by Tess Gerritsen
Series: Rizzoli & Isles #11
Genres: Suspense Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
The latest enthralling case in Tess Gerritsen's New York Times bestselling Rizzoli & Isles series, the blockbuster books behind the smash hit TNT series. Boston Detective Jane Rizzoli is on the case of a big game hunter found dead in his apartment, alone with a the body of a beautiful white snow leopard he had recently been commissioned to procure and stuff for a high-profile museum in the area. Medical examiner Maura Isles connects the case to a number of seemingly unrelated deaths where the victims have all been found hanging upside down, the hallmark of a leopard's kill. Rizzoli follows the puzzling trail of clues all the way to Botswana, where she uncovers the unsolved mystery of a deadly camping safari four years prior. When she realizes the two cases are connected, Rizzoli must track down the sole survivor of the tragic trip to discover who - or what - is behind these gruesome deaths.
I love a good procedural crime novel with fleshed out characters and diabolical killers and Tess Gerritsen delivers with her Rizzoli & Isles series featuring Boston Detective Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles the Chief Medical Examiner. Die Again the eleventh book in the series drew me in and had me guessing from the first page. It is so good to have Tess back!
Five reasons to curl up with Die Again
- I was a fan before the Rizzoli & Isles series became a blockbuster hit on TNT. I enjoy watching the show with my husband but there are significant differences. We all know the book is ALWAYS better. While we get to know the main characters intimately throughout the series, each book will work as a standalone. The author is very effective at providing character background without boring the established fan base.
- The case gives us two stories one that takes place in the jungles of Botswana six years ago and a current case in Boston, MA involving similar murders. I found the chapters involving Botswana deliciously creepy and utterly fascinating. The case in Boston is horrifying, but when Maura discovers similarities in another case, she begins to dig. Gerristen shares a captivating story as she slowly weaves the two stories together.
- The characters are wonderfully developed from Jane and her Italian family to Maura who dresses to kill. For fans of the series, we see movement with Jane’s parents. I am not happy, but coming from a traditional family, I understood. Gabriel and Jane travel together, and I like spending time with them. If you are looking for romance the series itself has one, but Gerristen keeps these side stories in the background as the case takes center stage. Do not look for heat in Die Again but expect to connect to the characters.
- Gerritsen’s medical background brings a technical authenticity to the story, particularly with regard to the forensic evidence and autopsies. I enjoy all of the details and interesting tid-bit that are shared concerning the present case. Despite all the technical jargon, the author carefully explains things without overwhelming the reader.
- Suspenseful and captivating Die Again is well paced as we along with the Boston PD piece together clues, linking seemingly unconnected cases together. The plot is tight as Gerristen has honed her craft offering a believability that is chilling to watch unfold. I love how dark and gritty the tale can become, yet at the same time the characters, their interactions and friendships lighten the story. It creates a unique balance I have come to love in this series.
Die Again was a fantastic installment to the series and I enjoyed this particular case.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia
Wow, this sounds like nothing but a great book! I haven’t heard of the series before but I love the cover and it caught my eye immediately. A good crime novel with great characters sounds like something I would like. Also interesting in the medical background as well!
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoy these thrillers and hope you try them
Katherine
I had heard of this series before the show but never got around to reading any of the books. I really enjoyed the first couple of seasons of the show and am looking forward to trying the books. I’m glad to hear you’re a fan!
kimbacaffeinate
The books are better and a little darker..but different so it won’t feel like you’v been there too much
Bea
It’s been years since I read anything in this series but I’m tempted to pick it up again. The TNT series is quite different and I think I prefer it actually.
kimbacaffeinate
It is, the books are much darker. Tess took a break but I am glad she is back.
Faye
Awww the beauty of crime thrillers <3 I remember my high school days when I consumed the James Patterson stuff indiscriminately. I miss that time again and need to fulfill my suspense thriller fix. I'll check this author out and her books and start from the very first installment!
kimbacaffeinate
Patterson was one of my Mom’s favorites so yep I went through a phase like that too 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
Is there really a lesbian/Sapphic vibe going on in the book like it is on TV?
kimbacaffeinate
What? I did not pick up on the vibe at all..they are best friends. In the series Jane marries.
