Dark Places by Gillian Flynn (plus brief thoughts on film adaptation)

5 STAR BOOK

I enjoyed this book so much. Even more so than Gone Girl- though I think what GG has over this is being slightly more polished. Gillian Flynn's writing is so engaging. It is wildly fun to be in her character's heads, no matter how flawed they are- And they're extremely flawed.

This is about Libby Day, who is the last surviving member of her immediate family after a massacre. Except her older brother- the alleged criminal. He has been in jail for 24 years before she and a member of a true crime fanatic group, The Kill Club, go looking at what really may have happened that night.

The story is told through Libby- in first person in present day. Also, through her mom and brother, Ben- in third person- from the day leading up to the murders.

I found myself not wanting to put this book down. Wanting to know what really happened that night. Wanting to find out how involved Ben was. Being frank, alot of conveniences had to happen for the sequence of events to occur on the night of.. BUT, MAN was it worth the suspension of disbelief.

I thought Libby was a terrible, awesome, real character. Her inner turmoil, toxic processes, mixed with the interactions she has with others- especially Lyle and her brother- made me really feel for her.

Ben.. such a misunderstood, bratty kid. And though he made some very questionable decisions as a 15 year old, angsty boy I couldn't help being enamored by him as well.

Overall, an engrossing thriller from front to back. I can't wait to read more Flynn and maybe re-read because her authorial voice is just what I need.

1.5 STAR FILM

Charlize Theron is awesome...This movie was not. The screen writers and director did not give Libby or Ben the depth that you need to understand the actions that happen through the boo. Even small things like Libby always stealing items was introduced and not ever seen again. The cinematography also was just jarring and not very well executed. Just a disappointment all in all.

For more of my bookish thoughts and progress check me out on https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/112159636-s-m-johnson

Thanks for reading!