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Rizzoli & Isles #9.5
John Doe
Razor-edge suspense in this original eBook short story from “one of the most versatile voices in thriller fiction today” (The Providence Journal)
It should have been a night to remember, but Maura Isles can’t recall a thing.
Maura is longing to ditch a ritzy cocktail party, along with her four-inch heels, when a handsome, charming stranger appears. But somewhere between sipping a fresh glass of champagne and waking up the next day on her sofa lies a black hole of forgotten time. As Boston’s medical examiner, Maura regularly teams up with police detective Jane Rizzoli on homicide investigations, and Jane’s latest case makes Maura’s blood run cold. A brutally murdered man has been found in a city park with Maura’s address tucked in his pocket. Maura IDs the victim as the charmer she met at the party. Her alarm turns to terror when she learns the murdered man was a predator with victims of his own. Fearing she may be guilty of a lethal crime she can’t recall, Maura races to recover the missing hours that hold the truth—and that hide a shocking secret.
Don’t miss the thrilling preview of Tess Gerritsen’s new Rizzoli & Isles novel, Last to Die.
It should have been a night to remember, but Maura Isles can’t recall a thing.
Maura is longing to ditch a ritzy cocktail party, along with her four-inch heels, when a handsome, charming stranger appears. But somewhere between sipping a fresh glass of champagne and waking up the next day on her sofa lies a black hole of forgotten time. As Boston’s medical examiner, Maura regularly teams up with police detective Jane Rizzoli on homicide investigations, and Jane’s latest case makes Maura’s blood run cold. A brutally murdered man has been found in a city park with Maura’s address tucked in his pocket. Maura IDs the victim as the charmer she met at the party. Her alarm turns to terror when she learns the murdered man was a predator with victims of his own. Fearing she may be guilty of a lethal crime she can’t recall, Maura races to recover the missing hours that hold the truth—and that hide a shocking secret.
Don’t miss the thrilling preview of Tess Gerritsen’s new Rizzoli & Isles novel, Last to Die.
51 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2012
417 people are currently reading
7880 people want to read
About the author
Tess Gerritsen
202 books21.2k followersInternationally 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 393 reviews
April 14, 2019
An enjoyable Rizzoli and Isles short story that has Dr. Maura Isles as a potential suspect in a murder investigation. Detectives Rizzoli and Frost do the investigating, while Maura tries to piece back the events of a night that she can't remember. A neat little mystery and a really fast read.
January 29, 2019
Maura Isles is attending a formal benefit for the Boston Museum where she serves on the Benefit Committee when she’s approached by a man wearing a name tag that identifies him as a major donor. They strike up a friendly conversation as she finds him charming. After drinking the glass of champagne he brings her, she becomes physically uncomfortable and leaves with him to go get some air. Her next memory is awakening at home the next day with no recall of anything in between.
The story grabs your attention right away and I read it in one sitting because I had to know how it ended. It’s a harrowing story involving Maura, again as a victim. The case isn’t a tough one to solve but does manage to have an interesting twist. I would have loved a deeper dive into the characters and wish this was developed into a full length story. With that said, it was a pretty good effort as a short one.
The story grabs your attention right away and I read it in one sitting because I had to know how it ended. It’s a harrowing story involving Maura, again as a victim. The case isn’t a tough one to solve but does manage to have an interesting twist. I would have loved a deeper dive into the characters and wish this was developed into a full length story. With that said, it was a pretty good effort as a short one.
May 21, 2025
A short story by Tess gerritson.
Throughly enjoy the Rizzoli and Isles books. A quick simple short story .
A nice thriller on my kindle. .
Rizzoli helps out her friend Isles solve the case that’s a little close at home.
Throughly enjoy the Rizzoli and Isles books. A quick simple short story .
A nice thriller on my kindle. .
Rizzoli helps out her friend Isles solve the case that’s a little close at home.
June 19, 2024
Хоч це і коротка історія але цікава. Ну і Кроу дуже дратував.
September 15, 2018
A short novella featuring Maura. After accepting a drink from a handsome stranger at an art show Maura wakes up in her home with no memory of the night before. This is a good stand alone story that doesn’t need the rest of the series, but does drop hints to stir the appetite.
