If you’re a fan of gripping thrillers, heart-pounding medical dramas, or intricate crime mysteries, Tess Gerritsen’s books are likely on your radar. Known for her bestselling Rizzoli & Isles series, Gerritsen has captivated readers with her unique blend of suspense, science, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this guide provides a comprehensive list of Tess Gerritsen’s books in order, including her standalone novels and series, to help you dive into her thrilling world.
Who Is Tess Gerritsen?
Tess Gerritsen is an internationally acclaimed author and retired physician whose medical background infuses her novels with chilling authenticity. Her Rizzoli & Isles series, featuring Boston detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles, inspired the hit TV show of the same name. With over 30 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Gerritsen’s storytelling prowess spans medical thrillers, romantic suspense, and crime fiction.
In this guide, we’ll break down her books by series and standalone works, ensuring you know exactly where to start or continue your reading journey. Let’s explore Tess Gerritsen’s books in publication order, with a focus on her major series and standalone novels.
Tess Gerritsen Books: Complete Series List in Order
Below is a comprehensive table listing all of Tess Gerritsen’s books in her major series, Rizzoli & Isles and The Martini Club, in publication order. This table excludes standalone novels and short stories/novellas, focusing solely on her series works. Each entry includes the book title, publication year, and series name for easy reference.
| Series | Title | Publication Year |
|---|---|---|
| Rizzoli & Isles | The Surgeon | 2001 |
| Rizzoli & Isles | The Apprentice | 2002 |
| Rizzoli & Isles | The Sinner | 2003 |
| Rizzoli & Isles | Body Double | 2004 |
| Rizzoli & Isles | Vanish | 2005 |
| Rizzoli & Isles | The Mephisto Club | 2006 |
| Rizzoli & Isles | The Keepsake (UK: Keeping the Dead) | 2008 |
| Rizzoli & Isles | Ice Cold (UK: The Killing Place) | 2010 |
| Rizzoli & Isles | The Silent Girl | 2011 |
| Rizzoli & Isles | Last to Die | 2012 |
| Rizzoli & Isles | Die Again | 2014 |
| Rizzoli & Isles | I Know a Secret | 2017 |
| Rizzoli & Isles | Listen to Me | 2022 |
| The Martini Club / Rizzoli & Isles | The Spy Coast | 2023 |
| The Martini Club | The Summer Guests | 2024 |
Notes:
- The Spy Coast is primarily part of The Martini Club series but includes Rizzoli & Isles characters in supporting roles, making it a crossover novel.
- The table reflects books published as of October 2025. Check Tess Gerritsen’s official website or retailer listings for any new releases.
- For standalone novels, short stories, or novellas (e.g., Freaks or John Doe), refer to a complete bibliography or the author’s official resources.
Tess Gerritsen’s Rizzoli & Isles Series in Order
The Rizzoli & Isles series is Gerritsen’s most famous work, blending gritty crime investigations with deep character development. Below is the complete list of the Rizzoli & Isles books in publication order, perfect for readers who want to follow Jane and Maura’s journey from the beginning.
- The Surgeon (2001)
- Overview: Introduces Detective Jane Rizzoli as she hunts a serial killer with a penchant for surgical precision.
- Why Read It?: This chilling debut sets the stage for the series, showcasing Gerritsen’s medical expertise and knack for suspense.
- Good to Know: Maura Isles doesn’t appear in this book, but it lays the foundation for the duo.
- The Apprentice (2002)
- Overview: Jane Rizzoli faces a new killer who seems to emulate the imprisoned Surgeon, with Dr. Maura Isles making her first appearance.
- Why Read It?: The chemistry between Rizzoli and Isles begins to shine, making it a pivotal book in the series.
- The Sinner (2003)
- Overview: A brutal murder in a convent pulls Rizzoli and Isles into a case involving dark secrets and international intrigue.
- Why Read It?: This book deepens Maura’s character and introduces complex moral dilemmas.
- Body Double (2004)
- Overview: Maura Isles uncovers a shocking connection to her past while investigating a murder that hits too close to home.
- Why Read It?: A personal and emotional installment that explores Maura’s backstory.
