The Apprentice

Rizzoli & Isles #2

by Tess Gerritsen

Librarian’s note: This is a previously-published edition of
Kindle ASIN: B001E70RVA.

The bestselling author of The Surgeon returns—and so does that chilling novel’s diabolical villain. Though held behind bars, Warren Hoyt still haunts a helpless city, seeming to bequeath his evil legacy to a student all-too-diligent . . . and all-too-deadly.

THE APPRENTICE It is a boiling hot Boston summer. Adding to the city’s woes is a series of shocking crimes, in which wealthy men are made to watch while their wives are brutalized. A sadistic demand that ends in abduction and death.

The pattern suggests one man: serial killer Warren Hoyt, recently removed from the city’s streets. Police can only assume an acolyte is at large, a maniac basing his attacks on the twisted medical techniques of the madman he so admires. At least that’s what Detective Jane Rizzoli thinks. Forced again to confront the killer who scarred her—literally and figuratively—she is determined to finally end Hoyt’s awful influence . . . even if it means receiving more resistance from her all-male homicide squad.

But Rizzoli isn’t counting on the U.S. government’s sudden interest. Or on meeting Special Agent Gabriel Dean, who knows more than he will tell. Most of all, she isn’t counting on becoming a target herself, once Hoyt is suddenly free, joining his mysterious blood brother in a vicious vendetta. . . .

Filled with superbly created characters—and the medical and police procedural details that are her trademark—The Apprentice is Tess Gerritsen at her brilliant best. Set in a stunning world where evil is easy to learn and hard to end, this is a thriller by a master who could teach other authors a thing or two.

From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Audiobook

450 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Internationally bestselling author Tess Gerritsen took an unusual route to a writing career. A graduate of Stanford University, Tess went on to medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, where she was awarded her M.D.

While on maternity leave from her work as a physician, she began to write fiction. In 1987, her first novel was published. Call After Midnight, a romantic thriller, was followed by eight more romantic suspense novels. She also wrote a screenplay, "Adrift", which aired as a 1993 CBS Movie of the Week starring Kate Jackson.

Tess's first medical thriller, Harvest, was released in hardcover in 1996, and it marked her debut on the New York Times bestseller list. Her suspense novels since then have been: Life Support (1997), Bloodstream (1998), Gravity (1999), The Surgeon (2001), The Apprentice (2002), The Sinner (2003), Body Double (2004), Vanish (2005), The Mephisto Club (2006), and The Bone Garden (2007). Her books have been translated into 31 languages, and more than 15 million copies have been sold around the world.

As well as being a New York Times bestselling author, she has also been a #1 bestseller in both Germany and the UK. She has won both the Nero Wolfe Award (for Vanish) and the Rita Award (for The Surgeon.) Critics around the world have praised her novels as "Pulse-pounding fun" (Philadelphia Inquirer), "Scary and brilliant" (Toronto Globe and Mail), and "Polished, riveting prose" (Chicago Tribune). Publisher Weekly has dubbed her the "medical suspense queen".

Now retired from medicine, she writes full time. She lives in Maine.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, I love this series!

I think I kinda wrote these books off as light and fluffy, because of the tv show. I've only watched a couple episodes but my mom loved it. The show Rizzoli & Isles was light and a little funny, think of a show like Bones or Castle. I love Bones but its not dark or heavy hitting. So I assumed (and we all know what happens when you assume) it would be closer to the tv show.

Its not... and in the best way.

In book 2 Jane Rizzoli is our main character but Maura Isles is still a side character. Once again Rizzoli is hunting a serial killer but this time she's doing it while battling a case of PTSD (not that she will admit it). She's joined in her hunt by a mysterious FBI agent who seems to be hiding something.

I'm not giving you more info because its important that you read book 1 The Surgeon in order to fully appreciate The Apprentice. Tess Gerritsen is now on my list of favorite authors. Her writing just pulls you in and paints such a vivid picture of the world she has created. The Apprentice is scary, suspenseful and dark.

Read This Series!

[Shaikha · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Is this all we are? A necklace of chemicals? Where, in the double helix, does the soul lie?"

