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The Last Policeman summary
Ben H. Winters
Brief summary
The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters is a gripping mystery set against the backdrop of an impending asteroid collision. As Detective Hank Palace investigates a suspicious death, he grapples with the question of whether solving the case even matters in the face of extinction.
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The Last Policeman
Summary of key ideas
The Beginning of the End
In The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters, we are introduced to a world that is on the brink of an apocalypse. An asteroid is hurtling towards Earth, and the impact is predicted to cause mass extinction. In the midst of this chaos, we meet Detective Hank Palace, a young police officer in Concord, New Hampshire. Despite the impending doom, Palace is determined to continue doing his job, solving crimes and maintaining order.
Palace's first case in this pre-apocalyptic world is the apparent suicide of a man in a McDonald's bathroom. However, Palace's instincts tell him that something is off about the scene. He becomes convinced that the man was murdered, and his investigation leads him to a group of survivalists who are preparing for the asteroid's impact. Despite the skepticism and indifference of his colleagues, Palace persists in his pursuit of the truth.
The Countdown Continues
In the second book, Countdown City, the asteroid is only three months away from impact. Society is crumbling, and the government is struggling to maintain control. Palace, who has now quit the police force, is approached by the wife of a former colleague. Her husband, Palace's old partner, has gone missing, and she asks Palace to find him. Despite the odds, Palace agrees to take on the case.
Palace's search for his missing friend takes him through a city that is descending into chaos. People are abandoning their jobs and responsibilities, and law and order are breaking down. As he follows the trail, Palace encounters various individuals who are dealing with the impending apocalypse in different ways. Some have given up all hope, while others are clinging to desperate measures for survival.
The Final Countdown
In the final book, World of Trouble, the asteroid is just weeks away from impact. Palace has finally located his missing friend, but the reunion is short-lived. His friend is dying, and Palace is left with a final request: to find his estranged sister and her son and ensure their safety. Despite the overwhelming odds, Palace embarks on a cross-country journey to fulfill his friend's dying wish.
As Palace travels through a country that is descending into anarchy, he encounters both the best and worst of humanity. He witnesses acts of kindness and selflessness, but also experiences violence and betrayal. Despite the grim circumstances, Palace remains resolute in his mission, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to make a difference, no matter how small, in the face of impending doom.
The End of the World
In the end, Palace's journey leads him to a small town in Ohio, where he finally locates his friend's sister and her son. However, his relief is short-lived as the impact of the asteroid draws near. In the final moments, Palace reflects on his journey and the people he has encountered along the way. Despite the inevitable end, he finds a sense of peace in fulfilling his duty and making a difference, no matter how small, in the face of the end of the world.
In conclusion, The Last Policeman trilogy is a unique and thought-provoking exploration of human nature and society in the face of impending doom. Through the character of Hank Palace, Winters presents a compelling portrayal of resilience, duty, and the enduring human spirit, even in the most dire of circumstances.
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What is The Last Policeman about?
The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters is a gripping mystery novel set in a world on the brink of apocalypse. As an asteroid hurtles towards Earth, Detective Hank Palace is determined to solve one last murder case, even as society crumbles around him. With a unique blend of crime fiction and dystopian themes, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The Last Policeman Review
The Last Policeman (2012) is a thrilling detective novel that takes place in a world just months away from certain destruction. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With a unique and captivating premise, it explores how people react to an impending apocalypse, adding an extra layer of suspense to the murder mystery at the heart of the story.
- The book is thought-provoking, raising questions about the nature of existence, morality, and the value of life in the face of impending doom.
- Through its engaging characters and sharp storytelling, the book manages to be both introspective and action-packed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Who should read The Last Policeman?
- Readers who enjoy thought-provoking mysteries with a unique premise
- Those interested in exploring the human response to existential threats and societal collapse
- Individuals who appreciate well-developed characters and skillful storytelling
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The Last Policeman FAQs
What is the main message of The Last Policeman?
The main message of The Last Policeman is that even in the face of impending doom, there is still value in pursuing justice.
How long does it take to read The Last Policeman?
The reading time for The Last Policeman varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Last Policeman a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Last Policeman is worth reading as it offers a unique blend of mystery and apocalyptic themes, keeping readers engaged throughout.
Who is the author of The Last Policeman?
The author of The Last Policeman is Ben H. Winters.
What to read after The Last Policeman?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Last Policeman, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
- Brave New War by John Robb
- Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
- The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
- The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly