The Surgeon

A Rizzoli & Isles Novel

By: Tess Gerritsen

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris

Length: 5 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

Abridged version

Love the story but it was abridged and didnt say anywhere it was abridged. Get the original

Choppy

The book jumps around and lacks the subtleties of print. It's hard to tell when a character is speaking and when the lines are thoughts.

Graphic-what a mental image!

What made the experience of listening to The Surgeon the most enjoyable?

I have read another Rizzoli and Isles book and really liked it. This book had only Rizzoli in it which isn't bad. It was a bit more graphic then I expected.

Would you recommend The Surgeon to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes but would tell them to be prepared for the discriptiveness.

Which character – as performed by Dennis Boutsikaris – was your favorite?

Moore-the male working with Rizzoli

If you could rename The Surgeon, what would you call it?

The Butcher

Spellbinding story

This story is so mesmerizing that you can almost ignore the unfortunate choice of a male narrator.

Surpisingly Dark And That's a Good Thing

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend this book using Rizzoli & Isles in a caveat way -- It's better than you make think the show is (which I enjoy even if it gets a bit cutesy sometimes). This is my first book in the series and the crimes were surprisingly gory and dark but I like it that way. So points there. And it's refreshing to see women as the leads in a crime series.

What other book might you compare The Surgeon to and why?

I could compare this to the Pendergast series as a lighter alternative.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Dennis Boutsikaris?

Didn't ruin the book nor make the book so yes, the narration was totally fine.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes since I also watch the TV show sometimes.

Heart-pounding, up all night suspense!

This book kept me awake for hours- it is one of her best! It has excellent narration- I just couldn't turn it off.

Good story

Enjoyable introduction to Jane Rizoli. The characters could have been developed more. I'm hoping that happens in the rest of the books.

I did not like Dennis Boutsikaris's reading of the novel. It didn't emphasize the various characters voices However he did well with the rise and fall of the action. Otherwise the reading was close to a monotone making listening to the book difficult.

excellent book

Would you listen to The Surgeon again? Why?

Yes...I love this series and I loved the twist.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dr. Isles of course, she kept her cool in the midst of everything.

Have you listened to any of Dennis Boutsikaris’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

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

yes

Gripping

If you could sum up The Surgeon in three words, what would they be?

Gripping, shocking, electric

What did you like best about this story?

I had to finish it, even though I was horrified by the way the crimes were committed.

What does Dennis Boutsikaris bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

He's not my favorite narrator. His take on women's voices is irritating. Would like to have a female narrator, but he did well enough that I enjoyed the book.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait to read more Tess Gerritson.

Great thriller!

If you're making the transition to from the tv show to the books you won't be disappointed! Great writing, excellent plot.