Medical student or not, you will learn a lot from Tess Gerritsen's books with pure enjoyment. If you like your crime medicine strong, this will keep you gripped. Rizzoli & Isles is the perfect series! 😍

4.5/5

A series of horrific murders seem disturbingly familiar to Detective Jane Rizzoli. They remind her of those committed by a killer known as the Surgeon, who they recently put behind bars.
While they're still trying to track down the new killer, the unthinkable happens: the Surgeon escapes.
Suddenly, Jane is chasing not one but two brilliant and twisted minds, united by one goal...
To perfect their skills on the woman who's hunting them.

I've read the first book "The Surgeon" about a year ago and I've NEVER LOVED A CRIME BOOK SO MUCH, it was on top of my favorites list. And "The Apprentice" is just as good!

The only flaw was that the focus was completely on Warren Hoyt, AKA; the Surgeon (which I don't mind since I loved the first book and it still interests me), but I was disappointed that I didn't get to know the Dominator more nor read about his POV.

It's gory, it's gripping, it's Gerritsen. 🖤

[Graham “Smell the Ink” · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second instalment of the Rizzoli and Maura series and Detective Jane Rizzoli is now well established in this book as the main protagonist.

A thoroughly enjoyable fascinating ride in the minds of not just one twisted mind, but two, who combine together with the intention of executing horrific calculated murders.

It’s gripping and well put together with intriguing detail of the Forensic process from the one and only Pathologist Maura Isles and her colleagues.

This includes some very dark dialogue and thought process from the mind of the “Surgeon” who reappears from the first instalment of this series.

You cannot help but love Jane for her strength, courage, bravery and intensity. Oh and to top it off she can read men like a book, just brilliant writing.

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update from Reread 5/1: My original rating and comments stand. Just as good the second time around.

It's been a year since Jane Rizzoli's encounter with the now jailed Surgeon and she's still recovering. Not so much from her physical wounds but the deeper ones no one can see. When she's called to a crime scene by another detective from a different squad, Rizzoli must face the horror all over again as she finds similarities to the Surgeon's work.

Things are also compounded when an FBI agent inserts himself into the investigation. Gabriel Dean isn't forthcoming with too many details as to why he's there and Jane must not only tackle her resurfacing demons but hold her own with her own team and the lead detective from the Newton squad. Medical examiner Maura Isles is also introduced here.

I was reluctant to resume the series after the last book where a deeply flawed Jane Rizzoli didn't seem to think she needed redemption nor would she own up to her troubling behavior. Her jealousy of fellow detective Thomas Moore's relationship with a victim, Catherine Cordelia, led her to put his career at risk. And, the request she made of a fellow detective to cover up the details of her shooting of an unarmed suspect went beyond the pale. However, in this story, we find not only a repentant Rizzoli but one who is more introspective and less willing to be a victim of sexism. She's still edgy and tough, which are her stengths, but without the huge boulder on her shoulder that characterized her in the first book. Rizzoli is much more focused on the investigation and working with not only her team but the detective from the other squad and the mysterious Gabriel Dean. We also learned more about the dynamics of her family, allowing us better insight into this intriguing character.

The re-emergence of the Surgeon was chilling and this story moved rapidly. For me, the bogey man was around every corner and I was tense for most of the book (really good thing for me). It is a tribute to the exceptional writing that my opinion of Jane Rizzoli was completely transformed. I'm looking forward to continuing the series and highly recommend this book.

[Heidi (can’t retire soon enough) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other than a two week break between the first half and second half, this mystery was a page turner!! New characters and a new psychopath with ties to the last book.

Jane Rizzoli may not be the easiest chick to like but she rocks girl power and demands respect. Not only is she underestimated by the criminals, but by some of the good guys too.

I really like this series— well written, full of twists and the author builds suspense by unfolding the storyline through her characters. Plenty of tense moments!

Even if I felt just a touch cheated by the ending, I’m already getting on the library list for the next one!!!

PS— still a whole lot of Rizzoli and only a little of Isles... assuming that changes at some point. In the mean time, I’m okay with more Dean!!

