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katiescho741's review against another edition
2.0
Michelle McNamara's passion for investigation comes through very clearly in this book. Her work is full of determination and intrigue, but also respect for the victims and the subject matter. The Golden State Killer was one of so many serial attackers in 70's USA that he wasn't even that well known until this book came out. And, if I'm honest, I only found out about him after he was caught and this book became bigger than it was before. It's crazy to think that maybe the GSK would have been forgotten by most people if it wasn't for Michelle and people like her
The fact that it was so unfinished at the time of Michelle's death means that it was collated by various people, and it does have a bit of a chaotic feel to it. There was quite a bit of repetition on certain points too. One of the reasons this gets a 2 is because the killer was unknown at the time of writing. I realise that this isn't the author's fault! And perhaps one day they'll be able to add a whole section in about the man they caught in 2018 and his trial etc. But, I tend to get a bit antsy if I read True Crime and the perpetrator is unknown.
However, Michelle's personality comes through in the book and it's almost as much about her as it is about the GSK. It's interesting that female True Crime authors are seemingly few in number, and I can detect the difference in tone and content.
Overall, a decent crime book that was compelling yet thoughtful.
The fact that it was so unfinished at the time of Michelle's death means that it was collated by various people, and it does have a bit of a chaotic feel to it. There was quite a bit of repetition on certain points too. One of the reasons this gets a 2 is because the killer was unknown at the time of writing. I realise that this isn't the author's fault! And perhaps one day they'll be able to add a whole section in about the man they caught in 2018 and his trial etc. But, I tend to get a bit antsy if I read True Crime and the perpetrator is unknown.
However, Michelle's personality comes through in the book and it's almost as much about her as it is about the GSK. It's interesting that female True Crime authors are seemingly few in number, and I can detect the difference in tone and content.
Overall, a decent crime book that was compelling yet thoughtful.
lailybibliography's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.25
A monumental, staggering work of true crime journalism. Michelle McNamara masters the coveted, rarely-achieved balance of detail without gratuity, empathy without self-righteousness. It is apparent from her concise, accessible prose that this is a person deeply committed to justice for the victims and unmasking the vile, pathetic monster behind these so much death and suffering without any wish for fame or profit. The blending of the autobiographical works seamlessly here as our narrator is as equally a compelling figure (honestly, even more) as the subject’s history of crime. It is impossible to leave I’ll Be Gone in the Dark without wishing McNamara lived to see Joseph James DeAngelo arrested and robbed of anonymity he so craved. I hope she rests easy knowing her efforts were not in vain.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Stalking, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Blood
liakeller's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting read about a woman's determination to solve the mystery of a serial rapist/killer. I can see myself getting involved in this as I love the internet research and a good mystery.... I better not go down that rabbit hole.
adudemaybe's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.75
Fucking brilliant
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Suicide, Stalking, and Murder
emilyrosebooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5
This was True Crime at its finest, it included just enough detail without being outrageous, and it also captured the life of a true crime writer well with her own obsessions and sacrifices. Well done.
thehawk72's review against another edition
3.0
A lot of people commented on this saying it was well organized and well put together and I would have to disagree with those people for the simple fact that it was not chronological. For me, if I’m not able to read things as they’re progressing and I keep having to jump back and forth and back and forth in time, I’m not really able to understand what’s going on and I don’t want to have to do extra work to figure out what you’re trying to tell me. No disrespect to the amount of work and research Michelle put into this prior to her death, but it was hard for me to follow.
rokujo's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book but I also didn't find it the most coherent. The prose was incredible and it was clear that the author had a great passion but, perhaps because there are so many details and crimes, it all got lost in the noise. There's also the added difficulty of the fact that McNamara never finished her book. It was pieced together after her death. I ultimately thought it was interesting and if she had been able to finish it then its possible it would be 4-5 stars.
morgonwashere's review against another edition
Lost interest while reading. Probably not into true crime that talks about murders anymore.