by Tess Gerritsen
Series: Rizzoli & Isles #12
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
In the twelfth gripping novel featuring Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles, the crime-solving duo—featured in the smash-hit TNT series Rizzoli & Isles—are faced with the gruesomely staged murder of a horror film producer.
The crime scene is unlike any that Detective Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles have ever before encountered. The woman lies in apparently peaceful repose on her bed, and Maura finds no apparent cause of death, but there is no doubt the woman is indeed dead. The victim’s eyes have been removed and placed in the palm of her hand, a gesture that echoes the terrifying films she produces. Is a crazed movie fan reenacting scenes from those disturbing films?
When another victim is found, again with no apparent cause of death, again with a grotesquely staged crime scene, Jane and Maura realize the killer has widened his circle of targets. He’s chosen one particular woman for his next victim, and she knows he’s coming for her next. She’s the only one who can help Jane and Maura catch the killer.
But she knows a secret. And it’s a secret she’ll never tell.
The Last Rizzoli & Isles book published in 2014, so I was excited to get my hands on an early copy of I KNOW A SECRET by Tess Gerritsen. Since 2o01 long before, the series became a popular television series on TNT, I’ve spent time with Maura and Jane as they solve crimes and catch killers.
I KNOW A SECRET offered an intense mystery filled with suspense and danger as Jane, her partners, and Maura place themselves at risk.
Gerristen knows how to pull the reader in, and she opens the story with a gruesome crime scene. The victim is found lying on her bed with no apparent cause of death. No need to check for a pulse though as the victim’s eyes have been removed and placed in the palm of her hands. And so we begin. Before it is all done there will be more victims, and Maura will need to consult with the man she loves but has agreed to stop seeing. Their’s is a forbidden romance and fans of the series will appreciate the development of that thread.
Jane is racing against time as she gathers clues and searches for a connection between the victims. Meanwhile, Maura looks for answers on the autopsy table and makes a startling discovery. Gerristen makes the reader feel as if they are a part of the case, revealing clues and sharing findings. The perspective of the killer was creeptastic, and aspect I look for in these kinds of thrillers. The criminal mind intrigues me, and Gerristen shares their chilling and disturbing thoughts. It added welcome tension as the suspense built since we know things the characters do not.
We get updates on Frankie, Gabriel, and Jane’s family. We also spend a little time with a member of Maura’s family. All of the threads even ones that seem insignificant are carefully woven together until Gerristen reveals the answers. The tale was filled with twists and turns as secondary characters and suspects are eliminated. I did piece together bits but was surprised by a character when the truth was revealed.
From the pacing to the realistic and chilling case I easily lost myself within the pages of I KNOW A SECRET and devoured it in just two evenings.
I KNOW A SECRET by Tess Gerritsen will give readers chills as Rizzoli & Isles work to catch a serial killer with a twisted agenda. Share on X
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Leona
I have always been serious about Gerristen’s writing since my mom had so many of her books, but while the mysteries I think will grab my attention the two main characters will probably irritate me.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, they are flawed but also incredibly smart.
Lorna
I love these books. I have probably read 8 or 9 of them before I quit reading that much suspense. You make me want to read them again. Or at least someday
kimbacaffeinate
I devoured these and was delighted to see a new one 🙂
Carole
This is a series that I know I should read. I am pretty sure that I would really enjoy it. I just need more reading time! Glad you enjoyed it!
kimbacaffeinate
Ha, we all need an extra day devoted to reading Carole!
Suzanne
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this one. I love both the book series and the TV show so I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
kimbacaffeinate
Squee..another fan! Enjoy Suzanne.
Tyler H. Jolley
Sounds like a great addition to an awesome series! OT: Are you going to watch the IT movie? It looks terrifying.
kimbacaffeinate
Hells yes. I cannot wait!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I never got into the series but I have a feeling I would enjoy the books as much as you. Hm… I may have to see if the library has these…
kimbacaffeinate
They should have them, that is where I got all mine!
Mary Kirkland
I loved the tv show but I’ve never read the books. I didn’t even know there were books.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, and they are quite good. I always get mad when I start a series or watch a movie and find out there were books after..lol
Angela Adams
I wasn’t aware of these books until the TV show hit the air. Now, I’m hooked! Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay! So glad you enjoy them, Angela.
Lizzy
I watched some of the Rizzoli and Isles show back a few years ago and started the first book but got too creeped out to finish it! I might try again now…my tolerance has definitely gone up, haha!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, they can get shall we say gnarly?
Jenea's Book Obsession
This definitely sounds like my kinda read. And if it is anything like the T.V. show, I’m in. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Psst..its better.
Geybie's Book Blog
Sounds like a great mystery book. Glad that you enjoyed this book. Awesome review, as always, Kim. ❤️
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks, Geybie!
Stormi Johnson
Always wanted to try this series! I loved watching the show based on it. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, I loved seeing the characters come to life. My husband got annoyed when I said things like, that’s not what happened in the book..LOL
Laurel-Rain Snow
I’ve been meaning to read this series, as I LOVED the TV show…one of my favorites, and I’m sad it’s over. So…the only recourse is to read the books, right? Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
They follow closely, but as you know the books are always better 🙂
Debbie Haupt
I’ve seen this reviewed around the blogosphere Kim, thanks for your views!
kimbacaffeinate
Anytime Debbie 🙂
Nick
Tess Gerritsen used to be an author I absolutely loved. I haven’t read a book from her in so long, but you’re definitely making me want to read her again, Kim. The crime scene sounds brutal, but I’m also intrigued to see what exactly happened!
Fabulous review!
kimbacaffeinate
I love them, and happily devour them 🙂
Michelle
Wow… I’m a little overwhelmed by the crime scene description. Sounds like a good read!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, she doesn’t hold back, but she doesn’t glorify the violence either.
Ailyn Koay
ooo maybe one day for the books, never for the series.. too hard!
kimbacaffeinate
It will work on its own, despite the characters as the meat of the story is the criminal case.
Ailyn Koay
love a good mystery myself. one day hohoho one day
blodeuedd
I have never read these, maybe one day
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do 🙂
Quinn's Book Nook
I used to be a huge Tess Gerritsen fan. I think I even read the first Rizzoli and Isles book (The Apprentice?). I loved The Surgeon and The Harvest especially (Not this series). But around the time this series got started I discovered the romance genre and never really went back. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. Gerritsen is great.
kimbacaffeinate
I still like to weave these type of books in or is it that I weave romance Iin between other books..I am not sure..lol
verushka
I’ve loved this series, but haven’t yet actually read one of the series. I”m so curious about what happens to their families — along with the very intriguing mystery, of course!
kimbacaffeinate
They will work as standalone as each deals with a case, but we get to know the characters and their families very well.
Nadene
I loved the tv series and was sorry to see it end. I never read any of the books before. However after reading your review I am seriously considering it,
kimbacaffeinate
You must try her Nadene.
Silvia
Although I’ve never watched it, I know the TV series and I confess you actually got me curious with the books now! Your “the perspective of the killer was creeptastic” makes me think it could totally work for me as well, so I think I’ll have to check the books 😀
kimbacaffeinate
I so love when an author gives us their voice!