New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen knows how to expertly dissect a brilliantly suspenseful story, all the while keeping fascinated readers riveted to her side. By turns darkly enthralling and relentlessly surprising, The Keepsake showcases an author at the peak of her storytelling powers. For untold years, the perfectly preserved mummy had lain forgotten in the dusty basement of Boston’s Crispin Museum. Now its sudden rediscovery by museum staff is both a major coup and an attention-grabbing mystery. Dubbed “Madam X,” the mummy–to all appearances, an ancient Egyptian artifact–seems a ghoulish godsend for the financially struggling institution. But medical examiner Maura Isles soon discovers a macabre message hidden within the corpse–horrifying proof that this “centuries-old” relic is instead a modern-day murder victim. To Maura and Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli, the forensic evidence is unmistakable, its implications terrifying. And when the grisly remains of yet another woman are found in the hidden recesses of the museum, it becomes chillingly clear that a maniac is at large–and is now taunting them. Archaeologist Josephine Pulcillo’s blood runs cold when the killer’s cryptic missives are discovered, and her darkest dread becomes real when the carefully preserved corpse of yet a third victim is left in her car like a gruesome offering–or perhaps a ghastly promise of what’s to come. The twisted killer’s familiarity with post-mortem rituals suggests to Maura and Jane that he may have scientific expertise in common with Josephine. Only Josephine knows that her stalker shares a knowledge even more personally terrifying: details of a dark secret she had thought forever buried. Now Maura must summon her own dusty knowledge of ancient death traditions to unravel his twisted endgame. And when Josephine vanishes, Maura and Jane have precious little time to derail the Archaeology Killer before he adds another chilling piece to his monstrous collection.
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"Once more Gerritsen delivers a chilling novel. The story moves quickly and the plot is quite disturbing. My thoughts of who the killer was kept changing and even then I was surprised at the end. The only disappointing thing about this novel is that it didn't have much to do with Dr. Isles and the banter that is common between her and Rizzoli. Still, it was a nice read and has me ready for the new season of Rizzoli & Isles on TNT."
— Larry (4 out of 5 stars)
" DIDN'T FINISH - ONLY 1 PART "
— Ccgreen, 2/16/2014" Liked the boy and dog addition. "
— Judy, 2/10/2014" REally good plot. enjoyed it. "
— Elvis, 2/4/2014" The first half of the book moved a little slower than Tess's other books, but once I got a little pass half way I couldn't put it down. "
— Cyndi, 2/3/2014" It's a Rizzoli & Isles novel. No more needs to be said. :). I live this series!!! "
— Merilee, 1/27/2014" I do get the feeling that a gimmick was needed for this book. The characters are archaeologists therefore the crimes must reflect that. Having said that, it's still a good, easy to read thriller. "
— Ellie, 1/19/2014" Great Egyptian background interspersed with the trademark murder mystery. All your favorite characters are present with some good development for Frost. Great addition to the series. "
— Karenzielinski, 1/6/2014" Not as good as the other books in the series, but I liked it. "
— Jennifer, 11/27/2013" Another fun story with Rizzolli and Isles. Interesting take on the world of archaeology and some fun tidbits about mummies, etc. Not the most original in the series, but then again, how creative can you be with the same characters re-hashed over and over again? "
— Jonathan, 8/31/2013" Oustanding, She will become your favorite author! "
— Mike, 8/24/2013" The plot's kinda been done before, a few times in various fashions, which made it hard to really enjoy this one. "
— Hilary, 8/20/2013" Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, it changed directions (in a better way). Highly, highly recommended. "
— Russ, 2/17/2013" Excellent! My first of Gerritsen's novels.... I'll be reading the rest! "
— Carolyn, 1/2/2013" An attention-holding mystery with strong female characters and a (mostly) believable plot, although some of the convolutions near the end to bring the last plot twist to conclusion were a bit much. "
