Dark Places Audiobook Review
Dark Places – An Audio Book Review
- Author: Gillian Flynn
- Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman, Cassandra Campbell, Mark Deakins, Robertson Dean
- Length: 13 hours and 43 minutes
- Unabridged
- Genre: Suspense
Download or CD available to BUY at Amazon.
Dark Places Audio Book Summary:
Libby Day was seven when her mother and two sisters were murdered in “The Satan Sacrifice of Kinnakee, Kansas”. As her family lay dying, little Libby fled their tiny farmhouse into the freezing January snow. She lost some fingers and toes, but she survived, and famously testified that her 15-year-old brother, Ben, was the killer. Twenty-five years later, Ben sits in prison, and troubled Libby lives off the dregs of a trust created by well-wishers who’ve long forgotten her. The Kill Club is a macabre secret society obsessed with notorious crimes. When they locate Libby and pump her for details, proof they hope may free Ben, Libby hatches a plan to profit off her tragic history. For a fee, she’ll reconnect with the players from that night and report her findings to the club… and maybe she’ll admit her testimony wasn’t so solid after all.
As Libby’s search takes her from shabby Missouri strip clubs to abandoned Oklahoma tourist towns, the narrative flashes back to January 2, 1985. The events of that day are relayed through the eyes of Libby’s doomed family members, including Ben, a loner whose rage over his shiftless father and their failing farm have driven him into a disturbing friendship with the new girl in town. Slowly, as the pieces of the macabre puzzle falls in place, Libby finds herself in a place she knows far too well, on the run from the killer.
One reason to listen:
This is from the author of Gone Girl and if you’ve read that one then you’ll have a good idea of what to expect from this dark tale.
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Reactions:
“If you loved Gone Girl, chances are you looked for her other titles, as did I. Don’t expect the same layered mythology and larger than life characters. But, do look forward to an exciting thriller working backward from present day Libby, the lone survivor of a family massacre. Her brother’s back story is the most interesting. He is currently behind bars for the murders, and pleads innocence. Dark, engaging, and well read by the female narrators. I didn’t care for the male narrator, but it didn’t detract from the overall performance. Gillian Flynn is one of those rare authors who learns and improves with each novel. Gone Girl was amazing, and Dark Places a solid read. Can’t wait to see what she churns out next.” – FanB14
“I had it figured out; I didn’t have it figured out. Then I sort of had it. Then it twisted again. This was a great story and the writer is really good. I would recommend this to anyone who loves mystery/thrillers. More please!” – Lauren
“The story is addictive. All of the characters are multi-layered, even the minor characters, and defy stereotypes. There is true menace throughout, coming from many directions. This is mystery writing on a level that never insults the reader’s/listener’s intelligence. The desperation of the adults is palpable. The pain and humiliation of the children is heart-wrenching. There is honesty here about how people really feel, about how people really live their lives that is too often missing. And I liked the main character. I wouldn’t want her as a roommate. But her brutal honesty, and wit, was compelling. The narrators did the writing justice. Don’t miss this one.” – Phyllis
“First off let me address the narration, it’s as good as anything you’ll find on the site. Next, this is a dark tale (as the name suggests–don’t know why some were surprised to realize this). But dark does not mean it was a bad read. This is a poignant tale of flawed characters, with worries and concerns and heartache we can all relate to. The real gem here is Ms. Gillian. The writing is so good and the plot so cleverly crafted–I am very impressed. To write these characters faced with this situation and to get so pointedly into their heads of different ages and different genders, if you’re not impressed, sit down and try it yourself sometime.” – Christopher
“Dark Places is a fascinating story but not a fun read. The book takes pity on no one, least of all its readers. This truly is the stuff of nightmares, one sadistic chapter bleeding over into the next. Although a work of fiction, Ms. Flynn’s unflinching wordsmanship embues it with the realism of a true-crime whodunit. The saving grace, for me at least, was that I could repeat the mantra, “its only make-believe” when the scenes became a little too intense for my sensitive nature.” – Glenda Jeffers
Score on Audible: 4.3 out of 5
Score on Amazon: 4.2 out of 5
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