Title: The Keepsake
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Series: Rizzoli & Isles, #7
Narrator: Deirdre Lovejoy
Published: September 2008, Random House Audio
Length: 11 hours
Source: Library
For untold years, the
perfectly preserved mummy had lain forgotten in the dusty basement of
Boston’s Crispin Museum. Dubbed “Madam X,” the recently rediscovered
mummy is, to all appearances, an ancient Egyptian artifact. But medical
examiner Maura Isles discovers a macabre message hidden within the
corpse–horrifying proof that this “centuries-old” relic is instead a
modern-day murder victim. When the grisly remains of two other women are
found, it becomes clear to Maura and Boston homicide detective Jane
Rizzoli that a maniac is at large. Now Maura and Jane must unravel a
murderer’s twisted endgame before the Archaeology Killer adds another
chilling artifact to his monstrous collection.
My thoughts: This is the 7th book in Tess Gerritsen’s Rizzoli & Isles series and I really love these books. As I make my way through this series, I’m starting to pick up on some of the pieces that I missed out on when I read the latest book in the series, Last to Die, for a blog tour. It seems that Tess Gerritsen doles out personal pieces of information about the characters sparingly and at just the most opportune moments.
I really love how there seems to be the perfect mix of police procedural/forensic details coupled with the details of the backstory – in this case a little bit of archaeology/anthropology. We get some information on the process of mummification as well as how to make a bog body. I actually found these tidbits quite interesting, to be honest. Between all this and the action – there’s a good balance to the story and therefore it moves along at a great pace – with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
There’s also plenty of character development. We see that Maura is still struggling with her relationship with Father Brophy and Jane is still adjusting to motherhood and her mother’s new relationship. Jane’s partner, Detective Frost, has a more prominent role in this book, and he is also dealing with the breakdown of his marriage.
On a side note, I will say that as a huge fan of the tv show, Rizzoli & Isles, I couldn’t help but get a little sad every time Frost was mentioned in light of the death of the actor who plays Frost on the show. I know the books are quite different from the show, but it still make my think of him and I’m curious to see how the producers will handle his absence in the upcoming season.
Audio Thoughts: This is the first time I’ve listened to Deirdre Lovejoy and I really enjoyed listening to her. I thought she did a great job with this story – infusing just the right amount of tension and suspense in her voice when needed as the situation warranted. I only wish I had started listening to this series earlier – it’s quite enjoyable on audio.
Books in this series:
- The Surgeon 7. The Keepsake
- The Apprentice 8. Ice Cold
- The Sinner 9. The Silent Girl
- Body Double 9.5 Freaks
- Vanish 9.7 John Doe
- The Mephisto Club 10. Last to Die
Nice. I love a good audio book. I actually haven't read anything in this series, but I am always hearing great things. Time to hit the library. Thanks!