— Mia, 12/14/2012" Another winner from a brilliant crime/thriller/mystery novelist! Also, I can admit that I was secretly thrilled to discover Dr. Isle's has a BA in anthropology, as that was my major as an undergraduate. I loved the archaeology tie ins in this novel. "
— Lucie, 8/28/2012" This book was really cool and kept me on my toes...not your standard Rizzoli and Isles Mystery, as it was set in a museum, but interesting none the less. I love Gerritsen's ability to keep things hoppin' "
— Naomi, 7/24/2012" Again my two favourite characters hard at it! Love the way she hooks you in and keeps you there until the end! Never can figure out where we are going and who is responsible for the horrors! Tess Gerristsen is an author who knows what it takes to keep the reader interested! Well recommended! "
— melody, 5/8/2012" Just finished. Good read. Starts off a little slow but pulls you in soon enough. "
— Gallorn, 4/16/2012" As always, the Rizzoli / Isles series never fail to thrill. Gerritsen is a fantastic writer with excellent plot twists, and rather shocking content that only a well researched authored could pull off. Excellent - couldn't put it down. "
— Michele, 3/19/2012" This is a great series. I especially like this one. It covered many of my interests; Egyptology, Archaeology, History, Forensics, elements of surprise, and even a little romance. This series is very well written. "
— Ashley, 3/3/2012" This seventh Rizzoli and Isles book was as good as all the other six. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the eighth book. "
— Sally, 1/28/2012" Always like Tess Gerritsen's books. She's a good story teller, her books follow the same plot arc, and her characters are people I've met before. I'll take a break before reading another, but her books will always be on my read or to read list. "
— Debbe, 8/26/2011" I was thinking about half way through the book that I had figured it all out. In fact I was so sure I was starting to get that sense of disappointment. But, I should have known! Awesome book, enjoyed every page! I can't wait for the next one. "
— Natasha, 8/21/2011" Subjects: Jane Rizzoli, Detective; mummies; murder. This was my first Tess Gerritsen book. It was excellent. The story had suspense and well-developed characters--spell-binding. I enjoyed the reader, Deirdre Lovejoy. "
— Marcia, 7/27/2011" What a good story! I would absolutely recommend this book to others. I haven't read anything else by Gerritsen, but I think I should start! Just when you think the book is over, surprise, there is more! It was absolutely entertaining and I enjoyed it very much. "
— Original, 5/24/2011" Book 7 of Rizzoli and Isles. Better than last book. "
— Margiek2000, 5/24/2011" Excellent scientific mystery - interesting info on forms of mummification - a good read "
— M-J, 5/9/2011" Previewed in audio and then read it. Much better in audio. mummies in Boston at the Crispen Museum. "
— Margo, 5/9/2011" The best and most intriguing (so far) of the Rizzoli & Isles series. A welcome comeback after the odd and unsatisfying Mephisto Club. "
— Katherine, 5/6/2011" This started very strong, but was weaker at the finish, hence the 3 stars. Still good though. "
— Jan, 5/5/2011" Another Tess Gerritsen book that I really enjoyed. This book was a page turner and kept me guessing the entire time. "
— Kensi, 4/27/2011" looks to be hit & is highly recomend the series "
— Mary, 4/23/2011" Nicely read audio book. Gerritson is very popular with library patrons, though I had never read any before. The theme of this one is archaeology, and it has plenty of gruesome scenes. Light reading for a long trip-not much to think about afterwards. "
— Elaine, 4/19/2011" This is another good book from Tess Gerritsen. "
— Claudia, 4/9/2011" Tess Gerritsen always has me on the edge of my seat! This book was no exception. Very good! "
— Nicole, 4/5/2011Tess Gerritsen, a former phyisican, is the internationally bestselling author of Harvest, Life Support, The Silent Girl, and The Surgeon, a work for which she won the RITA Award and the Nero Award. She also wrote a screenplay, Adrift, which was made into a movie for television in 1993. Her series of novels featuring homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles is the inspiration for the TNT television series Rizzoli & Isles. Gerritsen currently lives in Maine.