Review - The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

Book Summary 


                            A serial killer is on the loose in Boston. The victims are killed in a particularly nasty way: cut with a scalpel on the stomach, the intestines and uterus removed, and then the throat slashed. The killer obviously has medical knowledge and has been dubbed "the Surgeon" by the media. Detective Thomas Moore and his partner Rizzoli of the Boston Homicide Unit have discovered something that makes this case even more chilling. Years ago in Savannah a serial killer murdered in exactly the same way. He was finally stopped by his last victim, who shot him as he tried to cut her. That last victim is Dr. Catherine Cordell, who now works as a cardiac surgeon at one of Boston's prestigious hospitals. As the murders continue, it becomes obvious that the killer is drawing closer and closer to Dr. Cordell, who is becoming so frightened that she is virtually unable to function. But she is the only person who can help the police catch this copycat killer. Or is it a copycat? To complicate matters even further, Detective Moore, often referred to as Saint Thomas as he continues to mourn the loss of his wife, is getting emotionally involved with the doctor.






My Review - 4 1/2 Great to the last drop


First, how have I never read a book by Tess Gerritsen, wow, I look forward to catching up on her works.  You can tell TessG was in the medical field, the details are perfect and when dealing with surgeries and death, for many it will be gruesome.    


I love the title of this book, so relevant, they named the killer The Surgeon.  I first thought he was getting kicks out of practicing his techniques on the women he killed but then I realised he is motivated by Dr. Cordell which is a Surgeon, double meaning for me.


The connection between the women being raped, killed and Dr. Cordell is a scary thought.  Women continue their life but dying in silence from the attack on them and then you wake with someone over you and you are slowly being gutted, knowing their death is coming.  These scenes were amazing horrifying.  The Surgeon was taunting Dr. Cordell and was stunningly effective.  As more is revealed it sucks you in more and I was a little in disbelief.   The scariest part for me is how The Surgeon chose the women, the thought is scary and makes you wonder how many medical staff are truly 'crazy'.


I was not impressed with the cops in this book though.  The lack of team work in my mind, not taking signs seriously, a little to detached for me.  Of course there is the Detective that Dr. Cordell trust and their relationship becomes a conflict of interest.  Consequences and timing are everything. 


My favourite was the constant edginess the story had, I couldn't get enough of the hunt and couldn't wait for them to figure out who The Surgeon was and how they will capture him.  Would it be to late, will he be dead or alive and how many will have to kill before they catch him.  There isn't enough to know who The Surgeon is but all the evidence keeps you on the edge of the seat trying to figure it all out and put it together. 


I recommend this one for true crime suspense fans, this one is edgy, gruesome and good at trying to terrify you.  I can see why my bookclub said this was to scary, lol, not a bookclub read at all.