VANISH by Tess Gerritsen
Tess Gerritsen writes tense mysteries that feature compelling characters. In the past she has created an intriguing homicide detective named Jane Rizzoli and featured her in several stories. In her latest novel VANISH Jane is back and still getting involved in one dire situation after another - even though she is just about to deliver her first child!
Maura Isles, a medical examiner in Boston, also returns as does Gabriel Dean, an FBI Agent who is also Jane's husband. Each and all of these people are drawn into a situation in which Jane is held hostage by people with paranoid convictions about the government.
As the clock ticks down the situation with Jane becomes more and more intense. Gabriel is desperate to find some way to end the situation without violence but the government seems determined to get rid of the hostage takers as quickly as possible.
VANISH is well written and exciting, but not always believable. There are too many coincidences that occur in order to bring everything to an acceptable conclusion. Plus Jane is not as much her common sense self. She does things that place her in jeopardy and risks not only her life but also that of her child. These are not the actions of the Jane we have come to know through the past novels.
One of the best parts of Gerritsen's books that focused on Jane and Gabriel has been the inner workings of their relationship. Jane has never truly trusted Gabriel's love for her and is constantly testing it. She is also never sure of her success as a police detective and must forever put herself at the forefront of every dangerous situation. That she does it here when she is also endangering the life of her child does not engender our respect.
Also the evil government plot twist is getting tired. Other authors have used it and for Gerritsen to pick up on it is more of a ploy than a creative endeavor. Whatever the reason it makes for a second rate Gerritsen book when we have become accustomed to all of her books being first rate.
Still it must be noted the book is totally readable and enjoyable. Just because it is not one of Gerritsen's best does not mean it should be avoided. The plot, the pacing, the suspense and the thrills are still within these pages.
So do read VANISH, but know going in that it is not up to par with Gerritsen's past efforts. Maybe next time.
VANISH is published by Ballantine Books. It contains 336 pages and sells for $24.95.