(Reviewed 4/29/19)

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new serial killer has come to Boston and Detective Jane Rizzoli is called to the latest crime scene when there are similarities to a former case she worked on which resulted in the capture and arrest of Warren “The Surgeon” Hoyt. Hoyt is now in prison, so these latest murders must be the work of a copycat. Then Hoyt escapes and it seems he’s now joined forces with this new killer, The Dominator.

This book was enjoyable enough, but disappointing as well. I was looking forward to reading about The Dominator and was hoping for his point of view (which wasn’t included). Instead all the focus went to Warren Hoyt so much that I felt like I was reading The Surgeon again, and unfortunately, that book wasn’t a favorite of mine. What I did like in this book was that Jane Rizzoli was front and center this time. I enjoyed the parts with her fellow cops, her interactions with them, the plotting and planning of the case, the stakeout. I enjoyed Dr. Maura Isles and her autopsies. I did prefer this book to The Surgeon, but in the end this book was still too much like The Surgeon for me.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the serial killer known as the Surgeon behind bars, Detective Jane Rizzoli can breathe easy and get on with her life. Or can she? When a murder victim is found with his wife clearly tortured and abducted, there is a chilling signature of the Surgeon's work and perhaps a hint that he is not entirely finished with Jane.

A very creepy, thriller which manages to raise the tension to the max without a host of murders. An excellent follow up to The Surgeon and an introduction to forensic pathologist Maura Isles and FBI agent Gabriel Dean.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An apprentice", said Rizzoli, softly.

Zucker looked at her. "That's an interesting word you use. Apprentice. Someone who acquires a skill or craft under the tutelage of a master. In this case, it's the craft of the hunt."

"But which one is the apprentice?" said Dean. "And which one is the master?" (p.339)

The second in Tess Gerritsen's Detective Jane Rizzoli and Dr. Maura Isles series, The Apprentice opens with Rizzoli attending a bizarre suspicious death in the midst of a Boston heatwave. Her attention is soon diverted, however, when she receives a call from Detective Vince Korsak, asking for her assistance at another scene, located in Boston's upscale neighbourhood of Newton, outside her familiar Boston P.D. area.

When Rizzoli arrives in leafy Newton, she finds a scene of violent homicide, with eerie echoes of the crimes of her past nemesis, Warren Hoyt, known colloquially as "The Surgeon" (see: The Surgeon (Rizzoli & Isles #1)). But that perpetrator is serving a lengthy jail term at the high-security Souza-Baranowski Correctional Centre - who is this new offender, employing The Surgeon's distinctive crime signatures? With Rizzoli's usual partner Detective Thomas Moore overseas enjoying his honeymoon, she forms an uneasy partnership with Korsak to investigate the crime, the grisly murder of orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Richard Yaeger and the rape and abduction of his wife, Gail.

Within days, Gail Yaeger's body is discovered in scrub beside a parkway by (who else?) a dog walker, with the decomposing remains of another woman nearby - could Rizzoli and Korsak be hunting a serial killer? With the arrival of secretive FBI Agent Gabriel Dean, and the escape of "The Surgeon" from prison, the tension escalates, with Rizzoli racing against time to apprehend the killers, while conscious that she might be in some danger herself...

The Apprentice is another high-octane police thriller, and a worthy successor to The Surgeon. Jane Rizzoli is a compelling character, constantly feeling the need to prove herself in her male-dominated profession. She's a much more relatable and sympathetic character in this book than its predecessor. The Apprentice also introduces the character of pathologist Dr. Maura Isles, a series mainstay and titular character, despite not appearing in the first book.

Readers who have enjoyed the television series based on the novels will notice significant character and tonal differences from the books. The characterisations of Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon) and Dr. Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander) are more glamorous than those of the books, although their personalities are otherwise reasonably consistent. Supporting characters vary markedly, particularly Jane's brother Frankie Rizzoli, who is a thoroughly unlikeable character in the books, in contrast to Jordan Bridges' loveable portrayal on-screen. The books are also somewhat darker and grittier than the television adaptations, with less focus on the characters' personal lives, especially in the earlier books. That said, I also love the television series in its own right.

