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Book Reviews of The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1)

The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1)
The Surgeon - Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1
Author: Tess Gerritsen
ISBN-13: 9780345477262
ISBN-10: 034547726X
Publication Date: 8/3/2004
Pages: 368
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 65

3.9 stars, based on 65 ratings
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

134 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 60 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
Excellent serial killer/suspense story. Very well written with characters highly developed. Extremely hard to put down once you start reading.
mahbaar avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 111 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
OK, this book is very well-written and suspenseful. Those who enjoy Elizabeth George's Lynley/Havers mysteries will surely spot similarities between Jane Rizzoli and Barbara Havers. But for me, this book crossed the line of my tolerance for gore and creepiness. Too much detail to the gore, a medical setting with graphic descriptions of trauma-center medical cases, too much viewpoint of the killer. Worth a try if you have a tolerance for more gore and creepiness than the Lynley/Havers mysteries.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 34 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
This is one of her best - kept me on the edge of my seat, and couldn't put it down!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 77 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Ok, creepy creepy creepy - but excellent writing. This one is followed up the The Apprentice. Look out Detective Rizzoli! You'll want to read them both.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 144 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Fast paced reading with characters you can keep tract of without going back to see who they are. Keeps one guessing and reading. I liked it.
gotchagal avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 97 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I picked this book up recently right after reading (and loving) "The Silent Girl" and once I started it, I couldn't put it down. The writing is tight, extremely graphic and filled with tension. It really holds your attention. I felt much the same way about "The Silent Girl".

It wasn't until I finished the book that I learned it was part of a series. This book is Book #1 in a series of at least seven. I now intend to start with Book #2 and go from there. I've also learned that this series is a part of a television program with weekly episodes that I knew nothing about, Rissoli and Isles, but one that has many fans.

I'd read at least one or two books by Tess Gerritsen a number of years ago and had forgotten how terrific an author she is. I would positively recommend her writing. She is a brilliant story teller and her medical background makes for fantastic additions to her stories.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 224 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is a great story and good page turner! If you like murder mysteries or Tess Gerritsen's books, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
The Surgeon is a solid introduction to Jane Rizzoli's character, though to call it Book 1 in the Rizzoli and Isles series is a stretch since Maura Isles isn't even in the book. The story is creepy and well-paced. I guarantee you won't be able to put down this book - as long as you aren't squeamish...
boydheather17 avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
The Surgeon is an awsome book. It was hard to put it down and got me hooked on Tess Gerritsen as an author, I have read all of the books in the Jane Rizzoli/Maura Isles collection, and this is the start, it will get you hooked and you will want to read the next one as soon as you are done. The Surgeon is a great non-stop page turner, you will not be disappointed!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The Surgeon is right up there with the best of Tess Gerritens'. It has it all, romance, drama, believable characters and lots of suspense!
Once I got into it, I couln't put it down.
kdjastone avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Overall this is a good book. I actually read it in two separate readings. Only thing I didn't like was a few curse words that were inappropriate. Does keep you trying to figure out who 'The Surgeon' is.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Oh my! I seriously did not put this one down. It had me from the first page. I love the plot and the suspense. The romance was an extra and was very well done. I can't wait to read more from this series. If you love suspense, this one will not disappoint!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Don't finish this book in the middle of the night - you won't get any sleep if you do! Great Gerritsen.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a real page turner and it has kept me up late into the night. I just couldn't put the book down. With all the medical detail, it reminds me of the Patricia Cornwell books.
marcijo28 avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 280 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A thriller with a precise incision!
birdiemakers avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first Tess Gerritsen book I have read and glad I tried this author. It kept my interest and never slowed down. Worth reading and I will definitely read more from Tess Gerritsen.
daedelys avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 1218 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was my first book read by this author and I wasn't the least bit disappointed! I was glued to the pages and amazed by the plot and characters. I had to get the rest of the series after reading this one!
Lissa avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 224 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
He slips into their homes at nite and walks silently into bedrooms where women sleep, about to awake to a living nightmare. The precision of the killer's methods suggests he's a deranged man of medicine, propelling the papers to name him "The surgeon". The cops only clue rests with the victim of a nearly identical crime that happened 2 yrs ago. Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and killed her attacker before he could complete his assualt. Now this new killer is recreating, with chilling accuracy, the details of Cordell's own ordeal.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Rizzoli isn't even the main character and there is no Isles in this book, so don't expect the TNT series. But it was a book read and I will continue reading the series.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Kept one guessing as to who done it..
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Great book, stayed up late to finish.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Tess Gerritsen is a wonderful writer. Her writings fill your head with pictures of what is happening. I can never put her books down and this one is included! This story is so encaptivating and realistic you find yourself looking around as you read. LOVED IT!!!!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent read! It grabs you right from the beginning and keeps you to the very end. I look forward to reading more of Tess
Gerritsen's books. Be forewarned...it's very graphic.
melissaab avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
good book. enjoyed it
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 63 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book I read by by Tess Gerritsen. I LOVED it and have already requested the next 4 in the series!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 82 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I LOVED this book. My heart was pounding until the end. I'm not usually one for medical thrillers but Gerrtisen's are just excellent!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A killer goes in homes at night and kills by a method that suggests he is a man of medicine. One woman fought back and killed her attacker before he could kill her. Now, a new killer is recreating the acts, and is taunting the lady that survived.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
This book was entertaining but not one of her best.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 459 more book reviews
FROM THE PUBLISHER
In her most masterful novel of medical suspense, New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen creates a villain of unforgettable evil--and the one woman who can catch him before he kills again.
SYNOPSIS
Filled with the authentic detail that is the trademark of this doctor turned author ... and peopled with rich and complex characters--from the ER to the squad room to the city morgue--here is a thriller of unprecedented depth and suspense. Exposing the shocking link between those who kill and cure, punish and protect, The Surgeon is Tess Gerritsen's most exciting accomplishment yet
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
For any viewers of the new show, Rizzoli & Isles, this will be an especially interesting book. The character of Rizzoli in the book is very different from the character in the TV show. The story is a good one and moves along at a good pace. I had the good fortune to attend a speaking event by Tess Gerritsen recently, and it was really interesting to hear how to reads and hoards facts which often later present themselves in her books. I'm sure her own background as a physician was helpful in writing The Surgeon.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
Very good...I'm hooked. Gerritsen gave up career as dr. to be a writer...great career move! When reading her books, they play like a movie in my head. You are on the edge of your seat and if you think you know what's going to happen next -- you're wrong. I surprised myself talking out loud to the characters in the story, trying to warn them.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 103 more book reviews
Excellent read, fast-paced, believable characters.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 593 more book reviews
Great read with a good ending.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Good read.
breeluvs2read avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
This series about medical examiner Maura Isles is a great read - It's as addiciting as the Patricia Cornwell series of Scarpetta!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Good Book
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
Scary suspenseful story of a creepy murderer...
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
Excellent. Couldn't put it down.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 118 more book reviews
Although this is a fast paced and interesting thriller, I cannot recommend it because of the violence against women in it.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 88 more book reviews
What a Great Read !
A murderer is in Boston targeting women who have been raped. This grisly sicko captures them, tortures them and cuts out their uterus as a trophy before killing them.
This is a nail biter all the way as I flew through it page after page. A real suspense filled and Very Entertaining book !
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
Great, suspenseful book
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
thrilling!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
AWESOME, AWESOME Book. Edge of your seat the whole time!!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 88 more book reviews
Two years ago Dr. Catherine Cordell had been successful in escaping a sexual assault. She had killed her attacker. Now women are being brutally killed in almost identical manner - details never released to the public. She feels he is taunting her and now she is also in danger. Even Detective Thomas Moore cannot protect her from the Surgeon. Gripping suspense.
mindyislosingit avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
I've enjoyed reading this book. Rizzoli is a little softer on the TV show than in the book. Maura is not in this book at all. I liked the characters and got pulled in and actually felt sympathy for them and cared about them. Good book. Looking forward to book 2 "The Apprentice".
ramblingrose avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
very good. I love the Rizzoli/Isles series
luvbooks avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 126 more book reviews
An absolutely terrifying thriller that only Gerritsen can deliver!!
Have not read a book by this author that I didnt like!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 36 more book reviews
This is a terrifying work that builds steadily toward a climax that will have your heart pounding,
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Intense Triller.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 46 more book reviews
Highly entertaining if you like this genre which I do.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
After watching the show, I thought I'd read the books. The Surgeon was a good suspense novel but just a tad too graphic for my taste. I'll continue and see how the stories give background and add more to the characters that I enjoy watching so much.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
Gerritsen is a great mystery/triller writer! This book scared me at night!
heather73 avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
This was a fascinating thriller..I love all of Tess Gerritsens books and this was fast past and kept my attention from beginning to end!
Sunshine avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 142 more book reviews
Very good suspense book; graphic. I really like Tess Gerritsen's books.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 42 more book reviews
Another GREAT book by Tess Gerritsen!
lee avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 131 more book reviews
Love Tess Garritsen!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
This is Tess's foray and one of her best in my opinion. Impossible to put down and very graphic. If you're squeamish, don't pick this book up. She is a master storyteller that adds the most intricate of details from a medical standpoint. Her background lends itself to writing amazing books like this as well as her others such as Harvest. I am a big Tess fan and have communicated directly with her in email. Very personable and a brilliant storyteller.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
I enjoyed the Rissoli and Isles TV series so when I discovered it was taken from the series of books I looked for the first book of the series. I have read almost all of the Patricia Cornwell books but this book was more graphic in a less scientific way, from the view of the killer. That threw me a little at first but the story line drew me in. There are story lines on several characters but they are introduced in a way that is easy to follow. There is also a great love story between two of the characters which isn't resolved until the end. I enjoyed the book and will read more in this series.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
Enjoyed the book. First I have read from this author and I wasn't disappointed. It held my interest from beginning to end.
Bookworm42 avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
It says this is the 1st book of Rizzoli and Isles, but it isn't, it's just Rizzoli. But it is still a good book especially since I figured it out way before the police did in the book. I kept saying the answer but they wouldn't listen to me. LOL
robinmy avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 2045 more book reviews
A serial killer is butchering women in Boston. The police don't have much to go on, until they find that there was identical murders in Savannah a couple of years ago where the last victim shot the killer. That last victim, Dr. Catherine Cordell, has since moved to Boston. Could this series of murders have something to do with her?

