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Karin Slaughter
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Triptych: A Novel (Will Trent Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Karin Slaughter (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 22,459 ratings
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Features a new introduction on the origins of the Will Trent novels and Triptych’s place in the series

“Crime fiction at its finest.”—Michael Connelly

From Atlanta’s wealthiest suburbs to its stark inner-city housing projects, a killer has crossed the boundaries of wealth and race. And the people who are chasing him must cross those boundaries, too. Among them is Michael Ormewood, a veteran detective whose marriage is hanging by a thread—and whose arrogance and explosive temper are threatening his career. And Angie Polaski, a beautiful vice cop who was once Michael’ s lover before she became his enemy. But unbeknownst to both of them, another player has entered the game: a loser ex-con who has stumbled upon the killer’s trail in the most coincidental of ways—and who may be the key to breaking the case wide open.

In this gritty, gripping firecracker of a novel, the author of the bestselling Grant County, Georgia, series breaks thrilling new ground, weaving together the threads of a complex, multilayered story with the skill of a master craftsman. Packed with body-bending switchbacks, searing psychological suspense and human emotions, Triptych ratchets up the tension one revelation at a time as it races to a shattering and unforgettable climax.
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  1. Book 1 of 12
    Will Trent
  2. Print length
    512 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Delacorte Press
  5. Publication date
    August 15, 2006
  6. File size
    4.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Will Trent Book 1 - Book 10
Will Trent Book 1 - Book 12
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Bundle price: Kindle price
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Bundle price: Kindle price
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  1. That was the American way, though. Spend a million dollars rescuing some kid who’s fallen down a well, but God forbid you spend a hundred bucks up front to cap the well so the kid never falls down it in the first place.
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  2. John had learned a long time ago that the reason the middle class had it so good was because they expected things to be better. They wouldn’t settle for less than they were worth. They’d just get into their shiny cars and go where they were appreciated. Poor people, on the other hand, were used to just taking what was given to them and being grateful for it.
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From the Publisher

Read Karin Slaughter’s Will Trent before you watch
Michael Connelly says this is crime fiction at its finest.
Now series on ABC. See crime through his eyes.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bestseller Slaughter departs from her Grant County crime series (Faithless, etc.) with a stand-alone thriller notable mainly for a jolting mid-book twist similar to one Ira Levin used with more subtlety in A Kiss Before Dying. The case of a prostitute's brutal murder provides a welcome break for Michael Ormewood, a cynical, world-weary Atlanta cop weighed down by dealing with the city's underclass and the heartbreak of a mentally impaired son. Since the victim's tongue was severed, linking the crime to several other recent outrages, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation intervenes. Suspicions focus on a recently paroled sex offender, John Shelley, who viciously butchered a neighbor more than a decade earlier. Slaughter unexpectedly switches the narrative's perspective, but the shock value garnered by the plot twist isn't matched by the predictable denouement. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

In her first stand-alone thriller since she began writing her best-selling Grant County series (the latest is Faithless, 2005), Slaughter continues to obsess over her favorite theme--the close link between intimacy and violence. In this intricately plotted page-turner of a novel, there's a serial killer at work in Atlanta, and he likes his victims young. His telltale m.o.--biting off his victims' tongues--brings in Will Trent, an agent from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, but the latest vicious murder doesn't fit with the previous cases. For one thing, the victim is a drug-addicted black prostitute in her thirties. Will is assigned to work the case with local detective Michael Ormewood, a hard-to-read veteran who resents Will's presence. Will also calls upon vice-squad undercover agent Angie Polaski, a lifelong friend he first met in an orphanage where they were both placed after suffering severe abuse--their on-again, off-again romantic relationship is a source of comfort and frustration for both of them. Suspicious of authority and severely dyslexic, Will slowly pieces together an investigation that leads to feckless ex-con John Shelley, a man so stunted by his prison stint that he can barely function yet comes roaring back to life when he senses that his newfound freedom is about to be snatched away. Slaughter is keenly interested in the root causes of sexual perversity, and she writes about them so affectingly that her fascinations also become the readers'. Joanne Wilkinson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000JMKRAW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Delacorte Press (August 15, 2006)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 15, 2006
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.1 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 512 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0440296617
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 22,459 ratings

