A review by ejcoates
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

A truly incredible work of crime fiction. I could easily have devoured the book in one siting if time permitted. I was deeply invested in the characters and their relationships and felt genuine terror when they were placed in danger. The setting was well realised and enthused the book with an oppressive atmosphere as a result of the summer heatwave and the fear that the killer may be entering through open windows. 
 
The climax of the text relied on a common trope in crime fiction with a male antagonist evading detection by disguising themselves in womens' clothes. Generally I find this to be a damaging stereotype but it was a minor part of the text and well executed with wig hair providing a vital clue/red herring.
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