Release Date: June 5, 2012
Age Group: Adult
Read By: Julia Whelan and Kirby Heyborne
Received From: Library
IBSN: 9780307588364
Blurb: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.
Excuse my language, but holy shit. I think that’s probably an average reaction to Gone Girl. It was pretty much my reaction throughout. My other reaction was ‘how in the world am I going to review this book?’ I feel like I could say the tiniest thing and completely give away something huge. I’m going to be really careful, though.
Gone Girl is a very, very wild ride about a seemingly normal married couple. Sure, they have their share of issues, but those trickle out very slowly throughout the story. I did find the pace a little slow until close to the end of Part 1. The first part was really about setting everything up. Nick’s perspective is from present day and starts on the day Amy disappears. You get Amy’s story in diary entries starting at the time that she met Nick. They eventually lead up to right before her disappearance. This really sets up the mystery well, since it’s like you’re only getting half of the story and they aren’t lining up. It was pretty awesome.
The book is full, and I mean full, of twists and turns. Gillian Flynn does an extraordinary job of leading you to believe one thing and then BAM! That’s not true at all. I loved that even though Nick’s chapters are in present tense, he was still very unreliable. Both of the characters are unlikable–that’s probably a understatement. I did find myself liking Amy alittle, especially in Part 2. That might make me a little crazy, but I found her so fascinating.
I listened to this on audio and it was my first experience with duel narration. It definitely worked well for the story. It took me quite awhile to warm up to the guy reading Nick’s parts. There was just something I didn’t like about it, but it wasn’t a big deal. I really liked Julia Whelan’s voice. I think it fit Amy well.
I’m not going to say anything else. Just read the book and be prepared to glimpse inside a unfathomable situation. You will be shocked. I mean that in the best way possible, I guarantee it will knock your socks right off. Holy shit…
I love this book! It’s like Snapped only better
Hhahahahahah. I think this was a great review. Mostly because I just posted mine and had to do a mini-review cuz like you; I was petrified of giving anything away. I loved your holy shit’s in here.. because they are SO necessary. But I personally thought it was AMAZING. Great job!!
Cassie recently posted..Couple Swap! [He's With Her?]
I couldn’t think of a better way to explain my feelings lol. I loved it too! I’m looking forward to reading her other books.
This sounds amazing!! I have listened to two audiobooks with dual narration and I really like them. I think this would be an audiobook I would really enjoy. I am so intrigued by your review.
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Cover Reveal: Disconnect by Imran Siddiq
It’s such an awesome and crazy book! The duel narration is great!
I haven’t read this one yet, but I intend to! It really does sound intense, and I’m curious to see where this story should lead. Your review reminded me how intriguing this book is to me!
Alexa Y. recently posted..Asunder – Jodi Meadows (Review)
I hope you get to read it soon, Alexa! It’s such a wild ride.
I read this last summer I think…and I still think back and ask myself…what the heck??!! LOL
Melissa recently posted..Cover Reveal: Retribution by Amy Thompson
Exactly! I just don’t know….but it was great!
I listened to the audio version as well, and I made it my book club’s read this month just because I’ve wanted to discuss it!
Kate- Midnight Book Girl recently posted..What Happened to Cass McBride Review
It was definitely one that I wanted to discuss afterward lol.
This book was such a wild ride. I loved that it totally flipped my emotions on their ass. LOL
Carrie from Stalking the Bookshelves recently posted..Stalking the Shelves (11): Shannon’s Book Haul
I was debating between the audiobook and getting a paperback, but since I see that Kirby Heyborne is on the audio, I’ll have to get it. He does an amazing job with audiobooks. I’ve heard so much about this novel and am making it a priority in 2013.
Yay! I hope you enjoy it!
Damn, I seriously need to read this book. I feel like I’m missing out big time.
Christy @ Love of Books recently posted..Review: Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
You do! It’s so crazy! And awesome.
I know what you mean Lori, after finishing this book I was just sitting there lost for words! But I think you’ve done an awesome job capturing your reactions in this review!
Jasprit recently posted..Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
Thank you! This is one of those impossible books to review, but I think everyone that’s read it understands.
Ooooh I bet this would be fun to listen to! As it was, I devoured it in print form.
Also, I think holy shit is a very accurate summation of this book.
Lisa the Nerd recently posted..Review: Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour
YES!
I want to read this just for the twists and turns! I have recently saw a few reviews that got me excited but now I kinda want to read this NOW! I will see if the library has ut tomorrow.
candace recently posted..Saturday Situation ~ Link Up Your Reviews & Giveaway’s!
I hope you get to read it soon. It’s a crazy wild ride. I think you will like it a lot.
You’ve nailed it right on the head! It was such a crazy book. It was hard to write a review without giving away much. I loved the dual narration. Amy’s voice was perfect. I’m not sure if I will read any more Gillian Flynn but I am glad that I read this one.
Happy to hear that you liked it too!
YES! Julia Whelan’s voice is perfect for Amy’s part. Oh my goodness this book. I had the same reaction, but with more f-bombs. This was the first audiobook where I actually sat in bed listening to it rather than picking up my print/ebook. Oh, so so good. Glad you loved it! Isn’t it nice to take a small break from YA every now and then?
April Books & Wine recently posted..In My Mailbox (95) | Stacking The Shelves (16)
It really is! I’m looking forward to reading Gillian’s other books. I’m also listening to another adult book at the moment.
Hmmm. I need to read this one! I <3 books that keep me guessing and make me feel like I'm solving a mystery (so to speak).
Magan recently posted..Magan: Just One Day by Gayle Forman
You definitely do! I would love to see your thoughts on it.
This is one of my favorite books of 2012. It’s so hard to write a review for a book like this, for sure…because the plot was so twisted and crazy, any hint during a review could unravel the whole thing! If you haven’t checked out Gillian Flynn’s other work, you definitely need to. She’s an amazing writer, dark and twisty. It’s terrifying to think about what’s going on inside her head if this is what shows up on paper!
Bree recently posted..REVIEW: Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover
I haven’t read her other books, but I looking forward to it! I love dark and twisty.
WOW, this sounds awesome! I will have to check it out, I’ve seen it around a lot. Thanks for the great review and I am glad you enjoyed it
Cindy recently posted..Top Ten Bookish Goals For 2013
I got this book for Christmas and can’t wait to read it! Sharp Objects is another great one.
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