Berls
You know I haven’t typically been a fan of procedurals but I’m starting to think I’m ready to try them again (I read a ton and burnt out) and you make this series so appealing. I may have to try it!
kimbacaffeinate
Since these have a nice balance between character friendships, family etc you might enjoy them
Angela Adams
I have to admit to being more involved in the TV show than the novels. This novel has an interesting premise — well-worth checking out!
kimbacaffeinate
My hubby loves the show, I watch but read while doing so. It is very different in a lot of ways. Hope you had a wonderful holiday. The break was just what I needed to recharge.
blodeuedd
I read one of her books ages ago
kimbacaffeinate
Hope your holidays were wonderful Linda!
ShootingStarsMag
That’s great you’re still a big fan of the books- and I’m happy to hear you think the books are still better than the show. I haven’t read any of these, but the show’s characters are fun, so I’m curious about the actual stories in the novels.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Lauren. I hope your holidays were wonderful 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’ve been wanting to read this series. For some reason I don’t want to see the show. I also didn’t know that she had a medical background. OH! I’m so going to recommend it to someone who loves this stuff. Perfect! Plus, if they get the books I can steal… I mean borrow them. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
My hubby likes it and I watch with a book in hand, if ya know what I mean.
Sophia Rose
I still haven’t tried this series, but want to.
kimbacaffeinate
maybe in 2015..so many books so little time
R_Hunt
I just bought this as one of my selections made with Christmas money as she is a go-to author all the way for me! I hope to get to it next week after I finish the books I am in the middle of now. Glad you enjoyed it; I purposely only skimmed your review so it wouldn’t be fresh in my mind when I crack it open soon 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
So glad to hear you enjoy this series as much as I do Rita!
kindlemom1
This does sound like a great read and I like that the series seems to be holding its own. I am trying so hard not to add too much to my TBR pile this year so I can get it down but I have a feeling all of your wonderful reviews are going to make that impossible. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, well these are all available at the library so you don’t have to add more weight to your shelves..hehe.
Amir
I’ve never read this series before but I am aware of the TV series. I’ve seen bits and pieces of the show but I have not seen a full episode. Maybe that’s good so I can give the series a try first 😀 Lovely review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
The books are better 🙂 Happy New Year Amir
Betty Louise
I used to read Tess Gerristen but it has been awhile I usually read mysteries mostly cozies.
kimbacaffeinate
It is nice to mix them in between the lighter mysteries.
Nick
I tried to get into the TV show, but it doesn’t appeal to me very much. The books are way better for sure. I didn’t know she had a new one out. I’ve really loved all of her books. And yes, her medical background really brings realism into her books.
Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I get it. My hubby watches it and I sit with a book and keep him company, occasionally glancing up and watching.
Aubrey Wynne
I have this one on my list, too. Nice review.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy it Aubrey 🙂
LJ
I love this author and have read so many of her books – I look forward to this one!
Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah glad to hear you are a fan too 🙂
Laurel-Rain Snow
My plan this year is to begin reading this series, and I have Ice Cold on Sparky, eager to suck me in…if only I could get through others ahead of it in the queue!
But I also plan (hopefully can achieve) to accept fewer review books this year, to allow time for the books I’ve bought.
Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I am going to be very picky this year myself. I am currently on a paranormal/urban fantasy kick and wonder how long it will last. I go through phases.
Ronnie
I read The Surgeon and I was disappointed. Didn’t even finish it. I don’t think I’ll pick up another novel by her…
kimbacaffeinate
I am sorry to hear that Ronnie. I love medical thrillers.
Melliane
Oh yes I know about the TV show but I confess that I wasn’t really attracted to it so I think I think that I saw a few episodes but that’s all so I’m not sure about the book… But nice to see it was good.
kimbacaffeinate
The book is better..I prefer it but the show is one my hubby enjoys.
Madiha
Wow, I had absolutely no idea that this TV show was in fact based on a book series! What a pleasant surprise! I’ve made it one of my mental resolutions to read less of romance this year and focus more on other genres, particularly murder mysteries and fantasies, so fingers crossed! Great review, as always, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Seems to be a theme with many readers. I love mixing it up and prefer the ones that blend genres..like romantic suspense, or mysteries with a dash of romance.
Lupdilup
Since I going to get out my romance box a little bit more this year, I’m adding this to my list, I bet this could be really good on audio. I got to look.
Thanks, Kimba! I was just here last year 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..ya know I love romance, but when doing my top ten posts I realized as much as I enjoy them they aren’t the ones that impacted or stayed with me.
Sharon Greene
This sounds like a good read and an absorbing series.
kimbacaffeinate
It was Sharon, and despite being a series this will work as a standalone