The Black Book Book Summary - The Black Book Book explained in key points

The Black Book summary

Brief summary

The Black Book by James Patterson and David Ellis is a gripping thriller that follows detective Billy Harney as he uncovers a web of corruption, betrayal, and dark secrets in the city of Chicago.

Give Feedback
Topics
Table of Contents

    The Black Book
    Summary of key ideas

    Uncovering a Sinister Plot

    In The Black Book by James Patterson and David Ellis, we are introduced to Detective Billy Harney, a dedicated cop who is shot and left for dead. As he recovers, he is haunted by fragmented memories of the night of the shooting. Billy's partner, Detective Kate Fenton, is also shot and killed in the same incident. The only clue to the motive behind the attack is a missing black book, a ledger containing the names of Chicago's most influential people and their darkest secrets.

    As Billy returns to work, he is determined to solve the mystery of the black book and his own attempted murder. He discovers that Kate had been investigating a series of unsolved murders, all of which are linked to the missing black book. Billy's investigation leads him to a high-end brothel, where he learns that the black book was used to blackmail the city's elite.

    A Web of Corruption and Deceit

    As Billy delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that extends to the highest levels of Chicago's society and law enforcement. He learns that Kate had been working with Assistant State's Attorney Amy Lentini, who is also investigating the black book and its connection to the unsolved murders. Together, they had been trying to expose the truth, but Kate's murder had put a stop to their efforts.

    As Billy and Amy continue their investigation, they face numerous obstacles, including threats from powerful figures who are desperate to keep the black book's secrets hidden. They also discover that the black book is not just a ledger of secrets, but a tool used by a shadowy figure to manipulate and control the city's most influential people.

    A Race Against Time

    As the body count rises and the city's corruption is laid bare, Billy and Amy realize that they are running out of time. They must find the black book and its owner before more lives are lost. Their search leads them to a shocking revelation: the black book's owner is none other than Billy's own father, the Chief of Detectives.

    In a heart-stopping climax, Billy confronts his father and the truth behind the black book. He learns that his father had been using the book to maintain order in the city, but his methods had spiraled out of control, leading to the murders and chaos that had engulfed Chicago. In a desperate bid to save his son, the Chief of Detectives sacrifices himself, allowing Billy and Amy to expose the truth and bring the black book's reign of terror to an end.

    The Aftermath and a New Beginning

    In the aftermath of the black book's exposure, Chicago is left reeling. The city's power structure is shattered, and its elite are exposed for their sins. Billy and Amy, having survived the ordeal, find solace in each other and a renewed sense of purpose. They vow to continue fighting for justice, knowing that the battle against corruption is far from over.

    In conclusion, The Black Book is a gripping tale of power, corruption, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. It is a story of redemption and the enduring fight for truth and justice, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

    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 The Black Book about?

    The Black Book by James Patterson and David Ellis is a gripping thriller that follows detective Billy Harney as he investigates a high-profile murder in Chicago. When a black book containing incriminating information goes missing, Harney finds himself entangled in a web of corruption and deceit. With unexpected twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

    The Black Book Review

    The Black Book (2017) by James Patterson and David Ellis is a gripping crime thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • With its multiple intertwining storylines, it keeps readers guessing and engaged from start to finish.
    • The book's fast-paced plot and unexpected twists make it impossible to put down.
    • Through its complex characters and gritty atmosphere, it delves into the darker side of human nature, leaving a lasting impact on readers.

    Who should read The Black Book?

    • Readers who enjoy fast-paced, suspenseful crime thrillers
    • Those who appreciate intricate plots with unexpected twists
    • People looking for a captivating mystery that keeps them guessing until the end

    About the Author

    James Patterson is a prolific author known for his gripping thrillers and captivating storytelling. With over 200 books to his name, Patterson has become a household name in the literary world. Some of his most popular works include the Alex Cross series, the Women's Murder Club series, and Along Came a Spider. His co-author, David Ellis, is an accomplished lawyer and author who has collaborated with Patterson on several successful novels. Together, they have created a compelling and suspenseful book with The Black Book.

    Categories with The Black Book

    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.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    34 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.

    Start your free trial

    The Black Book FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Black Book?

    The main message of The Black Book is a thrilling investigation into corruption and secrets.

    How long does it take to read The Black Book?

    The reading time for The Black Book varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Black Book a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Black Book is an intriguing read, filled with suspense and unexpected twists. It is definitely worth reading.

    Who is the author of The Black Book?

    The authors of The Black Book are James Patterson and David Ellis.

    What to read after The Black Book?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Black Book, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu & James A. Robinson
    • The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
    • The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich August von Hayek
    • Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
    • Manufacturing Consent by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky
    • No Logo by Naomi Klein
    • The Bottom Billion by Paul Collier
    • The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein
    • Brave New War by John Robb
    • Man, the State and War by Kenneth N. Waltz