This was such a fun book to read, so many mysteries to solve! There is excellent investigative work, some zany side characters, and lots of MURDER! This was my first book by this author but certainly won’t be my last. Tess Gerritsen is a prolific author who writes in a way that kept me flipping pages way past my bedtime. Thank you Netgalley, Randon House Publishing-Ballantine, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

If you are a fan of Tess Gerritsen's Rizzoli and Isles mysteries, you will be delighted with the latest installment, Listen to Me. In this book we alternate between Jane Rizzoli, Mara Isles, and Jane's mother Angela as they investigate a series of puzzling events. The first, Sofia Suarez was found brutally murdered in her own home after returning from work at a nearby hospital. Sofia was beloved by her neighbors and the murder seems senseless until a burner phone is turned up along with a series of untraceable calls made by Sofia before she died. After some intense investigation, Jane and Mara are able to make a connection between Sofia and a hit and run victim from an accident months earlier. While the investigation is underway, Angela is preoccupied with missing her romantic partner who is away taking care of his sister. Angela spends a good bit of time at the window, noticing an odd couple who move in at the end of the street. She's also concerned with a friend's missing daughter and begs Jane to take action. When Jane finally scrapes together a few minutes, she finds that the situation is way more complicated than it seems.. The story moves along in typical Rizzoli and Isles fashion with humor and suspense that make for a fun, exciting read. Many thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read an ARC.

After a long break, Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles are back. We see a lot more of Angela in the book and somewhat less of Maura. Jane and the crew are investigating the beating death of a well loved ICU nurse while Angela has taken upon her herself to become the guardian of the neighborhood.
This is a great series that will keep you up all night trying to quickly read to the end to solve the mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for review.

I really love Tess Gerritsen's books and it was great to have Rizzoli and Isles back. It was fantastically written as always and I love the characters, in particular Angela so I especially liked that some of the story was written from her perspective. I would highly recommend Listen to Me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for my ARC.

This is the thirteenth installment of the Rizzoli and Isles series, and it’s actually the first book I read of the series. When I requested it on NetGalley I didn’t know it was a series. Once I realized this was the 13th book I was a little worried that I would be lost, but honestly you don’t have to know the background because the author does such great job at introducing the characters and their back story. I’m going to have to read all of them because this one was so good! This book hooked me after the very first page. It’s very fast paced and has many twists, making it difficult to piece together the whodunnit. It all beautifully came together at the end. Fun fact: they turned this book series into a TV series! Going to have to binge watch it 📺

Listen to Me is out TODAY!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest Rizzoli & Isles book by a favorite, Tess Gerritsen - 5 stars!

Detective Jane Rizzoli and Medical Examiner Maura Isles are on the scene of a seemingly senseless murder of a recently-widowed nurse who was loved by all. A young girl who was the victim of a hit-and-run accident is apparently being stalked by a mysterious stranger. Can there be any relation between these two? Jane's mother is also on the trail of discovering what's behind events in her neighborhood - is she just nosy and bored or are things really not as they seem?

I loved falling back into the lives of Jane, her partner, Barry, Maura, and the rest of the characters - it's been way too long! It was also fun to read more about Angela, Jane's mom, with typical mother-daughter moments as well as Angela finding ways to move on with her life. There are lots of threads to follow, especially in the beginning, but they all come together perfectly in the end. I hope there's not as long a wait for the next chapter in this series or a stand-alone - I love everything Gerritsen writes!

I was excited to get the chance to read this early copy of Tess Gerritson's Rizzoli and Isles book! This has been a favorite series of mine for years! In this book Jane's mother Angela plays a big roll in this story. The FIRST FEW LINES of this book are all Angela as we know and love her...and pulled me right in! As Angela becomes embroiled in her own mystery Jane and Maura are trying to solve one of their own. There is a lot going on...but everything comes together in the end. Tess Gerritson again proves that she is a master of the genre!!
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Listen to Me by Tess Gerritsen is the thirteenth novel in the Rizzoli & Isles mystery thriller series. While Jane & Maura investigate a senseless murder, Jane’s mom is doing some investigating of her own. This suspenseful tale will make the perfect addition to your beach tote.

I started reading this series before the television series Rizzoli & Isles and enjoyed them both. I am always delighted to travel to Boston and work on another case with Detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles.