January 13, 2019
How does a woman’s dream become her worst nightmare? In Tess Gerritsen’s short story,
John Doe
, forensic pathologist Dr. Maura Isles discovers that she is not immune to learning this lesson first-hand. While attending a benefit gala, she meets a charming man who brings her a drink. They leave the event together to get coffee and dessert. Maura awakens the next morning feeling disoriented. She is in her home, on her couch but still in her gown.
Her doorbell rings. Her friend, Detective Jane Rizzoli, bursts in with shocking news. A man has been found stabbed to death. Slowly, the possibilities dawn on Maura. Could she have been attacked the previous night? Worse yet, could she be responsible for the man’s death?
I have read ten novels in this series, so the idea of Maura Isles being a killer, even in self-defense, was quite appalling to me. Yes, Maura muddies the boundaries between being a victim, a potential suspect, and a professional who is often a partner with law enforcement. Of course she does. Since this is a short story, the plot develops quickly, but it all makes sense in a rather bizarre sort of scenario. But Gerritsen always seems to have some sort of twist up her sleeve.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars
Her doorbell rings. Her friend, Detective Jane Rizzoli, bursts in with shocking news. A man has been found stabbed to death. Slowly, the possibilities dawn on Maura. Could she have been attacked the previous night? Worse yet, could she be responsible for the man’s death?
I have read ten novels in this series, so the idea of Maura Isles being a killer, even in self-defense, was quite appalling to me. Yes, Maura muddies the boundaries between being a victim, a potential suspect, and a professional who is often a partner with law enforcement. Of course she does. Since this is a short story, the plot develops quickly, but it all makes sense in a rather bizarre sort of scenario. But Gerritsen always seems to have some sort of twist up her sleeve.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars
January 10, 2016
Excellent short story by one of my favourite authors Tess Gerritsen. Is this book really only 42 pages when there is so much packed into it. I am not a big fan of short stories as I find it is is very difficult to get into the characters and plot enough to make it interesting. But in this case the characters are well known to me due to the Rizzoli and Isles series of books so I was half way there.
Maura attends a party and meets a handsome man. They get on well while drinking champagne and the day Maura wakes up to discover that the mystery man has been murdered. All the evidence seems to point to Maura who has no memory of what happened the night before. Rizzoli and Isles investigate the case knowing there is a possibility that Isles could be a murderer.
Tess Gerritsen is so consistent and her books are always an excellent read.
Maura attends a party and meets a handsome man. They get on well while drinking champagne and the day Maura wakes up to discover that the mystery man has been murdered. All the evidence seems to point to Maura who has no memory of what happened the night before. Rizzoli and Isles investigate the case knowing there is a possibility that Isles could be a murderer.
Tess Gerritsen is so consistent and her books are always an excellent read.
April 28, 2020
Excellent short story!
December 9, 2024
John Doe is short story at the end of the novel Last To Die. Tess Gerritsen is proof that you don't need a full novel to tell a riveting tale.
January 15, 2020
I love this serie. And this is another great book. My only regret is that this is only a short story and not a full length book.
March 26, 2020
টেস গেরিটসেনের জেন রিজলি, মৌরা আইয়েলস সিরিজের দারুণ একটা নভেলা। মূলত সিরিজটা মেডিকেল থ্রিলার প্লাস পুলিশ প্রসিডিউরাল হলেও গল্পটা পুরোদস্তুর পুলিশি প্রক্রিয়া ভিত্তিক। দারুণ একটা প্লটে সংক্ষেপে কাহিনী গড়ে উঠেছে। শেষটাও ভালোমত হয়েছে। রহস্য গল্পের পাঠকরা পড়তে পারেন। ভালো লাগবে।
August 26, 2012
Gerritsen can weave a complex tale any time she likes! Whether it’s a normal length novel, or a short story, as this one is, the grit and tension will pull you in every time.
Dr Maura Isles is at a glitzy, champagne filled fund raiser at the Museum of Science, she is bored, her 6” heels are killing her, and she can’t wait to go home and take them off. Suddenly her spirits lift, as she is approached by a handsome young man in a tuxedo…the night starts to look brighter. When he brings her more champagne, she feels the bubbles making her a little light-headed….
