The Keepsake

A Rizzoli & Isles Novel

By: Tess Gerritsen

Narrated by: Deirdre Lovejoy

Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen knows how to expertly dissect a brilliantly suspenseful story, all the while keeping fascinated readers riveted to her side. By turns darkly enthralling and relentlessly surprising, The Keepsake showcases an author at the peak of her storytelling powers.

For untold years, the perfectly preserved mummy had lain forgotten in the dusty basement of Boston’s Crispin Museum. Now its sudden rediscovery by museum staff is both a major coup and an attention-grabbing mystery. Dubbed “Madam X,” the mummy–to all appearances, an ancient Egyptian artifact–seems a ghoulish godsend for the financially struggling institution. But medical examiner Maura Isles soon discovers a macabre message hidden within the corpse–horrifying proof that this “centuries-old” relic is instead a modern-day murder victim.

To Maura and Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli, the forensic evidence is unmistakable, its implications terrifying. And when the grisly remains of yet another woman are found in the hidden recesses of the museum, it becomes chillingly clear that a maniac is at large–and is now taunting them.

Archaeologist Josephine Pulcillo’s blood runs cold when the killer’s cryptic missives are discovered, and her darkest dread becomes real when the carefully preserved corpse of yet a third victim is left in her car like a gruesome offering–or perhaps a ghastly promise of what’s to come.The twisted killer’s familiarity with post-mortem rituals suggests to Maura and Jane that he may have scientific expertise in common with Josephine. Only Josephine knows that her stalker shares a knowledge even more personally terrifying: details of a dark secret she had thought forever buried.

Now Maura must summon her own dusty knowledge of ancient death traditions to unravel his twisted endgame. And when Josephine vanishes, Maura and Jane have precious little time to derail the Archaeology Killer before he adds another chilling piece to his monstrous collection.

©2008 Tess Gerritsen (P)2008 Random House

Good as Usual

Rather twisty. Fast moving with all the back and forth plotting one might expect out of a Risolli and Eisles story.

Great characters, twisting fun plot.

I already downloaded the next series book before this one was finished because I didn’t want even a moment without the characters.🤣

Good story. Silly dialog.

This is a pretty good story, but it is padded with some really silly dialog. Be prepared to roll your eyes about once a minute, especially in the first half.

A Great Read!

I really enjoyed this book - couldn't wait to get back it the car to listen to it. The narrator was wonderful too. Interesting story line; highly recommend this one.

Edge of your seat suspense with twist and turns

Maura and Jane are at it again. Great book and easy listening. Many twists and turns with a surprise ending. Cant' wait to read more in this series.

The book is great

Would you consider the audio edition of The Keepsake to be better than the print version?

Na

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

Yes

Would you be willing to try another one of Deirdre Lovejoy’s performances?

Not unless I have to in order to finish this series.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

This is a really good book but have enjoyed all of Tess Gerritsen's books so far.

Engaging Story

This was my first Tess Gerritsen book and I found it very enjoyable. The story is engaging and moves along at a decent pace with good twists and turns. I never found myself bored with it. The only drawback is the narration. The reader's voice is a little irritating, but it's not to the point that I ever wanted to stop listening.

Fun plot

Reader could pronounce words correctly, and uses inflection that makes sense. This is unfortunately rare. Author writes good sentences—pretty decent grammar.

A Real Keepsake

This book is a real keepsake. The plot moves along rapidly with thrilling twists and turns all the way to the end, which winds up being a twist in itself. Vivid imagery enables the reader to feel and see the sands of Egypt as well as experience the macabre death scenes. Full of suspense, The Keepsake, keeps you wondering what is around each corner.

The only drawback in the audio is that the narrator does not carry each character individually with her voice; it is sometimes difficult to determine who is speaking and more like having a book read to you. The story is brilliant if one can move beyond the voice of the narrator.

Fan of Gerritson (but not of Dierdre Lovejoy)

I did not enjoy this book as much as previous Tess Gerritsen titles. I am not sure if it was the book itself, or the narrator. I was not fond of her random inflections. For whatever reason, she made simple statements and questions sound sarcastic or surprised or she ascribed other random emotions to things that did not seem logical in the context. It was distracting.