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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Black-Eyed Susans summary
Julia Heaberlin
Brief summary
Black-Eyed Susans is a gripping psychological thriller by Julia Heaberlin. Told from the perspective of Tessa, a survivor of a serial killer, it intertwines past and present as she races to uncover the truth about the killer's identity.
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Black-Eyed Susans
Summary of key ideas
Surviving a Horrific Ordeal
In Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin, we are introduced to Tessa Cartwright, the sole survivor of a brutal attack that left her in a grave with the bodies of other girls. The media dubs them the Black-Eyed Susans, after the flowers that grew around their shallow grave. Tessa, then known as Tessie, was only sixteen when she was found, and her testimony helped convict a man named Terrell Darcy Goodwin for the murders.
Fast forward to the present, Tessa is now a single mother and an artist. She has changed her name and moved to a different city to escape her past. However, her past comes back to haunt her when she discovers a patch of black-eyed susans growing outside her bedroom window. This discovery leads her to question the accuracy of her memories and the guilt of the man on death row.
Questioning the Truth
As Tessa grapples with the possibility that she may have helped convict an innocent man, she teams up with a group of forensic experts and lawyers who are working to exonerate Goodwin. They believe that the evidence used to convict him was flawed, and they need Tessa's help to uncover the truth. Tessa, however, is hesitant to revisit her traumatic past and is unsure if she can trust her own memories.
Meanwhile, Tessa's teenage daughter, Charlie, is growing increasingly curious about her mother's past. Tessa's quest for the truth puts her and her daughter in danger, as someone seems determined to stop her from uncovering what really happened all those years ago.
Unraveling the Mystery
As Tessa delves deeper into her past, she begins to uncover shocking revelations. She learns that the bones found in the grave with her were not all from the same time period, suggesting that the murders were committed over a longer period than initially thought. She also discovers that the man who was convicted might not have been the real killer, and that the true perpetrator might still be out there.
With the help of her lawyer and a forensic scientist, Tessa pieces together the events leading up to her abduction and the subsequent murders. She also starts to remember details that she had repressed, including the identity of the real killer. However, as she gets closer to the truth, the danger to her and her daughter escalates.
A Race Against Time
In a race against time, Tessa and her team work to gather enough evidence to exonerate Goodwin before his scheduled execution. They also try to identify the real killer and prevent him from harming anyone else. Tessa's memories, once fragmented and unreliable, start to come together, painting a terrifying picture of what really happened in that field of black-eyed susans.
In a heart-stopping climax, Tessa confronts the real killer and manages to save herself and her daughter. The truth is finally revealed, and Goodwin is exonerated. However, the scars of the past remain, and Tessa and her daughter must find a way to move forward despite the horrors they've endured.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Black-Eyed Susans is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable trauma. It delves into the complexities of memory and the impact of a horrific event on the survivor's psyche. Heaberlin's masterful storytelling keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, and the shocking twists and turns make for an unforgettable reading experience.
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What is Black-Eyed Susans about?
Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Tessa, a woman who survived a terrifying ordeal as a teenager and is now haunted by the question of whether the right man was convicted for the crime. With its clever twists and turns, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.
Black-Eyed Susans Review
Black-Eyed Susans (2015) by Julia Heaberlin is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its twists and turns, the story will continuously surprise you, making it impossible to put down.
- The complex characters and psychological depth add layers of intrigue and suspense, keeping you engaged until the last page.
- Through the intricate plot development and suspenseful atmosphere, boredom is simply not an option while reading this book.
Who should read Black-Eyed Susans?
- Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a strong female protagonist
- People who are interested in stories about memory loss and trauma
- Those who appreciate intricate and well-crafted suspense plots
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Black-Eyed Susans FAQs
What is the main message of Black-Eyed Susans?
The main message of Black-Eyed Susans revolves around the resilience of the human spirit amidst trauma and the quest for truth.
How long does it take to read Black-Eyed Susans?
Reading Black-Eyed Susans typically consumes several hours, while the Blinkist summary offers a quick understanding in minutes.
Is Black-Eyed Susans a good book? Is it worth reading?
Black-Eyed Susans is captivating for its suspenseful plot, intricate character development, and unexpected twists, making it a compelling read.
Who is the author of Black-Eyed Susans?
Julia Heaberlin is the author of Black-Eyed Susans.
What to read after Black-Eyed Susans?
If you're wondering what to read next after Black-Eyed Susans, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- 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