The Grownup

A Story by the Author of Gone Girl

By: Gillian Flynn

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Gillian Flynn’s Edgar Award-winning homage to the classic ghost story, published for the first time as a standalone.

A canny young woman is struggling to survive by perpetrating various levels of mostly harmless fraud. On a rainy April morning, she is reading auras at Spiritual Palms when Susan Burke walks in. A keen observer of human behavior, our unnamed narrator immediately diagnoses beautiful, rich Susan as an unhappy woman eager to give her lovely life a drama injection. However, when the "psychic" visits the eerie Victorian home that has been the source of Susan’s terror and grief, she realizes she may not have to pretend to believe in ghosts anymore. Miles, Susan’s teenage stepson, doesn’t help matters with his disturbing manner and grisly imagination. The three are soon locked in a chilling battle to discover where the evil truly lurks and what, if anything, can be done to escape it.

“The Grownup,” which originally appeared as “What Do You Do?” in George R. R. Martin’s Rogues anthology, proves once again that Gillian Flynn is one of the world’s most original and skilled voices in fiction.

©2015 Gillian Flynn (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Julia Whelan narrates this ghost story with insight, depth, and passion.... As she skillfully merges the deceptive characters, a haunting tone, and compelling events, the audiobook doesn't need mood music. Whelan can raise goosebumps and keep listeners on the edge of their seats all by herself." (AudioFile)

can't wait for the next one!

it's suspenseful and exciting.i enjoyed it. looking forward to the one that will follow. needs to be wrapped up. I need closure.

Earns Four Stars for Its Unpredictability

"The Grownup" is a compact yet compelling novella that skillfully navigates the treacherous waters of psychological suspense. Gillian Flynn's knack for crafting complex characters and atmospheric settings shines through in this story. The plot is a rollercoaster of uncertainty, with the author constantly subverting expectations. While the brevity of the novella leaves some aspects feeling underdeveloped, it also adds to its punchy impact. However, I did find the ending a tad abrupt, leaving me with lingering questions. Despite these minor quibbles, "The Grownup" is an engaging read that showcases Flynn's talent for weaving dark and intricate narratives.

Feels very unfinished

I wish it were more clear that this is a short story. Wouldn’t have purchased because it is essentially the same cost as a full length book and it feels like it just stops before the story is told. Finished in one listen and thought something was wrong with the app.

Short ?

Extremely short and I was shocked it just abruptly ended .. : ( ... would have enjoyed more sad

Awesome awesome awesome

Loved this short story! Was compelled from the very beginning and couldn't turn it off. Must read.. err...listen!

Not long enough

Another great book by Ms. Flynn but I was a little disappointed by how short it was. Maybe I was to encapsulated and entranced by her story that it flew by but wow!! I need more of her books!

Too bad it's only a short story.

Wish it was a full length book. Gillian Flynn makes it easy to be sucked in.

Honestly just stops abruptly, it’s a short story

I really enjoyed the humor and twists and turns, as I do with all of Flynn’s novels... however it should state somewhere that it’s a pretty short story, it’s less than 2 hours listening time, and just when you think the real adventure is gonna begin it just ends.

Way too short for the price

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

Yes, finished it on my commute to work

Any additional comments?

I wish the story was longer. I didn't like the cliffhanger.

Do yourself the favor of reading this book!

I don't normally review audio books, but this one warrants at least a brief review, for all the right reasons. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to all of Gillian Flynn's novels, but her wit and (dark) sense of humor shine in this short story. I found myself laughing often, and by the middle of the story, sitting on the edge of my seat. This is, by far, the best audio book experience I've had this year. Do yourself the favor of listening to or reading this book!