The many twists and turns of the plot of The Apprentice had me guessing right up to the final chapter. I was a late-comer to this series, but I love it!

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess Gerritsen Fans Group Link - my 2nd read

Is Serial-killer Warren Hoyt from "The Surgeon" back (book #1's murderer)? Hoyt has been locked up for 1 year in Massachusetts' Walpole State Prison. Det.Rizzoli helped find & arrest him.

"The Apprentice " murders have a similar technique while he is locked up. Hoyt tied victims with duct tape, killed 1 woman at a time & left folded nightgowns as his Dominator's sign of control.

The Apprentice kills couples & resemble Hoyt's. Dr. Yeager (first victim) tied with duct tape to watch Gail(wife) abused, he's killed & then She cannot be found? The Apprentice kills couples - (1) Dr. Yeager & Gail Yeager, (2) Alexander & Karenna Ghent and (3) Kenneth & Marla Jean Waite. Hoyt escapes prison being transferred to Fitchburg State hospital. In E.R. he kills the Anesthesiologist & O.R. nurse.

Senator Conway, Rizzoli's friend calls her to Washington, D.C., believes Hoyt & Apprentice killings are related. Was he trained by Hoyt? Not captured in Washington?

In a Boston Airport Limo ride home & captured in it's trunk. She faces Hoyt again - kill him as he attacks? Or be haunted & let him live? You follow Hoyt & Apprentice relationship.
Small notes - Rizzoli is only 115 pounds! FBI Agent Gabriel Dean & Jane work great (with love)!

[iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟 again.
The second in the Rizzoli and isles series.
This book was great again just like the first, itching to read the next but I have a way of picking my next book, so I’ll have to remember the ending of this one, but because it was well written and I couldn’t put it down, I won’t forget it.
To anyone out there that hasn’t read a Tess Gerritson book I highly recommend her.
Start with the Surgeon you won’t be disappointed.
Has Jane got over the Surgeon, read this to see!!

[Paul Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Surgeon returns for a second act!

Boston detective Jane Rizzoli has healed physically from the gruesome attack she suffered at the hands of Warren Hoyt, THE SURGEON, but the psychological scab on the wound is still fresh. Faced with a copycat killer, who has been dubbed The Dominator, Rizzoli is forced to recognize the possibility that she's not capable of dealing with the psychiatric baggage of the last attack and that she's no longer objective in her search for the new killer. When Hoyt escapes custody, teams up with The Dominator and it becomes clear that Rizzoli is the next target, she has to deal with the most brutal realization of all ... that she is terrified for her life!

Gerritsen has done it again.

THE APPRENTICE outdoes THE SURGEON for thrills and chills, which is saying a mouthful! The science and the minutiae of the forensic investigation are exciting and informative. The repulsive creepy factor that Gerritsen squeezes out of a mental trip through the mind of serial killer Warren Hoyt is beyond chilling. The characters continue to be developed and Rizzoli's angst, far from becoming tiresome, is skillfully used as a tool to carve out the nature of her relationship with interfering FBI agent, Gabriel Dean.

And that ending ... a deep down gruesome shudder to die for! Brilliant!

Highly recommended.

Paul Weiss

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It’s the heat,” said Rizzoli as she reached for her cell phone. “It brings the monsters out.”

It has been a year since the events that took place in The Surgeon. Detective Jane Rizzoli thought serial killer Warren Hoyt was safely locked away in prison and that she could move on. But a new series of brutal murders suggests that there may be someone out there who admires Hoyt and is basing his attacks using the same techniques that Hoyt used. That is what Rizzoli thinks. She is also finding that even though Hoyt is safely locked away he has changed her. In some ways he is still in her life.

Now wealthy men are being killed and their wives have disappeared. The men have been tied up with duct tape and propped against a wall, their throats slit. Evidences suggest they were made to watch as something was done to their wife. In the bedrooms the wives nightgowns have been left behind, neatly folded. All techniques that seem to indicate Hoyt.

Things take and interesting, and complex, turn when the FBI shows up at one of the crime scenes. Special Agent Gabriel Dean inserts himself into Rizzoli's case. She has no choice in the matter. The orders came from higher up. Very high up. She may not have a choice in Dean's involvement but that doesn't mean she has to like it. Or to trust him. Rizzoli is supposed to include him but he is holding back on her. Why is the FBI involved and what else is there that they are not telling her.

