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
The Black Cat summary
Martha Grimes
Brief summary
The Black Cat by Martha Grimes is a gripping mystery novel that follows detective Richard Jury as he investigates the murder of a young woman. With a black cat as the only witness, Jury must unravel the truth amidst a web of lies and secrets.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Black Cat
Summary of key ideas
The Mysterious Murder in a Quiet Village
In The Black Cat by Martha Grimes, we are introduced to the enigmatic Richard Jury, a Scotland Yard superintendent, who is called to the quiet village of Littlebourne to investigate a murder. The victim, a young woman known as Dee, was found dead in the alley behind the local pub. Despite the presence of numerous witnesses, including a black cat, no one seems to have seen or heard anything.
As Jury delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Dee was leading a double life. While she was known as a reserved librarian in Littlebourne, she was also a high-end escort in London. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, as Jury tries to understand the two different personas of the victim and the people associated with each of them.
Complicated Characters and Cryptic Clues
Jury's investigation reveals a web of complex and secretive characters, including Dee's estranged family, her colleagues, and her clients. Each person provides a piece of the puzzle, but none seem to fit together. The black cat, who appears at the scene of the crime and other significant locations, adds to the mystery. It seems to be more than just a curious bystander, and Jury can't shake off the feeling that the cat is trying to communicate something.
Meanwhile, Jury's personal life is also in turmoil. He's still grieving the loss of his lover, Helen, and struggling to come to terms with his feelings. His friend, Melrose Plant, provides some much-needed support, but Jury remains distant and preoccupied.
Unraveling the Truth and Confronting the Killer
As the investigation progresses, Jury uncovers shocking revelations about Dee's life and the people around her. He learns about her traumatic past, her complicated relationships, and the dangerous world of high-end escorts. The black cat continues to make mysterious appearances, leading Jury to crucial clues that bring him closer to the truth.
In a thrilling turn of events, Jury finally confronts the killer, who turns out to be someone unexpected. The motive behind the murder is equally surprising, revealing the extent of the killer's desperation and the lengths they were willing to go to keep their secrets hidden. The black cat's role in the resolution of the case also becomes clear, leaving Jury in awe of its intelligence and intuition.
A Bittersweet Resolution and a New Beginning
As The Black Cat comes to a close, Jury solves the murder case, but the resolution is bittersweet. The truth behind Dee's death is tragic, and the impact of her loss is felt by everyone involved. Jury, too, is left with a sense of melancholy, reflecting on the unpredictability of life and the darkness that exists beneath seemingly ordinary surfaces.
Despite the somber ending, Jury finds a glimmer of hope in the form of a new beginning. The black cat, a constant presence throughout the investigation, becomes a symbol of resilience and survival. As Jury returns to London, he carries with him the lessons learned from the case and the strength to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
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 The Black Cat about?
The Black Cat by Martha Grimes is a gripping mystery novel that follows Detective Richard Jury as he investigates a series of strange deaths connected to a black cat. With its intricate plot and well-developed characters, the book keeps you guessing until the very end.
The Black Cat Review
The Black Cat (2019) is a captivating mystery novel that keeps readers hooked with its eerie atmosphere and compelling storyline. Here are three reasons why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Featuring intriguing characters and unexpected plot twists, it keeps readers guessing until the very end.
- The book delves into complex psychological themes and explores the darker side of human nature, adding depth to the story.
- With its suspenseful narrative and chilling moments, the book is far from boring, ensuring an engaging read from start to finish.
Who should read The Black Cat?
Readers who enjoy mystery novels with intricate plots and well-developed characters
Those who appreciate atmospheric and immersive storytelling
People who are fans of Martha Grimes' previous works or are looking to discover a new author in the crime fiction genre
Categories with The Black Cat
Book summaries like The Black Cat
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
The Black Cat FAQs
What is the main message of The Black Cat?
The main message of The Black Cat revolves around the themes of mystery, crime, and justice.
How long does it take to read The Black Cat?
The estimated reading time for The Black Cat is moderate. The Blinkist summary can be read in a short time.
Is The Black Cat a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Black Cat is worth reading for those who enjoy gripping plots and complex characters.
Who is the author of The Black Cat?
The author of The Black Cat is Martha Grimes.
What to read after The Black Cat?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Black Cat, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda