Five Question Interview - Tess Gerritsen, Rizzoli and Isles

A former physician, Tess Gerritsen started writing whilst on maternity leave. Her first novel was published in 1987 and eight more romantic thrillers followed ‘Call After Midnight’. Her first medical thriller, 'Harvest', debuted in 1996 on the New York Times bestseller list.

Having penned several more such (medical thriller) novels, Tess has won both the Nero Wolf Award and the Rita Award. Her books have been published in forty countries and more than 30 million copies have been sold worldwide.

Readers first meet the dynamic duo of Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles in 'The Surgeon'. Their sometimes awkward relationship goes from strength to strength as they solve one grisly murder after another. Tess' enthralling development of intelligent and believable characters has resulted in TNT creating a successful television series of the same name (Rizzoli & Isles).

Catch Tess on her UK/US book tour (Jan 12-16 in the UK; from January 20 in the US). Further details about this and and this fascinating writer at her website Tess Gerritsen.

The Interviews

Tess Gerritsen

Tess...
1. Who are your top five favorite characters met in books?
Sherlock Holmes.  Scarlett O'Hara.  Frodo Baggins.  Elizabeth Bennett.  Jane Eyre.

2. Which authors (dead or alive) have inspired your writing?
Stephen King.  Margaret Atwood.  Larry McMurtry.

3. What motivates you to write the next book?
I get an idea for a story, and I want to know how it turns out.

4. You’re hosting a literary dinner party – who would you invite (dead or alive) and why?
Arthur Conan Doyle.  William Shakespeare.  Truman Capote.  Calvin Trillin.  Gertrude Stein.

5. Looking back over your career, would you still become an author?
Absolutely.

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Jane...

Rizzoli - played by Angie Harmon

1. What do you like about being part of Boston’s PD?
Taking down the very people who threaten my city.

2. Would you say your mother has had a huge influence on your life?
She gave me the stability and love to develop my own confidence.

3. Do you have a favorite part of Boston?
Back Bay.  It's where my apartment is.

4. You work with a varied set of people – what makes a great team?
People who look at things from different perspectives.  That's why I think having a guy and a gal working together (like me and Detective Frost) is so effective.

5. Now you’re married with a young family, would you give up your career as a detective and 
become a stay at home mother?
Nope.  I like my job too much.

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Maura...

Isles - played by Sasha Alexander

1. Being an ME can be quite challenging – what drives you to deal with the most difficult of cases?
For every question, I want an answer.  I'm driven to explain things.

2. Do you have a favorite part of Boston?
Beacon Hill.  It has history, beautiful old buildings, and feels like the center of Boston.

3. If you were granted a wish to live a different life – would you have taken a medical route?
I might have been an archaeologist.  I enjoy digging for the truth -- whatever the subject.

4. What’s the most important thing to do after a taxing day?
Pour a glass of wine.

5. You’re hosting a dinner party what would be your go to dish?
A crown roast of lamb, with rosemary and mint jelly.  And roasted new potatoes.

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GIVEAWAY

I am giving away an e-copy of Tess Gerritsen's latest novel - Die Again: When Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles are summoned to a crime scene, they find a killing worthy of the most ferocious beast—right down to the claw marks on the corpse. But only the most sinister human hands could have left renowned big-game hunter and taxidermist Leon Gott gruesomely displayed like the once-proud animals whose heads adorn his walls. Did Gott unwittingly awaken a predator more dangerous than any he’s ever hunted?

Leave a comment or question on this post by February 1st 8pm EST to be entered into a draw to win this book. One person will be chosen randomly using Random.org. Please make sure to leave an e-mail address with your comment. Thank you and Good Luck!

John Doe: A Rizzoli & Isles Mystery - Tess Gerritsen

Dr. Maura Isles is bored. Attending a charity function, the evening takes an almost romantic turn when she engages with a handsome man in a tuxedo. It seems that the bubbles from the champagne is not the only thing taking effect.

Sunday morning and Dr. Isles awakes on her sofa - still fully dressed in the evening silk gown she wore the previous night; but she can't remember getting there. She feels dizzy and has a headache. As she scrambles around making sure she hasn't been robbed, a knock at the door stills her.

Det. Jane Rizzoli has arrived - she's been calling Maura for the last hour and received no answer. It was Sunday, why call her? Why else a dead body has been found in a park. And the last person that may have seen him alive is Maura.

As Rizzoli investigates, evidence points to her friend Dr. Isles, being not only a victim but a possible suspect. Can Jane clear her name? How is Maura involved and will she be able to clear all doubt despite some of Boston's finest enjoying the 'Queen of the Dead' having a peg or two taken down.

Even as a short story, Gerritsen still manages to weave a fairly complex and engrossing plot. The characters are well known by all fans and even those who have just happened upon this book will find a set of likable police and evil villains.

Rizzoli and Isles are two dynamic literary women and it's a shame that the TV series doesn't reflect this a bit more. However, it's great to catch up with the true Jane and Maura. A highly recommended read!