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 all starts with the murder of a nun within her abbey along with the assault on another. As Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles investigate, it leads them toward some highly surprising and divergent paths, including connections to other circumstances.
This is the book where we learn more about Maura Isles, finally. Her voice is the strongest though Jane gets considerable space. Nicknamed the Queen of the Dead because of what she does and her gothic look, Maura had to be more complex than a caricature (she is) and that unfolds. And, her relationship with Jane Rizzoli develops beyond their roles of detective and medical examiner.
There were also personal elements for both that added texture to them as characters and the story. Both became more relatable here because of it and their work dynamics played out well. I really liked the story because of this and the complexity of the cases. I was a little blindsided by the excellent twists at the end though the clues were there. I also listened to the story and Anna Fields did a great job but her pronunciation of Jane’s last name (Ritz-zoli) drove me nuts. Otherwise, this was a very good reading experience.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 9, 2003
- Series: Rizzoli & Isles
- Narrator: Anna Fields
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 8 minutes
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I’d watched all of the TV series before I began these books and couldn’t get to grips with the book characterisations.
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They are very, very different from the book. Rizzoli looks more like the TV version now that I’m progressing through the book series. Maura Isles? Not at all.
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I had the same problem. I really enjoyed the show and wish it was still running.
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Me too. It was one of my favourites.
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It’s a gripping series, it’s been a while since I last read something by Tess Gerritsen but she’s a great author.
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I was pleasantly surprised as I moved through the book series, especially with Jane Rizzoli’s evolution. I’m truly enjoying the stories.
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Great review, Jonetta! I have a copy of this book, but haven’t read it yet. This is a series I want to get caught up on this year.
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Thanks, Darinda! I think you’re going to be very pleased with the series.
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I’ve read a handful of Gerritsen’s books in this series, and love most of the stories. Some were a little so so but, for the most part, once you stop thinking of the TV series, they’re an enjoyable read. Haven’t read this one, yet. Will look it up.
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It’s so different from the TV series. Do recommend reading them in order, though, as things happen later that are spoilers for the earlier books.
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I need to go to the library and start from the beginning. 😀
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I got all of mine, in audio, from the library.
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Nice review Jonetta. I read this series than watched the television show. I was shocked when I saw the character of Maura Isles. I can not wrap my head around it at all.
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Thanks, Carla! You’re so right. The Maura in the books bears no relationship to the TV version. I’ve had a tough time blocking out the actress as I’m reading the books.
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Another series I need to get back to , Fantastic review!
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Thanks, Berit!
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Excellent review!! 🙂
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Thank you, Deanna!
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Another author that I have not read in ages. I need to pick up my game. Wonderful review, Jonetta!
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Thanks, Marialyce! I’m enjoying the series.
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I want to read this series, of course. I haven’t watched the TV show and probably won’t.
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If you plan to read the books, I wouldn’t watch the TV show, Anne.
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I’ve always wanted to read these, Jonetta. I LOVED the show. Good to know these are grittier. Does it have the fun banter between the characters? Wonderful review!
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Thanks, Jennifer! That type banter doesn’t really exist in the books as their relationship is quite different. I lean towards the books because they’re more serious about the procedurals and forensics. Jane and Maura have a different kind of bond.
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Great review, Jonetta!
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Thanks, Brenda!
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Fantastic review, Jonetta! This is one of my favorite series ever and thankfully one that I’m actually caught up with, lol. I just love Gerritsen’s writing too and have read everything she’s written to date. Oddly, I’ve never watched the tv series because I was afraid they would ruin it. Maybe I should though since I’ve read all of them and at least would know where thy change things (like the actress looking nothing like their descriptions). For some reason, I still picture Angie Harmon on the short-lived James Patterson Women’s Murder series that was on tv, haha.
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Thanks, Stephanie! If you love the book series, I wouldn’t seek out the TV show. The first season stayed pretty close to the tone of the books. After that? Not even close. They made it more of a sitcom with a murder case element. My husband and I kept hanging in there through each season but it never came back. At the time, I’d only read the first three books but still…
I remember Angie Harmon from that series! That only lasted one season but I liked it.
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You’re welcome! I won’t watch it then. It has too many seasons to catch up any way, and the series is much too dark for it to be any different. Yuck. Yes! I really enjoyed the Women’s Murder Club series on TV and wish they hadn’t canceled it. ABC has a habit of canceling shows that I love, and it drives me nuts since I very rarely watch TV.
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I rarely watch series on ABC for that very reason. Obviously, I’m not their demographic.
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I still watch Grey’s Anatomy and How to Get Away WIth Murder, but that’s it since they keep pulling things just when I start to enjoy them. I guess I’m not either. They used to have some really good crime/detective shows that I enjoyed too-oh well, I guess it’s a good thing that I watch tv maybe 1x a week during the school year and play catch up over the summer watching things On Demand.
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I keep up with Grey’s Anatomy but got behind on How to Get Away With Murder (two seasons, not counting this one) but plan to catch up on Netflix one day. I was also watching Designated Survivor until they yanked that one. I gave up and won’t add any new ones anymore.
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I’ve heard about the TV show, but haven’t watched it. I didn’t know it was based on books, but I should’ve known. It seems that everything Hollywood does these days is based on books. They can’t come up with original idea. That’s okay. It just shows how awesome authors are. 😀
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
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I liked the TV show, didn’t love it after the first season. The books are better. I prefer them using books for adaptation when done right. Especially Netflix and Amazon Prime.
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