The Mephisto Club: Tess Gerritsen

The body of Lori-Ann Tucker is found early Christmas morning, surrounded by black candles and bloody satanic symbols. To be more specific, her head is found amid the candles and symbols -- the rest of her is scattered throughout her apartment. It’s not exactly the kind of present medical examiner Maura Isles and detective Jane Rizzoli expected to unwrap. Adding to the horrific mystery, the word "Peccavi" is written backwards in blood on the wall. Maura catches a glimpse of it in the mirror, and recognizes the meaning: it’s Latin for "I have sinned."

Rizzoli and Isles cull sinners from saints in this fast-paced investigation that spans several continents, including a group of “scholars” called The Mephisto Club -- which happens to have celebrity psychologist Joyce O’Donnell as a member (Rizzoli’s personal demon.) Dedicated to the study and analysis of evil, their theories include such radical ideas as certain humans being descendents of a race of fallen angels…and that Satan himself is walking the earth. But when even more gruesome murders follow with apocalyptic messages – and their own members begin to die – their studies and theories on true evil aren’t so far-fetched.

Gerritsen really puts a strain on plausibility with THE MEPHISTO CLUB, however the author adds exceptional plotting with enough detail and flavor to give the impression that it could actually happen. I’ve read only a couple of books from Rizzoli/Isles series, but I find the characters to be just as realistic, smart, and tough in this newest one. They are not without vulnerability as Rizzoli deals with her past involving O’Donnell, and Maura deals with her own ideas of sin as she becomes more and more involved with a priest, Father Daniel Brophy.

Excellent reading for fans of these investigators, or even if you’re picking it up for the first time. You may even find yourself with a serious case of goose bumps if you let your mind wander into the possibilities of THE MEPHISTO CLUB.

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Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books (September 12, 2006)
ISBN: 0345476999
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