A review by bookfairy99
The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I'm a fan of a good mystery, and Gerritsen usually delivers, but this time around, I was slightly disappointed. It's not a bad read, overall, but as a Gerritsen fan, I found it not quite up to par with her other mysteries and thrillers -- more along the lines of one of her romances. 

And speaking of romance, the side plots involving Maura and Jane's love lives are pretty weak. It's like we're on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of a murder case, and suddenly we're taking a detour through the petting zoo. Isles and Rizzoli's personal lives felt more like distractions than meaningful additions to the plot, and their resolutions left me shrugging more than swooning. If I wanted a romance, I'd have picked up a different book. I grabbed this one for the forensics and the thrill of the chase, not for a couple of lukewarm love stories.

So, all in all, it's not a total loss, but it's not Gerritsen at her best either. Here's hoping the next one brings back the thrill and suspense I've come to expect and love.