Every serial killer needs a nickname and in this case he has been dubbed The Dominator. Later in the story Hoyt escapes from prison and The Surgeon and The Dominator team up. I thought this was a little too much and too unbelievable. None the less I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books in the series. We meet Maura Isles and the character of Jane Rizzoli grows. The reader gets to know her a little better.

"... it was not pain she feared most; it was humiliation."

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are SO good. Well, this is only the second book that I have read in the series but they are so good! This one wasn't as good as book one, I think the story was the reason why, but I did give book one 4.5 stars so its not that much of a step down. If all crime novels were like this, I would definitely read more crime novels!

I think Gerritsen is a terrific writer and storyteller. I highlighted a couple of passages to show how good she is - "Even before they saw the body, the heard the ominous hum of flies." and "The sky had opened up and rain poured like a thousand hammers on the roof of Dean's Volvo." She does more than paint a picture with her descriptions, she makes you feel like you're really there because she describes it so you can feel it with each of your senses and also feel those ominous feelings and feelings of grief, terror, etc. . I think she's just a really phenomenal writer. And also, when she's describing anything to do with criminal or medical terms, she does it so eloquently and in such a way that it doesn't feel like preachy or pretentious in any way. Her explanations also don't pull you away from the story either which I think is seriously impressive because there are so many explanations in the book.

The story was really good. I wish we got a bit more of the Dominator because it was mainly about the Surgeon but that was just something small. The book felt like a really good crime tv show to me. I haven't seen the show Rizzoli & Isles but I might start watching it if it is anything like the books. The book is so addictive, I read half of it in one day and then I was busy for two days but devoured the rest on the fourth day. I didn't want to put it down and I am so eager to pick up book 3 but I will give it a little time I think!

I would 100% recommend this series! It is so good and I do think you have to read them in order, at least the ones I have read so far (the first 2). I don't know if Tess Gerritsen has more books outside of this series but if she does, I will definitely check them out too.

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for The Apprentice: Rizzoli & Isles, Book 2 (audiobook) by Tess Gerritsen read by Anna Fields.

Another serial killer for Detective Rizzoli to track down. And like last time it gets personal.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Rizzoli and Isles series and the book that introduces Dr Maura Isles, although she is very much on the periphery.
Rizzoli is invited to assist with a homicide that looks very much like the work of 'The Surgeon', the serial killer who nearly got her in the first book. Hoyt (aka the Surgeon) is still in custody so she is not sure if he has an offsider or a copycat.
She also finds herself being shadowed by a FBI agent, Gabriel Dean whose cold demeanour leaves her feeling intimated and somewhat disconcerted.
A fast paced book that is hard to put down. Looking forward to book three.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a chilling story of two serial killers, one in prison, who breaks out with the help of the second. They then unite to kill together. If you watch the Rizzoli series on tv, you will notice that there are differences in the charcters. This book is a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Surgeon, and this is a great follow up, written in the author's trademark gory style, her books aren't for the faint hearted.

Fast paced, plenty of twist and turns and you never know what's going to turn your stomach next.

Absolutely brilliant as always!

Five stars.

[Ivan Skyba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Асистент
Тесс Ґеррітсен

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Я сподіваюсь, що вам рідко трапляються книги зі злитими кінцівками. Це просто жахливе відчуття, коли вона тебе просто поглинула з головою, тримає в напрузі, а потім пшик💨 - і остання сторінка, крайня сцена і навіть маленької надії на елементарні відповіді немає.

Ось вам яскравий приклад.

Вчора я писав про питання, що мене найбільше цікавило. На нього відповідь була отримана. Мені аж від серця відлягло.

А от даліі...

Псс..нижче будуть спойлери - попереджаю відразу.

Всю увагу на себе поступово перетягнув давній знайомий Ріццолі - Воррен Гойт, він же Хірург. А головний антагоніст роману, Домінант, який мав грати першу скрипку зла в трилері, поступово здувся.