- Vanish (2005)
- Overview: A pregnant Jane Rizzoli is taken hostage in a hospital, forcing her and Maura to confront a deadly conspiracy.
- Why Read It?: High stakes and intense action make this a fan favorite.
- Accolades: Won the Nero Award for Best Mystery Novel.
- The Mephisto Club (2006)
- Overview: Rizzoli and Isles investigate a series of ritualistic murders tied to an ancient secret society.
- Why Read It?: Perfect for readers who love a touch of the occult in their thrillers.
- The Keepsake (2008) (UK: Keeping the Dead)
- Overview: A mummified body leads to a twisted case involving archaeology and murder.
- Why Read It?: Gerritsen’s knack for blending science and suspense is on full display.
- Ice Cold (2010) (UK: The Killing Place)
- Overview: Maura Isles is stranded in a snowy wilderness, uncovering a terrifying cult.
- Why Read It?: A chilling setting and intense survival theme make this a standout.
- The Silent Girl (2011)
- Overview: A murder in Boston’s Chinatown draws Rizzoli and Isles into a case steeped in Chinese mythology.
- Why Read It?: Cultural depth and intricate plotting elevate this installment.
- Last to Die (2012)
- Overview: Rizzoli and Isles protect three orphaned children targeted by a ruthless killer.
- Why Read It?: A gripping exploration of loyalty and protection.
- Die Again (2014)
- Overview: A taxidermist’s murder leads to a case that spans continents and connects to a decades-old crime.
- Why Read It?: Perfect for fans of global mysteries and intricate puzzles.
- I Know a Secret (2017)
- Overview: Rizzoli and Isles tackle a series of murders with a mysterious connection to Maura’s past.
- Why Read It?: A return to the series’ roots with a focus on personal stakes.
- Listen to Me (2022)
- Overview: Jane’s mother, Angela, becomes entangled in a neighborhood mystery that ties to a larger crime.
- Why Read It?: A fresh perspective with Angela’s involvement adds a new layer to the series.
- The Spy Coast (2023) (Part of The Martini Club series, but includes Rizzoli & Isles)
- Overview: A crossover novel featuring retired CIA operatives, with Jane and Maura playing supporting roles.
- Why Read It?: A thrilling blend of espionage and crime, perfect for fans of both series.
Reading Tip: While each Rizzoli & Isles book can be read as a standalone, starting with The Surgeon and reading in order provides the best experience, as character arcs and relationships develop over time.
Tess Gerritsen’s Standalone Novels
Before the Rizzoli & Isles series, Gerritsen wrote several standalone medical thrillers and romantic suspense novels. These are ideal for readers who enjoy fast-paced, self-contained stories. Below is a list of her standalone novels in publication order:
- Adventure’s Mistress (1985) (as Theresa Gerritsen, written for Harlequin)
- Genre: Romantic suspense
- Overview: A tale of love and danger set against an adventurous backdrop.
- Call After Midnight (1987)
- Genre: Romantic suspense
- Overview: A woman is drawn into international espionage after a mysterious phone call.
- Why Read It?: A great entry point for readers who enjoy romance with a thriller twist.
- Under the Knife (1990)
- Genre: Medical thriller
- Overview: A doctor uncovers a conspiracy within her hospital after a patient’s death.
- Why Read It?: Gerritsen’s medical background shines in this tense thriller.
- Whistleblower (1992)
- Genre: Romantic suspense
- Overview: A whistleblower on the run teams up with a woman to expose a deadly secret.
- Why Read It?: A fast-paced mix of romance and danger.
- Never Say Die (1992)
- Genre: Romantic suspense
- Overview: A woman searches for answers about her father’s death in Vietnam, uncovering a web of lies.
- Why Read It?: A gripping blend of history and suspense.
- Peggy Sue Got Murdered (1994) (reissued as Girl Missing)
- Genre: Medical thriller
- Overview: A medical examiner investigates a series of mysterious deaths linked to a drug conspiracy.
- Why Read It?: A precursor to Maura Isles’ character, perfect for Rizzoli & Isles fans.
- Thief of Hearts (1995)
- Genre: Romantic suspense
- Overview: A reformed thief and a woman team up to uncover a dangerous plot.
- Why Read It?: A fun, lighter thriller with strong romantic elements.
