Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
From Potter's Field summary
Brief summary
From Potter's Field by Patricia Cornwell is a gripping crime novel that follows Dr. Kay Scarpetta as she hunts down a serial killer who leaves his victims in New York City's most dangerous and desolate places.
Topics
Table of Contents
From Potter's Field
Summary of key ideas
The Scene of the Crime
In From Potter's Field by Patricia Cornwell, we are introduced to Dr. Kay Scarpetta, the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia. The story begins with the discovery of a young woman's body in New York's Central Park. The victim, Emily Steiner, has been brutally murdered and left on the snow-covered ground. Scarpetta is called to the scene to assist in the investigation.
During the initial examination, Scarpetta is struck by the similarities between this murder and a series of killings committed by a notorious serial killer, Temple Gault. She suspects that Gault, who has evaded capture for years, may be responsible for Emily's death. Scarpetta's intuition is validated when the investigation reveals that Emily had been in regular contact with Gault before her murder.
A Deadly Game of Cat and Mouse
As the investigation progresses, Gault's deadly game of cat and mouse with Scarpetta intensifies. He begins to taunt her with cryptic messages, hinting that she is his ultimate target. Scarpetta, who has a personal vendetta against Gault for his previous crimes, is determined to catch him before he can strike again.
Scarpetta's pursuit of Gault takes her back to Virginia, where she is confronted with the killer's disturbing past. Gault's troubled childhood and abusive father provide insights into his psychopathic nature, offering a chilling explanation for his murderous tendencies.
A Shocking Revelation
As the tension mounts, Scarpetta and her team race against time to prevent Gault from carrying out his sinister plan. However, their efforts are constantly thwarted by Gault's meticulous planning and cunning intellect. In a shocking turn of events, Scarpetta discovers that Gault has been using a false identity, making him virtually untraceable.
Despite the setbacks, Scarpetta refuses to give up. She meticulously pieces together Gault's movements, hoping to anticipate his next move. Her determination pays off when she uncovers Gault's hideout in an abandoned pottery field, leading to a dramatic showdown between the two adversaries.
The Final Confrontation
In the nail-biting climax of From Potter's Field, Scarpetta confronts Gault in his lair. A deadly game of wits ensues as Scarpetta tries to outmaneuver Gault, who is determined to eliminate the one person capable of exposing his true identity. The tension reaches its peak as Gault's true intentions are revealed, and Scarpetta finds herself in a fight for her life.
Despite Gault's best efforts, Scarpetta manages to turn the tables on him, ultimately bringing the killer to justice. The novel ends with Scarpetta reflecting on the case, acknowledging that while she has succeeded in stopping Gault, the scars of their encounter will remain with her forever.
Conclusion
In conclusion, From Potter's Field is a gripping thriller that takes readers on a heart-pounding journey into the twisted mind of a serial killer. Patricia Cornwell's meticulous attention to detail and expert knowledge of forensic science add an extra layer of authenticity to the story. Through the character of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, we are given a compelling look at the high-stakes world of criminal investigation and the complex psychology of those who hunt and are hunted by killers.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is From Potter's Field about?
From Potter's Field is a crime novel by Patricia Cornwell. It follows forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta as she investigates a series of brutal murders in New York City. As the bodies pile up, Scarpetta races against time to catch the killer before they strike again. Filled with suspense and forensic detail, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
From Potter's Field Review
From Potter's Field (1995) follows Dr. Kay Scarpetta's intense hunt for a serial killer. Here's why this thriller is worth your time:
- Featuring a complex, gripping plot, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
- The book delves deep into the psychology of the characters, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the story.
- With unexpected twists and turns, it guarantees a thrilling read that is anything but predictable.
Who should read From Potter's Field?
Readers who enjoy crime fiction and forensic thrillers
Fans of Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series
Those interested in exploring the dark and complex mind of a serial killer
Categories with From Potter's Field
Book summaries like From Potter's Field
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
From Potter's Field FAQs
What is the main message of From Potter's Field?
The main message of From Potter's Field revolves around forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta's pursuit of a killer amidst the harsh realities of crime.
How long does it take to read From Potter's Field?
Reading From Potter's Field can typically take a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is From Potter's Field a good book? Is it worth reading?
From Potter's Field is a captivating read, offering a thrilling narrative with intricate crime-solving. It's definitely worth delving into.
Who is the author of From Potter's Field?
The author of From Potter's Field is Patricia Cornwell.
What to read after From Potter's Field?
If you're wondering what to read next after From Potter's Field, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher