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

The Shark summary

Brief summary

The Shark by Mary Burton is a thrilling mystery novel that follows prosecutor and former marine, Rachel Wainwright, as she delves into a case involving a series of gruesome shark attacks. As she uncovers dark secrets, she finds herself in the killer's crosshairs.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    The Shark
    Summary of key ideas

    The Start of a Deadly Game

    In The Shark by Mary Burton, we are introduced to Riley Tatum, a Virginia state trooper who is haunted by her past. As a teenager, she was kidnapped and left for dead by a sadistic serial killer known as the Shark. The Shark's modus operandi was to abduct young girls, drug them, and then release them into the wild, hunting them down like prey. Riley was the only one who managed to escape.

    Years later, the Shark resurfaces, and Riley is determined to bring him to justice. She teams up with Clay Bowman, a former FBI agent who was involved in the original investigation. Clay is now working for Shield Security, a private security firm, and is still haunted by the case. Together, they delve into the past, hoping to uncover the Shark's identity and put an end to his deadly game.

    Unraveling the Mystery

    As Riley and Clay dig deeper, they discover that the Shark's reign of terror might not be over. A new string of murders, bearing the Shark's signature, suggests that the killer is still at large. The investigation takes them to the seedy underbelly of Virginia, where they encounter a web of lies, corruption, and betrayal.

    They also learn that the Shark had an accomplice, someone who helped him select his victims and cover his tracks. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to the case, as they realize that the Shark might not be working alone. As they race against time, Riley and Clay must navigate through a maze of suspects and red herrings to unmask the killer.

    A Deadly Showdown

    As the pieces of the puzzle start falling into place, Riley and Clay find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the Shark. The killer, it seems, has been watching them all along, and he has no intention of going down without a fight. In a heart-stopping climax, Riley and Clay confront the Shark in a final showdown, where they must rely on all their wits and skills to survive.

    Ultimately, The Shark is a gripping thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Mary Burton skillfully weaves a tale of suspense and danger, drawing us into a world of darkness and fear. The novel also explores the resilience of the human spirit, as Riley confronts her traumatic past and finds the strength to face her demons. In the end, justice is served, but not without a heavy toll.

    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 Shark about?

    The Shark by Mary Burton is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark and dangerous world of a serial killer. When a series of brutal murders rock a small town, detective Tess McCrae is determined to catch the perpetrator. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers shocking secrets and realizes that the killer may be someone she knows. With its intense plot and well-developed characters, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

    The Shark Review

    The Shark by Mary Burton (2021) tells a gripping tale of a serial killer on the loose in a small town, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Here's why this book is worth diving into:

    • With its twists and turns and unexpected revelations, the plot keeps us guessing and eager to uncover the truth behind the crimes.
    • The complex, multi-dimensional characters add depth to the story, making it more than just a typical thriller and engaging us on a personal level.
    • Through its suspenseful atmosphere and chilling descriptions, the book masterfully builds tension and intrigue, ensuring that boredom is never a possibility.

    Who should read The Shark?

    • Individuals who enjoy psychological thrillers with a mix of romance
    • Readers who are fascinated by criminal profiling and forensic investigations
    • People who appreciate strong female protagonists facing their past demons

    About the Author

    Mary Burton is a renowned author of suspense and romance novels. With a career spanning over 30 years, she has written numerous bestsellers, including The Shark, The Hangman, and Near You. Burton's books are known for their gripping plots, well-developed characters, and intense psychological suspense. Her ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats has earned her a dedicated following in the thriller genre.

    Categories with The Shark

    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
    38 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

    The Shark FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Shark?

    Facing danger and fear head-on leads to unexpected discoveries and personal growth.

    How long does it take to read The Shark?

    The estimated reading time for The Shark is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.

    Is The Shark a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Shark is worth reading for its gripping storyline and deep character development, making it a compelling read.

    Who is the author of The Shark?

    Mary Burton is the author of The Shark.

    What to read after The Shark?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Shark, 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