Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
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Web ID: 15626698Dark Places
Well, well, well. That was a spectacular read. I loved it and I was not even disappointed in the ending like with so many other books. So many twists and turns the last quarter of the book. I enjoyed every revelation. At 140 or so pages into the book I thought I figured out who the real killer was. Then as more gets revealed I changed my opinion on the identity of the killer a couple more times. Ultimately, I was wrong all those times. Actually, I was partially right in the end but boy was I wrong on the circumstances. This was some book. I previously read ‘Sharp Objects’ and before I even finished this book I bought her two other books. Five stars and it’s going on my Favorite Books list.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Good Character-Driven Mystery
Actual Rating 3.5 Libby is the sole survivor of the night her older brother brutally slaughtered the rest of her family. Years later, her life changes again when she finds out that the money she’s been living off of is close to drying up. When she is contacted by an odd murder fan-group who is interested in having her as a special guest, she decides to take them up on their offer with the hope of making some money. But when they aggressively confront her about the events of that night, her testimony, and her conclusions, she finds her entire worldview turned on its head. Desperate for both money and answers, Libby decides to try to find the truth of what actually happened that night, once and for all. This story is told through dual timelines, one following Libby in the present day and the other following the background of the family and the day of the murders in 1985. I really liked how well the author released information throughout the story even with the slower beginning. There were enough moving parts, red herrings, and connections, to keep the story moving and interesting. The overall tone of the book was rather depressing and dark, which added to the atmosphere and immersion of the story. I also enjoyed how character-driven this mystery is. The author did a great job writing an unlikeable protagonist, and Libby’s representation as an adult was interesting. The way the family was portrayed in the 1980s was realistic and well written, making both timelines immersive and engaging. This character-driven mystery is perfect if you’re in the mood for a darker read with unlikeable characters and a somewhat depressing atmosphere.
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Very disappointed
This book was terrible. The characters were unlikable. I skipped an entire chapter once I knew it was about sacrificial killing of cows. Disgusting details and descriptions.
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Excellent fast read
Great plot! I read in just one sitting. I could not put this down!
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Addicting
Wow! This is the second book I read from Gillian Flynn and I want more! This book will grab you and haunt you and you won't be able to turn away.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
4 Stars | Dark Places
SYNOPSIS | In 1985, Ben allegedly massacred three of his family members & his 7 year old little sister (Libby) was the only person to escape & testify as a witness against him. Libby has finally run out of money and is forced to make some quick cash by making an appearance at an underground club who are fascinated by unsolved murders. WHAT I LIKED: - the multiple perspectives really added to the story - the non-linear timeline kept me guessing what actually happened - the fact that I didn't "like" any of the characters but I could sympathise with them - perfectly bingeable thriller that keeps you flipping the pages WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: - didn't have the same ooomph for me as Gone Girl
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Surprisingly slow, but...
I would actually give this book 3.5 stars if I can, but I can't so I'm rounding it up. Dark Places is a 3rd book I'm reading from Gillian Flynn. Gone Girl was my first Flynn book and I absolutely loved it. I love Flynn's straight-forward writing style and her ability to capture her reader's attention. However, Dark Places was much slower paced than other books I've read from her. It also felt long, repetitive, and lifeless. Having said this, the reason I think this book is 3.5 stars is because it's a solid thriller. The plot is established from the very beginning and it's very clear and strong. There's also good character development, even for the dead family members. There were definitely moments of suspense and the ending was clever. I also feel like I'm being more critical because I was expecting this book to suck me right in like the other Flynn books that I finished in a couple sittings. I wouldn't recommend this book over Gillian Flynn books, but recommend it to those who are looking for dark, true-crime like thriller books.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
slow read BUT
Ok in the beginning its so slowwww, flynn gives soooooo much exposition, it was more of just trying to finish it or get to the good parts kind of page turner. It was until I was 50 pages from the END of the book that the whole psychological thriller theme really came full speed and i was just shocked and had to go back and reread and put all the pieces together it. the plot was incredible, i had no idea who did what and there were no give aways. it was an incredible twist at the end but it was so drawn out. I do have to strongly disagree with readers saying it was grotesque, there are a few scenes but nothing as dramatic as some reviewers say, some animal slaughter here and there and death details but it wasn't all that gruesome. Though the characters are all kind of messed up and sad I’m more amazed by the actual author and her ability to even come up with such a tale, writing from different perspectives, with so many little details that all intertwine in the end. I cant imagine writing something like this, I would’ve lost my place so many times and messed upon the storyline (with all the details and aspects that went into the plot) for the ending to work out so seamlessly the way it did. So many moments that I read and overlooked thinking they werent significant and boom in the end I had to go back to see how everything, every line .. even the insignificant characters have a place. Thats impressive!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com