Reviews tagging 'Transphobia'

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

2 reviews

mxajlikesbooks's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

Steeped in gender roles, misogyny, and the plot heavily revolves around sexual violence. 

Very engaging and easy to read (finished the whole thing in two sittings in less than a day), enjoyed the medical details and I found the killers POV moments creative and intriguing but was bored by the two main characters and found them very unsympathetic (especially Rizzoli's internalised misogyny and both cops' unethical behaviour at different points). Was also highly disappointed by the completely unnecessary "twist" that

the villain had worn a wig/crossdressed, contributing to the tired and queer/transphobic trope of serial killer men donning drag as part of their villainy.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Medical content, Misogyny, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Murder, Sexism, Sexual violence, Stalking, Police brutality, Rape, and Violence

Moderate: Transphobia

ejcoates's review

dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

A truly incredible work of crime fiction. I could easily have devoured the book in one siting if time permitted. I was deeply invested in the characters and their relationships and felt genuine terror when they were placed in danger. The setting was well realised and enthused the book with an oppressive atmosphere as a result of the summer heatwave and the fear that the killer may be entering through open windows. 

 

The climax of the text relied on a common trope in crime fiction with a male antagonist evading detection by disguising themselves in womens' clothes. Generally I find this to be a damaging stereotype but it was a minor part of the text and well executed with wig hair providing a vital clue/red herring.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Medical content, Medical trauma, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence

Minor: Transphobia