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
Triptych summary
Brief summary
Triptych is a gripping thriller by Karin Slaughter that follows the investigation of a series of brutal murders. The story unfolds through the perspectives of three compelling characters, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
Table of Contents
Triptych
Summary of key ideas
Three Perspectives, One Killer
In Triptych by Karin Slaughter, we are introduced to three main characters: Michael Ormewood, a detective with a troubled past; John Shelley, a convicted rapist recently released from prison; and Will Trent, an undercover agent with a mysterious past. The story is set in Atlanta, where a series of brutal murders have taken place, and the lives of these three men become intertwined in unexpected ways.
Michael Ormewood is investigating the murders, and his personal life is in shambles. His wife is leaving him, and he is struggling to maintain a relationship with his young son. John Shelley, on the other hand, is trying to adjust to life outside prison. He is a complex character, and we learn about his traumatic childhood and the events that led to his incarceration.
Will Trent, the third protagonist, is an enigma. He is working undercover to solve the murders, but his past is a closely guarded secret. He has dyslexia and a troubled childhood, and his partnership with his mentor, Faith Mitchell, is strained due to his secretive nature. As the investigation progresses, the three men's lives intersect, and shocking revelations come to light.
A Twisted Connection
As the story unfolds, we learn that John Shelley is not just a convicted rapist but also a victim of a brutal crime. He was sexually abused by his father and forced to participate in the rape of his own sister. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to his character, and we begin to see him in a different light. Meanwhile, Michael Ormewood's personal life continues to unravel, and his obsession with the case threatens to consume him.
Will Trent, with his unique investigative skills, uncovers a shocking connection between the murders and John Shelley. It turns out that the real killer is someone else entirely, and John Shelley is being framed. The plot takes a dramatic turn as Will races against time to prove Shelley's innocence and catch the real culprit.
A Race Against Time
As the tension mounts, the story hurtles towards a thrilling climax. Will Trent, with the help of his partner Faith, uncovers the true identity of the killer. It's a race against time as they try to stop the murderer from claiming another victim. Meanwhile, Michael Ormewood, who has become emotionally invested in the case, finds himself in a dangerous situation.
In a heart-stopping finale, the truth about the murders is revealed, and the real killer is brought to justice. John Shelley, who was wrongly accused, is exonerated, and Michael Ormewood finds closure in his personal life. Will Trent, however, remains an enigma, and his mysterious past continues to haunt him. The book ends with a sense of resolution, but also leaves several questions unanswered.
In Conclusion
In Triptych, Karin Slaughter weaves a complex and gripping tale of murder, trauma, and redemption. The characters are flawed and multi-dimensional, and their intertwining stories keep the reader engaged till the very end. The book is not just a crime thriller but also a deep exploration of human nature and the impact of past traumas. It's a compelling read that will leave you thinking long after you've turned the final page.
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 Triptych about?
Triptych is a gripping psychological thriller by Karin Slaughter. Set in Atlanta, the novel follows the intertwining lives of detective Michael Ormewood, ex-con John Shelley, and career criminal Will Trent. A series of brutal murders connects these characters in unexpected ways, leading to a heart-pounding and twist-filled conclusion. Full of complex characters and intense suspense, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Triptych Review
Triptych (2006) intricately weaves together the lives of a detective, a killer, and a victim in a chilling tale of suspense. Here's why this book is a captivating read:
- Offers a deep exploration of complex characters, showcasing their nuanced development throughout the gripping storyline.
- Keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected plot twists and turns that defy traditional crime novel conventions.
- Delivers a satisfying conclusion that ties together all the intricate threads, leaving readers pondering long after the final page.
Who should read Triptych?
- For fans of crime fiction and psychological thrillers
- Readers who enjoy complex and multi-dimensional characters
- Those who appreciate a compelling and intricately plotted narrative
Categories with Triptych
Book summaries like Triptych
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
Triptych FAQs
What is the main message of Triptych?
The main message of Triptych is the intricate connection between past and present crimes.
How long does it take to read Triptych?
The estimated time to read Triptych is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Triptych a good book? Is it worth reading?
Triptych is a gripping read due to its compelling characters and intense suspense. Definitely worth reading!
Who is the author of Triptych?
The author of Triptych is Karin Slaughter.
What to read after Triptych?
If you're wondering what to read next after Triptych, 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