Dark Places

A Novel

By: Gillian Flynn

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman, Cassandra Campbell, Mark Deakins, Robertson Dean

Length: 13 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Libby Day was seven when her mother and two sisters were murdered in "The Satan Sacrifice of Kinnakee, Kansas". As her family lay dying, little Libby fled their tiny farmhouse into the freezing January snow. She lost some fingers and toes, but she survived, and famously testified that her 15-year-old brother, Ben, was the killer.

Twenty-five years later, Ben sits in prison, and troubled Libby lives off the dregs of a trust created by well-wishers who've long forgotten her.

The Kill Club is a macabre secret society obsessed with notorious crimes. When they locate Libby and pump her for details, proof they hope may free Ben, Libby hatches a plan to profit off her tragic history. For a fee, she'll reconnect with the players from that night and report her findings to the club...and maybe she'll admit her testimony wasn't so solid after all.

As Libby's search takes her from shabby Missouri strip clubs to abandoned Oklahoma tourist towns, the narrative flashes back to January 2, 1985. The events of that day are relayed through the eyes of Libby's doomed family members, including Ben, a loner whose rage over his shiftless father and their failing farm have driven him into a disturbing friendship with the new girl in town.

Piece by piece, the unimaginable truth emerges, and Libby finds herself right back where she started...on the run from a killer.

©2009 Gillian Flynn (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"Gillian Flynn is the real deal, a sharp, acerbic, and compelling storyteller with a knack for the macabre." (Stephen King)

"A gritty, riveting thriller with a one-of-a-kind, tart-tongued heroine." (Booklist)

“A riveting tale of true horror by a writer who has all the gifts to pull it off.” (Chicago Tribune)

Pulls you in

I liked how the narrator does a great job of giving you a visual of what each character looks and acts like by the tone of their voices. The ending was extremely gripping, making you second guess your own conclusion throughout the book. Definitely worth the read!

Didn't see that coming,

Couldn't put it down! Great who dunit with plenty of suspense. Interesting, well defined characters. Liked that I didn't see that coming.

Wow

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, Gillian Flynn is fantastic at holding you in her grip. Warning -- it's very, very dark.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Lowman's narration was my favorite, but all the narrators were quite strong.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I'm not easily shocked, but the opening sequence describing the events of "that day," not to mention the reveal near the end, was a jaw-dropper.

Twisted

I loved all there narrators reading this book to me. Great twisted story. Made me work out longer, because I didn't want to stop listening. Loved it!

Great suspense

I could not figure this out and enjoyed the ride. Was a bit disappointed as the ending is so implausible compared to the rest of the book, but was still a fun read and definitely kept me coming back for more.

Dark and Disturbing

Was it a good book? Yes. Did I enjoy it? No. The story was captivating and pulled me in quickly. Likewise, it was written so well and the narrators performed so effortlessly, that it could have been true. The graphic and sexual promiscuity of the kids, the lack of respect for life, and the lack of ambition are disturbing. I didn't like any of the characters. After finishing, my first thought was... I'm glad that's over!!! Another reviewer wrote, he would hate to be in Gillian Flynn's head. I agree with that.

Amazing writing

It’s a dark story, hence the title, but what stood out to me the most was Flynn’s telling a story like a true craftsman. Her use of figurative language makes the story come alive.

Great Author. Great interpretation.

I really enjoy Gillian Flynn! I loved the narration of both Dark Places and Sharp Objects. The narrator for Ben was a little "off" for me to start. But as the book progressed i liked him more and more. I loved Libby's narrator. Spot on!

Good story, good reveal, journey is too long

This is usually not a problem with most books but it's pretty obvious when you're getting filler in this one. Still a really good story, worth the read. Just not incredibly compelling the whole way through.

Another great read from Flynn.

This was excellent. I usually can figure the whodunit way before the end of the story, but I had no idea until right before the reveal. Crazy! The books are the same kind of twisted I have come to expect from Flynn. Recommend!