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)

Fabulous storytelling

I forgot I had this book in my wishlist and went ahead and watched the movie. I debated about buying the book afterward since I knew the ending already, but boy am I glad I decided to buy it anyway. Even knowing how everything turned out in the end I was hanging on every word! This book is a great listen.

Exciting

I really enjoyed this book. I hear there will be a movie can't wait for that either.

Cognitive behavior perspective

As a required reading for class, Gillian Flynn definitely explores the depths of masculinity, horrific trauma, and family. Worth reading!

Captivating

I couldn't stop listening, enjoyed every minute. it will always keep you guessing. love the story

Dark places

This book is heartbreaking and haunting. This one tops her later, more famous book. I developed a connection to the characters and was sorry to have it end.
The performances were excellent.

Great, thrilling story

Great work of contemporary fiction! I'm glad I looked past the recent hype of Gone Girl to take a listen. Reading of the scenes seemed a bit cheesy at times but, overall, wonderful performance. You won't want to stop listening.

something you read if you like the author

Of course I wanted to listen to the book bc I loved gone girl and enjoyed sharp objects. this book just lacked the character depth of the others, but happy to read it just bc Flynn killed it on the others.

OMG This Story....

This has got to be one of the most gruesome stories I have ever heard. To killers in the house at the same time, it's just too much.

Kept my interest all the way through

The story was a little far fetched in places but very well written and interesting enough to keep my mind from wondering.

Messed up

From the dark places of Gillian Flynn’s mind, this book is creepy, disgusting, and lovely all at once.