BAD KARMA Book Summary - BAD KARMA Book explained in key points

BAD KARMA summary

Paul Wilson

Brief summary

Bad Karma by Paul Wilson is a gripping thriller that follows the story of a man who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and danger after a chance encounter with a stranger. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers shocking secrets and faces the consequences of his own actions.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    BAD KARMA
    Summary of key ideas

    Unforeseen Adventures and Bad Karma

    In Bad Karma by Paul Wilson, we are taken on a wild ride back to the summer of 1978. Our protagonist, a young and naive Wilson, finds himself embarking on a surf trip to mainland Mexico with two acquaintances, Wayne and Chris. Little does he know, this trip will be nothing like he had imagined. The journey begins with an impromptu armed robbery by Wilson to fund his part of the trip, setting the tone for the unforeseen adventures and bad karma to come.

    The trio's first challenge arises when they get stranded in the middle of the desert due to their unreliable vehicle. They are saved by two American hippies, who later turn out to be drug smugglers. The group's association with these individuals leads them to an unexpected encounter with the Mexican police, who mistake them for drug traffickers. This incident marks the beginning of their descent into a series of unfortunate events.

    A Series of Unfortunate Events

    As the journey continues, the group faces a series of misfortunes. They encounter corrupt police officers, treacherous surf conditions, and a near-fatal car accident. Their bad luck seems to escalate when they cross paths with a dangerous man, El Chapo, who is later revealed to be the infamous drug lord. Despite these alarming encounters, the trio remains resolute on their quest for the perfect wave, unaware of the escalating danger that surrounds them.

    Wilson's narrative vividly captures the essence of the 1970s surf culture, while also highlighting the harsh realities of life in rural Mexico. The trio's relentless pursuit of adventure and thrill, combined with their carefree attitude, leads them further into a web of danger and chaos. Their journey becomes a stark reminder of the unpredictable and unforgiving nature of life.

    Confronting Karma

    As the trip nears its end, the group finds themselves in a dire situation. Their vehicle breaks down, leaving them stranded in the middle of nowhere. Their supplies are running low, and they are forced to rely on the hospitality of the local villagers. It is during this time of vulnerability that Wilson begins to confront the consequences of his earlier actions - the armed robbery that set the whole journey in motion. He realizes that the bad karma he had accumulated throughout the trip had finally caught up with him.

    In a desperate attempt to redeem himself, Wilson makes a bold decision. He decides to return to the scene of his crime and confess his misdeeds to the supermarket manager. To his surprise, the manager forgives him, offering Wilson a chance at redemption. This act of forgiveness serves as a turning point for Wilson, allowing him to let go of his past mistakes and embrace a new perspective on life.

    The Aftermath of Adventure

    The trio's tumultuous journey comes to an end, and they return home with a newfound appreciation for the simple joys of life. Wilson, in particular, emerges from the trip with a deeper understanding of the concept of karma. He realizes that our actions, whether good or bad, have consequences that shape our lives. The journey, although filled with chaos and danger, serves as a crucial lesson for Wilson, teaching him the importance of accountability and self-reflection.

    In conclusion, Bad Karma by Paul Wilson is a gripping tale of adventure, misfortune, and self-discovery. Through a series of unexpected events, Wilson takes us on a journey that challenges our perceptions of fate and personal responsibility. In the end, he leaves us with a valuable lesson - that the consequences of our actions, good or bad, will always come back to us.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is BAD KARMA about?

    Bad Karma by Paul Wilson is a thrilling and darkly humorous novel that delves into the consequences of our actions. When private investigator Jack Wilson takes on a seemingly routine case, he unwittingly unleashes a chain of events that leads to betrayal, murder, and a battle against an ancient evil force. As Jack fights to set things right, he must confront his own past and the karmic debt he owes.

    BAD KARMA Review

    BAD KARMA (1995) delves into the unsettling mysteries of past wrongs coming back to haunt us. Here's why this book is a compelling read:
    • Explores the concept of karma in a thrilling, thought-provoking manner, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
    • Distinctive blend of suspense and philosophical inquiry makes it a unique and intellectually stimulating read.
    • The intricate plot twists and turns offer a gripping narrative that ensures the story never becomes predictable or dull.

    Who should read BAD KARMA?

    • Readers who enjoy adventurous and true-life stories

    • Those interested in surfing and travel

    • People who appreciate personal growth and overcoming challenges

    About the Author

    Paul Wilson is an author known for his captivating storytelling. He has a knack for weaving together thrilling narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats. With a background in journalism and a passion for adventure, Wilson brings a unique perspective to his writing. Some of his other notable works include The Girl with the Long Green Heart and Hot Money. Through his books, Wilson takes readers on unforgettable journeys filled with suspense and intrigue.

    Categories with BAD KARMA

    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
    36 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    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.

    Get started

    BAD KARMA FAQs 

    What is the main message of BAD KARMA?

    The main message of BAD KARMA revolves around the consequences of one's actions and the concept of fate.

    How long does it take to read BAD KARMA?

    Reading BAD KARMA takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.

    Is BAD KARMA a good book? Is it worth reading?

    BAD KARMA is a gripping read that delves into themes of morality and destiny. It's definitely worth the read.

    Who is the author of BAD KARMA?

    Paul Wilson is the author of BAD KARMA.

    What to read after BAD KARMA?

    If you're wondering what to read next after BAD KARMA, 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