This was a little different as Gerritsen delivered chapters from Angela Rizzoli, Jane’s mom. She monitors her street and notices something suspicious. New neighbors move in across the street and a young teenager girl goes missing. Angela is convinced the new neighbors are up to no good and that something more sinister is happening where the young girl is concerned. It was an interesting thread with its own suspenseful elements.

Meanwhile, a nurse is brutally murdered and a young woman involved in a hit and run is being stalked. Jane is trying to understand who would target this nurse by retracing her activity. It was interesting watching Jane connect the dots as her case and a missing persons case intertwine.

Gerritsen knows how to weave a tale as she wove in clues, red herrings, and suspects. While I pieced together aspects, it was fun learning the how and why as everything came together.

We got to spend some time with Maura and learned some things about her, goldfish and more.

Fans of mystery thrillers, and murder mysteries will enjoy Listen to Me. While this is part of a series, each book involves its own case and will work as a standalone.

I've read many books in this series, and this is one of my favorites. And though it's #13, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. Characters, as expected, are well-crafted, and the pace is perfect. It's told from multiple perspective (including Jane and Angela--Jane's mother). There are enough twists to keep the reader guessing and turning the pages until the end. It's interesting to see how seemingly unrelated threads all tie together. The characters are so realistic (particularly if you're familiar with the TV show), and the reader is quickly pulled in and becomes a part of the story.

I absolutely love it when I feel like I’m reading an episode of my favorite show and this tie in did not disappoint! I can’t wait to go back and read the others!

In "Listen to Me," by Tess Gerritsen, Boston PD Detective Jane Rizzoli and her partner, Barry Frost, investigate the brutal murder of Sofia Suarez, a fifty-two-year-old nurse who was beaten to death in her home. Jane and Barry interview Suarez's colleagues and acquaintances, comb through her telephone records, and try to figure out why someone targeted her. Meanwhile, Jane's mother, Angela, is a busybody who spies on her neighbors and nags Jane to check out anything remotely suspicious. Angie is particularly curious about a mysterious couple who recently moved in across the street from her. Why are they so unfriendly and obsessive about their privacy?

This is an engrossing novel by a talented storyteller, who adeptly juggles a host of subplots. In addition to those mentioned earlier, there is one about Tricia, a teenager Angie fears may have been abducted, and a college student, Amy, who believes that someone is stalking her. After she is nearly killed in a hit-and-run accident, Amy undergoes emergency surgery. As Jane and Barry continue their inquiry into the Suarez homicide, they come across tantalizing clues that lead them down a dark and twisted path.

The book's chief flaw is its melodramatic conclusion. Although it is entertaining to watch Jane and Barry tackle this challenging case, the big reveal is overwrought and unconvincing. In addition, the author moves far afield when she scrambles—somewhat heavy-handedly—to tie up the remaining loose ends. That being said, Tess Gerritsen's fans will enjoy "Listen to Me" for its lively and amusing banter, Jane's impressive ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated facts, and Angie's insistence on heeding the slogan: "If you see something, say something."

Rizzoli & Isles: Listen to Me is the 13th book in Tess Gerritsen's fan favorite series Rizzoli & Isles. Years ago this was one of my favorite series, but then I switched to primarily reading romance books. Though I still love my romances, I now have a renewed interest in mystery and thrillers. This book was the perfect vehicle with which to reacquaint myself with Rizzoli and Isles. I started this yesterday and I've already finished it. What a fun ride it was! I almost canceled my attendance at an Independence Day party to finish it, but really, they were serving steak, so...

Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles are called in to investigate the brutal murder of Sofia Suarez, a nurse and widow who was well liked by everyone who knew her. Yet she was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in her home; was it a home invasion gone awry, or was it something more sinister? It's soon discovered Sofia was making calls to a burner phone and contacting old acquaintances, but why? Jane sees a connection between her death and the hit-and-run victim of an accident months ago, which makes things about as clear as mud. Apparently someone is willing to kill in order to keep secrets covered. While all this is keeping Jane and Maura busy, Jane's mother Angela Rizzoli is noticing strange goings-on in her quiet neighborhood. Friends aren't who she thinks they are, strange new neighbors have moved in across the street and a teenage girl is missing. Angela tries to convince her daughter there's something wrong, but Jane doesn't believe her and thinks it's Angela's imagination. Well, Angela's learned some things from her daughter over the years, and she WILL find out what's going on!

