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

Read it-don't listen.

I'm a huge Gerritsen & Rizzoli/Isles fan-- that is the only reason I was able to finish the book.

The narrator was overly dramatic and made Jane sound breathy and girly.... not at all in character. Just really really wrong narrator for two strong female leads.

Psychological Thriller

Don’t let the subject of Archeology Digs lure you into thinking that this book is just finding Ancient Artifacts…it is a twisted tale of Murder and Mayhem that you don’t want to read before you try to fall asleep!

Still no competent reader!

Gerritsen delivers another good work of mindless entertainment -- great for yard work as always. But isn't there any reader capable of doing a Boston accent????

One of the Best

I've read most of Tess Gerritsen's books....this was definitely one of the best. The archeology theme was fascinating, the the suspense never slowed down. Definitely recommend this one!!

Decent Listen - I'll Keep Coming Back

Have liked the series and will continue to give it a listen as more are produced. As to this particular episode, a couple of points are probably worth noting. 1) For fans of Maura Isles, you'll be disappointed. She was really on the periphery of this story - it could easily have been written without her. 2) For those who really need a "production" rather than a book read to them, you probably won't be happy with this. You can't tell a character by voice inflection with this narrator - not a biggie with me, but it seems to be an issue with a number of people who write some pretty scathing reviews. All in all, steady fodder from Gerritsen that I would recommend.

Unusual murders

This book had me focused while listening and rewinding in my head when I wasn't. A great and unusual story.

What a great Book

This keep me on the edge of my seat. It was riveting and full of surprises. I recommend to everyone.

story drags out...

not her best work... story drags out longer than necessary, became a chore to finish.

So-so Narrator

I really enjoyed the story and characters.

Disliked the Narration. The female voices were too much alike especially when Jane and Moira are talking. The voice for Barry made him souls like a teenager.

The Keepsake

Fascinating story of ancient mummies and bog bodies mixed in with conspiracy and murder. Tess Gerritsen is a great author and this is one of her best