Book Review: I Know a Secret
What do martyred saints have to do with these deaths?
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2017/10/9780593072462_15430.jpg)
Author: Tess Gerritsen.
Reviewed by: Samantha Keogh.
Review made possible by: Penguin Random House South Africa
As an avid fan of Tess Gerritsen, it will come as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed the 20th book in the series to feature detective Jane Rizzoli and forensic pathologist Maura Isles.
This time round the duo investigates a series of murders that are linked to a case going back 20 years.
Two separate murder cases at different locations and of seemingly unrelated victims soon leads to a case that was closed 20 years before when the cops and court caught and convicted a family of three – mother, father and adult son.
Now the Boston homicide detective and forensic pathologist must unravel their new case which may or may not be linked to that case and may point to the wrong people being convicted.
In both of the new cases, the bodies bear startling wounds but the cause of death is unknown, and even when she has them back at her lab, Maura has trouble figuring out what killed them.
The first twist comes when Maura’s estranged birth mother – infamous serial killer Amalthea Lank – gives Maura a clue as she gasps her last breath, effectively impacting on the case and having the final say in their tumultuous relationship.
Armed only with Amalthea’s cryptic clue, Maura must start to make sense of the manner of murder if Jane has any hope of catching the perpetrator.
As usual, Gerritsen weaves a complex web between past and present and characters who might have known one another in a previous time and place.
While I have read and enjoyed the previous 11 books in the series, this is by far my favourite with a final sting you’re unlikely to see coming.
A definite must read for your summer holiday list.
I have read the complete series of these books in order which is something I prefer to do. It gives me chance to know the characters and their lives. With this book it wouldn’t make any difference, its just something I prefer.