Dr. Tess Gerritsen is an author within the genre of medical and crime thrillers. Her journey from physician to bestselling author is as compelling as the stories she pens. With a unique blend of medical expertise and storytelling prowess, Gerritsen has carved out a niche that few can rival.
Early Life and Education
Born to Chinese American parents in San Diego, California, young Tess harbored dreams of becoming a writer. However, practical considerations led her down a different path initially. She pursued anthropology at Stanford University, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1975. Her academic journey continued at the University of California, San Francisco, where she obtained her medical degree in 1979.
From Stethoscope to Pen
After completing her medical training, Gerritsen moved to Honolulu and began practicing medicine. Yet, the urge to write persisted, serving as both an escape and a form of therapy. A pivotal moment came when she won $500 for a short story, igniting a spark that would eventually lead to a career change.
Romance to Medical Thrillers
Gerritsen’s writing career began in the realm of romantic thrillers. Her first novel, “Call After Midnight,” was published by Harlequin in 1987. For nearly a decade, she continued to produce romantic suspense novels.
In 1996, inspired by a conversation with a retired homicide detective, Gerritsen made a significant shift. She published her first medical thriller, “Harvest,” which climbed to #13 on the New York Times bestseller list. This success paved the way for a string of medical thrillers that solidified her reputation in the genre.
The Rizzoli & Isles Phenomenon
In 2001, Gerritsen ventured into crime thrillers with “The Surgeon,” introducing the character of Detective Jane Rizzoli. What began as a supporting character evolved into a beloved protagonist, later joined by Dr. Maura Isles. The Rizzoli & Isles series has become Gerritsen’s most enduring work, spawning multiple bestsellers and a hit TV show on TNT.
Crafting Suspense with Expertise
Gerritsen’s writing is distinguished by her ability to blend intricate plots with medical and forensic accuracy. Her background as a physician lends authenticity to her medical thrillers, while meticulous research ensures the credibility of her crime narratives. This attention to detail, combined with her talent for character development and timing, has earned her praise from peers like Stephen King and James Patterson.
Awards and Recognition
Gerritsen’s work has not gone unnoticed by the literary community. Her novel “Vanish” received the Nero Award for Best Mystery Novel in 2006 and was nominated for both the Macavity and Edgar Awards.
Personal Life and Inspirations
Today, Gerritsen resides in New England with her husband, Dr. Jacob Gerritsen, a geriatric medicine specialist. They have two sons. When not writing, she enjoys playing the fiddle and gardening, activities that provide a counterbalance to the intense world of her novels.
Tess Gerritsen continues to captivate readers with her unique blend of medical knowledge and storytelling skill, solidifying her place as one of the premier voices in thriller fiction.
Tess Gerritsen Books In Order
Rizzoli & Isles Books In Order of Publication
| The Surgeon | (2001) |
| The Apprentice | (2002) |
| The Sinner | (2003) |
| Body Double | (2004) |
| Vanish | (2006) |
| The Mephisto Club | (2006) |
| The Keepsake / Keeping The Dead | (2008) |
| Ice Cold / The Killing Place | (2010) |
| The Silent Girl | (2011) |
| Last to Die | (2012) |
| Die Again | (2014) |
| I Know a Secret | (2017) |
| Listen to Me | (2022) |
Rizzoli & Isles Short Stories Books In Order of Publication
| Freaks | (2007) |
| John Doe | (2012) |
The Martini Club Books In Order of Publication
| The Spy Coast | (2023) |
| The Summer Guests | (2025) |
Tavistock Family Books In Order of Publication
| In Their Footsteps | (1994) |
| Thief of Hearts | (1995) |
Standalone Novels In Order of Publication
| Adventure’s Mistress | (1985) |
| Call After Midnight | (1987) |
| Under the Knife | (1990) |
| Never Say Die | (1992) |
| The Whistleblower | (1992) |
| Peggy Sue Got Murdered / Girl Missing | (1994) |
| Harvest | (1996) |
| Life Support | (1997) |
| Presumed Guilty | (1997) |
| Bloodstream | (1998) |
| Gravity | (1999) |
| The Bone Garden | (2007) |
| Playing with Fire | (2015) |
| The Shape of Night | (2019) |
| On the Edge(With: Rita Herron) | (2021) |
| Choose Me(With: Gary Braver) | (2021) |
| No Reason to Trust | (2021) |
Her Protector Books In Order of Publication
| Keeper of the Bride | (1996) |
| Belladonna(By: Jenna Ryan) | (1996) |
| Little Girl Lost(By: Adrianne Lee) | (1997) |
| Storm Warnings(By: Judi Lind) | (1997) |
| His Betrothed(By: Vivian Leiber) | (1998) |
| Easy Loving(By: Sheryl Lynn) | (1998) |
| The Only Man to Trust(By: Grace Green) | (1998) |
| Jackson’s Woman(By: Judi Lind) | (1999) |
Anthologies In Order of Publication
| Perfect Timing | (2001) |
| In the Shadow of the Master | (2003) |
| Killer Year: Stories to Die For… | (2008) |
| No Rest for the Dead | (2011) |
| Unnerving Magazine #15 | (2021) |
| Birds of Prey: The Harlan Coben Challenge | (2022) |