When she wakes the next morning, she can’t work out how she’s on her sofa at home, fully clothed in last night’s silk gown, one shoe still on, with a demonic headache, and a massive hangover. What has happened, what DID happen? She has no memory of the events of the evening… With the phone ringing, which she ignores, and the knowledge it is 11am (she NEVER sleeps this late, even on the weekend!), and the sudden frantic knocking on her door, she is understandably frightened.
Detective Jane Rizzoli needs to get to the bottom of Maura’s night out, as there has been a body found in the park, and in his pocket is one of Maura’s cards. Does Maura know him, did she kill him? Maura can’t remember…
Jane trusts Maura, but has to investigate this death properly, and when things are suddenly not as they seem, the investigation takes on another turn. What will Maura do, is she in further danger…can Jane find the answer to this seemingly complex situation?
A thoroughly entertaining read, one I highly recommend.
Dr Maura Isles is at a glitzy, champagne filled fund raiser at the Museum of Science, she is bored, her 6” heels are killing her, and she can’t wait to go home and take them off. Suddenly her spirits lift, as she is approached by a handsome young man in a tuxedo…the night starts to look brighter. When he brings her more champagne, she feels the bubbles making her a little light-headed….
When she wakes the next morning, she can’t work out how she’s on her sofa at home, fully clothed in last night’s silk gown, one shoe still on, with a demonic headache, and a massive hangover. What has happened, what DID happen? She has no memory of the events of the evening… With the phone ringing, which she ignores, and the knowledge it is 11am (she NEVER sleeps this late, even on the weekend!), and the sudden frantic knocking on her door, she is understandably frightened.
Detective Jane Rizzoli needs to get to the bottom of Maura’s night out, as there has been a body found in the park, and in his pocket is one of Maura’s cards. Does Maura know him, did she kill him? Maura can’t remember…
Jane trusts Maura, but has to investigate this death properly, and when things are suddenly not as they seem, the investigation takes on another turn. What will Maura do, is she in further danger…can Jane find the answer to this seemingly complex situation?
A thoroughly entertaining read, one I highly recommend.
May 11, 2020
1 saat gibi kısa bir sürede dinledim. Kısa ama güzeldi :) Sesli kitap işini sevdim. Başka bir iş yaparken gayette dinlenebiliyor. Bundan sonra mutfakta yemek yaparken hep dinleyeceğim :D Büyük kolaylık :))
July 29, 2017
A short, but riveting story with Jane and Maura, except Maura is on the other side of things. Instead of being the ME, she is potential suspect. A short case, wrapped up quick but worth the read if you are a fan of the series.
July 31, 2022
Despite being a short story it actually has a case in line with the rest of the series, a good one at that, unlike "Freaks".
March 21, 2020
Qısa, amma olduqca həyəcanlı və kədərli bir əsər oldu. Tess Gerritsen oxumaq üçün darıxmışdım. Səsli şəkildə dinlədim və 1 saata bitirdim. Bu yazarı və Rizoli & İsless sevənlərə tövsiyə edirəm.👍❤ Bu dəfəki macərada hər kəsin soyuqqanlı olaraq tanıdığı Noranın heç üzə çıxartmağı bir tərəfi ilə də tanış olacaqsız(dr. İsless)
July 19, 2014
As a member of the committee, Maura Isles can’t very well leave the benefit for Boston’s Museum of Science…even if she is bored. But things are looking up when she meets Eli Kilgour. The handsome man flirts with her and asks her to dinner. But when Maura is getting ready to leave, she starts feeling lightheaded. The next thing she knows, it is morning. Maura wakes up in her livingroom with no memory of how she got there. But when Detective Jane Rizzoli shows up on her doorstep investigating the death of a man that Maura was seen with, Maura begins to worry that she may have killed him.
I’m not usually a fan of novellas, but this one is interesting. Maura has no memory of the previous evening. She believes she was drugged and maybe sexually assaulted. There are some twists and turns in this short story. My rating: 4 Stars.
I’m not usually a fan of novellas, but this one is interesting. Maura has no memory of the previous evening. She believes she was drugged and maybe sexually assaulted. There are some twists and turns in this short story. My rating: 4 Stars.
August 28, 2016
A very short story about Maura Isles who becomes victim of a sexual predator or is she the perpetrator?
She meets a nice man at a party and when she wakes up the man is found dead in a park and she does not remember.
