I'll Be Gone in the Dark

One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer

By: Michelle McNamara

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman, Gillian Flynn - introduction, Patton Oswalt - afterword

Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Short-listed for the Gordon Burn Prize 2018

A masterful true crime account of the Golden State Killer - the elusive serial rapist turned murderer who terrorised California for over a decade - from Michelle McNamara, the gifted journalist who died tragically while investigating the case.

'You'll be silent forever, and I'll be gone in the dark.'

For more than 10 years, a mysterious and violent predator committed 50 sexual assaults in Northern California before moving south, where he perpetrated 10 sadistic murders. Then he disappeared, eluding capture by multiple police forces and some of the best detectives in the area.

Three decades later, Michelle McNamara, a true crime journalist who created the popular website True Crime Diary, was determined to find the violent psychopath she called the Golden State Killer. Michelle pored over police reports, interviewed victims, and embedded herself in the online communities that were as obsessed with the case as she was.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark - the masterpiece McNamara was writing at the time of her sudden death - offers an atmospheric snapshot of a moment in American history and a chilling account of a criminal mastermind and the wreckage he left behind. It is also a portrait of a woman's obsession and her unflagging pursuit of the truth.

Framed by an introduction by Gillian Flynn and an afterword by her husband, Patton Oswalt, the book was completed by Michelle's lead researcher and a close colleague. Utterly original and compelling, it is destined to become a true crime classic - and may at last unmask the Golden State Killer.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio on our desktop site.

©2018 Michelle McNamara (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

well written and interesting

I can understand why this book was rated so highly by readers and critics. McNamara sure could write: this is true crime on another level. I would say that it can be compared with Capote's In cold blood. It is about so much more than just trying to 'catch' the perpetrator of serial rapes and killings in California over a long period of time. It explores and reveals much about a place and time in America, and the nature of killers and those who are obsessed with them. I savoured her use of language and her ability to conjure up a constant tense, vaguely sinister atmosphere, which kept me intrigued, in spite of the fact that it had been made clear from the outset that the mystery was going to remain unsolved.
I found Gabra Zackman's narration absolutely spot on. She really gets the tone of the book and effectively conveys the menace of the killer as he escalates, and the growing obsession/hint of desperation on the part of the author, as she tries to pull together a constantly unravelling tapestry of clues. Recommended for those who like nuanced non fiction that makes one think.

Riveting true crime

Excellent fact filled and incite full storytelling. True crime at its best. Highly recommend this book.

Needs an update

This book needs an update now that a lot has changed regarding pursuit of Golden state killer. Brilliant investigative book nonetheless.

Incredible Tenacity

Michelle McNamara is an inspiration to anyone who wishes to write. Her investigation was incredible. It’s thanks to people like Michelle that people can hopefully find closure. It’s so sad to think she didn’t live to see her work published or its major impact. Well worth a read or a listen. Performance is A+.

Well worth a credit

Michelle McNamara has a wonderful gift for evoking the narrative scene. This blends intensive data research with storytelling in a seamless and engaging manner. The narrator and other voices complete the experience.

Good

She was such a talented writer and it was such a pity that she didn't get to finish the book. I enjoyed it, but would have enjoyed it 100 times more, had she been able to write and finish it in her own words.

Too Much rehashing the same story!

How many times can this story be told and investigated! Enough already! Same old story!