А найжахливіше - автор навіть не розкрила його повністю. Опис зовнішності та деталі його походеньок - це ВСЕ? Серйозно?

В детективах я дуже люблю зрозуміти психологію поведінку вбивці, його мотиви, історію життя - чому мила дитина в пелюшках поступово перетворилась на звіра.

Тут отримав вакуум.

Та й закінчення видалось швидким. Все йде плавно, але динамічно. Є очікування, що розслідування продовжиться.

Аж тут партнери по крові самі її так легко знаходять. І досвідчений вбивця реально помиляється і недооцінює ГГ. Запихнути її в багажник з власною валізою, де є ствол? Чи Воррен не попередив свого асистента,що Джейн ще та штучка?

Закінчую. Говорять емоції. Одним словом - недопрацьована кінцівка. То є моя суб'єктивна думка.

Текст, як я вже зазначав вище, читається легко. Нужно точно не буде - тут Тесс справляється на 100%.

Багато уваги приділяється роботі експертів з доказами, тілами жертв. Детально описуються передові технології в сфері судової експертизи - мені було цікаво дізнатись певні особливості проведення аналізів та принципи роботи спеціального обладнання.

Дівчатам теж сумно не буде - романтична складова❤️ присутня і додає шарму та справжності подіям.

Подобається і внутрішня зміна Джейн Ріццолі. За нею взагалі цікаво спостерігати - аж надто схожа вона на мою кохану. Імпульсивна, горда (аж занадто), готова довести справу до кінця, рівна в суспільстві чоловіків, якщо для цього треба робити нелогічні вчинки.

Але тут авторка показує нам і зворотну сторону медалі - сильній жінці теж треба чоловіче плече. Інколи їй теж необхідна, як ковток свіжого повітря, змурована стіна надійності та впевненості партнера, за якою можна хоч на хвильку заховатись і проявити слабинку.

Саме це і врятувало моє враження. Відразу я хотів вліпити навіть кілочок. Посидів, заспокоївся, трохи попрацював - невдоволення залишилось, але й плюси не можна перекреслювати.

За власною схемою зійшовся на оцінці "достатньо", але, як студенту, який мені симпатизує - ставлю добре.

[Abby • Crime by the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one while traveling - it was a perfect plane read! Totally gripping and chilling. I wouldn't have thought I'd be a fan of medical thrillers, but I really enjoy Gerritsen's writing - it's addictive and fascinating, with lots of detailed medical references that make the story that much more authentic.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Apprentice is the first book I have read of Tess Gerritsen, and I was impressed with the way Tess Gerritsen portrays her characters especially Jane Rizzoli and Detective Korsak. I am also impressed that the Rizzoli and Isles TV show does represent the books.

Detective Jane Rizzoli is still recovering from her encounter with The Surgeon when couples are starting to die in Boston with the similar characteristic of The Surgeon. The readers of The Apprentice will start to wonder if there is a copycat. However, this is not the case a more scary scenario is in play and it takes the readers of The Apprentice on a rollercoaster ride. The ending of The Apprentice will surprise the readers, and in some cases, I think they will be pleased.

Reading The Apprentice will help you understand some issues with Post Trauma Stress disorders for law enforcement. Readers of The Apprentice will learn about the problems that the different law enforcement agency have with each other and way they rectify the issues.

I recommend this book.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The serial killer known as the Surgeon resides in prison, while one of his biggest fans takes up where the Surgeon left off.
Another taut thriller from Tess Gerritsen sees the return of detective Jane Rizzoli & introduces medical examiner Maura Isles. The story builds up to a couple of very tense chapters & I'll definitely be adding the next Rizzoli & Isles thriller to my reading list.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much stronger novel than THE SURGEON, but follows closely in its footsteps. Gerritsen offers a wonderful 'thriller' aspect to the novel and keeps the reader on their toes.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the Rizzoli & Isles tv show and with the fall hiatus, I decided to start reading the actual books. Full disclosure, I skipped The Surgeon (#1 in this series) because, honestly, Maura Isles is not in it. Sorry. Not interested.

