Last to Die (Rizzoli & Isles, #10) Summary & Key Insights

In Tess Gerritsen's Last to Die, the tenth installment in the Rizzoli & Isles series, Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles face a chilling case that intertwines a decades-old mystery with a present-day string of murders. The narrative begins with the discovery of a young woman's body, meticulously staged to resemble a historical crime scene from the infamous "Boston Strangler" case. This immediately throws the investigation into a whirlwind of historical parallels and modern-day dread.

The victim's connection to a long-unsolved cold case from the 1960s, involving the murder of a young girl named Mary Agnes, becomes a central focus. The similarities between the two crimes are striking, suggesting a possible connection between the killer's then and now. This historical element significantly complicates the investigation, forcing Rizzoli and Isles to delve into decades-old files, interview aging witnesses, and navigate the labyrinthine complexities of past police procedures. The pressure mounts as they try to find any clue that links the past to the present before another victim is claimed.

Alongside the main investigation, the novel explores the personal lives of Rizzoli and Isles. Rizzoli deals with the aftermath of a previous case and the ever-present challenges of her job, further highlighting her unwavering dedication and resilience in the face of harrowing circumstances. Isles, meanwhile, grapples with her professional ambition and the complexities of relationships, offering a more intimate glimpse into her character beyond her forensic expertise. Their professional partnership, tested by the pressure and the emotional toll of the investigation, remains the bedrock of their success. Their contrasting approaches – Rizzoli’s street-smart intuition and Isles' scientific precision – complement each other perfectly, proving vital to solving the case.

The killer's meticulous planning and chilling ability to mimic the past highlight the overarching theme of obsession and the enduring power of unsolved crimes. The narrative subtly explores the psychological profile of a killer driven by a desire to recreate the past, to relive or perhaps correct the perceived injustices of history. The exploration of the cold case isn't merely a plot device; it's a reflection on the lasting impact of unresolved trauma and the societal consequences of neglecting past injustices.

As the investigation unfolds, Rizzoli and Isles face increasingly dangerous situations, coming dangerously close to the killer on several occasions. The climax involves a tense confrontation and a surprising revelation about the killer’s identity and motivations, drawing a satisfying yet unsettling conclusion to this intricately woven mystery. The novel successfully blends the thrill of a fast-paced police procedural with the intricate character development that defines the Rizzoli & Isles series, leaving a lasting impact on the reader long after the final page is turned.