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)

Wow ! Can't wait for another resetting Gillian!!

I didn't want this one to end. The story kept me waiting forth next sentence. I thought I figured it out a couple of times but Wow, I didn't expect the end. It isn't for the faint of heart there are some gruesome parts so if you don't care for that don't. complain about it . You've been warned! I love a long novel and hope that Gillian can keep them coming.
If you liked Dark Places you will enjoy this one just as much. Highly recommend this .one. The reading was very compatible for the story. She did a wonderful job.
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Great Performance

The book started off slow and I wasn't sure that I was going to finish because I didn't really like Libby. I still don't like her very much but the story was very intriguing and kept me on my toes! I couldn't wait to listen to it everyday and even found a way to listen in the shower! I really enjoyed this novel!

OMG!

Kept me saying WTF the entire book. Couldn't stop listening and trying to piece together this tragic mystery. Enjoyed the story and how it was read.

Equally riveting like 'Gone Girl''

Gone Girl was my first book from this author and this book is every bit a competitor to 'Gone Girl'. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The suspense was kept until the very last moment and keeps you guessing on the mystery. I am already looking forward to read her other book ''Sharp Objects''.

You will not regret this book

What made the experience of listening to Dark Places the most enjoyable?

I truly enjoyed the narration. The different narrators really gave the story's characters distinct personalities.

What did you like best about this story?

This is definately a story that will have you flinching every once in awhile. I expected a twist, and boy did I get it.

Which scene was your favorite?

I felt so sorry for the character Ben, that any time it was his turn I was excited to hear what was going to happen next.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Hold on to your seat, you are in for one heck of a ride!

Any additional comments?

Just a note, if you are squeemish, there are some scenes in this book that may be upsetting. This book is not for the faint of heart!

A quality book

it is a good book but also it wasn't exactly my type because of somethings in the story but its good overall

Loved the way the story is told...

The story is told in different points of view. The listener get an idea of what each of the characters are feeling, doing, thinking from their own perspectives.

Love this book

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I'm listening to this one a second time and I am loving every second of it. It really is a great story.

beautifully crafted

Loved the reader of this expertly crafted story. I think it was better than Gone Girl.

Stands on its Own

Definitely not Gone Girl, but it definitely stands on its own as a great story with complex characters. I liked the twist and although I had guessed it correctly early in the book, I changed my mind several times throughout. I think that's a good sign of a thriller. Glad I read it. On to Sharp Objects!