THE SURGEON

By keeping her past secret, and her emotions at a distance, and focusing on her work, surgeon Catherine Cordell has recovered from an ordeal in which she was almost murdered by one of her medical residents. When victims killed through almost identical means appear (and Catherine receives emails from the apparent killer), the investigation takes over her life--even though she killed her attacker. Gerritsen's latest medical thriller, though sometimes a bit gory due to medical details, is truly a nail-biter, creating almost unbearable suspense. Dennis Boutsikaris narrates with strength and clarity, and enhances the tension through precise emotional shading. His subtle vocal character-izations produce stomach-clenching suspense and a satisfying five hours. M.A.M. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 02]