Synopsis (from Amazon): Marriage can be a real killer.
One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work “draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction.” Gone Girl’s toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn.
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller that confirms her status as one of the hottest writers around.
My Review: I listened to Gone Girl (audiobook).
Favorite Character(s): My favorite supporting character goes to Margo, Nick's sister. My favorite "crazy" character goes to Amy - no doubt! For some reason I found myself cheering for Nick to figure it out, since we readers know Amy is alive.
Setting: I liked it. I can't remember any other book I have read that took place in Missouri. I am sure I have, but can't think of any right now. I found it nice to visit somewhere different!
Fast read/slow read: I think this was an "in-between" read. It wasn't fast or slow for me. I wasn't finding excuses to run errands to listen to the next chapter. I had too many people telling me about Gone Girl, that it spoiled the "I have to listen to one more chapter" impact for me. Too many spoiler alerts, spoiled the book for me.
Cover: Give the twisted path we go down following Amy through this madness, it works.
One (or more) Sentence Summary: Gone Girl is one twisted book. If I hadn't heard so many details about the book, I really think I would have loved it. Without all the spoil alerts I would have never, ever figured out what was coming next. Too many spoil alerts, spoiled the book for me.
Would I Read Other Books by the Author: Yes.
Meet the Author: Gillian Flynn (born 1971) is an American author and former television critic for Entertainment Weekly. As of 2012, she has published three novels: Sharp Objects (2006), Dark Places (2009), and Gone Girl (2012).
Purchase it: You can purchase Gone Girl online at Amazon for $16.99.
But we don't know that she is alive until half-way through the book! That's a bit of a spoiler right there. A very good book though, I'd happily read more from her.
ReplyDeleteGreat point - I had a spoiler alert without a warning.
DeleteThe spoilers are the major reason I'm afraid to read book reviews. But, at the same time, I depend on book reviews. So I have a practice in order to read them and avoid the spoilers: I read the first and last paragraphs. I skim the second and the second from last paragraphs. That's playing it safe--usually.
ReplyDeleteAs for GONE GIRL, I read it before too many reviews were out yet, so I was lucky and enjoyed it. But it starts really really good, then gets less good and less good after Part 1. The end stinks.
Great idea. I really wish I had either read this or listen to audio earlier, when it first came out.
DeleteI try really hard not to read any spoilers about a book prior to reading it myself. I especially tend to not read entire reviews, just look for the ratings, when I know it's a book I have for review myself. I LOVED this one when I read it, and everyone I've let borrow it or persuaded to buy it has loved it as well. It is DEFINITELY twisted! :)
ReplyDeleteJulie - what's your website? I love knitting. Everyone else I know loved Gone Girl too. I hate writing reviews like this one.
ReplyDelete