Wow! Fantastic suspense that keeps the reader glued to the book. My rating: 5 Stars.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
An excellent read if you like gory with lots of twists and turns. Similar style as Patricia Cornwel. Read this one before "The Apprentice."
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
In this frighteningly suspenseful tale, Detective Tom Moore and his partner Jane Rizzoli try to discover who is playing "surgeon" in Boston, and why. A serial killer strikes, butchering his female victims with a precision that indicates he has expert medical knowledge.

Some years ago in Savannah, GA, a serial killer murdered women in exactly the same way, until his last victim, Dr. Catherine Cordell, who now works in Boston, shot and killed him. As the investigation progresses, Cordell is brought in to help. The Surgeon is a fascinating medical story with a gripping plot and rich, complex characters.

This is one of the few thrillers I've read over the years that I will read again. Aside from the fascinating plot, the characters, especially "The Surgeon" himself, were riveting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys medical horror/drama.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
The Jane Rizzoli series are great. They are suspenseful and keep you on your toes. Read as many Tess Gerritsen as you can.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Great forensice book. Fairly gory.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 41 more book reviews
I read this in 2 days--make sure you have the time because you won't want to put it down!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
Dr Catherine Cordell relives her attact after 2 yrs from The Surgeon with new attacker copying what happlened. Excellent reading.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 60 more book reviews
Great book if you are fan of Patricia Cornwell, you will probably like this series
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
I read the entire book in two days!! I just ordered a number of other books by this author as I enjoyed it sooo much!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 42 more book reviews
Excellent fast pace book, Tess Gerritsen is an excellent writter!
Highly recommend the author and books
my2luvsemmyandmally avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 758 more book reviews
He slips into their homes at night and walks silently into bedrooms where women lie sleeping, about to awake to a living nightmare. The precision of the killer's methods suggests he is a deranged man of medicine, propelling the Boston Newspapers to name him: "The Surgeon". The cops' only clue rests with the victim of a nearly identical crime. Two years ago Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and killed her attacker before he could complete his assault. Now, this killer is re-creating, with chilling accuracy, the details of Cordell's own ordeal. With every new murder he seems to be taunting her, cutting ever closer, from her hospital to her home. Her only comfort comes from the Detective assigned to the case but even he can't protect her from a brilliant hunter who somehow understands .....and savors......the secret fears of every woman he kills..... This story will grip you and terrify you until the very end. A tense and terrifying climax of suspense!
cindybeadlady avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
LOVE her stuff... she is better than Cornwell!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
Another great book from Tess Gerritsen
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
Reminded me of a movie out a few years ago.
sgray29 avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
I wasn't really awed until the end of the book. If we had 1/2 stars, I'd go 3 1/2 stars. Although I found most of the story to poke along, the end was pretty suspenseful & not horribly obvious.
The whole "Rizzoli & Isles #1" is a little misleading. Rizzoli was in the book, but I never saw Isles. I've never seen the television series based on these books. I love a good series, so I'll surely pick up #2 soon.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 141 more book reviews
Great pacing. Not so fast you feel like you're ready an empty movie script. Good stuff. Emotional and smart.
papillonagility avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 56 more book reviews
My mother really enjoyed this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 162 more book reviews
AWESOME READ!!!!!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
this was and excellent thriller! she really out does herself in the suspense of this book! its well worth reading!
debbie
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
A gripping novel about a killer who appears to be a deranged man of medicine. Tess Gerritsen writes very graphic scenes so it is not for the squeamish.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
A very good version of a serial killer and the suspense,,good luck solving prior to the ending,I usually can but could not LOL
wintersqt4ever avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 61 more book reviews
Creepy book, but Tess Gerritson has always been creepy for me.
runcysmom avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 163 more book reviews
This book was good enough to make me buy and am now reading the follow up.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Scared me which is what I like and I couldn't guess the story ahead of time.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Tess Gerrittson has a wonderful ability to tell a story I enjoy her style very much
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
A action packed, suspense thriller!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
Very well written, thrilling, definitely a page turner!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 249 more book reviews
Grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go... Tami Hoag

