Wow! What a spellbindingly beautiful masterpiece of a book! . . . It is without doubt one of my top reads ever! Brilliantly researched, beautifully written . . . I guarantee you will love it and it will leave you changed’ RENITA D’SILVA This is a ghost story. While travelling through the western counties, the general's attention was attracted by a picturesquely situated old castle, and, on inquiry at the inn where he changed horses, he learnt that its owner was a nobleman who had been his schoolfellow. He accordingly determined to call upon his lordship; and, having been persuaded to be his guest for a week, he was conducted at bedtime to an old-fashioned room, hung with tapestry, but comfortably furnished, and well lighted by two large candles and a blazing fire. The next morning Lord Woodville was informed by his servant that the general had been wandering in the park since an early hour and when he appeared at the breakfast table his countenance was haggard, his clothes carelessly put on, and his manner abstracted; moreover, he announced that he must depart immediately. Drawing him aside from the other visitors, his host pressed him for an explanation, and, after declaring that he would rather face a battery than recall the events of the night, he reluctantly narrated what he had undergone.

Pathologist Maura Isles has been invited to the Crispin Museum where a mummy, dubbed Madame X, is about to be put through a CT scan to reveal what lies beneath the bandages. But rather than revealing an ancient body, the scan identifies aspects of the body that can only be interpreted as that of a far more recently deceased person. A murdered, recently deceased person. Gerritsen is the master of putting all of the little pieces together to form one large puzzle. Her earlier novels displayed her penchant for lifelike and likable characters, dramatic issues, and surprising plot twists. This book marks a step forward in her development as a writer in the detective/mystery genre as she spins riddles and clues with ever increasing skill. I loved that a recently discovered heirloom might solve a family mystery that, in 200 years, has not been forgotten by the family or escaped the local area’s continuation of rumors of the past. The author weaved mystery, relationships, betrayal, jealousy, friendship, love, independence, and travel into the fabric of her story, which also shares cultural restrictions of women in the 1800s. The novel shares women's complexities, reflections, and emotions in their wishes for their future, sometimes in conflict with expectations by family and society and sometimes only because of expectations they perceive or withhold them from moving forward. I thoroughly enjoyed this immersive story which spans both generations and continents. The evocative details and i mpeccable research make for a delightful reading experience and I can pay it no greater compliment other than to say, I wish I’d written it‘ KATHRYN HUGHES The Keepsake, This is book seven in the Rizzoli & Isles series. For untold years, the perfectly preserved mummy had lain forgotten in the dusty basement of Boston’s Crispin Museum. Dubbed “Madam X,” the recently rediscovered mummy is, to all appearances, an ancient Egyptian artifact. But medical examiner Maura Isles discovers a macabre message hidden within the corpse–horrifying proof that this “centuries-old” relic is instead a modern-day murder victim. When the grisly remains of two other women are found, it becomes clear to Maura and Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli that a maniac is at large. Now Maura and Jane must unravel a murderer’s twisted endgame before the Archaeology Killer adds another chilling artifact to his monstrous collection.It's not that The Keepsake is "worse" than the other Rizzoli & Isles books I've read so much as it brings to light the fact that a couple of things that frustrate me about the series are actually series staples.

The Keepsake is a thrilling dual-time novel, with a fascinating, complex woman at its heart, wealth of twists, turns and secrets, and an absolute book club treat, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Rachel Rhys and Hannah Richell. Not my favorite in this series. It seemed to me hastily put-together and as I read I kept saying, I bet this happens next, or similar, and then it did. Possibly I read too many mysteries; possibly because I also was familiar with some of the circumstances (scientific ones) which were revealed in the book. I'm no archaeology expert, but I've read a zillion books on the subject. Okay, maybe just a couple dozen or so... Muziejaus rūsyje randama Ponia X - Egipto mumija, kurią betiriant paaiškėja, kad ji ne tokia sena kaip atrodo. O tada dar randami keli įvairiais būdais konservuoti moterų kūnai. Kaip su visuo tuo susijusi Džozefina Pulsiljo, jauna ir žavi egiptologė, dirbanti muziejuje? Čia sutinkame tikrą manjaką, o rašytoja vedžioja mus klaidžiu paslapčių labirintu. Det. Jane Rizzoli & Dr. Maura Isles perform CT scans to find the 10+ year old body has a "modern day" bullet & the body wrapped in ancient mummy cloth, hence the Archaeology Killer is called "Madam-X". Kai imu į rankas Tess Gerritsen romaną iš Ricoli ir Ailz serijos, žinau, kad bus įdomu. Ir šį kartą mano nuojauta nesuklydo: daug paslapčių, dinamiški įvykiai ir mano mylimi veikėjai. Labai patiko pasirinkta archeologijos ir istorijos tema.Maura Isles shows up at the Crispin Museum as a guest for the unveiling of Madam X, a preserved mummy recently discovered in their basement. However, she’s soon asked to assume her role as medical examiner when it becomes clear that this is no ancient relic. She and Detective Jane Rizzoli now have a modern day Murder on their hands. Julie Brooks detailed research gives a depth of understanding and richness to the lives of Prudence and modern day Eliza. Society in the 1800s, however, did not provide for much self-determination for young women. Her father entrusted a group of trustees to administer her substantial estate. The primary trustee is Edward Ambrose who guarded the trust with an iron fist. To Maura and Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli, the forensic evidence is unmistakable, its implications terrifying. And when the grisly remains of yet another woman are found in the hidden recesses of the museum, it becomes chillingly clear that a maniac is at large–and is now taunting them. The Keepsake is a psychological thriller that builds effortlessly around an archaeological theme, drawing in all sorts of horrors such as shrunken heads, bog people, tanned bodies displaying rictus death masks. Behind it all is a killer long history of collecting bodies as personal keepsakes.

