The Mephisto Club

A Rizzoli & Isles Novel

By: Tess Gerritsen

Narrated by: Kathe Mazur

Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Evil exists. Evil walks the streets. And evil has spawned a diabolical new disciple in this white-knuckle thriller from New York Times best-selling author Tess Gerritsen.

PECCAVI. The Latin word is scrawled in blood at the scene of a young woman's brutal murder: I HAVE SINNED. It's a chilling Christmas greeting for Boston medical examiner Maura Isles and Detective Jane Rizzoli, who swiftly link the victim to controversial celebrity psychiatrist Joyce O'Donnell, Jane's professional nemesis and a member of a sinister cabal called the Mephisto Club.

On top of Beacon Hill, the club's acolytes devote themselves to the analysis of evil: Can it be explained by science? Does it have a physical presence? Do demons walk the earth? Drawing on a wealth of dark historical data and mysterious religious symbolism, the Mephisto scholars aim to prove a startling theory: that Satan himself exists among us.

With the grisly appearance of a corpse on their doorstep, it's clear that someone, or something, is indeed prowling the city. The members of the club begin to fear the very subject of their study. Could this maniacal killer be one of their own, or have they inadvertently summoned an evil entity from the darkness?

Delving deep into the most baffling and unusual case of their careers, Maura and Jane embark on a terrifying journey to the very heart of evil, where they encounter a malevolent foe more dangerous than any they have ever faced...one whose work is only just beginning.

©2006 Tess Gerritsen (P)2006 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Deftly plotted." (Publishers Weekly)

Susie….UES

Wow! You will not figure out this murder mystery! It is lots of fun with all sorts of interesting and colorful characters to keep you guessing. Enjoy!

Good

Good, but not my favorite. I enjoyed the subject but not the way the story was told.

Thriller that can’t be put down

This book kept me on the edge of my seat and was very had to step away from. Had to know what was happening next. Great read.

Too Well Written

This book is too well written. It scared me. Maybe I was feeling vulnerable, because books just don't scare me...but this one did. My thoughts while listening were about the author, "this woman knows evil...I wonder how she understands it so well." Like the pragmatically minded Detective, Jane, I don't believe in monsters separate from the blackness found in the human heart. I believe that some people choose evil as a way of life. Others facilitate it by doing nothing. The author's suggestion of a separate race of demons kept me sane during the reading; it allowed me to finish the book, providing the distance I needed between the evil described and my own heart. I strive not to choose evil, but I have felt its influence in my life, suffered from its full effects, and, yes, evil scares me. I cling to the good.

Praise when praise is due

I am often critical of the many audio books I have listened to over the years.... critical in the negative sense. So my praise of this story and author is significant for myself if no one else.
The story was very intricately woven into a very believable suspense yarn. The "weaving" of anthropological myths or truths was very appealing and gave substance to the story.
I unequivocally state that it gave me as much enjoyment as the Da Vinci Code and believe we will see the story in cinematic format. I would encourage all to enjoy this most excellent read.... listen.

P.S.- I enjoyed the narrator and thought she did a very good job!

AWESOME

This is a book I would suggest to everyone. VERY GOOD and keeps you on the edge of your seat

Lukewarm

I have been a Gerritsen fan for a while and have loved reading her books. However, this audio book seemed like a chore to finish.
It has a good plot with a surprising, if somewhat anticlimactic ending BUT the story seemed bogged down with irrelevant details and minute dissection of the character's thoughts and feelings. Several times I caught myself thinking "come on, just get on with it already."
I admit I do skim over parts when reading a print book if I don't feel it is adding to the direct story line. Had I been actually reading this book, there would have been many pages skipped. I am all for character development and depth in a series but I felt that this book was almost more about Mara Isles than the case. Maybe I should have just gotten the abridged version - hopefully there is one.
The narration was adequate but sometimes she applies an accent to Rizzoli that is annoying. Put me in the mind of a female Boston Godfather rather than a police detective.
I will not give up on this series yet. Fingers crossed that the next installment will be more like the earlier books - the ones that I was disappointed to reach the end.

I enjoy all of her books

Tess's books are rivitting. I love every one of them. I actually buy them in hard back also. I read them and listen to them.

Great listen

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

na

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jane rizzoli. She is tough but still feminine.

Which character – as performed by Kathe Mazur – was your favorite?

All. She is really good.

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

The scene in the big house. I didn't see that coming at all.

Any additional comments?

Would highly recommend.

Excellent book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook. The story was well written and very interesting.

What did you like best about this story?

It kept you engaged.

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

I'm not sure. I would like to though. She did a great job.

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

I would have however my audiobooks are my exercise incentive. With that said, I walked extra miles until the book was done.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait to download the next one.