- In Their Footsteps (1995)
- Genre: Romantic suspense
- Overview: A woman digs into her parents’ past, uncovering espionage and betrayal.
- Why Read It?: A compelling mix of family secrets and intrigue.
- Presumed Guilty (1997)
- Genre: Romantic suspense
- Overview: A woman accused of murder must clear her name while navigating danger and romance.
- Why Read It?: A classic Gerritsen blend of suspense and heart.
- Harvest (1996)
- Genre: Medical thriller
- Overview: A young doctor uncovers a black-market organ trade within her hospital.
- Why Read It?: Gerritsen’s breakout novel, showcasing her ability to weave medical detail into suspense.
- Life Support (1997)
- Genre: Medical thriller
- Overview: A doctor investigates a deadly outbreak tied to a sinister medical experiment.
- Why Read It?: A chilling exploration of ethics in medicine.
- Bloodstream (1998)
- Genre: Medical thriller
- Overview: A small-town doctor uncovers a connection between violent outbreaks and a biological mystery.
- Why Read It?: A gripping, science-driven thriller.
- Gravity (1999)
- Genre: Medical thriller
- Overview: A space station experiment goes horribly wrong, threatening the crew and Earth.
- Why Read It?: A unique sci-fi thriller with high stakes.
- The Bone Garden (2007)
- Genre: Historical thriller
- Overview: A modern-day woman uncovers a 19th-century mystery involving murder and medical secrets.
- Why Read It?: A standalone with ties to the Rizzoli & Isles universe, featuring Maura Isles in a minor role.
- Playing with Fire (2015)
- Genre: Historical thriller
- Overview: A violinist discovers a haunting piece of music tied to a dark WWII secret.
- Why Read It?: A beautifully written blend of music, history, and suspense.
Tess Gerritsen’s The Martini Club Series
In 2023, Gerritsen launched The Martini Club, a new series featuring retired CIA operatives. While distinct from Rizzoli & Isles, the first book includes familiar faces.
- The Spy Coast (2023)
- Overview: A retired CIA agent’s quiet life in Maine is disrupted by her past, with Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles appearing in supporting roles.
- Why Read It?: A fresh series with espionage and small-town charm, ideal for Rizzoli & Isles fans.
- The Summer Guests (2024)
- Overview: The Martini Club faces new threats as past missions resurface.
- Why Read It?: Continues the espionage theme with gripping stakes.
Short Stories and Novellas
Gerritsen has also written shorter works, often tied to her series:
- Freaks (2011) (Rizzoli & Isles short story)
- A quick, eerie tale featuring Jane Rizzoli.
- John Doe (2012) (Rizzoli & Isles novella)
- Maura Isles takes center stage in this suspenseful novella.
Where to Start with Tess Gerritsen’s Books
- For Rizzoli & Isles Fans: Start with The Surgeon to follow Jane and Maura’s journey from the beginning.
- For Medical Thriller Enthusiasts: Try Harvest or Life Support for standalone medical suspense.
- For Romantic Suspense Readers: Early novels like Call After Midnight or Whistleblower are great choices.
- For New Readers: The Bone Garden or Playing with Fire offer standalone stories with Gerritsen’s signature style.
Why Read Tess Gerritsen?
Gerritsen’s books stand out for their:
- Authenticity: Her medical background adds realism to her thrillers.
- Strong Characters: Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles are complex, relatable, and inspiring.
- Versatility: From medical thrillers to historical mysteries, Gerritsen’s range keeps readers hooked.
- Page-Turning Suspense: Her plots are meticulously crafted, keeping you guessing until the end.
Where to Find Tess Gerritsen’s Books
You can find Tess Gerritsen’s books at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore. Many are available in hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. Check your local library for free access or explore used bookstores for rare editions of her early works.
Final Thoughts
Tess Gerritsen’s bibliography is a treasure trove for thriller fans. Whether you’re diving into the Rizzoli & Isles series, exploring her standalone medical thrillers, or venturing into The Martini Club, there’s something for every reader. Use this guide to navigate her books in order and discover your next favorite read.
Have a favorite Tess Gerritsen book or series? Let us know in the comments, and share your reading journey with fellow thriller fans!
