Reviews

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

morganl213's review against another edition

dark 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? It's complicated

4.0

dunder_mifflin's review against another edition

3.0

It was slow-moving and it took me a while to get into, around 60% of the way through my interest started to grow. I didn't hate it before that, but I didn't love it, it was more of a 'I'm sort-of enjoying this and I love Gillian Flynn's twist endings so I'm just going to keep going'. And tbh, I only liked part of the ending, but oh well. It was a decent read.

just_jack's review against another edition

challenging dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

carolinedavisson's review against another edition

4.0

the writing in this was incredible but it was so deeply disturbing i fear it will haunt me for weeks

its_chaney's review

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

tontu00's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sam_stauffer's review against another edition

5.0

As twisted and dark as this book was, I really enjoyed it. Flynn phenomenally paces the plot in a way that feels organic, yet keeps you wanting more. The story unfolded naturally and the switching that occurred between points of view forced you to keep reading. You'd want to find out more about THAT character's narrative, but it'd be another three chapters before that point of view would come back into focus.

I also think Flynn did an excellent job of leaving JUST the right amount of loose ends untied at any moment in the story. Flynn skillfully guides her readers through each plausible theory before arriving at the final reveal. I never felt like I had more questions than what I could handle, juggle, and theorize about. On that same note, I don't like mysteries that are tied together nicely at the end with a bow, and Flynn doesn't do that. Despite having the mystery "solved" by the end, you still have a hole in your stomach from being sucker punched by the characters and their stories.

Without spoilers, I will say that this was one unlucky day for the Day family. Wowwy wowwy, I hope I never have even a pinch of their bad luck.

I am a fan of Flynn and really can't wait to see what she churns out next. Her twisted stories make your stomach flip, yet reveal so much about the disgusting nature of humanity. A fantastic novel that I would recommend to any fans of the mystery genre.

Ps- wrote this review while sick and after taking NyQuil. I apologize for any spelling or grammar errors. When I'm in my usual state, I am somewhat of a grammar snob, BUT I don't feel well and definitely can't comb through anything with a fine tooth comb right now.

pomengranate_moon_'s review against another edition

dark mysterious sad slow-paced

• Loveable characters? No

2.5

ayla81's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

sweee's review against another edition

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No

3.25