Sharp Objects

A Novel

By: Gillian Flynn

Narrated by: Ann Marie Lee

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

NOW AN HBO® LIMITED SERIES STARRING AMY ADAMS, NOMINATED FOR EIGHT EMMY AWARDS, INCLUDING OUTSTANDING LIMITED SERIES FROM THE NUMBER ONE NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF GONE GIRL

Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: She must return to her tiny hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful 13-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims - a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story - and survive this homecoming.

Praise for Sharp Objects:

“Nasty, addictive reading.” (Chicago Tribune)

“Skillful and disturbing.” (Washington Post)

“Darkly original...[a] riveting tale.” (People)

©2006 Gillian Flynn (P)2006 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Mystery Writers of America 2007 Edgar Nominee, Best First Novel by an American Author

"A witty, stylish, and compelling debut. A real winner." (Harlan Coben)

"Flynn delivers a great whodunit.... Piercingly effective and genuinely terrifying." (Kirkus Reviews)

"To say this is a terrific debut novel is really too mild. I haven't read such a relentlessly creepy family saga since John Farris' All Heads Turn as the Hunt Goes By, and that was 30 years ago, give or take. Sharp Objects isn't one of those scare-and-retreat books; its effect is cumulative. I found myself dreading the last 30 pages or so but was helpless to stop turning them. Then, after the lights were out, the story just stayed there in my head, coiled and hissing, like a snake in a cave. An admirably nasty piece of work, elevated by sharp writing and sharper insights." (Stephen King)

Super interesting

Listened to this awhile back and it was great. Then the show came on HBO and it was good. Idk if I would have watched the show if I had already heard the book. I also am unsure level of good of the movie because the book was so much better…but that is the typical outcome so it’s ok. The twists are very surprising so if you’re into thrillers and mystery this is a perfect choice.

A New Favorite

I came to this book from the show, which made a very strong impression on me back when it was released. I'm pleasantly surprised to find that the book is even better. This is a dark story with a flawed protagonist with a lot of disconcerting and uncomfortable moments. However, the book nevertheless has some bright spots to it and a sense of irony and humor to it that prevent it's darkness from becoming overbearing.

Camille Preaker is a top tier protagonist. She is deeply, deeply flawed and makes horrible choices and misses obvious clues, but somehow this is all done in a way that I found easy to relate to and understand. The author does an excellent job weaving themes and metaphors throughout the book. The depth of the characters and the ideas being communicated takes priority above the procedural nature of the mystery and that's where this book really succeeds, in exploring generational trauma and adolescent angst.

The narrator is excellent across the board and in some cases kind of startlingly good, when it comes to the younger characters. She never overdoes things.

Awsome

I toatally was riveted to listening to this story I enjoy the author and the narrator.

FAVORITE GILLIAN FLYNN BOOK

This was such an incredibly thought out and well written book. The intricate details, the relationships amongst the characters, the darkness and the light. I love this book to my core. As a woman who suffered with self harm as a teenager, the accuracy and respect of the mental illness is much appreciated.

deep, dark, to the point, good book, good show.

great narration, dark story, but it was easy to listen to and follow along. finally a show that follows the book directly.....I think!!!!

Just ok, predictable ending

At no point did this book leave me on the edge of my seat. The narrator was dull. The story line was interesting but never exciting and had a predictable ending.

Disturbing yet good

The character development was well thought and engaged right to the end. The book is worth the read.

Very dark

This is not for the faint at heart. It’s a southern gothic, more horror than mystery. Well written and paced. But difficult characterization. All the women and girls were basically psychopaths. Like a whole town of them. Men were rapists or blank. Except for one fatherly type. But some of his decisions are questionable and rather naive. It’s a good read but different than Gone Girl. And I would prefer an overall better portrayal of women.

Gillian Flynn is my wicked dark hero

I love dark tales and this one was magically dark. I ate it up and want some more please.

So Good!

Writing so hypnotic and well done. Reader is perfect for the role, natural pace and could easily tell the difference between characters. I love this story, hauntingly beautiful. I will definitely be checking out her other novels.