"He slips into their homes at night and walks silently into bedrooms where women lie sleeping, unaware of the horrors they soon will endure. The precision of the killer's methods suggest he is a deranged man of medicine, propelling the Boston newpapers and the frightened public to name him "The Surgeon."
The cops' only clue rest with another surgeon, the victim of a nearly identicle crime. Two years ago, Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and killed her attacker before he could complete his assault. Now she hides her fears of intimacy behind a cool and elegant exterior and a well-earned reputation as a top trauma surgeon.
Cordell's careful facade is about to crack as this new killer re-creats, with chilling accuracy, the details of Cordell's own ordeal. With every new murder he seems to be taunting her, cutting ever closeer, from her hospital to her home. Her only comfort comes from Thomas Moore, the detective assigned to the case. But even Moore cannot protect Cordell from a brilliant hunter who somehow understands--and savors--the secret fears of every woman he kills."
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 41 more book reviews
This is an excellent book! I really enjoy Tess Gerritsen a very easy read! Make sure you read this than the Apprentice
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Great book!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
A medical thriller of an unforgettable evil--and the one woman who can cath him before e kills again,
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
A little too gory for my taste, but I was still caught up in it.
guppy47 avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
I loved this book by Tess Gerritsen. From the start it was so exciting...very fast read. Could not lay this one down. I recommend this to anyone who loves thrills and a real page turner from beginning to end.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on
Excellent book. Held my attention - and now it's holding my husband's attention. Now readingthe 2nd book in the series.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
This has been a good book. A medical mystery thriller that keeps me coming back for more.
WildOrchid avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 222 more book reviews
A great read. Hard to put down!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 135 more book reviews
Super, edge-of-your seat mystery/thriller. A killer is attacking women in thier homes and performing surgery on them (without anesthesia) and taking the body part with him and then killing them, and Detective Jane Rizzoli is part of the team trying to catch him. I really hated to see this one end.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 170 more book reviews
This was the first Tess Gerritsen book I read and it was GREAT! Very descriptive and very tense! Excellent read! I recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers/mysteries.
gotchagal avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 97 more book reviews
Excellent book and a tense read. This was the first Tess Gerritsen book I read, and I've since read most of her others as a result of how much I enjoyed The Surgeon. I have not been disappointed. Neither will you.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 98 more book reviews
Awesome and scary. I love her books. They will keep you on the edge of your seat.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 51 more book reviews
Exciting read!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Creepy, terrifying suspenseful
perryfran avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 1175 more book reviews
I read this book because my wife and I enjoy the TV series, Rizzoli & Isles which is based on this series of books by Gerritsen. This is the first book in the series and it is a far cry from the TV series...not in a bad way, just different. First of all, this novel does not even feature Isles and Rizzoli seemed to be a secondary character. The novel was about a serial killer who preyed on women who had been raped. One of these women, Dr. Catherine Cordell, had been raped in Savannah, Georgia, but she had been able to kill her attacker and escape. So why is she being stalked by a killer in Boston with the same MO as the killer in Savannah? Is the Boston killer a copy-cat or something else? The killer in Boston is dubbed "The Surgeon" because he surgically removes the uterus of the victims. The team of detectives on the case is led by Thomas Moore, who gets romantically involved with Cordell. Rizzoli does have a significant role near the end of the novel but the focus was on Cordell and Moore. Overall, I would recommend this novel and I will be reading more in the series. Not sure when Isles will make an appearance!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Another winner by Tess Gerritsen. One of those edge of your seat mysteries. Made me double check the locks on the windows and doors and keep the blinds closed. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good "who done it".
salsadancer avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
This is the first book in a series of suspenseful crime novels (Rizzoli & Isles, #1) set in Boston where a killer and torturer of young women is being tracked by police and by a surgeon who survived a similar torture and attempted murder.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
The first book in the Jane Rizzoli/Maura Isles books, but M. Isles is not introduced yet. Rizzoli is a Boston homicide detective with a major chip on her shoulder. As the only female in the department her abrasiveness and also difficulties make for realistic and interesting reading.
"The Surgeon" is terrorizing Boston; killing and dissecting women while still alive. The detectives discover similar crimes took place in Atlanta/Savannah years earlier and the only survivor from this spree was Catherine Cordell a trauma surgeon now living in Boston.
Not much more can be revealed here without the risk of ruining the thrilling roller coaster ride of suspense and plot twists the reader should look forward to experiencing. I figured out one of the bigger "twists" but it did not take away from the experience. I am not rushing out to find the next book in the series, but would definitely read it if it came my way.
romeo avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 334 more book reviews
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 the killer's methods suggests that he is a deranged man of medicine, propelling the Boston newspapers to dub him "The Surgeon." The cops' only clue rests with the victim of a nearly identical crime: 2 years ago, Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and killed an attacker before he could complete his assault. Now this new killer is re-creating, with chilling accuracy, the details of Cordell's own ordeal. With every new murder he seems to be taunting her, cutting ever closer, from her hospital to her home. Her only comfort comes from Thomas Moore, the detective assigned to the case. But even Moore cannot protect Cordell from a brilliant hunter who somehow understands-and savors-the secret fear of every woman he kills...
cathyskye avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 2260 more book reviews
I've been putting off reading this series due to the Rizzoli & Isles television series, but it wasn't necessary. Like Longmire, the producers use the authors' works as springboards to new storylines, so both books and television series can be enjoyed.

