Choose Me by Tess Gerritsen and Gary Braver
Reviewed by: Becky Houghton, Reference Assistant
Genre: Mystery; Thriller
What is this book about? Taryn Moore, a young, beautiful and brilliant college student appears to have committed suicide in a plunge from her fifth-floor apartment. Detectives Frankie Loomis and “Mac” MacClellan uncover evidence that may indicate that it was in fact a homicide. As they revisit the circumstances of Taryn’s life and death the details lead to a surprising discovery. Is it the reason for her suicide or a motive for a homicide?
My review: I enjoyed this book very much. Not only are Gerritsen and Braver excellent storytellers, but the use of comparison of Taryn Moore’s life with the subject matter of her literature seminar on star-crossed lovers from Greek mythology (Queen Dido/Aeneas, Heloise/Abelard, Medea/Jason) and Shakespearian literature (Romeo and Juliet) was entertaining and fascinating to me. (Ok, disclaimer, I was an English major myself!) All the evidence seems to point the detectives to a simple conclusion, Taryn committed suicide after a failed romance with a fellow student, but detective Frankie Loomis is certain that the absence of a cell phone in Taryn’s apartment or on her body indicates that there is more involved here. As Frankie and her partner Mac search deeper into her life, Taryn’s personality is revealed to be rather over-reactive and obsessive and her love life a bit more complex. This was definitely not a formula mystery story and the ending was a surprise.
Three words that describe this book: Complex, Fast-Paced, Absorbing
Give this a try if you liked: mysteries by Karin Slaughter, David Baldacci or Lisa Unger
Rating: 5/5