Rizzoli and Isles were just as likable and interesting as always, and I was happy to meet up with them again. Their case was fascinating. But ladies, hate to break it to you, but Angela stole the show! This was HER book! She was a hoot. She had me laughing, she was just so funny. At first, I was thinking all that was going on was in her imagination, and boredom from her boyfriend being out of town. But Angela is apparently one smart and gutsy cookie. Like mother, like daughter. Her Scrabble games with neighbors were hugely entertaining, as was her feud with former best friend Agnes. Angela's story was truly my favorite part of the book. Now, that's not to say the rest of the book was dull...not by a longshot! The main mystery was finely crafted and kept me on the edge of my seat. I had absolutely no idea how totally seemingly unrelated discoveries could be tied together. There just wasn't any way they could be connected. But when the truth was revealed I was, well, gobsmacked! I didn't see that coming in a million years!!! Truly, I could not figure it out; that's the sign of a good mystery. It was nice being reunited with Jane and Maura. I haven't read this series in years, so it was like everything was new again. I didn't recall Jane being married with a child, nor Maura's relationship with a priest. (I whispered that last word!) I will not make the mistake of losing touch with this series again.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Another wonderful addition to the Rizzoli & Isles series, after a longer than usual hiatus! This time Jame’s mother Angela is getting in on the action, which was a fun new spin, and breathes some new life into things. I’ve been a long-time reader of the series and an even longer reader of Gerritsen’s books, and I’m always impressed on how she can continually manage to produce such well potted stories that even I have a hard time guessing the ending of. And this one, with all the disconnected yet entangled stories took it to another level, so I really kept flipping page after page trying to work it all out - truly compelling reading.

A nurse is killed in her home. A teenage girl may or may not be a runaway. A new neighbor may be a serial killer or worse. It’s just another day in the life of Homicide Detective Jane Rizzoli in Rizzoli & Isles: Listen to Me.

I admit that I only read this series occasionally. However, it always feels like slipping into a warm bath when I return to Rizzoli’s world. It’s both familiar and comforting. In fact, the characters’ uniqueness and realism are the best part of the book. Ostensibly, this book is another police procedural where everything is tied up efficiently by the last ten pages. However, there is an undercurrent about the sadness of aging suffusing the plot too. It adds a new level that is rarely present in mystery series. So, bravo!

I recommend Rizzoli & Isles: Listen to Me to anyone looking for an elevated police procedural—even if this is your first dip into the series. 4 stars!

Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

I had been under the belief that the Rizzoli and Isles series was completed and then was pleasantly surprised when I saw there was a new offering. Once again, having to separate the book series from the television series, I was able to jump back in with just a little reminder of spouses and romantic partners.

The fun of multiple storylines is finding one you like and sticking with it. For me, the narrative revolving around Angela and her neighborhood snooping is what held my attention. Though the murder involving Sofia Suarez, with Jane and Maura, is relevant and twisty, yet took a backseat.

With Angela’s story, you will find parts that appeal and parts that don’t come together well -- why was Angela not invited to the concert -- but the plot would not have been able to unfold otherwise. With Jane and Maura, you will find the police procedural, science, and obscure facts you are used to. It was a fun ride with the three women who have made this series so much fun.

Angela was right -- why don’t people listen to her, since Jane had to get her investigative skill from somewhere, and it certainly wasn’t her father.

Listen to Me by Tess Gerritsen is the thirteenth novel in the Rizzoli and Isles series. I have not read any of the previous books in the series, but I have watched every episode of the television series. This knowledge allowed me to read Listen to Me. Listen to Me is an engaging story. The story is told from Amy, Angela, Maura, and Jane’s point-of-view. It did take me a little bit of time to adjust to the alternating POV. It does allow readers to see things from each character’s perspective. There are a couple of different storylines in the book. There is the murder of nurse, a nineteen-year-old hit by a car, a missing teen, and Angela Rizzoli is worried about her mysterious new neighbors. I enjoyed following the various stories and seeing how it all came together in the end. There are some twists along the way (some expected and other are not). The characters are realistic and developed. I enjoyed learning more about Jane Rizzoli, Angela Rizzoli, Barry Frost, and Maura Isles. Vince is out of town taking care of his sister, but we get to interact with him through phone conversations with Angela. The mystery was well-plotted. I thought it was cleverly done. I enjoyed the challenge (it was a fun whodunit to solve). There are good clues to help readers identify the guilty party. It was great how all the various parts came together. I thought there was a good reveal and wrap-up. Jane’s mother, Angela is certainly a busy body. I would not want her in my neighborhood. She knows everybody’s business (and if she does not, she will make it her mission to learn it). Angela is a spunky woman. I like that Angela is with Vince. I am glad that I picked up Listen to Me. It has good characters and a thought-out mystery that makes for an enjoyable reading experience. Listen to Me is an intriguing mystery with a hit-and-run misfortune, a curious stalker, a slain nurse, new neighbors, a meddlesome mother, baffling burglaries, an absent teen, a marvel of a medical examiner, and a dedicated detective.

