Book Review - Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Product Description

I have a meanness inside me, real as an organ.


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 fifteen-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.


My Thoughts:

I gave this book three stars because I was surprised at the end. It was not what I expected at all, and I love to be surprised!

As for the rest of the story.....none of the characters were particularly likeable, especially Libby. I didn't care for the storyline about The Kill Club, but it was necessary in order for Libby to re-connect with all of the people from the past who were involved with the murders. There were parts that I particularly enjoyed and there were parts where I just cringed while reading and thought "Ok. I don't have to finish this book if I don't want to...." then the story would pick up again.

Ehh, I dunno. You will have to read it for yourself. I did not enjoy it as much as I did Sharp Objects, but it did have its moments.


Good

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Shaye Areheart Books; First Edition first Printing edition (May 5, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307341569
• ISBN-13: 978-0307341563