THE APPRENTICE
by Tess Gerritsen
I wish I’d written this ...
... because it’s like spending time with old friends.
The second in the Rizzoli and Isles series, this is the one that introduces Dr. Maura Isles. As with the first novel, it describes in deep and authentic detail the processes of a forensic investigation, but in a manner that’s neither dry nor dull. Quite the opposite, the plot is gripping and the characters convincing. Jane Rizzoli takes centre stage (Isles has only a bit part, the spotlight will hit her in the next book) and she’s really pushed to the edge, which is exactly how it should be in a thriller of this sort. The improved character focus is a very welcome development but THE APPRENTICE drops a star in my opinion by—in terms of plot—retreading old ground. Essentially, the "hunt for a serial killer" story is simply a variation of what came before, albeit a very well told variation. Despite this one criticism, I’m really enjoying this series and am excited to have ten more Rizzoli and Isles novels ahead of me.
From the publisher
It is a boiling hot Boston summer. Adding to the city's woes is a series of shocking crimes, in which wealthy men are made to watch while their wives are brutalized. A sadistic demand that ends in abduction and death.
The pattern suggests one man: serial killer Warren Hoyt, recently removed from the city's streets. Police can only assume an acolyte is at large, a maniac basing his attacks on the twisted medical techniques of the madman he so admires. At least that's what Detective Jane Rizzoli thinks. Forced again to confront the killer who scarred her — literally and figuratively — she is determined to finally end Hoyt's awful influence . . . even if it means receiving more resistance from her all-male homicide squad.
But Rizzoli isn't counting on the U.S. government's sudden interest. Or on meeting Special Agent Gabriel Dean, who knows more than he will tell. Most of all, she isn't counting on becoming a target herself, once Hoyt is suddenly free, joining his mysterious blood brother in a vicious vendetta . . .
Filled with superbly created characters and the medical and police procedural details that are her trademark,The Apprentice is Tess Gerritsen at her brilliant best. Set in a stunning world where evil is easy to learn and hard to end, this is a thriller by a master who could teach other authors a thing or two.
