Book Recommendation of the Week

This is a weekly feature here on the blog where I will basically recommend ONE specific book that I have read, and loved. It could be something I recently just read, or a one from five years ago. Doesn't matter when; if I feel as if a lot of people might like it as much as I do, then I'll recommend it! This week.. I recommend..

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

Genre: Thriller/Suspense - mystery
When I Read It: 2008

Synopsis: A serial killer is on the loose in Boston. The victims are killed in a particularly nasty way: cut with a scalpel on the stomach, the intestines and uterus removed, and then the throat slashed. The killer obviously has medical knowledge and has been dubbed "the Surgeon" by the media. Detective Thomas Moore and his partner Rizzoli of the Boston Homicide Unit have discovered something that makes this case even more chilling. Years ago in Savannah a serial killer murdered in exactly the same way. He was finally stopped by his last victim, who shot him as he tried to cut her. That last victim is Dr. Catherine Cordell, who now works as a cardiac surgeon at one of Boston's prestigious hospitals. As the murders continue, it becomes obvious that the killer is drawing closer and closer to Dr. Cordell, who is becoming so frightened that she is virtually unable to function. But she is the only person who can help the police catch this copycat killer. Or is it a copycat? To complicate matters even further, Detective Moore, often referred to as Saint Thomas as he continues to mourn the loss of his wife, is getting emotionally involved with the doctor.

Recommended if: 1) you like the genre, 2) you actually like being scared a bit, and 3) if you're like me. I'm obsessed with mystery/thrillers and suspense, but I don't actually read as much. So when I do read them, I want to be wow-ed. This one definitely did that for me.

Ages: Mature readers 15+ and adults. This is a violent and mature book, so judge for yourself if you would enjoy something like this despite the sometimes difficult-to-read themes and topics.

Why I Loved It: Because it is extremely well-written! I can not stress that enough. It's what nightmares are made of, at least to me. Plus, it's everything that you would expect from a mystery/suspense/thriller; exciting, scary, and nerve racking all at the same time! When I first read this book, I was so nervous all throughout, and even when I was finished with it, I still kept thinking about it. It's just so creative, and masterfully crafted.