The Surgeon

A Rizzoli & Isles Novel

By: Tess Gerritsen

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris

In her most masterful novel of medical suspense, New York Times best-selling 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.

Please note: This is the abridged edition. An unabridged version is now also available.

©2001 Tess Gerritsen (P)2001 Random House Inc., Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, a Division of Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"Gerritsen fans know by now what to expect from her: a fascinating story with a gripping plot and believably human characters. Such is The Surgeon, and, in places, then some. Let new readers learn what the fans delight in. (Booklist)

"Gliding as smoothly as a scalpel in a confident surgeon's hand, this tale proves that Gerritsen...has morphed into a...suspense novelist whose growing popularity is keeping pace with her ever-finer writing skills." (Publisher's Weekly)

A pleasing read!

Would you listen to The Surgeon again? Why?

I would definitely listen again. I enjoyed the pace and the plot very much. I'm already listening to book 2!

What did you like best about this story?

Probably the pacing

What about Dennis Boutsikaris’s performance did you like?

His rendering of "The Surgeon's" psychopathy gave me chills, and I hung on for every scene.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat

Really great story, but too short!

Would you listen to The Surgeon again? Why?

The Surgeon is the "first" in the Rizzoli and Isles books. I was a little disappointed that Jane was NOT the featured character and Isles was non-existant; however, the story was really good. I would have liked a bit more development in the characters and story, but all in all I found the book good and creepy!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot was a bit disjointed in places and relationships were not rounded out, but the suspense was pretty good. Some twists that seemed out of left field. I would recommend the book.

What does Dennis Boutsikaris bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Boutsikaris's narration was the best part of the book. He used a wonderful creepy voice when we are taken into the mind of a killer. Haunting.

Who was the most memorable character of The Surgeon and why?

The most memorable character in The Surgeon was the killer! This is mostly due to Boutsikaris's utterly creepy "madman" voice! I will hear it in my head for a long time.

Average

kept my attention for most of the story but the characters and their relationships could have been much more detailed. seemed a little rushed.

The Surgeon

This is the first book I have ever Listened to. I was able to get all my things done around the house while enjoying the story. I had no trouble getting into this story. I have already downloaded another of Tess Gerritson's storys into my Ipod.

The Surgeon

I love a good mystery and this one will keep you on the edge of your seat! I'm only half way through, but wanted to stay up last night to listen to it - had to work today, but have not been able to get my mind off of it. Hurry up 5 o'clock!

Couldn't stop listening

This was a great book! I kept finding myself staying in my car to find out what happened next. It was suspenseful and well thought out. If you liked Silence of the Lambs, you'll love this novel.

Fantastic read!

This book catches your attention from the start! It is a very good book paced with a good story line, action and suspense! Well done!

She's becoming more popular everyday

This is the second book of Gerritsen's I actually read. It was extremely suspenseful! I had a hard time putting either of her books down. I'm a RN, but don't think medical background is necessary to love her writing. If you like intense medical thrillers, this book & Bloodstream are worth the time.

Cutting Edge

This audio book is excellent despite the fact that it is abridged. The roller coaster ride and spine chilling suspense packed into only 5 hours makes this story hard to put down. Gerritsen takes us into the mind of the killer, skillfully crafting the bizarre viewpoint of life and the murders. Plenty of twists and turns, The Surgeon, delivers a peek into the mind of a perverse hunter, the prey he hunts, and the cops who are hot on the trail. A brilliant prequel to The Apprentice, where this captivating story continues.

Great story line

What did you love best about The Surgeon?

I love this entire series!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! It sucked me in and I had a hard time turning it off to get out of my car and go to work!