The Surgeon

by Tess Gerritsen
The Surgeon cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Thriller/Suspense
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Format • £9.49
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 5608
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780553817065
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2005-01-03
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

In the heart of Boston, a sinister killer preys on lone women, leaving behind a trail of terror and ritualistic violence. The killer's surgical precision leads detectives Thomas Moore and Jane Rizzoli to suspect a physician is behind the gruesome acts. Their investigation takes a shocking turn when they discover a connection to Dr. Catherine Cordell, a survivor of a brutal attack who now finds herself targeted once again. As the killer seems to know intimate details of her past, Catherine must confront her deepest fears and the possibility that the man she thought she killed is back for revenge. The tension escalates as the killer's true identity and motives remain shrouded in mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-12-22
exciting 4.50

One of the best medical crime thrillers with a gripping plot and credible characters. The writing is atmospheric and delivers non-stop tension.

This reviewer praises 'The Surgeon' as one of the best medical crime thrillers they have read. They highlight the gripping plot, credible characters, and atmospheric writing that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The tension is non-stop, making it a highly engaging read. They appreciate the way the author weaves together medical and crime elements to create a compelling narrative.

Quick quotes

    'The Surgeon' is one of the best medical crime thrillers I have read.

    A gripping plot, credible characters and atmospheric writing that delivers non-stop tension.

    The tension is non-stop, making it a highly engaging read.

beta.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-12-19
excellent 4.50

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen is a gripping medical thriller that combines a tight, suspenseful plot with well-drawn characters and a chilling villain. The reviewer enjoyed the book immensely and plans to read more in the series, noting that the book series differs from the TV adaptation, which they appreciate.

The reviewer found The Surgeon to be a highly engaging and suspenseful read. The plot is tight and well-paced, filled with intense and riveting scenes that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters are well-drawn and engaging, particularly the diabolical villain who adds a layer of chilling suspense. The reviewer appreciated the authentic medical details and the complex characters that Tess Gerritsen brings to life. They noted that while they enjoyed the book, they were disappointed that Maura Isles, a character from the TV series, is not present in this novel. However, they are looking forward to reading more in the series and exploring other books by Tess Gerritsen. The reviewer also mentioned that the book series differs from the TV series, which they find refreshing as it allows them to keep the two separate. Overall, they found the book to be a great read that was hard to put down.

Quick quotes

    This is an intricate medical thriller that has it all: a tight, tense, well-paced plot, full of intense and riveting scenes, crisp, suspenseful writing, terrific well-drawn and engaging characters and a diabolical villian who makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

    The only problem is that Maura Isles is not in this book — hopefully she makes an appearance in the next one.

    I found this to be a really good book that was very hard to put down. This is the first time I’ve read Tess Gerritsen and not only will I be reading the rest of the Jane Rizzoli/Maura Isles series, but I will also be checking out her other books.

thtswhatsheread.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2025-11-20
good 3.00

The reviewer enjoyed 'The Surgeon' by Tess Gerritsen, appreciating the crime thriller elements and the character of Jane Rizzoli. They found some feminist themes over-the-top but overall liked the book and plan to continue the series.

The reviewer had been meaning to read Tess Gerritsen's novels and picked up 'The Surgeon' from the library. They enjoyed the book, particularly the character of Jane Rizzoli, a homicide detective in Boston. The plot involves a serial killer known as The Surgeon, who targets women in a gruesome manner. The investigation leads to connections with past crimes and a copycat killer. The reviewer found some feminist themes in the book to be over-the-top and somewhat illogical, but overall enjoyed the story and the character development. They appreciated the familiar Boston settings and the grittiness of the crime scenes, though some descriptions were too graphic for their taste. The reviewer plans to continue reading the series and gave the book a rating of 3 stars.

Quick quotes

    It’s a possibility we’re considering,” said Rizzoli. “Unfortunately, the victim is comatose and can’t talk to us.

    Don’t call her the victim. She does have a name.

    It’s all about the criminal, isn’t it? That’s all those two cops from Sex Crimes wanted to hear about. The perp gets the attention.

beta.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-11-14
thrilling 4.00

The reviewer found 'The Surgeon' to be a gripping and intense read, praising the author's ability to create suspense and tension. They appreciated the medical details and the protagonist's depth, though they felt the pacing could have been better.

The reviewer was captivated by 'The Surgeon', highlighting the author's skill in building suspense and maintaining a high level of tension throughout the novel. They particularly enjoyed the medical details, which added authenticity to the story, and found the protagonist to be well-developed and compelling. However, they noted that the pacing could have been improved in certain sections, as some parts felt rushed while others dragged. Overall, they found the book to be a thrilling and engaging read that kept them on the edge of their seat.

Quick quotes

    The medical details were incredibly well-researched and added a layer of authenticity to the story.

    The protagonist was complex and well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their journey.

    The pacing could have been better, as some parts felt rushed while others dragged.

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