I think the detail that threw me the most was the absence of Dr. Maura Isles, who isn't introduced until the next entry, The Apprentice. I had already been informed of the differences between literary Rizzoli and her TV counterpart-- and that's enough comparisons between the two mediums!

I have to admit that the serial killer part of The Surgeon was a tad old hat, but this was written in 2001 when he would've been much fresher. Watching the investigation unfold was fascinating; it took a lot of basic police work, dotting the i's and crossing the t's. Going back over the same ground until some small detail stood out and begged to be followed up on.

Due to Gerritsen's medical background, readers get an excellent feel for the protocol in hospitals and the split-second decisions that must be made in the emergency room. But the overarching theme of The Surgeon is women competing in what has always been considered a "man's world." Jane Rizzoli and Catherine Cordell both have cores of steel; they have to because of their occupations. Too many times women have been treated as victims, as a sex not worthy of being heard, only of being ignored, protected as something "lesser," or... of being disposed of. Tess Gerritsen makes readers feel every second, every ounce, of this injustice. It's this passion of hers, along with her fast-paced story, her fascinating characters, and her eye for detail that will keep me reading her books.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
Kept me reading through to the end!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Good read - looking forward to the rest of the series
Summer6ft avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 77 more book reviews
Great but gruesome crime, suspense novel. The first featuring Lady detective Jane Rizzoli. Follow up with the Apprentice, the Sinner, Body Double and Vanish.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Very quick read! I loved this one. Suspenseful!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Good book! Enjoyed the twists and turns!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Great suspense book!!!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book...it is the second I have read from her. I certainly enjoyed "The Sinner" better, but this was not bad at all. I will continue reading her!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
Just recently began reading Tess Gerritsen...will be on the lookout for more of her "stuff". The Surgeon kept me reading well into the early dawn hours...!!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
I thoguht it was well written and interesting.As with Kathy Reich's books, the book characters have little connection to the television characters, which is great because it allows me to enjoy both as seperate entities!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 51 more book reviews
Gerristen does it again!! A real page turner!!
Sheree R.
desertkat avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
A real page turner. Not for the faint of heart, however.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Extremely graphic.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 74 more book reviews
Great book!
Tunerlady avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 581 more book reviews
Excellent book... fast paced - good characters with just enough humor thrown in.... couldn't put it down!
cranbery avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 530 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book! Great start to a series I look forward to reading. Wonder why I haven't discovered this author before!
travelingal avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
This book was riveting. So much so that, since I saw that it was Book 3 in a series, I've begun ordering the rest of the series. The description of Rizzoli's character differs from the TV Rizzoli, but that really doesn't matter. The book(s) are entertaining reads. My summer is set!
vanascarbookworm avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Read first as it brings you into the Rizzoli n that it was good.
AngelWings avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 160 more book reviews
This was a very good book. I did not want to put it down.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
A real thriller; hard to put down.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
this was a great way to start her series. it was page turning all the way great book
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
A real thriller!
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
He slips into their homes at night and walks silently into bedrooms where women lie sleeping, about to awake to a living nightmare. The precision of the killer''s methods suggests he is a deranged man of medicine, propelling the Boston newspapers to name him "The Surgeon." The cops' only clue rests with the victim of a nearly identical crime. Two years ago, Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and killed her attacker before he could complete his assault. Now this new killer is re'creating, with cilling accuracy, the details of Cordell's own ordeal. With every new murder he seems to be taunting her, cutting ever closer, from her hospital to her home. Her only comfort comes form Thomas Moore, the detective assigned to the case. But even Moore cannot protect Cordell from a brilliant hunter who somehow understands, and savors, the secret fears of every women he kills...
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 45 more book reviews
In her most masterful novel of medical suspense, New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen creates a villain of unforgettable evil--and the one woman who can catch him before he kills again.

