and tough, which are her stengths, but without the huge boulder on her shoulder that characterized her in the first book. Rizzoli is much more focused on the investigation and working with not only her team but the detective from the other squad and the mysterious Gabriel Dean. We also learned more about the dynamics of her family, allowing us better insight into this intriguing character.

The re-emergence of the Surgeon was chilling and this story moved rapidly. For me, the bogey man was around every corner and I was tense for most of the book (really good thing for me). It is a tribute to the exceptional writing that my opinion of Jane Rizzoli was completely transformed. I’m looking forward to continuing the series and highly recommend this book.

Book Info

• Release Date: August 26, 2008
• Series: Rizzoli & Isles #2
• Page Numbers: 436

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