Tess Gerritsen

Reader Comments about THE KEEPSAKE

Ballantine Books
ISBN: 9780345497628
(September 9, 2008)

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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Tess Gerritsen's THE KEEPSAKE.

Cynthia from Puyallup, WA

Have you previously read a book by Tess Gerritsen?
This was my first book by her; obviously it was part of a series featuring Jane and Maura, but I feel it stands well on its own. While there were referrals to earlier exploits, it did not deter from the story and actually helped establish some of the characters.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I think James Patterson, Stephen King and Clive Cussler hold the highest number of titles in my library. James Patterson with 28 books, and so on. I was surprised that I had not read anything by Tess Gerritsen until now --- it's kind of like, “where have you been all my life??”

What did you think of THE KEEPSAKE?
I enjoyed it very much! While I wasn’t reading well into the wee hours, I looked forward to picking the book up and returning to the story. Gerritsen writes --- or at least wrote this particular story --- differently in that while we do have some aspects of a template theme, there is such an air of mystery; you are never sure exactly where the story is going to go until the very, very end. I also appreciated the fact that the bad guy remained a mystery --- we never hear from him, or read from his perspective. This was refreshing, I thought. It removed the predictability element and kept the story alive and fresh. At one point, I wasn’t sure if the bad guy was actually caught and that this story would have to be carried over. It is this type of uncertainty that I would expect with a good suspense thriller.

I would recommend this book to readers; as mentioned before, I feel that it stands alone very well, but if you are already a fan of Jane and Maura, then by all means --- carry on! As for book groups, I feel that this would not be a very discussible story and is really more fitted for personal reading, for which it is completely entertaining. It definitely would make short work of a 5-hour flight!

Would you ever read a future book by Tess Gerritsen?
Yes! --- I am looking for some of the older ones now.

Deborah from Pearland, TX

Have you previously read a book by Tess Gerritsen?
I've read all of Ms. Gerritsen's previous books, including her early romance novels.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Favorites include: Lee Child, Daniel Silva, Michael Connelly, and mystery authors such as Jonathan Kellerman, Bill Pronzini, Robert Crais, Sue Grafton and Marcia Muller.

What did you think of THE KEEPSAKE?
Reading THE KEEPSAKE kept me turning the pages, even while Hurricane Ike evacuation warnings went into effect for my county, so this is a book that holds reader interest! Ms. Gerritsen maintains the pace of the mystery while feeding the reader information about favorite characters Maura Isles (and her love interest, the priest Daniel Brophy), Detective Jane Rizzoli (and hubby Gabriel and baby Regina) and partner Barry Frost. Anthony Sansome returns from the previous novel, although we learn little more about the Mephisto Society. Fans of novels about ancient Egypt will appreciate the plotline about a killer who utilizes ancient techniques to preserve his victims. Much of the novel is related from the viewpoint of a mysterious Egyptologist, Dr. Josephine Pulcillo, who is stalked by the killer. The shifts in viewpoint add to the tension, but may frustrate readers who want to unravel the mystery along with Maura and Jane. I particularly enjoyed learning more about Barry Frost, who plays a special role in the ending. I'll look forward to reading the next installment in Ms. Gerritsen's suspense novels.

Would you ever read a future book by Tess Gerritsen?
Absolutely (see above).

George from Tuckahoe, NY

Have you previously read a book by Tess Gerritsen?
Yes, two others.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I read Matthew Reilly, Robert Crais, Jeffery Deaver and Lee Child.

What did you think of THE KEEPSAKE?
I liked it. I will keep up with this series.

Would you ever read a future book by Tess Gerritsen?
Yes.

Kay from Lafayette, LA

Have you previously read a book by Tess Gerritsen?
No, THE KEEPSAKE is the first book by Tess Gerritsen that I’ve read.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
My favorite suspense/thriller authors are Joseph Finder, Steve Berry, Raymond Khoury, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Lee Child, and now, Tess Gerritsen.

What did you think of THE KEEPSAKE?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I quickly finished it in two days because it was very hard to put down. I liked the twists and turns that kept me guessing what would happen next, and I liked that I didn’t know how it would end. A book is not nearly as much fun when I can completely predict the ending. After reading this book, “bogs” will give me shivers from this moment forward. I would highly recommend this book!

Would you ever read a future book by Tess Gerritsen?
Absolutely! In fact, I’m going to backtrack and find a copy of THE BONE GARDEN next week.

Marcia from Waterford, MI

Have you previously read a book by Tess Gerritsen?
Yes, THE MEPHISTO CLUB.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
This summer, I read a couple of James Patterson's books. This is a genre I don't usually read much of, but I really liked THE KEEPSAKE.

What did you think of THE KEEPSAKE?
I really liked it. It was a page turner that kept my interest. I couldn't wait to share it with friends. It’s definitely different material about archaeology and egyptology.

Would you ever read a future book by Tess Gerritsen?
Definitely --- they just keep getting better.

Mary Ann from Erie, PA

Have you previously read a book by Tess Gerritsen?
No, I had not previously read any of her books.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I have read Nelson DeMille and Jonathan Kellerman.

What did you think of THE KEEPSAKE?
I very much enjoyed the book. It was an interesting topic, and it included some history of mummification and a look into the archaeology world.

Would you ever read a future book by Tess Gerritsen?
I do think I'll read some of her future works.

Pam from New York, NY

Have you previously read a book by Tess Gerritsen?
I always enjoy Tess Gerritsen's books. The combo investigative team of Jane and Maura is clever and believable. It’s always interesting to see where Tess will take them next.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I'll read most any plausible thriller --- everyone from Christopher Reich, Gabriel Cohen, Daniel Silva, Katherine Neville and Nelson DeMille.

What did you think of THE KEEPSAKE?
THE KEEPSAKE is a new road for Jane and Maura to travel, and it brought about such interesting information about mummies, museums, etc. I would like to see Tess write a historical forensic thriller.

Would you ever read a future book by Tess Gerritsen?
Of course! Her mix of imagination and reality is a winning combination.

Rosalie from New Boston, TX

Have you previously read a book by Tess Gerritsen?
Yes.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Every one I can get my hands on! Christopher Reich, Greg Iles, Linda Fairstein, Carolyn Haines, and Patricia Cornwell. I like Patterson alone --- not with another author. I like his Women's Murder Club and Alex Cross books. Also, I like Tony Hillerman.

What did you think of THE KEEPSAKE?
I enjoyed it. I was intrigued by the subject matter. The location of the museum was very interesting. I also really liked the characters. It took a while to sort them all out, but once I did, I appreciated the depth she gave each character with excellent descriptions. I was able to picture the characters, as well as the locales. Actually, I did not want to put the book down!

Would you ever read a future book by Tess Gerritsen?
You bet!!

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