#5: Vanish (2005)

by Tess Gerritsen
#5: Vanish (2005) cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Technical
  • ID: 5533
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
alwayswithabook.com · Unknown · 2013-08-25
excellent 4.50

Vanish by Tess Gerritsen is the fifth book in the Rizzoli & Isles series, offering a darker and more intense experience than the TV show. The story combines medical thriller and police procedural elements, with a gripping plot involving human trafficking and a hostage crisis.

Vanish by Tess Gerritsen is a thrilling addition to the Rizzoli & Isles series, blending medical thriller and police procedural genres. The story is darker and more intense than the TV show, featuring a hostage crisis involving a pregnant detective Jane Rizzoli. The narrative delves into human trafficking, with graphic and harrowing details that make it unsuitable for the faint of heart. The tension is high, and the characters' perspectives add depth to the story. While there are some lighter moments, such as Jane's preparations for motherhood, they are overshadowed by the intense and action-packed plot. The series continues to captivate with its character development and gripping storytelling.

Quick quotes

    This is the fifth book in Tess Gerritsen’s Rizzoli & Isles series and as I get further into the series, I find myself more hooked than ever.

    This series is definitely part medical thriller, part police procedural and the combination lends itself to an action-packed story with twists and turns that keep you turning the pages.

    At times, it’s very graphic and certainly not for the faint of heart.

carpelibrum.net · Unknown · 2012-04-18
disappointing 1.50

The reviewer found 'Vanish' by Tess Gerritsen to be an average crime story with a disappointing ending. They were not impressed by the character of Jane Rizzoli as a mother and found the plot to be mildly entertaining at best. The reviewer gave the book a rating of 1.5 out of 5.

The reviewer's first encounter with Tess Gerritsen's series featuring Detective Jane Rizzoli and Dr. Maura Isles was not a positive one. They found the character of Jane Rizzoli, who is heavily pregnant in 'Vanish', to be a departure from the character in the TV show 'Rizzoli & Isles'. The reviewer was also not convinced by the plot, which they found to be unbelievable at times. The ending was particularly disappointing, as it boiled down to a sex/snuff tape featuring a powerful man in the Intelligence arena. The reviewer did appreciate the sub-plot of a young girl struggling to seek freedom, but overall, they found the book to be mildly entertaining at best. They gave the book a rating of 1.5 out of 5 and stated that they would not be giving Gerritsen a second chance in the future.

Quick quotes

    This is crime writing at its unputdownable, nerve-tingling best.

    Unfortunately I didn't find Vanish unputdownable or nerve-tingling

    I think I'll stick to the TV Show for now, which I enjoy very much.

booklore.co.uk · Unknown · 2007-05-12
excellent 4.50

The reviewer praises Tess Gerriten's Vanish for its gripping plot and well-developed characters, particularly the protagonist Rizzoli and Isles. They appreciate the medical details and the suspenseful narrative, making it a compelling read.

Tess Gerriten's Vanish is highly commended for its intricate plot and the dynamic between the main characters, Rizzoli and Isles. The reviewer finds the medical details authentic and the suspense engaging, making it a page-turner. The book's strength lies in its character development and the way it keeps the reader on the edge. However, some might find the pacing a bit slow in parts, but overall, it's a thrilling read that fans of the series will enjoy. The reviewer also appreciates the author's ability to blend medical knowledge with a compelling mystery, making the story both educational and entertaining.

Quick quotes

    The chemistry between Rizzoli and Isles is electric

    The medical details are spot-on and add a layer of authenticity

    The suspense is relentless, making it hard to put down

itsacrimeukbooks.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2006-04-18
excellent 4.50

The reviewer found 'Vanish' by Tess Gerritsen to be a gripping and memorable crime thriller that explores themes of human inhumanity and the exploitation of women. They particularly enjoyed the character development of Jane Rizzoli, especially her journey as a new mother, and praised the book's ability to keep readers engaged with its surprising plot twists.

The reviewer was thoroughly engrossed by 'Vanish', describing it as a page-turner that effectively blends elements of crime and thriller genres. The story revolves around a group of Russian immigrants whose hopes for a better life are shattered, and Detective Jane Rizzoli, who finds herself in a high-stakes hostage situation while in labor. The reviewer appreciated the book's exploration of dark themes and its ability to keep readers guessing until the very end. They also highlighted the compelling character dynamics between Rizzoli, Maura Isles, and Gabriel Dean, praising Gerritsen's ability to create a thrilling and emotionally resonant narrative. The reviewer found the insights into Rizzoli's experiences as a new mother particularly engaging, adding depth to the character and the story. Overall, they highly recommended the book, emphasizing its lasting impact and the powerful emotions it evokes.

Quick quotes

    This book is a page turner, no doubt about that.

    Gerritsen embraces all of life here — the normal and that which sometimes intrudes, for the better or the worse.

    You can’t do better than this novel - "Vanish". Forget what it says on the shocking pink label here in the UK; this is a book that deserves recognition and memory, not disappearance.

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