maxinedorn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
evapalhay's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
readwithdawson's review against another edition
5.0
Flynn nailed the mix of 'oh, I should have guessed!' and 'oh my gosh, I never would have guessed!' while having an ending that left me satisfied. This is the mystery I want all mysteries to be like. Phenomenal.
suburbancatmom's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
a8bhatia's review against another edition
3.0
My least favourite of the three books I have read from Gillian Flynn because I found the pace of the story to be slower. I also found it less fucked up per say and more of a tragedy. Regardless it was still an interesting read and I had a good time with the story.
katiemooney331's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this book was pretty good, but the ending disappointed me. The whole book had me at the edge of my seat, and had me wondering, but then the ending just fizzled out.
ashlylynne's review against another edition
5.0
This story focusses on the Day family, most of whom were brutally murdered back in 1985. Only two people survived: Libby Day, who was 7 during the attacks, and her older brother ben, 15 at the time and now stuck in prison for murdering his family. Libby testified against him 25 years ago and has accepted that he committed the horrible crime he was accused of. But, this unlikable kleptomaniac is about to get her world flipped around when a strange man, Lyle, contacts and introduces her to the Kill Club. This new encounter raises all kinds of questions. The most important one being: Did Ben really kill her entire family? If not, who did? Told in alternating present day and past flashbacks, this story is sure to keep you on your toes to the very end.
Where to start with this book? Ahhh. This book was so good. I may have even liked it more than Gone Girl. I absolutely loved this story and cannot believe that it was Flynn’s debut novel. She sure came into the book scene with a bang. I’m mad at myself for it taking me so long to finally discover her.
This story is pretty flawless. There were no loose ends that needed to be tied up at the finish of the story. All the facts come together marvelously. And, Flynn does a fantastic job of keeping you guessing until the very end. This woman knows how to write tension. She leaves every chapter with the perfect cliffhanger. It was so easy to flip page after page to find out what happens next.
Flynn weaves a kick ass story that will easily transport you into the life of Libby day and her family.
I also think it’s really impressive and cool the way Flynn writes this story. I love the present-to-past flashbacks. It’s really interesting that she was able to create a time spanning months for present day Libby while the past flashbacks only span the time of 24 hours. It really makes the story even more intense and easy to get lost in.
But, where would this story be without some well-written, love-to-hate characters? Not much of anywhere. Flynn’s characters are great. Wow, I love them. Most of them I’m actually pretty disgusted with, but you’re supposed to feel that way. Flynn did such a phenomenal job on all the characters. There was no one that was underdeveloped, and they all had fantastic arcs.
Especially Libby Day’s. She starts out as a character you can’t help but hate and shake your head at (even though at the same time you really love her). But, by the end, she’s a little less hate-able. Her arc is beautiful, and I could talk about it for hours. She goes through so much and discovers so much – not just regarding her family and the murders, but about herself as well.
She hardened herself because she hated going to those dark places that she tried to bury. She hated being weak and vulnerable, so she became a sort of villain, both hurting others and herself. But, Lyle and the Kill Club have helped her to tackle those dark places and open up.
Okay, but I’m gonna stop ruining stuff now, because I totally want you to go read this book.
Although, WARNING: I do not recommend this book to those who have weak stomachs for gore and explicit language and actions. I also want to warn people who have sensitive triggers relating to sexual abuse. It’s not a main focus, but the topic makes a few short (small) appearances.
Going back to how much I adored this book. The writing is phenomenal. The characters are beautiful. The story is enticingly brilliant. Go read this book. It will horrify you, and entertain you, and make your skin crawl, and will let you get lost in a mystery you’ll be dying to solve.
I highly recommend this to those who like mystery/crime and/or horror. This is a pretty intense book, but if what I’m describing sounds like something up your ally, you should definitely check it out. I also recommend this book if you enjoyed Gone Girl. It’s a completely different story, but has the same feel.
Basically just read this book. The End.
Where to start with this book? Ahhh. This book was so good. I may have even liked it more than Gone Girl. I absolutely loved this story and cannot believe that it was Flynn’s debut novel. She sure came into the book scene with a bang. I’m mad at myself for it taking me so long to finally discover her.
This story is pretty flawless. There were no loose ends that needed to be tied up at the finish of the story. All the facts come together marvelously. And, Flynn does a fantastic job of keeping you guessing until the very end. This woman knows how to write tension. She leaves every chapter with the perfect cliffhanger. It was so easy to flip page after page to find out what happens next.
Flynn weaves a kick ass story that will easily transport you into the life of Libby day and her family.
I also think it’s really impressive and cool the way Flynn writes this story. I love the present-to-past flashbacks. It’s really interesting that she was able to create a time spanning months for present day Libby while the past flashbacks only span the time of 24 hours. It really makes the story even more intense and easy to get lost in.
But, where would this story be without some well-written, love-to-hate characters? Not much of anywhere. Flynn’s characters are great. Wow, I love them. Most of them I’m actually pretty disgusted with, but you’re supposed to feel that way. Flynn did such a phenomenal job on all the characters. There was no one that was underdeveloped, and they all had fantastic arcs.
Especially Libby Day’s. She starts out as a character you can’t help but hate and shake your head at (even though at the same time you really love her). But, by the end, she’s a little less hate-able. Her arc is beautiful, and I could talk about it for hours. She goes through so much and discovers so much – not just regarding her family and the murders, but about herself as well.
She hardened herself because she hated going to those dark places that she tried to bury. She hated being weak and vulnerable, so she became a sort of villain, both hurting others and herself. But, Lyle and the Kill Club have helped her to tackle those dark places and open up.
Okay, but I’m gonna stop ruining stuff now, because I totally want you to go read this book.
Although, WARNING: I do not recommend this book to those who have weak stomachs for gore and explicit language and actions. I also want to warn people who have sensitive triggers relating to sexual abuse. It’s not a main focus, but the topic makes a few short (small) appearances.
Going back to how much I adored this book. The writing is phenomenal. The characters are beautiful. The story is enticingly brilliant. Go read this book. It will horrify you, and entertain you, and make your skin crawl, and will let you get lost in a mystery you’ll be dying to solve.
I highly recommend this to those who like mystery/crime and/or horror. This is a pretty intense book, but if what I’m describing sounds like something up your ally, you should definitely check it out. I also recommend this book if you enjoyed Gone Girl. It’s a completely different story, but has the same feel.
Basically just read this book. The End.