The story could have been fleshed out a wee bit more but it is also well written as always.
She meets a nice man at a party and when she wakes up the man is found dead in a park and she does not remember.
The story could have been fleshed out a wee bit more but it is also well written as always.
May 6, 2019
Çok hoşuma gitti yahu böyle kısa ama güzeldi. Özellikle polisiye okuduğum zaman hemen bütün olayları ve katili öğrenmek isterim ve dayanamayıp kitabın sonuna göz atarım sonra döner rahatça okurum (üf bu huyumdan da nefret ediyorum ya nys) işte bu kitabın güzelliği kısacık olması ve hemen okuyup bitirmem hep böyle mi yazsan be Tess 😅
Jane ve Rizzoli'yi de özlemişim yav :(
Jane ve Rizzoli'yi de özlemişim yav :(
February 8, 2018
A page-turning short story in between two of the regular-length Rizzoli & Isles installments. Really interesting read that held my attention and had me scratching my head. The reveal at the end was a bit strange, but overall, I enjoyed it.
September 17, 2018
Short read - 42 pages
Jane has to help Maura prove she was not a murderer of a millionaire she met at a party of rich scientists. Maura imagines she is the murderer of a handsome rich man who may have brought her safely home from the scientists party without attack. She had drank champagne, flirted with the man, passed out and does not remember anything on how she got home. Jane's lead points to the dead rich man with her address in his cost? Simple plot....
Jane has to help Maura prove she was not a murderer of a millionaire she met at a party of rich scientists. Maura imagines she is the murderer of a handsome rich man who may have brought her safely home from the scientists party without attack. She had drank champagne, flirted with the man, passed out and does not remember anything on how she got home. Jane's lead points to the dead rich man with her address in his cost? Simple plot....
January 4, 2024
Een leuk verhaal. De lengte is precies goed. Niet te kort en niet te lang. De ontknoping is ook leuk.
December 6, 2018
A short story with Maura Isles once again the victim. She remembers meeting a handsome man at a party, but does not remember how she got home. And now Jane Rizzoli is at her door telling her that the man is dead. The whole concept of the story would have made a great novel, but the author did an excellent job putting everything together in 50 (gave or take) pages. There was no lack of mystery either.
February 12, 2019
Short read, efficient and to the point : I loved every second of it !
January 22, 2018
A swift 30 minute read - Maura Isles has her drink spiked with Rohypnol but wakes up next morning without having been raped. Rizzoli and Frost get on the case.
March 16, 2021
A short novel that was filled with guessing games.
I wasn't sure which way the novel was going to go and I was hooked all the way through. I was surprised on both the crime and how the killer was revealed.
I wasn't sure which way the novel was going to go and I was hooked all the way through. I was surprised on both the crime and how the killer was revealed.
July 8, 2018
John Doe by Tess Gerritsen is novella 9.7 in the Rizzoli & Isles mystery series set in contemporary Boston MA. Maura, the medical examiner, wakes up one morning without any memory whatsoever of what happened to her the previous night. Last thing she can remember is meeting an attractive man at a party. When she learns the man was murdered overnight, she is petrified that she cannot remember what happened. Clearly, she was drugged with Rohypnol, the so-called "date rape" drug....did it make her violent?
Homicide Detective Jane Rizzoli believes beyond a doubt that Maura did not kill Scanlon. But to prove it, Jane must find the killer. Jane and her partner Detective Frost uncover a pattern of similar crimes. They interview the victims that survived; one victim committed suicide. All victims were attractive, successful young professionals...just like Maura.
Homicide Detective Jane Rizzoli believes beyond a doubt that Maura did not kill Scanlon. But to prove it, Jane must find the killer. Jane and her partner Detective Frost uncover a pattern of similar crimes. They interview the victims that survived; one victim committed suicide. All victims were attractive, successful young professionals...just like Maura.
September 12, 2017
Two-haiku review:
Maura is roofied
Man she was with is murdered
She can't remember
Very short story
Clever and enjoyable
Unexpected end
Maura is roofied
Man she was with is murdered
She can't remember
Very short story
Clever and enjoyable
Unexpected end
May 25, 2025
A short bonus story to the series.
3.75/5
3.75/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 393 reviews