Clever and engaging mystery. All the familiar characters with intertwining plots. Lots of action and surprises. Some of the story seemed obvious, but definitely not all. I may have guessed correctly, but there was so much more to the issues than suspected.

This is a Police Mystery/Suspense, and this is the 13th book in the Rizzoli and Isles series. I have not read any of the other Rizzoli and Isles books, but I have watched the TV show. I really loved this book. I think my favorite character is Rizzoli's Mother. I enjoyed all the characters in this book, and the characters felt really real. There are a couple of mysteries happening in this book. I guessed some of the twists, but I still really loved this book. The ending of this book was so good. I will have to read more books from this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Ballantine Books) or author (Tess Gerritsen) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Rizzoli & Isles return!

Tess Gerritsen is back with her popular Rizzoli & Isles #13 series with Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura and some fun with Jane's mom, Angela, in LISTEN TO ME.

It has been five years since the last book; however, no worries about reading the past books; you will catch up and can be read as a standalone.

Alternating POVs, we hear from Jane (detective), Maura (medical examiner), Angela (Jane's mom), and Amy (small part, a victim of a hit and run). Past and present.

The case: ICU nurse, Sofia Suarez, has been bludgeoned to death. Why would anyone target a respected nurse well-liked by her friends and neighbors? Sofia was guarding a dangerous secret — a secret that may have led the killer straight to her. The killer will do anything it takes to keep their secret safe.

Angela Rizzoli: Jane's mom is a busybody in her neighborhood (the watcher) and sees and hears everything. You gotta love her! However, she continues to blow up Jane's phone with reports driving her nuts.

MOTHERS KNOW BEST BUT WHO WILL LISTEN?

Jane of course ignores her (in the beginning). Something's wrong with the new neighbors, and she's determined to find out what's happening. She says someone has been kidnapped. But Jane has other worries.

Angela's quirky personality is witty, and she wants to help everyone. She adds a lot of laughs to the novel and constantly calls Jane, questioning her abilities as a detective.

Jane and partner Barry Frost are investigating the nurse's murder and the abduction of another woman. Jane and Maura dig deep into solving a homicide and its connection to a random hit-and-run of a young girl who is being stalked.

Amy, the physician's daughter who ran the ICU where Sofia worked, was involved in a hit-and-run accident months earlier.

Are all three threads connected, and how?

Gerritsen effortlessly switches between the parallel storylines, and although they are both compelling and complex, Angela steals the show, and you cannot help but be drawn to her with her dramatic flair to solve the mystery.

EVERY HOUSE, EVERY FAMILY, HIDES A SECRET.

It was great spending time with Jane and Maura, as they are immersed in the brutal murder case; however, I have to say Jane's mom, Angela was my favorite character in this book. Maura's role was not as prominent in this one since Angela's storyline took a more significant part.

The burning question is, could Angela have her own spin-off series?

A solid mystery suspense crime thriller, an engaging series with relatable characters. Action-packed, suspenseful, fast-paced, engaging, and witty. As always, Tess is a pro at maneuvering forensics and police procedurals, well-developed relatable characters, and twisty plots to keep you glued to the pages.

Fans will devour this one, and new fans will be ready to jump on board the R&I train. LISTEN TO ME is an excellent addition to the series, and I highly recommend all of them.

A special thank you to #RandomHouse #Ballantine and #NetGalley for an ARC to read, enjoy, and review.

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My Rating: 4 Stars ✨✨✨✨
Pub Date: July 5, 2022
July 2022 Must-Read Books

Tess Gerritsen writes a marvelous investigative story. The story is told from the point of view of several characters. Rizzoli and her partner Frost are investigating what seem to be randomly unrelated murders that happened 19 years apart. Maura is struggling with her inner demons and Angela is being the neighborhood snoop. It is a wonderful page turner that will not fail to grab your attention.