Triptych: A Will Trent Novel Paperback – July 26, 2016

I have heard so much about the Pretty Girls novel, but I could not bring myself to read a series out of order. So this begins my journey into the Will Trent series. Of course I knew I would like it. Will is a special character, I love how he is an orphan who has a reading disability, but he did not let that stop him and he graduated college and became a successful detective. His lifelong friend who he has known since his time in the group home is also an undercover detective, and together they help solve this case of a young man who went to prison at 16 for being wrongly convicted of the death of a young woman who he went to school with. The twists in this one were good!! I also listened to the audible version and loved it.

Triptych: A Will Trent Novel is a captivating and exceptionally well-written thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Karin Slaughter crafts a gripping narrative with strong character development and suspense. However, I've experienced quality issues with the physical copies of her books, including this one—multiple books have started to fall apart not long after purchase. While the story itself is excellent, the durability of the book could be improved.

I’ve been enjoying watching the tv series based on these books, so I wanted to read them starting at the beginning. Will Trent is introduced as an agent working for a special task force within the GBI. He’s a man suffering with dyslexia, which he hides from everybody except Detective Angie Polaski, whom he has a history with. He has a tragic upbringing and has the scars to prove it. Will asks to be brought in on the case of a murdered prostitute because it may be part of an investigation he’s been working on. He works alongside homicide detective Michael Ormewood. Meanwhile, we head back 20 years to 1985 and are introduced to John Shelley, a 16 year old kid from an affluent family who is arrested and convicted of murder and rape. The story is told by going back and forth between past and present, investigating new murders with fresh clues, alongside buried secrets from the past. I was completely engrossed and though the book is long, I buzzed right through it pretty quickly. It has a pretty satisfying ending and I’m looking forward to many more enjoyable reads from this series!Comparison to the tv show: I’ll start by saying I love both. I find Will to be very endearing. He is the perfect example of someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, at least with the one person he’s closest with. Because he keeps his dyslexia a secret, he makes things so much harder on himself. Anyway, when I was introduced to Will in the book, I laughed out loud with his physical description. There’s nothing wrong with his appearance, but the actor that plays him on tv is the complete opposite of the character in the book. Think Tom Cruise playing Jack Reacher as an example. However, on the tv show, Ramon Rodriquez plays the part perfectly. He has all of Will’s mannerisms down perfectly, even his affection for Betty the Dog. I think the other characters are well cast, and I especially like Will’s boss, Amanda. And lastly, my second favorite character is Angie. She reminds me of Dexter Morgan’s sister Deb. But honestly, how in the hell did the tv folks come to the decision of her partner at work??

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 theThe 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.

So, I started reading this novel because I am a huge fan of the TV series. The characters here seem different (to wildly varying degrees) from their TV counterparts, but taken on its own merits it’s a pretty gripping read. My only complaint is that it was a bit predictable in parts, but that’s at least in part due to the fact that I read a lot of mystery novels. I’d still give it a hearty recommendation

I really enjoyed this suspenseful crime novel. And it is a good introduction to Will Trent and Angie Polaski. Can’t wait to read the next one.