He slips into their homes at night and walks silently into bedrooms where women lie sleeping, unaware of the horrors they soon will endure. The precision of the killer's methods suggests he is a deranged man of medicine, propelling the Boston newspapers and the frightened public to name him "The Surgeon."

The cops' only clue rests with another surgeon, the victim of a nearly identical crime. Two years ago, Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and killed her attacker before he could complete his assault. Now she hides her fears of intimacy behind a cool and elegant exterior and a well-earned reputation as a top trauma surgeon.

Cordell's careful facade is about to crack as this new killer recreates, with chilling accuracy, the details of Cordell's own ordeal. With every new murder he seems to be taunting her, cutting ever closer, from her hospital to her home. Her only comfort comes from Thomas Moore, the detective assigned to the case. But even Moore cannot protect Cordell from a brilliant hunter who somehow understands--and savors--the secret fears of every woman he kills.

Filled with the authentic detail that is the trademark of this doctor turned author . . . and peopled with rich and complex characters--from the ER to the squad room to the city morgue--here is a thriller of unprecedented depth and suspense. Exposing the shocking link between those who kill and cure, punish and protect, The Surgeon is Tess Gerritsen's most exciting accomplishment yet.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 31 more book reviews
From back cover:
He slips into their homes at night and walks silently into bedrooms where women lie sleeping, about to awake to a living nightmare. The precision of the killer's methods suggests he is a deranged man of medicine, propelling the Boston newspapers to name him "The Surgeon." The cops' only clue rests with the victim of a nearly identical crime. Two years ago, Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and killed her attacker before he could complete his assault. Now this new killer is re-creating, with chilling accuracy, the details of Cordell's own ordeal. With every new murder he seems to be taunting her, cutting ever closer, from her hospital to her home. Her only comfort comes from Thomas Moore, the detective assigned to the case. But even Moore cannot protect Cordell from a brilliant hunter who somehow understands - and savors - the secret fears of every woman he kills.
reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 302 more book reviews
Someone is killing with surgical instruments.
hollielazor avatar reviewed The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles, Bk 1) on + 83 more book reviews
He slips into their homes at night and walks silently into bedrooms where women lie sleeping about to awake to a living nightmare. The precision of the killer's methods suggests he is a deranged man of medicine, propelling the Boston newspapers to name him "The Surgeon" The cops' only clue rests with the victim of a nearly identical crime. Two years ago, Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and killed her attacker before he could complete his assault. Now this new killer is re-creating, with chilling accuracy, the details of Cordell's own ordeal. With every new murder he seems to be taunting her, cutting ever closer, from her hospital to her home. Her only comfort comes from Thomas Moore, the detective assigned to the case. But even Moore cannot protect Cordell from a brilliant hunter who somehow understands-and savors-the secret fears of every woman he kills...
Loved this plot! Great edge of your seat thriller.