I love historical fiction and this added the extra touch of a mystery . . . I would love to read more from Julie Brooks!’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review This riveting tale entranced me. With its seamless transition between two time worlds, distinct descriptions, explosive plot, welcoming settings (on land and sea) and well-crafted dialogue, it sings with perfection. I was wonderfully transported deep into the heart of the story following every bend in the road and every swallowing wave of the sea. This is a rich tapestry. Although the Samoan and Somerset villages are products of an author’s imagination, it is clear that Julie has done extensive research on the Polynesian culture and that of early 1800s England to deliver such believable authenticity. For untold years, the perfectly preserved mummy had lain forgotten in the dusty basement of Boston’s Crispin Museum. Now its sudden rediscovery by museum staff is both a major coup and an attention-grabbing mystery. Dubbed “Madam X,” the mummy–to all appearances, an ancient Egyptian artifact–seems a ghoulish godsend for the financially struggling institution. But medical examiner Maura Isles soon discovers a macabre message hidden within the corpse–horrifying proof that this “centuries-old” relic is instead a modern-day murder victim. The Keepsake was an English literary annual which ran from 1828 to 1857, published each Christmas from 1827 to 1856, for perusal during the year of the title. [1] Like other literary annuals, The Keepsake was an anthology of short fiction, poetry, essays, and engraved illustrations. It was a gift book designed to appeal to young women, and was distinctive for its binding of scarlet dress silk and the quality of its illustrations. Although the literature in The Keepsake and other annuals is often regarded as second-rate, many of the contributors to The Keepsake are canonical authors of the Romantic period.The editors of The Keepsake offered generous compensation to its authors, but many were hesitant to publish their work in The Keepsake or other annuals because these publications were not well respected by critics. [2] The Keepsake for 1828 [ edit ] New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen knows how to expertly dissect a brilliantly suspenseful story, all the while keeping fascinated readers riveted to her side. By turns darkly enthralling and relentlessly surprising, The Keepsake showcases an author at the peak of her storytelling powers. I really enjoyed this story. It had an intriguing plot, excellent research . . . and a double love story to boot’⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review The morning after her father's funeral, Prudence Merryfield wakes to the liberating thought that this is the first day of her new life. At thirty-five and unmarried, she is now mistress of her own fate. But a cruel revelation at the reading of her father's will forces Prudence to realise that taking only the most drastic action will set her free. The twisted killer’s familiarity with post-mortem rituals suggests to Maura and Jane that he may have scientific expertise in common with Josephine. Only Josephine knows that her stalker shares a knowledge even more personally terrifying: details of a dark secret she had thought forever buried.

Mummies, shrunken heads, and bog bodies ... this story has the most unusual murder victims that I can recall in any story. Bog bodies? There is even a mysterious museum with a secret room. Reminds me of when I was young and was reading the Hardy Boys! This book was beautifully written . . . A story which kept me hooked, with mysteries to uncover’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review The Keepsake is an exceptional dual timeline historical novel by Aussie author Julie Brooks and I loved it! I found Lupelele and her rebellion, plus her attachment to Prudence intriguing, the simple lifestyle of the Samoan people calming. The main setting in Somerset, England was the focus of the current day setting and a lot of the earlier story, with Prudence's travels poignant and harsh. I thoroughly enjoyed The Keepsake and recommend it highly. There always seems to be a guy pinging the interest of either Maura Isles or a book-specific secondary female character in some creepo way (i.e. long stares or persistent attempts at trying to "help" her). These dudes are rarely the bad guys. Is the Edward Cullen "stare and relentlessly, almost aggressively rescue" tactic really romantic nowadays? I mean, Maura Isles is a doctor and Josephine Pulcillo in this one is a pretty smart archaeologist, so it's hard for me to believe that ladies with such brains are really charmed by lingery and/or unassertive weirdos. The first edition of The Keepsake was initiated by the engraver Charles Heath, who initially approached the publisher John Murray but entered an agreement with another publisher, Hurst, Chance, and Co., to publish the first volume. [2] Editors [ edit ]I think it meant so much because I had been trapped in a job I hated myself before deciding to start a handmade jewellery company. I was a computer scientist and managed 3 years as a computer programmer before finding myself looking down the lens of a life which made me hope for a car crash just to avoid work for a few days. How desperate can a 20 something be so early into a career. Something had to change or my future looked pretty bleak.