THE APPRENTICE, by Tess Gerritsen, Ballantine Books, 344 pages, $24.95.
Sequels are usually mistakes, but not in the case of 'The Apprentice."
The first book, "The Surgeon," was set in Boston, a frightening story about a serial killer with medical training. A brilliant female cardiac surgeon, Dr. Catherine Cordell, was pursued by him, but she escaped and later married the lead detective on the murder cases, Thomas Moore. The killer, Warren Hoyt, was imprisoned.
"The Apprentice" focuses on Moore's partner, Det. Jane Rizzoli, a 33-year-old pistol of a woman who narrowly escaped being one of the killer's victims in the first book. Rizzoli becomes lead detective on a series of new shocking crimes with an especially disturbing pattern, in which wealthy men are forced to watch while their beautiful wives are brutally raped. The conclusion of each case is abduction and death.
Rizzoli, who faces constant insecurities as the only female on the Boston police force, has a further challenge to deal with — an FBI agent named Gabriel Dean, who insists on joining the case without explaining why. As each successive crime is committed, these two verbally spar with each other, trying to ignore their mutual sexual attraction.
Rizzoli's new partner, Korsak, is a disgusting, overweight man with shallow breathing and a wry sense of humor. Several characters from the first book return, including detectives Barry Frost and Jerry Sleeper — and even Dr. Lawrence Zucker, the creepy psychologist whose manner and pronouncements drive Rizzoli crazy.
As in the first book, the voice of the "Surgeon" periodically intrudes on the reader with chilling, italicized comments.
In the meantime, the Apprentice establishes himself as brilliant in the same way as Warren Hoyt, a surprise to investigators who know Hoyt is behind bars. Then Hoyt escapes in an ingenious plan that allows him to join the man who is in fact his partner in crime. The blood-thirsty killings become even more grisly, and Rizzoli more nervous as she realizes the escaped "surgeon" has his eye focused squarely on her.
In the hands of Tess Gerritsen, a physician/internist turned gifted suspense novelist, this story is a powerhouse. While "The Surgeon" was an exceptionally well-crafted and gripping novel, "The Apprentice" is even better. The dialogue is extremely well-written and the characterizations are fully developed. Eventually, the reason for the FBI agent's presence is explained, leading to a strange and expansive twist in the story.
Gerritsen effectively compares these crimes with those done in times of war, as in Kosovo, suggesting a link between conquering and humiliating the enemy in war (especially women), and modern American crime. Although such a tie seems initially to be a stretch, the author pulls it off so that it enriches the story.
Rizzoli is a very interesting, witty and charismatic protagonist. Her unusual range of personality is revealed in each case, from her being alternately overcome with fear to her dominating events around her.
Almost equally commanding is Dean, whose dignified exterior finally reveals itself to be hiding a much more sensitive, vulnerable man, one Rizzoli can like . . . even love. To some degree, the tenderness between them balances the savagery of the novel.
This is a solid, edge-of-the-seat suspense story told by a master of storytelling.
E-mail: dennis@desnews.com