About the author

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Karin Slaughter

Karin Slaughter

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Karin Slaughter is the author of more than twenty instant NEW YORK TIMES bestselling novels, including the Edgar–nominated COP TOWN and standalone novels THE GOOD DAUGHTER, PRETTY GIRLS, and GIRL, FORGOTTEN. She is published in 120 countries with more than 40 million copies sold across the globe. PIECES OF HER is a #1 Netflix original series starring Toni Collette. The Will Trent Series is on ABC (and streaming on Hulu in the U.S, and Disney+ internationally). THE GOOD DAUGHTER and FALSE WITNESS are in development for film/tv. Slaughter is the founder of the Save the Libraries project—a nonprofit organization established to support libraries and library programming. A native of Georgia, she lives in Atlanta.

www.karinslaughter.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/AuthorKarinSlaughter/

Instagram www.instagram.com/karinslaughterauthor/

Twitter @SlaughterKarin

https://linktr.ee/karinslaughter

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
22,459 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They appreciate the well-developed characters and the vivid writing style. The pacing keeps them hooked until the end. However, some find the violence graphic and harsh.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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ReadabilityPlotCharacter developmentWriting qualityReading pacePacingGraphic contentViolence level
312 customers mention "Readability"312 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They appreciate the well-written narrative with interesting characters and storylines. The research used in the novel makes the narrative realistic, and readers learn about Will Trent.

"Great book. Great writing. The author really knows how to pack a punch and keep the surprises coming. I plan on reading her other books." Read more

"...investigation procedures presented in the novel show an impressive level of research, making the narrative realistic and engrossing...." Read more

"...to the overall puzzle, and the resolution is both satisfying and thought-provoking...." Read more

"...He sure made an impact in this novel. Will is very smart. He does his job well but he has a few big vulnerabilities which only made his character..." Read more

234 customers mention "Plot"216 positive18 negative

Customers enjoy the plot. They find it interesting, suspenseful, and well-crafted with a multi-layered storyline. The dynamics are sophisticated and relatable. Readers appreciate the author's ability to build tension and suspense with impressive skill. The plot has unexpected twists and turns that keep them hooked until the end.

"This was well crafted and complex story that had me not wanting to put it down. The characters are real and relatable...." Read more

"...The author really knows how to pack a punch and keep the surprises coming. I plan on reading her other books." Read more

"...job of keeping readers on the edge of their seats with a multi-layered plot that is as much about a murder investigation as it is about the secrets,..." Read more

"...Karin Slaughter's ability to maintain tension and build suspense is impressive, and the novel's pacing is relentless, making it difficult to put down..." Read more

143 customers mention "Character development"127 positive16 negative

Customers appreciate the character development. They find the main character relatable and enjoy his awkwardness. The leads are well-developed and likable.

"...The characters are real and relatable. I am looking forward to the book in the series." Read more

"...a testament to Slaughter's strength in creating compelling and authentic characters. John Shelley, too, is a character worth noting...." Read more

"...With its compelling characters, multifaceted narrative, and intense suspense, the novel is a standout in the genre...." Read more

"...I think the other characters are well cast, and I especially like Will’s boss, Amanda. And lastly, my second favorite character is Angie...." Read more

110 customers mention "Writing quality"77 positive33 negative

Customers enjoy the book's writing quality. They find the descriptions vivid and clear, making them feel like they are right there. The writing is relatable, showing a deep understanding of different people. Readers appreciate the intricate stories with detailed details, some of which cause visceral reactions. Overall, the writing is smooth and easy to read, with good plots and structure that make it stand out from other books.

"...The characters are real and relatable. I am looking forward to the book in the series." Read more

"Great book. Great writing. The author really knows how to pack a punch and keep the surprises coming. I plan on reading her other books." Read more

"...is very descriptive regarding crime scenes, and there’s also flagrant language in terms of both curse words and crass colloquialisms...." Read more

"...The plot was suspenseful and engaging. The writing was smooth and detailed, painting vivid pictures that lingered long after I turned the last page. "..." Read more

34 customers mention "Reading pace"34 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's engaging pace. They find it a page-turner that keeps them hooked until the end. The story is suspenseful and interesting, with unexpected twists that keep readers hooked until the end.