I can definitely tell you, if you've watched the tv show, you can jump into this book first without any problems. The changes that were made for the tv show are, in my opinion, fairly minor in terms of characters and their relationships to each other (for example, Frankie is in the military, Korsak works for some suburban PD instead of Boston, etc.) except for Maura, who isn't the blonde fashionista she is on the show. Which is fine with me; her character doesn't appear much in this book, but she's interesting enough.

The biggest change from the book is the plotline, which I was really pleasantly surprised about. Same premise as the series pilot with Hoyt and stuff, but a totally different story.

Definitely a solid book and I'm looking to reading more of them. And to more Maura Isles.

EDIT: as an addendum to this review, I'll mention that as the series goes on, the differences between it and the tv series are MAJORRRRR. Here in this book though, if you know the show, you'll be more than fine. I wouldn't start with any of the books farther down the line though; you'll be so lost.

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! Awesome follow up to book 1, The Surgeon! Intense doesn't begin to describe The Apprentice. This is on-the-edge of your seat, heart-racing, scared-to-turn-the-lights off suspense! It's been a year since Jane put away the Surgeon. Physically, she's healed, but mentally & emotionally - she's got a long ways to go. And now she's called to the scene of a horrific murder in another district . . . one that mimics those perpetrated by the Surgeon. Jane's nightmares come rushing back as she is forced to face her demons once again. I'm happy to say that I not only liked Jane better in this one, but I also understand her better. Jane comes with a trunk full of damaged baggage, coming off as a little petty & whiny in book 1. But in The Apprentice, we see a more focused Jane - stronger, tougher, less concerned with how male co-workers see her and more willing to work with the team. A strong supporting cast adds even more intrigue to this book. Readers meet mysterious FBI Agent Gabriel Dean who proves to be a complication and medical examiner Maura Isles who I find intriguing.

Chilling, horrifying, nonstop action kept me glued to the pages of The Apprentice. Add to that the fact that some scenes are told from the point of view of Warren Hoyt aka The Surgeon . . . and you have a Must Read! Brilliantly written - a Page Burner!

[Tessa Nadir · Rating 3 out of 5]

''Ucenicul'' este continuarea romanului ''Chirurgul'' de Tess Gerritsen, in care versatul criminal in serie reuseste sa evadeze si sa se alature altui criminal ce ucide asemanator. Tandemul Chirurgul - Dominatorul mi s-a parut foarte reusit si as fi apreciat cartea mai mult daca finalul ar fi fost mai bine gandit si nu atat de superificial.
Mi se pare aproape imposibil, ca o intriga atat de bine sustinuta, sa fie rezolvata in doar cateva pagini. Un criminal in serie de calibrul Chirurgului, ar fi meritat o infruntare mai ampla si mai dramatica. Lucrul acesta nu se intampla, iar finalul este chiar enervant de simplu.
Ca parti bune, as sublinia, nenumaratele descrieri din sfera medicinei si criminalisticii, de care cartea abunda si care fac deliciul cititorilor pasionati de aceste domenii.

[San · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerulė! 😍

[teach_book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prywatne aspekty z życia Rizzoli to coś, czego brakowało mi w 1 tomie!

[Noella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een jaar geleden is Jane Rizolli vreselijk toegetakeld door een seriemoordenaar, Warren Hoyt. Ze slaagde er echter in hem achter de tralies te krijgen.
Nu worden er opnieuw moorden gepleegd, in de stijl van Hoyt. En terwijl de politie alles op alles zet om de moordenaar te vatten, ontsnapt Hoyt uit de gevangenis!
Kort daarop wordt er weer gemoord, en ditmaal is het duidelijk dat Hoyt en de andere moordenaar elkaar gevonden hebben, en dat ze samenwerken...
Agent Gabriël Dean komt het team van Rizolli versterken. Hij zou voor de FBI werken, maar is dit wel zo? En waarom zou de FBI zich bemoeien met het onderzoek van een lokaal politieteam?
Daarbij wordt het stilaan meer en meer duidelijk dat Hoyt en zijn partner het op Jane voorzien hebben...

Super spannend boek!

[Priskah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,0 ✨✨✨

(Audiobook)