"...almost makes me feel like I can keep both separate and yet simultaneously enjoy both...." Read more

"...I found Triptych compelling, suspenseful (an) intense page turning delight. A truly good read...." Read more

"...me a bit of Silence of the Lambs, a dark, brutal story that keeps you reading, chewing your nails. I’m certainly going to continue with the series." Read more

"I enjoyed this book. It was fun and thrilling and I liked how Will was written. It was a good read all around...." Read more

61 customers mention "Pacing"40 positive21 negative

Customers have mixed views on the pacing of the book. Some found the whodunit part well-paced with fast and furious action, while others felt the book was slow to start and spent too much time on a paroled sex offender's life.

"This was well crafted and complex story that had me not wanting to put it down. The characters are real and relatable...." Read more

"...Will is very smart. He does his job well but he has a few big vulnerabilities which only made his character even more interesting to me...." Read more

"...maintain tension and build suspense is impressive, and the novel's pacing is relentless, making it difficult to put down...." Read more

"...(up to 30 mins, according to my kindle), but I found that most chapters went quickly because they were interesting...." Read more

21 customers mention "Graphic content"13 positive8 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the graphic content. Some find it helps build a realistic visual world, and is imaginative and raw. Others find some scenes graphic and gory, and the language flagrant.

"...The writing was smooth and detailed, painting vivid pictures that lingered long after I turned the last page. "..." Read more

"...This novel is very descriptive regarding crime scenes, and there’s also flagrant language in terms of both curse words and crass colloquialisms...." Read more

"...I also love the details about Atlanta and its neighborhoods. If you enjoy crime novels, I highly recommend Triptych...." Read more

"Great story. Such deeply flawed, fascinating characters. Very graphic and raw...." Read more

28 customers mention "Violence level"4 positive24 negative

Customers find the violence in the book graphic and harsh. They find it too gory, brutal, and disturbing to read. Some readers also mention excessive profanity and violence against women.

"This is number one in the series. The violence is graphic and harsh but you know what you're getting with this author...." Read more

"...Then it picked up speed. There's much violence described in graphic and grisly detail...." Read more

"...Though the novel was predominately dark and disturbing, I still would have given 4 stars had there been more coverage on the resolve for John Shelley..." Read more

"The book is better than the show. The book is violent and lucid. But I liked the plot and how it ends...." Read more

Intense!
5 out of 5 stars
Intense!
"I'm not usually a fan of jumping between timelines, but in this case, it's justified and adds tension to an already taut story. An unexpected twist early on keeps the reader wary as the lines are blurred. Are all of the good guys, in fact, good? And are all of the bad guys bad? The answers bring us to the breaking point." —Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson novels
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Top reviews from the United States

  • P. Alford
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was well crafted and complex story that had me not wanting to put it down. The characters are real and relatable. I am looking forward to the book in the series.
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  • MIA
    4.0 out of 5 stars Read it
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great book. Great writing. The author really knows how to pack a punch and keep the surprises coming. I plan on reading her other books.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sarah
    5.0 out of 5 stars loved it
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is my first book by Karin Slaughter and, after finishing it, it won’t be my last. The characters felt utterly real. The plot was suspenseful and engaging. The writing was smooth and detailed, painting vivid pictures that lingered long after I turned the last page. "Triptych" takes you on a relentless journey through Atlanta’s underbelly, combining crime investigation with a keen exploration of human emotions and motives.

    The protagonist, Will Trent, is a character with depth and complexity. His battle with dyslexia and the struggles he faces in his personal and professional life make him relatable and deeply human. His character is carefully crafted and is a testament to Slaughter's strength in creating compelling and authentic characters.

    John Shelley, too, is a character worth noting. You experience his struggle and heartbreak while waiting for him to receive the Justice he so richly deserves.

    Karin Slaughter also does an excellent job of keeping readers on the edge of their seats with a multi-layered plot that is as much about a murder investigation as it is about the secrets, lies, and personal lives of the characters involved. The plot twists are brilliantly crafted, and I found myself second-guessing my conclusions until the very end.

    The detailed investigation procedures presented in the novel show an impressive level of research, making the narrative realistic and engrossing. The theme of sexual violence and its consequences is handled with sensitivity and realism, adding to the emotional weight of the

    The book does not shy away from painting a grim picture of crime and its effects on individuals and society, which might be a bit too much for some. However, for those who appreciate gritty, realistic crime thrillers with a heavy dose of human drama, "Triptych" is a compelling read.

    "Triptych" is a masterclass in crime thriller writing, with a layered plot, complex characters, and a perfect balance of suspense and emotion. It is a testament to Karin Slaughter's narrative prowess and understanding of the human psyche. I'm looking forward to exploring more of her work in the future.
    28 people found this helpful
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  • Squirrels Like Nuts
    5.0 out of 5 stars Vulnerability and resilience adds depth to the narrative
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The plot is meticulously crafted, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Karin Slaughter's ability to maintain tension and build suspense is impressive, and the novel's pacing is relentless, making it difficult to put down. Every detail, no matter how small, is carefully placed to contribute to the overall puzzle, and the resolution is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

    The author skillfully introduces readers to three main characters whose lives intersect in surprising ways. Michael Ormewood, a seasoned detective with a troubled marriage, is initially assigned to the case. Angie Polaski, a former vice cop with a complex relationship with Trent, brings a raw and gritty perspective to the investigation. Trent himself is portrayed as a brilliant yet emotionally scarred investigator, whose own past is intricately tied to the unfolding mystery.

    The story is a gripping and intricately plotted crime thriller that delves deep into the complexities of human nature and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life. With its compelling characters, multifaceted narrative, and intense suspense, the novel is a standout in the genre.

    After reading this first book in the series, I have clicked Add to Cart the other 11 books in the series.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • MrsLeif
    4.0 out of 5 stars Triptych was so good! It had a great twist early on
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Triptych was so good! It had a great twist early on. One I did not see it coming.

    The novel starts with the murder and rape of Aleesha Monroe, a prostitute at Grady Homes, one of Atlanta's projects. Detective Michael Ormewood is assigned the case and Leo Donnelly is another cop helping him with the investigation until a newcomer is pushed to his side. Special Agent Will Trent with the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) is designated to help Michael. Michael doesn't care for Will very much but he's forced to play nice after there's a question of other rape victims being attacked by the same perpetrator.

    “I’m part of a special division of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation set up to aid local law enforcement around the state in apprehending violent criminals. My role here is purely advisory.”

    Besides Michael and Will, two other characters are quite important.

    The first one is Angie Polaski. She is a vice detective who's good at her job but the complete opposite in regards to her personal life. During her undercover work, she meets John Shelley. A man who was in prison for twenty years and who has been recently released. John is trying to keep his nose clean from any wrongdoing. He doesn't want to go back to prison. He would rather die than go back in.

    And this is where the story becomes quite interesting and I'm afraid I can't divulge more without giving spoilers.

    I was hooked after the introduction of Special Agent Will Trent with the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation). He sure made an impact in this novel. Will is very smart. He does his job well but he has a few big vulnerabilities which only made his character even more interesting to me.

    Will's damaged goods but so is Angie. Angie reminds me a little bit of Lena but I'm hoping I won't hate her as much as I hated Lena in the Grant series.

    I was happy with the resolution of Triptych and I'm excited to learn more about Will in the next few books.

    Cliffhanger: No

    4/5 Fangs
    14 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Mazhaggis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book.
    The characters were believable.
    The storyline kept me reading into the small hours. I just kept thinking one more chapter lol

    I have already recommended this book to my friends and family.
    Report
  • Alex
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gutes Buch
    Reviewed in Germany on November 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Besser als die Serie
    Report
  • ernst van der lingen
    5.0 out of 5 stars service
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on August 12, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Bedankt voor de snelle en vriendelijke levering.
    Report
  • Kathleen Cullen
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read, but Violent
    Reviewed in Canada on November 4, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book wasn't advertised as part of Slaughter's Will Trent series, but he's there. He's one of my favourite literary characters, so I was pleasantly surprised when he showed up. There are a lot of twists and turns in the plot that kept me interested to the end. In fact, I would have liked one more chapter to find out just what happened next in the life of the ex-con, John. Be warned, though, there is a lot of nasty violence. I usually get turned off by that, but this was well written and interesting enough to keep me reading.
    Report
  • Susan Neal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant novel
    Reviewed in Australia on August 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I originally read the latest novel in the series, and enjoyed it so much I decided to start reading at the beginning
    A fabulous read
    Report

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